bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of HACCP on the small‐scale manufacture of a food product (pudding)
Authors: Almalky Sumaiah
Published: January 2021

This study provides an HACCP process for the small‐scale production of a milk‐based pudding. For this purpose, the CCP was determined by measuring the bacterial content of a milk based pudding using technical procedures. In Saudi Arabia, the milk‐based pudding is eaten by Saudis as dessert during Ramadan, either in restaurants or at home. This paper presents the HACCP system for a cooked pudding, which is ready to eat. The PCA media, TVC media and SAB media were used to detect contamination in the pudding and to test its shelf life. The pH value determines the critical limit that is safe for puddings. The pudding was cooked in the laboratory using different tests to control the CCPs. The pudding samples were tested at four different temperatures − 60°C, 65°C, 70°C, 75°C – and the cooked sample was tested at 70°C over ten days of storage at 5°C. The best pudding, that containing the fewest organisms, was the one tested at 70°C after two days of storage at 5°C. The pudding cooked at the lowest temperature, 60°C, was found to have the highest amount of contamination. The samples of PCA media and SAB media were analysed at 30°C in 48‐hour storage, however, the sample of TVC media was analysed and stored at room temperature to assess the microbial growth. This study encourages use of the HACCP system to improve the quality of food products and health care for people.

Support or Funding Information

Supervisor: Lydia Campbell
A Cost-effective 3D Printed Antibiotic Spacer for Management of Periprosthetic Joint Infection of the Knee: A Case Report
Authors: Harna Bushu , Kumar Raj , Tomar Shekhar , Meena Abhay , Maini Lalit
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

The 3-dimensional (D) printed customized bone cement spacer molds provide a single solution to various difficulties faced during the first stage of 2-stage exchange revision knee arthroplasty in periprosthetic joint infection.

Materials and Methods:

A 60-year-old lady presented with periprosthetic joint infection of the knee. The spacer molds were designed using computer-aided-design (CAD) software and intraoperatively antibiotic spacer was formed after assessing the bone gaps at a very low price ($100).

Results:

The infection was eradicated for over 3 months. The spacer was designed perfectly to the bone gaps and bone defects leading to proper gap balancing and wound closure.

Conclusions:

The CAD-articulating spacer helps to reduce the complexity of the surgical procedure. 3D printing provides a cost-effective measure to tackle such complex surgeries. The CAD-articulating spacer gives a futuristic guiding tool using 3D printing to make the surgery easier and more effective.
An 11-Year-old Male With X-linked Agammaglobulinemia and Persistent Abdominal Pain
Authors: Fettinger Natalie B. , Bradley John S. , Ramchandar Nanda
Published: January 2021

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing is a promising tool for detecting pathogens that are difficult to isolate by traditional modalities, particularly in the diagnosis of complex infections in immunocompromised children. We describe a child with X-linked agammaglobulinemia and chronic abdominal pain diagnosed with a multiorganism infection (Helicobacter cinaedi, Campylobacter coli and Parainfluenza) identified by various diagnostic tools, including plasma metagenomic next-generation sequencing.
Contrast blush on CT is a poor predictor of active bleeding on pelvic angiography
Authors: Do Andrew S. , Childs Benjamin R. , Gael Sarah , Vallier Heather A.
Published: January 2021

Objective:

Determine if contrast extravasation (CE) on computed tomography (CT), also called CT blush, is a reliable predictor of clinically relevant arterial bleeding from pelvic ring injury.

Design:

Retrospective cohort.

Setting:

Single level I trauma center.

Patients/participants:

A total of 189 patients who underwent pelvic angiography between 1999 and 2015.

Intervention:

Demographic and injury data, including Young–Burgess fracture classification, Injury Severity Score (ISS), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and clinical data including hypotension and heart rate upon presentation were recorded. Charts, radiographs, and interventional radiology reports and studies were reviewed.

Main outcome measurements:

CE on CT scan was noted from reports. Angiography studies were reviewed for active arterial bleeding.

Results:

Mean age was 49 years, with 64% male. CE was noted in 111 patients (66%), with increasing frequency over the study period. Patients under age 55 were less likely to have CE (P < .001). GCS was higher and ISS lower in patients with CE (both P < .05). For CE as predictor of active bleeding, sensitivity was 67%, specificity 34%, and positive predictive value (PPV) was 58% (P = .95). For CE as predictor of overall mortality, the sensitivity, specificity, and PPV were 67%, 33%, and 16%, respectively (P = 1.0). However, hypotension had sensitivity of 83% for active bleeding and 97% for mortality, both P < .001.

Conclusions:

While CT blush was neither a sensitive nor specific predictor of active bleeding on pelvic angiography, hypotension was a sensitive indicator of both bleeding and mortality. These findings suggest that CE is not an independently sufficient indication for pelvic angiography.

