bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Actomyosin activity-dependent apical targeting of Rab11 vesicles reinforces apical constriction
Authors: Chen Wei , He Bing
Published: March 2021

During tissue morphogenesis, cell shape changes resulting from cell-generated forces often require active regulation of intracellular trafficking. How mechanical stimuli influence intracellular trafficking and how such regulation impacts tissue mechanics are not fully understood. In this study, we identify an actomyosin dependent mechanism involving Rab11- mediated trafficking in regulating apical constriction in theDrosophilaembryo. DuringDrosophilamesoderm invagination, apical actin and Myosin II (actomyosin) contractility induces apical accumulation of Rab11-marked vesicle-like structures (“Rab11 vesicles”) by promoting a directional bias in dynein mediated vesicle transport. At the apical domain, Rab11 vesicles are enriched near the adherens junctions (AJs). The apical accumulation of Rab11 vesicles is essential to prevent fragmented apical AJs, breaks in the supracellular actomyosin network and a reduction in the apical constriction rate. This Rab11 function is separate from its role in promoting apical Myosin II accumulation. These findings suggest a feedback mechanism between actomyosin activity and Rab11-mediated intracellular trafficking that regulates the force generation machinery during tissue folding.
CBL-C E3 ubiquitin ligase acts as a host defense to mediate ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation of enteropathogenicEscherichia coliTir protein
Authors: Ryu Jinhyeob , Otsubo Ryota , Ashida Hiroshi , Iida Tamako , Abe Akio , Sasakawa Chihiro , Mimuro Hitomi
Published: March 2021

Translocated intimin receptor (Tir) is an essential bacterial factor for enteropathogenicEscherichia coli(EPEC) to establish Tir-intimin interaction-mediated adherence to the epithelial cell and to form actin pedestal structures beneath the adherent bacteria. However, it remains unclear how the host cells eliminate Tir protein after infection. Here we show that intracellular translocated Tir is degraded via the host ubiquitin- proteasome system. We found that host CBL-C, an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase, bound to and ubiquitinated the 454 tyrosine-phosphorylated Tir protein. Tir ubiquitination leads to proteasome-dependent degradation and attenuated EPEC colonization of the epithelial cell. UsingCitrobacter rodentium, a mouse model for EPEC, we demonstrated that infection withC.rodentiummutant expressing a tyrosine- phenylalanine-substituted Tir (CBL-C resistant) showed increased bacterial loads in the colon and lethality compared with infection withC.rodentiumexpressing wild-type Tir. These results indicate that CBL-C is a critical host defense factor that determines the fate of cytosolic Tir and terminates bacterial colonization.

Graphical Abstracts
GFI1 cooperates with IKAROS/IKZF1 to activate gene expression in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Sun Wenxiang , Guo Jingtao , McClellan David , Poeschla Alexandra , Bareyan Diana , Casey Mattie J. , Cairns Bradley R. , Tantin Dean , Engel Michael E.
Published: March 2021

Growth factor independence-1 (GFI1) is a transcriptional repressor and master regulator of normal and malignant hematopoiesis. Repression by GFI1 is attributable to recruitment of LSD1-containing protein complexes via its SNAG domain. However, the full complement of GFI1 partners in transcriptional control is not known. We show that in T-ALL cells, GFI1 and IKAROS are transcriptional partners that co-occupy regulatory regions of hallmark T cell development genes. Transcriptional profiling reveals a subset of genes directly transactivated through the GFI1—IKAROS partnership. Among these isNOTCH3, a key factor in T-ALL pathogenesis. Surprisingly,NOTCH3transactivation by GFI1 and IKAROS requires the GFI1 SNAG domain but occurs independent of SNAG—LSD1 binding. GFI1 variants deficient in LSD1 binding fail to transactivateNOTCH3, but conversely, small molecules that disrupt the SNAG—LSD1 interaction while leaving the SNAG primary structure intact stimulateNOTCH3expression. These results identify a non-canonical transcriptional control mechanism in T-ALL which supports GFI1-mediated transactivation in partnership with IKAROS and suggest competition between LSD1-containing repressive complexes and others favoring transactivation.
An integrated framework for analysing performance indicators of Indian microfinance institutions: a multi-stakeholder perspective
Authors: Bardhan Amit Kumar , Nag Barnali , Mishra Chandra Sekhar , Tarei Pradeep Kumar
Published: March 2021

Purpose

An amalgamation of Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and Analytical Network Process (ANP) has been performed to develop a decision-making framework for improving the overall performance of the microfinance institutions. A primary survey was conducted to collect real-time data from the heterogeneous stakeholders of microfinance institutions across India. The validation of the proposed framework is performed by comparing the results against the conventional method of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP).

Design/methodology/approach

This study identifies various dimensions and indicators for measuring the performance of Indian microfinance institutions. Additionally, the ranking and prioritisation of the performance dimensions and indicators is obtained by considering the mutual interrelation between them.

