bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The novel chaperone protein SRCP1 reduces insoluble SOD1 proteinin vivowithout extending ALS mouse lifespan
Authors: Luecke Ian W. , Lin Gloria , Santarriaga Stephanie , Scaglione K. Matthew , Ebert Allison D.
Published: December 2020

Protein misfolding and aggregation are shared features of neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and protein quality control disruption contributes to neuronal toxicity. Therefore, reducing protein aggregation could hold therapeutic potential. We previously identified a novel chaperone protein, serine-rich chaperone protein 1 (SRCP1), that effectively prevents protein aggregation in cell culture and zebrafish models of Huntington’s disease. Here we tested whether this benefit extends to aggregated proteins found in ALS. We used viral-mediated expression of SRCP1 inin vitroandin vivomodels of ALS. We found that SRCP1 reduced insoluble SOD1 protein levels in HEK293T cells overexpressing either the A4V or G93R mutant SOD1. However, the reduction of insoluble protein was not observed in either mutant C9orf72 or SOD1 ALS iPSC-derived motor neurons infected with a lentivirus expressing SRCP1. SOD1 G93A ALS mice injected with AAV-SRCP1 showed a small but significant reduction in insoluble and soluble SOD1 in both the brain and spinal cord, but SRCP1 expression did not improve mouse survival. These data indicate that SRCP1 likely reduces insoluble protein burden in a protein and/or context-dependent manner indicating a need for additional insight into SRCP1 function and therapeutic potential.
Analysis of six-decadal seed mass and emergence records in mast species shows little inter-annual variability
Authors: Liu Yang , El-Kassaby Yousry A.
Published: December 2020

Patterns of crop production in mast species do not track crop-year climate, but instead are regulated by climate cues in prior-years. Whether the pattern of year-to-year seed mass variation is coupled in time with mast seeding, maintaining seed mass-number trade-offs, and coherently driven by similar climate cues as other seed traits (e.g. seed germination) remains unknown. Using ca. 6,000 long-term seed inventory data over the years 1955-2015 in conifers, this retrospective study revealed the temporal patterns of mast species’ seed mass and its associated trait, seed germination. To pinpoint their ecological drivers, pairwise correlation analysis was performed between each trait and seasonal climates in crop year and four prior-years. Using climate variables key to each trait, regression models were constructed to project trait values. Findings showed minor seed mass variation among years, which rejects the generality of seed mass-number trade-offs in many plant species. This result reasonably arises as the economies of scale (compensating benefits) theory are often used to account for mast seeding but not for seed mass. Moreover, final germination fraction also varied little over time, but exhibited an increasing tendency. In addition, we found that temperature-based climate variables drive seed mass, number, and germination variation, but these variables in different seasons of crop year or prior-years did not have equal influences on trait variability. Finally, regression models showed that the number of frost-free days and evapotranspiration are crucial to the three traits and climate in autumn is a critical season, followed by summer and winter. This study holds considerable promise for explaining reproductive strategies of taxonomic groups with mast seeding characteristics in allocating reproductive resources to different life-history traits using ecological signals.
Stabilization and ATP-binding for tandem RRM domains of ALS-causing TDP-43 and hnRNPA1
Authors: Dang Mei , Li Yifan , Song Jianxing
Published: December 2020

TDP-43 and hnRNPA1 contain tandemly-tethered RRM domains, which not only functionally bind an array of nucleic acids, but also participate in aggregation/fibrillation, a pathological hallmark of various human diseases including ALS, FTD, AD and MSP. Here, by DSF, NMR and MD simulations we systematically characterized stability, ATP-binding and conformational dynamics of TDP-43 and hnRNPA1 RRM domains in both tethered and isolated forms. The results reveal three key findings: 1) very unexpectedly, upon tethering TDP-43 RRM domains become dramatically coupled and destabilized with Tm reduced to only 49 °C. 2) ATP specifically binds TDP-43 and hnRNPA1 RRM domains, in which ATP occupies the similar pockets within the conserved nucleic-acid-binding surfaces, with the affinity higher to the tethered than isolated forms. 3) MD simulations indicate that the tethered RRM domains of TDP-43 and hnRNPA1 have higher conformational dynamics than the isolated forms. Two RRM domains become coupled as shown by NMR characterization and analysis of inter-domain correlation motions. The study explains the long-standing puzzle that the tethered TDP-43 RRM1-RRM2 is particularly prone to aggregation/fibrillation, and underscores the general role of ATP in inhibiting aggregation/fibrillation of RRM-containing proteins. The results also rationalize the observation that the risk of aggregation-causing diseases increases with aging.
Metaproteomics boosted up by untargeted data-independent acquisition data analysis framework
Authors: Pietilä Sami , Suomi Tomi , Elo Laura L.
Published: December 2020

