bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why social enterprises pursue growth? Analysis of threats and opportunities
Authors: Tykkyläinen Saila
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to extend theoretical understanding on social enterprises’ growth orientation. Inspiration is drawn from the fundamentals of prospect theory and threat-rigidity theory, as the role of external threats as a source of growth orientation is largely absent from the social enterprise growth literature. According to previous studies, social enterprises grow mainly because of their social mission and social opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative research is conducted by analysing thematic interviews from seven, growth-oriented social enterprises operating in Finland.

Findings

The study provides novel insights on social enterprises’ growth orientation by drawing attention to the plurality of growth motivations and showing the importance of perceived threats as the origin of their growth pursuits. Goals of growth are defined mainly in terms of organisational and financial performance of the firm.

Practical implications

Social enterprise managers and boards are encouraged to cooperate in analysing the significance of external threats and opportunities for their business and to concentrate on defining measurable social goals to ensure balanced growth.

Originality/value

The study demonstrates that the behavioural theories offer a beneficial departure point for studying social venture growth. By clarifying the role of the perceptions of the firm’s internal actors and showing that growth is sometimes seen as a response to external threats, the study increases theoretical understanding on social enterprises’ growth orientation.
Metabolic engineering ofBacillus amyloliquefaciensLL3 for enhanced poly‐γ‐glutamic acid synthesis
Authors: Gao Weixia , He Yulian , Zhang Fang , Zhao Fengjie , Huang Chao , Zhang Yiting , Zhao Qiang , Wang Shufang , Yang Chao
Published: June 2019

Poly‐γ‐glutamic acid (γ‐PGA) is a biocompatible and biodegradable polypeptide with wide‐ranging applications in foods, cosmetics, medicine, agriculture and wastewater treatment.Bacillus amyloliquefaciensLL3 can produce γ‐PGAfrom sucrose that can be obtained easily from sugarcane and sugar beet. In our previous work, it was found that low intracellular glutamate concentration was the limiting factor for γ‐PGAproduction byLL3. In this study, the γ‐PGAsynthesis by strainLL3 was enhanced by chromosomally engineering its glutamate metabolism‐relevant networks. First, the downstream metabolic pathways were partly blocked by deletingfadR,lysC,aspB,pckA,proAB,rocGandgudB. The resulting strainNK‐A6 synthesized 4.84 g l−1γ‐PGA, with a 31.5% increase compared with strainLL3. Second, a strong promoterPC2upwas inserted into the upstream oficdgene, to generate strainNK‐A7, which further led to a 33.5% improvement in the γ‐PGAtitre, achieving 6.46 g l−1. TheNADPHlevel was improved by regulating the expression ofpgiandgndA. Third, metabolic evolution was carried out to generate strainNK‐A9E, which showed a comparable γ‐PGAtitre with strainNK‐A7. Finally, thesrfandituoperons were deleted respectively, from the original strainsNK‐A7 andNK‐A9E. The resulting strainNK‐A11 exhibited the highest γ‐PGAtitre (7.53 g l−1), with a 2.05‐fold improvement compared withLL3. The results demonstrated that the approaches described here efficiently enhanced γ‐PGAproduction inB. amyloliquefaciensfermentation.
Towards PacBio‐based pan‐eukaryote metabarcoding using full‐length ITS sequences
Authors: Tedersoo Leho , Anslan Sten
Published: June 2019

Development of high‐throughput sequencing techniques has greatly benefited our understanding about microbial ecology, yet the methods producing short reads suffer from species‐level resolution and uncertainty of identification. Here, we optimize Pacific Biosciences‐based metabarcoding protocols covering the internal transcribed spacer (ITS region) and partial small subunit of the rRNA gene for species‐level identification of all eukaryotes, with a specific focus on Fungi (including Glomeromycota) and Stramenopila (particularly Oomycota). Based on tests on composite soil samples and mock communities, we propose best suitable degenerate primers, ITS9munngs + ITS4ngsUni for eukaryotes and selected groups therein and discuss the pros and cons of long read‐based identification of eukaryotes.
Pathological outcomes of HER2‐positive non‐metastatic breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant dual anti‐HER2 therapy and taxane: An Australian experience
Authors: Choi Joseph Do Woong , Hughes Thomas Michael D. , Marx Gavin , Rutovitz Josie , Hasovits Csilla , Ngui Nicholas K.
Published: June 2019

Aims

Internationally, there has recently been growing interest in the use of neoadjuvant pertuzumab and trastuzumab in patients with non‐metastatic HER‐2 positive breast cancer following the NEOSPHERE trial in 2012. However, pertuzumab is currently not funded by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia for use in this setting. The authors sought to assess the clinical and pathological response rates at the time of surgery in patients who received neoadjuvant dual anti‐HER2 and taxane therapy in a multidisciplinary breast cancer unit.

Methods

A retrospective case series of all patients treated with the neoadjuvant therapy, and who had definitive surgery was conducted. Demographic data, size, grade, tumor type, receptor status prior to neoadjuvant treatment, pathological complete response (pCR) rates, and adverse effects were analyzed.