Findings

The study indicates that there exists a significant dyadic relationship between financial performance and social performance for improving the overall performance of the microfinance institutions. Governance is found to unidirectionally influence both financial and social performance. Among all the considered dimensions, financial performance of a microfinance institution is the most critical dimension for improving the overall performance. The top five performance indicators of the Indian microfinance institutions are funding source, borrowing and overhead cost, size of the firm, end-use of the money and depth of outreach.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in the context of Indian microfinance institutions; hence the scope of generalisation of the results is limited. This research considers both subjective and objective aspect of the performance dimensions and indicators from the perspective of multiple stakeholders (i.e. firm, society and regulator). The integrated framework is expected to aid in improving overall performance of microfinance institutions by focusing on the most critical (high prioritised) performance indicators.

Originality/value

An integrated DEMATEL-ANP framework is used in the domain of microfinance to assess the performance dimensions. This study is unique in terms of analysing performance of microfinance institutions from the perspective of heterogeneous stakeholders.
Does road accessibility benefit rural poor? Evidence on the extent of household off-farm employment from 2004 to 2018
Authors: Bai Yunli , Zhou Tianhao , Ma Zhiyuan , Zhang Linxiu
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of infrastructure on the income growth and poverty reduction of rural household in China by estimating the impact of road accessibility on the extent of household off-farm employment and its heterogeneous effects among the groups with different income level and earning capacity.

Design/methodology/approach

Using nationally representative panel data collected in 100 villages about 2000 households across five provinces in 2005, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2019. This study adopts Tobit model with panel data, zero-inflated Poisson model and static nonbalanced panel model to yield consistent results.

Findings

We find that road accessibility generally has no effect on the number of off-farm laborers and duration of off-farm employment. However, road accessibility is not beneficial for the households in the low-income villages or with low educational attainment, but it benefits the households in the high-income villages by promoting local off-farm employment or with high educational attainment by increasing the duration of migrant off-farm employment.

Originality/value

This study identifies the heterogeneous effects of road accessibility on the extent of off-farm employment among rural households, which narrows the research gap and enriches the literature. The empirical findings imply that road accessibility widens the gap between rich and poor in off-farm employment, which is of great important to the alleviation of relative poverty after 2020 in China.
Assessment methods in entrepreneurship education, challenges and opportunities in developed and developing nations: a comparative study of Nigeria and England
Authors: Babatunde Simeon , El-Gohary Hatem , Edwards David
Published: March 2021

Purpose

With the growth of entrepreneurship education adoption in higher education institutions (HEIs), the importance of assessments as a tool to gauge and enhance learning is of utmost importance. The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence and appropriateness of current assessment methods for engineering and technology students in Nigerian and British HEIs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a qualitative research method with a case study approach to investigate the impact and suitability of assessment methods currently used within entrepreneurship education in Nigeria and England.

Findings

The results reveal that lecturers across both countries believed that assessment methods currently in use were appropriate, but were not uniform in its influence on learning. However, students were unanimous in that most assessment methods currently used were not effective at enhancing their learning, not very appropriate, and were not a good judge of their work and effort. The results were used in building a framework to understand the importance of assessment methods in entrepreneurship education.

Originality/value

In light of the inadequate literature, this paper covers an acute gap in the field. This will allow policymakers and different interested parties to reassess the development of suitable assessment methods to involve students as key stakeholders.
Assessing information security behaviour: a self-determination theory perspective
Authors: Gangire Yotamu , Da Veiga Adéle , Herselman Marlien
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper outlines the development of a validated questionnaire for assessing information security behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to present data from the questionnaire validation process and the quantitative study results.

Design/methodology/approach

Data obtained through a quantitative survey (N = 263) at a South African university were used to validate the questionnaire.

Findings

Exploratory factor analysis produced 11 factors. Cronbach’s alpha for the 11 factors were all above 0.7, suggesting that the questionnaire is valid and reliable. The responses show that autonomy questions received positive perception, followed by competence questions and lastly relatedness questions. The correlation analysis results show that there was a statistically significant relationship between competence factors and autonomy factors. There was a partial significant relationship between autonomy and relatedness factors, and between competence and relatedness factors. The study results suggest that competence and autonomy could be more important than relatedness in fostering information security behaviour among employees.

Research limitations/implications

This study used a convenience sampling, a cross-sectional design, and was carried out in a single organisation. This could pose limitations when generalising the study results. Future studies could use random sampling and consider other universities for further validation.

Practical implications

Universities can use the questionnaire to identify developmental areas to improve information security from a behaviour perspective.

Originality/value

This paper provides a research instrument for assessing information security behaviour from the perspective of the self-determination theory.
The impact of inventory productivity on new venture survival
Authors: Lin Yu , Wang Jiannan , Shi Yingjie
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper explores the relationship between inventory productivity and the likelihood of venture survival and then examines how financial constraints moderate the inventory productivity–survival linkage.

