bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogenomic analyses of non-Dikarya fungi supports horizontal gene transfer driving diversification of secondary metabolism in the amphibian gastrointestinal symbiont, Basidiobolus
Authors: Tabima Javier Felipe , Trautman Ian A. , Chang Ying , Wang Yan , Mondo Stephen J. , Salamov Asaf , Grigoriev Igor V. , Stajich Jason E. , Spatafora Joseph W.
Published: April 2020

Research into secondary metabolism (SM) production by fungi has resulted in the discovery of diverse, biologically active compounds with significant medicinal applications. However, the fungi rich in SM production are taxonomically restricted to Dikarya, two phyla of Kingdom Fungi, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Here, we explore the potential for SM production in Mucoromycota and Zoopagomycota, two phyla of nonflagellated fungi that are not members of Dikarya, by predicting and identifying core genes and gene clusters involved in SM. The majority of non-Dikarya have few genes and gene clusters involved in SM production except for the amphibian gut symbionts in the genus Basidiobolus. Basidiobolus genomes exhibit an enrichment of SM genes involved in siderophore, surfactin-like, and terpene cyclase production, all these with evidence of constitutive gene expression. Gene expression and chemical assays confirm that Basidiobolus has significant siderophore activity. The expansion of SMs in Basidiobolus are partially due to horizontal gene transfer from bacteria, likely as a consequence of its ecology as an amphibian gut endosymbiont.
Visual function restoration in genetically blind mice via endogenous cellular reprogramming
Authors: Fu Xin , Zhu Jie , Duan Yaou , Li Gen , Cai Huimin , Zheng Lianghong , Qian Hao , Zhang Changjun , Jin Zibing , Fu Xiang-Dong , Zhang Kang
Published: April 2020

In this study, we developed an in-situ cellular reprogramming strategy for potent restoration of vision in advanced/end-stage retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Via repressing PTB, an RNA binding protein critical for converting non-neuronal cells to the neuronal lineage, we successfully reprogramed Müller glia to a retinal neuronal fate, and then to cones. We demonstrated that this cellular reprogramming approach was able to rescue retinal photoreceptor degeneration and restore visual functions in two RP mouse models with total blindness, suggesting a novel universal strategy for treating end-stage degenerative diseases.
Natural variation identifies aPxygene controlling root vascular organization and formation of nodules and lateral roots inLotus japonicus
Authors: Kawaharada Yasuyuki , Sandal Niels , Gupta Vikas , Jin Haojie , Kawaharada Maya , Schneeberger Korbinian , Stougaard Jens , Andersen Stig U.
Published: April 2020

Forward and reverse genetics using the model legumesLotus japonicusandMedicago truncatulahave been instrumental for identifying the essential genes governing legume-rhizobial symbiosis. However, little is known about the effects of intraspecific variation on symbiotic signaling. TheLotusaccessions Gifu and MG20 show differentiated phenotypic responses to theMesorhizobium loti exoUmutant that produces truncated exopolysaccharides. Using Quantitative Trait Locus sequencing (QTL-seq), we identify thePxygene as a component of this differentialexoUresponse.Lotus Pxyencodes a leucine-rich-repeat kinase similar toArabidopsisPXY, which regulates stem vascular development. We show thatLotus pxyinsertion mutants display defects in root vascular organization, as well as lateral root and nodule formation. Our work linksPxytode novoorganogenesis in the root, highlights the genetic overlap between regulation of lateral root and nodule formation, and demonstrates that specific natural variants ofPxydifferentially affect nodulation signaling.
Spontaneous liver disease in wild-type C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice fed semisynthetic diet
Authors: Ronda Onne A.H.O. , van de Heijning Bert J. M. , de Bruin Alain , Thomas Rachel E. , Martini Ingrid , Koehorst Martijn , Gerding Albert , Koster Mirjam H. , Bloks Vincent W. , Jurdzinski Angelika , Mulder Niels L. , Havinga Rick , van der Beek Eline M. , Reijngoud Dirk-Jan , Kuipers Folkert , Verkade Henkjan J.
Published: April 2020

Mouse models are frequently used to study mechanisms of human diseases. Recently, we observed a spontaneous bimodal variation in liver weight in C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice fed a semisynthetic diet. We now characterized the spontaneous variation in liver weight and its relationship with parameters of hepatic lipid and bile acid (BA) metabolism. In male C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice fed AIN-93G from birth to postnatal day (PN)70, we measured plasma BA, lipids, Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-triglyceride (TG) secretion, and hepatic mRNA expression patterns. Mice were sacrificed at PN21, PN42, PN63 and PN70. Liver weight distribution was bimodal at PN70. Mice could be subdivided into two nonoverlapping groups based on liver weight: 0.6 SD 0.1 g (approximately one-third of mice, small liver; SL), and 1.0 SD 0.1 g (normal liver; NL; p<0.05). Liver histology showed a higher steatosis grade, inflammation score, more mitotic figures and more fibrosis in the SLversusthe NL group. Plasma BA concentration was 14-fold higher in SL (p<0.001). VLDL-TG secretion rate was lower in SL mice, both absolutely (−66%, p<0.001) and upon correction for liver weight (−44%, p<0.001). Mice that would later have the SL-phenotype showed lower food efficiency ratios during PN21-28, suggesting the cause of the SL phenotype is present at weaning (PN21). Our data show that approximately one-third of C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice fed semisynthetic diet develop spontaneous liver disease with aberrant histology and parameters of hepatic lipid, bile acid and lipoprotein metabolism. Study designs involving this mouse strain on semisynthetic diets need to take the SL phenotype into account. Plasma lipids may serve as markers for the identification of the SL phenotype.
CytoPy: an autonomous cytometry analysis framework
Authors: Burton Ross J. , Ahmed Raya , Cuff Simone M. , Baker Sarah , Artemiou Andreas , Eberl Matthias
Published: April 2020

