bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HIV-1 and microglia: EcoHIV and HIV-1 transgenic rats
Authors: Li Hailong , McLaurin Kristen A. , Illenberger Jessica M. , Mactutus Charles F. , Booze Rosemarie M.
Published: November 2020

The persistence of HIV-1 viral reservoirs in the brain, despite treatment with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), remains a critical roadblock for the development of a novel cure strategy for HIV-1. To enhance our understanding of viral reservoirs, two complementary studies were conducted to 1) evaluate the HIV-1 mRNA neuroanatomical distribution pattern and major cell type expressing HIV-1 mRNA in the HIV-1 transgenic (Tg) rat (i.e., under conditions of latent infection), and 2) to validate our findings by developing and critically testing a novel biological system to model active HIV-1 infection in the rat. First, a restricted, region-specific HIV-1 mRNA distribution pattern was observed in the HIV-1 Tg rat. Microglia were the predominant cell type expressing HIV-1 mRNA in the HIV-1 Tg rat. Second, we developed and critically tested a novel biological system to model key aspects of HIV-1 by infusing F344/N control rats with chimeric HIV (EcoHIV).In vitro,primary cultured microglia were treated with EcoHIV revealing prominent expression within 24 hours of infection.In vivo,EcoHIV expression was observed seven days after stereotaxic injections. Following EcoHIV infection, microglia were the major cell type expressing HIV-1 mRNA, results which are consistent with observations in the HIV-1 Tg rat. Within eight weeks of infection, EcoHIV rats exhibited neurocognitive impairments, synaptic dysfunction, which may result from activation of the NogoA-NgR3/PirB-RhoA signaling pathway, and neuroinflammation. Collectively, these studies enhance our understanding of HIV-1 viral reservoirs in the brain and offer a novel biological system to model HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and associated comorbidities (i.e., drug abuse) in rats.
The foot fault scoring system to assess walking adaptability in rats and mice: a reliability study
Authors: Martins Lucas Athaydes , Schiavo Aniuska , Xavier Léder Leal , Mestriner Régis Gemerasca
Published: November 2020

The foot fault scoring system of the ladder rung walking test is used to assess walking adaptability in rodents. However, the reliability of the ladder rung walking test foot fault score has not been properly investigated. This study was designed to address this issue.Two independent and blinded raters analyzed 20 rat and 20 mice videos. Each video was analyzed twice by the same rater (80 analyses per rater). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Kappa coefficient were employed to check the accuracy of agreement and reliability in the intra- and inter-rater analyses of the ladder rung walking test outcomes. Excellent intra- and inter-rater agreement was found for the forelimb, hindlimb and both limbs combined in rats and mice. The agreement level was also excellent for total crossing time, total time stopped and number of stops during the walking path. Rating individual scores in the foot fault score system (0 to 6) ranged from satisfactory to excellent, in terms of the intraclass correlation indexes. Moreover, we showed experienced and inexperienced raters can obtain reliable results if supervised training is provided. We conclude the ladder rung walking test is a reliable and useful tool to study walking adaptability in rodents and can help researchers address walking-related neurobiological questions.
One Health, One Hive: A scoping review of honey bees, climate change, pollutants, and antimicrobial resistance
Authors: de Jongh Etienne J. , Harper Sherilee L. , Yamamoto Shelby S. , Wright Carlee J. , Wilkinson Craig W. , Ghosh Soumyaditya , Otto Simon J.G.
Published: November 2020

Anthropogenic climate change and increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) together threaten the last 50 years of public health gains. Honey bees are a model One Health organism to investigate interactions between climate change and AMR. The objective of this scoping review was to examine the range, extent, and nature of published literature on the relationship between AMR and honey bees in the context of climate change and environmental pollutants.

The review followed systematic search methods and reporting guidelines. A protocol was developeda prioriin consultation with a research librarian. Resulting Boolean search strings were used to search Embase® via Ovid®, MEDLINE®, Scopus®, AGRICOLA™ and Web of Science™ databases. Two independent reviewers conducted two-stage screening on retrieved articles. To be included, the article had to examine honey bees, AMR, and either climate change or environmental pollution. Data, in accordance with Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, were extracted from relevant articles and descriptively synthesized in tables, figures, and narrative form.

A total of 21 articles met the inclusion criteria, with almost half of all articles being published in the last five years (n=10). These articles predominantly investigated hive immunocompetence and multi-drug resistance transporter downregulation (n=10), susceptibility to pests (n=15), especially American foul brood (n=9), and hive product augmentation (n=3).

