bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calixarene-mediated assembly of a small antifungal protein
Authors: Alex Jimi M. , Rennie Martin L. , Engilberge Sylvain , Lehoczki Gábor , Dorottya Hajdu , Fizil Ádám , Batta Gyula , Crowley Peter B.
Published: February 2019

Synthetic macrocycles such as calixarenes and cucurbiturils are increasingly applied as mediators of protein assembly and crystallization. The macrocycle can facilitate assembly by providing a surface on which two or more proteins bind simultaneously. This work explores the capacity of the sulfonato-calix[n]arene (sclxn) series to effect crystallization of PAF, a small, cationic antifungal protein. Co-crystallization with sclx4, sclx6or sclx8led to high-resolution crystal structures. In the absence of sclxn, diffraction-quality crystals of PAF were not obtained. Interestingly, all three sclxnwere bound to a similar patch on PAF. The largest and most flexible variant, sclx8, yielded a dimer of PAF. Complex formation was evident in solution via NMR and ITC experiments, showing more pronounced effects with increasing macrocycle size. In agreement with the crystal structure, the ITC data suggested that sclx8acts as a bidentate ligand. The contributions of calixarene size/conformation to protein recognition and assembly are discussed. Finally, it is suggested that the conserved binding site for anionic calixarenes implicates this region of PAF in membrane binding, which is a prerequisite for antifungal activity.
An evidence-based faculty recruitment workshop influences departmental hiring practice perceptions among university faculty
Authors: Sekaquaptewa Denise , Takahashi Koji , Malley Janet , Herzog Keith , Bliss Sara
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Many university programs seek to promote faculty diversity by reducing biases in hiring processes. The purpose of this paper is to conduct two studies to test the individual- and department-level impact of a faculty recruitment workshop (FRW) on faculty attitudes toward evidence-based, equitable hiring practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Study 1 included 1,188 faculty who had or had not attended an FRW. Respondents were surveyed about their attitudes and their intentions to use specific equitable search practices. The authors assessed the proportion of faculty in each department to test for the impact of department-level workshop attendance on individual faculty attitudes. Study 2 employed a similar design (with 468 faculty) and tested whether effects of workshop attendance are explained by changes in beliefs about social science research.

Findings

Faculty had more favorable attitudes toward equitable search strategies if they had attended a workshop or if they were in a department where more of their colleagues had. Workshop attendance also increased intentions to act on two of three recommendations measured, and led to greater belief in evidence-based descriptions of gender biases. Some evidence suggested that these beliefs mediated the influence of the FRW on attitudes.

Research limitations/implications

Because faculty were not randomly assigned to attend the workshop, no strong claims about causality are made.

Practical implications

The present studies demonstrate that an evidence-based recruitment workshop can lead faculty to adopt more favorable attitudes toward strategies that promote gender diversity in hiring.

Originality/value

These studies provide evidence of the role of belief in social science research evidence in explaining the effectiveness of a program designed to increase faculty diversity.
Department of Tourism and Culture – Abu Dhabi: transforming the desert into a city
Authors: Al Dhaheri Mariam Hamad , Ahmad Syed Zamberi
Published: February 2019

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available upon request.

Learning outcomes

The purpose of this paper is to enable tourism management and strategic management students to evaluate and analyze tourism activities in the United Arab Emirates by TCA. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of developing tourism in rural areas in the United Arab Emirates and to build up proper strategies. They will be able to perform the organization’s competitive standing using Porter’s Five competitive forces and analyze its business strategies as well. They will be able to analyze the current status of the organization using SWOT analysis and to design alternative strategies for the company using TOWS analysis.

Case overview/synopsis

The Department of Tourism and Culture – Abu Dhabi, also known as the TCA, is a governmental tourism authority in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi established 14 years ago as part of an economy-diversifying strategy for the non-oil era. The TCA is responsible of creating tourism activities to generate new tourists in Abu Dhabi, which will increase the revenue of the authority and as well increase the gross domestic product of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) economy. Tourism activities have been focused on Abu Dhabi City as is it considered the capital city of the UAE. However, other cities are also part of this strategy, e.g. Al Ain City, which is located in the eastern region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and Al Dhafra City, which is located in the western region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, both of which lack the required infrastructure, population, and tourism activity, due in part at least to the fact that the TCA’s strategy plans have been focused on Abu Dhabi City. Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri (Al Dhaheri), the TCA’s Executive Director of Tourism, has been responsible for developing tourism in Al Ain City and Al Dhafra, but due to the current situation of the two cities regarding the low revenue growth (and the consequent lack of investors willing to invest) and no critical mass (i.e. a sufficient number of hotel rooms available), Al Dhaheri is facing a dilemma regarding achieving TCA strategy in Al Ain City and Al Dhafra City.

Complexity academic level

This case study will be useful for undergraduate and postgraduate level students majoring in Tourism and Hospitality Management, Business Administration and Strategic Management.