Results

Nineteen patients were included in the study. Sixty‐eight percent of all patients achieved pCR, of which 54% further demonstrated no residual ductal carcinoma in situ. Eight patients (42%) had N1 disease pretreatment, of these 88% demonstrated total pCR in the axilla and the breast. Most adverse effects to treatment were manageable grade 1–2 side effects.

Conclusion

This is the first reported Australian experience using neoadjuvant dual anti‐HER2 and taxane therapy for HER‐2 positive nonmetastatic breast cancer. The authors have demonstrated favorable pCR rates for invasive disease compared to the NEOSPHERE trial (68% vs 46%), with reasonable patient tolerability. Larger collaborative data sets are required to fully evaluate correlation of pCR with survival outcomes, and cost‐effectiveness. National funding models need to be considered.
Late diagnosis and poor nutrition in cystic fibrosis diagnosed before implementation of newborn screening
Authors: Pedersen Maya Graham , Højte Christine , Olesen Hanne Vebert , Pressler Tania , Skov Marianne
Published: June 2019

Aim

Denmark has a high standard cystic fibrosis care. However, newborn screening was not implemented until 2016. This article describes the clinical status of cystic fibrosis patients at time of diagnosis prior to newborn screening.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in Denmark in 2010‐2014 were reviewed using the Danish Cystic Fibrosis Registry as well as patient files. Parameters collected were age at diagnosis, gender, weight, height, forced expiratory volume at 1 second, cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator‐genotype, lung bacteriology at diagnosis and previous diagnoses.

Results

A total of 63 patients were diagnosed in the study period. The most typical pre‐cystic fibrosis diagnoses were asthma and pneumonia. The median age at diagnosis was 1.4 years for the pancreatic insufficient and 27.3 years for the pancreatic sufficient patients. Of the pancreatic insufficient patients, 21% had moderate to severe malnutrition with BMI below minus 2 SD and 40% had moderate to severe stunting with height below minus 2 SD.

Conclusion

Diagnosis was delayed considerably compared to diagnosis by newborn screening in other countries. Many cystic fibrosis patients diagnosed due to clinical symptoms were moderately to severely underweight or stunted at diagnosis.
Back pain is more frequent in girls and in children with scoliosis in the context of cerebral palsy
Authors: Hägglund Gunnar , Czuba Tomasz , Alriksson‐Schmidt Ann I.
Published: June 2019

Aim

To investigate the prevalence of general and back pain in children with cerebral palsy and the relationships between scoliosis and back pain.

Methods

Cross‐sectional register study based on data from the Swedish Cerebral Palsy Follow‐Up Programme. Descriptive analyses and logistic regression to regress age, sex, gross motor function, windswept, hip extension and source of report on the presence of pain.

Results

The study included 3783 children (58% boys) 1‐18 (mean 10.0) years of age. General pain was reported in 1538 (44% girls, 38% boys) and back pain in 226 (7% girls, 5% boys) children. The proportion of back pain increased from <4% prior to age 12 years to >12% from 16 years of age. Back pain increased from 4% in children without scoliosis to 16% in children with severe scoliosis. Moderate/severe back pain increased from 2% in children without scoliosis to 10% in children with severe scoliosis. Increased odds of reporting back pain were found for age, girls, low gross motor function and children with scoliosis.

Conclusion

The proportion of children with general pain increased with age and was more frequent in girls. Age, female sex, low gross motor function and scoliosis were significant predictors of back pain.
Overrepresentation of epilepsy in children with type 1 diabetes is declining in a longitudinal population study in Finland
Authors: Sillanpää Matti , Saarinen Maiju M. , Rönnemaa Tapani , Gissler Mika , Schmidt Dieter
Published: June 2019

Aim

The aim was to determine temporal changes in increased risk of epilepsy among children with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

The incidence of epilepsy up to age 15 in children with prior type 1 diabetes was analysed regarding the general Finnish child population using data from the Finnish nationwide hospital register. Type 1 diabetes and epilepsy were identified by the International Classification of Diseases 9th and 10th revision codes. Epilepsy was defined according to ILAE guidelines. The analyses were done using negative binomial regression models.

Results

Preceding type 1 diabetes was diagnosed in 6162 (0.91%) of the 679 375 general children population. Incidence rate of new‐onset epilepsy among children with type 1 diabetes was higher than in controls (140 vs 82 per 100 000 person‐years at risk, respectively). The excess incidence diminished with time (P = 0.033 for diabetes to birth cohort interaction), from over twofold in birth cohort 1990‐1993 [incidence rate ratio 2.2 (95% CI 1.7‐2.9)] to 40% in birth cohort 1998‐2000 [1.4 (95% CI 1.001‐1.9)].

Conclusion

In a population study setting, children with type 1 diabetes had an increased, but slowly declining risk of developing epilepsy. Future research may elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Prognostic significance of α‐ and β2‐adrenoceptor gene expression in breast cancer patients
Authors: Rivero Ezequiel Mariano , Martinez Leandro Marcelo , Bruque Carlos David , Gargiulo Lucia , Bruzzone Ariana , Lüthy Isabel Alicia
Published: June 2019

Aims

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed and leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. It was classified within molecular intrinsic subtypes: luminal A, luminal B, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2‐enriched and basal‐like. Epinephrine and norepinephrine, released during stress, bind to adrenoceptors. α2‐adrenoceptors are encoded by the ADRA2A, ADRA2B and ADRA2C genes and β2 by ADRB2.

