bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acid-Sensing Ion Channels Mediate Type III Adenylyl Cyclase-Independent Acid-Sensing of Mouse Olfactory Sensory Neurons
Authors: Yang Juan , Qiu Liyan , Strobel Matthew , Kabel Amanda , Zha Xiangming , Chen Xuanmao
Published: September 2019

Acids can disturb the ecosystem of wild animals through altering their olfaction and olfaction-related survival behaviors. It is known that the main olfactory epithelia (MOE) of mammals rely on odorant receptors and type III adenylyl cyclase (AC3) to detect general odorants. However, it is unknown how the olfactory system sense protons or acidic odorants. Here we show that the mouse MOE responded to acidic volatile stimuli in the presence and the absence of AC3. Acetic acid-induced electro-olfactogram (EOG) responses in wild type (WT) MOE can be dissected into two components: one dependent on the AC3-mediated cAMP pathway and the other not. MOE of AC3 knockout (KO) mice retained an acid-evoked EOG response but failed to respond to an odor mix. The acid-evoked responses of the AC3 KO could be blocked by diminazene, an inhibitor of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), but not by forskolin/IBMX, which desensitize the cAMP pathway. AC3 KO mice lost their sensitivity to detect pungent odorants but maintained sniffing behavior to acetic acid. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that ASIC1 proteins were highly expressed in olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), mostly enriched in the knobs, dendrites, and somata, but not in olfactory cilia. Moreover, mice exhibited reduced preference to attractive objects when placed in an environment with acidic volatiles. Together, we conclude that the mouse olfactory system has a non-conventional, ASICs-mediated mechanism for acid-sensing. Acid stimulation of ASICs may unselectively depolarize different OSNs and interfere with the anatomical logic for odor perception.
Identifying transposon insertions in bacterial genomes through nanopore sequencing
Authors: Baltrus David A. , Medlen John , Clark Meara
Published: September 2019

Transposon mutagenesis is a widely used tool for carrying out forward genetic screens across systems, but in some cases it can be difficult to identify transposon insertion points after successful phenotypic screens. As an alternative to traditional methods, we report on the efficacy of using an Oxford Nanopore’s MinION to identify transposon insertions through whole genome sequencing. We also report experiments using CRISPR-Cas to selectively target regions of the genome where a transposon has integrated. Our experiments provide a framework for understanding the efficiency of such techniques for carrying out forward genetic screens and point towards the ability to use CRISPR-based sequence capture to identify the insertion of particular regions of DNA across all genomes, which may enable Tn-Seq experiments using Nanopore based sequencing.
Exons, Introns, and UCEs Reveal Conflicting Phylogenomic Signals in a Rapid Radiation of Frogs (Ranidae: Hylarana)
Authors: Chan Kin Onn , Hutter Carl R. , Wood Perry L. , Grismer L. Lee , Brown Rafe M.
Published: September 2019

The manuscript titled “Exons, Introns, and UCEs Reveal Conflicting Phylogenomic Signals in a Rapid Radiation of Frogs (Ranidae: Hylarana)” has been withdrawn from BioRxiv temporarily. The manuscript has been withdrawn because it utilizes a new protocol for data collection, which has yet not been published. Once the paper describing the new method becomes available for circulation, this manuscript will be resubmitted to BioRxiv. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
Tooth Shape Adaptations in Aglyphous Colubrid Snakes Inferred from 3D Geometric Morphometrics and Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Rajabizadeh Mahdi , Van Wassenbergh Sam , Mallet Christophe , Rücklin Martin , Herrel Anthony
Published: September 2019

To date there are few detailed and quantitative studies investigating the evolution of the tooth shape and function in Aglyphous snakes in relation to diet. To study dental adaptations to diet, a lineage that is of particular interest due to its large range of adult body sizes, is the one including dwarfed snakes of the genus Eirenis and their immediate sister group, whip snakes of the genus Dolichophis. A considerable evolutionary decrease in the size is observed from a Dolichophis-like ancestor to the miniature Eirenis, coupled with a considerable shift in their diet from a regime consisting mainly of endotherms with endoskeleton to ectotherms bearing a hard exoskeleton. Maxilla, palatine, pterygoid and dentary teeth were examined in an adult and a juvenile of Dolichophis schmidti, one Eirenis punctolineatus and one Eirenis persicus. 3D Geometric Morphometrics comparison revealed maxilla and palatine teeth of the E. persicus are blunt and conical shape while those teeth are sharp and elongated in E. punctatolineatus as well as the adult and juvenile D. schmidti. A similar difference could be noted for the pterygoid teeth. In contrast, the dentary teeth are not as different among the examined snakes. Blunt and conically shaped teeth, as observed in E. persicus, seem to be more adapted for biting hard bodied, arthropod prey, while sharp and elongated teeth in Dolichophis and E. punctatolineatus, are specialized for puncturing endotherm prey. The results of a finite element analysis confirms that during biting a hard bodied prey, the generated stresses in E. persicus tooth is mostly confined to the tip of the tooth and mostly well below the von Mises yield criterion the tooth. In contrary, D. schmidti tooth appears less well suited for biting a hard prey since the generated stresses widely distribute across the tooth with values roughly 2 to 3 times higher than the von Mises yield criterion of the tooth. A lower degree of specialization that was observed among the dentary teeth in the examined snakes suggest a similar functional constraint in pushing the prey against the upper tooth rows.
AstroDot: a new method for studying the spatial distribution of mRNA in astrocytes
Authors: Oudart Marc , Tortuyaux Romain , Mailly Philippe , Mazaré Noémie , Boulay Anne-Cécile , Cohen-Salmon Martine
Published: September 2019

