bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomic fingerprint identification of Neotropical hard tick species (Acari: Ixodidae) using a self-curated mass spectra reference library
Authors: Gittens Rolando A. , Almanza Alejandro , Álvarez Eric , Bennett Kelly L. , Mejía Luis C. , Sanchez-Galan Javier E. , Merchan Fernando , Kern Jonathan , Miller Matthew J. , Esser Helen J. , Hwang Robert , Dong May , De León Luis F. , Loaiza Jose R.
Published: April 2020

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight mass spectrometry is an analytical method that detects macromolecules that can be used as biomarkers for taxonomic identification in arthropods. The conventional MALDI approach uses fresh laboratory-reared arthropod specimens to build a reference mass spectra library with high-quality standards required to achieve reliable identification. However, this may not be possible to accomplish in some arthropod groups that are difficult to rear under laboratory conditions, or for which only alcohol preserved samples are available. Here, we generated MALDI mass spectra of highly abundant proteins from the legs of 18 Neotropical species of adult field-collected hard ticks, several of which had not been analyzed by mass spectrometry before. We then used their mass spectra as fingerprints to identify each tick species by applying machine learning and pattern recognition algorithms that combined unsupervised and supervised clustering approaches. Both principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classification algorithms were able to identify spectra from different tick species, with LDA achieving the best performance when applied to field-collected specimens that did have an existing entry in a reference library of arthropod protein spectra. These findings contribute to the growing literature that ascertains mass spectrometry as a rapid and effective method for taxonomic identification of disease vectors, which is the first step to predict and manage arthropod-borne pathogens.

Author Summary

Hard ticks (Ixodidae) are external parasites that feed on the blood of almost every species of terrestrial vertebrate on earth, including humans. Due to a complete dependency on blood, both sexes and even immature stages, are capable of transmitting disease agents to their hosts, causing distress and sometimes death. Despite the public health significance of ixodid ticks, accurate species identification remains problematic. Vector species identification is core to developing effective vector control schemes. Herein, we provide the first report of MALDI identification of several species of field-collected Neotropical tick specimens preserved in ethanol for up to four years. Our methodology shows that identification does not depend on a commercial reference library of lab-reared samples, but with the help of machine learning it can rely on a self-curated reference library. In addition, our approach offers greater accuracy and lower cost per sample than conventional and modern identification approaches such as morphology and molecular barcoding.
Effects of salvianolic acid A on β-amyloid mediated toxicity inCaenorhabditis elegansmodel of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Yuen Chee Wah , Halim Mardani Abdul , Najimudin Nazalan , Azzam Ghows
Published: April 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a brain disease attributed to the accumulation of extracellular senile plaques comprising β-amyloid peptide (Aβ). In this study, a transgenicCaenorhabditis eleganscontaining the human beta amyloid Aβ42gene which exhibited paralysis when expressed, was used to study the anti-paralysis effect of salvianolic acid A. Various concentrations ranging from 1 μg/ml to 100 μg/ml of salvianolic acid A were tested and exhibited the highest effect on the worm at the concentration of 100 μg/ml. For anti-aggregation effect, 14 μg/ml salvianolic acid A (within 4 mg/ml of Danshen) showed a significant level of inhibition of the formation of Aβ fibrils. An amount of 100 μg/ml of salvianolic acid A had the potential in reducing the ROS but did not totally obliterate the ROS production in the worms. Salvianolic acid A was found to delay the paralysis of the transgenicC. elegans, decrease Aβ42aggregation and decreased Aβ-induced oxidative stress.
Transcriptional analysis of nitrogen fixation inPaenibacillus durusduring growth in nitrogen-enriched medium
Authors: Halim Mardani Abdul , Choo Quok-Cheong , Ghazali Amir Hamzah Ahmad , Wajidi Mustafa Fadzil Farid , Najimudin Nazalan
Published: April 2020

Paenibacillus durusstrain ATCC 35681Tis a Gram-positive diazotroph that displayed capability of fixing nitrogen even in the presence of nitrate or ammonium. However, the nitrogen fixation activity was detected only at day 1 of growth when cultured in liquid nitrogen-enriched medium. The transcripts of all thenifHhomologues were present throughout the 9-day study. When grown in nitrogen-deficient medium, nitrogenase activities occurred from day 1 until day 6 and thenifHtranscripts were also present during the course of the study albeit at different levels. In both studies, the absence of nitrogen fixation activity regardless of the presence of thenifHtranscripts raised the possibility of a post-transcriptional or post-translational regulation of the system. A putative SigA box sequence was found upstream of the transcription start site ofnifB1, the first gene in the major nitrogen fixation cluster. The upstream region ofnifB2showed a promoter recognisable by SigE, a sigma factor normally involved in sporulation.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Paenibacillus durusstrain ATCC 35681Tis a nitrogen fixing Gram positive bacterium with an unconventional physiological characteristic of being able to fix nitrogen even in the presence of either nitrate or ammonium. It has a total of 6nifHhomologues in its genome. In this study, we analysed the transcriptional levels of thenifHhomologues when grown under nitrogen-enriched and nitrogen-depleted medium. Under nitrogen-enriched condition, the nitrogen fixation activity was detected only at day 1 of growth but the transcripts of all thenifHhomologues were detected during the course of the study from day 1 until day 9. In nitrogen-deficient condition, nitrogen fixation activities were recorded from day 1 until day 6 and thenifHtranscripts were present throughout the study. The absence of nitrogen fixation activity even in the presence of thenifHtranscripts raised the possibility of a post-transcriptional or post-translational regulation of the system.
Tissue-resident CD8+T cells drive age-associated chronic lung sequelae following viral pneumonia
Authors: Goplen Nick P. , Wu Yue , Son Youngmin , Li Chaofan , Wang Zheng , Cheon In Su , Jiang Li , Zhu Bibo , Ayasoufi Katayoun , Chini Eduardo N. , Johnson Aaron J. , Vassallo Robert , Limper Andrew H. , Zhang Nu , Sun Jie
Published: April 2020