Level of Evidence: Level III
Visually Estimated RESOLVE Score Based on Coronary Computed Tomography to Predict Side Branch Occlusion in Percutaneous Bifurcation Intervention
Authors: Michalowska Anna M. , Grodecki Kajetan , Staruch Adam D. , Kepka Cezary , Wolny Rafal , Pregowski Jerzy , Kruk Mariusz , Debski Mariusz , Debski Artur , Michalowska Ilona , Witkowski Adam , Opolski Maksymilian P.
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

The quantitative RESOLVE (Risk prEdiction of Side branch OccLusion in coronary bifurcation interVEntion) score derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (coronary CTA) was developed as a noninvasive and accurate prediction tool for side branch (SB) occlusion in coronary bifurcation intervention. We aimed to determine the ability of a visually estimated CTA-derived RESOLVE score (V-RESOLVE score) to predict SB occlusion in coronary bifurcation intervention.

Materials and Methods:

The present study included 363 patients with 400 bifurcation lesions. CTA-derived V-RESOLVE score was derived and compared with the quantitative CTA-derived RESOLVE score. The scoring systems were divided into quartiles, and classified as the high-risk and non–high-risk groups. SB occlusion was defined as any decrease in thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade after main vessel stenting.

Results:

In total, 28 SB occlusions (7%) occurred. The concordance between visual and quantitative CTA analysis showed poor to excellent agreement (weighted κ range: 0.099 to 0.867). The area under the receiver operating curve for the prediction of SB occlusion was significantly higher for the CTA-derived V-RESOLVE score than for quantitative CTA-derived RESOLVE score (0.792 vs. 0.709, P=0.049). The total net reclassification index was 42.7% (P=0.006), and CTA-derived V-RESOLVE score showed similar capability to discriminate between high-risk group (18.6% vs. 13.8%, P=0.384) and non–high-risk group (3.8% vs. 4.9%, P=0.510) as compared with quantitative CTA-derived RESOLVE score.

Conclusions:

Visually estimated CTA-derived V-RESOLVE score is an accurate and easy-to-use prediction tool for the stratification of SB occlusion in coronary bifurcation intervention.
Mucilaginibacter mali sp. nov., isolated from rhizosphere soil of apple orchard
Authors: Kim Han Sol , Lee Keun Chul , Suh Min Kuk , Kim Ji-Sun , Han Kook-Il , Eom Mi Kyung , Shin Yong Kook , Lee Jung-Sook
Published: January 2021

A novel Gram-negative bacterium, designated G2-14T, was isolated from rhizosphere soil sample collected from apple orchard in Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea. Strain G2-14T was a strictly aerobic, non-spore-forming, non-motile and short-rod-shaped bacterium. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain G2-14T was closely related to

Mucilaginibacter myungsuensis

HMD1056T (96.9 %) and

Mucilaginibacter boryungensis

BDR-9T (96.8 %). The major cellular fatty acids (>10 %) of strain G2-14T were summed feature 3 (C16:1
ω6с and/or C16:1
ω7с) and iso-C15:0. The predominant quinone and the major polar lipid were menaquinone-7 and phosphatidylethanolamine, respectively. Strain G2-14T produced acetic acid. The DNA G+C content based on whole genome sequences was 46.4 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain G2-14T represents a novel species in the genus

Mucilaginibacter

, for which the name Mucilaginibacter mali sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is G2-14T (=KCTC 72533T=NBRC 114179T).
Psychological Legacies of Intergenerational Trauma under South African Apartheid: Prenatal Stress Predicts Increased Psychiatric Morbidity during Late Adolescence and Early Adulthood in Soweto, South Africa
Authors: Kim Andrew Wooyoung , Mohamed Rihlat Said , Norris Shane A. , Richter Linda M. , Kuzawa Christopher W.
Published: January 2021

Background

South Africa’s rates of psychiatric morbidity are among the highest in sub-Saharan Africa and are foregrounded by the country’s long history of political violence during apartheid. Recent evidence suggests that maternal trauma during gestation may intergenerationally impact the developing fetus and elevate the future child’s risk for psychiatric disease. We aim to evaluate the intergenerational effects of prenatal stress experienced during apartheid on late adolescent psychiatric morbidity and also assess the potential ameliorative effects of prenatal social support.

Method

Participants (n = 1051) come from Birth-to-Twenty, a longitudinal birth cohort study in Soweto-Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest peri-urban township which was the epicenter of violent repression and resistance during the final years of the apartheid regime. Pregnant women were prospectively enrolled in 1990 and completed questionnaires assessing social experiences, and their children’s psychiatric morbidity were assessed at age 17-18.

Results

Full data were available from 304 mother-child pairs in 2007-8. Pregnant women who experienced worse traumatic stress in 1990 had children who exhibited greater psychiatric morbidity during late adolescence. This relationship was only significant, however, among children born to younger mothers and adolescents who experienced greater concurrent stress. Social support did not buffer the long-term impacts of prenatal stress on future psychiatric morbidity.