Methods

We compiled several publicly available Affymetrix gene expression datasets, obtaining a large cohort of 1924 patients with distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) data and evaluated the association between adrenoceptor expression, clinicopathological markers and outcome.

Results

ADRA2A high expressing tumours also expressed hormone receptors and presented diminished tumour size, grade and not compromised lymph nodes. ADRB2 high expression was found in smaller, low grade, oestrogen receptor‐positive tumours. Both were significantly associated with the absence of metastasis. High expression of ADRA2C was positively associated with increased tumour size and metastatic relapse. We observed a significant increase in DMFS of patients with high ADRA2A (hazard ratio 0.54, 95% CI 0.45–0.65, P < .001) and ADRB2 (0.77, 0.64–0.93, P = .006) expression and a decrease with ADRA2C high expression (1.45, 1.16–1.81, P = .001). For patients with luminal tumours, ADRA2A was the only factor that retained its significance as an independent predictor of DMFS while ADRA2C expression was an independent predictor for worse prognosis in basal‐like tumours.

Conclusions

We herein provide new insight for a potential role of ADRA2A and ADRA2C in breast cancer. In low‐ and medium‐income countries, their incorporation to routine immunohistochemistry analysis of biopsies or tumour samples, could provide additional low‐cost prognostic factors.
Why maximum tolerated dose?
Authors: Stampfer Hans G. , Gabb Genevieve M. , Dimmitt Simon B.
Published: June 2019

A long‐established approach to the pharmacological treatment of disease has been to start low and go slow. However, clinicians often prescribe up to maximum tolerated dose (MTD), especially when treating acute and more severe disease, without evidence to show that MTD is more likely to improve outcomes. Cardiovascular guidelines for some indications advocate MTD even in prevention, for example hypercholesterolaemia, without compelling evidence of better outcomes. This review explores the origins and potential problems of prescribing medications at MTD. Oral effective dose 50 (ED50) may be a useful guide for balancing efficacy and safety.
Cryptotanshinone ameliorates renal ischaemia–reperfusion injury by inhibiting apoptosis and inflammatory response
Authors: Bai Tao , Yang Kang , Qin Cong , Xu Tao , Yu Xi , Zhang Jie
Published: June 2019

Cryptotanshinone (CTS) is a natural compound from the Chinese herb Salvia miltiorrhiza. Previous studies demonstrated that CTS possesses anti‐apoptotic and anti‐inflammatory properties. However, its effects and underlying mechanism on renal ischaemia reperfusion (IR) injury remain unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effects of CTS on renal IR injury and its potential underlying mechanisms. Mice were randomized into four groups as follows: (a) sham operation + vehicle, (b) sham operation + CTS, (c) IR + vehicle, (d) IR + CTS. The CTS‐treated group were injected intraperitoneally with CTS (10 mg/kg/d) for 7 days prior to IR operation. Renal IR injury was induced by clamping the bilateral renal artery for 30 minutes followed by 24 hours of reperfusion. The mice were then killed to collect the serum and the kidneys for analysis. The results of the present study showed that CTS pretreatment significantly attenuates IR‐induced renal functional and morphological injuries, which was accompanied with inhibition of cell apoptosis and inflammatory response. Moreover, the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the activation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signalling were inhibited by CTS. Therefore, CTS could be a useful therapeutic agent in the fight against renal IR injury.
T‐cell receptor sequencing demonstrates persistence of virus‐specific T cells after antiviral immunotherapy
Authors: Keller Michael D. , Darko Sam , Lang Haili , Ransier Amy , Lazarski Christopher A. , Wang Yunfei , Hanley Patrick J. , Davila Blachy J. , Heimall Jennifer R. , Ambinder Richard F. , Barrett A. John , Rooney Cliona M. , Heslop Helen E , Douek Daniel C. , Bollard Catherine M.
Published: June 2019

Viral infections are a serious cause of morbidity and mortality following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Adoptive cellular therapy with virus‐specific T cells (VSTs) has been successful in preventing or treating targeted viruses in prior studies, but the composition of ex vivo expanded VST and the critical cell populations that mediate antiviral activity in vivo are not well defined. We utilized deep sequencing of the T‐cell receptor beta chain (TCRB) in order to classify and track VST populations in 12 patients who received VSTs following HSCT to prevent or treat viral infections. TCRB sequencing was performed on sorted VST products and patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells samples. TCRB diversity was gauged using the Shannon entropy index, and repertoire similarity determined using the Morisita–Horn index. Similarity indices reflected an early change in TCRB diversity in eight patients, and TCRB clonotypes corresponding to targeted viral epitopes expanded in eight patients. TCRB repertoire diversity increased in nine patients, and correlated with cytomegalovirus (CMV) viral load following VST infusion (P = 0·0071). These findings demonstrate that allogeneic VSTs can be tracked via TCRB sequencing, and suggests that T‐cell receptor repertoire diversity may be critical for the control of CMV reactivation after HSCT.
Are Cecropia trees ecosystem engineers? The effect of decomposing Cecropia leaves on arthropod communities
Authors: Breviglieri Crasso Paulo B. , Romero Gustavo Q. , Mega Augusto César G. , da Silva Fernando R.
Published: June 2019