Subject code

CSS 12: Tourism and Hospitality.
Calculative and collaborative HRM practices, turnover and performance
Authors: Cristiani Alvaro , Peiró José M.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the human resource management (HRM)–performance linkage by exploring alternative relationships between different HRM practices, categorised as either calculative or collaborative, and employee turnover and organisational and financial outcomes, in Uruguayan multinational companies (MNCs) and domestic companies, to better understand the implications of the Latin American context in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is performed at the firm level, using data from a representative sample of 274 firms, including both multinationals and locally owned firms in Uruguay, collected through the Cranet 2009 survey. The authors tested the hypotheses of the proposed model using structural equation modelling (SEM) and hierarchical multiple regression analysis.

Findings

Empirical results show that collaborative HRM practices are significantly related to lower employee turnover rates, whereas calculative HRM practices are significantly associated with higher organisational and financial outcomes. These findings show the importance of the Latin American context in the relationships between HRM practices and firms’ outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The use of survey data with single respondents might produce reliability problems. Additionally, the data used are cross-sectional, making it difficult to determine causality.

Practical implications

Managers in MNCs and local firms in the context of developing economies and Latin American cultures must be aware that different types of HRM practices will influence different outputs and impacts on overall outcomes.

Originality/value

The paper examines the extent to which HRM practices have a significant relationship with firm performance. In addition, it identifies the differential effects of calculative and collaborative HRM practices on performance, using data from a Latin American contextual setting rarely examined, in order to determine similarities and differences from results obtained in US and European contexts.
Tell me your age and I tell you what you trust: the moderating effect of generations
Authors: Herrando Carolina , Jimenez-Martinez Julio , Martin-De Hoyos M.J.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The proliferation of social commerce websites has allowed consumers to share and exchange information, experiences, advice and opinions. Recently, information provided by users has been considered more trustworthy than the information shared by companies. However, the way in which users interact with technology can vary with age, and generational cohorts show different shopping behaviors, interests and attitudes. Hence, the way users process information (user-generated vs company-generated) can affect trust differently. Drawing on the trust transfer theory and the generational cohort theory, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects on user- and company-generated information in boosting trust of three different cohorts (Generation X, Y and Z).

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected through an online survey. The sample comprised 715 users of social commerce websites, aged between 16 and 55 years old. The study was analyzed using partial least squares with the statistical software Smart PLS 3.

Findings

The empirical results show that generational cohorts show different patterns. Generation X transfers trust to social commerce websites mainly from trust in information generated by companies, while Generation Z transfers trust mainly from information generated by users. Finally, Generation Y, in contrast to previous findings about millennials, develops trust based on company-generated information to an even greater extent than does Generation X.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in its analysis of generational differences when it comes to trusting one type of information over another. This study contributes to the idea that users cannot be considered as a whole but must be segmented into generational cohorts.
Intrapreneurial behavior in higher education institutes of Pakistan
Authors: Farrukh Muhammad , Lee Jason Wai Chow , Shahzad Imran Ahmed
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The dynamic business environment of all industries is forcing organizations to restructure their organizational philosophy and strategies to gain and maintain competitive advantage. To grapple with this rapidly changing environment, organizations are required to be more intrapreneurial in their operations. However, very few studies have been conducted on knowing the antecedent of intrapreneurship in organizations; thus the purpose of this paper is to fill this gap. This study strived to investigate the association among styles of leadership and intrapreneurial behavior (IB) of employees in the presence of psychological empowerment (PE) as mediator in higher educational institutes in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

A deductive approach of logic was taken to formulate and test the hypotheses. A structured questionnaire was developed and sent to 350 Academic staff of Universities in Pakistan, out of which 280 responses were collected. A structured equation modeling technique was utilized to analyze the hypotheses.

Findings

Findings revealed a positive impact of transformational leadership (TL) and authentic leadership on IB, while a negative association between transactional leadership and IB was found. Contrary to these results, no significant association was observed between IB and passive- avoidant leadership. In addition, mediation analysis was run using the bootstrapping function of SmartPLS. Results showed that the association among TL, authentic leadership and IB were mediated by PE; however, the association of transactional leadership, passive-avoidant leadership and IB was not mediated by empowerment.

Originality/value

This study contributed to the knowledge domain of leadership as well as intrapreneurship. The study may help practitioners and academicians understand organizational factors such as leadership behavior, which might foster IB.
Muslim academics’ knowledge sharing in Malaysian higher learning institutions
Authors: Ashraf Fauzi Muhammad , Tan Nya-Ling Christine , Thurasamy Ramayah , Oluwaseyi Ojo Adedapo , Shogar Ibrahim
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate Muslim academics’ knowledge sharing (KS) behavior and its relating predictors in the context of Malaysia. Academics being the center entity of education in higher learning institutions (HLI) has the noble obligation in spreading and sharing knowledge. Moreover, in Islamic teaching, academics having knowledge must let others know that knowledge can be beneficial in everyday life.