Design/methodology/approach

Accelerated failure time (AFT) model is employed to study the link between inventory productivity and venture survival by using small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) data from Chinese Annual Survey of Industrial Firms (CASIF) database over the period 1999–2007.

Findings

The paper demonstrates a converseU-curve relation between inventory productivity and venture survival. Additionally, financial constraints as the moderator weaken the marginal effect of inventory productivity on venture survival.

Practical implications

Managers should pay more attention to the important inventory performance indicator: inventory productivity. In the context of prominent financing difficulties, managers should be rapid to adjust the competitive strategy and optimize the internal production process according to the inherent nature of risks in a friction environment, and thus generate resources that enterprises cannot raise in the financial market.

Originality/value

This study may be the first to practically investigate the role of inventory productivity on venture survival and the moderating effect of financing constraints on this relationship. It adds to abundant articles as regards the interface between operation management and venture survival by exploring how financial constraints moderate the inventory productivity–survival linkage.
Comparing young adult responses to rational and emotional sports product advertisements: the moderating role of product type and gender
Authors: Ghasemi Siani Mojtaba , Mohammadi Sardar , Soltan Hosseini Mohammad , Dickson Geoff
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to compare young adult responses to rational and emotional sports product advertisements. The moderating roles of product type and gender were also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized a 2 (advertising appeal: emotional vs rational) ×2 (gender: male vs female)×2 (sport product type: utilitarian vs hedonic) research design. Data were collected from 160 sport product users. The collected data were analyzed using three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Findings

The results indicated that emotional advertising has a greater impact on the attitude toward advertising and the intention to purchase sports products. The results also revealed that rational advertising appeals have more impact for utilitarian sports products and that emotional advertising appeals are more effective for hedonic sports products. However, there were no significant effects for gender as a moderating variable.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine responses to rational and emotional appeals in sports product advertisements.
Corporate social responsibility, firm value and life cycle: evidence from Southeast Asian countries
Authors: Hendratama Tifanny Dwijaya , Huang Yu-Chuan
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study extends related research on corporate social responsibility (CSR) into the less-researched realm of Southeast Asia setting by investigating the role of life cycle stages on the relationship between CSR and firm value.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a sample of 1,247 firm-year observations of firms listed in Southeast Asia from 2012 to 2018. Descriptive, multiple regression and sensitivity analyses are presented in the study.

Findings

The results provide evidence that although CSR and firm value, in general, have a positive relationship, the relationship is contingent on the stages of firm's life cycle. The effect of each CSR dimension on firm value differs across life cycle stages. The social dimension of CSR predicts higher firm value at the introduction and mature stages. The governance dimension affects firm value at the growth and shake-out/decline stages. Moreover, the environmental dimension affects firm value only at the later stage of the life cycle.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to five countries in Southeast Asia, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand from 2012 to 2018. Future studies may explore other countries and investigate the impact of country classification on the relationship between CSR and firm value.

Practical implications

Policymakers, managers and other decision-makers may have a better understanding of firm's behavior in different life cycle stages. With such understanding, CSR will be successfully adopted in decision making, formulation and implementation of policies.

Originality/value

CSR-related research in Southeast Asia remains an under-studied domain, and little attention has been dedicated to different dimensions of CSR and life cycle in the area of CSR-related preference for decision making.
Examining faculty's online teaching competence during crisis: one semester on
Authors: Adi Badiozaman Ida Fatimawati , Segar Augustus Raymond , Iah Dorene
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the faculty perceptions of their competence and readiness for online teaching in Sarawak higher education (HE).

Design/methodology/approach

A validated instrument, Faculty Readiness to Teach Online (Martin et al., 2019), was distributed to four main higher learning institutions in Sarawak, Malaysia, yielding 174 responses.

Findings

The highest rated competencies across the four HEs were course communication and course design. This was followed by time management and technological competence. MANOVA results showed no significant differences in the demographic variables.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study must be viewed in light of some limitations of its generalisability. First, the small sample size does not fully represent all of the target population. Secondly, the study did not provide qualitative research data, especially pertinent to how the teachers perceived their competence linked with their ability and online teaching behaviours.

Practical implications

This current study shows that all participants were cognisant of the need to enhance their competencies to teach online. As acquisition and mastery of such competencies may require time and support, this means that the transition to online teaching requires advanced levels of instructor training and support, be it through professional development programs or in-service training.

