bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In silicodesign and validation of commercial kit GPS™ CoVID-19 dtec-RT-qPCR Test under criteria of UNE/EN ISO 17025:2005 and ISO/IEC 15189:2012
Authors: Martínez-Murcia Antonio , Bru Gema , Navarro Aaron , Ros-Tárraga Patricia , García-Sirera Adrián , Pérez Laura
Published: April 2020

Background

The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a serious infectious disease affecting human health worldwide and rapidly declared a pandemic by WHO. Early, several RT-qPCR were designed by using only the first SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence.

Objectives

A few days later, when additional SARS-CoV-2 genome were retrieved, the kit GPS™ CoVID-19 dtec-RT-qPCR Test was designed to provide a highly specific detection method and commercially available worldwide. The kit was validated following criteria recommended by the UNE/EN ISO 17025:2005 and ISO/IEC 15189:2012.

Methods

The present study approached thein silicospecificity of the GPS™ CoVID-19 dtec-RT-qPCR Test and RT-qPCR designs currently published. The empirical validation parameters specificity (inclusivity/exclusivity), quantitative phase analysis (10-106copies), reliability (repeatability/reproducibility) and sensitivity (detection/quantification limits) were evaluated for a minimum of 10-15 assays. Diagnostic validation was achieved by two independent reference laboratories, the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), (Madrid, Spain) and the Public Health England (PHE; Colindale, London, UK).

Results

The GPS™ RT-qPCR primers and probe showed the highest number of mismatches with the closet related non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, including some indels. The kits passed all parameters of validation with strict acceptance criteria. Results from reference laboratories 100% correlated with these obtained by suing reference methods and received an evaluation with 100% of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions

The GPS™ CoVID-19 dtec-RT-qPCR Test, available with full analytical and diagnostic validation, represents a case of efficient transfer of technology being successfully used since the pandemic was declared. The analysis suggested the GPS™ CoVID-19 dtec-RT-qPCR Test is the more exclusive by far.
PtrR (YneJ) is a novelE. colitranscription factor regulating the putrescine stress response and glutamate utilization
Authors: Rodionova Irina A. , Gao Ye , Sastry Anand , Monk Jonathan , Wong Nicholas , Szubin Richard , Lim Hyungyu , Zhang Zhongge , Saier Milton H. , Palsson Bernhard
Published: April 2020

Although polyamines, such as putrescine (Ptr), induce envelope stress for bacteria, they are important as nitrogen and carbon sources. Ptr utilization inEscherichia coliinvolves protein glutamylation, and glutamate stands at a crossroads between catabolism and anabolism. This communication reports that the transcription factor YneJ, here renamed PtrR, is involved in the regulation of a small regulatory RNA gene,fnrS, and an operon,yneIHGF, encoding succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase, Sad (YneI), glutaminase, GlsB (YneH), and several other genes. TheyneIpromoter is activated during putrescine utilization under nitrogen/carbon starvation conditions, and we show that PtrR is important for the putrescine stress response. It is also a repressor offnrSgene expression, involved in the cascade regulation of mRNA synthesis for themarAandsodBgenes, involved in antibiotic responses. PtrR transcriptional regulation offnrSleads to a regulatory cascade induced by this small RNA that affects mRNA levels ofompFand the multidrug resistance regulator, MarA. We propose that PtrR functions as a dual activator/repressor, and that its regulation is important for the responses to different stress conditions involving L-glutamine/L-glutamate and putrescine utilization.

IMPORTANCE

Putrescine is an important source of nitrogen for many organisms, but it also induces stress. Although its metabolism has been studied extensively, the regulatory mechanisms that control the stress response are still poorly understood. This study reveals that the HTH-type transcriptional regulator, YneJ inEscherichia coli, here re-named PtrR, is important for the putrescine stress response, in part because it plays a role in outer membrane porin regulation as a sensor in a regulatory cascade. Direct PtrR transcriptional regulation of thefnrS, yneI (sad), gltSandptrRgenes is documented and rationalized, and nine PtrR binding sites were identified using ChIP-Exo. AptrRmutant exhibited altered resistance to a tetracycline group of antibiotics under microaerophilic conditions, suggesting that PtrR indirectly controls expression of porin genes such asompF.
Advanced Rock Climbers Exhibit Greater Finger Force and Resistance to Fatigue Compared to Novices During Treadwall Climbing
Authors: Ferrara Philip F. , Becker James , Seifert John G.
Published: April 2020

Background

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of rock climbing experience on time to fatigue (TTF), finger flexor force production relative to body weight (REL FP), and changes in finger flexor muscle activity during tread wall climbing.

Methods

Eight advanced and seven novice sport rock climbers performed a climbing protocol on a treadwall system. The protocol consisted of climbing for six 5-minute intervals or until voluntary failure. A mounted force plate was used to measure finger force production before and after the climbing protocol. Subjects performed a 20-second maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) against the force plate with the dominant and non-dominant fingertips in a common climbing hand configuration known as a half crimp. Muscle activity was monitored with electromyographic electrodes placed bilaterally over the subject’s flexor digitorum superficialis. Median frequency (MF) and root mean square (RMS) were analyzed. The treadwall was set at a difficulty of 9 IRCRA/5.9 YDS. It rotated at 7 m/min and was fixed at 7° overhanging.

