bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The natural history of the black soldier fly,Hermetia illucens: insights from complete mitochondrial genome sequences
Authors: Guilliet J , Baudouin G , Pollet N , Filée J
Published: October 2021

The Black Soldier Fly (BSF)Hermetia illucensis a cosmopolitan fly heavily used by industrial companies to reduce biowaste and produce protein and fat for poultry and aquaculture feed. However, the natural history and the genetic diversity of the BSF is poorly known. In this study, we analysed 677 CO1 sequences derived from samples found all over the five continents leading us to the discovery of 52 haplotypes including 10 major haplotypes. We refined the definition of these haplotypes by sequencing 59 mitochondrial genomes. We could derive an estimate of the separation events of the different haplotypes at more than two million years for the oldest branches. This worldwide cryptic genetic and genomic diversity is mirrored at local scale in France in which we found five major haplotypes sometimes in sympatry. Our data resolve the phylogenetic relationships between the major lineages and give insights into the dispersal and the numbers of BSF neo-introduction at global and local scales. Our results indicate that the genetic and genomic diversity of commercial BSF stock is very low and these brood stock participated in the dissemination of the BSF in the wild. Taken together these results call for a better understanding of the genomic diversity of the BSF to unravel possible specific adaptations of the different lineages for industrial needs and to initiate the selection process.
Structural basis for long-chain isoprenoids synthesis by cis-prenyltransferases
Authors: Giladi Moshe , Bar-El Michal Lisnyansky , Vaňková Pavla , Ferofontov Alisa , Melvin Emelia , Kavan Daniel , Redko Boris , Haimov Elvira , Wiener Reuven , Man Petr , Haitin Yoni
Published: October 2021

Isoprenoids are the largest group of natural products, found in all living organisms and play an essential role in numerous cellular processes. These compounds are synthesized by prenyltransferases, catalyzing the condensation reaction between an allylic diphosphate primer and a variable number of isopentenyl diphosphate (C5) units. This superfamily of enzymes can be subdivided into trans- or cis-prenyltransferases according to the stereoisomerism of the product. The cis branch can be further classified according to product length. While the active site volume was suggested to determine the final length in enzymes synthesizing short- and medium-chain products (up to C60), long-chain enzymes (up to C120) and rubber synthases (>C10,000) fail to conform to this paradigm. Here, to resolve the structural basis for long-chain isoprenoid synthesis, we focused on the human cis-prenyltransferase complex (hcis-PT). This enzyme, peripheral to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, produces the precursor for dolichol phosphate, a membrane residing glycosyl carrier. In line with its crucial role in the cellular protein glycosylation machinery, disease-causing mutations in hcis-PT were shown to result in a wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes. The crystallographic structures of hcis-PT in four different substrate/product-bound conformations revealed an outlet enabling product elongation into the bulk solvent. Moreover, hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry analysis in solution showed that the hydrophobic active site core is flanked by dynamic regions consistent with separate inlet and outlet orifices. Finally, using a fluorescent substrate analog and a fluorescently-labeled lipid nanodiscs, we show that product elongation and membrane association are closely correlated. Together, our results support directional product synthesis in long-chain enzymes and rubber synthases, with a distinct substrate inlet and product outlet, allowing direct membrane insertion of the elongating isoprenoid during catalysis. This mechanism uncouples active site volume from product length and circumvents the need to expulse hydrophobic product into a polar environment prior to membrane insertion.
Systematic reduction of the dimensionality of natural scenes allows accurate predictions of retinal ganglion cell spike outputs
Authors: Freedland Julian , Rieke Fred
Published: October 2021

The mammalian retina engages a broad array of linear and nonlinear circuit mechanisms to convert natural scenes into retinal ganglion cell (RGC) spike outputs. Although many individual integration mechanisms are well understood, predictive models of natural scene encoding perform poorly, likely due to interactions among the active mechanisms. Here, we identified spatial integration mechanisms relevant for natural scene encoding and used computational modeling to predict spike outputs in primate parasol RGCs. Our approach was to simplify the structure of natural scenes and empirically ask whether these changes were reflected in RGC spike responses. We observed that reducing natural movies to 16 linearly integrated regions described ∼80% of the structure of parasol RGC spike responses. We then used simplified stimuli to create high-dimensional metamers that recapitulated the spike response of full-field naturalistic movies. Finally, we identified the retinal computations that convert natural images in 16-dimensional space into 1-dimensional spike outputs.
Haemocytes are critical forDrosophila melanogasterpost-embryonic development, independent of control of the microbiota
Authors: Stephenson HN , Streeck R , Herzig A
Published: October 2021

Proven roles for haemocytes (blood cells) have expanded beyond the control of infections inDrosophila. Despite this, the critical role of haemocytes in post-embryonic development has long been thought to be limited to control of microorganisms during metamorphosis. This has previously been shown by rescue of adult development in haemocyte-ablation models under germ-free conditions. Here we show that haemocytes have a critical role in post-embryonic development beyond their ability to control the microbiota. Using a newly generated, strong haemocyte-specific driver line for the GAL4/UAS system, we show that specific ablation of haemocytes is pupal lethal, even under axenic conditions. Genetic rescue experiments prove that this is a haemocyte-specific phenomena. RNA-seq data suggests that dysregulation of the midgut is a critical consequence of haemocyte ablation. We believe this novel role of haemocytes during metamorphosis is a major finding for the field. This is an exciting newDrosophilamodel to study the precise mechanisms in which haemocytes regulate tissue development, findings from which could have far reaching implications beyond invertebrate biology.