Originality/value

Perceived importance for online teaching competence was ranked highly across all the four institutions. This understanding can help HEs transcend emergency online practices to provide data-driven approaches to better support and improve coordination, resilience and adaptability in HE.
Predictors of education and utilization of adolescent-friendly health services among youth in Kumbungu district, Ghana
Authors: Adokiya Martin Nyaaba , Cudjoe Francis Kronzu , Yakong Vida Nyagre
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper assessed factors affecting adolescent-friendly health services (AFHS), education and utilization among youth (10–19 years) in Kumbungu district, Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a cross-sectional design involving 416 adolescents from households using a random sampling technique. The authors collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, education and utilization of AFHS using a semi-structured questionnaire between June and September 2017. Logistic regression models were used to determine the factors associated with AFHS education and utilization.

Findings

Of the 416 adolescents interviewed, 66% were between 15 and 19 years. Half (50%) of the adolescents received AFHS education, 54% utilized existing services and 85% knew about health challenges. Females (aOR = 0.64; p = 0.031) were less likely to receive AFHS education compared to males. Muslims (aOR = 0.21; p < 0.001) were less likely to utilize AFHS compared to Christians. Adolescents with primary (aOR = 6.65; p = 0.020), junor high school (JHS) (aOR = 10.66, p = 0.079) or senior high school (SHS) (aOR = 1.04; p = 0.954) education were more likely to utilize AFHSs compared to those with no education.

Originality/value

This study reports a moderate level of education and the utilization of adolescent health services. Sex, religion and education are the key predictors of AFHS education and utilization. This study contributes to the understanding of adolescent health services and the foundation for future studies. It may be used for the planning of adolescent health service programs in disadvantaged settings.
Spatiotemporal variation in drivers of parasitism in a wild wood mouse population
Authors: Sweeny Amy R. , Albery Gregory F. , Venkatesan Saudamini , Fenton Andy , Pedersen Amy B.
Published: March 2021

Host–parasite interactions in nature are driven by a range of factors across several ecological scales, so observed relationships are often context‐dependent. Importantly, if these factors vary across space and time, practical sampling limitations can limit or bias inferences, and the relative importance of different drivers can be hard to discern.

Here we ask to what degree environmental, host and within‐host influences on parasitism are shaped by spatiotemporal variation. We used a replicated, longitudinal dataset of >1,500 observations for nearly 1000 individual wood mice, Apodemus sylvaticus, encompassing 6 years of sampling across five different woodland sites, and investigated drivers of infection intensity with a highly prevalent gastrointestinal nematode, Heligmosomoides polygyrus.

We used a Bayesian modelling approach to further quantify if and how each factor varied in space and time. Finally, we examined the extent to which a lack of spatial or temporal replication (i.e. within single years or single sites) would affect which drivers predict H. polygyrus infection.

Season, host body condition, and sex were the three most important determinants of infection intensity; however, the strength and even direction of these effects varied in time, but not in space. Models fit to single years and site replicates in many cases showed weak and variable detection of effects of the factors investigated, highlighting the benefits of long‐term sampling for separating meaningful ecological variation from sampling variation.

These results highlight the importance of accounting for spatiotemporal variation in determining what drives disease dynamics and the need to incorporate replication in both time and space when designing sampling regimes. Furthermore, we suggest that embracing, rather than simply controlling for, spatiotemporal variation can reveal meaningful variation for understanding the factors impacting parasitism (e.g. season and host charateristics) which can improve predictions of how wildlife health will respond to change.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Organic fertilisation enhances generalist predators and suppresses aphid growth in the absence of specialist predators
Authors: Aguilera Guillermo , Riggi Laura , Miller Kirsten , Roslin Tomas , Bommarco Riccardo
Published: March 2021

Biological control by natural enemies is a valuable ecosystem service. The predator community in a crop field is a combination of predators dwelling in the field and those moving into it from the surrounding landscape. The former is mainly affected by field management, the latter more by the composition of the surrounding landscape. Yet, separate and combined effects of local and landscape management on pest suppression have seldom been investigated.

We set‐up mesocosms within an existing long‐term agricultural field experiment to investigate the effects of local management of organic manure or inorganic mineral fertilisation, and simulated the spillover from the surrounding landscape of different predator types: no predators, generalist predators (wolf spiders) and specialist predators (ladybirds). We examined whether aphid density was driven by top‐down or bottom‐up processes under different fertilisation treatments, and how the magnitude of pest suppression was affected by predator community composition.

We found positive synergistic effects between manure fertilisation and predator spillover on the suppression of aphid growth. Top‐down suppression of aphids was more effective under manure fertilisation and in presence of specialist predators (ladybirds). Bottom‐up effects on the plant biomass growth dominated in inorganically fertilised plots.

Organic and inorganic fertilisation gave the same yield, but through different mechanisms. The abundance of locally emerging predators in the manure treatment increased top‐down pest suppression yielding plant biomass levels comparable with inorganically fertilised plants, being the latter driven by bottom‐up effects.