Mass spectrometry based metaproteomics is a relatively new field of research that provides the ability to characterize the functionality of microbiota. Recently, we were the first to demonstrate the applicability of data-independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry to the analysis of complex metaproteomic samples. This allowed us to circumvent many of the drawbacks of the conventionally used data-dependent acquisition (DDA) mass spectrometry, mainly the limited reproducibility when analyzing samples with complex microbial composition. However, the previous method still required additional DDA data on the samples to assist the DIA analysis. Here, we introduce, for the first time, a DIA metaproteomics approach that does not require any DDA data, but instead replaces a spectral library generated from DDA data with a pseudospectral library generated directly from the metaproteomics DIA samples. We demonstrate that using the new DIA-only approach, we can achieve higher peptide yields than with the DDA-assisted approach, while the amount of required mass spectrometry data is reduced to a single DIA run per sample. The new DIA-only metaproteomics approach is implemented as open-source software packageDIAtools 2.0, which is freely available from DockerHub.
Thep-coumaroyl arabinoxylan transferaseHvAT10underlies natural variation in whole-grain cell wall phenolic acids in cultivated barley
Authors: Houston Kelly , Learmonth Amy , Hassan Ali Saleh , Lahnstein Jelle , Looseley Mark , Little Alan , Waugh Robbie , Burton Rachel A , Halpin Claire
Published: December 2020

Phenolic acids in cereal grains have important health-promoting properties and influence digestibility for industrial or agricultural uses. Here we identify alleles of a single BAHDp-coumaroyl arabinoxylan transferase gene,HvAT10, as responsible for the natural variation in cell wall-esterifiedp-coumaric and ferulic acid in whole grain of a collection of cultivated two-row spring barley genotypes. We show thatHvAT10is rendered non-functional by a premature stop codon mutation in approximately half of the genotypes in our mapping panel. The causal mutation is virtually absent in wild and landrace germplasm suggesting an important function for grain arabinoxylanp-coumaroylation pre-domestication that is dispensable in modern agriculture. Intriguingly, we detected detrimental impacts of the mutated locus on barley grain quality traits. We propose thatHvAT10could be a focus for future grain quality improvement or for manipulating phenolic acid content of wholegrain food products.
NAA10 variant in 38-week-gestation male patient: a case study
Authors: Afrin Antara , Prokop Jeremy W. , Underwood Adam , Uhl Katie L. , VanSickle Elizabeth A. , Baruwal Roja , Wajda Morgan , Rajasekaran Surender , Bupp Caleb
Published: December 2020

