bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altering the solubility of the antibiotic candidate Nisin – a computational study
Authors: Pandey Preeti , Hansmann Ulrich H.E. , Wang Feng
Published: July 2020

The growing bacterial resistance to available antibiotics makes it necessary to look for new drug candidates. An example is a lanthionine-containing nisin, which has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. While nisin is widely utilized as a food preservative, its poor solubility and low stability at physiological pH hinder its use as an antibiotic. As the solubility of nisin is controlled by the residues of the hinge region, we have performed molecular dynamics simulations of various mutants and studied their effects on nisin’s solubility. These simulations are complicated by the presence of two uncommon residues (dehydroalanine and dehydrobutyrine) in the peptide. The primary goal of the present study is to derive rules for designing new mutants that will be more soluble at physiological pH and, therefore, may serve as a basis for the future antibiotic design. Another aim of our study is to evaluate whether existing force fields can model the solubility of these amino acids accurately, in order to motivate further developments of force fields to account for solubility information.
Reactivity-based screening for citrulline-containing natural products reveals a family of bacterial peptidyl arginine deiminases
Authors: Harris Lonnie A. , Saint-Vincent Patricia M. B. , Guo Xiaorui , Hudson Graham A. , Mitchell Douglas A.
Published: July 2020

Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are a family of natural products defined by a genetically encoded precursor peptide that is tailored by associated biosynthetic enzymes to form the mature product. Lasso peptides are a class of RiPP defined by an isopeptide linkage between the N-terminal amine and an internal Asp/Glu residue with the C-terminus threaded through the macrocycle. This unique lariat topology, which provides considerable stability towards heat and proteases, has stimulated interest in lasso peptides as potential therapeutics. Post-translational modifications beyond the class-defining, threaded macrolactam have been reported, including one example of arginine deimination to yield citrulline. Although a citrulline-containing lasso peptide (i.e., citrulassin) was serendipitously discovered during a genome-guided campaign, the gene(s) responsible for arginine deimination has remained unknown. Herein we describe the use of reactivity-based screening to discriminate bacteria that produce arginine-versus citrulline-bearing citrulassins, culminating in the discovery and characterization of 11 new lasso peptide variants. Phylogenetic profiling identified a distally encoded peptidyl arginine deiminase (PAD) gene ubiquitous to the citrulline-containing variants. Absence of this gene correlated strongly with citrulassin variants only containing arginine (des-citrulassin). Heterologous expression of the PAD in a non-citrulassin producer resulted in the production of the deiminated analog, confirming PAD involvement in arginine deimination. The family of PADs were then bioinformatically surveyed for a deeper understanding of its genomic context and potential role in post-translational modification of RiPPs.
Evaluating a harvest control rule to improve the sustainability of Japanese fisheries
Authors: Okamura Hiroshi , Ichinokawa Momoko , Hilborn Ray
Published: July 2020

Fisheries management in Japan is currently at a turning point. MSY based reference points have historically been rejected because of impacts on the fishing industry that would result from their adoption. We propose and evaluate a new harvest control rule (HCR) that uses the biological reference points based on sustainable yield from the stochastic hockey-stick stock recruitment relationship. Management strategy evaluation simulations conditioned on data from Japanese stocks demonstrate that the new HCR avoided recruitment overfishing while providing stable and near maximum catch. The new HCR outperformed Japan’s traditional HCR in terms of conservation, and it outperformed an alternative HCR which is widely used around the world in terms of initial catch reduction and future catch variation. For forecasting and hindcasting simulations, the new HCR showed considerable improvements over traditional HCRs in terms of biomass and catch. This new management procedure can improve the current and future status of many overfished stocks in Japan as well as increase economic efficiency and better protect ecosystems.
Colormesh: A novel method for quantifying variation in complex color patterns
Authors: Valvo Jennifer J. , Rodd F. Helen , Houle David , Aponte J. David , Daniel Mitchel J. , Dwinell Kenna , Hughes Kimberly A.
Published: July 2020

Color variation is one of the most obvious examples of variation in nature. Objective quantification and interpretation of variation in color and complex patterns is challenging. Assessment of variation in color patterns is limited by the reduction of color into categorical measures and lack of spatial information. We present Colormesh as a novel method for analyzing complex color patterns that offers unique capabilities. Compared to other methods, Colormesh maintains the continuous measure of color at individual sampling points throughout the pattern. This is particularly useful for analyses of variation in color patterns, whether interest is in specific locations or the pattern as a whole. In our approach, the use of Delaunay triangulation to determine sampling location eliminates the need for color patterns to have clearly defined pattern elements, and users are not required to identify discrete color categories. This method is complementary to several other methods available for color pattern quantification, and can be usefully deployed to address a wide range of questions about color pattern variation.
Calcite seed-assisted microbial induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) and its potential in biocementation
Authors: Zehner Jennifer , Røyne Anja , Sikorski Pawel
Published: July 2020

Microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a biological process inducing biomineralization of CaCO3. This can be used to form a solid, concrete-like material. To be able to use MICP successfully for producing solid materials, it is important to understand the formation process of the material in detail. It is well known, that crystallization surfaces can influence the precipitation process. Therefore, we present in this contribution a systematic study investigating the influence of calcite seeds on the MICP processes. We focus on the pH changes during the crystallization process measured with absorption spectroscopy and on the optical density (OD) signal to analyze the precipitation process. Furthermore, optical microscopy was used to visualize the precipitation processes in the sample and connect them to changes in pH and OD. We show that there is a significant difference in the pH evolution between samples with and without calcite seeds present and that the shape of the pH evolution and the changes in OD can give detailed information about the mineral precipitation and transformations. In the presented experiments we show that amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) can also precipitate in the presence of initial calcite seeds, which can have consequences for consolidated MICP materials.
multiGSEA: A GSEA-based pathway enrichment analysis for multi-omics data
Authors: Canzler Sebastian , Hackermüller Jörg
Published: July 2020

Gaining biological insights into molecular responses to treatments or diseases from omics data can be accomplished by gene set or pathway enrichment methods. A plethora of different tools and algorithms have been developed so far. Among those, the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) proved to control both type I and II errors well.

In recent years the call for a combined analysis of multiple omics layer became prominent, giving rise to a few multi-omics enrichment tools. Each of which has its own drawbacks and restrictions regarding its universal application.

Here, we present themultiGSEApackage aiding to calculate a combined GSEA-based pathway enrichment on multiple omics layer. The package queries 8 different pathway databases and relies on the robust GSEA algorithm for a single-omics enrichment analysis. In a final step, those scores will be combined to create a robust composite multi-omics pathway enrichment measure.multiGSEAsupports 11 different organisms and includes a comprehensive mapping of transcripts, proteins, and metabolite IDs. It is publicly available under the GPL-3 license athttps://github.com/yigbt/multiGSEAand at Bioconductor:https://bioconductor.org/packages/multiGSEA.
BioLitMine: advanced mining of biomedical and biological literature about human genes and genes from major model organisms
Authors: Hu Yanhui , Chung Verena , Comjean Aram , Rodiger Jonathan , Nipun Fnu , Perrimon Norbert , Mohr Stephanie E.
Published: July 2020

The accumulation of biological and biomedical literature outpaces the ability of most researchers and clinicians to stay abreast of their own immediate fields, let alone a broader range of topics. Although available search tools support identification of relevant literature, finding relevant and key publications is not always straightforward. For example, important publications might be missed in searches with an official gene name due to gene synonyms. Moreover, ambiguity of gene names can result in retrieval of a large number of irrelevant publications. To address these issues and help researchers and physicians quickly identify relevant publications, we developed BioLitMine, an advanced literature mining tool that takes advantage of the medical subject heading (MeSH) index and gene-to-publication annotations already available for PubMed literature. Using BioLitMine, a user can identify what MeSH terms are represented in the set of publications associated with a given gene of the interest, or start with a term and identify relevant publications. Users can also use the tool to find co-cited genes and a build a literature co-citation network. In addition, BioLitMine can help users build a gene list relevant to a MeSH terms, such as a list of genes relevant to “stem cells” or “breast neoplasms.” Users can also start with a gene or pathway of interest and identify authors associated with that gene or pathway, a feature that makes it easier to identify experts who might serve as collaborators or reviewers. Altogether, BioLitMine extends the value of PubMed-indexed literature and its existing expert curation by providing a robust and gene-centric approach to retrieval of relevant information.
Does visitation dictate animal welfare in captivity? – A case study of tigers and leopards from National Zoological Park, New Delhi
Authors: Avni Gupta , Saurabh Vashisth , Mahima Sharma , Randeep Singh , Upamanyu Hore , Hang Lee , Puneet Pandey
Published: July 2020

Zoological Parks serve a salient purpose of entertaining many visitors by housing various exclusive animal species. Big cats like tigers and leopard are among the most visited species in zoos globally. We investigated the behavioral response of the zoo-housed big cats to visitor densities and noise. We also aimed to understand the relationship between stereotypy, animal history, feeding schedules, and enclose design. The behavior of eight big cats housed in the National Zoological Park, New Delhi, was monitored using the focal sampling technique during the May and June 2019 to construct the ethograms. We also recorded the visitor density, ambient noise, for the same duration. Both species were found devoting a significant amount (>50%) of time in displaying inactive behaviors. Tigers and leopards performed stereotypic behaviors for 22% and 28% of their time, respectively. Pearson chi-square analysis revealed a significant variation of stereotypy in association with biological (age, sex, and rearing history) and captive (enclosure design) variables. Big cats’ stereotypic behaviors were found significantly influenced by the high visitor density. However, ambient noise did not impact the stereotypy of both the felid species. Visitors form an integral part of zoos, and their detrimental impact diminishes the well-being of captive animals. This study revealed that tigers and leopards in NZP display a high proportion of inactive and stereotypic behaviors. Thus, we suggest zoo authorities adopt more enclosure enrichment initiatives.
Microfinance board and default risk in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Tadele Haileslasie
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper examines whether board structure affects microfinance institutions' (MFIs) default risk in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a pooled OLS and system generalized method of moments (GMM) model on unbalanced panel data from 214 MFIs in 26 SSA countries over 2005–2016 period. Default risk is measured using non-performing loans (loans overdue 30 and 90 days) and loans written-off ratios. Board size, proportion of independent and female directors are used as proxies for board structure.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that unregulated MFIs with larger and more independent boards tend to have a lower default risk. In addition, unregulated MFIs with a female director tend to lower default risk.