Conclusion

Greater prenatal stress predicted adverse psychiatric outcomes among children born to younger mothers and adolescents who experienced greater concurrent stress. Our findings suggest that prenatal stress may affect adolescent mental health, have stress-sensitizing effects, and represent possible intergenerational effects of trauma experienced under apartheid in this sample.
A Serology Strategy for Epidemiological Studies Based on the Comparison of the Performance of Seven Different Test Systems - The Representative COVID-19 Cohort Munich
Authors: Olbrich Laura , Castelletti Noemi , Schälte Yannik , Garí Mercè , Pütz Peter , Bakuli Abhishek , Pritsch Michael , Kroidl Inge , Saathoff Elmar , Noller Jessica Michelle Guggenbuehl , Fingerle Volker , Le Gleut Ronan , Gilberg Leonard , Brand Isabel , Falk Philine , Markgraf Alisa , Deák Flora , Riess Friedrich , Diefenbach Max , Eser Tabea , Weinauer Franz , Martin Silke , Quenzel Ernst-Markus , Becker Marc , Durner Jürgen , Girl Philipp , Müller Katharina , Radon Katja , Fuchs Christiane , Wölfel Roman , Hasenauer Jan , Hoelscher Michael , Wieser Andreas
Published: January 2021

Background

Serosurveys are essential to understand SARS-CoV-2 exposure and enable population-level surveillance, but currently available tests need further in-depth evaluation. We aimed to identify testing-strategies by comparing seven seroassays in a population-based cohort.

Methods

We analysed 6,658 samples consisting of true-positives (n=193), true-negatives (n=1,091), and specimens of unknown status (n=5,374). For primary testing, we used Euroimmun-Anti-SARS-CoV-2-ELISA-IgA/IgG and Roche-Elecsys-Anti-SARS-CoV-2; and virus-neutralisation, GeneScript®cPass™, VIRAMED-SARS-CoV-2-ViraChip®, and Mikrogen-recomLine-SARS-CoV-2-IgG, including common-cold CoVs, for confirmatory testing. Statistical modelling generated optimised assay cut-off-thresholds.

Findings

Sensitivity of Euroimmun-anti-S1-IgA was 64.8%, specificity 93.3%; for Euroimmun-anti-S1-IgG, sensitivity was 77.2/79.8% (manufacturer’s/optimised cut-offs), specificity 98.0/97.8%; Roche-anti-N sensitivity was 85.5/88.6%, specificity 99.8/99.7%. In true-positives, mean and median titres remained stable for at least 90-120 days after RT-PCR-positivity. Of true-positives with positive RT-PCR (<30 days), 6.7% did not mount detectable seroresponses. Virus-neutralisation was 73.8% sensitive, 100.0% specific (1:10 dilution). Neutralisation surrogate tests (GeneScript®cPass™, Mikrogen-recomLine-RBD) were >94.9% sensitive, >98.1% specific. Seasonality had limited effects; cross-reactivity with common-cold CoVs 229E and NL63 in SARS-CoV-2 true-positives was significant.

Conclusion

Optimised cut-offs improved test performances of several tests. Non-reactive serology in true-positives was uncommon. For epidemiological purposes, confirmatory testing with virus-neutralisation may be replaced with GeneScript®cPass™ or recomLine-RBD. Head-to-head comparisons given here aim to contribute to the refinement of testing-strategies for individual and public health use.
A large-scale neural network training framework for generalized estimation of single-trial population dynamics
Authors: Keshtkaran Mohammad Reza , Sedler Andrew R. , Chowdhury Raeed H. , Tandon Raghav , Basrai Diya , Nguyen Sarah L. , Sohn Hansem , Jazayeri Mehrdad , Miller Lee E. , Pandarinath Chethan
Published: January 2021

Recent technical advances have enabled recording of increasingly large populations of neural activity, even during natural, unstructured behavior. Deep sequential autoencoders are the current state-of-the-art for uncovering dynamics from these datasets. However, these highly complex models include many non-trainable hyperparameters (HPs) that are typically hand tuned with reference to supervisory information (e.g., behavioral data). This process is cumbersome and time consuming and biases model selection toward models with good representations of individual supervisory variables. Additionally, it cannot be applied to cognitive areas or unstructured tasks for which supervisory information is unavailable. Here we demonstrate AutoLFADS, an automated model-tuning framework that can characterize dynamics using only neural data, without the need for supervisory information. This enables inference of dynamics out-of-the-box in diverse brain areas and behaviors, which we demonstrate on several datasets: motor cortex during free-paced reaching, somatosensory cortex during reaching with perturbations, and dorsomedial frontal cortex during cognitive timing tasks. We also provide a cloud software package and comprehensive tutorials that enable new users to apply the method without dedicated computing resources.
Single-cell analysis of colonic epithelium reveals unexpected shifts in cellular composition and molecular phenotype in treatment-naïve adult Crohn’s disease
Authors: Kanke Matt , Kennedy Meaghan M. , Connelly Sean , Schaner Matthew , Shanahan Michael T. , Wolber Elisabeth A. , Beasley Caroline , Lian Grace , Jain Animesh , Long Millie D. , Barnes Edward L. , Herfarth Hans H. , Isaacs Kim L. , Hansen Jonathan J. , Kapadia Muneera , Gaston Guillem José , Furey Terrence S. , Sheikh Shehzad Z. , Sethupathy Praveen
Published: January 2021