Results

Significant group differences were observed in subject characteristics, TTF (30±0 vs. 25.7±3.6 min), REL FP (5.6±1.2 vs. 3.2±0.9 N/kg BW), ΔFP (+1.5±12.3% vs. -31±16%), and ΔMF (+6.3±22.4% vs. -17.6±10.9%).

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate that advanced climbers possess greater finger flexor force production and resistance to fatigue compared to novices during bouts of climbing on a treadwall system. This may be attributed to physiological changes due to years of training, such as metabolic adaptations and oxygenation capacity in the forearm musculature.
Subtelomeric regions and a repeat-rich chromosome harbor multicopy effector gene clusters with variable conservation in multiple plant pathogenicColletotrichumspecies
Authors: Gan Pamela , Hiroyama Ryoko , Tsushima Ayako , Masuda Sachiko , Shibata Arisa , Ueno Akiko , Kumakura Naoyoshi , Narusaka Mari , Hoat Trinh Xuan , Narusaka Yoshihiro , Takano Yoshitaka , Shirasu Ken
Published: April 2020

Members of theColletotrichum gloeosporioidesspecies complex are causal agents of anthracnose in a wide range of commercially important plants. To provide an in-depth overview of its diversity, we sequenced the genomes of fungi belonging to this group, including multiple strains ofC. fructicola(Cf) andC. siamense(Cs), as well as representatives of three previously unsequenced species,C. aenigma(Ca),C. tropicaleandC. viniferum. Comparisons between multipleCfandCsstrains led to the identification of accessory regions that show variable conservation in both lineages. These accessory regions encode effector candidate genes, including homologs of previously characterized effectors, organized in clusters of conserved synteny with copy number variations in different strains ofCf, CsandCa. Analysis of highly contiguous assemblies ofCf, CsandCastrains revealed the association of such accessory effector gene clusters with subtelomeric regions and repeat-rich minichromosomes and provided evidence of gene transfer between these two genomic compartments. In addition, expression analysis indicated that paralogs associated with clusters of conserved synteny showed a tendency for correlated gene expression. These data highlight the importance of subtelomeric regions and repeat-rich chromosomes to the genome plasticity ofColletotrichumfungi.
Self-Reported Sleep Relates to Microstructural Hippocampal Decline in β-Amyloid Positive Adults Beyond Genetic Risk
Authors: Grydeland Håkon , Sederevičius Donatas , Wang Yunpeng , Bartrés-Faz David , Bertram Lars , Dobricic Valerija , Düzel Sandra , Ebmeier Klaus P. , Lindenberger Ulman , Nyberg Lars , Pudas Sara , Sexton Claire E. , Solé-Padullés Cristina , Walhovd Kristine B. , Fjell Anders M.
Published: April 2020

Background

To test the hypothesis that worse self-reported sleep relates to memory decay and reduced hippocampal integrity as indexed by increased intra-hippocampal water diffusion, and that the relations are stronger in the presence of β-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation, a marker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology.

Methods

Two-hundred and forty-three cognitively healthy participants, aged 19-81 years, completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and 2 diffusion tensor imaging sessions, on average 3 years apart, allowing measures of decline in hippocampal microstructural integrity as indexed by increased mean diffusivity. We measured memory decay using delayed recall from the California Verbal Learning Test.18F-Flutemetamol positron emission tomography, in 108 participants above 44 years of age, yielded 23 Aβ positive. Genotyping enabled controlling forAPOEε4 status, and polygenic scores for sleep efficiency and AD.

Results

Worse global sleep quality and sleep efficiency related to more rapid reduction in hippocampal microstructural integrity over time. Focusing on sleep efficiency, the relation was stronger in presence of Aβ accumulation. Sleep efficiency related to memory decay indirectly via hippocampal integrity decline. The results were not explained by genetic risk for sleep efficiency and AD.

Conclusions

Poor self-reported sleep efficiency related to decline in hippocampal integrity, especially in the presence of Aβ accumulation. Poor sleep and hippocampal microstructural decline may partly explain memory decline in older adults with Aβ pathology. The relationships were not explained by genetic risk. Poor self-reported sleep efficiency might constitute a risk factor for AD, although the causal mechanisms driving the of observed associations remain unknown.
Microsaccades during high speed continuous visual search
Authors: Martin Jacob G. , Davis Charles E. , Riesenhuber Maximilian , Thorpe Simon J.
Published: April 2020