Design/methodology/approach

The underpinning theories used in this study are theory of planned behavior (TPB) and social capital theory (SCT) for assessing the probable factors that can determine academics’ KS behavior. This study evaluates 398 Muslim academics in Malaysia for KS behavior in 20 public and 5 private HLIs. Structural equation modeling–partial least square was used as the tool for data analysis.

Findings

It was found that all the variables tested in this study were significant, except for commitment. Social network, trust, management support, facilitating conditions and social media are significant predictors in Muslim academics’ KS behavior.

Research limitations/implications

The findings would enable HLIs to inculcate and enhance KS among academics in terms of theoretical and managerial perspectives.

Originality/value

This study integrates TPB, SCT and other individual, organizational and technological factors for assessing Muslim academics in Malaysia. Thus, generalization on Muslim academics can be attained in South Asian countries.
Directors’ trades in UK rights issues: do firms sell overvalued new equity?
Authors: Ali Heba Ahmed Abbas
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the behavioral timing hypothesis in the context of UK rights issues by seeking to establish and investigate inter-relationships between directors’ trading around rights issues as a proxy for stock mis-valuation and post-issue stock price performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The cumulative average abnormal returns, the buy and hold abnormal returns, the standardized residual cross-sectionalt-test and the generalized sign test techniques.

Findings

The directors do possess short-term timing ability as they can identify profitable trading situations by buying more often before stock outperformance and by selling more often before stock underperformance. In addition, directors trading prior to the rights offering is found to exert an influence on the long-run abnormal returns of the rights-issuing firm, which supports the story that mis-valuation and behavioral timing are empirical.

Research limitations/implications

Other types of seasoned equity offerings rather than rights issues should be included.

Practical implications

The research provides a direct testing for the strong form of market efficiency hypothesis, which enables policymakers to take into account market reaction to directors’ trades and how it is affected by corporate events (e.g. rights issues) when addressing insider trading regulations.

Originality/value

This study extends available literature in the context of both developed and emerging equity markets to testing the behavioral timing hypothesis by testing the inter-relationships between directors’ trading around rights issues and post-issue short- and long-run performance. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that examines these inter-relationships in the UK context.
Constraint‐induced movement therapy for upper limb recovery in adult neurorehabilitation: An international survey of current knowledge and experience
Authors: Christie Lauren J. , McCluskey Annie , Lovarini Meryl
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Constraint‐induced movement therapy (CIMT) is an effective intervention for upper limb recovery following stroke and traumatic brain injury. Despite strong evidence, the use of CIMT in practice is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate clinician knowledge and experience of delivering CIMT protocols internationally in neurorehabilitation.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted online. The survey was distributed through occupational therapy and physiotherapy associations, neurological interest groups and list serves in 11 countries. Passive snowball sampling was used to recruit participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis.

Results

Complete surveys were returned by 169 respondents (64.5% occupational therapists; 34.3% physiotherapists; 1.2% other). Most respondents were from the United Kingdom (36.1%), Australia (28.4%) and Denmark (7.7%). Most participants delivered CIMT to individuals (79.3%) rather than in groups. A modified version of CIMT was used most often (74.6%), with one hour sessions per day (30.2%), provided to stroke survivors (96.4%) and people with traumatic brain injury (37.3%). Most respondents (88.8%) used intensive graded practice as a component of a CIMT program, but only 43.2% reported using a mitt restraint for most waking hours, and only 38.5% used a transfer package.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that CIMT is being used globally but not always with fidelity to the original trials. A range of strategies are needed for improving clinicians’ knowledge and skills to increase the frequency of program delivery and enhance program delivery with fidelity.
Transcriptional regulation of fatty acid cis–trans isomerization in the solvent‐tolerant soil bacterium, Pseudomonas putida F1
Authors: Kondakova Tatiana , Cronan John E.
Published: January 2019

One key to the success of Pseudomonas spp. is their ability to reside in hostile environments. Pseudomonas spp. possess a cis–trans isomerase (Cti) an enzyme that converts the cis‐unsaturated fatty acids (FAs) of the membrane lipids to their trans‐isomers to rigidify the membrane and thereby resist stresses. Whereas the posttranslational Cti regulation has been previously reported, transcriptional cti regulation remains to be studied in more details. Here, we have studied cti transcriptional regulation in the solvent‐tolerant strain Pseudomonas putida F1. Two cti transcriptional start sites (cti‐279 and cti‐77) were identified with cti‐279 transcript being dominant. Expression of cti was found to increase with temperature increase, addition of the organic solvent, octanol and in the stationary growth phase. We found that cti expression was repressed by the cyclic‐AMP receptor protein (Crp) and repression required the cyclic‐AMP ligand of Crp. Production of trans‐unsaturated FAs was found to decrease after 24 h of growth. Although this decrease was accompanied by an increase in cyclopropane FA content, this was not at the expense of trans‐unsaturated FAs demonstrating the absence of competition between Cti and Cfa in FA modification.
Wooden‐Breast, White Striping, and Spaghetti Meat: Causes, Consequences and Consumer Perception of Emerging Broiler Meat Abnormalities
Authors: Petracci M. , Soglia F. , Madruga M. , Carvalho L. , Ida Elza , Estévez M.
Published: February 2019