Cytometry analysis has seen a considerable expansion in recent years in the maximum number of parameters that can be acquired in a single experiment. In response to this technological advance there has been an increased effort to develop new computational methodologies for handling high-dimensional single cell data acquired by flow or mass cytometry. Despite the success of numerous algorithms and published packages to replicate and outperform traditional manual analysis, widespread adoption of these techniques has yet to be realised in the field of immunology. Here we present CytoPy, a Python framework for automated analysis of cytometry data that integrates a document-based database for a data-centric and iterative analytical environment. In addition, our algorithm agnostic design provides a platform for open-source cytometry bioinformatics in the Python ecosystem. We demonstrate the ability of CytoPy to phenotype T cell subsets in whole blood samples even in the presence of significant batch effects due to technical and user variation. The complete analytical pipeline was then used to immunophenotype the local inflammatory infiltrate in individuals with and without acute bacterial infection. CytoPy is open-source and licensed under the MIT license. CytoPy is open source and available athttps://github.com/burtonrj/CytoPy, with notebooks accompanying this manuscript (https://github.com/burtonrj/CytoPyManuscript) and software documentation athttps://cytopy.readthedocs.io/.
Mistranslating tRNA identifies a deleterious S213P mutation in theSaccharomyces cerevisiae eco1-1allele
Authors: Zhu Yanrui , Berg Matthew D. , Yang Phoebe , Loll-Krippleber Raphaël , Brown Grant W. , Brandl Christopher J.
Published: April 2020

Mistranslation occurs when an amino acid not specified by the standard genetic code is incorporated during translation. Since the ribosome does not read the amino acid, tRNA variants aminoacylated with a non-cognate amino acid or containing a non-cognate anticodon dramatically increase the frequency of mistranslation. In a systematic genetic analysis, we identified a suppression interaction between tRNASerUGG, G26A, which mistranslates proline codons by inserting serine, andeco1-1,a temperature sensitive allele of the gene encoding an acetyltransferase required for sister chromatid cohesion. The suppression was partial with a tRNA that inserts alanine at proline codons and not apparent for a tRNA that inserts serine at arginine codons. Sequencing of theeco1-1allele revealed a mutation that would convert the highly conserved serine 213 within β7 of the GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase core to proline. Mutation of P213 ineco1-1back to the wild-type serine restored function of the enzyme at elevated temperature. Our results indicate the utility of mistranslating tRNA variants to identify functionally relevant mutations and identifyeco1as a reporter for mistranslation. We propose that mistranslation could be used as a tool to treat genetic disease.
An in vitro model to study the naïve human peripheral blood mononuclear cell response toCryptococcus neoformansinfection
Authors: Pline Katherine , Johnston Simon A.
Published: April 2020

Cryptococcus neoformansis a facultative intracellular pathogenic yeast which causes cryptococcal meningitis. Infection most commonly occurs via the lungs in humans and is cleared without clinical signs in the immunocompetent, but may cause life-threatening infection in immunocompromised.C. neoformanscan be phagocytosed by host phagocytes, but may manipulate the intracellular niche of phagocytes for replication and dissemination. The interaction of macrophages with cryptococcal cells has been studied in detail but little is known about the interaction between human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) andC. neoformans. PBMCs are rapidly recruited to the site of initial infection in the lung, peripheral tissues, and also respond to cryptococci that disseminate via the bloodstream. Therefore, deciphering the interactions between PBMCs and cryptococci is an important but neglected aspect of our understanding of the immune response during cryptococcal infection. Here, using time lapse imaging of primary human PBMCsin vitro, we are able to measure the PBMC response to cryptococci. Using this approach we find that naïve, undifferentiated human monocytes phagocytose cryptococcal cells, and that aggregates (swarms) of monocytes and T cells often form in response to engulfment of cryptococci. Interestingly, we find a correlation between the size of the PBMC aggregates and proliferative ability of the cryptococci within. While these aggregates slow intracellular cryptococcal growth, cryptococci are able to replicate within this niche and escape from PBMCs to replicate extracellularly. These results provide evidence for PBMC control of cryptococcal infection and provide a model for thein vitrostudy of cryptococcal granuloma biology.
A cranio-incudo joint as the solution to early birth in marsupials and monotremes
Authors: Anthwal Neal , Fenelon Jane , Johnston Stephen D. , Renfree Marilyn B , Tucker Abigail S
Published: April 2020