Here, we provide an analysis of the microsaccades that occurred during continuous visual search and targeting of small faces that we pasted either into cluttered background photos or into a simple gray background. Subjects continuously used their eyes to target singular 3-degree upright or inverted faces in changing scenes. As soon as the participant’s gaze reached the target face, a new face was displayed in a different and random location. Regardless of the experimental context (e.g. background scene, no background scene), or target eccentricity (from 4 to 20 degrees of visual angle), we found that the microsaccade rate dropped to near zero levels within only 12 milliseconds after trial onset. There were almost never any microsaccades before the saccade to the face. One subject completed 118 consecutive trials without a single microsaccade. However, in about 20% of the trials, there was a single corrective microsaccade that occurred almost immediately after the preceding saccade’s offset. These corrective microsaccades were task oriented because their facial landmark targeting distributions matched those of saccades within both the upright and inverted face conditions. Our findings show that a single feedforward pass through the visual hierarchy for each stimulus is likely all that is needed to effectuate prolonged continuous visual search. In addition, we provide evidence that microsaccades can serve perceptual functions like correcting saccades or effectuating task-oriented goals during continuous visual search.
Develope Micro clonal -propagation protocol forOxytenanthera abyssinica A.Rich. Munroto large scale micro-propagation
Authors: Admas Adugnaw , Kidane Berhane , Admasu Melaku , Misga Tesaka
Published: April 2020

In Ethiopia,Oxytenanthera abyssinica A.Rich. Munrohas varies economic importance. However, conventional propagation methods ofO. abyssinicaare generally inefficient due to their low multiplication rate, time consuming, labor intensive, and too costly. The objective of this study was to develop a protocol for mass micropropagation of O. abyssinica through seed culture. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium augmented with 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) was used for shoot initiation and multiplication. For in vitro rooting, MS medium supplemented with 3-Indole –butric acid (IBA) was used.

In shoot initiation experiment all viable seeds were proliferated in 5-7 days of culturing. In shoot multiplication at 0.004 g/L BAP was Sucssefuly shoot multiplied, also best root responding were found at 0.005 g/l IBA.

The present optimized protocol enables for any acters who needs large numbers of low land bamboo seedling for industery, small and micro enterprize or for reafforestation programms.
Rational design of protein-specific folding modifiers
Authors: Das Anirban , Yadav Anju , Gupta Mona , Purushotham R , Terse Vishram L. , Vishvakarma Vicky , Singh Sameer , Nandi Tathagata , Mandal Kalyaneswar , Gosavi Shachi , Das Ranabir , Koti Ainavarapu Sri Rama , Maiti Sudipta
Published: April 2020

Protein folding can go wrongin vivoandin vitro, with significant consequences for the living cell and the pharmaceutical industry, respectively. Here we propose a general design principle for constructing small peptide-based protein-specific folding modifiers. We construct a ‘xenonucleus’, which is a pre-folded peptide that resembles the folding nucleus of a protein, and demonstrate its activity on the folding of ubiquitin. Using stopped-flow kinetics, NMR spectroscopy, Förster Resonance Energy transfer, single-molecule force measurements, and molecular dynamics simulations, we show that the ubiquitin xenonucleus can act as an effective decoy for the native folding nucleus. It can make the refolding faster by 33 ± 5% at 3 M GdnHCl. In principle, our approach provides a general method for constructing specific, genetically encodable, folding modifiers for any protein which has a well-defined contiguous folding nucleus.
Subcortical Circuits Mediate Communication Between Primary Sensory Cortical Areas
Authors: Lohse Michael , Dahmen Johannes C. , Bajo Victoria M. , King Andrew J.
Published: April 2020

Integration of information across the senses is critical for perception and is a common property of neurons in the cerebral cortex, where it is thought to arise primarily from corticocortical connections. Much less is known about the role of subcortical circuits in shaping the multisensory properties of cortical neurons. We show that stimulation of the whiskers causes widespread suppression of sound-evoked activity in mouse primary auditory cortex (A1). This suppression depends on the primary somatosensory cortex (S1), and is implemented through a descending circuit that links S1, via the auditory midbrain, with thalamic neurons that project to A1. Furthermore, a direct pathway from S1 has a facilitatory effect on auditory responses in higher-order thalamic nuclei that project to other brain areas. Crossmodal corticofugal projections to the auditory midbrain and thalamus therefore play a pivotal role in integrating multisensory signals and in enabling communication between different sensory cortical areas.
The Arabidopsis mitochondrial dicarboxylate carrier 2 maintains leaf metabolic homeostasis by uniting malate import and citrate export
Authors: Lee Chun Pong , Elsässer Marlene , Fuchs Philippe , Fenske Ricarda , Schwarzländer Markus , Millar A. Harvey
Published: April 2020