This review identified key themes and gaps in the literature, including the need for future interdisciplinary research to explore the link between AMR and environmental change evidence streams in honey bees. We identified three potential linkages between pollutive and climatic factors and risk of AMR. These interconnections reaffirm the necessity of a One Health framework to tackle global threats and investigate complex issues that extend beyond honey bee research into the public health sector. It is integral that we view these “wicked” problems through an interdisciplinary lens to explore long-term strategies for change.
The spatial self-organization within pluripotent stem cell colonies is continued in detaching aggregates
Authors: Elsafi Mabrouk Mohamed H. , Goetzke Roman , Abagnale Giulio , Yesilyurt Burcu , Salz Lucia , Zeevaert Kira , Ma Zhiyao , Toledo Marcelo A. S. , Li Ronghui , Costa Ivan G. , Pachauri Vivek , Schnakenberg Uwe , Zenke Martin , Wagner Wolfgang
Published: November 2020

Colonies of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) reveal aspects of self-organization even under culture conditions that maintain pluripotency. To investigate the dynamics of this process under spatial confinement, we used either polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) pillars or micro-contact printing of vitronectin. There was a progressive upregulation of OCT4, E-cadherin, and NANOG within 70 µm from the outer rim of iPSC colonies. Single- cell RNA-sequencing demonstrated thatOCT4highsubsets have pronounced up-regulation of the TGF-β pathway, particularly of NODAL and its inhibitor LEFTY, at the rim of the colonies. Furthermore, calcium-dependent cell-cell interactions were found to be relevant for the self-organization. Interestingly, after 5 to 7 days, the iPSC colonies detached spontaneously from micro-contact printed substrates to form 3D aggregates. This new method allowed generation of embryoid bodies (EBs) of controlled size, without any enzymatic or mechanical treatment. Within the early 3D aggregates, the radial organization and differential gene expression continued in analogy to the changes observed during self-organization of iPSC colonies. Our results provide further insight into the gradual self-organization within iPSC colonies and at their transition into EBs.
Genome information processing by the INO80 chromatin remodeler positions nucleosomes
Authors: Oberbeckmann Elisa , Krietenstein Nils , Niebauer Vanessa , Wang Yingfei , Schall Kevin , Moldt Manuela , Straub Tobias , Rohs Remo , Hopfner Karl-Peter , Korber Philipp , Eustermann Sebastian
Published: November 2020

The fundamental molecular determinants by which ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers organize nucleosomes across eukaryotic genomes remain largely elusive. Here, chromatin reconstitutions on physiological, whole-genome templates reveal how remodelers read and translate genomic information into nucleosome positions. Using the yeast genome and the multi-subunit INO80 remodeler as a paradigm, we identify DNA shape/mechanics encoded signature motifs as sufficient for nucleosome positioning and distinct from known DNA sequence preferences of histones. INO80 processes such information through an allosteric interplay between its core- and Arp8-modules that probes mechanical properties of nucleosomal and linker DNA. At promoters, INO80 integrates this readout of DNA shape/mechanics with a readout of co-evolved sequence motifs via interaction with general regulatory factors bound to these motifs. Our findings establish a molecular mechanism for robust and yet adjustable +1 nucleosome positioning and, more generally, remodelers as information processing hubs that enable active organization and allosteric regulation of the first level of chromatin.
Forkhead box R1-mediated stress response linked to a case of human microcephaly and brain atrophy
Authors: Mota Andressa , Hong Rui , Niu Sheng-Yong , Bertherat Féodora L. , Wolfe Lynne , Malicdan Christine May , Markello Thomas C. , Adams David R. , Gahl William A. , Cheng Christine , Beffert Uwe , Ho Angela
Published: November 2020

Forkhead box (Fox) family transcription factors are highly conserved and play essential roles in a wide range of cellular and developmental processes. We report an individual with severe neurological symptoms including postnatal microcephaly, progressive brain atrophy and global developmental delay associated with ade novomissense variant (M280L) in theFOXR1gene. At the protein level, M280L impaired FOXR1 expression and induced a nuclear aggregate phenotype due to protein misfolding and proteolysis. RNAseq and pathway analysis showed that FOXR1 acts as both a transcriptional activator and repressor with central roles in heat shock response, chaperone cofactor-dependent protein refolding and cellular response to stress. Indeed, FOXR1 expression is increased in response to cellular stress, a process in which it directly controlsHSPA6, HSPA1AandDHRS2transcripts. Meanwhile, the ability of the M280L mutant to respond to stress is compromised, in part due to impaired regulation of downstream target genes that are involved in the stress response pathway. Combined, these results suggest FOXR1 plays a role in cellular stress and is necessary for normal brain development.
Directed evolution for improved total secretory protein production inEscherichia coli
Authors: Gonzalez-Perez David , Ratcliffe James , Tan Shu Khan , Wong Mary Chen May , Yee Yi Pei , Nyabadza Natsai , Xu Jian-He , Wong Tuck Seng , Tee Kang Lan
Published: November 2020

Production of secretory protein in Gram-negative bacteria simplifies downstream processing in recombinant protein production, accelerates protein engineering, and advances synthetic biology. Signal peptides and secretory carrier proteins are commonly used to effect the secretion of heterologous recombinant protein in Gram-negative bacteria. TheEscherichia coliosmotically-inducible protein Y (OsmY) is a carrier protein that secretes a target protein extracellularly, and we have successfully applied it in theBacterialExtracellular ProteinSecretionSystem (BENNY) to accelerate the directed evolution workflow. In this study, we applied directed evolution on OsmY to enhance its total secretory protein production.