Mammals articulate their jaws using a novel joint between the dentary and squamosal bones. In eutherian mammals, this joint forms in the embryo, supporting feeding and vocalisation from birth. In contrast, marsupials and monotremes exhibit extreme altriciality and are born before the bones of the novel mammalian jaw joint form. These mammals need to rely on other mechanisms to allow them to feed. Here we show that this vital function is carried out by the earlier developing, cartilaginous incus of the middle ear, abutting the cranial base to form a cranio-mandibular articulation. The nature of this articulation varies between monotremes and marsupials, with monotremes retaining a double articulation, similar to that described in the fossil mammaliaform,Morganucodon, while marsupials use a versican rich matrix to stabilise the jaw against the cranial base. These findings provide novel insight into the evolution of mammals and the relationship between the jaw and ear.
User-friendly, scalable tools and workflows for single-cell analysis
Authors: Moreno P. , Huang N. , Manning J.R. , Mohammed S. , Solovyev A. , Polanski K. , Chazarra R. , Talavera-Lopez C. , Doyle M. , Marnier G. , Grüning B. , Rasche H. , Bacon W. , Perez-Riverol Y. , Haeussler M. , Meyer K.B. , Teichmann S. , Papatheodorou I.
Published: April 2020

Single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) data analysis requires expertise in command-line tools, programming languages and scaling on compute infrastructure. As scRNA-Seq becomes widespread, computational pipelines need to be more accessible, simpler and scalable. We introduce an interactive analysis environment for scRNA-Seq, based on Galaxy, with ~70 functions from major single-cell analysis tools, which can be run on compute clusters, cloud providers or single machines, to bring compute to the data in scRNA-Seq.
Bet hedging buffers budding yeast against environmental instability
Authors: Bagamery Laura E. , Justman Quincey A. , Garner Ethan C. , Murray Andrew W.
Published: April 2020

To grow and divide, cells must extract resources from dynamic and unpredictable environments. Organisms thus possess redundant metabolic pathways for distinct contexts. In budding yeast, ATP can be produced from carbon by mechanisms that prioritize either speed (fermentation) or yield (respiration). We find that in the absence of predictive cues, cells vary in their intrinsic ability to switch metabolic strategies from fermentation to respiration. We observe subpopulations of yeast cells which either rapidly adapt or enter a shock state characterized by deformation of many cellular structures, including mitochondria. This capacity to adapt is a bimodal and heritable state. We demonstrate that metabolic preparedness confers a fitness advantage during an environmental shift but is costly in a constant, high-glucose environment, and we observe natural variation in the frequency of prepared cells across wild yeast strains. These experiments suggest that bet-hedging has evolved in budding yeast.
Engineered lactobacilli display anti-biofilm and growth suppressing activities againstPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Chappell Todd C. , Nair Nikhil U.
Published: April 2020

Biofilms are an emerging target for new therapeutics in the effort to address the continued increase in resistance and tolerance to traditional antimicrobials. In particular, the distinct nature of the biofilm growth state often means that traditional antimicrobials, developed to combat planktonic cells, are ineffective. Biofilm treatments are designed to both reduce pathogen load at an infection site and decrease the development of resistance by rendering the embedded organisms more susceptible to treatment at lower antimicrobial concentrations. In this work, we developed a new antimicrobial treatment modality by characterizing the natural capacity of two lactobacilli,L. plantarumandL. rhamnosus, to inhibitP. aeruginosagrowth, biofilm formation, and biofilm viability. We further engineered these lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to secrete enzymes known to degradeP. aeruginosabiofilms and show that our best performing engineered LAB, secreting a pathogen-derived enzyme (PelAhyd), degrades up to 85 % ofP. aeruginosabiofilm.
MS-CleanR: A feature-filtering approach to improve annotation rate in untargeted LC-MS based metabolomics
Authors: Fraisier-Vannier Ophélie , Chervin Justine , Cabanac Guillaume , Puech-Pages Virginie , Fournier Sylvie , Durand Virginie , Amiel Aurélien , André Olivier , Benamar Omar Abdelaziz , Dumas Bernard , Tsugawa Hiroshi , Marti Guillaume
Published: April 2020

Untargeted metabolomics using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is currently the gold-standard technique to determine the full chemical diversity in biological samples. This approach still has many limitations, however; notably, the difficulty of estimating accurately the number of unique metabolites being profiled among the thousands of MS ion signals arising from chromatograms. Here, we describe a new workflow, MS-CleanR, based on the MS-DIAL/MS-FINDER suite, which tackles feature degeneracy and improves annotation rates. We show that implementation of MS-CleanR reduces the number of signals by nearly 80% while retaining 95% of unique metabolite features. Moreover, the annotation results from MS-FINDER can be ranked with respect to database chosen by the user, which improves identification accuracy. Application of MS-CleanR to the analysis ofArabidopsis thalianagrown in three different conditions improved class separation resulting from multivariate data analysis and lead to annotation of 75% of the final features. The full workflow was applied to metabolomic profiles from three strains of the leguminous plantMedicago truncatulathat have different susceptibilities to the oomycete pathogenAphanomyces euteiches; a group of glycosylated triterpenoids overrepresented in resistant lines were identified as candidate compounds conferring pathogen resistance. MS-CleanR is implemented through a Shiny interface for intuitive use by end-users (available at:https://github.com/eMetaboHUB/MS-CleanR).
Pattern-recognition receptors are required for NLR-mediated plant immunity
Authors: Yuan Minhang , Jiang Zeyu , Bi Guozhi , Nomura Kinya , Liu Menghui , He Sheng Yang , Zhou Jian-Min , Xin Xiu-Fang
Published: April 2020