Ecosystem engineers structure species richness and the composition of biological communities. Although several studies have uncovered the importance of engineering environments, few studies have evaluated the effect of pioneering plants as ecosystem engineers, especially in tropical environments. When dead, Cecropia leaves become architecturally complex, acquiring a tridimensional shape due to desiccation, and may facilitate other organisms. Here, we evaluate the role of these dead leaves in structuring species richness, abundance, biomass, and composition of macroinvertebrate communities on leaf litter in six protected areas of Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. Predators were larger, more abundant, and presented higher standing stock in the presence of dead Cecropia leaves compared to soil debris (i.e., common leaf litter); however, detritivores had the opposite patterns. This resulted in shifts in body size structure of the assemblage, thus causing inversion of biomass pyramids to top‐heavy in advanced stages of Cecropia leaves desiccation. Dead Cecropia leaves did not influence species richness and abundance of species, but they influenced the biomass of detritivores and predators in the communities. Our results demonstrated that pioneer trees can act as ecosystem engineers, by facilitating communities of invertebrate predators. In addition, our results suggest that the presence of Cecropia leaves can mediate trophic interactions and shape food web structure on the forest floor.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Differences in carbon stocks along an elevational gradient in tropical mountain forests of Colombia
Authors: Phillips Juan , Ramirez Sebastian , Wayson Craig , Duque Alvaro
Published: June 2019

Tropical mountain forests provide an exceptional opportunity to evaluate the patterns of variation in carbon stocks along elevational gradients that correspond to well‐defined temperature gradients. We predicted that carbon stored in live aboveground biomass, aboveground necromass, and soil components of forests on the eastern flank of the Colombian Andes would change with elevation along this gradient extending from 750 to 2,800 m above sea level. The rationale was that the corresponding change in temperature (14–26°C) would influence tree growth and decomposition of organic matter. To address this hypothesis, we examined the carbon stored in these three components using data from 20 0.25‐ha plots located along this elevational gradient. The mean total carbon stock found in the study region was 241.3 ± 37.5 Mg C/ha. Aboveground carbon stocks decreased with elevation (p = 0.001), as did necromass carbon stocks (p = 0.016). Although soil organic carbon stocks did not differ significantly along the gradient (p = 0.153), they contributed proportionately more at higher than at lower elevations, counterbalancing the opposite trends in aboveground carbon and necromass carbon stocks. As such, total carbon stocks did not vary significantly along the elevational gradient (p = 0.576).
Value of endoscopy for early diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma
Authors: Yamashita Yasunobu , Kitano Masayuki , Ashida Reiko
Published: June 2019

Despite recent advances in diagnostic imaging modalities, most cases of pancreatic carcinoma are discovered at an unresectable stage, resulting in poor prognosis. Early diagnosis is essential to ensure curative treatment and improve the prognosis of pancreatic carcinoma. Imaging modalities with high diagnostic ability are necessary for the early diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma. Endoscopic ultrasonography is a reliable and efficient diagnostic modality because it provides superior spatial resolution and should be incorporated into screening programs in patients at high risk of pancreatic carcinoma. Endoscopy facilitates cytopathological diagnosis based on samples collected via endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided fine‐needle aspiration and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Cytodiagnosis with endoscopic naso‐pancreatic drainage is useful in patients with carcinoma in situ. In this review, we highlight the potential role of endoscopy in the early diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma. We provide an overview of the endoscopy tools used for the diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma, discuss the diagnostic ability of these tools for small carcinomas and carcinomas in situ, and propose a strategy for endoscopy‐based screening of early pancreatic carcinoma.
Color information from linked color imaging is associated with invasion depth and vascular diameter in superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kobayashi Kenichi , Miyahara Ryoji , Funasaka Kohei , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Sawada Tsunaki , Maeda Keiko , Yamamura Takeshi , Ishikawa Takuya , Ohno Eizaburo , Nakamura Masanao , Kawashima Hiroki , Nakaguro Masato , Okumura Yuki , Hirooka Yoshiki , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Accurate diagnosis of invasion depth is important for reliable treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but it is limited to the muscularis mucosae to slight submucosal invasion (MM/SM1). The diagnostic accuracy of invasion depth is unsatisfactory and remains to be improved. We aimed to investigate the association between the color of the superficial ESCC and invasion depth using linked color imaging (LCI) under light‐emitting diode (LED) light sources.

Methods

Lesions diagnosed as superficial ESCC were observed using white light imaging and then by LCI. The color values were calculated using Commission Internationale de l'Eclariage – L*a*b* color space, and the color difference was calculated according to invasion depth. The vascular diameters and vascular angles of the intrapapillary capillary loops were pathologically analyzed. Their correlation with mucosal color was also investigated by LCI.

Results

In all, 52 lesions from 48 patients were analyzed. On the basis of invasion depth, the color difference between the normal mucosa and the lesion was larger in the MM/SM1 or deeper group than in the epithelium and the lamina propria mucosa (EP/LPM) group using LCI (P = 0.025). The vascular diameter was positively correlated with the b* color value (correlation coefficient = 0.302, P = 0.033).