Ten years ago, the occurrence of macroscopic defects in breasts muscles from fast‐growing broilers challenged producers and animal scientists to label and characterize myopathies wholly unknown. The distinctive white striations in breasts affected by white striping disorder, the presence of out‐bulging and pale areas of hardened consistency in the so‐called wooden breast, and the separation of the fiber bundles in breasts labelled as spaghetti meat, made these myopathies easily identified in chicken carcasses. Yet, the high incidence of these myopathies and the increasing concern by producers and retailers led to an unprecedented flood of questions on the causes and consequences of these abnormal chicken breasts. This review comprehensively collects the most relevant information from studies aimed to understand the pathological mechanisms of these myopathies, their physicochemical and histological characterization and their impact on meat quality and consumer's preferences. Today, it is known that the occurrence is linked to fast‐growth rates of the birds and their large breast muscles. The muscle hypertrophy along with an unbalanced growth of supportive connective tissue leads to a compromised blood supply and hypoxia. The occurrence of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction leads to lipidosis, fibrosis, and overall myodegeneration. Along with the altered appearance, breast muscles affected by the myopathies display poor technological properties, impaired texture properties, and reduced nutritional value. As consumer's awareness on the occurrence of these abnormalities and the concerns on animal welfare arise, efforts are made to inhibit the onset of the myopathies or alleviate the severity of the symptoms. The lack of fully effective dietary strategies leads scientists to propose whether “slow” production systems may alternatively provide with poultry meat free of these myopathies.
Hypothalamic Energy Regulatory Peptides in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Korucu Berfu , Erten Yasemin T , Yeter Haci H , Altinova Alev , Pasaoglu Ozge T , Pasaoglu Hatice , Sindel Mahmut S , Arinsoy Selim T , Yetkin Ilhan
Published: January 2019

Loss of appetite affects one‐third of patients with CKD and is the leading cause of malnutrition in this population. Orexigenic Agouti‐related peptide (AgRP) with neuropeptide‐Y (NPY) and anorexigenic melanocyte‐stimulating hormone‐α (MSH‐α) with cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) are known to regulate appetite. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the levels of these peptides in CKD patients compared to healthy subjects and demonstrate the effects of dialysis treatment and erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent (ESA) therapy. The cross‐sectional study is composed of consecutive inclusion of 20 healthy individuals, 20 predialysis CKD patients, 20 HD, and 20 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Exclusion criteria were an active infection, history of malignancy, hypo‐ or hyperthyroidism, and diabetes. Patients on dialysis had targeted Kt/Vs. Demographic features and BMIs of the four groups were similar. Levels of AgRP, NPY, AMSH, and CART were significantly different between groups. Nondialysis CKD patients had significantly lower hypothalamic hormones compared to healthy individuals, HD and PD patients (P = 0.02, P = 0.03, and P = 0.07 for AgRP; P = 0.02, P = 0.01, and P = 0.09 for NPY; P = 0.02, P = 0.02, and P = 0.03 for AMSH; P = 0.02, P = 0.005, and P = 0.030 for CART). Dialysis patients with or without ESA treatment had similar hormone levels (P = 0.13 for AgRP; P = 0.11 for NPY; P = 0.23 for AMSH, and P = 019 for CART). Predialysis CKD patients have lower orexigenic and presumably indirectly lower anorexigenic peptides compared to healthy subjects and dialysis patients. ESA treatment does not affect these hypothalamic peptides in dialysis patients.
Preparation, Optimization, and Characterization of Natural Apple Essence‐Loaded Liposomes
Authors: Sun Zhongqi , Deng Yun , Zhao Yanyun
Published: February 2019

Natural apple essence has been utilized as a flavor enhancer in food and other products, but the aroma components are highly volatile, limiting its applications. In this study, apple essence‐loaded liposomes (AEL) were prepared by an ultrasonic thin‐film evaporation method to enhance the stability of apple essence. Response surface methodology was used to evaluate the effects of cholesterol to lecithin ratio, apple essence concentration, and ultrasonic power on apple essence entrapment quantity in liposomes. The optimum AEL formula was identified as 0.2% of lecithin, 0.1237 of cholesterol to lecithin (w/w) ratio, 8.3% of apple essence, and 77 W of ultrasonic power with resulting essence encapsulation efficiency of 51.5%. The optimized AEL was characterized on particle size, morphology, and stability. The spherical AEL particles had an average diameter of 301.5 nm and displayed stable size distribution at 4 °C within 120 days. This study demonstrated that liposomes had a bright prospect for microencapsulation and stabilization of apple essence, and the stabilized AEL might provide new application opportunities in food and other industries.