After just one round of directed evolution followed by combining the mutations found, OsmY(M3) (L6P, V43A, S154R, V191E) was identified as the best carrier protein. OsmY(M3) produced 3.1 ± 0.3 fold and 2.9 ± 0.8 fold more secretory Tfu0937 β-glucosidase than its wildtype counterpart inE. colistrains BL21(DE3) and C41(DE3), respectively. OsmY(M3) also produced more secretory Tfu0937 at different cultivation temperatures (37 °C, 30 °C and 25 °C). Subcellular fractionation of the expressed protein confirmed the essential role of OsmY in protein secretion. Up to 80.8 ± 12.2% of total soluble protein was secreted after 15 h of cultivation. When fused to a red fluorescent protein or a lipase fromBacillus subtillis, OsmY(M3) also produced more secretory protein compared to the wildtype.

This is the first report of applying directed evolution on a carrier protein to enhance total secretory protein production. The methodology can be further extended to evolve other signal peptides or carrier proteins for secretory protein production inE. coliand other bacteria. In this study, OsmY(M3) improved the production of three proteins, originating from diverse organisms and with diverse properties, in secreted form, clearly demonstrating its wide-ranging applications.
ASPP2/PP1 complexes maintain the integrity of pseudostratified epithelia undergoing remodelling during morphogenesis
Authors: Royer Christophe , Sandham Elizabeth , Slee Elizabeth , Godwin Jonathan , Veits Nisha , Hathrell Holly , Zhou Felix , Leonavicius Karolis , Garratt Jemma , Narendra Tanaya , Vincent Anna , Jones Celine , Child Tim , Coward Kevin , Graham Chris , Lu Xin , Srinivas Shankar
Published: November 2020

During development, pseudostratified epithelia undergo large scale morphogenetic events associated with increased mechanical stress. The molecular mechanisms that maintain tissue integrity in this context are poorly understood. Using a variety of genetic and imaging approaches, we uncover that the ASPP2/PP1 complex ensures proper epiblast and proamniotic cavity architecture via a mechanism that specifically prevents the most apical daughter cells from delaminating apically following cell division events. The ASPP2/PP1 complex achieves this by maintaining the integrity and organisation of the F-actin cytoskeleton at the apical surface of dividing cells. ASPP2/PP1 is also essential during gastrulation in the primitive streak, in somites and in the head fold region, suggesting that this complex is required across a wide range of pseudostratified epithelia during morphogenetic events that are accompanied by intense tissue remodelling and high cell proliferation. Finally, our study also suggests that the interaction between ASPP2 and PP1 is essential to the tumour suppressor function of ASPP2 which may be particularly relevant in the context of tissues that are subject to increased mechanical stress.
Yeast Nuak1 phosphorylates histone H3 threonine 11 in low glucose stress conditions by the cooperation of AMPK and CK2 signaling
Authors: Oh Seunghee , Lee Jaehyoun , Swanson Selene K. , Florens Laurence , Washburn Michael P. , Workman Jerry L.
Published: November 2020

Changes in available nutrients are inevitable events for most living organisms. Upon nutritional stress, several signaling pathways cooperate to change the transcription program through chromatin regulation to rewire cellular metabolism. In budding yeast, histone H3 threonine 11 phosphorylation (H3pT11) acts as a marker of low glucose stress and regulates the transcription of nutritional stress responsive genes. Understanding how this histone modification ‘senses’ external glucose changes remains elusive. Here, we show that Tda1, the yeast orthologue of human Nuak1, is a direct kinase for H3pT11 upon low glucose stress. Yeast AMPK directly phosphorylates Tda1 to govern Tda1 activity, while CK2 regulates Tda1 nuclear localization. Collectively, AMPK and CK2 signaling converge on histone kinase Tda1 to link external low glucose stress to chromatin regulation.
The Y14-p53 Regulatory Circuit in Megakaryocyte Differentiation and Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Su Chun-Hao , Liao Wei-Ju , Ke Wei-Chi , Yang Ruey-Bing , Tarn Woan-Yuh
Published: November 2020

Thrombocytopenia-absent radius syndrome is caused by a deletion in chromosome 1q21.1 intranswithRBM8Amutations in the noncoding regions. We generated megakaryocyte-specificRbm8aknockout (Rbm8aKOMK) mice that exhibited marked thrombocytopenia, internal hemorrhage, and splenomegaly, indicating a disorder of platelet production.Rbm8aKOMKmice accumulated immature megakaryocytes in the bone marrow and spleen. Depletion of Y14/RBM8A in human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells inhibited phorbol ester-induced polyploidy and downregulated the signaling pathways associated with megakaryocyte maturation. Accordingly,Rbm8aKOMKmice had reduced expression of surface glycoproteins on platelets and impaired coagulation. Moreover, p53 level was increased in Y14-depleted HEL cells andRbm8aKOMKmegakaryocytes. Treatment with a p53 inhibitor restoredex vivodifferentiation ofRbm8aKOMKmegakaryocytes and unexpectedly activated Y14 expression in HEL cells. Knockout ofTrp53in part restored the platelet count ofRbm8aKOMKmice. These results indicate that the Y14-p53 circuit plays a critical role in megakaryocyte differentiation and platelet production.
Tissue-specific patterns of regulatory changes underlying gene expression differences among Ficedula flycatchers and their naturally occurring F1 hybrids
Authors: Mugal Carina F. , Wang Mi , Backström Niclas , Wheatcroft David , Ålund Murielle , Sémon Marie , McFarlane S. Eryn , Dutoit Ludovic , Qvarnström Anna , Ellegren Hans
Published: November 2020