The plant immune system is fundamental to plant survival in natural ecosystems and productivity in crop fields. Substantial evidence supports the prevailing notion that plants possess a two-tiered innate immune system, called pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI). PTI is triggered by microbial patterns via cell surface-localized pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), whereas ETI is activated by pathogen effector proteins via mostly intracellularly-localized receptors called nucleotide-binding, leucine-rich repeat proteins (NLRs)1-4. PTI and ETI are initiated by dist 30 inct activation mechanisms and are considered to act independently and have evolved sequentially5,6. Here we show that, contrary to the perception of PTI and ETI being separate immune signaling pathways, Arabidopsis PRR/co-receptor mutants,fls2/efr/cerk1andbak1/bkk1/cerk1triple mutants, are greatly impaired in ETI responses when challenged with incompatiblePseudomonas syrinagebacteria. We further show that the NADPH oxidase (RBOHD)-mediated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a critical early signaling event connecting PRR and NLR cascades and that PRR-mediated phosphorylation of RBOHD is necessary for full activation of RBOHD during ETI. Furthermore, NLR signaling rapidly augments the transcript and protein levels of key PTI components at an early stage and in a salicylic acid-independent manner. Our study supports an alternative model in which PTI is in fact an indispensable component of ETI during bacterial infection, implying that ETI halts pathogen infection, in part, by directly co-opting the anti-pathogen mechanisms proposed for PTI. This alternative model conceptually unites two major immune signaling pathways in the plant kingdom and mechanistically explains the long-observed similarities in downstream defense outputs between PTI and ETI.
The impact of sensory activity schedule (SAS) intervention on classroom task performance in students with autism – a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Mills Caroline Jennifer , Chapparo Christine , Hinitt Joanne
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Sensory processing difficulties can negatively affect children with autism at school. There is limited evidence to guide practice in this area. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a sensory activity schedule (SAS) used in a school setting on task mastery and occupational performance in the classroom.

Design/methodology/approach

A randomised control trial (RCT) was conducted with 30 children to evaluate the efficacy of a school-based SAS. Children in the intervention group received SAS intervention and usual teaching. Children in the control group received only usual teaching. Outcome measures were the perceive, recall, plan and perform stage one procedural task analysis and goal attainment scaling.

Findings

Children in the intervention group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in school performance when compared with the control group in both outcome measures.

Research limitations/implications

This was a pilot study with small sample size, so results should be interpreted with caution. Further research is needed to replicate these findings.

Practical implications

A classroom-based SAS may have a positive effect on classroom performance for children with autism. This has implications for professionals who support children with autism and sensory processing difficulties in a school setting.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study was the first of its kind in evaluating SAS intervention in a school setting using RCT methodology.
Hibiscus sabdariffa L. flower and date palm pollen fortification of date palm spathe beverage
Authors: ALTamimi Jozaa Z. , ALFaris Nora A. , Alghamdi Fatima Ail , Abu-Hiamed Hind A. , ALbadr Nawal A. , Almousa Lujain Abdulaziz
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of roselle flower extract and date palm pollen on the nutritional and sensory qualities of date palm spathe beverage (DPSB).

Design/methodology/approach

The nutritional composition and sensorial quality of the date palm spathe-based beverage were evaluated. The product was fortified with different concentrations (1 per cent and 5 per cent) of roselle flowers and 1 per cent date palm pollen grains.

Findings

Generally, fortification of the DPSB with roselle flowers only or the combination of roselle flowers and date palm pollen grains significantly affected the nutritional and sensory properties of the products. The total dissolved solids, turbidity and total contents of proteins; fats; carbohydrates; vitamins A, E and C; iron; nickel and copper were highest in the DPSB fortified with a mixture of 1 per cent roselle flower extract and 1 per cent pollen grains and lowest in the DPSB supplemented with 1 per cent roselle flower extract. The manganese and selenium contents were both highest and lowest in DPSB supplemented with 5 per cent and 1 per cent roselle flower extract, respectively. Antioxidant activity was highest in DPSB supplemented with the 5 per cent roselle flower extract and lowest in unfortified DPSB. Boron, molybdenum and zinc contents were highest in unfortified DPSB. All sensory attributes were highest in both the unfortified DPSB and that fortified with 1 per cent roselle flower extract.

Originality/value

While fortification with a combination of 1 per cent roselle flower extract and 1 per cent date palm pollen grains improved the nutritional quality of the DPSB, it negatively affected the sensory attributes of the products.
The gap in soft skills perceptions: a dyadic analysis
Authors: Tsirkas Konstantinos , Chytiri Alexandra-Paraskevi , Bouranta Nancy
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Previous studies have shown that soft skills play a significant role in applicants' employability and in the job search, recruitment, selection and hiring process. However, past research indicates a gap in perceptions of soft skills, between employees and employers. The present empirical research aims to explore this gap in perceptions and to suggest effective ways to resolve any mismatch. Demographical factors affecting these perceptions are also taken into consideration for the analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research design has been applied. The survey undertaken, covers all three main sectors of employment (manufacturing, retail and services), with 151 employee–employer dyads around Greece participating in the survey. Paired sample t-test, independent t-test and One-way ANOVA were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results show a gap between employees' and their subsequent employers' perceptions of employees' soft skills. Employees seem to regard their skills more highly than do their employers, whereas employers seem to consider employees as not properly equipped with the necessary soft skills. These findings are a worrying sign for business operations and suggest that difficulties in manager–employee co-operation can arise.