The intestinal epithelial barrier is comprised of a monolayer of specialized intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) that are critical in maintaining gut mucosal homeostasis. Dysfunction within various IEC fractions can increase intestinal permeability, resulting in a chronic and debilitating condition known as Crohn’s disease (CD). Defining the molecular changes in each IEC type in CD will contribute to an improved understanding of the pathogenic processes and the identification of potential therapeutic targets. Here we performed, for the first time at single-cell resolution, a direct comparison of the colonic epithelial cellular and molecular landscape between treatment-naïve adult CD and non-IBD control patients. Our analysis revealed that in CD patients there is a significant skew in the colonic epithelial cellular distribution away from canonicalLGR5+ stem cells, located at the crypt-bottom, and toward one specific subtype of mature colonocytes, located at the crypt-top. Further analysis revealed unique changes to gene expression programs in every major cell type, including a previously undescribed suppression in CD of most enteroendocrine driver genes as well as L-cell markers includingGCG. We also dissect a previously poorly understoodSPIB+ cell cluster, revealing at least four sub-clusters that exhibit unique features. One of theseSPIB+ sub-clusters expresses crypt-top colonocyte markers and is significantly up-regulated in CD, whereas another sub-cluster strongly expresses and stains positive for lysozyme (albeit no other canonical Paneth cell marker), which surprisingly is greatly reduced in expression in CD. Finally, through integration with data from genome-wide association studies, we show that genes implicated in CD risk exhibit heretofore unknown cell-type specific patterns of aberrant expression in CD, providing unprecedented insight into the potential biological functions of these genes.
In vivo structure and dynamics of the RNA genome of SARS-Cov-2
Authors: Zhang Yan , Huang Kun , Xie Dejian , Lau Jian You , Shen Wenlong , Li Ping , Wang Dong , Zou Zhong , Shi Shu , Ren Hongguang , Jin Meilin , Kudla Grzegorz , Zhao Zhihu
Published: January 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes the COVID-19 pandemic, is one of the largest positive strand RNA viruses. Here we developed a simplified SPLASH assay and comprehensively mapped the in vivo RNA-RNA interactome of SARS-CoV-2 RNA during the viral life cycle. We observed canonical and alternative structures including3’-UTR and5’-UTR, frameshifting element (FSE) pseudoknot and genome cyclization in cells and in virions. We provide direct evidence of interactions between Transcription Regulating Sequences (TRS-L and TRS-Bs), which facilitate discontinuous transcription. In addition, we reveal alternative short and long distance arches around FSE, forming a “high-order pseudoknot” embedding FSE, which might help ribosome stalling at frameshift sites. More importantly, we found that within virions, while SARS-CoV-2 genome RNA undergoes intensive compaction, genome cyclization is weakened and genome domains remain stable. Our data provides a structural basis for the regulation of replication, discontinuous transcription and translational frameshifting, describes dynamics of RNA structures during life cycle of SARS-CoV-2, and will help to develop antiviral strategies.
A touch of hierarchy. Population Receptive Fields reveal fingertip integration in Brodmann areas in human primary somatosensory cortex
Authors: Schellekens W. , Thio M. , Badde S. , Winawer J. , Ramsey N. , Petridou N.
Published: January 2021

Several neuroimaging studies have shown the somatotopy of body part representations in primary somatosensory cortex (S1), but the functional hierarchy of distinct subregions in human S1 has not been adequately addressed. The current study investigates the functional hierarchy of cyto-architectonically distinct regions, Brodmann areas BA3, BA1, and BA2, in human S1. During functional MRI experiments, we presented participants with vibrotactile stimulation of the fingertips at 3 different vibration frequencies. Using population Receptive Field (pRF) modeling of the fMRI BOLD activity, we identified the hand region in S1 and the somatotopy of the fingertips. For each voxel, the pRF center indicates the finger that most effectively drives the BOLD signal, and the pRF size measures the spatial somatic pooling of fingertips. We find a systematic relationship of pRF sizes from lower-order areas to higher-order areas. Specifically, we found that pRF sizes are smallest in BA3, increase slightly towards BA1, and are largest in BA2, paralleling the increase in visual receptive field size as one ascends the visual hierarchy. Additionally, we find that the time-to-peak of the hemodynamic response in BA3 is roughly 0.5s earlier compared to BA1 and BA2, further supporting the notion of a functional hierarchy of subregions in S1. These results were obtained during stimulation of different mechanoreceptors, suggesting that different afferent fibers leading up to S1 feed into the same cortical hierarchy.
A comprehensive score reflecting memory-related fMRI activations and deactivations as potential biomarker for neurocognitive aging
Authors: Soch Joram , Richter Anni , Schütze Hartmut , Kizilirmak Jasmin M. , Assmann Anne , Behnisch Gusalija , Feldhoff Hannah , Fischer Larissa , Heil Julius , Knopf Lea , Merkel Christian , Raschick Matthias , Schietke Clara-Johanna , Schult Annika , Seidenbecher Constanze I. , Yakupov Renat , Ziegler Gabriel , Wiltfang Jens , Düzel Emrah , Schott Björn H.
Published: January 2021