Changes in interacting cis- and trans-regulatory elements are important candidates for Dobzhansky-Muller hybrid incompatibilities and may contribute to hybrid dysfunction by giving rise to misexpression in hybrids. To gain insight into the molecular mechanisms and determinants of gene expression evolution in natural populations, we analyzed the transcriptome from multiple tissues of two recently diverged Ficedula flycatcher species and their naturally occurring F1 hybrids. Differential gene expression analysis revealed that the extent of differentiation between species and the set of differentially expressed genes varied across tissues. Common to all tissues, a higher proportion of Z-linked genes than autosomal genes showed differential expression, providing evidence for a fast-Z effect. We further found clear signatures of hybrid misexpression in brain, heart, kidney, and liver. However, while testis showed the highest divergence of gene expression among tissues, it showed no clear signature of misexpression in F1 hybrids, even though these hybrids were found to be sterile. It is therefore unlikely that incompatibilities between cis-trans regulatory changes explain the observed sterility. Instead, we found evidence that cis-regulatory changes play a significant role in the evolution of gene expression in testis, which illustrates the tissue-specific nature of cis-regulatory evolution bypassing constraints associated with pleiotropic effects of genes.
Influence tactics and “second-order” change in schools: case study research of principals' political behaviors and strategies
Authors: Friedman Devora , Berkovich Izhak
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Principals are considered central in initiating and mobilizing changes in schools; however, their political behaviors in the course of school changes are underexplored. The present research investigated the influence tactics used by school principals to induce teachers to join a process of second-order (deep and wide) change in the school teaching and culture. In specific, the authors were interested to know which influence tactics, principals and staff members considered to be efficient during such a second-order change process.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was based on a case study method focusing on four Israeli Jewish state public religious schools participating in the “Routes” program aimed at strengthening religious values in schools. Data collection included semi-structured interviews with principals, teachers with program coordinators responsibilities and teachers in four schools.

Findings

The results indicate that school principals who are considered successful in leading changes display two key influence prototypes: a hybrid type that combines soft and hard influence tactics and a unitype that relies on soft influence tactics.

Originality/value

The research study contributed to the limited knowledge in educational administration on micropolitics and political behaviors in the course of school changes.
Effects of MILA on their stock markets: an empirical analysis on market activity and dynamic correlations
Authors: Muñoz Mendoza Jorge Andrés , Sepúlveda Yelpo Sandra María , Velosos Ramos Carmen Lissette , Delgado Fuentealba Carlos Leandro
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to analyze the effects of the integration process for the Integrated Market of Latin America (MILA) on its stock markets behavior as well as their degree of integration.

Design/methodology/approach

Daily time series data were used for stock returns, volatility, volume and the number of transactions and securities between August 16, 2007 and December 28, 2018. A DCC-MGARCH model was applied to analyze the impact of MILA on stock market behavior and predict dynamic correlations. A GARCH (1,1) model was used to determine the effect of MILA on co-movements between markets. Finally, a Markov regime switching model was used for robustness analysis.

Findings

MILA increased stock market activity in terms of volume, transactions and securities traded. However, it reduced returns and volatility. MILA had significant effects on the dynamic correlations between regional stock markets. After the integration process, the dynamic correlations of returns and volatility were reduced, but those related to volume, transactions and securities traded increased. Mexico's subsequent entry into MILA further reduced market volatility, but it did not have relevant effects on markets' co-movements.

Originality/value

These results are relevant for investors and policymakers. MILA has benefited the markets by promoting stock market activity, reducing risk, creating a margin for diversification and limiting risk contagion between them. These results help to guide investment decisions due to the fact that MILA's benefits in terms of regional diversification would be greater in some markets.
Tax evasion, political/public corruption and increased taxation: evidence from Zimbabwe
Authors: Kurauone Ophias , Kong Yusheng , Mago Stephen , Sun Huaping , Famba Takuriramunashe , Muzamhindo Simbarashe
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between tax evasion, political/public corruption and increased taxation in Zimbabwe’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study as a descriptive survey used questionnaires and interviews as research instruments for collecting data.

Findings

The findings revealed that most SMEs are no longer paying some form of taxes as expected since the Government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Finance and Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe introduced the 2% tax levy on all bank electronic transactions greater than US$10 from October 2018.