Practical implications

This study has both theoretical and practical implications. It adds to the literature in human resources appraisal process by identifying soft skills perceived differently by employees and employers. It also highlights the reasons for that gap and makes suggestions for the enhancement of required skills.

Originality/value

The majority of previous studies in the field focus either on employees' or employers' perceptions, without comparing them. In addition, the few former studies attempt a comparison focused on students as employees or trainees, with no previous work experience. The current study focuses on employees whose work experience has already shaped perceptions of their skills and employability.
Effects of CSR on employee retention via identification and quality-of-work-life
Authors: Kim Jungsun (Sunny) , Milliman John , Lucas Anthony
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the sequential effects of employee perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR), organizational identification (OI), higher-order quality-of-work-life (HQWL) and intention to stay (IS).

Design/methodology/approach

The survey responses were gathered from employees of a casino hotel company in the USA. All hypotheses were tested via structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results demonstrated that ethical and philanthropic CSR dimensions had significant direct effects on OI and indirect effects on HQWL via OI. OI had positive effects on HQWL (directly) and IS (directly and indirectly via HQWL). Both ethical and philanthropic CSR dimensions indirectly influenced IS via OI and HQWL, while economic CSR had a significant indirect effect on IS via HQWL.

Research limitations/implications

This study addressed the lack of theory-driven empirical work on the relationship between CSR and employee retention by presenting new insights into how different dimensions of CSR can contribute for improving employee HQWL and IS via OI based on social identity theory (SIT) and social exchange theory (SET). In this study, the results may not generalize to other countries and cultures because the data arises from a casino hotel in the USA.

Practical implications

Based on the results, hospitality companies can improve employee OI, HQWL and IS by more effectively implementing different types of CSR programs.

Originality/value

This study provided support for the positive influence of CSR initiatives on hospitality employees in a controversial sector (i.e. casino hotels) in which there is a lack of empirical research.
Windows to the sold: verbo-visual multimodality in storefront windows
Authors: Lick Erhard , Bargenda Angela , Trabelsi Dhoha
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The article seeks to enrich the body of research on store atmospherics by identifying how storefront window design impacts store entry decisions. An innovative multimodal design approach is presented, considering both visual and verbal constituents.

Design/methodology/approach

Study 1 draws on a corpus of high-end storefront windows to create a categorization regarding different levels of verbo-visual complexity. The survey in Study 2 (n = 234) serves two purposes: first, to confirm these levels of complexity and second, to investigate the relation between the complexity of window design and store entry decisions.

Findings

Study 2 confirms the order of complexity established in Study 1. The results reveal an inverted-U relationship between window complexity and store entry propensity. Windows of medium level of complexity produce shoppers' relatively highest store entry propensity.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that retailers would benefit from adopting verbo-visual window designs of medium complexity, as this combination optimizes the likeliness of consumers to enter stores.

Originality/value

Research on store atmospherics has until recently primarily focused on in-store cues. Studies on store windows remain vastly underrepresented in extant scholarship. The article not only fills this gap but also incorporates an original interdisciplinary angle on multimodality, which offers new methodological perspectives for research in retail and distribution scholarship.
Performance measurement of gas companies with fixed-sum inputs: a DEA-based model
Authors: Amirteimoori Hamzeh , Amirteimoori Alireza , Karbasian Mahdi
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The paper analyzes the relative performance of provincial gas distribution companies with different types of inputs and outputs. A data envelopment analysis (DEA)-based model is developed to construct an equilibrium efficient frontier in the presence of multi-type input/output variables.

Design/methodology/approach

A DEA-based model is developed to construct an equilibrium efficient frontier in the presence of multi-type input/output variables.

Findings

It has been shown that using this single equilibrium efficient frontier, a trade-off is made between efficient and inefficient companies so as to make all companies as efficient.

Originality/value

The study analyzes the relative performance of provincial gas distribution companies with different types of inputs and outputs. A DEA-based model is developed to construct an equilibrium efficient frontier in the presence of multi-type input/output variables. It has been shown that using this single equilibrium efficient frontier, a trade-off is made between efficient and inefficient companies so as to make all companies as efficient.
Predicting managers' championing behavior through subordinates' change-related voice
Authors: Faupel Stefanie
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine whether managers who are not in top management perceive change-related voice from their work group as support and whether this perception is an explaining mechanism that can predict the managers' behavioral support for change. Such voice can be a valuable asset for managers during change.

Design/methodology/approach

Lower and middle managers' perceptions of subordinates' support is investigated as mediator in the relationship between group change-related voice and managers' behavioral support for change. Seventy managers who were experiencing organizational change completed a survey at two points in time. Data were analyzed using regression analyses and the bootstrapping approach.