Older adults and particularly those at risk for developing dementia typically show a decline in episodic memory performance, which has been associated with altered memory network activity detectable via functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). To quantify the degree of these alterations, a score has been developed as a putative imaging biomarker for successful aging in memory for older adults (Functional Activity Deviations during Encoding, FADE; Düzel et al., 2011). Here, we introduce and validate a more comprehensive version of the FADE score, termed FADE-SAME (Similarity of Activations during Memory Encoding), which differs from the original FADE score by considering not only activations but also deactivations in fMRI contrasts of stimulus novelty and successful encoding, and by taking into account the variance of young adults’ activations. We computed both scores for novelty and subsequent memory contrasts in a cohort of 217 healthy adults, including 106 young and 111 older participants, as well as a replication cohort of 117 young subjects. We further tested the stability and generalizability of both scores by controlling for different MR scanners and gender, as well as by using different data sets of young adults as reference samples. Both scores showed robust age-group-related differences for the subsequent memory contrast, and the FADE-SAME score additionally exhibited age-group-related differences for the novelty contrast. Furthermore, both scores correlate with behavioral measures of cognitive aging, namely memory performance. Taken together, our results suggest that single-value scores of memory-related fMRI responses may constitute promising biomarkers for quantifying neurocognitive aging.
Eye movements elevate crowding in idiopathic infantile nystagmus syndrome
Authors: Tailor Vijay K , Theodorou Maria , Dahlmann-Noor Annegret H , Dekker Tessa M , Greenwood John A
Published: January 2021

Idiopathic infantile nystagmus syndrome is a disorder characterised by involuntary eye movements, which leads to decreased acuity and visual function. One such function is visual crowding; a process whereby objects that are easily recognised in isolation become impaired by nearby flankers. Crowding typically occurs in the peripheral visual field, though elevations in foveal vision have been reported in congenital nystagmus, similar to those found with amblyopia. Here we examine whether the elevated foveal crowding with nystagmus is driven by similar mechanisms to those documented in amblyopia - long-term neural changes associated with a sensory deficit - or by the momentary displacement of the stimulus through nystagmus eye movements. We used a Landolt-C orientation identification task to measure threshold gap sizes with and without either horizontally or vertically placed pairs of flanking Landolt-Cs. Because nystagmus is predominantly horizontal, crowding should be stronger with horizontal flankers if eye movements cause the interference, whereas a sensory deficit would more likely be equivalent for the two dimensions. Consistent with an origin in eye movements, we observe elevations in nystagmic crowding that are above that of typical vision, and stronger with horizontal than vertical flankers and not found in amblyopic or typical vision. We further demonstrate the same pattern of performance can be obtained in typical vision with stimulus movement that simulates nystagmus. Consequently, we propose that the origin of nystagmic crowding lies in the eye movements, either through image smear of the target and flanker elements or through relocation of the stimulus into peripheral retina.
Selenium-dependent metabolic reprogramming during inflammation and resolution
Authors: Korwar Arvind M. , Hossain Ayaan , Lee Tai-Jung , Shay Ashley E. , Basrur Venkatesha , Conlon Kevin , Smith Philip B. , Carlson Bradley A. , Salis Howard M. , Patterson Andrew D. , Prabhu K. Sandeep
Published: January 2021

Trace element selenium (Se) is incorporated as the 21stamino acid, selenocysteine (Sec), into selenoproteins through tRNA[Ser]Sec. Selenoproteins act as gatekeepers of redox homeostasis and modulate immune function to effect anti-inflammation and resolution. However, mechanistic underpinnings involving metabolic reprogramming during inflammation and resolution remain poorly understood. Bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation of murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) cultured in the presence or absence of Se (as selenite) was used to examine temporal changes in the proteome and metabolome by multiplexed tandem mass tag-quantitative proteomics, metabolomics, and machine-learning approaches. Kinetic deltagram and clustering analysis indicated addition of Se led to extensive reprogramming of cellular metabolism upon stimulation with LPS enhancing PPP, TCA cycle, and OXPHOS, to aid in the phenotypic transition towards alternatively activated macrophages, synonymous with resolution of inflammation. Remodeling of metabolic pathways and consequent metabolic adaptation towards pro-resolving phenotypes began with Se treatment at 0 h and became most prominent around 8 h post LPS stimulation that included succinate dehydrogenase complex (Sdh), pyruvate kinase (Pkm), and sedoheptulosekinase (Shpk). Se-dependent modulation of these pathways predisposed BMDMs to preferentially increase OXPHOS to efficiently regulate inflammation and its timely resolution. Use of macrophages lacking selenoproteins, indicated that all three metabolic nodes were sensitive to selenoproteome expression. Furthermore, inhibition of Sdh with dimethylmalonate affected the pro-resolving effects of Se by increasing the resolution interval in a murine peritonitis model. In summary, our studies provide novel insights into the role of cellular Se via metabolic reprograming to facilitate anti-inflammation and proresolution.
Expression ofChlamydomonas reinhardtiichloroplast diacylglycerol acyltransferase-3 is activated by light in concert with triacylglycerol accumulation
Authors: de las Mercedes Carro María , Soto Débora , Mamone Leandro , Gonorazky Gabriela , Bagnato Carolina , Beligni María Verónica
Published: January 2021