Malate is the major substrate for respiratory oxidative phosphorylation in illuminated leaves. In the mitochondria malate is converted to citrate either for replenishing tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle with carbon, or to be exported as substrate for cytosolic biosynthetic pathways or for storage in the vacuole. In this study, we show that DIC2 functions as a mitochondrial malate/citrate carrierin vivoin Arabidopsis. DIC2 knockout (dic2-1) results in growth retardation that can only be restored by expressing DIC2 but not its closest homologs DIC1 or DIC3, indicating that their substrate preferences are not identical. Malate uptake by non-energiseddic2-1mitochondria is reduced but can be restored in fully energised mitochondria by altering fumarate and pyruvate/oxaloacetate transport. A reduced citrate export but an increased citrate accumulation in substrate-fed, energiseddic2-1mitochondria suggest that DIC2 facilitates the export of citrate from the matrix. Consistent with this, metabolic defects in response to a sudden dark shift or prolonged darkness could be observed in dic2-1leaves, including altered malate, citrate and 2-oxoglutarate utilisation. There was no alteration in TCA cycle metabolite pools and NAD redox state at night; however, isotopic glucose tracing reveals a reduction in citrate labelling indic2-1which resulted in a diversion of flux towards glutamine, as well as the removal of excess malate via asparagine and threonine synthesis. Overall, these observations indicate that DIC2 is responsiblein vivofor mitochondrial malate import and citrate export which coordinate carbon metabolism between the mitochondrial matrix and the other cell compartments.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Mitochondria are pivotal for plant metabolism. One of their central functions is to provide carbon intermediates for the synthesis of critical building blocks, such as amino acids. Malate import and citrate export are two of the most recognised and specialised features of the mitochondrial role in the plant cellular metabolic network, yet the possibility that a single carrier would unite both functions has not been considered. Here, we have demonstrated that DIC2 preferentially fulfils these two functions inArabidopsis thaliana in vivo, making it a bifunctional gateway for two major metabolite fluxes into and out of the mitochondrial matrix in the plant cell. Our results highlight the significance of DIC2 in cooperation with other mitochondrial carriers in maintaining metabolic balance even under challenging environmental conditions.
Generation and Validation of Versatile Inducible CRISPRi Embryonic Stem Cell and Mouse Models
Authors: Li Rui , Xia Xianyou , Wang Xing , Sun Xiaoyu , Dai Zhongye , Huo Dawei , Zheng Huimin , Xiong Haiqing , He Aibin , Wu Xudong
Published: April 2020

CRISPR-Cas9 has been widely used far beyond genome editing. Fusions of deactivated Cas9 (dCas9) to transcription effectors enable interrogation of the epigenome and controlling of gene expression. However the large transgene size of dCas9-fusion hinders its applications especially in somatic tissues. Here, we develop a robust CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) system by transgenic expression of doxycycline (Dox) inducible dCas9-KRAB in mouse embryonic stem cells (iKRAB ESC). After introduction of specific gRNAs, the induced dCas9-KRAB efficiently maintains gene inactivation, though it exerts modest effects on active gene expression. Proper timing of Dox addition during cell differentiation or reprogramming allows us to study or screen spatiotemporally activated promoters or enhancers and thereby the gene functions. Furthermore, taking the ESC for blastocyst injection, we generate an iKRAB knockin (KI) mouse model that enables shut-down of gene expression and loss-of-function studiesex vivoandin vivoby a simple transduction of gRNAs. Thus, our inducible CRISPRi ESC line and KI mouse provide versatile and convenient platforms for functional interrogation and high-throughput screens of specific genes and potential regulatory elements in the setting of development or diseases.
CircularANRILisoforms switch from repressors to activators ofp15/CDKN2Bexpression during RAF1 oncogene-induced senescence
Authors: Muniz Lisa , Lazorthes Sandra , Delmas Maxime , Ouvrard Julien , Aguirrebengoa Marion , Trouche Didier , Nicolas Estelle
Published: April 2020

Long non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are major regulators of gene expression and cell fate. TheINK4locus encodes the tumour suppressor proteins p15INK4b, p16INK4aand p14ARFrequired for cell cycle arrest and whose expression increases during senescence.ANRILis a ncRNA antisense to thep15gene. In proliferative cells,ANRILprevents senescence by repressingINK4genes through the recruitment of Polycomb-group proteins. In models of replicative and RASval12 oncogene-induced senescence (OIS), the expression ofANRILand Polycomb proteins decreases, thus allowingINK4derepression. Here, we found in a model of RAF1 OIS thatANRILexpression rather increases, due in particular to an increased stability. This led us to search for circularANRILisoforms, as circular RNAs are rather stable species. We found that the expression of two circularANRILincreases in several OIS models (RAF1, MEK1 and BRAF). In proliferative cells, they repressp15expression, while in RAF1 OIS, they promote full induction ofp15, p16andp14ARFexpression. Further analysis of one of these circularANRILshows that it interacts with Polycomb proteins and decreases EZH2 Polycomb protein localization and H3K27me3 at thep15andp16promoters, respectively. We propose that changes in the ratio between Polycomb proteins and circularANRILisoforms allow these isoforms to switch from repressors ofp15gene to activators of allINK4genes in RAF1 OIS. Our data reveal that regulation ofANRILexpression depends on the senescence inducer and underline the importance of circularANRILin the regulation ofINK4gene expression and senescence.
GORASPs link Golgi cisternae laterally to stabilize the rims and prevent vesiculation
Authors: Grond Rianne , Veenendaal Tineke , Duran Juan , Raote Ishier , Corstjens Sebastiaan , Delfgou Laura , El Haddouti Benaissa , Malhotra Vivek , Rabouille Catherine
Published: April 2020