Summary Statement

Haemocyte-ablation inDrosophila melanogasterwith a strong haemocyte-specific driver causes pupal lethality
Filopodia-mediated basement membrane assembly at pre-invasive tumor boundaries
Authors: Peuhu Emilia , Jacquemet Guillaume , Scheele Colinda LGJ , Isomursu Aleksi , Paatero Ilkka , Thol Kerstin , Georgiadou Maria , Guzmán Camilo , Koskinen Satu , Laiho Asta , Elo Laura L , Boström Pia , Hartiala Pauliina , van Rheenen Jacco , Ivaska Johanna
Published: October 2021

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a pre-invasive stage of breast cancer, where the tumor is encapsulated by a basement membrane (BM). At the invasive phase, the BM barrier is compromised enabling tumor cells to escape into the surrounding stroma. The molecular mechanisms that establish and maintain an epithelial BM barrier in vivo are poorly understood. Myosin-X (MYO10) is a filopodia-inducing motor protein implicated in metastasis and poor clinical outcome in patients with invasive breast cancer (IBC). We compared MYO10 expression in patient-matched normal breast tissue and DCIS lesions and found elevated MYO10 expression in DCIS samples, suggesting that MYO10 might facilitate the transition from DCIS to IBC. Indeed, MYO10 promoted the formation of filopodia and cell invasion in vitro and positively regulated the dissemination of individual cancer cells from IBC lesions in vivo. However, MYO10-depleted DCIS xenografts were, unexpectedly, more invasive. In these xenografts, MYO10 depletion compromised BM formation around the lesions resulting in poorly defined tumor borders and increased cancer cell dispersal into the surrounding stroma. Moreover, MYO10-depleted tumors showed increased EMT-marker-positive cells, specifically at the tumor periphery. We also observed cancer spheroids undergoing rotational motion and recruiting BM components in a filopodia-dependent manner to generate a near-continuous extracellular matrix boundary. Taken together, our data identify a protective role for MYO10 in early-stage breast cancer, where MYO10-dependent tumor cell protrusions support BM assembly at the tumor-stroma interface to limit cancer progression, and a pro-invasive role that facilitates cancer cell dissemination at later stages.

Abstract Figure

Highlights

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Filopodia sculpt the tumor-proximal stroma in pre-invasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

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Filopodia-dependent basement membrane (BM) assembly limits invasive transition of DCIS-like tumors in vivo.

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Loss of MYO10-dependent filopodia impairs BM assembly and induces an EMT-like phenotype at the tumor-stroma interface in vivo.

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MYO10 filopodia are anti-invasive in DCIS but facilitate dissemination in invasive breast cancer.
Polymer thin films as universal substrates for extreme ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy of molecular transition metal complexes
Authors: Shari'ati Yusef , Vura-Weis Josh
Published: October 2021

Polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride thin films are explored as sample supports for extreme ultraviolet (XUV) spectroscopy of molecular transition metal complexes. Thin polymer films prepared by slip-coating are flat and smooth, and transmit much more XUV light than silicon nitride windows. Analytes can be directly cast onto the polymer surface or co-deposited within it. The M-edge XANES spectra (40–90 eV) of eight archetypal transition metal complexes (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) are presented to demonstrate the versatility of this method. The films are suitable for pump/probe transient absorption spectroscopy, as shown by the excited-state spectra of Fe(bpy)3
2+ in two different polymer supports.
Analytical model of a T-core coil above a multi-layer conductor with hidden hole using the TREE method for nondestructive evaluation
Authors: Zhang Siquan
Published: October 2021

Purpose

In eddy current nondestructive testing, a probe with a ferrite core such as an E-core coil is usually used to detect and locate defects such as cracks and corrosion in conductive material. However, the E-core coil has some disadvantages, such as large volume and difficulty in the process of winding the coils. This paper aims to present a novel T-core probe and its analytical model used for evaluating hidden holes in a multi- layer conductor.

Design/methodology/approach

By using a cylindrical coordinate system, the solution domain is truncated in the radial direction. The magnetic vector potential of each region excited by a filamentary coil is derived, and the expansion coefficients of the solutions are obtained by matching the boundary and interface conditions between the regions. By using the truncated region eigenfunction expansion method, the final expression in closed form for the impedance of the multi-turn coil is worked out, and the impedance calculation is performed in Mathematica. For frequencies ranging from 100 Hz to 100 kHz, both the impedance changes of the T-core coil above the multi-layer conductor without a hidden hole and in the absence of the layered conductor were calculated, and the influence of a hidden hole in the multi-layer conducting structure on the impedance change was investigated.