Practical Application

Natural apple essence is widely accepted as a flavor enhancer, but its application is restricted due to high volatility. Liposomes are delivery systems to encapsulate functional ingredients and to enhance their bioactivity and stability. Liposomes using lecithin and cholesterol as wall materials were prepared by ultrasonic thin‐film evaporation method and effectively encapsulated apple essence in the present study. The optimized apple essence‐loaded liposomes (AEL) possessed favorable dispersing property and storability, and might be used as a flavor enhancer or functional component for food and other products for improving organoleptic quality and increasing the value of the product.
Fatty Acid Profiles of Triacylglycerols and Phospholipids of Sea‐Cage Cultured Trachinotus blochii: A Comparative Study of Head, Viscera, Skin, Bone, and Muscle
Authors: He Chen , Cao Jun , Jiang Xin , Wen Chunyan , Bai Xinpeng , Li Chuan
Published: February 2019

Trachinotus blochii (golden pompano) is an economically important cultured marine fish that is rich in polyunsaturated fat. The fatty acid profiles of triacylglycerols and phospholipids of T. blochii tissues were analyzed. Lipid contents in tissues followed the order of viscera (28.27%) > skin (17.25%) ≈ bone (16.18%) ≈ head (15.12%) > muscle (7.38%). In triacylglycerols (TAG), saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid predominated) were preferentially esterified in the sn‐2 position, and monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid predominated) were mainly distributed in the sn‐1, 3 positions. The numbers of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the sn‐2 position were significantly greater than those in positions 1 and 3, while the n‐6 PUFA were mainly found in the sn‐1, 3 positions. Muscle TAG had a higher content of EPA+DHA (3.90%) than did the other tissues. In phosphatidylethanolamines, EPA+DHA in muscle (6.76%) predominated over that in other tissues. In phosphatidylcholines, EPA+DHA in bone (6.50%) predominated. This study is a guide for the biochemical and nutritional values of the T. blochii species and can be useful for further investigation of industrial applications.

Practical Application

The high proportion of sn‐2‐palmitic acid (greater than 50%) is close to that of breast milk and the n‐3 PUFA, especially EPA and DHA have the preferential distribution in the sn‐2 position of triacylglycerol. Hence, golden pompano is an excellent dietary component for human nutrition and health.
Ostwald Ripening Rate of Orange Oil Emulsions: Effects of Molecular Structure of Emulsifiers and Their Oil Composition
Authors: Jang Yurim , Park Jinwook , Song Ha Youn , Choi Seung Jun
Published: February 2019

Ostwald ripening, one of the frequently observed instability of flavor oil emulsions, can be easily prevented by adding triacylglycerols to the oil phase. The effect of interfacial characteristics of the emulsion droplets (particularly thickness) on the effectiveness of triacylglycerol inhibition of Ostwald ripening was evaluated in this study. The prepared emulsions were stabilized with emulsifiers with different‐size hydrophilic groups, which correlate to droplet interfacial thickness. Emulsions with an oil phase of pure orange oil were unstable due to Ostwald ripening. Modifying the oil phase by adding corn oil or medium‐chain triacylglycerol (MCT) effectively inhibited droplet growth. Thicker and less dense droplet surfaces in the emulsions required more triacylglycerol, regardless of its type, to resist Ostwald ripening. When the oil phase contained the same amounts of triacylglycerols, MCT was more effective at inhibiting Ostwald ripening than corn oil. Compared with corn oil, MCT more effectively inhibited Ostwald ripening of the emulsions containing micelles.

Practical Applications

When food and beverage industries produce food products containing flavor or essential oils vulnerable to Ostwald ripening as emulsion forms, the findings in this work could provide useful information on the interfacial engineering of emulsions and on how to modify the oil compositions of emulsions using triacylglycerols to improve the stability of these emulsions against Ostwald ripening.
Fecal occult blood test in colorectal cancer screening
Authors: Li Jing Nan , Yuan Si Yi
Published: February 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer‐related mortality worldwide. Cancer screening is known to decrease mortality from CRC. One important test for CRC screening is the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), which includes guaiac FOBT and fecal immunological tests. In this review we discussed the development and application of the FOBT in CRC screening.
Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass decreases endotoxemia and inflammatory stress in association with improvements in gut permeability in obese diabetic rats
Authors: Guo Yan , Liu Chao‐Qian , Liu Guo‐Ping , Huang Zhi‐Ping , Zou Da‐Jin
Published: February 2019

Background

Postoperative modulation of the gut microbiome has been suggested to contribute to the metabolic benefits after metabolic surgery, but the mechanisms underlying these metabolic benefits remain unknown. Previously, we reported that Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats increased the abundance of Proteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria. However, theoretically, these Gram‐negative bacteria may elevate lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels. Therefore, in this study we further investigated the potential mechanisms by which RYGB improves glucose homeostasis, endotoxemia, and inflammatory stress in ZDF rats.

Methods

Rats were divided into three groups: (a) an RYGB group (RY); (b) a sham‐operated group pair‐fed with the RY group; and (c) a sham‐operated group fed ad libitum. Changes in LPS, cytokine levels, intestinal permeability (evaluated using the fluorescein isothiocyanate‐dextran method), and intestinal epithelial tight junction proteins zona occludins (ZO)‐1, occludin, and claudin‐1 were assessed 10 weeks postoperatively.