Cells with a complex shape often use mRNA distribution and local translation to regulate distal functions. These mechanisms have recently been described in astrocytes, the processes of which contact and functionally modulate neighbouring synapses and blood vessels. In order to study the distribution of mRNA in astrocytes, we developed a three-dimensional histological method that combines mRNA detection viain situhybridization with immunostaining of the astrocyte-specific intermediate filament glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Three-dimensional confocal images were analyzed using AstroDot, a custom Image J plug-in developed in-house for the identification and quantification of mRNAs in GFAP-immunolabelled astrocyte somata, large processes and fine processes. The custom R package AstroStat was used to analyze the AstroDot results. Taking the characterization of mRNAs encoding the astrocyte-specific GFAP α and δ isoforms in the hippocampus as a proof of concept, we showed thatGfapα andGfapδ mRNAs mainly colocalized with GFAP in astrocyte processes.Gfapα mRNA was more abundant thanGfapδ mRNA, and was predominantly found in fine processes. Upon glial activation in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, the same overall patterns were found but we noted strong variations inGfapα andGfapδ mRNA density and distribution as a function of the part of the hippocampus and the astrocyte’s proximity to beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques. In astrocytes not associated with Aβ, Gfap α mRNA levels were only slightly elevated, and Gfap δ mRNA was distributed within the fine processes; these effects were more prominent in CA3 than in CA1. In contrast, levels of both mRNAs were markedly elevated in the fine processes of Aβ-associated astrocytes in both CA1 and CA3. In order to validate our new method, we confirmed thatRpl4mRNA (a ubiquitously expressed mRNA encoding the large subunit ribosomal protein 4) was present in large and fine processes in both astrocytes and microglia. In summary, we have developed a novel, reliable set of tools for characterizing mRNA densities and distributions in the somata and processes of astrocytes and microglia in physiological or pathological settings. Furthermore, our results suggest that intermediate filaments are crucial for distributing mRNA within astrocytes and for modulating specificGfapmRNA profiles in Alzheimer’s disease.
Prediction of best features in heterogeneous Lung adenocarcinoma samples using Least Absolute Shrinking and Selection Operator
Authors: Khaliq Ateeq Muhammed , Sharathchandra RG , Rajamohan Meenakshi
Published: September 2019

This study aims to create a tumor heterogeneity-based model for predicting the best features of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) in multiple cancer subtypes using the Least Absolute Shrinking and Selection Operator (LASSO). The RNA-Seq raw count data of 533 LUAD samples and 59 normal samples were downloaded from the TCGA data portal. Based on consensus clustering method samples was divided into two subtypes, and clusters were validated using silhouette width. Furthermore, we estimated subtypes for the abundance of immune and non-immune stromal cell populations which infiltrated cancer tissue. We established the LASSO model for predicting each subtype’s best features. Enrichment pathway analysis was then carried out. Finally, the validity of the LASSO model for identifying features was established by the survival analysis. Our study suggests that the unsupervised clustering and Machine learning methods such as LASSO model-based feature selection can be effectively used to predict relevant genes which might play an essential role in cancer diagnosis.
Accessibility of promoter DNA is not the primary determinant of chromatin-mediated gene regulation
Authors: Chereji Răzvan V. , Eriksson Peter R. , Ocampo Josefina , Prajapati Hemant K. , Clark David J.
Published: September 2019

DNA accessibility is thought to be of major importance in regulating gene expression. We test this hypothesis using a restriction enzyme as a probe of chromatin structure and as a proxy for transcription factors. We measured the digestion rate and the fraction of accessible DNA at almost all genomic AluI sites in budding yeast and mouse liver nuclei. Hepatocyte DNA is more accessible than yeast DNA, consistent with longer linkers between nucleosomes, suggesting that nucleosome spacing is a major determinant of accessibility. DNA accessibility varies from cell to cell, such that essentially no sites are accessible or inaccessible in every cell. AluI sites in inactive mouse promoters are accessible in some cells, implying that transcription factors could bind without activating the gene. Euchromatin and heterochromatin have very similar accessibilities, suggesting that transcription factors can penetrate heterochromatin. Thus, DNA accessibility is not likely to be the primary determinant of gene regulation.
Comparison of high-resolution synchrotron-radiation-based phase-contrast imaging and absorption-contrast imaging for evaluating microstructure of vascular networks in rat brain: from 2D to 3D views
Authors: Li Hong-Lei , Ding Hui , Yin Xian-Zhen , Chen Zhuo-Hui , Tang Bin , Sun Jing-Yan , Hu Xin-Hang , Lv Xinyi , Kang Shun-Tong , Fan Yi-Shu , Wu Tong , Zhao Song-Feng , Xiao Bo , Zhang Meng-Qi
Published: September 2019