Findings

The correctness of the analytical model of the T-core coil was verified by the finite element method and experiments. The proposed T-core coil has higher sensitivity than an air-core coil, and similar sensitivity and smaller size than an E-core coil.

Originality/value

A new T-core coil probe and its accurate theoretical model for defect evaluation of conductor were presented; probe and analytical model can be used in probe design, detection process simulation or can be directly used in defect evaluation of multi-layer conductor.
Productivity story of Iranian librarians: assessing the impact of knowledge management and emotional intelligence
Authors: Sarhadi Zahra , Kaffashan Kakhki Mojtaba , Behzadi Hassan
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to assess the effect of knowledge management (KM) development and emotional intelligence (EI) on the productivity of librarians regarding the mediating role of job motivation (JM) and job feedback (JF).

Design/methodology/approach

This study was carried out in two phases. First, the variables affecting the productivity of librarians were identified and selected through an explorative study and by surveying their opinions. Then, the theoretically designed model was administered to 312 librarians at Iranian public libraries. A questionnaire was used to collect data, and the structural equation modelling technique was used to analyse data.

Findings

The results of this study showed that KM and EI, mediated by JM and JF, had a positive and significant effect on developing the librarians’ productivity. The results also revealed that JF had a positive effect on JM and that JF was more effective on productivity than JM. This study marginally proved the direct effect of KM and EI on productivity where KM was more effective than EI on productivity. Knowing the effects of organizational and individual factors on the higher productivity of librarians in public libraries will help library managers make more efficient use of those factors in developing the capabilities of librarians and enhancing productivity.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few studies of its kind that facilitates the perception of the concept of productivity in public libraries and also the assessment of the effects of organizational and individual factors on the librarians’ productivity.
Career satisfaction antecedents of professional accounting returnees in international workplaces: an employee experience perspective
Authors: Ho Nga Thi Thuy , Hoang Hung Trong , Seet Pi-Shen , Jones Janice , Pham Nhat Tan
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the determinants of career satisfaction of professional accounting returnees who have studied and/or worked abroad and then returned to work in different types of international workplaces in their home country.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of professional accounting returnees in Vietnam was undertaken and multiple regression analysis was applied to test the proposed relationships.

Findings

This study finds that career satisfaction is affected by career fit, career sacrifice, types of international workplaces (domestically headquartered firms versus globally headquartered firms) and cross-cultural work readjustment. Further, cross-cultural work readjustment partially mediates the effect of career fit and career sacrifice on career satisfaction.

Practical implications

The research provides the basis for designing career-related employee experiences to support career satisfaction of professional accounting returnees.

Originality/value

This study integrates dimensions of career embeddedness with cross-cultural work readjustment and employee experiences, which are normally studied separately, in different types of international workplaces. It contributes to the limited research on contributors to well-being in the form of career satisfaction among professional returnees in an emerging economy.
Investment environment, stock market perception and stock investments after stock market crash
Authors: Khan Mohammad Tariqul Islam , Tan Siow-Hooi , Chong Lee-Lee , Goh Gerald Guan Gan
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study examines how the importance of external investment environment factors affects stock market perception, and how stock market perception affects stock investments after stock market crash witnessed by individual investors in one of the emerging stock markets.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was administrated among 223 individual investors who experienced stock market crash in 2010–2011 in Bangladesh, and the proposed model was tested by the partial least squares-structural equation modeling PLS-SEM model.

Findings

Findings show that the importance of Bangladesh's stock market performance, government policy, economic issues and neighboring country's stock market performance have effects on investors' stock market perception. This perception, in turn, decreases monthly stock trading and short-term investment horizon. The findings further show the mediating effect of stock market perception.

Practical implications

Investors need to carefully consider the external investment environment when they form their stock market perception, as this perception drives stock investments. Analogously, regulators should ensure releasing timely and updated statistics on external investment factors.

Originality/value

Addressing those investors who encountered stock market crash, a set of external investment environment issues, stock market perception and stock investments are new in the literature.
Financial determinants of value based performance of construction firms in India
Authors: Singla Harish Kumar , Prakash Anand
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to examine the value-based performance of firms in construction sector in India using Tobin's Q and Market Capitalization (MCAP) and then determine their significant financial drivers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on data from 87 firms engaged in infrastructure, real estate, industrial construction and allied areas in India over a study period of 10 years. Three distinct forms of panel regression models have been developed using Tobin's Q and MCAP as dependent variables. The models developed are using Baltagi's (1981) Error Component 2SLS, Varadharajan-Krishnakumar's (1987) Generalized 2SLS and Arellano – Bower/Blundell – Bond's (1991) dynamic panel.

Findings

The study found that MCAP is a better suited value-based performance measure for construction sector firms in India. The study further reports that the age of the firm, profit after tax, investment in research and development, dividends, leverage and net fixed asset are significant positive drivers, whereas cash flow is a significant negative driver.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to a geographic location; therefore, the findings of this study cannot be generalized.

Practical implications

As MCAP is a better suited value-based performance measure of a firm in the construction sector, managers should focus on improving profitability, higher research and development activities, higher dividends and higher expenditures on net fixed assets for improvement.