Synthesis and applications. Organic fertilisation enhanced local emergence of predators increasing top‐down pest suppression. In contrast, local predator communities were unable to suppress aphid populations in inorganic and no fertilisation treatments. Here, predator inflow from outside the crop field was essential for lowering aphid population growth. Managing landscapes to promote mobile predators emerges as particularly important for crop fields without manure amendments. We advise the active promotion of both local predators in the crop field and mobile predators in the landscape to secure the conservation of biological insect pest suppression.
Proteomics insights into the Burkholderia cenocepacia phosphorus stress response
Authors: Shropshire Holly , Jones Rebekah A. , Aguilo‐Ferretjans María M. , Scanlan David J. , Chen Yin
Published: March 2021

The Burkholderia cepacia complex is a group of Burkholderia species that are opportunistic pathogens causing high mortality rates in patients with cystic fibrosis. An environmental stress often encountered by these soil‐dwelling and pathogenic bacteria is phosphorus limitation, an essential element for cellular processes. Here, we describe cellular and extracellular proteins differentially regulated between phosphate‐deplete (0 mM, no added phosphate) and phosphate‐replete (1 mM) growth conditions using a comparative proteomics (LC–MS/MS) approach. We observed a total of 128 and 65 unique proteins were downregulated and upregulated respectively, in the B. cenocepacia proteome. Of those downregulated proteins, many have functions in amino acid transport/metabolism. We have identified 24 upregulated proteins that are directly/indirectly involved in inorganic phosphate or organic phosphorus acquisition. Also, proteins involved in virulence and antimicrobial resistance were differentially regulated, suggesting B. cenocepacia experiences a dramatic shift in metabolism under these stress conditions. Overall, this study provides a baseline for further research into the biology of Burkholderia in response to phosphorus stress.
Infrastructures physiques et croissance économique en Afrique de l'Ouest: Le rôle des institutions
Authors: Diandy Idrissa Yaya , Seck Alioune Badara
Published: March 2021

L'objectif de cet article est d'examiner le rôle des infrastructures physiques dans la croissance économique, en tenant compte de la qualité des institutions. L'analyse porte sur un échantillon de 14 pays d'Afrique de l'Ouest et se fonde sur un modèle dynamique de croissance. Une analyse en composantes principales a permis de construire un indice institutionnel agrégé à partir des indicateurs de gouvernance publique de Kaufman. De plus, un modèle d'interaction est utilisé pour mesurer l'effet marginal des infrastructures physiques sur le revenu en fonction de la qualité institutionnelle. En outre, le recours à l'estimateur GMM a permis de résoudre le problème d'endogénéité des variables. Les résultats montrent que les infrastructures physiques ont globalement un impact positif, mais faible, sur la croissance économique. Cependant, ils révèlent aussi que cet effet est atténué par la qualité des institutions.
The Value of Pole Position in Formula 1 History
Authors: Wesselbaum Dennis , Owen P. Dorian
Published: March 2021

In this article, we study the effect of the Pole Position in Formula 1 history on the outcome of the race. Using data for every race between 1950 and 2013, we use two approaches to quantify the effect of being on Pole. First, we estimate the effect on the probability of winning the race using a logit model. Second, we estimate a Poisson model to express the effect in terms of finishing positions. We find that the Pole sitter does have a significant advantage over the other drivers on the grid: two positions at the finish line or about a 10 percentage point higher probability of winning the race. These estimates capture the effect controlling for various confounding factors and a rich set of fixed effects, including driver ability, track characteristics and constructor performance. We also document that the effect varies over seasons.
Ordinal citizenship
Authors: Fourcade Marion
Published: March 2021

The expansion of social citizenship in the 20th century mitigated the brute effects of economic inequality in people's lives. The new rights also created new social divisions, however, separating citizens according to their ability to do well through them. In the 21st century the conceptual matrix of citizenship has developed further, powered by new technologies that have promised new freedoms and opportunities in every aspect of people's lives. As the scope of economic and social incorporation has broadened, the possibilities for classifying, sorting, slotting, and scaling people have also grown and diversified. Echoing the earlier rise of the meritocracy, this new matrix produces its own winners and losers, partly recycling old inequalities, and partly creating new ones. Demands for self‐care and individual fitness pile up, eroding the universal and solidaristic basis upon which the expansion of citizenship historically thrived. In its place stands what I call “ordinal citizenship,” a form of social inclusion that thrives on social measurement, differentiation, and hierarchy.
Health benefits of whole grain: effects on dietary carbohydrate quality, the gut microbiome, and consequences of processing
Authors: Seal Chris J. , Courtin Christophe M. , Venema Koen , de Vries Jan
Published: March 2021