Conventional imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and digital subtraction angiography have limited temporospatial resolutions and shortcomings like invasive angiography, potential allergy to contrast agents, and image deformation, that restrict their application in high-resolution visualization of the structure of microvessels. In this study, through comparing synchrotron radiation (SR) absorption-contrast imaging to absorption phase-contrast imaging, it was found that SR-based phase-contrast imaging could provide more detailed ultra-high-pixel images of microvascular networks than absorption phase-contrast imaging. Simultaneously, SR-based phase-contrast imaging was used to perform high-quality, multi-dimensional and multi-scale imaging of rat brain angioarchitecture. With the aid of image post-processing, high-pixel-size two-dimensional virtual slices can be obtained without sectioning. The distribution of blood supply is in accordance with the results of traditional tissue staining. Three-dimensional anatomical maps of cerebral angioarchitecture can also be acquired. Functional partitions of regions of interest are reproduced in the reconstructed rat cerebral vascular networks. Imaging analysis of the same sample can also be displayed simultaneously in two- and three-dimensional views, which provides abundant anatomical information together with parenchyma and vessels. In conclusion, SR-based phase-contrast imaging holds great promise for visualizing microstructure of microvascular networks in two- and three-dimensional perspectives during the development of neurovascular diseases.
Analysis of South African universities and communities archives
Authors: Netshakhuma Nkholedzeni Sidney
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study to investigate the relationships between South Africa (SA) universities and universities surrounding communities (USC) for preserving community histories and serve the universities’ mandate to support their local communities and support universities’ teaching and scholarship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a multiple case study approach through interviews. The population of the study comprised representatives from selected universities and their USC.

Findings

The findings revealed a lack of effective relationships between universities and USC to preserve communities’ histories. Hence, the communities’ archives are tools for teaching and scholarship. Relations between universities and USC are to be built on trust. Accountability and transparency are to be considered by both parties.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to selected SA universities, namely, University of Venda, Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Pretoria and SA and USC. The findings are applicable to all SA universities and USC.

Practical implications

The relationship between universities and USC has a practical impact on the National archives of South Africa (NARSSA) to collect communities archives because it is in conflict with the mandate of NARSSA. The National Archives’ Act 43 of 1996 obliged NARSSA to collect and preserve communities’ archives on behalf of societies.

Social implications

Lack of universities and USC can lead to the loss of communities histories or archives.

Originality/value

This paper appears to be the first to research the relationship between SA universities and USC.
An IoMT-based geriatric care management system for achieving smart health in nursing homes
Authors: Tang Valerie , Choy K.L. , Ho G.T.S. , Lam H.Y. , Tsang Y.P.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an Internet of medical things (IoMT)-based geriatric care management system (I-GCMS), integrating IoMT and case-based reasoning (CBR) in order to deal with the global concerns of the increasing demand for elderly care service in nursing homes.

Design/methodology/approach

The I-GCMS is developed under the IoMT environment to collect real-time biometric data for total health monitoring. When the health of an elderly deteriorates, the CBR is used to revise and generate the customized care plan, and hence support and improve the geriatric care management (GCM) service in nursing homes.

Findings

A case study is conducted in a nursing home in Taiwan to evaluate the performance of the I-GCMS. Under the IoMT environment, the time saving in executing total health monitoring helps improve the daily operation effectiveness and efficiency. In addition, the proposed system helps leverage a proactive approach in modifying the content of a care plan in response to the change of health status of elderly.

Originality/value

Considering the needs for demanding and accurate healthcare services, this is the first time that IoMT and CBR technologies have been integrated in the field of GCM. This paper illustrates how to seamlessly connect various sensors to capture real-time biometric data to the I-GCMS platform for responsively supporting decision making in the care plan modification processes. With the aid of I-GCMS, the efficiency in executing the daily routine processes and the quality of healthcare services can be improved.
Consumer behavior in the omni-channel supply chain under social networking services
Authors: Yan Bo , Chen Yan-Ru , Zhou Xiao-Tai , Fang Jing
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how social networking services (SNSs) affect consumers’ behaviors on the omni-channel supply chain by using a reverse research method.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, a questionnaire was administered to obtain data on the relationship between the perception factors of channels and consumer behavior. Subsequently, a structural equation model was constructed, and consumer behavior were determined in the omni-channel supply chain. Finally, the importance of various factors that affected consumer behavior in the omni-channel supply chain under SNSs was determined.