Originality/value

This is an original attempt to examine the value-based performance of firms in the construction sector in India using Tobin's Q and MCAP.
Exploring trust: culturally responsive and positive school leadership
Authors: Banwo Bodunrin O. , Khalifa Muhammad , Seashore Louis Karen
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This article explores the connection between Culturally Responsive School Leadership (CRSL) and Positive School Leadership (PSL) and how both engage with a concept that deeply connects both leadership expressions – trust.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-year, single site case study method examined a district-level equity leader, and her struggles and successes with promoting equity and positive culture throughout a large suburban district in the US.

Findings

Trust, established through regular interactions, allowed the district's leadership equity team to build positive relationships with building leaders. Trust was not only a mitigating factor on the relationships themselves, but also regulated the extent to which equitable practices were discussed and implemented in the district. Trust allowed conflicts to surface and be addressed that led to individual and organizational change.

Research limitations/implications

The case highlights the importance of both CRSL and PSL principals, along with the idea of “soft power” in cultural change, to foster equity in schools. Established trust does not erase the difficulties of enacting CRSL/PSL, but allows the difficulties to be addressed. The authors found that dynamic, iterative, regular interactions over a long period reinforced trust allowed CRPSL to take root in the district.

Originality/value

The authors use a single subject case to argue that the core of empirical work moving forward should draw on an integration of culturally responsive leadership.
Protein quality assessment of pecan [Carya illinoinensis (wangenh.) K. Koch] and pine (Pinus gerardiana wall.) nuts for dietary supplementation
Authors: Tanwar Beenu , Modgil Rajni , Goyal Ankit
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the protein (biological) quality of pecan and pine nuts supplemented diets in male Wistar albino rats.

Design/methodology/approach

A randomized and controlled study (45 d) was conducted in male Wistar albino rats (n = 60) comprising six groups, namely, control (Cc), control with 1% cholesterol (CC1), Pecan group (Pe), Pecan group supplemented with 1% cholesterol (Pi1), Pine group supplemented with 1% cholesterol (Pi1). Protein quality of supplemented diet/s was assessed in terms of various biological indices.

Findings

Pe and Pi groups exhibited normal growth when compared with Cc. Despite showing higher feed and protein intake, Pe and Pi groups exhibited significantly (P = 0.023) lower weight gain than Cc. There was no significant difference between the protein efficiency ratio (3.8 ± 0.2 and 3.7 ± 0.2), apparent protein digestibility (81.5 ± 2.2 and 80.5 ± 2%), true protein digestibility (90.6 ± 1.1 and 88.5 ± 3.5%) and biological value (BV) (75.6 ± 0.9 and 72.6 ± 0.9%) of Pe and Pi groups, respectively. Pe group presented considerably higher net protein utilization (68.5 ± 1.4 vs 64.4 ± 0.8%) and protein retention efficiency (34.8 ± 1.1 vs 31.2 ± 1.3%) than Pi group. Overall, pecan-based diet displayed superior biological quality over pine nut. Antinutrients present in the nuts did not show any major negative effect on the growth, digestibility and bioavailability of the nutrients in rats. BV ranging from 72.6% to 75.6% suggested a satisfactory quality of experimental nut-based diets.

Research limitations/implications

Further investigation of pecan and pine nuts consumption to examine the potential benefits and associated mechanisms of action is warranted which would aid in a better understanding and to establish nutritional recommendations.

Originality/value

Overall, the exploitation of pecan and pine nut flours for the development of value-added food products is favorable from a nutritional point of view.
Does fiscal pressure constrain policy responsiveness? Evidence from Germany
Authors: ELSÄSSER LEA , HAFFERT LUKAS
Published: October 2021

Political responsiveness is highly unequal along class lines, which has triggered a lively debate about potential causes of this political inequality. What has remained largely unexplored in this debate are the structural economic conditions under which policymakers operate. In this contribution, we hypothesize that budgetary pressures affect both the level and the equality of political responsiveness. Using a dataset containing public opinion data on around 450 fiscal policy proposals in Germany between 1980 and 2016, we investigate whether policymakers are more responsive on issues with budgetary consequences under conditions of low fiscal pressure than under conditions of high fiscal pressure. We find that responsiveness indeed varies systematically with the degree of fiscal pressure and that policymakers are less responsive on fiscal issues when fiscal pressure is high. This holds for both left‐wing and right‐wing governments. In contrast, we do not find strong effects of fiscal pressure on political inequality: responsiveness is not more equal in fiscally more permissive times. However, since different types of policy proposals are adopted in times of high fiscal stress, unequal responsiveness has different policy implications in times of high and low fiscal pressure.
Pathways from maternal depressive symptoms to children’s academic performance in adolescence: A 13‐year prospective‐longitudinal study
Authors: Bechtiger Laura , Steinhoff Annekatrin , Dollar Jessica M. , Halliday Simone E. , Keane Susan P. , Calkins Susan D. , Shanahan Lilly
Published: October 2021