Originality/value

The paper recommends that the government should create an independent anti-corruption committee with strong monitoring and regulatory mechanism so as to fight political/public corruption; hence, creating a paradigm of trust and confidence among different economic players. Lastly, the tax authorities should engage all the key economic players when crafting the country’s tax laws/rates so as to promote a sense of equity, equality and economic transparency among citizens.
Entrepreneurial decision-making for global strategies: a “heart–head” approach
Authors: Benevolo Clara , Penco Lara , Torre Teresina
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to build a proposal for an integrated analysis / evaluation / decision / implementation framework to suit entrepreneurial companies intending to redefine their strategic behaviours and their competitive schemes in the global environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual approach, based on theoretical perspectives relating to globalisation-based management and decision-making of entrepreneurs, is adopted.

Findings

The paper presents a conceptual framework useful for supporting entrepreneurial decisions for global strategies, drawing on an integrated analysis of external environment and internal components, with a specific focus on the entrepreneur's characteristics in terms of cognitive and emotional profiles. It is suggested to adopt a logical process aimed at identifying which strategic levers are available for entrepreneurial players to implement their strategies.

Practical implications

Entrepreneurial decision-making may benefit from an integrated framework which helps entrepreneurs, who aim to compete in the global marketplace, to explore and exploit all the key factors useful to defining their strategies.

Originality/value

There is a lack of decision-making frameworks that put the entrepreneur at the centre and, at the same time, present a potential balance between the external factors (globalisation drivers and local opportunities) and the resources and competences required to manage risks and difficulties of the global environment (internal factors). The originality of the proposed framework consists in filling this gap. Moreover, this framework can be useful for “re-born global” or “global-again” firms that are currently a neglected typology of studied firms.
When career success enhances employees' life satisfaction: different effects of two types of goal orientations
Authors: Choi Byoung Kwon , Nae Eun Young
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Drawing on goal orientation theory, the authors propose a moderated mediation model, wherein objective career success is positively related to employees' life satisfaction through subjective career success moderated by learning and performance goal orientations.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 188 employees in South Korea. The hypotheses were tested with the moderated mediation regression analysis.

Findings

The results indicated that salary and promotion, as indicators of objective career success, were positively related to subjective career success. However, subjective career success mediated only the influence of salary, not promotion, on life satisfaction. Furthermore, the authors found that the indirect relationship between salary and life satisfaction via subjective career success was not significant for employees with high learning goal orientation but was significant for those with high performance goal orientation.

Practical implications

Organizations need to understand that a higher salary and frequent promotions may not always be positively related to employees' satisfaction with career and personal life and should consider the types of goal orientations.

Originality/value

The authors’ consideration of goal orientation as a dispositional characteristic contributes to the comprehensive understanding of how employees' learning and performance goal orientations interact with objective career success in influencing their subjective career and life satisfaction.
A measure of adaptive performance and the DLOQ
Authors: Kim Kyoungshin
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to introduce adaptive performance as an organizational performance dimension and examine the possible dynamics between the dimensions of a learning organization and adaptive performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a survey and applied factor analysis and structural equation modeling analysis.

Findings

The results supported adaptive performance as an organizational performance dimension. Also, the findings of this study empirically proved that perceived knowledge and adaptive performance mediate the positive relationship between a learning organization and perceived financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

In addition to the current Dimensions of a Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ) studies, this study revealed that adaptive performance, one of the nonfinancial outcomes improved by learning, had a significant effect on financial performance. Also, this study provided evidence of the additional construct validity of the DLOQ, particularly its performance measures.

Practical implications

This study advises practitioners to take a close look at how learning and organization development activities improve organizational performance overall.

Originality/value

This study supported a claim that learning and organization development activities in organizations have a strong potential to induce variance in intangible performance.
The involvement of α‐proteobacteria Phenylobacterium in maintaining the dominance of toxic Microcystis blooms in Lake Taihu, China
Authors: Zuo Jun , Hu Lili , Shen Wei , Zeng Jiaying , Li Lin , Song Lirong , Gan Nanqin
Published: November 2020

Lake Taihu in China has suffered serious harmful cyanobacterial blooms for decades. The algal blooms threaten the ecological sustainability, drinking water safety, and human health. Although the roles of abiotic factors (such as water temperature and nutrient loading) in promoting Microcystis blooms have been well studied, the importance of biotic factors (e.g. bacterial community) in promoting and meditating Microcystis blooms remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the ecological dynamics of bacterial community, the ratio of toxic Microcystis, as well as microcystin in Lake Taihu. High‐throughput 16S rRNA sequencing and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the bacteria community compositions (BCCs) clustered into three groups, the partitioning of which corresponded to that of groups according to the toxic profiles (the ratio of toxic Microcystis to total Microcystis, and the microcystin concentrations) of the samples. Further Spearman's correlation network showed that the α‐proteobacteria Phenylobacterium strongly positively correlated with the toxic profiles. Subsequent laboratory chemostats experiments demonstrated that three Phenylobacterium strains promoted the dominance of the toxic Microcystis aeruginosa PCC7806 when co‐culturing with the non‐toxic PCC7806 mcyB− mutant. Taken together, our data suggested that the α‐proteobacteria Phenylobacterium may play a vital role in the maintenance of toxic Microcystis dominance in Lake Taihu.
Prophylactic acid suppressants in children in the intensive care unit: a systematic review with meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Jensen Martine M. , Marker Søren , Do Hien Q. , Barbateskovic Marija , Perner Anders , Møller Morten H.
Published: November 2020

Background

Critically ill children are at risk of stress‐induced gastrointestinal ulceration. Acid suppressants are frequently used in intensive care units even though there is uncertainty about the benefits and harms. With this systematic review, we aimed to assess patient‐important benefits and harms of stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) in children in intensive care.

