bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Globally defining the effects of mutations in a picornavirus capsid
Authors: Mattenberger Florian , Latorre Victor , Tirosh Omer , Stern Adi , Geller Ron
Published: October 2020

The capsids of non-enveloped viruses are highly multimeric and multifunctional protein assemblies that protect the viral genome between infection cycles, dictate host and cell tropism, and mediate evasion of humoral immune responses. As such, capsids play key roles in viral biology and pathogenesis. Despite their importance, a comprehensive understanding of how mutations affect viral fitness across different structural and functional attributes of the capsid is lacking. To address this limitation, we globally define the effects of mutations in the capsid of a human picornavirus, generating a comprehensive dataset encompassing >90% of all possible single amino acid mutations. Moreover, we use this information to identify structural and sequence determinants that accurately predict mutational fitness effects, refine evolutionary analyses, and define the sequence specificity of key capsid encoded motifs. Finally, capitalizing on the sequence requirements identified in our dataset for capsid encoded protease cleavage sites, we implement and validate a bioinformatic approach for identifying novel host proteins targeted by viral proteases. Our findings present the most comprehensive investigation of mutational fitness effects in a picornavirus capsid to date and illuminate important aspects of viral biology, evolution, and host interactions.
Proteoforms of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein are primed to proliferate the virus and attenuate the antibody response
Authors: Lutomski Corinne A. , El-Baba Tarick J. , Bolla Jani R. , Robinson Carol V.
Published: October 2020

The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein is the most immunogenic of the structural proteins and plays essential roles in several stages of the virus lifecycle. It is comprised of two major structural domains: the RNA binding domain, which interacts with viral and host RNA, and the oligomerization domain which assembles to form the viral core. Here, we investigate the assembly state and RNA binding properties of the full-length nucleocapsid protein using native mass spectrometry. We find that dimers, and not monomers, of full-length N protein bind RNA, implying that dimers are the functional unit of ribonucleoprotein assembly. In addition, we find that N protein binds RNA with a preference for GGG motifs which are known to form short stem loop structures. Unexpectedly, we found that N undergoes proteolytic processing within the linker region, separating the two major domains. This process results in the formation of at least five proteoforms that we sequenced using electron transfer dissociation, higher-energy collision induced dissociation and corroborated by peptide mapping. The cleavage sites identified are in highly conserved regions leading us to consider the potential roles of the resulting proteoforms. We found that monomers of N-terminal proteoforms bind RNA with the same preference for GGG motifs and that the oligomeric state of a C-terminal proteoform (N156-419) is sensitive to pH. We then tested interactions of the proteoforms with the immunophilin cyclophilin A, a key component in coronavirus replication. We found that N1-209and N1-273bind directly to cyclophilin A, an interaction that is abolished by the approved immunosuppressant drug cyclosporin A. In addition, we found the C-terminal proteoform N156-419generated the highest antibody response in convalescent plasma from patients >6 months from initial COVID-19 diagnosis when compared to the other proteoforms. Overall, the different interactions of N proteoforms with RNA, cyclophilin A, and human antibodies have implications for viral proliferation and vaccine development.
The strength of a NES motif in the nucleocapsid protein of human coronaviruses is related to genus, but not to pathogenic capacity
Authors: Sendino Maria , Omaetxebarria Miren Josu , Rodriguez Jose Antonio
Published: October 2020

Seven members of theCoronaviridaefamily infect humans, but only three (SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV) cause severe disease with a high case fatality rate. Usingin silicoanalyses (machine learning techniques and comparative genomics), several features associated to coronavirus pathogenicity have been recently proposed, including a potential increase in the strength of a predicted novel nuclear export signal (NES) motif in the nucleocapsid protein.

Here, we have used a well-established nuclear export assay to experimentally establish whether the recently proposed nucleocapsid NESs are capable of mediating nuclear export, and to evaluate if their activity correlates with coronavirus pathogenicity.

The six NES motifs tested were functional in our assay, but displayed wide differences in export activity. Importantly, these differences in NES strength were not related to strain pathogenicity. Rather, we found that the NESs of the strains belonging to the genusAlphacoronaviruswere markedly stronger than the NESs of the strains belonging to the genusBetacoronavirus.