We present a male patient born at 38-wk gestation with rhizomelic shortening of extremities, hepatomegaly, ventriculomegaly, heart failure, severely depressed left ventricular function, biventricular hypertrophy, and biatrial enlargement. Additional physical findings included anteriorly displaced anus, vertebral anomalies, and brachydactyly. The patient's cardiac malformations led to persistent hypotension, sinus tachycardia, and multiorgan failure in the absence of arrhythmias. Rapid whole-exome sequencing was ordered on day of life (DOL) 8. The patient's family elected to withdraw supportive care, and he passed away that evening. Whole-exome sequencing returned posthumously and identified a variant in NAA10, E100K. The genotype–phenotype was closest to Ogden syndrome or amino-terminal acetyltransferase deficiency. Typical features of this rare X-linked syndrome include progeroid appearance, failure to thrive, developmental delays, hypotonia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Other family members were tested and the patient's mother, who has a history of mild intellectual disability, as well as a daughter born later, were identified as carriers. All carriers showed no cardiac findings. The carrier sister has manifested developmental delay and cortical atrophy. Protein modeling, evolution, dynamics, population variant assessments, and immunoprecipitation depict the deleterious nature of the variant on the interactions of NAA10 with NAA15. These findings had subsequent implications for posthumous diagnosis of the index patient, for female carriers, and regarding family planning. We highlight how these rapid genetic tests and variant characterization can potentially lead to informed decision-making between health-care providers and family members of patients with critical or lethal conditions when treatment options are limited.
Heat transfer hybrid nanofluid (1-Butanol/MoS2–Fe3O4) through a wavy porous cavity and its optimization
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Kh. , Montazer Elham , Shafii Mohammad Behshad , Ganji D.D.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate natural convection in a porous wavy-walled enclosure that is including a cylinder cavity in the middle of it and filled with a hybrid nanofluid contains 1-Butanol as the base fluid and MoS2–Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles.

Design/methodology/approach

The domain of interest is bounded by constant temperature horizontal corrugated surfaces and isothermal vertical flat surfaces. The numerical outputs are explained in the type of isotherms, streamline and average Nusselt number with variations of the Rayleigh number, Hartmann number, nanoparticle shape factor and porosity of the porous medium. For solving the governing equations, the finite element method has been used.

Findings

The results show that Nuave is proportional to Rayleigh and nanoparticle shape factor directly as well as it has an inverse relation with Hartmann and porosity. The obtained results reveal that the shape factor parameter has a significant effect on the heat transfer performance, which shows a 55.44% contribution on the average Nusselt number.

Originality/value

As a novelty, to maximize the heat transfer performance in a corrugated walls enclosure, the optimal parameters have intended by using the response surface and Taguchi methods. Additionally, an accurate correlation for the average Nusselt number is developed with sensibly great precision.
Determinants of inpatient satisfaction: evidence from Switzerland
Authors: Tobler Stephan , Stummer Harald
Published: December 2020

Purpose

A common way to handle quality problems and increasing costs of modern health care systems is more transparency through public reporting. Thereby, patient satisfaction is seen as one main reported outcome. Previous studies proposed several associated factors. Only a few of them included organizational determinants with potential to inform the health care provider's management. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of organizational contingency factors on patient satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

As a case, Switzerland's inpatient rehabilitation sector was used. Therein, a cross-sectional study of public released secondary data with an exploratory multiple linear regression (MLR) modeling approach was conducted.

Findings

Five significant influencing factors on patient satisfaction were found. They declared 42.2% of the variance in satisfaction on provider level. The organizations' supplementary insured patients, staff payment, outpatients, extracantonal patients and permanent resident population revealed significant correlations with patient satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

Drawing on publicly available cross-sectional data, statistically no causality can be proved. However, integration of routine data and organization theory can be useful for further studies.

Practical implications

Regarding inpatient satisfaction, improvement levers for providers' managers are as follow: first, service provision should be customized to patients' needs, expectations and context; second, employees' salary should be adequate to prevent dissatisfaction; third, the main business should be prioritized to avoid frittering.

Originality/value

Former studies regarding public reporting are often atheoretical and rarely used organizational variables as determinants for relevant outcomes. Therefore, uniformed data are useful.
Consumer reactions to unsustainable luxury: a cross-country analysis
Authors: Amatulli Cesare , De Angelis Matteo , Pino Giovanni , Jain Sheetal
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper investigates why and when messages regarding unsustainable luxury products lead to negative word-of-mouth (NWOM) through a focus on the role of guilt, need to warn others and consumers' cultural orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

Three experiments test whether messages describing unsustainable versus sustainable luxury manufacturing processes elicit guilt and a need to warn others and whether and how the need to warn others affects consumers' NWOM depending on their cultural orientation.