In vitro experiments have shown GRASP65 (GORASP1) and GRASP55 (GORASP2) proteins function in stacking Golgi cisternae. However, in vivo depletion of GORASPs in metazoans have given equivocal results. We have generated a mouse lacking both GORASPs and find that Golgi cisternae remained stacked. However, the stacks are disconnected laterally from each other and the cisternal cross-sectional diameters are significantly reduced compared to their normal counterparts. These data support earlier findings on the role of GORASPs in linking stacks and we suggest that unlinking of stacks affects dynamic control of COPI budding and vesicle fusion at the rims. The net result is that cisternal cores remain stacked, but cisternal diameter is reduced by rim consumption.
Genome-wide comparisons and extrapolations of AU-rich elements in Plants withHomo sapiens
Authors: Satish Deepshikha , Panwar Anil
Published: April 2020

The Adenylate-Uridylate Rich elements (AREs) are adenine and uracil abundant sequences, established in ephemeral mRNAs, principally present in the 3’ untranslated region (3’ UTR). AREs are widely accepted as a cause of high turnover of the mRNAs containing them (Bakheet, 2001; Barreau, 2005; Shaw and Kamen, 1986). The mammalian ARE-mRNAs primarily translate into nuclear transcription factors, oncoproteins, cytokines, and G-protein-coupled receptors which indicates their indispensable role in the regulation of gene transcription during cell growth and differentiation, and the immune response (Chen and Shyu, 1995; Wilson et al., 1999). The present study is an attempt to comprehensively analyze the eloquent presence of AU rich elements in genome, transcriptome and 3’UTR of three important plant species (Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa and Zea mays) and compare the statistics of putative ARE motifs in plants withH.sapiens. Statistical analysis of genome-wide putative AU-rich elements revealed the explicit presence of ARE motifs in plants. This is the first study that analyses the presence of Adenylate-Uridylate Rich elements (AREs) in three different plants which can be further validated through experiments.
Placental microRNA Expression Associates with Birthweight through Control of Adipokines: Results from Two Independent Cohorts
Authors: Kennedy Elizabeth M , Hermetz Karen , Burt Amber , Everson Todd M , Deyssenroth Maya , Hao Ke , Chen Jia , Karagas Margaret R , Pei Dong , Koestler Devin C , Marsit Carmen J
Published: April 2020

MicroRNAs are non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. In the placenta, the master regulator of fetal growth and development, microRNAs shape the basic processes of trophoblast biology and specific microRNA have been associated with fetal growth. To comprehensively assess the role of microRNAs in placental function and fetal development, we have performed small RNA sequencing to profile placental microRNAs from two independent mother-infant cohorts: the Rhode Island Child Health Study (n=225) and the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study (n=317). We modeled microRNA counts on infant birthweight percentile (BWP) in each cohort, while accounting for race, sex, parity and technical factors, using negative binomial generalized linear models. We identified microRNAs that were differentially expressed (DEmiRs) with BWP at false discovery rate (FDR) less than 0.05 in both cohorts. hsa-miR-532-5p (miR-532) was positively associated with BWP in both cohorts. By integrating parallel whole transcriptome and small RNA sequencing in the RICHS cohort, we identified putative targets of miR-532. These targets are enriched for pathways involved in adipogenesis, adipocytokine signaling, energy metabolism and hypoxia response, and included Leptin, which we further demonstrated to have decreasing expression with increasing BWP, particularly in male infants. Overall, we have shown a robust and reproducible association of miR-532 with BWP, which could influence BWP through regulation of adipocytokines Leptin and Adiponectin.
Cotton tipped plastic swabs for SARS-CoV2 RT-qPCR diagnosis to prevent supplies shortage
Authors: Freire-Paspuel Byron , Vega-Mariño Patricio , Velez Alberto , Castillo Paulina , Gomez-Santos Ileana Elizabeth , Cruz Marilyn , Garcia-Bereguiain Miguel Angel
Published: April 2020

CDC and WHO guidelines for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) diagnosis only recommend synthetic fiber swabs for nasopharyngeal (NP) sampling. We show that cotton tipped plastic swabs do not inhibit PCR and have equivalent performance to rayon swabs. Cotton tipped plastic swabs are massively produced worldwide and would prevent swabs supplies shortage during current high SARS-CoV2 testing demands, particularly on developing countries.
Abundance and diversity of phages, microbial taxa and antibiotic resistance genes in the sediments of the river Ganges through metagenomic approach
Authors: Kumar Narender , Gupta Amit Kumar , Sudan Sarabjeet Kour , Pal Deepika , Randhawa Vinay , Sahni Girish , Mayilraj Shanmugam , Kumar Manoj
Published: April 2020