Considerable progress has been made towards the understanding of triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation in algae. One key aspect is finding conditions that trigger TAG production without reducing cell division. Previously, we identified a soluble diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT), related to plant DGAT3, with heterologous DGAT activity. In this work, we demonstrate thatChlamydomonas reinhardtiiDGAT3 localizes to the chloroplast and its expression is activated by light, in correspondence with TAG accumulation.Dgat3mRNAs and TAGs increased in both wild type and starch-deficient cells grown with acetate upon transferring them from dark or low light to higher light. Light-activated DGAT3 expression and TAG accumulation depended on the preexisting levels of TAGs, suggesting the existence of a regulatory loop. These results indicate that DGAT3 could be responsible, at least in part, for light-dependent TAG accumulation. Moreover, our results present DGAT3 as a promising target of future studies oriented to the industrial applications of TAGs.
Induced neural differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells affects lipid metabolism pathways
Authors: Green Pnina , Kan Inna , Mesilati-Stahy Ronit , Argov-Argaman Nurit , Offen Daniel
Published: January 2021

Neuronal membranes contain exceptionally high concentrations of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA), which are essential for neuronal development and function. Adult bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can be induced to possess some neuronal characteristics. Here we examined the effects of neuronal induction on the PUFA metabolism specific pathways. Differentiated cells contained ~30% less ARA than MSC. The expression of specific ARA metabolizing enzymes was upregulated, notably that of prostaglandin E2synthase which increased more than 15-fold, concomitantly with a 3-fold increase in the concentration of PGE2in the medium. Moreover, induced differentiation was associated with enhanced incorporation of exogenous DHA, upregulation of acyl-CoA synthases, fatty acid binding proteins, choline kinase (CK) and phosphatidylserine synthases as well as increased total cellular phospholipids (PL). These findings suggest that active ARA metabolites may be important in the differentiation process and that neuronal induction prepares the resulting cells for increased DHA incorporation through the action of specific enzymes.
Common anti-haemostatic medications increase the severity of systemic infection by uropathogenicEscherichia coli
Authors: Tran Vi LT , Hortle Elinor , Britton Warwick J , Oehlers Stefan H
Published: January 2021

UropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC) causes urinary tract infections that can result in sepsis. The haemostatic system is protective in the pyelonephritis stage of ascending UPEC infection, but the role of the haemostatic system has not been investigated during sepsis. Here we utilize a zebrafish-UPEC systemic infection model to visualize infection-induced coagulation and examine the effects of commonly prescribed anti-haemostatic medications on the infection severity. Treatment of systemically infected zebrafish with warfarin, aspirin, or ticagrelor reduced host survival, while stabilization of clots with aminocaproic acid increased host survival. Anti-haemostatic drug treatment increased UPEC burden. Our findings provide evidence that commonly prescribed anti-haemostatic medications may worsen the outcome of severe UPEC infection.
Small molecule analysis of extracellular vesicles produced byCryptococcus gattii: identification of a tripeptide controlling cryptococcal infection in an invertebrate host model
Authors: Reis Flavia C. G. , Costa Jonas H. , Honorato Leandro , Nimrichter Leonardo , Fill Taícia P. , Rodrigues Marcio L.
Published: January 2021

The small molecule (molecular mass < 900 Daltons) composition of extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced by the pathogenic fungusCryptococcus gattiiis unknown, which limits the understanding of the functions of cryptococcal EVs. In this study, we analyzed the composition of small molecules in samples obtained from solid cultures ofC. gattiiby a combination of chromatographic and spectrometric approaches, and untargeted metabolomics. This analysis revealed previously unknown components of EVs, including small peptides with known biological functions in other models. The peptides found inC. gattiiEVs had their chemical structure validated by chemical approaches and comparison with authentic standards, and their functions tested in aGalleria mellonellamodel of cryptococcal infection. One of the vesicular peptides (isoleucine-proline-isoleucine, Ile-Pro-Ile) improved the survival ofG. mellonellalethally infected withC. gattiiorC. neoformans. These results indicate that small molecules exported in EVs are biologically active inCryptococcus.Our study is the first to characterize a fungal EV molecule inducing protection, pointing to an immunological potential of extracellular peptides produced byC. gattii.
Reduction of HDAC2 expression in human induced pluripotent stem cell derived neurons improves neuronal maturation, mitochondrial dynamics and cellular neurodegenerative disease phenotypes
Authors: Frankowski Harald , Yeboah Fred , Berry Bonnie J. , Kinoshita Chizuru , Lee Michelle , Evitts Kira , Davis Joshua , Kinoshita Yoshito , Morrison Richard S. , Young Jessica E.
Published: January 2021

Histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) is a major HDAC protein in the adult brain and has been shown to regulate many neuronal genes. Aberrant expression of HDAC2 and subsequent dysregulation of neuronal gene expression is implicated in neurodegeneration and brain aging. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons (hiPSC-Ns) are widely used models for studying neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, but the role of HDAC2 in hiPSC-N differentiation and maturation has not been explored. In this study, we show that levels of HDAC2 progressively decrease as hiPSCs are differentiated towards neurons. This suppression of HDAC2 inversely corresponds to an increase in neuron-specific isoforms of Endophilin-B1, a multifunctional protein involved in mitochondrial dynamics. Expression of neuron-specific isoforms of Endophilin-B1 is accompanied by concomitant expression of a neuron-specific alternative splicing factor, SRRM4. Manipulation of HDAC2 and Endophilin-B1 using lentiviral approaches shows that knock-down of HDAC2 or overexpression of a neuron-specific Endophilin-B1 isoform promotes mitochondrial elongation and protects against cytotoxic stress in hiPSC-Ns, while HDAC2 knock-down specifically influences genes regulating mitochondrial dynamics and synaptogenesis. Furthermore, HDAC2 knock-down promotes enhanced mitochondrial respiration and reduces levels of neurotoxic amyloid beta peptides. Collectively, our study demonstrates a role for HDAC2 in hiPSC-neuronal differentiation, highlights neuron-specific isoforms of Endophilin-B1 as a marker of differentiating hiPSC-Ns, and demonstrates that HDAC2 regulates key neuronal and mitochondrial pathways in hiPSC-Ns.
PyCrystalField: software for calculation, analysis and fitting of crystal electric field Hamiltonians
Authors: Scheie A.
Published: January 2021