Findings

Consumers experience guilt in response to messages emphasizing the unsustainable (vs sustainable) nature of luxury products. In turn, guilt triggers a need to warn other consumers, which leads to NWOM about the luxury company. Furthermore, the results suggest that two dimensions of Hofstede's model of national culture – namely individualism/collectivism and masculinity/femininity – moderate the effect of the need to warn others on NWOM.

Practical implications

Luxury managers should design appropriate strategies to cope with consumers' different reactions to information regarding luxury brands' unsustainability. Managers should be aware that the risk of NWOM diffusion may be higher in countries characterized by a collectivistic and feminine orientation rather than an individualistic and masculine orientation.

Originality/value

Consumer reaction to unsustainable luxury, especially across different cultural groups, is a neglected area of investigation. This work contributes to this novel area of research by investigating NWOM stemming from unsustainable luxury manufacturing practices in different cultural contexts.
Meeting of the minds: research priorities for value co-creation in dialogical conferences
Authors: Parkinson Joy , Davey Janet
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explain the development of the dialogical conference, develop a framework for understanding the social construction of the dialogical conference and provide research priorities for further developing the practice in the services marketing discipline.

Design/methodology/approach

The growing challenge for service researchers is to generate new theory and knowledge to solve complex problems. Dialogical conferences offer an avenue to develop solutions in response to this challenge. Value co-creation provides a useful lens through which to view dialogical conferences. We draw on Ranjan and Read’s (2016) value-in-use and value co-production and Ramaswamy and Ozcan’s (2018) interactive engagement platforms for value co-creation. Mindful of the contributions of both, the paper presents an integrative framework that describes the relationships between the concepts to provide a firm grounding for developing dialogical conferences.

Findings

By mapping value co-creating activities in dialogical conferences according to the APPI framework – artifacts, persons, processes and interfaces – on to value-in-use and value co-production, we propose a new category of value-in-use, equality, to the conceptualisation of value co-creation outcomes. Equality in contribution, attribution and effort is under-represented in value co-creation.

Originality/value

Dialogical conferences are increasingly important for knowledge generation and creating potential for action, yet are underexplored in service research. This paper contributes to the literature by using service logic and dialogical conferences to extend our knowledge of value co-creation interactive platforms and outcomes. Second, we demonstrate the value of dialogical conferences for facilitating meaningful service research and knowledge development. Finally, the authors identify research priorities to encourage further work on extending the understanding and application of dialogical interactive platforms and value co-creation to enable the service community to be responsive in solving complex problems through service offerings.
Assessment of healthcare solid waste management practices for environmental performance: a study of hospitals in Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Thakur Vikas , Sharma Somesh
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The day-by-day escalating quantity of healthcare waste (HCW), has made waste handling and management a challenging issue for ensuring environmental quality. Developing nations like India face huge difficulties in handling healthcare solid wastes (HCSW) because of the extra population burden. Hence, the present study seeks to evaluate the role of various stakeholders, under the following four performance areas: “collection and segregation of HCSW,” “storage and transportation of HCSW,” “special measures for handling HCSW” and ‘awareness among the various stakeholders of handling and managing the HCSW.”

Design/methodology/approach

The study targets the primary data from 323 stakeholders across 35 hospitals in Himachal Pradesh, India, to assess the environmental awareness level among various stakeholders. Data were analyzed using preliminary descriptive statistics, and further statistical testing was done using one-way ANOVA in SPSS version 20.0.

Findings

Results highlight that most hospitals lack the following areas: segregation of HCSW, marking of zones and bags carrying infectious HCSWs, inadequate transportation facilities, bad handling and storage practices and recycling without chemical disinfection.

Practical implications

The study's findings will help the hospitals' administration and State Pollution Control Board to design training programs for all the stakeholders involved in managing HCSW. The proper recycling of the HCSW will reduce the adverse environmental impact and ensure the environmental quality within the hospitals and surroundings. The preparation of appropriate policy for the collection, storage and transportation of HCSW from the hospitals to the treatment centers will ensure the cleaner delivery of healthcare services to society.