Lower respiratory viral infections, such as influenza virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infections, often cause severe viral pneumonia in aged individuals. Here, we report that influenza viral pneumonia leads to chronic non-resolving lung pathology and exaggerated accumulation of CD8+tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) in the respiratory tract of aged hosts. TRMaccumulation relies on elevated TGF-β present in aged tissues. Further, we show that TRMisolated from aged lungs lack a subpopulation characterized by expression of molecules involved in TCR signaling and effector function. Consequently, TRMcells from aged lungs were insufficient to provide heterologous protective immunity. Strikingly, the depletion of CD8+TRMcells dampens persistent chronic lung inflammation and ameliorates tissue fibrosis in aged, but not young, animals. Collectively, our data demonstrate that age-associated TRMcell malfunction supports chronic lung inflammatory and fibrotic sequelae following viral pneumonia in aged hosts.
Using single-cell entropy to describe the dynamics of reprogramming and differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Ye Yusong , Yang Zhuoqin , Zhu Meixia , Lei Jinzhi
Published: April 2020

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide a great model to study the process of stem cell reprogramming and differentiation. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) enables us to investigate the reprogramming process at single-cell level. Here, we introduce single-cell entropy (scEntropy) as a macroscopic variable to quantify the cellular transcriptome from scRNA-seq data during reprogramming and differentiation of iPSCs. scEntropy measures the relative order parameter of genomic transcriptions at single cell level during the process of cell fate changes, which show increase tendency during differentiation, and decrease upon reprogramming. Hence, scEntropy provides an intrinsic measurement of the cell state, and can be served as a pseudo-time of the stem cell differentiation process. Moreover, based on the evolutionary dynamics of scEntropy, we construct a phenomenological Fokker-Planck equation model and the corresponding stochastic differential equation for the process of cell state transitions during pluripotent stem cell differentiation. These equations provide further insights to infer the processes of cell fates changes and stem cell differentiation. This study is the first to introduce the novel concept of scEntropy to quantify the biological process of iPSC, and suggests that the scEntropy can provide a suitable macroscopic variable for single cells to describe cell fate transition during differentiation and reprogramming of stem cells.
A novel dual antibody staining assay to measure estrogen receptor transcriptional activity
Authors: van Hemert Freek , Dam-de Veen Christa , Konings Sil , van der Ven John , van de Stolpe Anja
Published: April 2020

Activity of the canonical estrogen receptor (ER) pathway is equivalent to functional activity of the nuclear ER transcription factor. To assess transcriptional activity of ER, for biomedical research and diagnostic purposes ER monoclonal antibodies are routinely used to identify nuclear ER staining in cells and tissue samples, however it remained unclear whether this is sufficiently predictive for transcriptional activity of ER, and thus for ER pathway activity. Using ER positive breast cancer cell lines (MCF7 and T47D) in which the transcriptional activity status of ER was quantified using an mRNA based ER pathway activity assay, the relation between ER activity and nuclear ER staining with ER monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) was investigated. While the presence of ER in the cell nucleus is a prerequisite for ER activity, it was not predictive for ER transcriptional activity, confirming earlier findings. There were remarkable differences in behaviour of the used MoAbs: EP1 and 1D5 MoAbs showed reduced nuclear staining when ER was transcriptionally active, while staining with H4624 MoAb was independent of ER activity. To improve discrimination between active and inactive nuclear ER based on ER staining, a method was developed which consists of dual ER MoAb immunofluorescent staining, followed by generation of a digital image with a standard digital pathology scanner, and application of a cell nucleus detection algorithm andper cellcalculation of the nuclear H4624/EP1 fluorescence intensity ratio, where a high H4624/EP1 ratio predicts an active ER. In this method the EP1 MoAb can in principle be replaced by the 1D5 MoAb. We hypothesize that the EP1 and 1D5 monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) recognize an ER epitope which becomes hidden upon transcriptional activation of ER, while the H4624 MoAb binds an ER epitope which remains accessible when ER is activated. The method is expected to be of value to better assess ER activity by means of staining.
Impact and behavior of Sn during the Ni/GeSn solid-state reaction
Authors: Quintero Andrea , Gergaud Patrice , Hartmann Jean-Michel , Delaye Vincent , Reboud Vincent , Cassan Eric , Rodriguez Philippe
Published: April 2020