Findings

Managers perceive promotive but not prohibitive group change-related voice as support. Perceived subordinate support serves as explaining mechanism in the relationship between promotive group change-related voice and managers' championing behavior.

Practical implications

The study's results have practical implications, as insights are gained into how managers react to upward communication from the work group and how such communication influences managers' reaction to change. These insights can be used to facilitate effective participation during change, as it creates sensitivity to managers as recipients of change.

Originality/value

Research on how managers react to change-related ideas and concerns is scarce. The study extends current research on organizational change by investigating the impact of subordinates' communications on managers' reaction to change. Research on voice is enriched by focusing on the voice-receiving process.
Development and characterization of silk films for burn wound healing
Authors: Nachiappan Sukumar , Amanuel Lami , Agazie Tewodros , Bihonegn Seyoum
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Wound healing is a dynamic process that relies on coordinated signaling molecules to succeed. Silk has proven to be a promising biomaterial for the development of a novel product. The purpose of the study is development of silk films, augmented functionality can be provided to silk by means of loading honey and recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF).

Design/methodology/approach

In this research work, the authors set out to explore possibilities of silk-based biomedical device development with particular attention to different fabrication strategies that can be leveraged for this purpose. They have produced a novel silk-based drug delivery material, in the form of silk films. Scanning electronic microscope was used to observe the morphology and the highly specific surface area. The structure was studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. This methodology is accomplished using in vivo study data using Wister albonia rats.

Findings

The developed films also provided a significant higher healing rate in vivo, with well-formed epidermis with faster granulation tissue formation when compared to the controls. Biodegradable polymeric materials based on blending aqueous dispersions of natural polymer sodium alginate, Chitosan and rhEGF complex, which allow controlled antiseptic release, are presented.

Originality/value

These results suggest that silk-based controlled release of Chitosan-rhEGF may serve as a new therapy to accelerate healing of burn wounds.
Impact of bottle size on in‐home consumption of wine: a randomized controlled cross‐over trial
Authors: Codling Saphsa , Mantzari Eleni , Sexton Olivia , Fuller Georgia , Pechey Rachel , Hollands Gareth J. , Pilling Mark , Marteau Theresa M.
Published: April 2020

Aim

To assess the impact of purchasing wine in 50 cl bottles compared with 75 cl bottles on the amount of wine consumed at home.

Design

Cross‐over randomized controlled trial with a ‘usual behaviour’ period of a maximum of 3 weeks between conditions.

Setting

Households in the United Kingdom.

Participants

One hundred and eighty‐six households that consumed between two and eight 75 cl bottles of wine each week.

Intervention

Households were randomized to the order in which they purchased wine in two bottle sizes. During two 14‐day intervention periods, households purchased a pre‐set volume of wine—based on their baseline self‐reported weekly consumption—in either 75 cl bottles or 50 cl bottles. On days 7 and 14 of each study period, participating households sent photographs of each purchased wine bottle.

Measurements

The primary outcome was the volume of study wine in millilitres (ml) consumed during each study period estimated through returned photographs. The secondary outcome was the rate of consumption measured by the mean number of days taken to drink 1.5 litres from each bottle size.

Findings

One hundred and sixty‐six of 186 enrolled households satisfactorily completed the study. After accounting for pre‐specified covariates, 191.1 ml [95% confidence interval (CI) = 42.03–339.2] or 4.5% (95% CI = 1.0–7.9%) more wine was consumed per 14‐day period from 75‐cl bottles than from 50‐cl bottles. Consumption was 5.8% faster (95% CI = –10.9 to –0.4%) from 75 cl bottles than from 50 cl bottles.

Conclusions

Consuming wine at home from 50 cl bottles, compared with 75 cl bottles, may reduce both amount consumed and rate of consumption.
Do crop purchase programs improve smallholder welfare? The case of Zambia's Food Reserve Agency
Authors: Fung Winnie , Liverpool‐Tasie Lenis Saweda O. , Mason Nicole M. , Oyelere Ruth Uwaifo
Published: April 2020

Government and parastatal crop purchase programs have regained popularity in sub‐Saharan Africa, with many citing improving smallholder farmers’ welfare as a key goal. Yet there is limited empirical evidence on the topic. This paper analyzes the effects of the Zambian Food Reserve Agency's (FRA's) maize purchase activities on smallholder welfare. The FRA buys maize at a pan‐territorial price that often exceeds market prices in surplus production areas. Using two household panel survey datasets spanning 15 years and exploiting variation in the scale of FRA activities over time, we employ fixed effects and control function approaches to estimate the effects of a smallholder household's maize sales to the FRA on its welfare, as well as the effects of more intense FRA maize purchase activity in a given district on the welfare of smallholder households in the district. Results suggest positive direct welfare effects on the minority of smallholders that sell to the FRA. We also find that, in the early years of the program, more intense FRA maize purchase activity in a district was associated with reductions in smallholder welfare, particularly among maize autarkic and net buying households. In later years, we find no evidence of such negative effects and some evidence of positive district‐level effects on maize net buyers.
Changes in treatment and mortality in men with locally advanced prostate cancer between 2000 and 2016: a nationwide, population‐based study in Sweden
Authors: Orrason Andri Wilberg , Westerberg Marcus , Garmo Hans , Lissbrant Ingela Franck , Robinson David , Stattin Pär
Published: April 2020

Objective

To evaluate whether the effects of radical treatment in men with locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa) on PCa mortality observed in randomised clinical trials are applicable on a population basis.