Originality/value

The present study is the first of its kind, where the primary data were collected from the various stakeholders involved in the handling of HCSW at various healthcare establishments (HCEs) in Himachal Pradesh, India.
Site fertility and soil water‐table level affect fungal biomass production and community composition in boreal peatland forests
Authors: Peltoniemi Krista , Adamczyk Sylwia , Fritze Hannu , Minkkinen Kari , Pennanen Taina , Penttilä Timo , Sarjala Tytti , Laiho Raija
Published: December 2020

A substantial amount of below‐ground carbon (C) is suggested to be associated with fungi, which may significantly affect the soil C balance in forested ecosystems. Ergosterol from in‐growth mesh bags and litterbags was used to estimate fungal biomass production and community composition in drained peatland forests with differing fertility. Extramatrical mycelia (EMM) biomass production was generally higher in the nutrient‐poor site, increased with deeper water table level and decreased along the length of the recovery time. EMM biomass production was of the same magnitude as in mineral‐soil forests. Saprotrophic fungal biomass production was higher in the nutrient‐rich site. Both ectomycorrhizal (ECM) and saprotrophic fungal community composition changed according to site fertility and water table level. ECM fungal community composition with different exploration types may explain the differences in fungal biomass production between peatland forests. Melanin‐rich Hyaloscypha may indicate decreased turnover of biomass in nutrient‐rich young peatland forest. Genera Lactarius and Laccaria may be important in nutrient rich and Piloderma in the nutrient‐poor conditions, respectively. Furthermore, Paxillus involutus and Cortinarius sp. may be important generalists in all sites and responsible for EMM biomass production during the first summer months. Saprotrophs showed a functionally more diverse fungal community in the nutrient‐rich site.
Reading for pleasure among Jordanian children: a community‐based reading intervention
Authors: Mahasneh Randa , von Suchodoletz Antje , Larsen Ross A.A. , Dajani Rana
Published: December 2020

Background

We Love Reading (WLR) is a community‐based reading intervention aimed at cultivating an interest in reading for pleasure among children through mobilising local community members to establish informal libraries and organise read‐aloud sessions in public spaces. The programme targets primarily children between the ages 4–10 but is also open to older children. The present study investigated the effect of the WLR programme on children's practices and attitudes related to reading for pleasure.

Methods

Participants were 1,718 children recruited from different regions in Jordan. Children were, on average, 7.52 years old (SD = 2.12). The treatment group comprised 1,304 children (59% girls; Mage = 7.18 years, SD = 2.16) who received the WLR programme over 4 months. The comparison group comprised 414 children (59% girls; Mage = 8.50 years, SD = 1.67) who did not attend any reading programme. Two assessment tools, adapted from previous literature, assessed reading attitudes and reading practices. The structural equation modelling framework was used to analyse the data.

Results

Results showed a small but significant increase in reading attitude scores and reading practice scores among children who participated in the WLR programme. The positive effect was found for children of all ages and for boys and girls alike.

Conclusion

A comparison of scores between the WLR group and the comparison group showed a small advantage for the WLR group. The results provide initial support for the WLR programme as a promising community‐based reading intervention for promoting reading for pleasure among children.
Quercetin induces p53‐independent cancer cell death through lysosome activation by the transcription factor EB and Reactive Oxygen Species‐dependent ferroptosis
Authors: Wang Zi‐Xuan , Ma Jing , Li Xin‐Yu , Wu Yong , Shi Huan , Chen Yao , Lu Guang , Shen Han‐Ming , Lu Guo‐Dong , Zhou Jing
Published: December 2020

Background and Purpose

Cancer cells exhibit more dependence on iron and enhanced sensitivity to iron‐dependent, programmed cell death (ferroptosis) than normal cells. Quercetin exerts anti‐cancer effects, but the underlying molecular mechanism is largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the involvement of lysosome function and ferroptosis in the anti‐cancer potential of quercetin.