Research limitations/implications

This research mainly focusses on SSA. Future research may consider a broader geographical area.

Practical implications

Poor loan portfolio quality is one of the major problems of MFIs operating in SSA. The findings of this study will contribute in emphasizing the role of an effective board structure in lowering MFI default risk.

Originality/value

This study is unique in terms of investigating whether board structure impacts default risk based on MFI regulation.
My career development journey to an authentic work identity
Authors: Kock Ruwayne Garth
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper describes the author's lived experiences as a marginalised professional. It offers a nuanced understanding of the author's career development journey to an authentic work identity.

Design/methodology/approach

This analytic autoethnography, situated in multicultural, democratic South Africa, describes how historic moments in the country's political evolution influenced the author personally: the author’s sense of belonging and the author’s various roles socially, as well as at work.

Findings

The paper tracks selected stories in the author's professional career journey to an authentic work identity, as indexed by the themes: I am a Black South African; I am a gay professional and so, who am I at work? On reflection, the author realised how the bounded nature of authenticity allowed psychological safety while exploring congruency between the author’s multiple work identities.

Originality/value

The autoethnography demonstrates how multiple accounts by the same author may be a valuable way of contributing to the literature on authentic work identity. This autoethnographic work extends the authentic identity literature of marginalised professionals beyond the narrow authenticity–inauthenticity binary of most organisational studies. The paper introduces limited authentic work identity as an ameliorative self-concept in organisations.
Is there a commendable regime for combatting money laundering in international business transactions?
Authors: Clarke Andrew Emerson
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Money laundering and grand business corruption continue to plague the global economy, accounting for 2%-5% of the global gross domestic product. Illicit funds, produced through grand corruption, are laundered using complex layering schemes that cloak them in legitimacy by concealing their origins. Lamentably, weak anti-money laundering (AML) frameworks promote economic instability, unjust commercial advantages and organized crimes. This study aims to highlight the need for comprehensive anti-corruption and AML frameworks by critiquing the exploitable gaps in the global AML regime created by heterogeneous state-level AML regimes to date.

Design/methodology/approach

This study welcomes the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the financial action task force (FATF) recommendations but underscores the limitations of their effectiveness by investigating state-level enforcement mechanisms to determine these instruments’ true impact or lack thereof. The mutual evaluation reports (MERs) and state-level AML regimes in the UK, the USA and Canada are analyzed to illustrate the distinct implementation of international soft law in domestic legislation.

Findings

This study finds that UNCAC and the FATF recommendations are pivotal steps towards the establishment of a global AML regime for international business, albeit, one that remains imperfect because of the inconsistency of state-level AML frameworks. Consequently, international cooperation is needed to navigate and improve the discrepancies in varied AML legislation.

Originality/value

The author provides an in-depth and balanced analysis of current state-level AML developments and relies upon the recent 2016-2018 MERs to indicate the successes and flaws of various AML legislation. Therefore, this critique may guide stakeholders to construct robust AML frameworks and contributes to academic research in AML.
An examination of factors associated with investment in internal auditing technology
Authors: Garven Sarah , Scarlata Audrey
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore whether various organizational, internal audit function and audit committee factors are associated with internal audit investment in audit technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The responses from 213 public and private company chief audit executives (CAEs) from seven Anglo-culture countries are analyzed from the Common Body of Knowledge (CBOK) 2015 Global Internal Auditor Practitioner Survey on specific questions addressing internal audit use of audit technology.

Findings

The results indicate that several of the studied factors are associated with investment in internal auditing technology, and taken together, suggest that CAE power may be the key driver in the technology investment decision. Furthermore, the data show that internal audit functions are not fully embracing the use of information technology (IT) tools and techniques, with average usage of ten of the eleven tools and techniques examined below moderate levels.

Practical implications

The results have implications for CAEs, boards and management when making resource allocation decisions. For example, the findings can be used in benchmarking an appropriate investment in internal audit technology, as well as identifying specific internal audit technology areas where further investment may be warranted. Additionally, insights provided by this study can facilitate a discussion about the value internal audit can add by increasing its investment in audit technology.