Patients and methods

We conducted a population‐based cohort study using the Prostate Cancer data Base Sweden of 20 350 men diagnosed between 2000 and 2016 with locally advanced PCa, defined as clinical local stage T3/T4, M0, Mx and a prostate‐specific antigen level of <100 ng/mL. Cumulative PCa mortality was examined using competing risk analysis of all men with locally advanced PCa, and also including men who did not undergo radical treatment. Multivariate regression analysis, including prognostic factors, was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for all‐cause and PCa‐specific death.

Results

The proportion of men treated with primary radical radiotherapy (n = 4174) or prostatectomy (n = 1210) increased from 15% in 2000–2003, 25% in 2004–2007, 33% in 2008–2011 to 43% in 2012–2016. The corresponding 5‐year PCa mortality decreased from 19%, 18%, 17%, to 15% for all men, with the steepest decrease in men aged 65–74 years, from 16% to 8%. The risk of PCa mortality in men aged <80 years was lower in the last period compared to the first period, with a HR of 0.65 (95% confidence interval 0.56–0.76) in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

The threefold increase in use of radical treatment was accompanied by a modest decrease in PCa mortality in all men with newly diagnosed locally advanced PCa. For men aged 65–74 years, there was a 50% decrease in the relative risk of PCa death. This indicates that the benefits previously observed in randomised trials can also be achieved in a real‐life setting.
Interleukin‐11 regulates the fate of adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells via STAT3 signalling pathways
Authors: Yang Wenlong , Zhang Shuning , Ou Tiantong , Jiang Hao , Jia Daile , Qi Zhiyong , Zou Yunzeng , Qian Juying , Sun Aijun , Ge Junbo
Published: April 2020

Objective

Adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) offer great promise as cell therapy for ischaemic diseases. Due to their poor survival in the ischaemic environment, the therapeutic efficacy of ADSCs is still relatively low. Interleukin‐11 (IL‐11) has been shown to play a key role in promoting cell proliferation and protecting cells from oxidative stress injury. The aim of this study was to determine whether IL‐11 could improve therapeutic efficacy of ADSCs in ischaemic diseases.

Methods and Results

ADSCs were prepared from inguinal subcutaneous adipose tissue and exposed to hypoxic environment. The protein expression of IL‐11 was decreased after hypoxic treatment. In addition, ADSCs viability was increased after IL‐11 treatment under hypoxia. Moreover, IL‐11 enhanced ADSCs viability in a dose‐dependent manner under normoxia. Importantly, IL‐11 promoted ADSCs proliferation and migration and protected ADSCs against hydrogen peroxide‐induced cellular death. Notably, IL‐11 enhanced ADSCs proliferation and migration, also promoted cell survival and apoptosis resistance by STAT3 signalling. In vivo, mice were subjected to limb ischaemia and treated with IL‐11 overexpression ADSCs and control ADSCs. IL‐11 overexpression ADSCs improved perfusion recovery in the ischaemic muscles.

Conclusions

We provide the evidence that IL‐11 promoted ADSCs proliferation, stimulated ADSCs migration and attenuated ADSCs apoptosis by activation of STAT3 signalling. These results suggest that IL‐11 facilitated ADSCs engraftment in ischaemic tissue, thereby enhanced ADSCs therapeutic efficacy.
Fisheries‐induced evolution of alternative male life history tactics in Coho salmon
Authors: Young Kyle A. , Cluney Victoria A. , Weir Laura K.
Published: April 2020

Fisheries‐induced evolution (FIE) can result when harvest imposes artificial selection on variation in heritable phenotypic traits. While there is evidence for FIE, it remains difficult to disentangle the contributions of within‐generation demographic adjustment, phenotypic plasticity, and genetic adaption to observed changes in life history traits. We present evidence for FIE using dozens of Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) populations in which males adopt one of two age‐invariant, heritable life history tactics: most mature as large three‐year‐old “hooknose” and typically fight for spawning opportunities, while some mature as small two‐year‐old “jacks” and fertilize eggs through sneaking. The closure of a fishery targeting three‐year‐old fish provided an experimental test of the prediction that fishery‐imposed selection against hooknose males drives an evolutionary increase in the proportion of males adopting the jack tactic. The data support the prediction: 43 of 46 populations had higher jack proportions during than after the fishery. The data further suggest that changes in jack proportion were not solely the result of demographic adjustments to harvest. We suggest that systems where fisheries differentially exploit phenotypically discrete, age‐invariant life histories provide excellent opportunities for detecting FIE.
Which serum uric acid levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk in the general adult population?
Authors: Krajčoviechová Alena , Wohlfahrt Peter , Bruthans Jan , Šulc Pavel , Lánská Věra , Eremiášová Lenka , Pudil Jan , Linhart Aleš , Filipovský Jan , Mayer Otto , Widimský Jiří , Blaha Milan , Borghi Claudio , Cífková Renata
Published: April 2020