The pathways through which exposure to maternal depressive symptoms in early childhood are linked to academic performance during adolescence are poorly understood. This study tested pathways from maternal depressive symptoms (age 2–5) to adolescent academic performance (age 15) through cumulative parenting risk (age 7) and subsequent child functioning (age 10), using multi‐informant data from a prospective longitudinal community study spanning 13 years (N = 389, 47% male, 68% White). Structural equation models testing indirect effects revealed small associations between maternal depressive symptoms and increased cumulative parenting risk and poorer child functioning, and, via these pathways, with poorer academic performance. Thus, childhood exposure to maternal depressive symptoms may be associated with pathways of risk that could limit children's educational opportunities.
Potential new therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease: Glucagon‐like peptide‐1
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Yu , Zhang Ni , Zhang Sheng‐Xiao , Xu Ping
Published: October 2021

Increasing evidence shows a close relationship between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recently, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), a gut incretin hormone, has become a well‐established treatment for T2DM and is likely to be involved in treating cognitive impairment. In this mini review, the similarities between AD and T2DM are summarised with the main focus on GLP‐1‐based therapeutics in AD.
Bacterial membrane vesicles shape Staphylococcus aureus skin colonization and induction of innate immune responses
Authors: Staudenmaier Lena , Focken Jule , Schlatterer Katja , Kretschmer Dorothee , Schittek Birgit
Published: October 2021

Staphylococcus aureus colonization is abundant on the skin of atopic dermatitis (AD) patients where it contributes to skin inflammation. S. aureus produces virulence factors that distinguish it from commensal skin bacteria such as S. epidermidis and S. lugdunensis. However, it has remained unclear, which of these virulence factors have the strongest impact on AD. Membrane vesicles (MVs) are released by pathogenic bacteria and might play an essential role in the long‐distance delivery of bacterial effectors such as virulence factors. We show that MVs are also released by skin commensals in a similar quantity and membrane lipid amount as those from pathogenic S. aureus. Interestingly, MVs from skin commensals can protect against S. aureus skin colonization by conditioning human skin for enhanced defence. In contrast, MVs released by S. aureus are able to induce CXCL8 and TNF‐α in primary human keratinocytes, recruit neutrophils and induce neutrophil extracellular traps, which enhance S. aureus skin colonization. CXCL8 induction is TLR2‐ and NFkB‐dependent and the induction level correlates with the membrane lipid and protein A content of the MVs. Interestingly, MVs of S. aureus strains from the lesional skin of AD patients show an enhanced membrane lipid and protein A content compared to the strains from the non‐lesional sites and have an enhanced proinflammatory potential. Our data underline the complex interplay in host‐ and bacterial derived factors in S. aureus skin colonization and the important role of bacterial derived MVs and their membrane lipid and protein A content in skin inflammatory disorders.
Methodological shortcomings in the reports of the imiquimod psoriatic model
Authors: Vinardell M. Pilar
Published: October 2021

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting about 2–3% of the worldwide population. More of the knowledge of psoriasis is due to the in vitro and in vivo models tried to reproduce the disease and to know the mechanisms of pathogenesis, as well as to develop new therapies. One of the more simple, cheap and more used models is the imiquimod model based on the application of imiquimod in the depilated skin of mice. Several studies describing the methodology employed to develop an animal disease model does not present all the details about the model more especially related to the use of one sex or another and other methodological aspects that are relevant for researchers and to consider the accuracy of the study. In this review, we have selected 100 papers published in the last five years using the imiquimod psoriatic model recording different data such as animal, strain, sex, dose of imiquimod, area of administration, housing information, anaesthesia/euthanasia information, number of animals per group and control details among others. Our results revealed several methodological shortcomings in the models of imiquimod to study psoriasis namely sex bias and discrepancies in dose applied or time of imiquimod application among others. As long as these discrepancies exist in animal methodologies, there will be a poor translation from animal studies to clinical applications in dermatology and in other areas.
Masticatory movements and food textures in older patients with eating difficulties
Authors: Kato Yoko , Kikutani Takeshi , Tohara Takashi , Takahashi Noriaki , Tamura Fumiyo
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To investigate whether masticatory movements in older patients with eating difficulties were associated with oral motor function, physical function, and appropriate food textures.

Background

There are few reports on the association between masticatory movements and food textures in older patients with eating difficulties.

Materials and Methods

This cross‐sectional study involved outpatients at a clinic that specialised in eating and swallowing rehabilitation. Masticatory movements were evaluated as normal or abnormal masticatory path patterns. Oral and physical functions were assessed in terms of oral and physical status, muscle strength and motor skills. The appropriate food texture was determined based on fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and a video fluoroscopic swallowing study. The associations between food texture and masticatory organ, muscle strength and motor skills were analysed.

Results

A total of 126 outpatients (75 men and 51 women; mean age, 78.2 years; SD, 9.6 years) were included in the analysis. 68 participants (54.0%) showed abnormal masticatory movements. Masticatory movement was associated with masticatory performance (odds ratio [OR] = 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.98‐0.99), oral diadochokinesis (OR = 0.55, CI = 0.35‐0.86) and stepping test (OR = 0.92, CI = 0.86‐0.97). Masticatory movement (OR = 2.94, CI = 1.23‐7.01) and the number of natural teeth (OR = 0.94, CI = 0.89‐0.99) were associated with normal food.