Methods

We conducted the review according to the PRISMA statement, the Cochrane Handbook, and GRADE, using conventional meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA). We included randomised clinical trials comparing SUP with histamine‐2‐receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors vs placebo/no prophylaxis in children admitted for intensive care. Primary outcomes were all‐cause mortality and overt gastrointestinal bleeding. Secondary outcomes were serious adverse events, hospital‐acquired pneumonia, Clostridium difficile enteritis, myocardial ischemia, acute kidney injury and quality of life.

Results

We included a total of seven trials (n = 504) with eight trial comparisons. We found no statistically significant difference in all‐cause mortality (relative risk (RR) 1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86‐2.37), overt gastrointestinal bleeding (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.42‐1.35) or hospital‐acquired pneumonia (RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.77‐1.82) between SUP vs placebo/no prophylaxis. No trials reported on remaining secondary outcomes. TSA was unable to draw firm conclusions for all outcomes and certainty of evidence for all outcomes was “very low.”

Conclusions

We found no difference in all‐cause mortality, overt gastrointestinal bleeding or hospital‐acquired pneumonia in children in intensive care receiving acid suppressants compared with placebo/no prophylaxis. However, the quantity and quality of evidence was very low with no firm evidence for benefit or harm.
Moderate Versus Radical NGOs†
Authors: Espinosa Romain , Treich Nicolas
Published: November 2020

NGOs often vary in terms of how radical they are. In this paper, we explore the effectiveness of NGO discourses in bringing about social change. We focus on animal advocacy: welfarist NGOs primarily seek to improve the conditions in which animals are raised and reduce meat consumption, whereas abolitionist NGOs categorically reject animal use and call for a vegan society. We design an experiment to study the respective impact of welfarist and abolitionist discourses on participants' beliefs regarding pro‐meat justifications and their actions, namely their propensity to engage in the short run in animal welfare (charity donation, petition against intensive farming) and plant‐based diets (subscription to a newsletter promoting plant‐based diets, petition supporting vegetarian meals). We first show that both welfarist and abolitionist discourses significantly undermine participants' pro‐meat justifications. Second, the welfarist discourse does not significantly affect participants' actions, although we detect a potential backlash effect of the abolitionist discourse. We show that the NGOs' positive standard effect on actions through the change in beliefs is outweighed by a negative behavioral response to the discourses (reactance effect). Last, greater public‐good contributions are associated with greater engagement in animal welfare in the presence of an NGO discourse.
Comparison of 3D vs 2D laparoscopic‐assisted anorectal pull‐through (LAARP) for high anorectal malformations in children
Authors: Agrawal Vikesh , Tiwari Abhishek , Sharma Dhananjaya , Mishra Rajesh , Acharya Himanshu
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The limitation of two‐dimensional (2D) laparoscopic techniques includes lack of stereoscopic vision and depth perception which can affect surgical performance, physical and mental comfort of the operating surgeon. 3D laparoscopic surgery is popular in adults; however, its application and experience in the pediatric age group have been limited. We did a comparison of 2D and 3D laparoscopic‐assisted anorectal pull‐through (LAARP) in male high anorectal malformations (ARM).

Material and Method

This prospective cohort study included male children diagnosed with high anorectal malformation (recto‐prostatic urethral fistula) who underwent LAARP in infancy after a neonatal colostomy between November 2019 to March 2020. The patients were randomized into a 2D group or 3D group at a 1:1 ratio. Patient demographics and operative/postoperative parameters were recorded. The effect of 3D laparoscopy was assessed in terms of laparoscopy visual parameters (image quality, depth perception, hand‐eye coordination, and precision), physical discomfort (5‐point Likert scale), and mental strain (State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory scale). The statistical tests were performed on SPSS version 16.

Results

The demographics of both groups, 20 (patients in each), were similar. There was a significant reduction of laparoscopy execution time, physical discomfort (for eye, hand and wrist strain), and overall mental strain in the 3D group. There were similar complications, blood loss, and hospital stay, and no open conversion in two groups.