Ni-based intermetallics are promising materials for forming efficient contacts in GeSn-based Si photonic devices. However, the role that Sn might have during the Ni/GeSn solid-state reaction (SSR) is not fully understood. A comprehensive analysis focused on Sn segregation during the Ni/GeSn SSR was carried out. In situ X-ray diffraction and cross-section transmission electron microscopy measurements coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and electron energy-loss spectroscopy atomic mappings were performed to follow the phase sequence, Sn distribution and segregation. The results showed that, during the SSR, Sn was incorporated into the intermetallic phases. Sn segregation happened first around the grain boundaries (GBs) and then towards the surface. Sn accumulation around GBs hampered atom diffusion, delaying the growth of the Ni(GeSn) phase. Higher thermal budgets will thus be mandatory for formation of contacts in high-Sn-content photonic devices, which could be detrimental for thermal stability.
Comparative study of the around-Fermi electronic structure of 5d metals and metal-oxides by means of high-resolution X-ray emission and absorption spectroscopies
Authors: Wach Anna , Sá Jacinto , Szlachetko Jakub
Published: April 2020

The composition of occupied and unoccupied electronic states in the vicinity of Fermi energies is vital for all materials and relates to their physical, chemical and mechanical properties. This work demonstrates how the combination of resonant and non-resonant X-ray emission spectroscopies supplemented with theoretical modelling allows for quantitative analysis of electronic states in 5d transition metal and metal-oxide materials. Application of X-rays provides element selectivity that, in combination with the penetrating properties of hard X-rays, allows determination of the composition of electronic states under working conditions, i.e. non-vacuum environment. Tungsten metal and tungsten oxide are evaluated to show the capability to simultaneously assess composition of around-band-gap electronic states as well as the character and magnitude of the crystal field splitting.
The impact of body surface convex angle on dressed waist ease
Authors: Ying Xin , Liu Zheng , Chen Guang , Zou Fengyuan
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The comfort and fit of clothes are affected by fabric properties, dressed ease and environmental conditions, in which dressed ease is influenced by the interaction among complex shapes of human body, style design and fabric mechanical properties.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the dressed ease distribution at waist section, which is related to body surface convex angle, was investigated using 3D scanning. A series of surface convex angles on bust and back were formed after adjusting the mannequin. The mannequin was scanned by TC2 separately in garments with eight different ease allowances. Then the dressed ease distributions at waist under different convex angles of body surface have been acquired by calculating the distance between waist points and dressed surfaces along normal directions.

Findings

The results showed that the body surface convex angle was weakly related to the dressed ease when the garments’ bust ease allowance was below 4 cm. When the garments’ bust ease allowance was within 6–12 cm, the body convex angle had a great impact on the dressed waist ease distribution in the condition of 26º–33º bust convex angle and 13.96º–17.96º back slope angle. For slack garments with more than 16 cm ease allowance, the dressed waist ease distribution did not relate to the bust convex angle, while it strongly related to the bust convex angle between 13.96º and 17.96º. The regression model was statistically significant between the dressed ease value and the body surface convex angle.

Originality/value

According to the dressed waist ease distribution of different body surface convex angles, this paper gives an application of pattern modification in order to optimize the waist fit. The results can provide guidance for the optimization of different body shapes. At the same time, the application of gap data to 3D virtual fitting can greatly improve the authenticity of virtual simulation effect.
Antecedents to supply chain innovation
Authors: Karaman Kabadurmus Fatma Nur
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine organizational and environmental (competition, capital scarcity and organization of labor) factors that affect firms' innovation activities within the supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

This study empirically examines the factors that affect firms' innovation activities using firm-level data from the last round of Business Environment Enterprise Performance Surveys (BEEPS). The analysis covers major supply chain functions: production, delivery and support systems.

Findings

The study shows that drivers of innovation vary with the type of innovation activity; as such, innovation efforts across supply chain functions should prioritize strategic resources that will create competitive advantages. Our results also reveal that sustainability efforts in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) region should prioritize labor market reforms over capital market reforms.

Originality/value

Current research on innovation and supply chain issues does not explicitly analyze innovations that occur in different sustainable supply chain functions, and empirical studies that focus on the determinants of innovations in the supply chain network are very limited. The data used in this study cover 30 economies in EECA, many of which are low- and middle-income countries, and thus contribute to the implementation of sustainable practices in developing countries.
Creative accounting a tool for financial crime: a review of the techniques and its effects
Authors: Gupta Chander Mohan , Kumar Devesh
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the concept and procedure of creative accounting as how is it worked around and how it can lead to financial crimes. The procedure which are followed and which are the people who are involved and who are the victims of such crimes. The methods which are used to perform the action and how is it done. What are the findings of different researchers who have studied the same concept and how can it be curbed is the main purpose of the paper.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is designed to find out the working of accounting policies and how the loopholes in the same can actually be taken into account, resulting in a certain number games which can be played around it, and to get the desired outcome in the preparation of financial statements.