Our aim was to determine the serum uric acid (SUA) levels associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) and all‐cause death in the general adult population. We analyzed data obtained in two independent cross‐sectional surveys performed in the Czech Republic in 2006‐09 and 2015‐18, involving 1% population random samples in nine districts, aged 25‐64 years, stratified by age and gender. Ten‐year mortality data were obtained in a cohort with examination in 2006‐09. Final analyses included 3542 individuals (48.2% men) examined in 2006‐09, and 2304 (47.4% men) examined in 2015‐18. From a cohort examined in 2006‐09, 122 men and 60 women were reported dead (33% and 27% from CV disease). In men, there was no association of baseline SUA levels with baseline SCORE category or 10‐year mortality rates. In women, each 10 µmol/L increase in baseline SUA levels was associated with an increase in baseline SCORE category (P < .001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses in women identified the baseline SUA cutoff values discriminating: 1. between low/intermediate and high/very high SCORE categories (309 µmol/L), 2. CV mortality (325 µmol/L), and 3. all‐cause mortality (298 µmol/L). After adjusting for confounders including SCORE, Cox regression analysis confirmed that the baseline SUA cutoffs of 309 µmol/L and 325 µmol/L were associated with 4‐times (P = .010) and 6‐times (P = .036) greater risk of CV mortality, whereas the cutoff of 298 µmol/L was associated with 87% greater risk of all‐cause mortality (P = .025). In conclusion, the SUA cutoff value of 309 µmol/L identified women at high/very high SCORE category and was associated with 4‐times greater risk of observed CV mortality over 10 years.
Increased risks of different grades of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in prediabetic subjects with impaired fasting glucose and glucose tolerance, including the isolated glycosylated hemoglobin levels of 5.7–6.4% in a Chinese population
Authors: Li Chung‐Hao , Chou Yu‐Tsung , Shen Wei‐Chen , Lu Feng‐Hwa , Yang Yi‐Ching , Wu Jin‐Shang , Chang Chih‐Jen
Published: April 2020

Aims/Introduction

Contrary to the results of the majority of studies on diabetes, there are some conflicting results regarding the relationship between non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and prediabetes. No study has investigated the relationship between isolated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in the range of 5.7–6.4% (HbA1c 5.7–6.4%) and NAFLD. Our aim was to investigate the effect of different glycemic statuses on NAFLD concomitantly categorized by fasting plasma glucose, 2‐h plasma glucose and HbA1c levels.

Materials and Methods

NAFLD was classified into three groups by ultrasonographic examination results: normal, mild and moderate‐to‐severe. Glycemic status was divided into five groups: normoglycemia, isolated HbA1c 5.7–6.4%, impaired fasting glucose without impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), IGT and newly diagnosed diabetes. For multivariable logistic regression analyses, the outcome variable was the classified three grades of fatty changes in the liver after adjusting for other potential risk covariables.

Results

In this cross‐sectional research, a total of 8,571 eligible individuals were enrolled and divided into three groups: 5,499 without fatty liver, 2,113 with mild NAFLD and 959 with moderate‐to‐severe NAFLD. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that IGT, impaired fasting glucose without IGT and isolated HbA1c 5.7–6.4% were associated with a higher risk of NAFLD in addition to newly diagnosed diabetes. Other positively predictive variables were male sex, obesity, overweight, central obesity, increased triglyceride and C‐reactive protein >1 mg/L. Negatively associated factors were elevated high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

Conclusions

Besides diabetes, the increased risks of different grades of NAFLD were found for prediabetic individuals categorized by impaired fasting glucose without IGT, IGT and isolated HbA1c 5.7–6.4%.
Protocol for the development of a core domain set for hand eczema trials
Authors: Rönsch H. , Apfelbacher C. , Brans R. , Ofenloch R. , Schuttelaar M.L.A. , Weisshaar E. , Bauer A.
Published: April 2020

Background

Clinical hand eczema trials measure a variety of outcome domains to determine the success of interventions. This considerably limits the comparability and overall confidence in the study results, and thereby the strength of recommendations for clinical practice.

Objectives

The Hand Eczema Core Outcome Set (HECOS) initiative aims to develop a core outcome set (COS) for the standardized evaluation of interventions in future hand eczema trials and reviews. This COS will define the minimum that should be measured and reported in controlled and randomized‐controlled trials of therapeutic hand eczema interventions. The objective of this protocol is to specify the methods to develop a core domain set.

Methods

In Phase 1, a list of candidate domains will be derived from a systematic literature review concerning previously measured outcomes in hand eczema trials, from qualitative patient interviews and from expert interviews. In Phase 2, a consensus study about core domains will be conducted by an online 3‐round Delphi survey and a face‐to‐face meeting, applying predefined consensus criteria. HECOS involves hand eczema and methods experts as well as patients and further stakeholders with an interest in the initiative.

Outlook

When a set of core domains has been defined, HECOS is going to identify appropriate outcome measurement instruments in a development process that will be detailed in another protocol. The COS will considerably enhance the methodological quality, comparability and usefulness of hand eczema trials for clinical decision‐making and the development of new therapeutic options for hand eczema, and also reduce the effort of planning, conducting, and reporting individual hand eczema studies, reviews and meta‐analyses.