Conclusion

3D LAARP is feasible and safe in the surgical treatment of ARM in children. Further studies with assessment by more than one observer are needed to investigate the wider application of 3D in pediatric surgery.
Are multiple labels on food products beneficial or simply ignored?
Authors: Drugova Tatiana , Curtis Kynda R. , Akhundjanov Sherzod B.
Published: November 2020

This study examines consumer preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for organic wheat products exhibiting single labels, as well as multiple labels, including organic. The additional labels considered are related to the organic label (non‐genetically modified organism [non‐GMO]) or perceived as health‐promoting (gluten‐free, low‐carb, sugar‐free). Study data were collected using a consumer survey conducted online in 2017 across 16 U.S. western states and analyzed using random parameter logit models. Findings show that organic‐labeled wheat products with additional claims were valued equally or less than the organic only version. Overall, consumer higher objective and subjective knowledge of organic standards, as well as preferences for gluten‐free products, increased their WTP for organic wheat products. Consumers unfamiliar with organic standards valued the non‐GMO label over the organic label. Additionally, consumer WTP for health‐related claims on hedonistic products was low or even negative. Hence, multiple labels on organic products generally provide no additional consumer benefit and are likely ignored. Study findings suggest that using the claim that most distinguishes the product, or is most salient, may improve product pricing. Also, non‐GMO certification rather than organic certification should be considered for some markets. Finally, consumers with preferences for gluten‐free products represent a potential market for organic wheat products.
Phylogeny of Lithobiidae Newport, 1844, with emphasis on the megadiverse genus Lithobius Leach, 1814 (Myriapoda, Chilopoda)
Authors: Ganske Anne‐Sarah , Vahtera Varpu , Dányi László , Edgecombe Gregory D. , Akkari Nesrine
Published: November 2020

Phylogenetic analyses based on molecular and morphological data were conducted to shed light on relationships within the mostly Palaearctic/Oriental centipede family Lithobiidae, with a particular focus on the Palaearctic genus Lithobius Leach, 1814 (Lithobiidae, Lithobiomorpha), which contains >500 species and subspecies. Previous studies based on morphological data resolved Lithobius as nonmonophyletic, but molecular‐based phylogenetic analyses have until now sampled few species. To elucidate species inter‐relationships of the genus, test the validity of its classification into subgenera, and infer its relationships with other Lithobiidae, we obtained molecular data (nuclear markers: 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA; mitochondrial markers: 16S rRNA, COI) and 61 morphological characters for 44 species of Lithobius representing four of its eight subgenera and nine other representatives of Lithobiidae. The data were analyzed phylogenetically using maximum‐likelihood, parsimony and Bayesian inference. This study suggests that (i) a close relationship between L. giganteus and the pterygotergine Disphaerobius loricatus highlighted in recent morphological analyses is also strongly supported by molecular data, and Pterygoterginae is formally synonymized with Lithobiinae; (ii) the Oriental/Australian genus Australobius is consistently resolved as sister group to all other sampled Lithobiidae by the molecular and combined data; (iii) the subfamily Ethopolyinae may be paraphyletic; (iv) the genus Lithobius is nonmonophyletic; (v) the subgenera Lithobius, Sigibius and Monotarsobius are nonmonophyletic and should not be used in future taxonomic studies; and (vi) there are instances of cryptic species and cases in which subspecies should be elevated to full species status, as identified for some European taxa within Lithobius.
Phylogenetic relationships and revised classification of the true bug infraorder Dipsocoromorpha (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera)
Authors: Knyshov Alexander , Weirauch Christiane , Hoey‐Chamberlain Rochelle
Published: November 2020

Currently comprising only about 430 species, Dipsocoromorpha or minute litter bugs are one of the small infraorders of Heteroptera. They are classified into five morphologically distinct families––Ceratocombidae, Dipsocoridae, Hypsipterygidae, Schizopteridae and Stemmocryptidae––but relationships among and within these families are poorly understood owing to the lack of phylogenetic studies. A phylogenetic hypothesis based on combined molecular and morphological data is important to both evaluate and revise the higher‐level classification and to explore the evolutionary history of morphological features including elytriform (or beetle‐like) forewings, that seem to have evolved multiple times in this group, jumping devices, and the highly modified and diverse male genitalia. We here use a dataset combining Sanger‐derived (~4500 bp; 108 taxa) and Illumina‐generated (~7500 bp; 24 taxa) sequence data with a morphological matrix (159 characters) and taxon sampling that comprises all currently recognized family‐, subfamily‐ and tribal‐level taxa and comprehensive genus‐level sampling to investigate phylogenetic relationships within litter bugs. Our results support the monophyly of Dipsocoromorpha, Schizopteridae and Dipsocoridae, whereas Ceratocombidae and the schizopterine subfamily “Ogeriinae” are polyphyletic and paraphyletic, respectively. A new classification is proposed that recognizes six families, including Trichotonannidae, stat.n., and two subfamilies each within the two larger families Ceratocombidae and Schizopteridae. Ancestral state reconstructions outline the complex evolutionary history of many morphological characters, including 15 independent origins of elytriform forewings, and at least five shifts in the degree of genitalic asymmetry.
Characteristics and outcomes among patients with community‐acquired respiratory virus infections during the first year after lung transplantation
Authors: Mahan Luke D. , Kanade Rohan , Mohanka Manish R. , Bollineni Srinivas , Joerns John , Kaza Vaidehi , Torres Fernando , La Hoz Ricardo M. , Banga Amit
Published: November 2020

Background

The current study describes the spectrum of community‐acquired respiratory infections (CARV) during the first year after lung transplantation (LT). Additionally, we elucidate variables associated with CARV, management strategies utilized, and impact on early and late outcomes.