We conclude that, while some of the genomic features recently identifiedin silicocould be crucial contributors to coronavirus pathogenicity, this does not appear to be the case of nucleocapsid NES activity, as it is more closely related to coronavirus genus than to pathogenic capacity.
Structural basis for repurposing a 100-years-old drug suramin for treating COVID-19
Authors: Yin Wanchao , Luan Xiaodong , Li Zhihai , Zhang Leike , Zhou Ziwei , Gao Minqi , Wang Xiaoxi , Zhou Fulai , Shi Jingjing , You Erli , Liu Mingliang , Wang Qingxia , Wang Qingxing , Jiang Yi , Jiang Hualiang , Xiao Gengfu , Yu Xuekui , Zhang Shuyang , Xu H. Eric
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic by non-stop infections of SARS-CoV-2 has continued to ravage many countries worldwide. Here we report the discovery of suramin, a 100-year-old drug, as a potent inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) through blocking the binding of RNA to the enzyme. In biochemical assays, suramin and its derivatives are at least 20-fold more potent than remdesivir, the currently approved nucleotide drug for COVID-19. The 2.6 Å cryo-EM structure of the viral RdRp bound to suramin reveals two binding sites of suramin, with one site directly blocking the binding of the RNA template strand and the other site clash with the RNA primer strand near the RdRp catalytic active site, therefore inhibiting the viral RNA replication. Furthermore, suramin potently inhibits SARS-CoV-2 duplication in Vero E6 cells. These results provide a structural mechanism for the first non-nucleotide inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp and a rationale for repurposing suramin for treating COVID-19.

One Sentence Summary

Discovery and mechanism of suramin as potent SARS-CoV-2 RNA polymerase inhibitor and its repurposing for treating COVID-19.
Protoplast fusion inBacillusspecies produces frequent, unbiased, genome-wide homologous recombination
Authors: Burdick Leah H. , Streich Jared C. , Vasileva Delyana P. , Klingeman Dawn M. , Chhetri Hari B. , Ellis J. Christopher , Close Dan M. , Jacobson Daniel A. , Michener Joshua K.
Published: October 2020

In eukaryotes, fine-scale maps of meiotic recombination events have greatly advanced our understanding of the factors that affect genomic variation patterns and evolution of traits. However, in bacteria that lack natural systems for sexual reproduction, unbiased characterization of recombination landscapes has remained challenging due to variable rates of genetic exchange and influence of natural selection. Here, to overcome these limitations and to gain a genome-wide view on recombination, we crossedBacillusstrains with different genetic distances using protoplast fusion. The offspring displayed complex inheritance patterns with one of the parents consistently contributing the major part of the chromosome backbone and multiple unselected fragments originating from the second parent. Computational analyses suggested that this bias is due to the action of restriction-modification systems whereas genome features like GC content and local nucleotide identity did not affect distribution of recombination events around the chromosome. Furthermore, we found that the intensity of recombination is uniform across the genome without concentration into hotspots. Unexpectedly, our results revealed that large species-level genetic distance did not affect key recombination parameters. Our study provides a new insight into the dynamics of recombination in bacteria and a platform for studying recombination patterns in diverse bacterial species.
The KSHV ORF20 Protein Interacts With The Viral Processivity Factor ORF59 And Promote Viral Reactivation
Authors: Hoffman D. , Rodriguez W. , Macveigh-Fierro D. , Miles J. , Muller M.
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Upon KSHV lytic reactivation, rapid and widespread amplification of viral DNA (vDNA) triggers significant nuclear reorganization. As part of this striking shift in nuclear architecture, viral replication compartments are formed as sites of lytic vDNA production along with remarkable spatial remodeling and relocalization of cellular and viral proteins. These viral replication compartments house several lytic gene products that coordinate viral gene expression, vDNA replication, and nucleocapsid assembly. The viral proteins and mechanisms that regulate this overhaul of the nuclear landscape during KSHV replication remain largely unknown. KSHV’s ORF20 is a widely conserved lytic gene among all herpesviruses suggesting it may have a fundamental contribution to the progression of herpesviral infection. Here, we utilized a promiscuous biotin ligase proximity labeling method to identify the proximal interactome of ORF20, which includes several replication-associated viral proteins, one of which is ORF59, the KSHV DNA processivity factor. Using co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays, we confirmed the interaction between ORF20 and ORF59 and tracked the localization of both proteins to KSHV replication compartments. To further characterize the function of ORF20, we generated an ORF20-deficient KSHV and compared its replicative fitness relative to wild type virus. Virion production was significantly diminished in the ORF20-deficient virus as observed by supernatant transfer assays. Additionally, we tied this defect in viable virion formation to a reduction in viral late gene expression. Lastly, we observed an overall reduction in vDNA replication in the ORF20-deficient virus implying a key role for ORF20 in the regulation of lytic replication. Taken together, these results capture the essential role of KSHV ORF20 in progressing viral lytic infection by regulating vDNA replication alongside other crucial lytic proteins within KSHV replication compartments.
THAP9 transposase cleaves DNA via conserved acidic residues in an RNaseH-like domain
Authors: Sharma Vasudha , Thakore Prachi , Majumdar Sharmistha
Published: October 2020

The catalytic domain of most ‘cut and paste’ DNA transposases have the canonical RNase-H fold which is also shared by other polynucleotidyl transferases like retroviral integrases and the RAG1 subunit of V(D)J recombinase. The RNase-H fold is a mixture of beta sheets and alpha helices with three acidic residues (Asp, Asp, Glu/Asp - DDE/D) that are involved in metal-mediated cleavage and subsequent integration of DNA. Human THAP9 (hTHAP9), homologous to the well-studied Drosophila P-element transposase (DmTNP), is an active DNA transposase that, although domesticated, still retains the catalytic activity to mobilize transposons. In this study we have modelled the structure of hTHAP9 using the recently available cryo-EM structure of DmTNP as a template to identify an RNase-H like fold along with important acidic residues in its catalytic domain. Site-directed mutagenesis of the predicted catalytic residues followed by screening for DNA excision and integration activity, led to the identification of candidate Ds and Es in the RNaseH fold that appear to constitute the catalytic triad of hTHAP9.