Grains are important sources of carbohydrates in global dietary patterns. The majority of these carbohydrates, especially in refined‐grain products, are digestible. Most carbohydrate digestion takes place in the small intestine where monosaccharides (predominantly glucose) are absorbed, delivering energy to the body. However, a considerable part of the carbohydrates, especially in whole grains, is indigestible dietary fibers. These impact gut motility and transit and are useful substrates for the gut microbiota affecting its composition and quality. For the most part, the profile of digestible and indigestible carbohydrates and their complexity determine the nutritional quality of carbohydrates. Whole grains are more complex than refined grains and are promoted as part of a healthy and sustainable diet mainly because the contribution of indigestible carbohydrates, and their co‐passenger nutrients, is significantly higher. Higher consumption of whole grain is recommended because it is associated with lower incidence of, and mortality from, CVD, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. This may be due in part to effects on the gut microbiota. Although processing of cereals during milling and food manufacturing is necessary to make them edible, it also offers the opportunity to still further improve the nutritional quality of whole‐grain flours and foods made from them. Changing the composition and availability of grain carbohydrates and phytochemicals during processing may positively affect the gut microbiota and improve health.
Effects of acetate on cerebral blood flow, systemic inflammation, and behavior in alcohol use disorder
Authors: Tanabe Jody , Neff Sarah , Sutton Brianne , Ellis Sam , Patten Luke , Brown Mark S. , Hoffman Paula L. , Tabakoff Boris , Burnham Ellen L.
Published: March 2021

Background

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are associated with altered regulation of physiological processes in the brain. Acetate, a metabolite of ethanol, has been implicated in several processes that are disrupted in AUDs including transcriptional regulation, metabolism, inflammation, and neurotransmission. To further understand the effects of acetate on brain function in AUDs, we investigated the effects of acetate on cerebral blood flow (CBF), systemic inflammatory cytokines, and behavior in AUD.

Methods

Sixteen participants with AUD were recruited from a nonmedical, clinically managed detoxification center. Each participant received acetate and placebo in a randomly assigned order of infusion and underwent 3T MR scanning using quantitative pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling. Participants and the study team were blinded to the infusion. CBF values (ml/100 g/min) extracted from thalamus were compared between placebo and acetate using a mixed effect linear regression model accounting for infusion order. Voxel‐wise CBF comparisons were set at threshold of p < 0.05 cluster‐corrected for multiple comparisons, voxel‐level p < 0.0001. Plasma cytokine levels and behavior were also assessed between infusions.

Results

Fifteen men and 1 woman were enrolled with Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores between 13 and 38 with a mean of 28.3 ± 9.1. Compared to placebo, acetate administration increased CBF in the thalamus bilaterally (Left: 51.2 vs. 68.8, p < 0.001; Right: 53.7 vs. 69.6, p = 0.001), as well as the cerebellum, brainstem, and cortex. Older age and higher AUDIT scores were associated with increases in acetate‐induced thalamic blood flow. Cytokine levels and behavioral measures did not differ between placebo and acetate infusions.

Conclusions

This pilot study in AUD suggests that during the first week of abstinence from alcohol, the brain's response to acetate differs by brain region and this response may be associated with the severity of alcohol dependence.
Maternal and fetal anaesthesia for fetal surgery
Authors: Dick J. R. , Wimalasundera R. , Nandi R.
Published: March 2021

Over the last three decades, advances in early diagnosis of fetal anomalies, imaging and surgical techniques have led to a huge expansion in fetal surgery. A small number of specialist centres perform fetal surgery, which involves high‐risk anaesthesia for the mother and fetus. The anaesthetist plays an integral role within the large multispecialty and multidisciplinary team, involved in planning and delivering care for complex surgical procedures. This article reviews three fetal surgical procedures, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, myelomeningocele repair and ex‐utero intrapartum treatment for airway obstruction. The underlying fetal pathology, surgical management, anaesthetic considerations and risks for both the mother and fetus are described for each. Fundamental to this is the understanding that clear communication and collaboration between all team members is vital to ensure successful outcomes of patients, the mother and the fetus.
Use of the new preservation solution Custodiol‐MP for ex vivo reconditioning of kidney grafts
Authors: von Horn Charlotte , Wilde Benjamin , Rauen Ursula , Paul Andreas , Minor Thomas
Published: March 2021

Organ shortage and the increasing use of extended criteria donor grafts for transplantation drives efforts for more efficient organ preservation strategies from simple cold storage toward dynamic organ reconditioning. The choice of a suitable preservation solution is of high relevance in different organ preservation or reconditioning situations. Custodiol‐MP is a new machine perfusion solution giving the opportunity to add colloids according to organ requirements. The present study aimed to compare new Custodiol‐MP with clinically established Belzer MPS solution. Porcine kidneys were ischemically predamaged and cold stored for 20 hours. Ex vivo machine reconditioning was performed either with Custodiol‐MP (n = 6) or with Belzer MPS solution (n = 6) for 90 minutes with controlled oxygenated rewarming up to 20°C. Kidney function was evaluated using an established ex vivo reperfusion model. In this experimental setting, differences between both types of perfusion solutions could not be observed. Machine perfusion with Custodiol‐MP resulted in higher creatinine clearance (7.4 ± 8.6 mL/min vs. 2.8 ± 2.5 mL/min) and less TNC perfusate levels (0.22 ± 0.25 ng/mL vs. 0.09 ± 0.08 ng/mL), although differences did not reach significance. For short‐term kidney perfusion Custodiol‐MP is safe and applicable. Particularly, the unique feature of flexible colloid supplementation makes the solution attractive in specific experimental and clinical settings.
A systematic review indicates an association between birth weight and body fat in childhood
Authors: Rallis Dimitrios , Balomenou Foteini , Tzoufi Meropi , Giapros Vasileios
Published: March 2021