Originality/value

This study contributes to prior literature on internal auditing by filling a gap related to internal audit investment in audit technology, examining countries that are similar in culture rather than limiting the study to one country, and using several factors that have not been previously examined in prior internal audit investment-related literature. Additionally, the findings pointing to the important role CAE power appears to play in the internal audit technology investment decision provide several interesting new research avenues.
The adoption of sustainable development goals by large Portuguese companies
Authors: Santos Maria João , Silva Bastos Cristina
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Two years on from the launch of the United Nations 2030 agenda, this study aims to approach just how and why large Portuguese companies are incorporating the sustainable development goals (SDGs) into their strategies. This sets out a theoretical framework for priority levels of management and the key rationales and motivations towards the adoption of the SDGs by companies within the scope of identifying logical and mutual connections.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed theoretical framework applied an empirical, qualitative study approach, deploying content analysis of the semi-structured interviews carried out.

Findings

The results convey how the responding companies are using the different management models identified for integrating the SDGs, with the strategic and operational facets of greatest relevance. There are various key reasons put forward in justification of this involvement, in particular highlighting the understanding of the 2030 agenda as an ethical and social contract followed by concerns over managing stakeholders. The results demonstrate that these main motivations influence the management level at which the SGDs undergo integration, yet they do not determine the type of integration.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis of a limited number of companies and the fact that the semi-structured interviews were made with a single representative, which correspondingly reflects how the responses received convey the understandings, visions, values and responsibilities of these interlocutors.

Originality/value

This provides one of the first studies contributing towards understanding how and why businesses are aligning with the SDGs. At the conceptual level, this proposes a theoretical framework for analysing the underlying logics and the levels of integration into business management and how both can be interconnected. In practical terms, this clarifies how business management strategies may leverage the integration of the 2030 agenda as a mechanism for implementing corporate sustainability.
Effect of stress interactions on anisotropic P‐SV‐wave dispersion and attenuation for closely spaced cracks in saturated porous media
Authors: Cao Chenghao , Chen Fangyuan , Fu Li‐Yun , Ba Jing , Han Tongcheng
Published: July 2020

Generally, local stress induced by individual crack hardly disturbs their neighbours for small crack densities, which, however, could not be neglected as the crack density increases. The disturbance becomes rather complex in saturated porous rocks due to the wave‐induced diffusion of fluid pressures. The problem is addressed in this study by the comparison of two solutions: the analytical solution without stress interactions and the numerical method with stress interactions. The resultant difference of effective properties can be used to estimate the effect of stress interactions quantitatively. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the spatial distribution pattern of cracks strongly affects stress interactions. For regularly distributed cracks, the resulting stress interaction (shielding or amplification) shows strong anisotropy, depending on the arrangement and density of cracks. It has an important role in the estimation of effective anisotropic parameters as well as the incident‐angle‐dependency of P‐ and SV‐wave velocities. Contrarily, randomly distributed cracks with a relative small crack density generally lead to a strong cancellation of stress interactions across cracks, where both the numerical and analytical solutions show a good agreement for the estimation of effective parameters. However, for a higher crack density, the incomplete cancellation of stress interactions is expected, exhibiting an incidence‐angle dependency, slightly affecting effective parameters, and differentiating the numerical and analytical solutions.
Assessment of the anti‐hyperalgesic efficacy of J‐2156, relative to clinically available analgesic/adjuvant agents in a rat model of mild to moderate chronic mechanical low back pain (LBP)
Authors: Kuo Andy , Lourdesamy Jacintha , Nicholson Janet R. , Corradini Laura , Smith Maree T.
Published: July 2020

Chronic mechanical low back pain (cLBP) is a leading cause of disability and a major socio‐economic burden internationally. The lifetime prevalence of non‐specific LBP is approximately 84%, with the prevalence of cLBP at about 23%. Clinically available analgesic/adjuvant medications often provide inadequate pain relief in patients experiencing cLBP. Hence, the urgency for discovery of effective and better tolerated medications. Fourteen days after the induction of five shallow annular punctures (5X) in the lumbar intervertebral discs at L4/L5 and L5/L6 in male Sprague‐Dawley rats, mechanical hyperalgesia was fully developed in the lumbar axial deep tissues at L4/L5 (primary) and L1 (secondary). Importantly, mechanical allodynia in the hindpaws was absent. From day 28, we assessed the face validity of our mild to moderate LBP‐5X rat model using four clinically available analgesic/adjuvant drugs, namely gabapentin, morphine, meloxicam and amitriptyline relative to vehicle. Additionally, the anti‐hyperalgesic effects of J‐2156, a highly selective small molecule somatostatin type 4 receptor agonist was assessed. Single i.p. bolus doses of gabapentin and meloxicam at the highest doses tested (100 and 30 mg/kg, respectively) alleviated secondary hyperalgesia (L1) but not primary hyperalgesia (L4/5). Morphine at 1 mg/kg alleviated both primary and secondary hyperalgesia in these tissues, whereas amitriptyline at the doses tested, lacked efficacy. These findings attest to the face validity of our model. J‐2156 at 10 and 30 mg/kg alleviated secondary hyperalgesia in the lumbar axial deep tissues at L1 with a non‐significant trend for relief of primary hyperalgesia in the corresponding tissues at L4/L5 in these animals.
Tick Size and Financial Reporting Quality in Small‐Cap Firms: Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Authors: AHMED ANWER S. , LI YIWEN , XU NINA
Published: July 2020