Significance statement

Many DNA transposases execute DNA excision via a catalytic domain, which has a canonical RNase-H fold. Despite the similar nature of the catalytic domain, these transposases exhibit mechanistically different strategies of transposition. We identify a potential RNase-H fold in hTHAP9 with a conserved DDE motif required for cutting DNA. Additionally, we have found a residue, which when mutated, leads to an increase in hTHAP9’s transposition activity. Such hyperactive transposase mutants can be exploited as tools in genome engineering and gene therapy. This study has helped widen our knowledge about the catalytic activity of a functionally uncharacterized transposon-derived gene in the human genome.
Organisational cultures and the evoked effects of leader ability on employee creativity
Authors: Ogbeibu Samuel , Senadjki Abdelhak , Gaskin James
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study seeks to investigate how leader ability and diverse organisational cultures (OC) act to influence employee creativity in manufacturing organisations. By leveraging the multifaceted nature of the competing values framework (CVF), this study examines the growing deterioration of employee creativity through the lens of four OC quadrants within the Nigerian manufacturing industry and further investigates how distinct OCs and leader ability can aid to bolster employee creativity. The CVF is a model used to assess organisational cultures, irrespective of their industry, for the overarching purpose of improving organisational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The target population consists of employees of research and development (R&D) and information technology (IT) in the headquarters of 21 manufacturing organisations. Our useable sample consisted of 439 responses from the Nigerian manufacturing industry.

Findings

Results indicated that leader ability and adhocracy OC have positive effects on employee creativity. Market and clan OC have negative effects on employee creativity. Likewise, leader ability dampens the effects of adhocracy OC on employee creativity and reinforces the market OC effect on employee creativity.

Originality/value

This study provides novel insights that challenges several controversial and contemporary postulations of extant research which theorise the OC–employee creativity relationships. By leveraging the construct of leader ability, unique contributions are also made to provoke congruence.
Education in agricultural entrepreneurship: training needs and learning practices
Authors: Pliakoura Alexandra , Beligiannis Grigorios , Kontogeorgos Achilleas
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purposes of this study are: first, to conceptualize entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education in agriculture; second, to highlight the role and necessity of entrepreneurship education in enhancing entrepreneurship; and third, to formulate relevant research proposals.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative data were collected through a survey (structured questionnaire) distributed to 412 agricultural enterprises in the region of Aitoloakarnania in Greece. The responses were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

Findings

The findings of the study indicate that farmers/landowners have low levels of entrepreneurship education (only 30.6% have received relevant education) and thus have higher needs. The 50.2% of respondents declare that they are willing to pay in order to attend an entrepreneurship education program.

Research limitations/implications

Existing entrepreneurship education research is useful in delineating the body of knowledge of what, when and how farmers need it, giving policymakers and researchers the opportunity to evaluate and build on research findings.

Originality/value

Given the shortage of identified research data, particularly at national level, on the role of education in agricultural entrepreneurship, this study contributes significantly to this research field, as the recognition of educational needs that affect the effectiveness of “agri-business” appears to be a crucial event for the future of agricultural entrepreneurship.
Research on financing efficiency of China's strategic emerging industries based on super efficiency DEA and tobit model
Authors: Chen Xiangyuan , Wang Ying
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explain the financing dilemma of China's strategic emerging industries and improve their financing efficiency, seize the commanding heights of economic science and technology to provide theoretical support.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper selects the companies listed under strategic emerging industry during the period of 2010–2017 as the research object and used the data envelopment analysis method (DEA) to evaluate the financing efficiency of China's strategic emerging industries and selects the tobit analysis method to find out the factors affecting its financing efficiency.

Findings

The results show that the average financing efficiency of listed companies in strategic emerging industries between 2010 and 2017 is 0.7792, and the level of financing efficiency of strategic emerging industries is still at a low level. Among them, the bio-pharmaceutical industry and the energy-saving and environmental protection industry have the highest comprehensive level, and the high-end equipment manufacturing industry and the new energy industry have the lowest level of financing efficiency. Among the factors affecting the financing efficiency of strategic emerging industries, the asset-liability ratio, financial expenses and cash ratio and financing efficiency are negatively correlated, and the net asset income is positively correlated with the growth rate of the main business income.