Conclusion

Observation using LCI under LED light sources may improve the endoscopic diagnosis of the invasion depth of superficial ESCC. Further research is needed to validate its usefulness. (UMIN000024615)
The highest Dutch courts and the preliminary ruling procedure: Critically obedient interlocutors of the Court of Justice
Authors: Krommendijk Jasper
Published: June 2019

Little is known about the motives of national courts to request a preliminary ruling from the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) or their satisfaction with and implementation of answers. This article aims to fill this empirical gap on the basis of an analysis of judgments complemented with interviews with judges of the highest courts in the Netherlands. This article shows that judges extensively use the procedure and follow its outcome almost without exception, despite some dissatisfaction. This discontent has surprisingly not affected the courts' willingness to refer in future. The findings also downplay the bureaucratic politics and judicial empowerment theses emphasising strategic motives to refer. Instead, legal‐formalist considerations and the desire to contribute to the development of EU law explain most of the references of the Dutch Supreme Court. The decision (not) to refer of the three highest administrative courts is primarily based on practical and pragmatic considerations.
State aid control in the modernisation era: Moving towards a differentiated administrative integration?
Authors: Colombo Carlo Maria
Published: June 2019

Despite contentions that state aid control is an instance of direct execution, the State Aid Modernisation (SAM) package has largely dispersed responsibility for giving effect to the common legal framework across national administrations. In this setup, the effectiveness of state aid law is confronted with asymmetric capacities, diffuse application of complex rules and difficulty in keeping dispersed powers under control. This article combines selected evidence on the operation of state aid control with a multidisciplinary analysis of the functioning of integration mechanisms in the European administrative space. The aim is to examine the potential effects of SAM. It contends that, while the reform has strengthened the Commission's dominance, the instruments of administrative integration might fail to secure adequate capacities and implementation performances at national level, due to constitutional constraints and opposing forces. This effect, it is argued, could be divisive, and risks undermining the integrity of the internal market.
The influence of oral health status on speech intelligibility, articulation and quality of life of older community‐dwelling people
Authors: Langlois Evelien , Desaeyer Hannah , Petrovic Mirko , Van Lierde Kristiane , De Visschere Luc
Published: June 2019

Objective

To investigate the impact of the oral health status on speech intelligibility, articulation and quality of life of older community‐dwelling people.

Background

To our knowledge, there have been no studies on this topic in patients aged 75 years or older.

Material and methods

Thirty outpatients of a university dental clinic (median [IQR] age of 77.00 [75‐82] years) participated. The OHIP‐14, a dental examination, a speech intelligibility study and an articulation examination were conducted.

Results

Distortions of rhotacisms and sigmatisms were most common, followed by distortions of labiodentals and apicoalveolars. Seven participants (23%) required dental treatment. Distortions of rhotacisms were lowest in participants with loss of teeth in the posterior part of the maxilla and equal in participants with edentulous maxilla and loss of teeth in the anterior part of the maxilla (P = 0.014). Labiodental distortions were lowest in participants with loss of teeth in the posterior part of the maxilla, but were higher in participants with loss of teeth in the anterior part of the maxilla and highest in participants with an edentulous maxilla (P = 0.035). People with normal mouth opening had lower percentage of labiodental distortions than people with a reduced mouth opening (P = 0.05). The proportion of participants with inadequate denture hygiene and distortions of bilabials was 71.4% compared to 10.5% for participants with adequate denture hygiene (P = 0.005).

Conclusion

Dentists must consider the impact of a denture on speech, but also should be aware of other oral health factors that influence the speech and quality of life of elders.
The effect of different protein addition on the rheological, physical and sensory characteristics of extruded maize‐based purees
Authors: Sahagún Marta , Gómez Manuel
Published: June 2019

Over last years, consumers demand products that are easy to eat with health benefits. The use of extruded flours would be a good choice to reduce the preparation time. Moreover, high protein intakes would have a positive influence on the health of specific population groups. Therefore, this study aims to assess how the addition of vegetal (rice and pea) and animal (egg white and whey) proteins could influence the characteristics of purees prepared with extruded maize flour. Rheological behaviour, microstructure, viscosity, syneresis and sensory evaluation of purees were determined. The incorporation of vegetal proteins hardly modified the puree viscosity before and after heating, and reduced the syneresis after the freeze–thaw process. Animal proteins reduced the viscosity and G′–G″ at 30 °C and increased them after heating, and also increased the syneresis after cooling and freezing. Finally, pea and egg white proteins hardly modified the overall acceptability while whey protein improved it.
Investigation of dielectric and piezoelectric properties in aliovalent Eu3+‐modified Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐PbTiO3 ceramics
Authors: Guo Qinghu , Hou Lintao , Li Fei , Xia Fangquan , Wang Pengbin , Hao Hua , Sun Huajun , Liu Hanxing , Zhang Shujun
Published: June 2019