Experimental Approach

We used MTT assays and DNA content analysis to evaluate the cytotoxicity, colony formation assay to investigate cell proliferation, and flow cytometry and confocal microscopy to detect lysosomal acidification and protease enzyme activity. Western blotting, cell subfractionation, RT‐PCR and siRNA transfection were used to establish molecular mechanisms of action.

Key Results

Quercetin is known to promote p53‐independent cell death in various cancer cell lines. Although quercetin induces autophagy, genetic silencing of Atg7 fails to affect quercetin‐induced cell death. In contrast, both lysosome inhibitors and knockdown of the transcription factor EB can prevent quercetin‐induced cell death, suggesting the involvement of lysosome. Next, quercetin is found to induce lysosomal activation sequentially through nuclear translocation of EB and transcriptional activation of lysosomal genes. Notably, quercetin promoted lysosome‐dependent ferritin degradation and free iron release. This action and quercetin‐induced ROS generation synergistically resulted in lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. Furthermore, Bid may link ferroptosis with apoptosis to cause cell death.

Conclusion and Implications

Quercetin induced EB‐mediated lysosome activation and increased ferritin degradation leading to ferroptosis and Bid‐involved apoptosis. Results from this study may expand our current knowledge about the mechanism of quercetin as an anti‐cancer agent.
Analysis of colectomy rates for ulcerative colitis in pre‐ and postbiological eras in Lothian, Scotland
Authors: Jenkinson Philip W. , Plevris Nikolas , Lyons Mathew , Grant Rebecca , Fulforth James , Kirkwood Kate , Arnott Ian D. , Wilson David , Watson Angus J. M. , Jones Gareth‐Rhys , Lees Charlie W.
Published: December 2020

Aim

Biological treatment is effective in maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis (UC), although the effect on colectomy rates remains unclear. In the UK the use of antitumour necrosis factor and anti‐α4β7 treatments for maintenance therapy in UC was restricted until 2015. The aim of this study was to describe the impact that this change in the prescribing of biologicals had on colectomy rates for UC.

Method

All patients (adult and paediatric) with a diagnosis of UC who received maintenance biological treatment and/or underwent a colectomy in Lothian, Scotland between 2005 and 2018 were identified. Linear and segmental regression analyses were used to identify the annual percentage change (APC) and temporal trends (statistical joinpoints) in biological prescription and colectomy rates.

Results

Rates of initiation of maintenance biological therapy increased from 0.05 per 100 UC patients in 2005 to 1.26 in 2018 (p < 0.001). Colectomy rates per 100 UC patients fell from 1.47 colectomies in 2005 to 0.44 in 2018 (p < 0.001). The APC for colectomy decreased by 4.1% per year between 2005 and 2014 and by 18.9% between 2014 and 2018. Temporal trend analysis (2005–2018) identified a significant joinpoint in colectomy rates in 2014 (p = 0.019).

Conclusion

The use of maintenance biological therapy increased sharply following the change in guidance. This has been paralleled by a significant reduction in the rates of colectomy over the same time period.
Chest pain and palpitations in postmenopausal women with mitral valve prolapse: is there a gastro‐oesophageal origin?
Authors: Maiello Maria , Zito Annapaola , Cecere Annagrazia , Ciccone Marco Matteo , Palmiero Pasquale
Published: December 2020

Background and aim

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common disease in women, causing chest pain and palpitation due to structural and functional valve abnormality, and is sometimes associated with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is a challenging clinical problem in clinical practice and requires targeted diagnostic assessment to identify the underlying causes of the symptoms, because treatment needs to be tailored, according to the causes themselves, to resolve the symptoms.

Aim

To assess the prevalence of GERD in a population of postmenopausal women affected by MVP and determine if there is any correlation between the two conditions.

Methods

The MVP diagnosis was performed using echocardiograpy examination, according to American Society Echocardiography criteria. Two hundred and eighty‐nine consecutive MVP women, symptomatic for chest pain and palpitation, were included; 250 consecutive women without MVP, symptomatic for chest pain and palpitation, were the control group (CG). The GERD diagnosis was made according to 2013 American College Gastroenterology criteria; women affected by thyroid disorders, all heart disease, including mitral disease with moderate or severe mitral regurgitation, and gastrointestinal diseases assessed using gastroscopy were excluded.