Using a natural experiment (the SEC's 2016 Tick Size Pilot Program), we investigate the effects of an increase in tick size on financial reporting quality. The tick size pilot program reduces algorithmic trading (AT) and increases fundamental investors’ information acquisition and trading activities. This in turn increases the scrutiny of managers’ financial reporting choices and reduces their incentives to engage in misreporting. Using a difference‐in‐differences research design, we find a significant decrease in the magnitude of discretionary accruals, a significant reduction in the likelihood of just meeting or beating analysts’ forecasts, and a marginally significant decrease in restatements for the treated firms in the pilot program. Furthermore, we find that the change in financial reporting quality is concentrated in treated firms experiencing decreases in AT and increases in information acquisition activities. We also find that the mispricing of accruals is significantly lower for treated firms. Taken together, our results suggest that an increase in tick size has a causal effect on firms’ financial reporting quality.
A participatory decision making framework for artisanal fisheries collaborative governance: Insights from management committees in Chile
Authors: Estévez Rodrigo A. , Veloso Carlos , Jerez Gabriel , Gelcich Stefan
Published: July 2020

Fisheries management is increasingly transitioning towards collaborative governance. Collaborative systems depend on stakeholders’ capacity to design and implement legitimate and scientifically robust management plans within collective action arenas. Here we propose that collaborative governance outcomes, in fisheries management, will benefit from using structured participatory decision making frameworks that enhance deliberative thinking among stakeholders. We tested our approach in the artisanal fishery of Chile, an important producer of marine resources. Recently in 2013, Chile made important changes to fisheries policies by creating multi‐sectorial management committees to manage de facto open access fishing areas. We applied a structured decision making framework to inform the restructuring of a management plan within a committee. As a result, we identified goals,objectives and indicators, including social, economic, biological and ecological dimensions; we explored tradeoffs, assessing the relative importance of the objectives; finally, we created scenarios and prioritized alternatives, reflecting on the interplay between self‐regulation and government control. Members of the management committee were able to rationalize the different steps of the framework and identify ways forward which highlighted the importance of self‐regulation in comparison to central authorities’ control. We concluded that structured decision making promotes spaces for rational analysis of alternatives costs and benefits. Promoting deliberative thinking in fisheries management can improve equity, legitimacy and sustainability of collaborative governance.
Effects of different thawing methods on conformation and oxidation of myofibrillar protein from largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Authors: Cai Luyun , Wan Jiangli , Li Xiuxia , Li Jianrong
Published: July 2020

This study examined the effects on conformation and oxidation of myofibrillar protein in largemouth bass by different thawing methods. The conventional thawing, microwave thawing, microwave (MVT) or ultrasound combined with vacuum thawing, microwave or far‐infrared thawing (FMT) combined with magnetic nanoparticles were used in this experiment. The physicochemical changes were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic rheology. The protein structure changes were measured by Raman, intrinsic fluorescence, and second‐derivative ultraviolet spectrometry. The degree of protein aggregation was evaluated by surface hydrophobicity, particle size, and zeta‐potential measurements. Total sulfhydryl content, protein carbonyl content, Ca2+‐ATPase activity, and SDS‐PAGE were used to analyze the degree of protein oxidation. Results showed that MVT and FMT samples had better thermal stability, more stable protein conformation, and a lower degree of protein oxidation. Thus, these two methods would be beneficial to sustain the quality of thawed fillets.

Practical Applications

In the market circulation, largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) need to be frozen. The thawing methods can directly affect the quality of frozen fish, thus causing the changes in the conformation of the myofibrillar protein in fish, and also affecting the degree of protein oxidation. The results showed that the microwave combined with vacuum and the magnetic nanoparticles combined with far‐infrared thawing had less effect on myofibrillar protein of fish and were a better thawing method.
Endoscopic visualization of cancer and dysplasia in patients with ulcerative colitis following sensitization with oral 5‐aminolevulinic acid
Authors: Kato Tomohiro , Iwasaki Tetsuyoshi , Arihiro Seiji , Saruta Masayuki
Published: July 2020

Objective

Early diagnosis of colitis‐associated cancer and dysplasia through surveillance endoscopy is vital for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of autofluorescence endoscopy (AFE) using 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and to investigate the fluorescence signal localization pattern following 5‐ALA administration in tumorous lesions diagnosed as colitis‐associated cancer and dysplasia. The sensitivity and specificity of tumorous lesions detected by white light endoscopy (WLE) with and without AFE were evaluated.