In the present study, we have analyzed the metagenomic DNA from the pooled sediment sample of the river Ganges to explore the abundance and diversity of phages, microbial community and antibiotic resistance genes. Utilizing data from Illumina platform, 4174 (∼0.0013%) reads were classified for the 285 different DNA viruses largely dominated by the group of 260 distinctive phages (3602 reads, ∼86.3%). Among all, Microcystis (782 hits), Haemophilus (403), Synechococcus (386), Pseudomonas (279), Enterococcus (232), Bacillus (196), Rhodococcus (166), Caulobacter (163), Salmonella (146), Enterobacteria (143), Mycobacterium (128), Propionibacterium (71), Erwinia (70), Ralstonia (56) phages shows the highest abundance and account for approximately 90% of the total identified phages. Additionally, we have also identified corresponding host pertaining to these phages. Mainly, Proteobacteria (∼69.3%) dominates the microbial population structure. Primarily orders such as Caulobacterales (∼28%), Burkholderiales (∼13.9%), Actinomycetales (∼13.7%), Pseudomonadales (∼7.5%) signify the core section. Further, 21869 (∼0.00695%) reads were classified in 20 ARG types (classes) and 240 ARGs (subtypes) among which 4 ARG types namely multidrug resistance (MDR) (12041 reads, ∼55%), bacitracin (3202 reads, ∼15%), macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin (MLS) (1744 reads, ∼7.98%), and fosmidomycin (990 reads, ∼4.53%) has the highest abundance. Simultaneously, six resistance mechanisms were also recognized with the dominance of antibiotic efflux (72.8%, 15919 reads). The results unveil the distribution of (pro)-phages; microbial community and various ARGs in the Ganges river sediments. Further research on these identified phage(s) could be used in phage-based therapeutics against pathogenic bacteria.
A new photoluminescent coordination polymer constructed with an N-donor ligand having extended coordination capabilities derived from quinoline and pyridine
Authors: Twaróg Kamil , Hołyńska Małgorzata , Kochel Andrzej
Published: April 2020

Employment of the organic 2-(pyridin-4-yl)quinoline-4-carboxylic acid ligand with extended coordination capabilities leads to the formation of the one-dimensional copper(II) coordination polymer catena-poly[[diaquacopper(II)]-bis[μ-2-(pyridin-4-yl)quinoline-4-carboxylato]-κ2
N
2:O;κ2
O:N], {[Cu(C15H9N2O2)2(H2O)2]·2H2O}
n
, under hydrothermal conditions. The ligand, isolated as its hydrochloride salt, namely, 4-(4-carboxyquinolin-2-yl)pyridinium chloride monohydrate, C15H11N2O2
+·Cl−·H2O, reveals a pseudosymmetry element (translation a/2) in its crystal structure. The additional pyridyl N atom, in comparison with the previously reported analogues with an arene ring instead of the pyridyl ring in the present ligand molecule, promotes the formation of a one-dimensional coordination polymer, rather than discrete molecules. This polymer shows photoluminescent properties with bathochromic/hypsochromic shifts of the ligand absorption bands, leading to a single band at 479 nm. The CuII ions are involved in weak antiferromagnetic interactions within dimeric units, as evidenced by SQUID magnetometry.
Crystal structure of gluconate 5-dehydrogenase from Lentibacter algarum
Authors: Tian Dengke , Fu Xueqi , Cao Wenqiang , Yuan Hong
Published: April 2020

Gluconate 5-dehydrogenase (Ga5DH; EC 1.1.1.69) from Lentibacter algarum (LaGa5DH) was recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. The protein was crystallized and the crystal structure was solved at 2.1 Å resolution. The crystal belonged to the monoclinic system, with space group P1 and unit-cell parameters a = 55.42, b = 55.48, c = 79.16 Å, α = 100.51, β = 105.66, γ = 97.99°. The structure revealed LaGaDH to be a tetramer, with each subunit consisting of six α-helices and three antiparallel β-hairpins. LaGa5DH has high structural similarity to other Ga5DH proteins, demonstrating that this enzyme is highly conserved.
Added cultural distance and ownership in cross-border acquisitions
Authors: Kim Hyun Gon , Gaur Ajai S. , Mukherjee Debmalya
Published: April 2020

Purpose

As multinational companies enter different countries, the extent of cultural unfamiliarity they face depends on their most recent entry. We examine this pattern of added cultural distance between a newly entered target country and the closest previous one and its effect on ownership decisions in each cross-border acquisition (CBA). We also examine the combined effect of added cultural distance and time between successive acquisitions on such decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample came from the Thomson Financial Securities Data Corporation (SDC) Platinum database, which spans different source and target countries for a 25-year period (1980–2014). We collected firm- (acquirer and target), industry-, country-, and transaction-level variables from SDC. After merging information from the different sources, the final sample comprised 10,423 CBA observations from 138 target countries.

Findings

Our findings reveal that the ownership share decision is affected negatively by added cultural distance but positively by the time between two successive acquisitions. In addition, prior ownership and geographic distance moderate the relationship between added cultural distance and ownership in CBAs.

Practical implications

Our findings suggest that MNCs' managers who consider CBAs need to carefully examine closest previous target information and CBA experience, rather than focusing on direct cultural distance between the focal firm and target firm. Additionally, they should also consider the relevance of key contingency factors.

Originality/value

We disentangle the effects of added cultural distance on CBA ownership decisions and explore the boundary conditions of this relationship.
The social management of human capital: basic principles and methodological approaches
Authors: Popkova Elena
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to model the modern global practice of social management of human capital – at the state and corporate levels – to determine the perspectives of its optimization and to develop the basic principles of a new methodological approach to social management of human capital, which is preferable in the conditions of social market economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses mathematical tools, including correlation and regression analysis. These are applied to determine the influence of each of the 12 indicators for the labor market that are presented as part of The World Economic Forum's (WEF’s) ”The Global Competitiveness Report 2019” on The United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Human Development Index. The research objects are countries from each of the four categories of nations, as distinguished by UNDP, in the Human Development Index. By unifying the 2019 data from UNDP and WEF, a data set is formed.