Originality/value

This paper measures the financing efficiency of China's strategic emerging industries, then explores the influencing factors of the financing efficiency of strategic emerging industries and tries to provide important reference values for the improvement of the financing efficiency of China's strategic emerging industries at a practical level.
Association of performance with quality initiatives and quality awards: quality initiatives' effect
Authors: Upadhyaya Gururaj , Bhat K Subrahmanya
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this empirical study intends to explore the contingency effect of the adoption of some specific quality initiatives (QI), on the correlation of some performance measures (PMs) with the “interacting” QI and quality award (QA) models through the continuous improvement (CI) journey of Indian QA winners.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was administered to the Indian Quality Award winners. Data collected from a survey were followed by validity and reliability analyses of the instrument. Hypotheses were tested using Spearman's correlation test and Fisher's Z-test.

Findings

Some specific QI that affected the correlation between PMs and research questions representing the interaction among QI and QA models during different stages of the CI journey of organizations were identified. PMs that correlated with interacting QI and QA models through the above stages of CI journey were also identified.

Practical implications

A preliminary inference on QI to be adopted and the PMs to be focused upon during the different periods of CI journey of Indian organizations was arrived at. This could help practitioners in proper choice of QI and to focus upon “realistic” PM through different stages of the CI journey of organizations.

Originality/value

This study attempts to fill the gap of scarce holistic studies on the long-term performance implications of interacting QI and QA through the CI journey of organizations.
Design of an intelligent decision-making system for maintenance practices using fuzzy inference system in northern Indian SMEs
Authors: Sidhu Simranjit Singh , Singh Kanwarpreet , Ahuja Inderpreet Singh
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The paper aims to analyze the significance of key maintenance practices in effective implementation of the performance parameters in Northern Indian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The present study deploys a fuzzy inference approach (fuzzy logic toolbox) to test the effective implementation of maintenance practices in SMEs. The significant maintenance factors are defined from applicable literature for this reason and validated by industry experts.

Findings

A model built into a fuzzy rule viewer and a surface view tool built into a fuzzy toolbox in MATLAB has highlighted the successful implementation of maintenance practices in Indian SMEs. The study highlights that corrective maintenance, general maintenance, preventive maintenance and breakdown maintenance problems have emerged as important indicator variables for effective synergistic implementation of maintenance practices in northern Indian SMEs.

Originality/value

An output assessment model is developed using a fuzzy set theory for maintenance practices, where performance evaluation is significant to the overall performance of SMEs.
Interfering with neighbouring communities: Allelopathy astray in the tundra delays seedling development
Authors: Pilsbacher Anna Katharina , Lindgård Bente , Reiersen Rigmor , González Victoria T. , Bråthen Kari Anne
Published: October 2020

Altered species composition caused by environmental and climatic change can affect the transfer of plant residues among communities. Whereas transferred residues are typically considered a resource in recipient systems, residues of allelopathic species may instead cause interference.

Evergreen dwarf shrubs, specifically the allelopathic species Empetrum nigrum are increasing in abundance in response to a warming climate. Empetrum has small, evergreen leaves that can be transferred to other communities when withered and lost from the plant.

We hypothesize that Empetrum can have allelopathic effects in the recipient communities of the withered leaves. We call this allochthonous allelopathy as opposed to autochthonous allelopathy, which is well documented in communities where the plant grows.

We measured influx of allochthonous Empetrum leaves onto snow‐covered snowbeds, where they are easily identified within the debris. Next, we compared the bioactivity of allochthonous withered leaves with that of green Empetrum leaves. Finally, we conducted an experiment testing the germination and seedling growth of 10 tundra species in snowbed soil supplemented with no (control) and three densities of allochthonous Empetrum leaves.

We found Empetrum leaves to be common on the snow cover of snowbeds. We found Empetrum leaves collected on snowbeds to be as bioactive as green leaves. Finally, we found forb species to have reduced germination and all 10 species to have delayed seedling development when growing in snowbed soil supplemented with withered Empetrum leaves. Seedlings under the control treatment were 2.3 times longer and had 3.2 times more leaves in comparison to seedlings grown under the strongest allochthonous leaf treatment.

Results from our study imply that Empetrum is allelopathic in recipient systems of its allochthonous leaves. The abundant nature of Empetrum in the tundra suggests that allochthonous allelopathy is a common phenomenon, causing biotic stress in snowbeds and potentially other parts of the tundra. Exemplifying the ability of a plant to interfere in neighbouring communities, our study demonstrates a plant trait that may provide insight to other study systems.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Teaching science to students with developmental disabilities using the Early Science curriculum
Authors: Apanasionok Magdalena M. , Neil Julie , Watkins Richard C. , Grindle Corinna F. , Hastings Richard P.
Published: October 2020

There is a large science attainment gap between students with and without special educational needs, and many students with developmental disabilities (DD) struggle to access the mainstream science programmes of study. The purpose of the present project was to pilot the use of the Early Science (ES) curriculum over a six week period with nine students with moderate to severe DD in a special education setting in the UK. Staff members indicated positive experiences of using the curriculum, especially the use of the structured teaching methodology as a helpful tool. Evaluation data suggested that all nine pupils improved their science knowledge over the course of the intervention. Some suggestions are made to improve the delivery of the ES curriculum in UK special education settings, and the need for larger scale evaluation research.
High‐deductible health plans and low‐value imaging in the emergency department
Authors: Chou Shih‐Chuan , Hong Arthur S. , Weiner Scott G. , Wharam J. Frank
Published: October 2020

Objective

To examine the effect of an employer‐mandated switch to high‐deductible health plans (HDHP) on emergency department (ED) low‐value imaging.