Findings

Conclusions affirm that a positive effect on consumer channel behaviors occurs when buyers obtain information from social network platforms. However, regardless of online, offline, or mobile terminal, shortcomings are indicated in consumers’ lack of feedback on purchased goods and the bias of feedback.

Originality/value

The study explored ways to efficiently apply SNSs in building the omni-channel supply chain. Meanwhile, corresponding suggestions were provided such that companies will know about consumer needs.
An assessment of effects of non-stationary operational conditions on wind turbine under different wind scenario
Authors: Hulio Zahid Hussain , Jiang Wei
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The non-stationary operational wind loads vary in time and site and has remarkable effect on wind turbine drive train. The purpose of this paper is to determine the effects of wind class 3 and 7 on the life of wind turbine drive train. The two-wind class 3 and 7 are described by average wind speed and weight factor and effects of two variables on wind energy generation and wind turbine drive train studied.

Design/methodology/approach

The load distribution method is used to calculate stress range cycles for wind class 3 and 7. To determine the rise of force on wind turbine drive train, the load cycle method is proposed. The fatigue damage model is studied with respect to influence of different wind speeds and wind shear factor and then results analysed accordingly. Also sensitivity analysis has been carried out to assess the percentage of drop of energy generation and rise of tangential force for wind class 3 and 7. Linear fit method is used to determine the inclination of wind variation and wind shear of wind class 3 and 7. In this regard, two practical wind sites fall under the wind class 3 and 7 and 1.5 MW wind turbine have been taken in to account.

Findings

The results showed that the average rise of force on wind turbine drive train is 37.5% which can influence the drop in energy 34.7% for wind class 3. Similarly, the results of wind class 7 are showing that the average rise in force and drop in energy found to be 49.05% and 51.16%, respectively. The wind class 7 have higher tendency of wind fluctuations and weight factor that can cause a damage to wind turbine drive train components. The results showed that when wind speed increases to rated power 11.5 m/s the damages occurred and remain steady. Similarly, when weight factor increased from 0.18 to onwards the damage occurred. The increased wind loads increased the tangential loads on the wind turbine decreased life of the gearbox.

Originality/value

The results of study suggest that wind turbine should be design according to site specific wind environment for maximum energy generation and lowers the wind loads on the drive train component.
Intentions of entrepreneurship in sports science higher education: gender the moderator effect
Authors: Puyana Moisés Grimaldi , Gálvez-Ruiz Pablo , Sánchez-Oliver Antonio Jesús , Fernández Jerónimo García
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the current relationship between factors such as desire and viability and entrepreneurial intention, using the Business Event Model as a point of analysis, as well as to understand the influence of gender as a moderating effect on entrepreneurial intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 278 students from the Faculty of Education Sciences (University of Seville) were invited to participate with students carrying out degrees in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences.

Findings

There is a positive and similar relationship between desire and viability due to gender-related reasons. In the same way, this study presents a positive relationship in men and women, between desire and viability, desire and entrepreneurial intention and viability and entrepreneurial intention.

Practical implications

The public policies of the university should be oriented to the promotion of the desire perceived in women, carrying out sessions or training courses, where the speakers could be women leaders of companies. In addition, public policies should promote the perceived viability of men through training by providing technical resources on the operation of a company.

Social implications

This study provides theoretical knowledge on the entrepreneurial intentions of students at the University of Seville and therefore may help to improve policies aimed at promoting entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

This study provides clear practical implications for the management of students, and the findings facilitate the improvement of university policies designed to promote entrepreneurship in this type of student.
Porous ceramic foam loading titanium dioxide for photocatalytic degradation of the methyl orange solution
Authors: Guo Y.J. , Cheng W. , Liu P.S.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an investigation on a new kind of photocatalytic material, namely, the porous ceramic foam loading titanium dioxide, which can make an effective photocatalytic degradation of the methyl orange (MO) solution in the wastewater.

Design/methodology/approach

The natural zeolite powder has been used as the primary raw material to produce a sort of lightweight porous ceramic foam by impregnating polymer foam in slurry and then sintering. With the sol-gel method, a kind of open-cell reticular porous ceramic foam loading TiO2 film was obtained having a good photocatalytic action, and the resultant porous composite product presents the bulk density of 0.3~0.6 g/cm3 to be able to float on water.

Findings

The MO could tend to be completely degraded in the solution with a certain concentration by the TiO2-loaded ceramic foam irradiated with ultraviolet light, and this composite foam was found to have high degradation efficiency for the MO solution in a wide range of pH.

Originality/value

This work presents a TiO2-loaded ceramic foam that can effectively photo-catalyze to degrade the MO in water, and the degradation efficiency were examined under different conditions of the MO solution with various pH values.
Prediction of geometric characteristics in polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds produced by extrusion-based additive manufacturing technique for tissue engineering
Authors: Lee Jiwoon , Walker Jesse , Natarajan Sanjay , Yi Sung
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Extrusion-based additive manufacturing (AM) has been considered as a promising technique to fabricate scaffolds for tissue engineering due to affordability, versatility and ability to print porous structures. The reliability and controllability of the printing process are necessary to produce 3D-printed scaffolds with desired properties and depend on the geometric characteristics such as porosity and pore diameter. The purpose of this study is to develop an analytical model and explore its effectiveness in the prediction of geometric characteristics of 3D-printed scaffolds.