Methods

Overall, 13 endoscopic procedures were performed in 11 patients with UC using WLE and AFE following the oral administration of 5‐ALA. The biopsied lesions detected via endoscopy and resected specimens from cases underwent colectomy were assessed histopathologically. The sensitivity and specificity of detecting tumorous lesions by WLE with and without AFE were evaluated.

Results

Of the 68 lesions detected and biopsied, 63 were detected via WLE, and five were detected via AFE alone. The sensitivity of detecting colitis‐associated cancer and dysplasia via WLE combined with AFE was 36.4%, and the specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 94.2%, 57.1%, and 87.5%, respectively. Tumorous lesions displayed three types of fluorescence patterns on AFE.

Conclusions

AFE using 5‐ALA can detect colitis‐associated cancer and dysplasia in patients with long‐standing UC and lesions that could not be detected via WLE. The distinctive fluorescence patterns in lesions may permit qualitative diagnoses of colitis‐associated cancer and dysplasia.
Lost in translation: the quest for Nitrosomonas cluster 7‐specific amoA primers and TaqMan probes
Authors: Orschler Laura , Agrawal Shelesh , Lackner Susanne
Published: July 2020

The choice of primer and TaqMan probes to quantify ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in environmental samples is of crucial importance. The re‐evaluation of primer pairs based on current genomic sequences used for quantification of the amoA gene revealed (1) significant misrepresentations of the AOB population in environmental samples, (2) and a lack of perfect match primer pairs for Nitrosomonas europaea and Nitrosomonas eutropha. We designed two new amoA cluster 7‐specific primer pairs and TaqMan probes to quantify N. europaea (nerF/nerR/nerTaq) and N. eutropha (netF/netR/netTaq). Specificity and quantification biases of the newly designed primer sets were compared with the most popular primer pair (amoA1f/amoA2r) using DNA from various AOB cultures as individual templates as well as DNA mixtures and environmental samples. Based on the qPCR results, we found that the newly designed primer pairs and the most popular one performed similarly for individual templates but differed for the DNA mixtures and environmental samples. Using the popular primer pair introduced a high underestimation of AOB in environmental samples, especially for N. eutropha. Thus, there is a strong need for more specific primers and probes to understand the occurrence and competition between N. europaea and N. eutropha in different environments.
A simple and effective ground‐based tool for sampling tree flowers at height for subsequent nectar extraction
Authors: Scaccabarozzi Daniela , Campbell Tristan , Dods Kenneth
Published: July 2020

Sampling nectar from forest canopies is logistically challenging as it requires physical access to the canopy to a height greater than that can be achieved by hand. The most common solutions comprise the use of cherry pickers, cranes or tree climbers. These techniques are generally expensive, logistically complex, and often involve additional safety risks and specialized technicians to use the equipment/machinery. In addition, access is required up to the tree for cherry pickers and cranes, and tree climbers are often unable to reach the outermost branches.

Here, we propose a simple approach based on a special, easy to assemble tool, to sample tree flowers for subsequent nectar extraction, to avoid climbing and cumbersome/expensive equipment. Conducting a study on nectar production of Eucalypt trees (Myrtaceae) in southwest Australia, we conceived a practical ground‐based tool formed by an extendible pole with an adapted container at the end for covering the tree inflorescence with organza and plastic (polyethylene) bags.

We experimented with the tool on dozens of trees of each of the co‐occurring species Eucalyptus marginata and Corymbia calophylla, successfully completing the following operational manoeuvres: bagging the inflorescence with an organza bag prior to the nectar collection, then bagging the inflorescence and organza bags with plastic bags if necessary, and cutting the bagged inflorescences from the branch for subsequent nectar extraction. We present the instructions for assembling the tool and we detail the sequence for bagging and sampling flowers from canopy trees, including time‐saving tips.

This approach allows efficient sampling of tree flowers for subsequent nectar extraction. To effectively handle the tool while covering the inflorescence, the maximum sample collection height is approximately 10 m. Overall, the tool helps to address limitations related to sampling nectar from medium‐height trees such as costs, risks and time factors. Beyond tree flowers, the tool can be used for sampling flowers of epiphytic and climbing plants, and it could also be used to test for autogamy in flowering trees.
Mu opioid receptors on vGluT2‐expressing glutamatergic neurons modulate opioid reward
Authors: Reeves Kaitlin C. , Kube Megan J. , Grecco Gregory G. , Fritz Brandon M. , Muñoz Braulio , Yin Fuqin , Gao Yong , Haggerty David L. , Hoffman Hunter J. , Atwood Brady K.
Published: July 2020