Findings

Creative accounting, though legal and acceptable around the world, gives in the way to loopholes provided by the acts and rules governing the preparation of financial statements and eventually leading to financial crimes and hampering the economy as a whole.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study remain to the fact that it is an empirical study, as a lot of papers and articles were studied before giving it a shape and reaching a conclusion.

Practical implications

Creative accounting though not illegal but the excess use of the same has given daunting effects on the financial statements and as a result have resulted into financial frauds and looting of peoples money throughout the world.

Social implications

Hard-earned money of the investors is looted and no action can be taken against as the mechanism and the legal bodies are still struggling to curb the problem, and thus it is very important to learn about creative accounting.

Originality/value

This study leads to the understanding of the growth of creative accounting and how it has resulted in accounting frauds leading to financial crimes in an economy.
Operationalizing the antecedents and outcomes of union participation in the Indian context
Authors: Chawla Ginni , Singh Tripti , Singh Rupali
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Unions and organizations interests are often seen to be in competition. However, union-voice hypothesis suggests that unions can provide a distinctive mechanism to lower organizational costs by reducing exit behavior, absence from work and conflict levels at work. This study aims to look at union participation as a form of voice which is affected by a number of antecedents and in turn has an effect upon the workers performance (i.e. worker behavior effectiveness [WBE]) in an organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on data from 340 permanent labors working in 19 manufacturing units across different regions of India to explore both the antecedents and outcomes of union participation. Hypotheses are tested using mediation analysis.

Findings

Results indicate statistically significant relationships between union participation, its antecedents and WBE, with union participation partially influencing the relationship between the constructs.

Originality/value

Uniqueness of the study lies in its findings which report positive relationship among union participation, its antecedents and behavior effectiveness. Contrary to the traditional belief that unions are detrimental to the health of any organization, the study suggests that workers decision to join and participate in unions should be viewed positively because only if a person is willing to stay with the organization, he/she seeks to resolve the issues/problems through collective mechanism of union participation and which in turn leads to enhanced performance, reduced absenteeism at the workplace.
What’s in a name? Scent brand names, olfactory imagery, and purchase intention
Authors: Meng Hua (Meg) , Zamudio César , Jewell Robert D.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how olfactory imagery, triggered by scent brand names prior to smelling, influences scented-product purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Five studies were conducted. Logistic regression analysis was used to predict likelihood of olfactory imagery formation. ANOVA and t-test analyses were used for scent brand name group comparisons, and serial mediation analysis was used to test how scent brand names impact purchase intention through olfactory imagery vividness and the (dis)confirmation between imagined (i.e. expected) and experienced scents.

Findings

Scent name familiarity stimulates olfactory imagery formation. Scent brand name specificity (e.g. “Lavender Bouquet” vs. “Floral Bouquet”) influences purchase intention, with specific names leading to lower purchase intention, because they generate vivid olfactory imagery and induce a disconfirmation between imagined and experienced scents.

Practical implications

Branding scents on products should be a strategic product design decision. Surprisingly, although specific scent brand names trigger vivid olfactory imagery and precise scent expectations, they mitigate purchase intention and thus are riskier. General scent brand names are safer.

Originality/value

This research contributes by extending the literature on the effect of verbal cues on scent perception by considering the role of scent brand name specificity on purchase intent. It also adds to work on how olfactory imagery influences purchase intention by incorporating olfactory imagery vividness. Finally, it proposes and tests an underlying cognitive mechanism to explain the relationship between scent brand names and purchase intention.
The institutional turn in service research: taking stock and moving ahead
Authors: Koskela-Huotari Kaisa , Vink Josina , Edvardsson Bo
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Service scholars are finding that institutions – enduring social structures, such as rules, norms, beliefs – are increasingly important in theorizing on service-related phenomena. The purpose of this paper is to advance the use of institutional theory in service research by synthesizing the key insights from institutional theory that have been applied to service-related phenomena and developing a research agenda to guide the future use of institutional theory in service research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an integrative literature review covering 68 articles from major service research and marketing journals that adopt institutional concepts and frameworks to study service-related phenomena.

Findings

The paper maps the “institutional turn” of service research, that is, the increasing tendency to draw on institutional theory for theoretical insights within service research and builds a conceptual framework of the institutional stabilization and destabilization mechanisms that explain endurance and change in service phenomena. The paper also proposes a research agenda that outlines four previously ignored aspects of institutions that have important implications for service research.

Research limitations/implications

In addition to synthesizing insights and proposing directions for future research, the paper highlights specific theoretical and methodological considerations for the future use of institutional theory within service research. The literature review is limited to the 13 major service research and marketing journals.