Conclusion

Masticatory movements in older patients with eating difficulties may be associated with appropriate food textures whilst being influenced by individual differences in systemic motor control. Masticatory movements may be as important as teeth to enjoy eating.
Towards conceptual convergence: A systematic review of psychological resilience in family caregivers of persons living with chronic neurological conditions
Authors: McKenna Odessa , Fakolade Afolasade , Cardwell Katherine , Langlois Nigèle , Jiang Karen , Pilutti Lara A.
Published: October 2021

Background

The demand for family caregiving in persons with chronic neurological conditions (CNCs) is increasing. Psychological resilience may empower and protect caregivers in their role. Thus, a synthesis of resilience evidence within this specific population is warranted.

Aim

In this systematic review we aimed to: (1) examine the origins and conceptualizations of resilience; (2) summarize current resilience measurement tools; and (3) synthesize correlates, predictors and outcomes of resilience in family caregivers of persons with CNCs.

Design

We sourced English articles published up to July 2020 across five databases using search terms involving CNCs, family caregivers and resilience.

Results

A total of 50 studies were retained. Nearly half (44%) of the studies used trait‐based resilience definitions, while about one third (36%) used process‐based definitions. Twelve different resilience scales were used, revealing mostly moderate to high‐resilience levels. Findings confirmed that resilience is related to multiple indicators of healthy functioning (e.g., quality of life, social support, positive coping), as it buffers against negative outcomes of burden and distress. Discordance relating to the interaction between resilience and demographic, sociocultural and environmental factors was apparent.

Conclusions

Incongruity remains with respect to how resilience is defined and assessed, despite consistent definitional concepts of healthy adaptation and equilibrium. The array of implications of resilience for well‐being confirms the potential for resilience to be leveraged within caregiver health promotion initiatives via policy and practice.

Patient or Public Contribution

The findings may inform future recommendations for researchers and practitioners to develop high‐quality resilience‐building interventions and programmes to better mobilize and support this vulnerable group.
Platform work, social protection and flexicurity in Denmark
Authors: Jacqueson Catherine
Published: October 2021

Are online platform “workers” in Denmark effectively and adequately protected against social and labour market risks? This article discusses this fundamental issue in the context of the Danish labour market, which is known for having high levels of job insecurity but a rather generous social security system. The article finds that the Danish statutory social security system provides a necessary cushion against risk, but also identifies gaps in protection, which brings into question the system’s effective coverage and the adequacy of benefits.
In vitro and in vivo activity of new strains of Bacillus subtilis against ESBL-producing Escherichia coli: an experimental study
Authors: Ishnaiwer Murad , Bezabih YihieneΙw , Javaudin François , Sassi Mohamed , Bemer Pascale , Batard Eric , Dion Michel
Published: October 2021

Aims

The gastro-intestinal tract is a major reservoir of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli. Bacillus spores may be used as probiotics to decrease digestive colonization by ESBL-E. coli. Our aim was to assess the in vitro and in vivo activity of new Bacillus strains against ESBL-E. coli.

Methods and Results

We screened the in vitro activity of 50 Bacillus strains against clinical isolates of ESBL-E. coli and selected B. subtilis strains CH311 and S3B. Both strains decreased ESBL-E. coli titers by 4 log10 CFU L−1 in an in vitro model of gut content, whereas the B. subtilis CU1 strain did not. In a murine model of intestinal colonization by ESBL-E. coli, CH311 and S3B did not decrease fecal titers of ESBL-E. coli. Ten sequences of putative antimicrobial peptides were identified in the genomes of CH311 and S3B, but not in CU1.

Conclusions

Two new B. subtilis strains showed strong in vitro activity against ESBL-E. coli.

Significance and Impact of Study

Despite strong in vitro activities of new B. subtilis strains against ESBL-E. coli, intestinal colonisation was not altered by curative Bacillus treatment even if their spores proved to germinate in the gut. Thus, this work underlines the importance of in vivo experiments to identify efficient probiotics. The use of potential antimicrobial compounds identified by genome sequencing remains an attractive alternative to explore.
Expanding the clinicopathological‐genetic spectrum of GNE myopathy by a Chinese neuromuscular centre
Authors: Zhang Kai‐Yue , Duan Hui‐Qian , Li Qiu‐Xiang , Luo Yue‐Bei , Bi Fang‐Fang , Huang Kun , Yang Huan
Published: October 2021