Data Sources

Claims data of a large national insurer between 2003 and 2014.

Study Design

Difference‐in‐differences analysis with matched control groups.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

The primary outcome is low‐value imaging during ED visits for syncope, headache, or low back pain. We included members aged 19‐63 years whose employers offered only low‐deductible (≤$500) plans for one (baseline) year and, in the next (follow‐up) year, offered only HDHPs (≥$1000). Contemporaneous members whose employers offered only low‐deductible plans for two consecutive years served as controls. The groups were matched by person and employer propensity for HDHP switch, employer size, baseline calendar year, and baseline year quarterly number of total and imaged ED visits for each condition. We modeled the visit‐level probability of low‐value imaging using multivariable logistic regression with member‐clustered standard errors. We also calculated population level monthly cumulative ED visit rates and modeled their trends using generalized linear regression adjusting for serial autocorrelation.

Principal Findings

After matching, we included 524 998 members in the HDHP group and 5 448 803 in the control group with a mean age of approximately 42 years and 48% female in both groups. On visit‐level analyses, there were no significant differential changes in the probability of low‐value imaging use in the HDHP and control groups. In population‐level analyses, compared with control group members, members who switched to HDHPs experienced a relative decrease of 5.9% (95% CI − 10.3, −1.6) in ED visits for the study conditions and a relative decrease of 5.1% (95%CI −9.6, −0.6) in the subset of ED visits with low‐value imaging.

Conclusion

Though HDHP switches decreased ED utilization, they had no significant effect on low‐value imaging use after patients have decided to seek ED care.
Resolvable and Near‐epistemic Uncertainty in Stated Preference for Olive Oil: An Empirical Exploration
Authors: Scarpa Riccardo , Bazzani Claudia , Begalli Diego , Capitello Roberta
Published: October 2020

We elicit subjective probabilities of choice using a choice experiment designed to study preferences of German consumers for high quality Italian extra‐virgin olive oils. We develop an econometric framework to address the issues of resolvable and near‐epistemic uncertainty. Focussing on behaviourally meaningful quantities linked to changes in oil attributes, such as marginal probabilities and marginal willingness to pay, we found estimates of these quantities to be robust to both types of uncertainty from both discrete and fractional elicitation formats of the response variable. The frequency and presence of potentially near‐epistemic responses are explained by socio‐economic covariates, but their effects are not always in the same direction as in models of heteroskedastic choice, suggesting the existence of different sources. Rounding behaviour in subjective probabilities statements conforms with previous findings in the literature.
Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecium co‐fermented feed regulates lactating sow's performance, immune status and gut microbiota
Authors: Wang Cheng , Wei Siyu , Xu Bocheng , Hao Lihong , Su Weifa , Jin Mingliang , Wang Yizhen
Published: October 2020

Fermented feed (FF) is widely applied to improve swine performance. However, the understandings of the effects of FF on the immune status and gut microbiota of lactating sows and whether probiotics are the effective composition of FF are still limited. The present study aimed to investigate the performance, immune status and gut microbiota of lactating sows fed with a basal diet supplemented with Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecium co‐fermented feed (FF), with the probiotic combination (PRO) of B. subtilis and E. faecium and control diet (CON) as controls. Compared with the CON group, FF group remarkably improved the average daily feed intake of sows and the weight gain of piglets, while significantly decreased the backfat loss, constipation rate of sows and diarrhoea incidence of piglets. The yield and quality of milk of sows in FF group were improved. Besides, faecal acetate and butyrate were promoted in FF group. Additionally, FF increased the level of IgG, IgM and IL‐10 and decreased the concentration of TNF‐α in serum. Furthermore, FF reduced the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and increased the level of Lactobacillus and Succiniclasticum, which were remarkably associated with growth performance and serum immune parameters. Accordingly, microbial metabolic functions including DNA repair and recombination proteins, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, mismatch repair and d‐alanine metabolism were significantly upregulated, while amino acid metabolism was downregulated in FF group. Overall, the beneficial effects of FF were superior to PRO treatment. Altogether, administration of FF during lactation improved the performance and immune status, and modulated gut microbiota of sows. Probiotics are not the only one effective compound of FF.
Foliar spraying of calcium acetate alleviates yield loss in rice (Oryza sativa L.) by induced anti‐oxidative defence system under ozone and heat stresses
Authors: Lakaew Kittisak , Akeprathumchai Saengchai , Thiravetyan Paitip
Published: October 2020