Originality/value

This paper is the first literature review of the use of institutional theory in service research.
Oat beta glucans anti-inflammatory actions in leg exercise stress
Authors: Thompson Jennifer Creamer , Kirby Timothy , DiSilvestro Robert A.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Dietary fiber is not traditionally considered to have anti-inflammatory actions in skeletal muscle. This study aims to test the hypothesis that oat β-glucans fiber intake can inhibit exercise-induced inflammation.

Design/methodology/approach

Young adult males (age 18-30 years) consumed either oat bran β-glucans (2 × 1.5 g fiber/day) or placebo for 4 weeks (Trial 1:N= 11 for placebo,N= 9 for glucan; Trial 2:N= 7 for placebo,N= 8 for glucan). Muscle inflammatory stress was induced at baseline and post-intervention using a leg extension regimen.

Findings

Ingestion of β-glucans, but not placebo, protected against inflammation based on subjective soreness scores (two trials), as well as on plasma myeloperoxidase readings (one trial). Scores were subject ratings from 0 (no soreness) to 10 (injury that impairs movement). Mean soreness score was lower at 48 h after exercise stress: post-glucan treatment vs pre-treatment: Trial 1: 1.9 + 2.4 vs 3.3 + 2.2 (p= 0.05); Trial 2: 1.2 + 0.7 vs 3.9 + 2.7 (p< 0.05). Myeloperoxidase just after exercise stress increased for both groups pre-treatment, but only for the placebo group post-treatment: 62 + 12 vs 81 + 15 (p< 0.05).

Originality/value

This pilot study found that at least one type of dietary fiber can exert anti-inflammatory effects in skeletal muscle.
Integrated reporting in higher education: insights from Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales
Authors: Adhikariparajuli Mahalaximi , Hassan Abeer , Fletcher Mary , Elamer Ahmed A.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the level of disclosure on content elements of integrated reporting (IR) in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales higher education institutions (HEIs). The authors suggest that integrated thinking is an internal process that organizations can follow to increase the level of disclosure on IR that can be used as an effective mechanism to enhance accountability with stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) guidelines and content analysis are used to analyze IR content elements in HEI reports from 2014-2016.

Findings

The results indicate a significant increase in the trend and extent of IR content elements. The HEI-specific characteristics examined, such as establishment of HEI; adoption of IR framework and governing board size are all statistically and positively associated with IR content elements disclosure. This paper introduces signalling theory to explore the idea that appropriate communication via integrated thinking can close the gap between the organization and its stakeholders via increased level of disclosure on IR content elements.

Practical implications

The results will assist policymakers and regulators to assess the benefits of voluntary implementation of IR at HEIs and evaluate possible mandatory implementation of IIRC guidelines. Second, the findings can assist managers of institutions interested in implementing IR.

Social implications

This study recommends universities to explicitly address IR issues in reporting, as this will increase their impact as leaders of educational thought in addition to their roles as partners, advisors, counselors and assessors.

Originality/value

This study explores whether HEIs in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales provide disclosure on IIRC content elements as a reflection of integrated thinking and whether the connectivity and interdependence between different departments will help to signal to stakeholders how HEIs create value for society.
A glimpse at growth hormone–releasing hormone cosmos
Authors: Barabutis Nektarios
Published: April 2020

Growth hormone–releasing hormone is a hypothalamic neuropeptide, which regulates the secretion of growth hormone by the anterior pituitary gland. Recent evidence suggest that it exerts growth factor activities in a diverse variety of in vivo and in vitro experimental malignancies, which are counteracted by growth hormone–releasing hormone antagonists. Those peptides support lung endothelial barrier integrity by suppressing major inflammatory pathways and by inducing the endothelial defender P53. The present effort provides information regarding the effects of growth hormone–releasing hormone in the regulation of P53 and the unfolded protein response. Furthermore, it suggests the possible application of growth hormone–releasing hormone antagonists towards the management of acute lung injury, including the lethal acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Physiological and genomic characterization of a new ‘Candidatus Nitrotoga’ isolate
Authors: Ishii Kento , Fujitani Hirotsugu , Sekiguchi Yuji , Tsuneda Satoshi
Published: April 2020