Results

Rats that underwent RYGB exhibited sustained weight loss and reduced glucose, as well as lower cytokine and LPS concentrations, than rats in the control groups. In the colonic epithelium, ZO1 and claudin‐1 (Cldn1) mRNA levels were higher in the RY than control groups. Intestinal permeability declined in the RY group and was positively correlated with LPS levels and negatively correlated with ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin‐1 expression.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that RYGB can reduce the extent of endotoxemia and inflammation, which is associated with improved tight junction integrity and intestinal barrier strength. These effects may explain why a low level of inflammation is maintained after RYGB and the postoperative increase in Gram‐negative bacteria.
Occupancy models for citizen‐science data
Authors: Altwegg Res , Nichols James D.
Published: February 2019

Large‐scale citizen‐science projects, such as atlases of species distribution, are an important source of data for macroecological research, for understanding the effects of climate change and other drivers on biodiversity, and for more applied conservation tasks, such as early‐warning systems for biodiversity loss.

However, citizen‐science data are challenging to analyse because the observation process has to be taken into account. Typically, the observation process leads to heterogeneous and non‐random sampling, false absences, false detections, and spatial correlations in the data. Increasingly, occupancy models are being used to analyse atlas data.

We advocate a dual approach to strengthen inference from citizen science data for the questions the programme is intended to address: (a) the survey design should be chosen with a particular set of questions and associated analysis strategy in mind and (b) the statistical methods should be tailored not only to those questions but also to the specific characteristics of the data.

We review the consequences of particular survey design choices that typically need to be made in atlas‐style citizen‐science projects. These include spatial resolution of the sampling units, allocation of effort in space, and collection of information about the observation process. On the analysis side, we review extensions of the basic occupancy models that are frequently necessary with atlas data, including methods for dealing with heterogeneity, non‐independent detections, false detections, and violation of the closure assumption.

New technologies, such as cell‐phone apps and fixed remote detection devices, are revolutionizing citizen‐science projects. There is an opportunity to maximize the usefulness of the resulting datasets if the protocols are rooted in robust statistical designs and data analysis issues are being considered. Our review provides guidelines for designing new projects and an overview of the current methods that can be used to analyse data from such projects.
Dexmedetomidine for the management of delirium in critically ill patients—A protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Maagaard Mathias , Barbateskovic Marija , Perner Anders , Jakobsen Janus C. , Wetterslev Jørn
Published: January 2019

Background

Delirium is a common complication in critically ill patients and carries an increased risk of mortality and morbidity. Dexmedetomidine can potentially treat delirium by diminishing predisposing factors. The evidence regarding the use of dexmedetomidine in the management of delirium is conflicting. This protocol aims to identify the beneficial and harmful effects of dexmedetomidine in the management of delirium.

Methods

This protocol uses the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration, the Preferred Report Items of Systematic reviews with Meta‐Analysis Protocols, and the eight‐step assessment procedure suggested by Jakobsen and colleagues. We wish to assess in critically ill patients with delirium, if dexmedetomidine vs placebo is effective in managing delirium and improving clinical outcomes. We will include all relevant randomised clinical trials assessing the use of dexmedetomidine in treating delirium. To identify trials, we will search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Excerpta Medica database, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, Science Citation Index Expanded on Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science Journal Database, and BIOSIS. Two authors will screen the literature and extract data. The Cochrane risk of bias tool will be used to evaluate included trials. Extracted data will be analysed using Review Manager 5 and Trial Sequential Analysis. We will create a ‘Summary of Findings’‐table in which we will present our primary and secondary outcomes. We will assess the quality of evidence using GRADE assessment.

Discussion

This systematic review can potentially aid clinicians in decision making and benefit the many critically ill patients developing delirium.
Racial discrimination and alcohol use and negative drinking consequences among Black Americans: a meta‐analytical review
Authors: Desalu Jessica M. , Goodhines Patricia A. , Park Aesoon
Published: February 2019

Background and Aims

Findings of the association between racial discrimination and alcohol use and related consequences are inconsistent, and the role of potential moderators in the association is largely unknown. This meta‐analysis aimed to synthesize the discrimination–alcohol literature among Black Americans, estimate the magnitude of associations and explore differences as a function of sample characteristics.

Methods

Empirical studies reporting the association of racial discrimination with alcohol‐related behaviors in an all‐black sample were identified via systematic literature search. A random‐effects meta‐analysis was conducted using 33 effect sizes extracted from 27 studies, all of which used US samples (n = 26 894).