PyCrystalField is a Python software package for calculating single-ion crystal electric field (CEF) Hamiltonians. This software can calculate a CEF Hamiltonian ab initio from a point charge model for any transition or rare earth ion in either the J basis or the LS basis, perform symmetry analysis to identify nonzero CEF parameters, calculate the energy spectrum and observables such as neutron spectrum and magnetization, and fit CEF Hamiltonians to any experimental data. The theory, implementation and examples of its use are discussed.
New norms and opportunities from the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in a higher education setting: perspectives from Universiti Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Shahrill Masitah , Petra Mohamad Iskandar , Naing Lin , Yacob Joanna , Santos Jose H. , Abdul Aziz Anita B.Z.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to share how it was possible to change the way business was conducted in a short period in order to continue the academic semester and seek alternatives to manage the day-to-day university affairs in the midst of a pandemic crisis at a higher education setting. As a result, the authors’ experiences have created new norms and opportunities for the university.

Design/methodology/approach

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Brunei Darussalam is an evolving situation with extraordinary challenges for staff and students of the university. Although the campus remains open and essential services were continuously provided, the university had to implement and adapt to new norms instinctively to minimise the potential pathways for community spread of the coronavirus and at the same time minimise interruption in teaching and learning.

Findings

Firstly, structured blended learning will be the basis of teaching and learning, alongside ensuring the highest quality of online education and successful achievement of the intended learning objectives. Secondly, blended learning will open more opportunities to offer programmes in a more flexible, personalised, student-centric and lifelong learning manner, with the option of taking a study hiatus at students' convenience. Thirdly, there will be more global classrooms and the exchange of online modules with international partner universities. Fourthly, short programmes such as the Global Discovery Programmes will be modified and improvised to become an online learning experience. And finally, there will also be the opportunity to understand and consider the physical and mental well-being and durability of the university community in overcoming a national crisis situation.

Originality/value

This paper is intended to be a conceptual paper where the authors describe novel experiences during the pandemic. The authors’ views, interventions and experiences may result into a new model for higher education that will reposition students to the new global markets and economy.
Does crime-tourism nexus hold for Pakistan?
Authors: Ahad Muhammad , Anwer Zaheer , Ahmad Wasim
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the linkage of tourism and crime for Pakistan along with exchange rates, terrorism and domestic prices in the presence of structural breaks over the period 1984–2017.

Design/methodology/approach

The order of integration is tested through ADF and PP unit root tests. The robustness of unit root test is testified via structural break unit root test. Furthermore, the authors use Bayer and Hanck (2013) combined cointegration test to confirm the existence of a long-term theoretical relationship among the variables. For the robustness of cointegration analysis, the authors also employ ARDL bound testing in the presence of structural break years. Moving forward, the authors apply VECM Granger causality to find out the direction of causality. Subsequently, variance decomposition approach and impulse response function are used to distinguish leader from the followers.

Findings

The unit root test shows that the order of integration is one, I(1). The cointegration analysis confirms the long-run relationship between underlying variables. The authors find inverse and significant impact of crime and exchange rate on tourism in the long run. On contrary, domestic prices play a positive and significant role to determine tourism in short and long run. Also, terrorism is found to be insignificant with negative impact. Further, the bidirectional causality between crime and tourism is observed in the long run. Similarly, unidirectional causality from terrorism to exchange and exchange rate to domestic price is observed in the short run.

Originality/value

The contemporary studies on crime-tourism nexus offer limited evidence, as they frequently suffer from omitted variable bias and ignore possible endogeneity issues. This study uses vector autoregressive models to overcome these biases. Similarly, the authors accommodate the role of structural break years through their analysis. Hence, the results offer more credible evidence. Moreover, the authors contribute to the existing tourism demand literature by adding crime as a potential determinate in case of Pakistan.
Is imperfect evaluation a deterrent to adoption of energy audit recommendations?
Authors: Chillayil Jayaraman , Suresh M. , P.K. Viswanathan , Kottayil Sasi K.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Energy-efficiency leads to productivity gains as it can lower operating and maintenance costs, increase production yields per unit of manufacturing input and improve staff accountability. Implementation of energy-efficient technologies amongst industries, the factors influencing them and the barriers to their adoption have been the subject of several studies during the past three to four decades. Though energy-use behaviours of individuals or households are sufficiently explored, industrial energy conservation behaviour is scarcely studied. This study identifies the relationship between the different behavioural elements to open up a door for behaviourally informed intervention research.

Design/methodology/approach

Total interpretive structural modelling technique was used to determine the relationship between different elements of the behaviour of energy managers. Expert responses were collected to understand the relationship between the behavioural elements, through telephone interviews.