Oxidation of nitrite to nitrate is an important process in the global nitrogen cycle. Recent molecular biology‐based studies have revealed that the widespread nitrite‐oxidizing bacteria (NOB) belonging to the genus ‘Candidatus Nitrotoga’ may be highly important for the environment. However, the insufficient availability of pure Nitrotoga cultures has limited our understanding of their physiological and genomic characteristics. Here, we isolated the ‘Ca. Nitrotoga’ sp. strain AM1P, from a previously enriched Nitrotoga culture, using an improved isolation strategy. Although ‘Ca. Nitrotoga’ have been recognized as cold‐adapted NOB, the strain AM1P had a slightly higher optimum growth temperature at 23°C. Strain AM1P showed a pH optimum of 8.3 and was not inhibited even at high nitrite concentrations (20 mM). We obtained the complete genome of the strain and compared the genome profile to five previously sequenced ‘Ca. Nitrotoga’ strains. Comparative genomics suggested that lactate dehydrogenase may be only encoded in the strain AM1P and closely related genomes. While the growth yield of AM1P did not change, we observed faster growth in the presence of lactate in comparison to purely chemolithoautotrophic growth. The characterization of the new strain AM1P sheds light on the physiological adaptation of this environmentally important, but understudied genus ‘Ca. Nitrotoga’.
An Examination of Public Hospital Productivity and its Persistence: An Index Number Approach
Authors: Cheng Choon C. , Scott Anthony , Sundararajan Vijaya , Yan Wenda , Yong Jongsay
Published: April 2020

This paper measures the level and growth of total factor productivity (TFP) of public hospitals in Victoria, Australia, using an index number approach. We further examine the persistence of productivity over time, and the extent to which productivity varies with hospital characteristics such as hospital size. Hospital administrative data from Victoria from 2007–08 to 2011–12 are used. We find substantial variation in TFP across hospitals: large hospitals perform significantly better than small hospitals, both in TFP level and growth. Productivity level is highly persistent over time, but not productivity growth.
British terrorism preemption: Subjectivity and disjuncture in Channel “de‐radicalization” interventions
Authors: Pettinger Tom
Published: April 2020

This article examines Channel “de‐radicalization” interventions, which take place on individuals suspected of having the potential to commit terrorist crimes. Situated within critical security studies, the article explores the British Prevent programme by utilizing primary interviews with hard‐to‐reach Channel mentors and senior Prevent officials. Following the work of anticipatory risk‐governance scholarship, this research illuminates the three processes of risk‐visibilization (how an individual becomes sufficiently “seen” as harbouring risk that they are offered Channel mentorship), risk‐calculation (how practitioners negotiate supposed riskiness), and risk‐knowing (how practitioners “know” risks they observe). It demonstrates how the practice of preemptive counter‐terrorism is subsumed inherently by—even relies upon—subjectivity and human prejudice, and fundamental disagreements between practitioners. Through substantial empirical contribution on the phenomenon of Channel interventions, the discussion highlights ultimately that the algorithmic rationale of preemptive risk‐spotting normalizes the suspicion of banal and everyday behaviors, precisely because such interventions are ultimately deployed through worst‐case imaginations.
Pregnancy outcomes after a mass vaccination campaign with an oral cholera vaccine: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Y , Zhang H , Wang B , Song G , Hayden JC , Amirthalingam P , Rahmani J , Bhagavathula AS , Li Z
Published: April 2020

Background

Cholera has harmful effects on the fetus but safety data on the oral cholera vaccine in pregnant women are controversial.

Objectives

We conducted the first meta‐analysis of studies in pregnant women comparing the effect of oral cholera vaccination on pregnancy outcomes with unvaccinated women. Outcomes of interest were adverse pregnancy outcome, miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm delivery, low birthweight, abortion and malformation.

Search strategy

The search was run in MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS and Embase databases from inception up to December 2019.

Selection criteria

Inclusion criteria were: (1) studies that investigated the association between oral cholera vaccines and adverse pregnancy outcomes; (2) studies that reported outcomes with appropriate estimates; and (3) studies that contained an unvaccinated control group.

Data collection and analysis

A random‐effects model (DerSimonian and Laird) was run to evaluate the overall treatment effect (relative risk, RR). The PRISMA statement was followed in reporting this meta‐analysis.

Main results

Five studies included in meta‐analysis with 5584 women (2920 exposed and 2664 not exposed). No significant increase in adverse pregnancy outcome (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.79–1.34), miscarriage (RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.84–1.57) or stillbirth (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.69–1.80) following cholera vaccine administration was found compared with control group. There was also no association with an increased risk of preterm delivery (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.35–1.06) low birthweight (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.56– 1.26), accidental abortion (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.77–1.35) or malformation (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.22–2.25).

Conclusions

This study shows no evidence of an association between oral cholera vaccination and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The findings do not rigorously exclude the possibility that the vaccine protocol may result in some degree of harm.

Tweetable abstract

There is no evidence of an association between oral cholera vaccination and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The findings do not rigorously exclude the possibility that the vaccine protocol may result in some degree of harm.
A cardiovascular disease risk prediction algorithm for use with the Medicare current beneficiary survey
Authors: Fouayzi Hassan , Ash Arlene S. , Rosen Amy K.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To develop a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk score that can be used to quantify CVD risk in the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS).

Data Sources

We used 1999‐2013 MCBS data.

Study Design

We used a backward stepwise approach and cox proportional hazards regressions to build and validate a new CVD risk score, similar to the Framingham Risk Score (FRS), using only information available in MCBS. To assess its performance, we calculated C statistics and examined calibration plots.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We studied 21 968 community‐dwelling Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years or older without pre‐existing CVD. We obtained risk factors from both survey and claims data. We used claims data to derive “CVD event within 3 years” following the FRS definition of CVD.