GNE myopathy is a heterogeneous group of ultrarare neuromuscular disorders caused by mutations in theGNEgene. An estimated prevalence of 1~21/1,000,000 leads to a deficiency of data and a lack of availability of samples to conduct clinical research on this neuromuscular disorder. AlthoughGNE, which is the mutated gene responsible for the disease, is well known as the key enzyme in the biosynthesis pathway of sialic acid, the clinicopathological‐genetic spectrum ofGNEmutant patients is still unclear and expanding. This study presents ten unrelated patients with GNE myopathy, discovering five novel missense mutations. Clinical, electrophysiological, imaging, pathological and genetic data are presented in a retrospective manner. Interestingly, several patients in the cohort were found to have peripheral neuropathy and inflammatory cell infiltration in muscle biopsies, which have seldom been reported. This study, conducted by a neuromuscular centre in China, is the first attempt to highlight these abnormal clinicopathological features and associate them with genetic mutations in GNE myopathy.
Environmental, inflammatory, and anti‐inflammatory squad in acne vulgaris pathogenesis: AhR, IL‐36, and IL‐38
Authors: Mohamed El Esawy Fatma , Ali Mohammed Shuzan , Nasar Zargon Nasar Ebtesam , Hemdan Mostafa Sara , Elhabak Doaa M.
Published: October 2021

Background

Acne vulgaris (AV) is an extraordinarily common skin condition. The high prevalence of AV is linked to the exposure factors, as environmental pollutants and climatic factors, occupational, psychosocial, and lifestyle factors. The AhR plays a critical part in environmental toxic action. The AhR expression and imbalance in the IL‐36 & 38 expression may have a role in inflammation and AV pathogenesis.

Aims

To detect possible links between environmental, inflammatory, and anti‐inflammatory factors in AV pathogenesis through measuring AhR, IL‐36, and IL‐38 mRNA gene expression levels.

Patients and Methods

Total of 100 subjects (70 AV patients and 30 apparently healthy control subjects) were tested for AhR, IL‐36γ, and IL‐38 mRNA levels by quantitative real‐time PCR.

Results

The median levels of AhR and IL‐36 mRNA gene expression were considerably greater, while that of IL‐38 was essentially lower in AV than healthy subjects (p < 0.001, 0.021 and 0.002, respectively). The AhR and IL‐36 mRNA gene expression levels increased, while IL‐38 decreased significantly with higher grades of severity (p < 0.001, 0.001, and <0.001, respectively). ROC curve showed that AhR mRNA gene expression level had the best AUC for diagnosis of AV, with better sensitivity and specificity than IL‐36 and IL‐38.

Conclusions

Higher levels of AhR, IL‐36, and lower levels of IL‐38 gene expression were significantly associated with AV patients and higher grades of severity. AhR had better diagnostic ability than IL‐38 and IL‐36.
Histological and haemodynamic characterization of right ventricle in sedentary and trained rats with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Oliveira Maria Isilda , Leite Sara , Barros António , Lourenço André P. , Mendes Cláudia , Schmidt Cristine , Santos Mário , Leite‐Moreira Adelino , Moreira‐Gonçalves Daniel
Published: October 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Right ventricle (RV) dysfunction is highly prevalent in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), nearly doubling the risk of death: what are the RV functional and structural changes in HFpEF and how does aerobic exercise impact them?

What is the main finding and its importance?

The HFpEF ZSF1 rat model presents RV structural and functional changes mimicking the human condition. Aerobic exercise prevented the decline in , lowered surrogate markers of RV overload (e.g., higher mean and maximum systolic pressure) and improved diastolic dysfunction (e.g., end‐diastolic pressure and relaxation time constant). This emphasizes the importance of using exercise to manage HFpEF.

Right ventricle (RV) dysfunction is highly prevalent in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and is a marker of poor prognosis. We assessed the obese ZSF1 rat model of HFpEF to ascertain if these animals also develop RV dysfunction and evaluated whether aerobic exercise could prevent this. Obese ZSF1 rats were randomly allocated to an aerobic exercise training group (n = 7; treadmill running, 5 days/week, 60 min/day, 15 m/min for 5 weeks) or to a sedentary group (n = 7). We used lean ZSF1 rats (n = 7) as the control group. After 5 weeks, rats were submitted to an exercise tolerance test and invasive haemodynamic evaluation, killed and samples from the RV collected for histological analysis. Obese sedentary ZSF1 rats showed lower , RV pressure overload (e.g., higher mean and maximum systolic pressure) and diastolic dysfunction (e.g., higher minimum and end‐diastolic pressure and relaxation time constant), paralleled by RV cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Except for cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, aerobic exercise prevented these functional changes. Our data support that this model of HFpEF shows functional and structural changes in the RV that resemble the human HFpEF phenotype, reinforcing its utility to understand this pathophysiology and to adress novel therapeutic targets to manage HFpEF. In addition, we showed that aerobic exercise is cardioprotective for the RV. A deeper knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the benefits of aerobic exercise could also lead to the identification of therapeutic targets to be further explored.
An examination of motor unit firing rates during steady torque of maximal efforts with either an explosive or slower rate of torque development
Authors: Reece Tanner M. , Arnold Catherine E. , Herda Trent J.
Published: October 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The aim was to explore agonist and antagonist motor unit firing rates during maximal efforts performed with either an explosive or a slower rate of torque development.

What is the main finding and its importance?