Aim

To summarise the existing evidence regarding the body fat of small or large for gestation subjects, evaluated from birth up to 18 years of age.

Methods

The PRISMA guidelines were adopted for the current systematic review, including studies having evaluated body fat with bioelectrical impedance analysis, air displacement plethysmography, dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry or magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

A total of 31 studies was included. The balance of evidence suggests that small for gestation infants have decreased fat mass at birth; postnatally they experience increased adiposity. In the long term, however, the evidence is inconclusive, since some studies suggest that foetal‐restricted children with increased catch‐up growth are at increased risk of fat accumulation, whereas other studies suggest a neutral or even negative association. Large for gestation infants have increased fat mass at birth, but in the long term, they have a lower body fat ratio, especially when they develop a catch‐down growth.

Conclusion

Some studies suggested that foetal‐restricted children with increased catch‐up growth are at increased risk of later adiposity, while other studies suggested a neutral or negative association. Given that the evidence is inconclusive, further studies are warranted. Large for gestation subjects have lower body fat when they develop catch‐down growth.
Digestive, fermentative, and physical properties of pineapple residue as a feed for cattle
Authors: Liu Chunyan , Asano Sanae , Ogata Hikonosuke , Ito Shun , Nakase Takumi , Takeda Sui , Miyoshi Kyougo , Numata Youichi , Takahashi Kei , Kajikawa Hiroshi
Published: March 2021

The intake, digestion, and ruminal fermentation properties; the antioxidative activity; and the physical effectiveness of pineapple residue (PR) from the cut‐fruit industry as a feed for cattle were investigated. Four nonlactating Holstein cows were fed a basal diet and diets with 1.4‐ and 3.6‐kg dry matter (DM)/day of PR (low‐PR and high‐PR diets, respectively). The DM digestibility and total digestible nutrients were 71% and 70%, respectively. Ruminal pH, volatile fatty acids, and ammonia‐N did not differ among the diets. The numbers of total viable, amylolytic, cellulolytic, and methanogenic bacteria and protozoa, and microbial protein synthesis in the rumen also did not differ significantly. Blood triglyceride, nonesterified fatty acids, urea nitrogen, and aspartate transaminase were lower in the high‐PR diet. Feeding PR did not affect blood malondialdehyde, although PR has a higher antioxidative value than other commonly used feeds. The particle distribution of PR satisfied the recommended range for haylage. The chewing time for ingestion and rumination did not change with PR content, and the roughage value index of PR was 57‐min/kg DM. These results suggest that PR has good intake and digestion properties and satisfactory physical effectiveness. Even a high‐PR‐content feed unlikely induces the risk of ruminal acidosis.
What’s in a diagnosis: The effect of externalizing and internalizing students’ behaviour on pre‐service teachers’ classroom management and interaction strategies
Authors: Glock Sabine , Pit‐ten Cate Ineke M.
Published: March 2021

Background

All over the word, classrooms are getting more and more diverse and teachers are required to effectively manage these classes even when students have special education needs (SEN).

Aims

The study aimed to investigate classroom management strategies and interpersonal teacher behaviour in relation to students internalizing and externalizing behaviour, whereby we varied the diagnosis of special educational needs.

Sample

Two hundred and fifty‐four German pre‐service teachers (143 female) with a mean age of 26.04 years participated in the study.

Method

Using an experimental between‐subjects design, a fictitious student was described as exhibiting either internalizing or externalizing behaviour. Additionally, we varied whether the student was diagnosed as having SEN or not. The participants were asked to indicate which strategies they would apply and how they would interact with students.

Results

Results showed that teacher interaction in response to both students with internalizing and externalizing behaviour approached ideal interpersonal teacher behaviour (i.e. high level of cooperativeness with certain level of dominance), whereas pre‐service teachers applied all classroom management strategies to minimize effects of student behaviour on learning time. Although pre‐service teachers adapted their responses based on type of behaviour, they only made allowances for internalizing behaviour while their response to externalizing behaviour did not vary much as a function of a SEN diagnosis.