Principal Findings

About five percent of MCBS participants developed a CVD event over a mean follow‐up period of 348 days. Our final MCBS‐based model added morbidity burden, reported general health status, and functional limitation to the traditional FRS predictors of CVD. This model had relatively fair discrimination (C statistic = 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67‐0.71) and performed well on validation (C = 0.68; CI, 0.66‐0.70). More importantly, the plot of observed CVD outcomes versus predicted ones showed that this model had a good calibration.

Conclusions

Our new CVD risk score can be calculated using MCBS data, thereby extending the survey's ability to quantify CVD risk in the Medicare population and better inform both health policy and health services research.
Combination of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy‐guided microwave ablation and thoracoscopic resection: An alternative for treatment of multiple pulmonary nodules
Authors: Jiang Ning , Zhang Liming , Hao Yingtao , Wu Xiaolin , Zhao Yunpeng , Cong Bo , Peng Chuanliang
Published: April 2020

Here, we describe a novel method using microwave ablation (MWA) guided by electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) and video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for simultaneous treatment of multiple high‐risk pulmonary nodules in a 47‐year‐old woman. After the ENB registration process, the operator delivered the locatable electromagnetic probe to the target in the right upper lobe following the navigational route. MWA was performed after an antenna was passed into the lesion through the working channel. The wedge resection of the left upper lobe and lower lobe and the lingual segment resection were performed by VATS. The pathological diagnoses was adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) of the right upper lobe lesion, AIS of the left upper lobe, minimally invasive adenocarcinoma of the left lower lobe lesion and chronic inflammation of the lingular segment. MWA guided by ENB combined with VATS is an alternative treatment strategy to deal with multiple pulmonary nodules at the same stage of the operation.
Effect of e‐cigarette advertisement themes on hypothetical e‐cigarette purchasing in price‐responsive adolescents
Authors: Barnes Andrew J. , Bono Rose S. , Rudy Alyssa K. , Hoetger Cosima , Nicksic Nicole E. , Cobb Caroline O.
Published: April 2020

Aims

To examine the effect on adolescents of exposure to different e‐cigarette advertisement themes on reported likelihood of purchasing e‐cigarettes in a hypothetical scenario.

Design

Between‐subjects design of four randomly assigned thematic conditions derived from a content analysis of 350 e‐cigarette advertisements: general, flavor‐ and taste‐themed, people‐ and product use‐themed or control advertisements for bottled water.

Setting

Virginia, USA.

Participants

Of 1360 adolescents (13–18 years old) participating, 1063 had complete data (519 current cigarette smokers, 544 tobacco‐susceptible non‐smokers).

Measurements

Participants completed an e‐cigarette purchase task, reporting the likelihood of buying an e‐cigarette at various prices. Indices of abuse liability included price responsiveness (whether likelihood of purchase decreased with increasing prices) and, among price‐responsive adolescents, breakpoint (highest price before definitely would not buy), maximum probability‐weighted expenditure (Omax) and price elasticity (how quickly willingness to purchase decreases as prices increase). Regressions controlled for demographics, prior tobacco ad exposure, tobacco/substance use and sensation‐seeking.

Findings

Prior advertisement exposure was positively associated with being price‐responsive [odds ratio (OR) = 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03, 1.22; P < 0.05]. Among price‐responsive adolescents (n = 579), breakpoints were 58% higher in the flavor‐ and taste‐themed condition (β = 0.46, 95% CI = <0.01, 0.92) and 75% higher in the people‐ and product use‐themed condition (β = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.10, 1.03) compared with control (Ps < 0.05). Exposure to people‐ and product use‐themed advertisements was associated with a 60% higher Omax (β = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.93; P < 0.05). The general and people‐ and product use‐themed conditions were associated with 19% (β = −0.21, 95% CI = –0.38, ‐0.04) and 21% (β = −0.24, 95% CI = –0.42, −0.06) lower elasticity, respectively (Ps < 0.05).

Conclusions

E‐cigarette advertising exposure may increase reported likelihood of purchasing e‐cigarettes, with effects differing by advertisement content. People‐ and product use‐themed e‐cigarette advertisements increased reported likelihood of purchasing in price‐responsive adolescents.
Impacts of trade liberalization in Canada's supply managed dairy industry
Authors: Biden Scott , Ker Alan P. , Duff Stephen
Published: April 2020