Results

Among 289 women with MVP, 31 (11%) women were affected by GERD, and among 250 in the CG, 11 (4.4%) women were affected by GERD: Chi‐squared 8.1; odds ratio 2.7; P < 0.0044. Twenty‐six (9%) women affected by GERD, with MVP, presented with mild mitral regurgitation, and 7 (2.8%) women in the CG presented with mild mitral regurgitation as well: Chi‐squared 8.95; odds ratio 3.4; 95% CI, P < 0.0028.

Discussion and conclusions

GERD is relatively common in women with MVP. Moreover, women with MVP are approximately three times more likely to be affected by GERD; the two conditions are correlated in a statistically high significant way. GERD assessment needs to be included into routine follow‐up strategies in women with MVP to optimise medical therapy, improvinge symptom relief for better quality of life.
EuroGuiDerm Guideline on the systemic treatment of Psoriasis vulgaris – Part 1: treatment and monitoring recommendations
Authors: Nast A. , Smith C. , Spuls P.I. , Avila Valle G. , Bata‐Csörgö Z. , Boonen H. , De Jong E. , Garcia‐Doval I. , Gisondi P. , Kaur‐Knudsen D. , Mahil S. , Mälkönen T. , Maul J.T. , Mburu S. , Mrowietz U. , Reich K. , Remenyik E. , Rønholt K.M. , Sator P.G. , Schmitt‐Egenolf M. , Sikora M. , Strömer K. , Sundnes O. , Trigos D. , Van Der Kraaij G. , Yawalkar N. , Dressler C.
Published: December 2020

This evidence‐ and consensus‐based guideline on the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris was developed following the EuroGuiDerm Guideline and Consensus Statement Development Manual. The first part of the guideline includes general information on the scope and purpose, health questions covered, target users and strength/limitations of the guideline. Suggestions for disease severity grading and treatment goals are provided. It presents the general treatment recommendations as well as detailed management and monitoring recommendations for the individual drugs. The treatment options discussed in this guideline are as follows: acitretin, ciclosporin, fumarates, methotrexate, adalimumab, apremilast, brodalumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, guselkumab, infliximab, ixekizumab, risankizumab, secukinumab, tildrakizumab and ustekinumab.
Personal Initiative, Passive‐Avoidant Leadership and Support for Innovation as Antecedents of Nurses’ Idea Generation and Idea Implementation
Authors: Zappalà Salvatore , Toscano Ferdinando , Polevaya Marina V. , Kamneva Elena V.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the role of individual (work engagement, personal initiative), group (transformational, transactional, passive‐avoidant leadership) and organisational factors (support for innovation climate) in fostering the two components of nurses’ innovative behaviours, idea generation and idea implementation.

Design and Method

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in an Italian public hospital, in two departments that had been created by merging other departments. A self‐report questionnaire was completed by 118 nurses. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Respondents reported a high frequency of idea generation followed by idea implementation. Personal initiative and passive‐avoidant leadership were significantly and positively related to nurses’ idea generation and idea implementation. Support for innovation was positively related to idea implementation. Transactional and transformational leadership did not show any relationships with the two innovative work behaviours.

Conclusions

This study shows that nurses’ innovative work behaviour is a complex and multi determined behaviour, influenced by individual, group, and organisational factors. It also shows that low levels of passive‐avoidant leadership may contribute to innovation.

Clinical Relevance

Healthcare policies and strategies are needed to support a leadership style that allows space for autonomy, and that, together with support for innovation and personal initiative, facilitates nurses’ idea generation and idea implementation.
Nationwide study of mortality and survival in pregnancy‐related streptococcal toxic shock syndrome
Authors: Hayata Eijiro , Nakata Masahiko , Hasegawa Junichi , Tanaka Hiroaki , Murakoshi Takeshi , Mitsuda Nobuaki , Sekizawa Akihiko , Ikeda Tomoaki , Ishiwata Isamu
Published: December 2020

Aim

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is associated with the highest infection‐related maternal mortality rates. We conducted a comparative analysis of the background factors and treatment course between survivors and nonsurvivors to improve our understanding concerning the optimal initial treatment approach for this fulminant disease.