Rare earth (Eu3+)‐modified Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐PbTiO3 (PMN‐PT) polycrystalline ferroelectric ceramics were fabricated by high‐temperature solid‐state sintering, the phase structure, dielectric and piezoelectric properties were investigated. Eu3+ addition was found to significantly improve dielectric and piezoelectric properties of PMN‐PT, where the optimized properties were achieved for the composition of 2.5 mol%Eu: 0.72PMN‐0.28PT, with the piezoelectric d33 = 1420 pC/N, dielectric εr = 12 200 and electromechanical k33 = 0.78, respectively. All these results indicate that the Eu3+‐doped PMN‐PT ceramics are promising candidates for high‐performance room‐temperature piezoelectric devices.
Challenges and opportunities for biogeography—What can we still learn from von Humboldt?
Authors: Schrodt Franziska , Santos Maria J. , Bailey Joseph J. , Field Richard
Published: June 2019

Alexander von Humboldt was arguably the most influential scientist of his day. Although his fame has since lessened relative to some of his contemporaries, we argue that his influence remains strong—mainly because his approach to science inspired others and was instrumental in furthering other scientific disciplines (such as evolution, through Darwin, and conservation science, through Muir)—and that he changed the way that large areas of science are done and communicated. Indeed, he has been called the father of a range of fields, including environmental science, earth system science, plant geography, ecology and conservation. His approach was characterized by making connections between non‐living and living nature (including humans), based on interdisciplinary thinking and informed by large amounts of data from systematic, accurate measurements in a geographical framework. Although his approach largely lacked an evolutionary perspective, he was fundamental to creating the circumstances for Darwin and Wallace to advance evolutionary science. He devoted considerable effort illustrating, communicating and popularizing science, centred on the excitement of pure science. In biogeography, his influence remains strong, including in relating climate to species distributions (e.g. biomes and latitudinal and elevational gradients) and in the use of remote sensing and species distribution modelling in macroecology. However, some key aspects of his approach have faded, particularly as science fragmented into specific disciplines and became more reductionist. We argue that asking questions in a more Humboldtian way is important for addressing current global challenges. This is well‐exemplified by researching links between geodiversity and biodiversity. Progress on this can be made by (a) systematic data collection to improve our knowledge of biodiversity and geodiversity around the world; (b) improving our understanding of the linkages between biodiversity and geodiversity; and (c) developing our understanding of the interactions of geological, biological, ecological, environmental and evolutionary processes in biogeography.
The ecological biogeography of indigenous and introduced Antarctic springtails
Authors: Baird Helena P. , Janion‐Scheepers Charlene , Stevens Mark I. , Leihy Rachel I. , Chown Steven L.
Published: June 2019

Aim

We investigated turnover and richness in Antarctic springtails to understand large‐scale patterns in soil faunal diversity and how these are altered by biological invasions.

Location

Antarctica and the Southern Ocean Islands.

Taxon

Collembola (springtails).

Methods

We developed a database of all springtail species recorded from the Antarctic region. The relationship of species richness and turnover to high‐resolution environmental data was explored using generalized linear models and generalized dissimilarity models, and compared among indigenous and introduced species. Endemicity and species turnover were assessed using beta‐diversity and multi‐site zeta diversity metrics to explore whether introduced species have homogenized assemblages across the region.

Results

Indigenous, endemic and introduced species richness covaried positively with temperature. Endemic richness was further related to thermal heterogeneity, and introduced species richness to human occupancy. Indigenous and introduced species richness covaried positively. Species turnover across the region was high, and the introduction of non‐indigenous species further differentiated assemblages. Species similarity between sites was not related to distance, nor was geographic isolation correlated with species richness. Assemblage turnover was influenced by the area and temperature range of islands.

Main conclusions

Energy availability appears to be the primary covariate of species richness, with human presence additionally influencing introduced species richness, in agreement with other soil‐dwelling taxa. Dispersal limitation surprisingly does not seem to be important in structuring these assemblages, nor does island age appear to affect richness; this may in part reflect the severe glacial history of the region. The differentiating effect of introduced species on assemblages suggests that anthropogenic introductions originate from distinct source pools, challenging common assumptions for the Antarctic. Positive covariance between indigenous and introduced species richness accords with the “rich get richer” hypothesis. Thus, the most biotically diverse terrestrial areas of Antarctica may be the most prone to future biological invasion.
A novel SGLT2 inhibitor, SU-011, improves glycaemic control in rodents without the risk of hypoglycaemia and weight gain
Authors: Huang Fei , Dai Fuwei , Bi Jianhua , Hao Lanxiang , Wang Chunlei , Xu Ke , Liu Yanmei , Cheng Xingbo
Published: June 2019

Objective

To evaluate the pharmacological characteristics of SU-011, a novel sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor.

Methods

The in vitro activities of SU-011 were investigated in cell-based assays. The urinary glucose excretion, glucose tolerance and the risk of hypoglycaemia were evaluated in mice. Moreover, the dose–response relationship and chronic pharmacological studies of SU-011 were assessed in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic model, a STZ-treated model with impaired insulin secretion.