Trade is an integral part of the Canadian economy. The main institutional drivers governing trade are bilateral and multilateral agreements outlining permissible trade distorting measures. Since its inception in 1972, Canada's supply management system has remained protected throughout trade negotiations. The system appears, by any economic measure, to be having an increasingly disproportional influence in recent trade negotiations. However, trade agreements serve not only to maximize social surplus, but also to maximize some measure of political welfare. Canada has recently negotiated three prominent trade agreements: the Canada‐European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) came into effect in the latter part of 2017; the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans‐Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) came into effect at the end of 2018; and the Canada‐United States‐Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) could come into effect in 2020. Collectively, these agreements have guaranteed increased market access for fresh and processed dairy products. We build a spatial partial equilibrium model of the Canadian dairy industry consisting of three regions and 10 commodities to assess the individual and cumulative effect of these trade agreements. We pay particular attention to the institutional drivers within today's dairy sector: milk protein isolates; component pricing, including Class 7; and differential demand growth. We find that the aggregate impacts are: (a) a 1.4% decrease in the marginal retail price; (b) a 4.8% decrease in the blended producer price; and (c) an overall increase in social welfare of 7.8%. Worth noting, the decrease in producer surplus varies from 0.7% in the western region to 1.5% in Ontario. Our results may be relevant to future negotiations as well as the publicly promised compensation package for dairy producers.
Psychosocial effects of appearance changes due to cancer treatment and needs for information and supportive care in Japanese cancer patients
Authors: Sakai Hitomi , Koyama Atsuko , Tanaka Kaoru , Watanabe Satomi , Nakura Miki , Yasuda Toshiko , Hayashi Makiko , Endo Miyuki , Nakagawa Kazuhiko
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Cancer treatment can alter patient appearance, leading to psychological, social, and behavioral issues. This study aimed to investigate distress and difficulties related to appearance concerns in Japanese cancer patients and to identify information and support needs among them.

Methods

We conducted a questionnaire survey using the Derriford Appearance Scale 59 (DAS59) among cancer patients with a prior history of chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, who were recruited from the Departments of Medical Oncology and Psychosomatic Medicine, Kindai University Hospital.

Results

Participants were 114 patients with a mean age of 62.9 years; 70.2% were female, 86.0% had metastatic or locally advanced unresectable cancer, and 78.1% had concerns about some aspect of their appearance. Mean DAS59 full‐scale score was 77.7 ± 36.4. Younger and female participants were found to have higher full‐scale scores in univariate analysis (P < .05 for both), and younger participants were found to have higher full‐scale scores in multivariate analysis (P < .05).

Conclusions

DAS59 scores had a wide distribution, suggesting that psychological distress due to appearance changes showed large individual differences. Young and female patients tended to have high DAS59 full‐scale scores, but some older and male patients also had high scores. Basic information regarding appearance changes should be provided to all patients before initiating cancer treatment. Both information provision prior to treatment and care at the time of actual appearance changes are important, and should be handled through a multidisciplinary approach.
Nodular lichen myxoedematous: a new adverse event associated with ustekinumab
Authors: Montero‐Vilchez Trinidad , Martinez‐Lopez Antonio , Cuenca‐Barrales Carlos , Martin‐Castro Aurelio , Molina‐Leyva Alejandro , Arias‐Santiago Salvador
Published: April 2020

Nodular lichen myxoedematosus is a localised form of lichen myxoedematosus, a chronic idiopathic cutaneous mucinosis of known aetiology. Ustekinumab is a human interleukin‐12/23 monoclonal antibody that could directly or indirectly increase mucin production. Herein, we report for the first time a case of nodular lichen myxoedematosus associated with ustekinumab.
Editorial: is vedolizumab effective for perianal Crohn's disease?
Authors: Ungar Bella , Kopylov Uri
Published: April 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Chapuis‐Biron et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15665.
Editorial: upright manometry—a lot more to swallow
Authors: Katzka David A. , Kahrilas Peter J.
Published: April 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Misselwitz et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15658.
Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on liver markers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trials
Authors: Simental‐Mendía Mario , Sánchez‐García Adriana , Simental‐Mendía Luis E.
Published: April 2020

Aim

The objective of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy on serum liver function tests.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify randomized placebo‐controlled trials assessing the impact of UDCA on hepatic parameters. Meta‐analysis was conducted using a random‐effects model and sensitivity analysis through the leave‐one‐out method in the Review Manager statistical software version 5.3.

Results

After UDCA treatment, meta‐analysis revealed a significant reduction of alanine aminotransferase (weighted mean difference [WMD]: –15.28 U/L, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −23.42, −7.15, P = 0.0002, I2 = 97%), aspartate aminotransferase (WMD: –16.13 U/L, 95% CI: −23.84, −8.42, P < 0.0001, I2 = 97%), gamma‐glutamyl transferase (WMD: –23.29 U/L, 95% CI: −33.97, −12.61, P < 0.0001, I2 = 97%), alkaline phosphatase (WMD: –93.80 U/L, 95% CI: −126.36, −61.25, P < 0.0001, I2 = 95%) and bilirubin (WMD: –0.18 U/L, 95% CI: −0.35, −0.01, P = 0.04, I2 = 93%), but not significant changes in albumin levels (WMD: 0.10 U/L, 95% CI: −0.05, 0.24, P = 0.18, I2 = 80%).

Conclusion

The results of the present meta‐analysis suggest a hepatoprotective effect of UDCA by reducing serum liver parameters.