Ozone (O3) and heat stresses induce oxidative damage of plant cells; consequently, this causes reductions in yield of crop plants. As one of the most important staple crops, rice also suffers from these stresses. The aims of this study were to explore the effect of the growing season (rainy and summer season) on rice yield and the effect of calcium acetate (CA) on rice via foliar spraying, under both O3 and heat stresses experienced in the summer season. Results showed that O3‐induced cell damages are indicated by an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level as well as rice yield losses. Moreover, it was found that rice yield under O3 exposure was reduced, around 88.72%, when comparing between rice grown in the summer and rainy season. Pretreatment of rice with 5 mM CA under O3 and heat stresses stimulated activity and expressions of ascorbate peroxidase (APX); consequently, this mitigated oxidative damage by lowering MDA content. In addition, CA pretreatment in rice under the ozone and heat stresses enhanced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) contents and chlorophyll content resulting in higher rice yield in comparison with non‐CA pretreatment. Thus, foliar application of CA on rice relieved yield losses caused by the combined O3 and heat stresses by modulating the major antioxidant enzyme, APX and contents of NADPH, which are important compounds for cell growth and detoxification.
Does Intravenous Acetaminophen Reduce Opioid Requirement in Pediatric Emergency Department Patients With Acute Sickle Cell Crises?
Authors: Dhebaria Tina , Sivitz Adam , Tejani Cena
Published: October 2020

Objective

We evaluated the ability of intravenous (IV) acetaminophen to reduce the amount of opioid medication administered in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) having vasoocclusive crisis (VOC) in an emergency department (ED) setting.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial at an academic urban pediatric ED. Participants included patients with SCD, aged 4 to 16 years, with VOC pain. All patients received a 0.1 mg/kg dose of IV morphine, 0.5 mg/kg ketorolac, or both. Patients were randomized to receive either 15 mg/kg IV acetaminophen or placebo. Patients were reassessed every 30 minutes to see whether additional opioid doses were indicated to a maximum of three doses. The total morphine given, pain scores, rates of admissions, 72‐hour return visits, and adverse events were assessed for each group.

Results

Of 71 subjects randomized, 35 patients in the acetaminophen group and 36 patients in the control group were analyzed. Baseline characteristics and initial pain scores were similar in both groups. The mean total amount of morphine given was 8.6 mg (95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.5 to 10.8) in the acetaminophen group and 8.0 mg (95% CI = 5.9 to 10.2) in the placebo group. The mean total cumulative morphine dosing was 0.2 mg/kg (95% CI = 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg) in the acetaminophen group and 0.2 mg/kg (95% CI = 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg) in the control group. The mean pain score at time of disposition was 5.5 (95% CI = 4.3 to 6.6) in the acetaminophen group and 5.2 (95% CI = 4.2 to 6.3) in the placebo group. There were no clinical or statistically significant differences between the rates of admission, 72‐hour return visits, or adverse events.

Conclusion

In this study, patients who received IV acetaminophen did not receive less morphine than patients in the placebo group. Disposition pain scores for the two groups were also equivalent. We conclude that IV acetaminophen, when used in addition to morphine for pediatric sickle cell VOC pain, does not provide an opioid‐sparing effect. Further searches for adjunctive nonaddictive pain medicines are indicated.
Season and weather affect the mortality of immature stages ofAscia monusteorseis(Lepidoptera: Pieridae) caused by natural factors
Authors: Santos Abraão A , Ribeiro Arthur V , Groom Scott V C , Farias Elizeu S , Carmo Daiane G , Santos Renata C , Picanço Marcelo C
Published: October 2020

In this study, we evaluated the causes of mortality in immature stages ofAscia monusteorseisGodart 1918 (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) over each of four seasons, for 2 years, on an experimental cabbage plot using life tables. We addressed two key questions: (1) Do the mortality rates caused by a factor vary by season? And (2) how does the local weather contribute to such variation? We identified five causes of mortality (failure, pathogens, parasitism, predation and rainfall) that together tended to be higher during wet–warm conditions with values up to 94%. However, each cause and its mortality rate varied among seasons. Failure was observed in all stages and tended to increase during cold conditions with a negative relationship with air temperature and relative humidity and positive for precipitation. Larval and pupal predation increased during warm conditions and was positively associated with both air temperature and relative humidity. Conversely, in seasons with intense precipitation, pupal predation was reduced and had a negative relationship. Rainfall caused mortality of eggs and larvae, mostly during intense events, and egg mortality also showed a positive and significant association with precipitation. Larval parasitism was low, and pathogens were noted in larvae and pupae, but we did not find variation by season for these factors. Our results indicate that mortality caused by failure, predation and rainfall on immature stages ofA. monusteorseiscan vary among seasons and appear to be related to local weather. These findings improve our comprehension of how local weather affects the immature stages of a neotropical pest and the associated mortality factors.
Habitat use of the endangered golden‐rumped sengi Rhynchocyon chrysopygus
Authors: Amin Rajan , Wacher Tim , Ogwoka Bernard , Khayale Cedric , Kariuki Linus , Agwanda Bernard
Published: October 2020