Methods

This was a retrospective study among patients transplanted between 2012 and 2015 (n = 255, mean age 55.6 ± 13.5 years, M: F 152:103). The diagnosis of CARV was based on the multiplex PCR on nasopharyngeal swab samples. Baseline characteristics, post‐transplant variables, and outcomes were compared among patients with and without CARV.

Results

Eighty CARV infections developed among a quarter of the study group (n = 62, 24.3%). Rhinovirus/enterovirus was the most commonly isolated CARV (n = 24) followed by coronavirus (n = 17) and RSV (n = 9). A significant proportion of episodes (43.8%) required hospitalization. The use of nasal corticosteroids and left single LT was independently associated with an increased risk of CARV. CARV infections did not impact the lung functions during the first year or the CLAD‐free survival at 3 years.

Conclusions

There is a significant burden of CARV infections during the first year after LT. The use of nasal corticosteroids may increase the risk of CARV infection. CARV infections did not impact outcomes.
Hayekian complexity and the role of regulation in electricity markets
Authors: Oğuz Fuat
Published: November 2020

Utilities worldwide have followed the natural monopoly model for more than a century. This has started to change in recent decades. Electricity systems have become complex, as interactions between participants become multidimensional. This article examines the knowledge problem in an increasingly complex electricity system. I argue that increasing complexity in the electricity system necessitates reconsideration of the regulatory tariff model for utilities.
Making sense of virus size and the tradeoffs shaping viral fitness
Authors: Edwards Kyle F. , Steward Grieg F. , Schvarcz Christopher R.
Published: November 2020

Viruses span an impressive size range, with genome length varying a thousandfold and virion volume nearly a millionfold. For cellular organisms the scaling of traits with size is a pervasive influence on ecological processes, but whether size plays a central role in viral ecology is unknown. Here, we focus on viruses of aquatic unicellular organisms, which exhibit the greatest known range of virus size. We outline hypotheses within a quantitative framework, and analyse data where available, to consider how size affects the primary components of viral fitness. We argue that larger viruses have fewer offspring per infection and slower contact rates with host cells, but a larger genome tends to increase infection efficiency, broaden host range, and potentially increase attachment success and decrease decay rate. These countervailing selective pressures may explain why a breadth of sizes exist and even coexist when infecting the same host populations. Oligotrophic ecosystems may be enriched in “giant” viruses, because environments with resource‐limited phagotrophs at low concentrations may select for broader host range, better control of host metabolism, lower decay rate and a physical size that mimics bacterial prey. Finally, we describe where further research is needed to understand the ecology and evolution of viral size diversity.
Plaidoyer for a Social Europe
Authors: Vasquez Fernando
Published: November 2020

‘It is with great sadness that his many friends learned of the passing of Fernando Vasquez, on 16 July 2020, in Porto. I met Fernando Vasquez some thirty years ago, at a time when, together with Jean‐Jacques Paris, another friend who recently passed away, and under the direction of Odile Quintin in DG V of the European Commission, he was working on building a Social Europe. That was before the European Union failed as a post‐liberal orthodoxy, driving along all Member States, in a race to the lowest social and fiscal bidder. As Frédéric Turlan reminds us, in a tribute published in the recent issue of Liaisons sociales Europe, n. 502, 23 July‐2 September 2020, Fernando Vasquez witnessed with lucidity this backsliding which has heavily contributed to the current disconnection between citizens and the European project, but it did not prevent him from relentlessly striving for more justice in the European Union. These efforts, his diagnosis, without complacency, of the current state of the Union and his most recent suggestions for ensuring both social and economic convergence under the aegis of solidarity, are retraced in his contribution to the Conference ‘Revisiting solidarity in Europe’, which was held on 18 and 19 June 2018 at the Collège de France in Paris. To honour his memory and as a testament to his commitment to a certain idea(l) of Europe, one which is true to its principles of democracy and social justice, here is the text of his contribution, a call, and his last plaidoyer, for a social Europe.’

Alain Supiot, Emeritus Professor at the Collège de France in Paris.
The effects of oral discussion and text chat on L2 Chinese writing
Authors: Kessler Matt , Polio Charlene , Xu Cuiqin , Hao Xuefei
Published: November 2020

Numerous studies have investigated the effects of prewriting tasks on writing quality and language (e.g., individual vs. collaborative planning, text‐chat vs. face‐to‐face [FTF] discussion, etc.). Recent meta‐analyses have found a small advantage for text chat on writing, but no studies involved logographic languages, for which character learning may limit and tax language production. In this study we explore this issue, as university learners of Chinese (N = 10) engaged in prewriting discussions orally and via text chat followed by a timed‐writing task. Results show that during FTF planning, students engaged in talk that was greater in terms of discussion length and number of turns; in students' writing, FTF planning resulted in increased lexical complexity and syntactic richness. Our results contradict theoretical perspectives suggesting that text chat might be more advantageous, as well as one empirical study by Liao. Finally, we discuss the implications for learning to write in a non‐alphabetic language.