Findings

It is substantiated that in modern economic practice, it is impossible to achieve the “ideal” conditions necessary for applying existing methodological approaches to the social management of human capital, which reduces how effectively current approaches function. Foundation on the existing methods leads to uncertainty as to management of human capital, which is social by 95.14% in 2019. Though the achieved value of the social management of human capital is close to being optimal, it is still not enough to achieve a high level of human development, which was 0.685 on average for the global economy in 2019 and is likely to increase by 31.43% until 2025, for acknowledging the social market status of the modern economy.

Originality/value

It is proven that there is a need for a new, mixed, methodological approach to the social management of human capital, which would optimally combine the best practices of both state and corporate management. The principles for the practical implementation of such an approach are offered, and proposals are developed to substantiate the contribution of this approach to the achievement of the global goals of sustainable development.
Financial integration and macroeconomic volatility in Zimbabwe
Authors: Makoto Richard
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Many developing countries are pursuing policies that foster international financial integration after decades of financial repression. Greater access to foreign financial markets may have both positive and negative impact on the performance of the economy. One of the concerns of international financial integration is macroeconomic volatility which may affect both monetary and real sectors. Zimbabwe has chosen to pursue a financial liberalization strategy in the form of imperfect financial integration following periods of excessive domestic shocks. An upsurge of capital flows since the epic of economic crisis in the 2000s has been observed with varying macroeconomic impacts. This study empirically examines the impact of partial international financial integration on the volatility of macroeconomic variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized an ARDL Model suggested by Pesaran et al., (2003) which is appropriate for short time periods.

Findings

The results show that financial integration has a negative effect on output volatility while insignificant on consumption volatility.

Practical implications

The study recommends that the country should gradually liberalize the capital account and properly sequence financial development reforms in order to minimize losses from global financial integration.

Originality/value

The study used time series for Zimbabwe during a period of external imbalance, repeated economic cycles, sudden stops in capital flows and limited scope of imperfect financial integration. Findings in such an economy will be a referral for policymakers in other economies that would want to pursue international financial integration.
A meta-analysis: capital structure and firm performance
Authors: Dao Binh Thi Thanh , Ta Tram Dieu Ngoc
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The paper aims at providing insights on the relationship between capital structure and performance of the firm by employing meta-analytical approach to obtain a synthesized result out of controversial studies as well as the sources for such inconsistency.

Design/methodology/approach

Using secondary data, the analysis is divided into two main parts with concerns to the overall strength of the relationship, the effect size and the potential paper-specific characteristics influencing the magnitude of impacts between leverage and firm performance (moderators of the relationship). Overall, a total number of 32 journals, reviews and school presses were selected besides online libraries and publishing platforms. There were 50 papers with 340 studies chosen from 2004 to 2019, of which data range from 1998 to 2017.

Findings

Using Hedges et al. (1985,1988), descriptive and quantitative analysis have been conducted to confirm that corporate performance is negatively related to capital decisions, which inclines toward trade-off model with agency costs and pecking order theory. The estimation induces rather small effect size that implies sufficiently large sample size to be effectively investigated. In terms of moderator analysis, random-effects meta-regression models of three different techniques are used to increase the robustness in research findings, showing statistically significant elements as publication status, factor of industry and proxy of firm performance.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first papers presenting meta-analysis in capital structure and performance for two languages, Vietnamese and English, providing a consistent result with previous worldwide papers.
Perceptions of leadership styles in occupational therapy practice
Authors: Hitch Danielle , Lhuede Kate , Giles Susan , Low Robyn , Cranwell Kathryn , Stefaniak Rachel
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Leadership is a critical topic in healthcare because of its influence on direction and culture. This study aims to measure perceptions of leadership styles amongst occupational therapy clinicians. The study also sought to identify any significant differences between the perceptions of clinician groups, compare findings with established norms and explore associations between leadership styles and outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross sectional, descriptive study method was used, using the multifactor leadership questionnaire 5X (MLQ-5X) to survey occupational therapists working in physical and mental health clinical services in Australia. Descriptive statistics were used to address the aims of this study.

Findings

A number of significant differences in leadership perceptions were identified between junior and senior clinicians, however, very few differences were detected between the physical and mental health settings. The scores provided by participants were consistently lower than those reported for geographically relevant norms, with the majority on or close to the 40th percentile. A significant relationship was found between transformative leadership and outcomes, and a strong relationship between contingent reward and outcomes. However, the negative relationships between other leadership styles and outcomes reported in other studies were not found.

Research limitations/implications

Transformational leadership, and some aspects of transactional leadership, are used in occupational therapy. The career stage has an impact on how leadership behaviours are perceived. The MLQ-5X could enable a consistent approach to research into healthcare leadership, and the exploration of whether these findings are generalisable beyond the Australian context.