The endangered golden‐rumped sengi are found only in Arabuko‐Sokoke Forest with 395.4 km2 of forest habitat, and perhaps in a few isolated forest and thicket fragments of total area less than 30 km2 all within central coastal Kenya. Understanding its habitat use is an important requirement to develop better conservation measures for the species and its remaining forest habitat. A more reliable method for monitoring its status is also needed. We used the Bayesian occupancy modelling with camera trap data and habitat mapping to characterise the species habitat use in the Arabuko‐Sokoke Forest. The species uses 328 km2 (95% CI: 289–364 km2) of Arabuko‐Sokoke Forest habitat, and its site use increases with distance from forest edge, with the highest site use in the Cynometra thicket (0.93; 95% CI: 0.82–1). Its use of the mixed forest habitat has been significantly reduced following years of logging of Afzelia quanzensis. We recommend the use of modelled occupancy, interpreted as the proportion of area used by the species, to monitor the species status. Occupancy models account for detection probability, and heterogeneity in site use and detection can be incorporated. Estimated territory sizes can be combined to obtain abundance estimates.
Primary immunodeficiencies, autoimmune hyperthyroidism, coeliac disease and systemic lupus erythematosus in childhood immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Saettini Francesco , Cattoni Alessandro , Redaelli Martina , Silvestri Daniela , Ferrari Giulia Maria , Biondi Andrea , Jankovic Momcilo , Spinelli Marco
Published: October 2020

Aim

To evaluate the cumulative prevalence of coeliac disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune hyperthyroidism and primary immunodeficiencies in children with either newly diagnosed/persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

Methods

Monocentric retrospective analysis of the clinical and biochemical features of 330 consecutive patients with ITP referred to our Pediatric Hematology Unit between January 2009 and December 2018.

Results

The prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (0.3%), coeliac disease (0.3%) and autoimmune hyperthyroidism (0.6%) was not increased compared to general paediatric population. Of note, the prevalence of underlying primary immunodeficiencies was 2.4%, remarkably higher than the general paediatric population (P = .005). All the patients diagnosed with immunodeficiency developed either bi‐/trilinear cytopenia or splenomegaly.

Conclusion

Whilst autoimmune and immunological screening is already recommended at the onset of immune thrombocytopenia, we recommend that primary immunodeficiencies be regularly screened during follow‐up, especially in case of additional cytopenia or lymphoproliferation.
Digital pathology: accurate technique for quantitative assessment of histological features in metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease
Authors: Marti‐Aguado David , Rodríguez‐Ortega Alejandro , Mestre‐Alagarda Claudia , Bauza Mónica , Valero‐Pérez Elena , Alfaro‐Cervello Clara , Benlloch Salvador , Pérez‐Rojas Judith , Ferrández Antonio , Alemany‐Monraval Pilar , Escudero‐García Desamparados , Monton Cristina , Aguilera Victoria , Alberich‐Bayarri Ángel , Serra Miguel Ángel , Marti‐Bonmati Luis
Published: October 2020

Background

Histological evaluation of metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) biopsies is subjective, descriptive and with interobserver variability.

Aims

To examine the relationship between different histological features (fibrosis, steatosis, inflammation and iron) measured with automated whole‐slide quantitative digital pathology and corresponding semiquantitative scoring systems, and the distribution of digital pathology measurements across Fatty Liver Inhibition of Progression (FLIP) algorithm and Steatosis, Activity and Fibrosis (SAF) scoring system

Methods

We prospectively included 136 consecutive patients who underwent liver biopsy for MAFLD at three Spanish centres (January 2017‐January 2020). Biopsies were scored by two blinded pathologists according to the Non‐alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) Clinical Research Network system for fibrosis staging, the FLIP/SAF classification for steatosis and inflammation grading and Deugnier score for iron grading. Proportionate areas of collagen, fat, inflammatory cells and iron deposits were measured with computer‐assisted digital image analysis. A test‐retest experiment was performed for precision repeatability evaluation.

Results

Digital pathology showed strong correlation with fibrosis (r = 0.79; P < 0.001), steatosis (r = 0.85; P < 0.001) and iron (r = 0.70; P < 0.001). Performance was lower when assessing the degree of inflammation (r = 0.35; P < 0.001). NASH cases had a higher proportion of collagen and fat compared to non‐NASH cases (P < 0.005), whereas inflammation and iron quantification did not show significant differences between categories. Repeatability evaluation showed that all the coefficients of variation were ≤1.1% and all intraclass correlation coefficient values were ≥0.99, except those of collagen.