Results

Significant positive associations were found for racial discrimination with alcohol consumption [k = 9, confidence interval (CI) = 0.08, 0.17, I2 = 49%, r = 0.12], heavy/binge drinking (k = 12, CI = 0.02, 0.10), I2 = 27%, r = 0.06), at‐risk drinking (k = 4, CI = 0.06, 0.23, I2 = 0%, r = 0.14) and negative drinking consequences (k = 5, CI = 0.09, 0.25, I2 = 94%, r = 0.25), but not with alcohol use disorder (k = 3, CI = −0.01, 0.20, I2 = 90%, r = 0.10). Only alcohol consumption and negative drinking consequences showed significant between‐study heterogeneity and had a sufficient quantity of studies for moderation analysis (i.e., 4 or more studies). The positive association of racial discrimination with negative drinking consequences was stronger among younger samples; the association with alcohol consumption did not differ by age or proportion of men.

Conclusions

Experiences of racial discrimination are associated with diverse alcohol‐related behaviors among Black Americans, with a stronger association with problematic alcohol use, particularly among younger individuals.
Vasectomy and the risk of prostate cancer in a prospective US Cohort: Data from the NIH‐AARP Diet and Health Study
Authors: Davenport M. T. , Zhang C. A. , Leppert J. T. , Brooks J. D. , Eisenberg M. L.
Published: February 2019

Background

Several studies have linked vasectomy with the risk of prostate cancer; however, this association has been attributed to selection bias. Since vasectomy is a common and effective form of contraception, these implications are significant. Therefore, we sought to test this association in a large observational cohort.

Objective

To evaluate the potential association between prior vasectomy and the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Materials and Methods

We evaluated the relationship between vasectomy and prostate cancer in the NIH‐AARP Diet and Health Study. Of the 111,914 men, prostate cancer was identified in 13,885 men and vasectomies were performed in 48,657. We used multivariate analysis to examine the relationship between prostate cancer and vasectomy. We also performed propensity score‐adjusted and propensity score‐matched analysis.

Results

Men utilizing vasectomy were more likely to be ever married, fathers, educated, white, and screened for prostate cancer. During 4,251,863 person‐years of follow‐up, there was a small association between vasectomy and incident prostate cancer with a hazard ratio of 1.05 (95% CI, 1.01–1.11). However, no significant association was found when looking separately at prostate cancer by grade or stage. Conclusions were similar when using propensity adjustment and matching. Importantly, a significant interaction between vasectomy and PSA screening was identified.

Discussion

Estimates of the association between vasectomy and prostate cancer are sensitive to analytic method underscoring the tenuous nature of the connection. Given the differences between men who do and do not utilize vasectomy, selection bias appears likely to explain any identified association between vasectomy and prostate cancer.

Conclusions

With over 20 years of follow‐up, no convincing relationship between vasectomy and prostate cancer of any grade was identified.
The evolution and impact of sarcopenia pre‐ and post‐liver transplantation
Authors: Bhanji Rahima A. , Takahashi Naoki , Moynagh Michael R. , Narayanan Praveena , Angirekula Mounika , Mara Kristin C. , Dierkhising Ross A. , Watt Kymberly D.
Published: February 2019

Background

Sarcopenia is associated with both increased wait‐list mortality and mortality following liver transplantation.

Aims

To determine the course of sarcopenia from transplant evaluation until 1 year post‐transplant, and its implications on hospitalisation and mortality following liver transplantation.

Methods

Two hundred and ninety‐three transplant recipients from 2002 to 2006 had pre‐transplant CT scans analysed at the third lumbar region for sarcopenia, myosteatosis and abdominal visceral fat content. Half the recipients had post‐transplant CT scan for interpretation (161/293).

Results

Sarcopenia was present in 146/293 (50%) of the patients pre‐transplant. There was a significant decrease in muscle mass (loss 2.0 ± 4.9 cm2/m2; P < 0.001), and an increase in myosteatosis while awaiting liver transplantation. There was no significant change in abdominal visceral fat. For every 1 cm2/m2 decrease in muscle mass there was an increase in post‐transplant length of stay by 0.36 days (P = 0.005). Post‐transplant, 98/161 (61%) of patients with CT imaging had sarcopenia (25 de novo and 73 persistent), with continued increase in myosteatosis, lower Hounsfield units (−5.0 [IQR −8.6 to 0.1]; P < 0.001) and an increase in abdominal visceral fat (4.9 [IQR −4.4 to 15.6] cm2/m2; P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in 1‐year mortality in patients with de novo sarcopenia compared to patients with sarcopenia both pre‐ and post‐transplant (HR 1.88; P = 0.088).

Conclusions

Sarcopenia progresses up to 1 year following liver transplantation and is associated with an increase in post‐transplant length of stay.
Review article: shared disease mechanisms between non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome – translating knowledge from systems biology to the bedside
Authors: Sookoian Silvia , Pirola Carlos J.
Published: February 2019

Background

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Characterised by abnormal fat accumulation in the liver, NAFLD presents high degree of comorbidity with disorders of the metabolic syndrome, including type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. These comorbidities have strong negative impact on the natural course of NAFLD and vice versa, whereby the presence of NAFLD substantially modifies the course and prognosis of metabolic syndrome‐associated diseases.