The antagonist muscle presented a motor unit firing rate relationship similar to the agonist muscle. Additionally, the motor units of both muscles exhibited higher firing rates during explosive maximal contractions than during maximal contractions performed at a slower rate of torque development. These results could prove useful to future research analysing the effects of age, disease, resistance training and/or fatigue‐related alterations to motor unit firing rates.

The primary purpose of the present study was to examine motor unit (MU) firing rates in agonist and antagonist muscles during periods of steady, maximal efforts using explosive and slower rates of torque development. A secondary purpose was to analyse the MU firing rate versus action potential amplitude relationships of the agonist and antagonist muscles during maximal efforts. Thirteen subjects (mean ± SD; age, 21.2 ± 3.6 years; mass 81.1 ± 21.3 kg; and stature, 177.1±9.9 cm) performed two maximal isometric trapezoid muscle actions of the elbow flexors that included either an explosive or a slower, linearly increasing rate (ramp) of torque development. Surface EMG signals of the biceps brachii (BB) and triceps brachii (TB) muscles were collected and decomposed into their constituent MU action potential trains. The MU firing rate versus action potential amplitude relationships of the BB (agonist) and TB (antagonist) muscles were analysed. Moderate to strong relationships (|r| ≥ 0.65) were present for the explosive and ramp contractions in the agonist and antagonist muscles. Firing rates of smaller and larger MUs were higher during the explosive [mean ± SD; agonist = 18.1 ± 6.9 pulses per second (pps), antagonist = 22.0±3.9 pps] than the ramp (agonist = 14.0 ± 5.1 pps, antagonist = 18.3 ± 4.4 pps) contractions for the agonist (P = 0.013) and antagonist muscles (P = 0.007). The antagonist muscle exhibits a similar MU firing rate versus action potential amplitude relationship to the agonist muscle at maximal efforts. Future research should investigate the effects of short‐term resistance training on antagonist firing rates and the involvement of peripheral feedback on firing rates during maximal efforts performed at various rates of torque development.
Relación del capital intelectual y el desempeño en la administración pública: el caso de una auditoría estatal
Authors: Pedraza Melo Norma Angélica , Lavín Verástegui Jesús , Alvarez Herrera Maritza
Published: October 2021

Los activos intangibles representan un tema relevante en la administración pública; sin embargo, es escasa la investigación en este contexto. La pregunta es ¿cuál es la relación del capital intelectual y el desempeño organizacional en una Auditoría Superior de Estado? Se aborda el estudio desde la perspectiva teórica del capital intelectual. El método corresponde al enfoque deductivo. Se aplicaron 84 cuestionarios y se validaron las hipótesis con modelado de ecuaciones estructurales. Se determinó que los capitales humano y estructural se relacionan positivamente con el desempeño. Esto implica implementar estrategias en la gestión de competencias del capital humano y los recursos organizacionales-tecnológicos, por los beneficios en la consecución de resultados organizacionales de entidades responsables de procesos de fiscalización y rendición de la cuenta pública.
The Hohmann transfer as an application for teaching introductory physics
Authors: Capece A. M. , Gazley J. L.
Published: October 2021

We discuss a two-week module on astrodynamics that uses the Hohmann transfer—a space maneuver used to travel between two planetary orbits—as a capstone assignment, unifying a variety of introductory physics topics. The module was part of a summer bridge program for incoming STEM majors at our institution with the aim of facilitating the transition to college by helping students develop computational skills, competency in physics and engineering concepts, and effective habits needed for success and persistence in STEM. The Hohmann transfer was selected because it is challenging and unfamiliar to most students, yet utilizes a variety of basic physics topics. The course culminated in designing a trip from Earth to Venus, which students simulated themselves in VPython. No prior knowledge of physics or programming was required. Thirty students who declared majors in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics completed the course in the summers of 2018 and 2019. All students were low-income, Pell-eligible, and most were first-generation college students. Over 90% of students were Black or Hispanic. This group is most at risk of leaving STEM, yet 80% of students who took this course were retained in STEM. In this paper, we present the course goals and learning objectives, details on the computational modeling of the Hohmann transfer, and student outcomes including grades, retention rates, survey results, and interview data.
A Physical Education Program Based Upon an Obstacle Course Positively Affects Motor Competence in 6- to 7-Year-Old Children: A Pilot Study
Authors: van Hyfte Elly , Vercruysse Sien , Warlop Griet , Lenoir Matthieu
Published: October 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of an obstacle course based physical education program, designed according to contemporary insights on motor learning, on motor competence (MC) of 6- to 7-year-old Flemish children. Method: Pupils from 16 primary schools were randomly allocated to either control (n = 173, 50.3% boys) or intervention group (n = 182, 54.9% boys). MC, assessed with the Körperkoordinationtest für Kinder (KTK), was analyzed with a 2 (Gender, girls vs. boys) × 2 (Group: INT vs. CON) × 3 (Time: pre vs. inter vs. post) Repeated Measures ANOVA. Results: The MC in the intervention group improved more compared with the control group (Time × Group interaction, p < .001). Moreover, a shift to a more favorable MC classification is seen for all children in intervention group. Conclusion: The results underline the potential value of an obstacle course based PE program based and provide a gateway for optimization of the current PE programs.