Practical implications

Career stage may be a more significant influence on leadership perception than service setting, and efforts to develop leadership in occupational therapy should focus on both transformative and transactional leadership. Perceptions of occupational leadership from all areas of the workforce are important to understand, given their potential impact on workplace behaviour, career progression, recruitment and retention.

Originality/value

This study is a partial replication of a previous study conducted in the USA, being the first to use the MLQ-5X with the Australian occupational therapy workforce. As such, it consolidates the existing evidence base in this area and also enables international comparisons of findings.
Leadership skills essential in the value-based care era
Authors: Cornell Tatiana
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the primary executive leadership skills required to promote the effectiveness of Medicare Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organizations (MSSP ACOs) and to create a new substantive theory describing these skills. The author identifies that MSSP ACO is a relatively new value-based care delivery (VBCD) structure in the USA that links clinicians’ compensation to their clinical outcomes. The research question concerns what primary executive leadership skills are essential in the VBCD era.

Design/methodology/approach

This single, embedded, exploratory case study is based on interviews, a focus group discussion and archival record data of MSSP ACO executives in the Northeast, Midwest, South and West of the USA.

Findings

The findings represented seven major categories or the primary executive leadership skills required to succeed in the VBCD environment. Each category or skill included five subcategories or concepts supporting the leadership skills essential for reaching VBCD goals. The categories and subcategories gave rise to a new substantive theory – the Accountable Healthcare Leadership Theory of Five Ps: promoting partnership between providers, patients and payers.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical generalizability of the results was limited by its essence as a single, embedded, exploratory case study of 18 MSSP ACO executives in 4 regions of the USA. The strength of this study, however, lies in its potential for making analytic generalizations for identifying theoretically meaningful leadership skills essential for success in the VBCD era.

Originality/value

The author has developed and validated a new theory describing the primary executive leadership skills required to succeed in the VBCD environment.
Comparative assessment on rodent impacts and cultural perceptions of ecologically based rodent management in 3 Afro‐Malagasy farming regions
Authors: CONSTANT Natasha L. , SWANEPOEL Lourens H. , WILLIAMS Samual T. , SOARIMALALA Voahangy , GOODMAN Steven M. , MASSAWE Apia T. , MULUNGU Loth S. , MAKUNDI Rhodes H. , MDANGI Mashaka E. , TAYLOR Peter J. , BELMAIN Steven R.
Published: April 2020

Rodents generate negative consequences for smallholder farmers in Africa that directly impact household and livestock damage, food security, and public health. Ecologically Based Rodent Management (EBRM) seeks sustainable solutions for the mitigation of rodent damage through assessments of rodent population dynamics, agro‐ecosystems, and socio‐cultural contexts. We adopt a comparative approach across 3 rural Afro‐Malagasy smallholder farming regions in South Africa, Tanzania, and Madagascar to assess the household impacts of rodent pests and current perceptions and preferences associated with several rodent control measures. We conducted focus group questionnaires and interviews in different study site locations. Rodents assert multiple impacts on Afro‐Malagasy farmers demonstrating recurrent and emerging agricultural and household costs, and public health impacts. We identify a significant knowledge gap in educating communities about the application of different EBRM approaches in favor of acute poisons that are perceived to be more effective. Cultural issues and taboos also have a significant impact on the social acceptance of rodent hunting as well as biological control using indigenous predators. We advocate for an enhanced investigation of the socio‐cultural beliefs associated with different rodent practices to understand the factors underlying social acceptance. A collaborative approach that integrates the perspectives of target communities to inform the design of EBRM initiatives according to the specific agro‐ecosystem and socio‐cultural context is necessary to ensure programmatic success.
Glycine significantly enhances bacterial membrane vesicle production: a powerful approach for isolation of LPS‐reduced membrane vesicles of probiotic Escherichia coli
Authors: Hirayama Satoru , Nakao Ryoma
Published: April 2020

Bacterial membrane vesicles (MVs) have attracted strong interest in recent years as novel nanoparticle delivery platforms. Glycine is known to induce morphological changes in the outer layer of bacteria. We report here that glycine dramatically facilitates MV production in a flagella‐deficient mutant of the non‐pathogenic probiotic Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917. Supplementation of culture medium with 1.0% glycine induced cell deformation at the early exponential phase, eventually followed by quasi‐lysis during the late exponential to stationary phase. Glycine supplementation also significantly increased the number of MVs with enlarged particle size and altered the protein profile with an increase in the inner membrane and cytoplasmic protein contents as compared to non‐induced MVs. Of note, the endotoxin activity of glycine‐induced MVs was approximately eightfold or sixfold lower than that of non‐induced MVs when compared at equal protein or lipid concentrations respectively. Nevertheless, glycine‐induced MVs efficiently induced both immune responses in a mouse macrophage‐like cell line and adjuvanticity in an intranasal vaccine mouse model, comparable to those of non‐induced MVs. We propose that the present method of inducing MV production with glycine can be used for emerging biotechnological applications of MVs that have immunomodulatory activities, while dramatically reducing the presence of endotoxins.