Key findings

SU-011 is a potential SGLT2 inhibitor with 5.6 nm inhibitory activity for SGLT2 and 1137-fold selectivity for SGLT1. In healthy mice, SU-011 improves the tolerance to a glucose load and promotes the urinary glucose excretion. Besides, SU-011 (10 mg/kg) still exhibited less risk of hypoglycaemia. During chronic treatment, SU-011 exhibited sustained glucose-lowering effect without the side effect of weight gain in STZ-induced diabetic mice. The levels of non-fasting and fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, food and water intake were significantly decreased in SU-011-treated group. Moreover, SU-011 decreases the plasma levels of interleukin-1β, tumour necrosis factor-α and C-reactive protein even better than that of dapagliflozin.

Conclusions

All of these results indicated that SU-011 may be effective for the management of diabetes.
Antioxidant and anticancer activity of synthesized 4-amino-5-((aryl substituted)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-yl)thio-linked hydroxamic acid derivatives
Authors: Das Mousumi , Das Bhaskar , Samanta Amalesh
Published: June 2019

Objectives

The antioxidant and anticancer activity of twelve 5-substituted-4-amino-1,2,4-triazole-linked hydroxamic acid derivatives were evaluated.

Methods

Previously synthesized 2-((4-amino-5-substituted-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)-N-hydroxyacetamide and 3-((4-amino-5-substituted-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)-N-hydroxypropanamide (6a–6l) were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant and in vivo anticancer activity. MDA-MB-231, MCF-7 and HCT 116 cell lines were used to evaluate IC50 values, in vitro. Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-induced mice model was used to evaluate in vivo anticancer potential. Different biological markers were examined for drug-related toxicities.

Key findings

Compound 6b revealed more potent antioxidant property among all tested compounds, even than the ascorbic acid. The IC50 values of compound 6b were found to be 5.71 ± 2.29 μg/ml (DPPH assay) and 4.12 ± 0.5 μg/ml (ABTS assay). Histopathology of liver sections of drug-treated mice was evaluated. Survival analysis showed that compound 6b could increase the life span as of the standard drug.

Conclusions

After the assessment of all in vivo anticancer study related data, it was found that compound 6b possess superior anticancer potency in terms of efficacy and toxicity. From this experimental design, it could be concluded that further modification of this prototypical structure will lead to develop more potent antioxidant as well as an anticancer agent in the future.
Supplementing rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) broodstock diets with choline and methionine improves growth in offspring
Authors: Cleveland Beth M. , Leeds Timothy D. , Picklo Matthew J. , Brentesen Carley , Frost Jason , Biga Peggy R.
Published: June 2019

Nutritional programming represents the mechanism through which broodstock feeding strategies have lifelong effects on the offspring generation. The objective of this study was to determine whether supplementing rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss broodstock diets with choline and methionine affects offspring growth performance. Experimental diets were produced by top‐dressing a commercial broodstock diet with (a) 12,000 ppm methionine, (b) 7,400 ppm choline, (c) 12,000 ppm methionine and 7,400 ppm choline, or (d) water (control). Six rainbow trout families were fed experimental diets beginning 18 months post‐hatch through spawning; the offspring consumed a commercial diet. The broodstock diet did not affect maternal body weight, body condition, egg size, or egg yield (p > .05). Eggs from choline‐treated broodstock contained 10% more choline than control eggs (p < .05). Offspring from choline‐treated broodstock were smaller than controls at 146 days post‐hatch (dph) (p < .05). At the final harvest (439 dph), offspring from the control broodstock weighed 12–18% less than offspring from broodstock consuming the supplemented diets (p < .05). However, there was a significant diet‐by‐family interaction on offspring growth (p < .05); supplemented diets improved performance in three of the six broodstock families. These findings indicate that supplementing broodstock diets with methionine and choline causes a nutritional programming effect that benefits growth in offspring.
The hydraulic retention time influences the abundance of Enterobacter, Clostridium and Lactobacillus during the hydrogen production from food waste
Authors: Santiago S.G. , Trably E. , Latrille E. , Buitrón G. , Moreno-Andrade I.
Published: June 2019

The influence of hydraulic retention time (HRT) on the microbial communities was evaluated in an anaerobic sequencing batch reactor (AnSBR) using organic waste from a restaurant as the substrate. The relationship among Lactobacillus, Clostridium and Bacillus as key micro-organisms on hydrogen production from organic solid waste was studied. The effect of the HRT (8–48 h) on the hydrogen production and the microbial community was evaluated. Quantitative PCR was applied to determine the abundance of bacteria (in particular, Enterobacter, Clostridium and Lactobacillus genera). An AnSBR fermentative reactor was operated for 111 cycles, with carbohydrate and organic matter removal efficiencies of 80 ± 15·42% and 22·1 ± 4·49% respectively. The highest percentage of hydrogen in the biogas (23·2 ± 11·1 %), and the specific production rate (0·42 ± 0·16 mmol H2 gVSadded−1 d−1) were obtained at an HRT of 48 h. The decrease in the HRT generated an increase in the hydrogen production rate but decreasing the content of the hydrogen in the gas. HRT significantly influence the abundance of Enterobacter, Clostridium and Lactobacillus during the hydrogen production from food waste leading the hydrogen production as well as the metabolic pathways. The microbial analysis revealed a direct relationship between the HRT and the presence of fermentative bacteria (Enterobacter, Clostridium and Lactobacillus genera). Clostridium sp. predominated at an HRT of 48 h, while Enterobacter and Lactobacillus predominated at HRTs between 8 and 24 h.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Significance and Impact of the Study: It was demonstrated that hydrogen production using food waste was influenced by the hydraulic retention time (HRT), and closely related to changes in microbial communities together with differences in metabolic patterns (e.g. volatile fatty acids, lactate, etc.). The decrease in the HRT led to the dominance of lactic acid bacteria within the microbial community whereas the increase in HRT favoured the emergence of Clostridium bacteria and the increase in acetic and butyric acids. Statistical data analysis revealed a direct relationship existing between the HRT and the microbial community composition in fermentative bacteria. This study provides new insight into the relationship between the bioprocess operation and the microbial community to understand better and control the biohydrogen production.
The ancient alarmone ZTP and zinc homeostasis in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Nies Dietrich H.
Published: June 2019