The role of Mu opioid receptor (MOR)‐mediated regulation of GABA transmission in opioid reward is well established. Much less is known about MOR‐mediated regulation of glutamate transmission in the brain and how this relates to drug reward. We previously found that MORs inhibit glutamate transmission at synapses that express the Type 2 vesicular glutamate transporter (vGluT2). We created a transgenic mouse that lacks MORs in vGluT2‐expressing neurons (MORflox‐vGluT2cre) to demonstrate that MORs on the vGluT2 neurons themselves mediate this synaptic inhibition. We then explored the role of MORs in vGluT2‐expressing neurons in opioid‐related behaviors. In tests of conditioned place preference, MORflox‐vGluT2cre mice did not acquire place preference for a low dose of the opioid, oxycodone, but displayed conditioned place aversion at a higher dose, whereas control mice displayed preference for both doses. In an oral consumption assessment, these mice consumed less oxycodone and had reduced preference for oxycodone compared with controls. MORflox‐vGluT2cre mice also failed to show oxycodone‐induced locomotor stimulation. These mice displayed baseline withdrawal‐like responses following the development of oxycodone dependence that were not seen in littermate controls. In addition, withdrawal‐like responses in these mice did not increase following treatment with the opioid antagonist, naloxone. However, other MOR‐mediated behaviors were unaffected, including oxycodone‐induced analgesia. These data reveal that MOR‐mediated regulation of glutamate transmission is a critical component of opioid reward.
Differential seminal plasma proteome signatures of boars with high and low resistance to hypothermic semen preservation at 5°C
Authors: Menezes Tila de Alcantara , Bustamante‐Filho Ivan Cunha , Paschoal Aline Fernanda Lopes , Dalberto Pedro Ferrari , Bizarro Cristiano Valim , Bernardi Mari Lourdes , Ulguim Rafael da Rosa , Bortolozzo Fernando Pandolfo , Mellagi Ana Paula Gonçalves
Published: July 2020

Background

Hypothermic storage at 5°C has been investigated as an alternative to promote the prudent use of antibiotics for boar artificial insemination doses. However, this temperature is challenging for some ejaculates or boars.

Objective

The present study aimed to identify putative biomarkers for semen resistance to hypothermic storage at 5°C by comparing the seminal plasma proteomes of boars with high and low seminal resistance to preservation at 5°C.

Materials and methods

From an initial group of 34 boars, 15 were selected based on the following criteria: ejaculate with ≤20% abnormal spermatozoa and at least 70% progressive motility at 120 hours of storage at 17°C. Then, based on the response to semen hypothermic storage at 5°C, boars were classified into two categories: high resistance—progressive motility of >75% in the three collections (n = 3); and low resistance—progressive motility of <75% in the three collections (n = 3). Seminal plasma proteins were analyzed in pools, and differential proteomics was performed using Multidimensional Protein Identification Technology.

Results

Progressive motility was lower at 120 hours of storage in low resistance, compared to high resistance boars (P < .05). Acrosome and plasma membrane integrity were not affected by the boar category, storage time, or their interaction (P ≥ .104). Sixty‐five proteins were considered for differential proteomics. Among the differentially expressed and exclusive proteins, the identification of proteins such cathepsin B, legumain, and cystatin B suggests significant changes in key enzymes (eg, metalloproteinases) involved in spermatogenesis, sperm integrity, and fertilizing potential.

Discussion and Conclusion

Differences in the seminal plasma suggest that proteins involved in the proteolytic activation of metalloproteinases and proteins related to immune response modulation could disrupt key cellular pathways during spermatogenesis and epididymal maturation, resulting in altered resistance to chilling injury. Further in vivo studies focusing on the immunological crosstalk between epithelial cells and gametes might explain how the immune regulators influence sperm resistance to hipothermic storage.
Multicentre study found that adherence to national antibiotic recommendations for neonatal early‐onset sepsis was low
Authors: van der Weijden Bo M. , Achten Niek B. , Bekhof Jolita , Evers Esther E. , Berk Mylène , Kamps Arvid W.A. , Rijpert Maarten , ten Tusscher Gavin W. , van Houten Marlies A. , Plötz Frans B.
Published: July 2020

Aim

Our aim was to evaluate adherence to the Dutch neonatal early‐onset sepsis (EOS) guidelines, adapted from UK guidance. We also looked at the effect on antibiotic recommendations and duration.

Method

This was a multicentre, prospective observational cross‐sectional study carried out in seven hospitals in the Netherlands between 1 September 2018 and 1 November 2019. We enrolled 1024 neonates born at 32 weeks of gestation or later if they demonstrated at least one EOS risk factor or clinical signs of infection.

Results

The Dutch guidelines recommended antibiotic treatment for 438/1024 (42.8%) of the neonates designated at risk, but only 186/438 (42.5%) received antibiotics. The guidelines advised withholding antibiotics for 586/1024 (57.2%) of neonates and in 570/586 (97.3%) cases the clinicians adhered to this recommendation. Blood cultures were obtained for 182/186 (97.8%) infants who started antibiotics and only four were positive, for group B streptococci. Antibiotic treatment was continued for more than 3 days in 56/178 (31.5%) neonates, despite a negative blood culture.