Design/methodology/approach

An analytical model was developed to simulate the geometric characteristics of scaffolds produced by extrusion-based AM using fluid mechanics. Polycaprolactone (PCL) was chosen as a scaffold material and was assumed to be a non-Newtonian fluid for the model. The effectiveness of the model was verified through comparison with the experimental results.

Findings

A comparison study between simulation and experimental results shows that strut diameter, pore size and porosity of scaffolds can be predicted by using extrusion pressure, temperature, nozzle diameter, nozzle length and printing speed. Simulation results demonstrate that geometric characteristics have a strong relationship with processing parameters, and the model developed in this study can be used for predicting the scaffold properties for the extrusion-based 3D bioprinting process.

Originality/value

The present study provides a prediction model that can simulate the printing process by a simple input of processing parameters. The geometric characteristics can be predicted prior to the experimental verification, and such prediction will reduce the process time and effort when a new material or method is applied.
Antecedents of brand hate in the fast food industry
Authors: Hashim Sharizal , Kasana Sheraz
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of brand hate in detail which is the extreme negative emotion toward brands, by giving a comprehensive explanation concerning how brand hate evolves in consumers. More specifically, antecedents of brand hate are empirically assessed in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used primary data from 250 fast food brand consumers in Pakistan. Multiple regression analysis in SPSS was used to test the hypotheses related to the antecedents of brand hate.

Findings

Results indicate that brand hate is instigated by five antecedents, which are negative past experience, symbolic incongruity, poor relationship quality, ideological incompatibility and rumor, with rumor being the biggest instigator.

Originality/value

Antecedents of brand hate are assessed theoretically and empirically in this study which helps in understanding the true form of brand hate. More specifically, poor relationship quality and rumor are presented as the antecedents of brand hate according to the recommendations of the theory of hate.
From individuals to the organization
Authors: El-Awad Ziad
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This study aims to develop a process model that details the mechanisms and learning processes by which entrepreneurial learning transpires at multiple levels in the organization. Using the transactive memory system (TMS) framework as a reference, the model specifies how individual streams of knowledge are routinized in nonhuman elements and, over time, become embedded in organizational routines and procedures.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a case-study methodology building on 18 in-depth semi-structured interviews, 20 h of non-participative observations and internal company documents.

Findings

The study demonstrates that knowledge is channeled from individuals to the organization via mechanisms that operate at the venture-team level – principally externalizing distinctions; rotating task work; co-constructing the task; and routinizing behavior. These mechanisms are fundamental for creating knowledge repertoires on which team members can build and for channeling different knowledge domains into the organization.

Originality/value

The study offers a dynamic view of entrepreneurial learning, underlining the structural and transactive components of TMS as being foundational for embedding knowledge in organizational routines and procedures.
Look to seedling heights, rather than functional traits, to explain survival during extreme heat stress in the early stages of subtropical rainforest restoration
Authors: Gardiner Ronald , Shoo Luke P. , Dwyer John M.
Published: September 2019

Ecological restoration is urgently needed to arrest and reverse land degradation, reinstate ecosystem services and recover threatened species. Tree planting is a commonly used strategy to restore forests; however, planted seedlings often experience low survival and slow growth during the establishment period. Critical evaluation of factors that lead to poor establishment is vital to improve practice but is often constrained by a lack of monitoring and reporting.

We took advantage of a large monitoring dataset (~7,000 native trees from 23 species) to interrogate an extensive suite of environmental conditions and plant characteristics that potentially contributed to poor survival and growth of seedlings in a restoration planting in southeast Queensland, Australia.

The initial height of planted seedlings strongly influenced survival and growth. Intermediate heights generally performed best and the optimal heights for different species were significantly but weakly modulated by functional traits including SLA, lamina area and leaf structure (compound vs. simple). Survival was lowest when seedlings were planted in high bulk density soils on hot days, and growth was fastest in plots with higher average elevation.