In Bacillus subtilis a sophisticated regulatory circuit that involves Z nucleoside triphosphate (ZTP) is recruited to optimize cellular zinc distribution when cytoplasmic zinc is scarce. This process uses enzymatic reactions to measure the pool of available zinc ions and amplifies this signal to control the activity of zinc chaperones. The ZTP‐dependent regulatory circuit that is exploited for zinc homeostasis controls purine and folate biosynthesis, which starts with GTP as initial substrate. Low concentrations of formyl‐tetrahydrofolate (fTHF) lead to accumulation of the intermediate 5′‐phosphoribosyl‐4‐carboxyamide‐5‐aminoimidazole (AICAR or ZMP), which is pyrophosphorylated by another intermediate to ZTP. This alarmone activates expression of genes using a ZTP‐dependent riboswitch in many bacterial strains. In this way, the cellular folate concentration controls folate biosynthesis via the enzymatic activity of the fTHF‐dependent AICAR‐transforming reaction. Zinc distribution control is layered onto this circuit. The ‘sensor’ is the activity of the initial reaction of folate synthesis from GTP, which is catalyzed by a zinc‐dependent enzyme FolEIA or its metal‐cambialistic paralog FolEIB. Consequently, low zinc lowers folate levels, causing AICAR accumulation and ZTP formation. In addition to the riboswitch, ZTP activates the zinc chaperone ZagA of the COG0523 protein family, which efficiently allocate zinc to zinc‐dependent enzymes such as FolEIA.
Impact of sugar‐sweetened beverage taxes on purchases and dietary intake: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Teng Andrea M. , Jones Amanda C. , Mizdrak Anja , Signal Louise , Genç Murat , Wilson Nick
Published: June 2019

The aim was to conduct a systematic review of real‐world sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) tax evaluations and examine the overall impact on beverage purchases and dietary intake by meta‐analysis. Medline, EconLit, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases were searched up to June 2018. SSB tax evaluations from any formal jurisdiction from cities to national governments were eligible if there was a comparison between pre–post tax (n = 11) or taxed and untaxed jurisdiction(s) (n = 6). The consumption outcome comprised sales, purchasing, and intake (reported by volume, energy, or frequency). Taxed and untaxed beverage consumption outcomes were examined separately by meta‐analysis with adjustment for the size of each tax. The study was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42018100620). The equivalent of a 10% SSB tax was associated with an average decline in beverage purchases and dietary intake of 10.0% (95% CI: −5.0% to −14.7%, n = 17 studies, 6 jurisdictions) with considerable heterogeneity between results (I2 = 97%).The equivalent of a 10% SSB tax was also associated with a nonsignificant 1.9% increase in total untaxed beverage consumption (eg, water) (95% CI: −2.1% to 6.1%, n = 6 studies, 4 jurisdictions). Based on real‐world evaluations, SSB taxes introduced in jurisdictions around the world appear to have been effective in reducing SSB purchases and dietary intake.
Anaphylaxis – Lessons learnt when East meets West
Authors: Tham Elizabeth H. , Leung Agnes S. Y. , Pacharn Punchama , Lee Sooyoung , Ebisawa Motohiro , Lee Bee Wah , Wong Gary W. K. ,   the APAPARI Anaphylaxis Study Group
Published: June 2019

The rapidly increasing prevalence of allergic disorders over the past 2 decades highlights the need to understand the epidemiology of anaphylaxis. In Europe, the United States, and Australia, the incidence of anaphylaxis is estimated to be between 60 and 950 cases per 100 000 population, with a lifetime prevalence of anaphylaxis of 0.05%‐2%. The incidence appears to be increasing over time. Although the existing Asian literature is heterogeneous and limited by under‐reporting, it also suggests a similar increasing trend in anaphylaxis incidence in Asia. Anaphylaxis triggers in Asia, such as the predominance of shellfish and wheat in older children and adolescents, differ from those seen in Western populations. Triggers unique to Asia such as traditional Chinese medications, galacto‐oligosaccharides, and food delicacies have also been reported. Low usage of adrenaline as first‐line treatment of anaphylaxis is evident across all countries and is particularly concerning. There is a need to establish prospective, standardized protocols for anaphylaxis data collection and reporting, to enhance the collective understanding of anaphylaxis and its burden, gaps in management and to identify areas for future research and intervention in each region. Understanding of the underlying reasons explaining the difference between East and West will facilitate future primary preventive strategies.