Conclusion

Digital pathology allows an automated, precise, objective and quantitative assessment of MAFLD histological features. Digital analysis measurements show good concordance with pathologists´ scores.
Association between residual feed intake, digestion, ingestive behavior, enteric methane emission and nitrogen metabolism in Nellore beef cattle
Authors: Delveaux Araujo Batalha Camila , Morelli Marcela , Branco Renata Helena , dos Santos Gonçalves Cyrillo Joslaine Noely , Carrilho Canesin Roberta , Zerlotti Mercadante Maria Eugênia , Figueiredo Martins Bonilha Sarah
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to evaluate nutrient intake and digestibility, enteric methane emission and nitrogen utilization efficiency in Nellore cattle ranked by residual feed intake (RFI). Twenty‐four Nellore bulls at 466 ± 24 days of age and with 352 ± 14.6 kg of body weight, classified as low and high RFI, were evaluated. Animals were kept in individual pens for three periods of 28 days and variables were measured. Data were analyzed as repeated measures over time, considering as fixed effects RFI class, period and RFI class x period interaction, and linear (co)variate of age. No significant differences in dry matter or nutrient intake were detected between RFI classes, but total digestible nutrients intake tended to be lower in low RFI animals, and apparent nutrient digestibility was higher in high RFI animals. Partial efficiency of growth tended to be lower in high RFI animals. RFI class did not interfere with enteric methane production or microbial protein synthesis, but fecal nitrogen output was higher in low RFI animals. The greater efficiency of low RFI animals is consequence of lower maintenance requirements, since energy from higher nutrients digestibility in high RFI animals was spent on metabolic processes other than body tissue deposition.
Does a lack of social support and perceived stigma influence the relationship between motor neurone disease‐related stress and psychological distress?
Authors: Leigh Natalie , Simpson Jane , Eccles Fiona J.R.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms through which social support and felt stigma influence the relationship between motor neurone disease (MND)‐related stress and psychological distress for people with MND. Although a lack of social support has been identified as a significant predictor of psychological distress for individuals with MND, the mechanisms through which this relationship exists have not been assessed, nor have the predictive nature of stigma. Furthermore, the theoretical model specifying the effects of enacted stigma on self‐stigma has not been tested in individuals with MND.

Design

A cross‐sectional design utilizing an online survey method was used. It was hypothesized that social support would moderate the relationship between MND‐related stress (operationalized as enacted stigma or physical functioning) and psychological distress (operationalized as depression, anxiety, and stress). Furthermore, felt stigma would significantly mediate the relationship between MND‐related stress (enacted stigma) and psychological distress.

Methods

Individuals with a diagnosis of MND were recruited internationally through social media and through various organizations and support services. Seventy‐seven participants completed the online survey.

Results

Significant correlations were identified between social support, felt, and enacted stigma and psychological distress. Moderation analysis was not significant. However, the mediation analyses identified felt stigma as a significant mediator of the relationship between enacted stigma and psychological distress. A direct relationship between enacted stigma and stress (but not depression and anxiety) was also evident.

Conclusions

A comprehensive approach to tackling stigma is important in ameliorating psychological distress for people with MND. Limitations of the current study are discussed, along with implications for clinical practice.
Sedimentology and provenance of newly identified Upper Cretaceous trench basin strata, Dênggar, southern Tibet: Implications for development of the Eurasian margin prior to India–Asia collision
Authors: Orme Devon A. , Laskowski Andrew K. , Zilinsky Misia F. , Chao Wang , Guo Xudong , Cai Fulong , Lin Ding
Published: October 2020

Trench basins preserved along the southern margin of the Lhasa Terrane, Tibet, are sedimentologic records of convergent margin processes preceding Cenozoic India–Asia collision. We present new sedimentologic, petrographic and geochronologic data from the Rongmawa Formation and surrounding strata near Dênggar, Tibet, to determine depositional environment, provenance and age. Depositional ages range from ca. 92 to 87 Ma and lithofacies are consistent with deposition by low‐ and high‐density turbidity currents and suspension settling of pelagic detritus in a deep‐marine, trench basin setting. Sandstone modal analyses and U–Pb geochronology indicate that trench basin detritus in this region was derived from the Lhasa Terrane. We interpret that the Cretaceous subduction trench received detritus from an axial sediment dispersal system that transported sediment from headwaters in the central‐southern Lhasa terrane near Lhasa City directly to the trench and then flowed westwards parallel to the trench. The preservation of trench basin strata deposited during Late Cretaceous time compared with the lack of trench deposits prior to ca. 92 Ma and after ca. 80 Ma suggests the margin experienced a period of significant accretion during this interval. In addition, deposition of trench basin strata occurred during Late Cretaceous adakitic magmatism and high‐temperature metamorphism, which are hypothesized to be explained by subduction of an oceanic ridge or subduction zone retreat and related upper plate extension along the southern margin of the Lhasa terrane. Subduction of an oceanic ridge may provide a mechanism to potentially erode forearc basin strata and promote increased sediment delivery directly to the trench.