Synthesis and applications. In this large restoration experiment in Australia's subtropics, initial seedling height was a much stronger predictor of rainforest seedling survival than plant functional traits. We recommend planting rainforest seedlings between 25 and 35 cm tall, especially in restoration projects facing a high likelihood of hot weather during planting and establishment.
Instantaneous responses of microbial communities to stress in soils pretreated with Mentha spicata essential oil and/or inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus
Authors: Konstantinou Sotiris , Monokrousos Nikos , Kapagianni Pantelitsa , Menkissoglu‐Spiroudi Urania , Gwynn‐Jones Dylan , Stamou George P. , Papatheodorou Efimia M.
Published: September 2019

The instantaneous response of a soil microbial community to a chemical stressor (Mentha spicata essential oil) was studied post acclimation to the same chemical treatment at lower exposure. Acclimation involved the repeated addition of small amounts of the essential oil weekly for a period of 1 month, while for the stress treatment, a 10‐fold exposure level was introduced. We also tested the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) in the reponse of microbial community to the same stress exposure by pre‐inoculating plant roots in the soil with the AMF Rhizophagus irregularis. Three days after stress exposure, the structure of the soil microbial community was investigated in addition to the activities of six soil enzymes mainly related to the N‐cycle. The two preselected AMF inoculation and acclimation soil microbial communities responded differently to the subsequent stress. Acclimation enhanced the biomass of G+ bacteria, fungi and microeukaryotes, showing a priming effect of a low‐intensity stimulus when applied repeatedly, while AMF inoculation decreased the biomass of these microbial groups. The relative changes in microbial biomasses in jointly pretreated samples were not different from the control, suggesting opposing effects of the two pretreatments. On the contrary, the jointly pretreated samples responded to stress exposure by exhibiting increased activity of asparaginase and glutaminase and reduced activity of arylamidase. Finally, the relationship between enzyme activities and certain microbial ratios denotes that specific activities depended on the relative abundance of specific functional groups (e.g., G+ or G−) rather than on their biomass per se.
Yield Curve and Financial Uncertainty: Evidence Based on US Data
Authors: Castelnuovo Efrem
Published: September 2019

How do short‐ and long‐term interest rates respond to a jump in financial uncertainty? We address this question by conducting a local projections analysis with US monthly data, period: 1962–2018. The state‐of‐the‐art financial uncertainty measure proposed by Ludvigson, Ma and Ng (2019) is found to predict movements in interest rates at different maturities. In particular, an increase in financial uncertainty is found to trigger a negative and significant response of both short‐ and long‐term interest rates. The response of the short end of the yield curve (i.e., of short‐term interest rates) is found to be stronger than that of the long end (i.e., of long‐term ones). In other words, a financial uncertainty shock causes a temporary steepening of the yield curve. This result is consistent, among other interpretations, with medium‐term expectations of a recovery in real activity after a financial uncertainty shock.
The Influence of Climate on Migration
Authors: Wesselbaum Dennis
Published: September 2019

This paper provides an overview of research into the phenomenon of whether climatic factors, such as temperature and weather‐related disasters, affect the decision to migrate. As an example, we examine migration flows from 198 countries to Australia for the time span from 1980 to 2015. Our results show that temperature does not have a robust, significant effect on migration flows, while weather‐related disasters do significantly affect flows to Australia.
Consumer Sensory Comparisons Among Beef, Horse, Elk, and Bison Using Preferred Attributes Elicitation and Check‐All‐That‐Apply Methods
Authors: Popoola Ibironke O. , Bruce Heather L. , McMullen Lynn M. , Wismer Wendy V.
Published: September 2019

Despite their nutritional benefits, consumption of red meat from alternative sources such as bison, elk, and horse is low when compared to beef. Sensory attributes and drivers of liking were identified for these meats using the Preferred Attributes Elicitation (PAE) and Check‐All‐That‐Apply (CATA) methods. For the PAE study, 25 panelists evaluated beef, horse, bison, and elk meats in three different group sessions (n= 7, 7, and 11), whereas 63 panelists participated in the CATA study. Consumers in both PAE and CATA studies associated horse meat with dry and fibrous appearance, whereas beef was associated with meaty/beefy flavor and aroma: bison with metallic and livery aroma and intense aftertaste and elk meat with livery, fishy, metallic flavor, musky aroma, and bloody aftertaste. Penalty analysis on the CATA data identified similar drivers of meat liking as the PAE groups. The attributes were juiciness, meaty/beefy aroma, tender texture, meaty/beefy flavor, and mild flavor and aroma. Attributes with significantly negative mean impact on liking were dryness, tough texture, livery flavor, and aftertaste. Association of these attributes with horse and elk meats has implication on drivers of dislike for these meat types. Cluster analysis identified a small group of consumers with preference for horse and elk meats, and this may present niche market opportunities for these meat types. Results showed that the PAE method was comparable to CATA for the evaluation of meat from different species and for identification of drivers of liking and that both methods are effective for meat sensory characterization.

Practical Application

Lean red meat from unconventional sources such as elk, bison, and horse has unique sensory attributes that may influence acceptance. This study characterized the sensory attributes of these meats and their impact on liking using two rapid consumer descriptive profiling methods—PAE and CATA. Undesirable flavor and aftertaste attributes were identified as the major drivers of disliking for these unconventional meats. Both methods gave similar description of the samples, thus confirming the suitability of PAE for descriptive meat profiling by consumer panels.
Preventing esophageal strictures with steroids after endoscopic submucosal dissection in superficial esophageal neoplasm
Authors: Pih Gyu Young , Kim Do Hoon , Gong Eun Jeong , Na Hee Kyong , Jung Kee Wook , Lee Jeong Hoon , Ahn Ji Yong , Choi Kee Don , Song Ho June , Lee Gin Hyug , Jung Hwoon‐Yong
Published: September 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of prophylactic steroid administration in preventing post‐endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) esophageal stricture and to determine risk factors for these strictures.