Findings

The study identified the relationship between the behavioural elements and found imperfect evaluation as the key element with the highest driving power to influence other elements.

Research limitations/implications

The authors postulate that a behaviourally informed intervention strategy that looks into the elements with high driving power such as imperfect evaluation, lack of focus on energy-saving measures and the lack of sharing energy-saving objectives can lead to: an increase in the adoption of energy efficiency measures and thereby a reduction in the energy efficiency gap; greater productivity gains and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; Preparation of M&V protocol that incorporates behavioural, organisational and informational barriers.

Social implications

Various policy level interventions and regulatory measures in the energy field which did not address the behavioural barriers are found unsuccessful in narrowing the energy-efficiency gap, reducing the GHG gas emissions and global warming. Understanding the key driving factor of behaviour can help to design an effective intervention strategy to address the barriers to energy efficiency improvement.

Originality/value

Understanding the key driving factor of behaviour can help to design an effective intervention strategy to address the barriers to energy efficiency improvement. This study argues that through the systematic analysis of the imperfect evaluation of energy audit recommendations, it is possible to increase the adoption of energy efficiency measures that can lead to greater productivity gains and reduced GHG emissions.
Crisis preparedness of hospitality managers: evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Ghaderi Zahed , King Brian , Hall C. Michael
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Crisis planning and improvements to business resilience are increasingly significant aspects of hotel management. This study investigates the crisis preparation of hotel managers in Malaysia and how their perceptions affect crisis planning and preparation.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research method of semi-structured interviews with 24 hospitality managers in Malaysia was conducted. Data were analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti software, version 8.

Findings

The findings showed that crisis preparation among Malaysian hospitality firms is relatively neglected. Hotel crisis preparation schemes are greatly influenced by senior managers' intentions and organizational culture. Organizational resilience also has a significant role in hotel crisis planning and preparedness. Interestingly, in terms of long-term adaptation, hotels were less inclined to be “learning organizations” and managers were reluctant to change their organizational established structures, core beliefs and practice sustained resiliency in crisis preparation.

Practical implications

Understanding the crisis preparation of hospitality managers is important to develop effective strategies for different crises considering their severity and urgency. This study identified influential organizational and personal factors which affect crisis preparation of hospitality managers in Malaysia. The study further recommends a proactive mindset in crisis preparation of hotels.

Originality/value

Crisis preparation of hospitality managers had received limited attention, and this study highlights how managers consider crisis planning and preparation.
Implications of CSR initiatives on employee engagement
Authors: Bapat Shweta , Upadhyay Pooja
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to study the implications of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on employee engagement in selected Indian business giants to which CSR spending is mandatory as per the Companies Act 2013. Researcher also has an intention of preparing working model for increasing employee engagement through CSR.

Design/methodology/approach

Researcher has collected the primary data from HR officials, CSR officials and employees of 23 organisations belonging to 10 main industrial sectors of India. The organisations selected for the data collection belong to India’s top 100 organisations as per Bombay Stock Exchange fulfilling a particular criterion. The effect of employee participation in CSR on employee engagement is been studied by identifying four parameters of employee engagement on which the employee participation in CSR may have some effect. The data are analysed with the help of Z test for proportion.

Findings

The major findings of the paper of the study includes that employee participation in CSR positively effects the employee engagement, as it helps in increasing four specifically identified parameters of employee engagement.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the specific area of the effect of employee participation in CSR on employee engagement that too with respect to selected Indian business giants.

Practical implications

On the basis of this study, a theoretical model of CSR and employee engagement is proposed at the end of this paper. The model is expected to work as a guideline to the organisations, which want to improve employee engagement through CSR.

Originality/value

This research is one of its kinds that study the effect of employee participation in CSR on employee engagement. Moreover this research study considers the selected large-scale businesses of India which is the only country having 2% mandatory CSR spending to the organisation fulfilling the specific criteria.
What does the public want police to do during pandemics? A national experiment
Authors: Nix Justin , Ivanov Stefan , Pickett Justin T.
Published: January 2021

Research Summary

We administered a survey experiment to a national sample of 1068 U.S. adults in April 2020 to determine the factors that shape support for various policing tactics in the midst of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Respondents were sharply divided in their views about pandemic policing tactics and were least supportive of policies that might limit public access to officers or reduce crime deterrence. Information about the health risks to officers, but not to inmates, significantly increased support for “precautionary” policing, but not for “social distance” policing. The information effect was modest, but may be larger if the information came from official sources and/or was communicated on multiple occasions. Other factors that are associated with attitudes toward pandemic policing include perceptions of procedural justice, altruistic fear, racial resentment, and authoritarianism.

Policy Implications

When considered together with other evidence, one clear takeaway from our study is that the public values police patrols and wants officers on call, even during pandemics. Another is that people who believe the police are procedurally just are more willing to trust officers in times of crisis and to empower them to enforce new laws, such as social distancing ordinances. Our results thus support continued procedural justice training for officers. A third takeaway is that agencies must proactively communicate with the public about the risks their officers face when responding to public health crises or natural disasters, in addition to how they propose to mitigate those risks. They must also be amenable to adjusting in response to community feedback.