Conclusion

Low adherence to the Dutch guidelines meant that the majority of neonates did not receive the antibiotic treatment that was recommended, while some antibiotic use was prolonged despite negative blood cultures. The guidelines need to be revised.
Concomitant excitation and tension development are required for myocellular gene expression and protein synthesis in rat skeletal muscle
Authors: Rindom Emil , Herskind Jon , Blaauw Bert , Overgaard Kristian , Vissing Kristian , de Paoli Frank V.
Published: July 2020

Aim

Loading‐induced tension development is often assumed to constitute an independent cue to initiate muscle protein synthesis following resistance exercise. However, with traditional physiological models of resistance exercise, changes in loading‐induced tension development also reflect changes in neural activation patterns, and direct evidence for a mechanosensitive mechanism is therefore limited. Here, we sought to examine the importance of excitation and tension development per se on initiation of signalling, gene transcription and protein synthesis in rat skeletal muscle.

Methods

Isolated rat extensor digitorum longus muscles were allocated to the following interventions: (a) Excitation‐induced eccentric contractions (ECC); (b) Passive stretching without excitation (PAS); (c) Excitation with inhibition of contractions (STIM + IMA) and; (d) Excitation in combination with both inhibition of contractions and PAS (STIM + IMA + PAS). Assessment of transcriptional and translational signalling, gene transcription and acute muscle protein synthesis was compared in stimulated vs contra‐lateral non‐stimulated control muscle.

Results

Protein synthesis increased solely in muscles subjected to a combination of excitation and tension development (ECC and STIM + IMA + PAS). The same pattern was true for p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase signalling for gene transcription as well as for gene transcription of immediate early genes FOS and JUN. In contrast, mechanistic target of rapamycin Complex 1 signalling for translation initiation increased in all muscles subjected to increased tension development (ECC and STIM + IMA + PAS as well as PAS).

Conclusions

The current study suggests that exercise‐induced increases in protein synthesis as well as transcriptional signalling is dependent on the concomitant effect of excitation and tension development, whereas signalling for translation initiation is only dependent of tension development per se.
The association between longer durations of the latent phase of labor and subsequent perinatal processes and outcomes among midwifery patients
Authors: Tilden Ellen L. , Phillippi Julia C. , Carlson Nicole , Dissanayake Mekhala , Lee Christopher S. , Caughey Aaron B. , Snowden Jonathan M.
Published: July 2020

Background/Objective

To evaluate the association between the duration of the latent phase of labor and subsequent processes and outcomes.

Methods

Secondary analysis of prospectively collected data among 1,189 women with low‐risk pregnancies and spontaneous labor.

Results

Longer latent phase duration was associated with labor dystocia (eg, nulliparous ≥ mean [compared with < mean] aOR 3.95 [2.70‐5.79]; multiparous ≥ mean [compared with < mean] aOR 5.45 [3.43‐8.65]), interventions to ameliorate dystocia, and epidurals to cope or rest (eg, oxytocin augmentation: nulliparous > 80th% [compared with < 80th%] aOR 6.39 [4.04‐10.12]; multiparous ≥ 80th% [compared with < 80th%] aOR 6.35 [3.79‐10.64]). Longer latent phase duration was also associated with longer active phase and second stage. There were no associations between latent phase duration and risk for cesarean delivery or postpartum hemorrhage in a practice setting with relatively low rates of primary cesarean. Newborns born to multiparous women with latent phase of labor durations at and beyond the 80th% were more frequently admitted to the NICU (≥80th% [compared with < 80th%] aOR 2.7 [1.22‐5.84]); however, two‐thirds of these NICU admissions were likely for observation only.

Conclusions

Longer duration of the spontaneous latent phase of labor among women with low‐risk pregnancies may signal longer total labor processes, leading to an increase in diagnosis of dystocia, interventions to manage dystocia, and epidural use. Apart from multiparous neonatal NICU admission, no other maternal or child morbidity outcomes were elevated with longer duration of the latent phase of labor.
Debate: Exposing the most serious infirmity – racism’s impact on health in the era of COVID‐19
Authors: Farquharson Wilfred H. , Thornton Carmen J.
Published: July 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic retells a story that other diseases like HIV, diabetes, and cancer have clearly internationally illustrated. Minorities in developed countries across the globe – especially those of African, Hispanic, and Native American descent – suffer a greater burden of disease than whites. The evidence of the cause and effect relationship of racism on mental and minority health outcomes is staggering. Racism and its influence on policy and important structural systems allow health inequities across racial and ethnic groups to persist. What’s more troubling is how systemic racism impacts children from all races and has been perpetuated across many generations dating back hundreds of years. The impact of racial oppression is seen through intergenerational trauma which impacts youth in varying ways. For this article, we offer three areas in which racism causes healthcare disparities, intergenerational trauma, social determinants, and cultural mistrust. Effective policy change and a greater level of accountability must be placed on major systems including health care, to most fully counter racism’s varied role in sustaining mental health inequities.