Methods

Patients who underwent ESD for superficial esophageal neoplasms with a mucosal defect affecting >75% of the esophageal circumference between January 2011 and August 2016 were eligible. Patients were classified into three groups, including ESD‐alone group (n = 22), oral steroid group (n = 25) and intralesional steroid injection group (n = 6). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the risk factors for esophageal stricture.

Results

The stricture rate was 50.0%, 20.0% and 33.3% in the ESD‐alone group, oral steroid group and steroid injection group, respectively. Patients treated with steroids had a significantly lower stricture rate than the ESD‐alone group (22.6% vs 50.0%, P = 0.046). Additionally, oral steroid group had a significantly lower stricture rate than the ESD‐alone group (P = 0.037). Multivariate analysis revealed that the extent of the circumferential mucosal defect was a significant risk factor for post‐ESD strictures (odds ratio [OR] 13.015, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.257‐76.077, P = 0.004). The administration of steroids (OR 0.108, 95% CI 0.020‐0.578, P = 0.009), specifically oral steroids (OR 0.109, 95% CI 0.019‐0.622, P = 0.013), was associated with prevention of post‐ESD strictures.

Conclusion

Oral steroid prophylaxis appears to be a safe and effective treatment in preventing post‐ESD stricture and improving patients' quality of life.
Combined epidural‐general anaesthesia vs general anaesthesia in neonatal gastrointestinal surgery: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gannam‐Somri Lina , Matter Ibrahim , Hadjittofi Christopher , Vaida Sonia , Khalaily Husein , Hossein Jalaa , Somri Mostafa
Published: September 2019

Background

Post‐operative ileus is a frequent complication of gastrointestinal surgery under general anaesthesia. The aim of this study was to investigate whether combined epidural‐general anaesthesia is associated with expedited gastrointestinal function recovery in neonates undergoing elective gastrointestinal surgery.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial including 60 neonates who underwent gastrointestinal surgery at a university hospital was performed. Thirty neonates received combined epidural‐general anaesthesia (CEGA), and 30 neonates received general anaesthesia (GA) alone. The primary outcome was the post‐operative time to tolerance of full enteral nutrition. The secondary outcomes were the post‐operative time defaecation, the duration of nasogastric drainage, and infections.

Results

After excluding two neonates from the CEGA group, where repeated attempts at epidural catheterization were unsuccessful, a total of 58 patients completed the study (CEGA: 28; GA: 30). Full enteral nutrition was tolerated earlier in CEGA vs the GA group (4.0 vs 8.0 days; P = .0001). Time to defaecation was shorter in the CEGA group (3.5 vs 5.0 days; P = .0001). Duration of nasogastric drainage was similar between groups (7.0 vs 7.0 days; P = .9502). Fewer patients in the CEGA group experienced post‐operative infection (35.7% vs 60.0%; P = .038).

Conclusion

Combined epidural‐general anaesthesia is associated with expedited gastrointestinal function recovery and a lower infection risk after gastrointestinal surgery in neonates.
Diabetic patients' knowledge of the bidirectional link: are dental health care professionals effectively conveying the message?
Authors: Siddiqi A , Zafar S , Sharma A , Quaranta A
Published: September 2019

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has emerged as a global public health concern with significant upshots due to its high prevalence, severity and associated complications. The present review aims to evaluate the literature that has investigated the awareness and attitude of diabetic patients about their oral/periodontal health to identify gaps in the dissemination of this critical information. Literature addressing diabetic patient’s awareness/knowledge, response to their periodontal health needs, and the source of oral health education was investigated using a computer search of electronic databases. Twenty‐six papers were included in the systematic review for analysis. The studies reported data from 13 different countries involving 10 550 participants, 9843 patients with DM and 974 healthy controls. The overall analysis of the studies showed that approximately 73% of the diabetic patients were unaware of the link between their systemic condition (DM) and periodontal health. The results of the study show that a large number of diabetic patients are unaware of the link between oral/periodontal health and DM. There is a strong need to implement the recent guidelines established by the IDF/EFP concerning mutual care of diabetic patients by the medical and dental health care professionals. This will result in improved general and oral health of our diabetic patients.
Analysis and comparison of long non‐coding RNAs expressed in the ovaries of Meishan and Yorkshire pigs
Authors: Wang Z. , Yang Y. , Li S. , Li K. , Tang Z.
Published: September 2019