Aim

To use systems biology strategies to interrogate disease mechanisms that are common to NAFLD and metabolic syndrome.

Methods

We mapped shared gene/protein‐disease interaction networks, we performed gene‐disease enrichment analysis to assess pleiotropy, and we created a gene‐drug connectivity network.

Results

We found that a shared network of genes/proteins is overrepresented by immune response‐related pathways, post‐translational modifications of nuclear receptors, and platelet‐related processes, including activation and platelet signalling. Likewise, gene‐based disease‐enrichment analysis suggested underlying molecular effectors that are shared with major systemic disorders, including diverse autoimmune diseases, kidney, respiratory and nervous system disorders, cancer and infectious diseases. The shared list of genes/proteins was enriched in drug targets for anti‐inflammatory therapy, drugs used to treat cardiovascular diseases, antimicrobial agents and phytochemicals, among many other approved pharmaceutical compounds. By leveraging on publicly available OMICs data, we were able to show that shared loci are not necessarily affected by reverse causality.

Conclusion

We provide evidence indicating that NAFLD treatment, including severe histological traits, cannot be limited to the use of a single drug, as it rather requires a multi‐target therapeutic approach.
Blackness, Empire and migration: How Black Studies transforms the curriculum
Authors: Andrews Kehinde
Published: February 2019

University curricula are overwhelmingly Eurocentric, providing a narrow framework of knowledge through which to view the world. Issues of race and racism when taught tend to be marginalised as something additional, extra, a disposable luxury. The key to transforming teaching is to embed race ethnicity in the core ideas, transforming some of the key concepts at the foundation of knowledge. The example that this paper will use is that of Blackness, the diasporic connection between those with roots on the African continent. Blackness remakes the way we understand the nation, troubling one of the most taken‐for‐granted notions in the academy. Through the lens of Blackness, the nation‐state becomes a social construction, largely used to mask Empire and as a tool to maintain an unjust social order. So Blackness is not an addendum, we cannot fully understand the concept of the nation‐state without engaging with the critique it presents. The challenge for the academy is not just to include concepts such as Blackness on the edges, but to accept that without engaging with them the core ideas of knowledge are incomplete.
Laparoscopic dissection for pelvic lymph node recurrence of thymic carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Akiyama Takahiko , Miyamoto Yuji , Nomoto Daichi , Kiyozumi Yuki , Eto Kojiro , Hiyoshi Yukiharu , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Nagai Yohei , Iwagami Shiro , Baba Yoshifumi , Yoshida Naoya , Baba Hideo
Published: February 2019

Thymic carcinoma, a rare mediastinal neoplasm, is characterized by extensive local invasion and distant metastasis. To our knowledge, this is the first case report demonstrating the efficacy of laparoscopic dissection for pelvic lymph node metastases from thymic carcinoma. A 64‐year‐old man was found to have a mediastinal mass by CT and underwent radical resection. Six months after resection of his thymic carcinoma, follow‐up CT revealed a gluteal tumor and enlarged pelvic lymph nodes. The gluteal tumor was resected percutaneously. Two months after this procedure, PET showed that the three pelvic lymph nodes had abnormal uptake of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose and had enlarged further. The patient accordingly underwent laparoscopic dissection of these lymph nodes. Pathological examination of all resected specimens showed metastatic thymic carcinoma. We recommend laparoscopic dissection of pelvic lymph node metastases because it provides a clear intraoperative view and is minimally invasive.
Evaluation of the four breeds in synthetic line of Jiaxing Black Pigs and Berkshire for meat quality traits, carcass characteristics, and flavor substances
Authors: Zhang Wei , Song Qian‐qian , Wu Fen , Zhang Jin‐zhi , Xu Ming‐shu , Li Hai‐hong , Han Zhu‐jun , Gao Hai‐xia , Xu Ning‐ying
Published: February 2019

To investigate breed characteristics and the effect of hybridization of Jiaxing Black Pig (JBP) with Western breeds, the carcass and meat quality traits and flavor substances such as inosinic acids (IMP), intramuscular fat (IMF) in longissimus muscle (LM) from five breeds including JBP, Berkshire, Berkshire × JBP (BJBP), Duroc × Berkshire × JBP (DBJBP), Duroc × Landrace × JBP (DLJBP) were compared in this study. It was found that water holding capacity (WHC) of LM in JBP was significantly higher than that in the other strains (p < 0.01). Dressing out percentage and lean percentage of JBP were both significantly lower than those in the others (p < 0.01) in connection with their lighter carcass weight and higher subcutaneous fat percentage (p < 0.01). Heterosis was realized in DJBP, DBJBP, and DLJBP since their carcass weight, lean percentage, and loin eye muscle area (LEMA) were markedly higher when compared to JBP, whereas lower than those in Berkshire. Among the breeds, the content of IMF and IMP in the LM of JBP were the highest. These traits were also palpably improved in the crossbreds, especially for DBJBP, of which pork was considered outstanding for containing the most abundant essential amino acids (EAA) and total amino acids (TAA).