Conclusions

Together, these findings highlight the importance of providing pre‐service teachers with the pedagogical knowledge concerning effective classroom management and flexible use of strategies in response to diverse student needs in inclusive classrooms.
Gluten intolerance antibodies in multiple sclerosis and clinically isolated syndrome : Coexistent or coincidental?
Authors: Ünlütürk Zeynep , Bir Levent Sinan , Demir Melek
Published: March 2021

Objective

As it is well known that autoimmune diseases can coexist, the association of multiple sclerosis (MS) with other autoimmune diseases has always been a major concern for clinicians. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical findings, and the frequency of autoantibodies related to celiac disease in MS and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS).

Methods

Anti‐gliadin immunoglobulin A and anti‐gliadin immunoglobulin G and anti‐endomysium immunoglobulin A and anti‐endomysium immunoglobulin G antibodies were studied by the indirect immune fluorescence method, anti‐tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A and anti‐tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin G were studied by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The study included 30 patients with CIS, 50 patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS), 30 patients with progressive MS (PMS) and 42 healthy individuals as the control group.

Results

One patient was anti‐gliadin immunoglobulin A‐positive in the CIS group, four patients in the RRMS group, one patient in the PMS group and two patients in the control group. Four patients were anti‐gliadin immunoglobulin G‐positive in the CIS group, four patients in the RRMS group, three patients in the PMS group and three patients in the control group. One patient was anti‐endomysium immunoglobulin A‐positive in the CIS group and two patients in the RRMS group. Two patients were anti‐endomysium immunoglobulin G‐positive in the CIS group, one patient in the RRMS group and one patient in the PMS group. Three patients were anti‐tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A‐positive in the RRMS group and two patients in the control group. All groups were anti‐tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin G‐negative. Although the number of patients with positive antibodies seemed to be higher in MS groups, the difference was not statistically significant between the groups.

Conclusion

We observed that celiac antibodies were not more common in MS patients than healthy controls. However, these antibodies are important to suggest gastrointestinal complaints in MS patients.
Real‐time detection of cerebrospinal fluid with bioimpedance needle in paediatric lumbar puncture
Authors: Sievänen Harri , Kari Juho , Halonen Sanna , Elomaa Timo , Tammela Outi , Soukka Hanna , Eskola Vesa
Published: March 2021

Background

Lumbar puncture is a common clinical procedure that can occasionally be difficult. Various needle guidance methods can facilitate performing this procedure, but at the expense of special expertise, equipment and facility. In the present study, we evaluated the clinical feasibility of a novel bioimpedance needle system regarding its ability to detect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in paediatric lumbar punctures.

Methods

We performed 40 lumbar puncture procedures using the bioimpedance needle system in 37 paediatric patients, aged from 0 days to 17 months, as a part of their prescribed examinations in two university hospitals. The bioimpedance needle is similar to a conventional 22G cutting‐edge spinal needle with a stylet, except the needle and stylet are configured as a bipolar electrode with high spatial resolution. The system measures in real‐time when the needle tip reaches the subarachnoid space containing CSF. The procedure was considered successful when the erythrocyte count was determined from the obtained CSF sample.

Results

Subarachnoid space was verifiably reached in 28 out of 40 procedures (70%). Bioimpedance needle system detected CSF in 23 out of these 28 successful procedures (82%) while failed in 3 out of 28 procedures (11%). No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

Bioimpedance spinal needle system was found clinically feasible in paediatric lumbar punctures, and it may offer an objective and simple means to detect the time point when the needle tip is in contact with the cerebrospinal fluid.
Characterizing the demographic history and prion protein variation to infer susceptibility to chronic wasting disease in a naïve population of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
Authors: Haworth Sarah E. , Nituch Larissa , Northrup Joseph M. , Shafer Aaron B. A.
Published: March 2021

Assessments of the adaptive potential in natural populations are essential for understanding and predicting responses to environmental stressors like climate change and infectious disease. Species face a range of stressors in human‐dominated landscapes, often with contrasting effects. White‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus; deer) are expanding in the northern part of their range following decreasing winter severity and increasing forage availability. Chronic wasting disease (CWD), a prion disease affecting deer, is likewise expanding and represents a major threat to deer and other cervids. We obtained tissue samples from free‐ranging deer across their native range in Ontario, Canada, which has yet to detect CWD in wild populations. We used high‐throughput sequencing to assess neutral genomic variation and variation in the prion protein gene (PRNP) that is partly responsible for the protein misfolding when deer contract CWD. Neutral variation revealed a high number of rare alleles and no population structure, and demographic models suggested a rapid historical population expansion. Allele frequencies of PRNP variants associated with CWD susceptibility and disease progression were evenly distributed across the landscape and consistent with deer populations not infected with CWD. We estimated the selection coefficient of CWD, with simulations showing an observable and rapid shift in PRNP allele frequencies that coincides with the start of a novel CWD outbreak. Sustained surveillance of genomic and PRNP variation can be a useful tool for guiding management practices, which is especially important for CWD‐free regions where deer are managed for ecological and economic benefits.