LncRNAs comprise a vast majority of the RNAs transcribed from non‐coding regions of mammalian genomes. Recently, lncRNAs have emerged as key regulators of a wide range of biological processes. In this study, we identified lncRNAs expressed in swine ovary tissue from Yorkshire and Meishan pigs. We obtained 3827 lncRNAs expressed from 4973 transcripts in swine ovary tissue, of which 510 were ovary specific, 192 were differentially expressed between Yorkshire and Meishan pigs and 38 were both ovary specific and differentially expressed. Furthermore, we randomly selected several differentially expressed and ovary‐specific lncRNAs for verification by qRT‐PCR and RT‐PCR respectively. We also predicted the functions of the lncRNAs by analysing their nearest neighbouring protein‐coding genes. Together, our results identify a series of ovary‐associated lncRNAs for further experimental investigation of the functions of these genes in ovary development or for selection of candidate genes for breeding.
Compliance with multidisciplinary team meeting management recommendations
Authors: Samarasinghe Amali , Chan Arlene , Hastrich Diana , Martin Richard , Gan Albert , Abdulaziz Farah , Latham Margaret , Zissiadis Yvonne , Taylor Mandy , Willsher Peter
Published: September 2019

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate patient compliance with management recommendations given by a breast cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT), assess for reasons for noncompliance, and perform an exploratory assessment on breast cancer outcomes in noncompliant patients.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was undertaken for patients selected by their primary clinician to be discussed at the MDT of Breast Cancer Research Centre‐WA in Perth between 1st March 2011 and the 28th February 2016. The primary objective was the rate of compliance with MDT management recommendations. Secondary objectives included factors associated with noncompliance, rate of clinical trial uptake, and impact of treatment noncompliance on breast cancer events in a subgroup of early breast cancer (EBC) patients.

Results and conclusion

A total of 2614 MDT management recommendations were made for 925 patients. Overall, 92% were compliant with all recommendations given. Clinical trial recruitment was successful in 84.1%. The reasons given for treatment noncompliance were fear of toxicity, choosing an alternative treatment, and treatment inconvenience.

In a subset of 337 EBC patients, there was a significantly higher rate of contralateral breast cancer, distant recurrence, and breast cancer‐specific death, P = .0016, in those who were noncompliant. Our study demonstrates a high rate of MDT treatment recommendation compliance and clinical trial recruitment. In a subgroup of EBC patients, noncompliance was associated with significantly worse outcomes. Attention to educating patients to minimize their fear of treatment toxicity and ensuring their understanding of evidence‐based treatment may lead to lower rates of noncompliance.
Blood eosinophil count and airway epithelial transcriptome relationships in COPD versus asthma
Authors: George Leena , Taylor Adam R. , Esteve‐Codina Anna , Soler Artigas María , Thun Gian Andri , Bates Stewart , Pavlidis Stelios , Wagers Scott , Boland Anne , Prasse Antje , Boschetto Piera , Parr David G. , Nowinski Adam , Barta Imre , Hohlfeld Jens , Greulich Timm , van den Berge Maarten , Hiemstra Pieter S. , Timens Wim , Hinks Timothy , Wenzel Sally , Siddiqui Salman , Richardson Matthew , Venge Per , Heath Simon , Gut Ivo , Tobin Martin D. , Edwards Lindsay , Riley John H. , Djukanovic Ratko , Auffray Charles , De‐Meulder Bertrand , Erik‐Dahlen Sven , Adcock Ian M. , Chung Kian Fan , Ziegler‐Heitbrock Loems , Sterk Peter J. , Singh Dave , Brightling Christopher E. ,   the U‐BIOPRED and the EvA study teams
Published: September 2019

Background

Whether the clinical or pathophysiologic significance of the “treatable trait” high blood eosinophil count in COPD is the same as for asthma remains controversial. We sought to determine the relationship between the blood eosinophil count, clinical characteristics and gene expression from bronchial brushings in COPD and asthma.

Methods

Subjects were recruited into a COPD (emphysema versus airway disease [EvA]) or asthma cohort (Unbiased BIOmarkers in PREDiction of respiratory disease outcomes, U‐BIOPRED). We determined gene expression using RNAseq in EvA (n = 283) and Affymetrix microarrays in U‐BIOPRED (n = 85). We ran linear regression analysis of the bronchial brushings transcriptional signal versus blood eosinophil counts as well as differential expression using a blood eosinophil > 200 cells/μL as a cut‐off. The false discovery rate was controlled at 1% (with continuous values) and 5% (with dichotomized values).

Results

There were no differences in age, gender, lung function, exercise capacity and quantitative computed tomography between eosinophilic versus noneosinophilic COPD cases. Total serum IgE was increased in eosinophilic asthma and COPD. In EvA, there were 12 genes with a statistically significant positive association with the linear blood eosinophil count, whereas in U‐BIOPRED, 1197 genes showed significant associations (266 positive and 931 negative). The transcriptome showed little overlap between genes and pathways associated with blood eosinophil counts in asthma versus COPD. Only CST1 was common to eosinophilic asthma and COPD and was replicated in independent cohorts.

Conclusion

Despite shared “treatable traits” between asthma and COPD, the molecular mechanisms underlying these clinical entities are predominately different.