Methods

This retrospective observational study was conducted based on clinical data collected from two national organizations. Clinical data of patients who died or survived (i.e. background information, clinical course and treatment administered) were collected.

Results

Records of 13 dead and 15 surviving patients were collected and analyzed. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups regarding age, parity, season, gestational age or the patients' location at the onset of symptoms. After the initial symptom onset, the survivors received antibiotics more systematically during their first visit to a clinic (P = 0.006). More survivors had received treatment within 1 h of onset of fulminant disease (P = 0.069). The number of fetal deaths was significantly higher in the mortality group (P = 0.003), while the fetal survival number was higher in the group of maternal survivors (P = 0.055). Maternal survivors with nonspecific initial symptoms received early intervention when there was a family history of group A streptococcal infection or a positive rapid antigen test result.

Conclusion

Intensive care, including systemic antibiotic administration, may contribute to maternal survival when administered immediately (within 1 h) after the fulminant streptococcal toxic shock syndrome onset. Eliciting a family history of streptococcal infection and conducting a rapid antigen test can identify the patients needing early intervention.
High serum creatinine concentration is associated with metabolic perturbations in dogs
Authors: Ottka Claudia , Vapalahti Katariina , Määttä Ann‐Marie , Huuskonen Nanna , Sarpanen Sinikka , Jalkanen Liisa , Lohi Hannes
Published: December 2020

Background

The kidneys have many essential metabolic functions, and metabolic disturbances during decreased renal function have not been studied extensively.

Objectives

To identify metabolic changes in blood samples with increased serum creatinine concentration, indicating decreased glomerular filtration.

Animals

Clinical samples analyzed using a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) based metabolomics platform. The case group consisted of 23 samples with serum creatinine concentration >125 μmol/L, and the control group of 873 samples with serum creatinine concentration within the reference interval.

Methods

Biomarker association with increased serum creatinine concentration was evaluated utilizing 3 statistical approaches: Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, logistic regression analysis (false discovery rate (FDR)‐corrected P‐values), and random forest classification. Medians of the biomarkers were compared to reference intervals. A heatmap and box plots were used to represent the differences.

Results

All 3 statistical approaches identified similar analytes associated with increased serum creatinine concentrations. The percentages of citrate, tyrosine, branched‐chain amino acids, valine, leucine, albumin, linoleic acid and the ratio of phenylalanine to tyrosine differed significantly using all statistical approaches, acetate differed using the Wilcoxon test and random forest, docosapentaenoic acid percentage only using logistic regression (P < .05), and alanine only using random forest.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

We identified several metabolic changes associated with increased serum creatinine concentrations, including prospective diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. Further research is needed to verify the association of these changes with the clinical state of the dog. The NMR metabolomics test is a promising tool for improving diagnostic testing and management of renal diseases in dogs.
Dietary adequacy and nutritional status of Meitei community of Manipur, Northeast India
Authors: Loukrakpam Bidyalakshmi , Rajendran Ananthan , Madhari Radhika S. , Boiroju Naveen Kumar , Longvah Thingnganing
Published: December 2020

Meitei is the main ethnic community that belongs to the north‐eastern state of Manipur in India. This community is bestowed with rich biodiverse resources with indigenous foods still form an integral part of their diet. However, limited data on the food and nutrient consumption as well as nutritional status of this community are available. This study was carried out on the children, adolescents and women of reproductive age (WRA) of this community from 12 villages, to determine their food consumption pattern and nutritional status. Basic anthropometry and 24‐h dietary intake assessment was conducted. The prevalence of underweight was 27%, stunting was 45% and wasting was 12% in children below 5 years. Stunting was observed among 34% of children 5–17 years of age. About 7% of WRA were undernourished, while 28% were overweight or obese. About 55% of 1–7 year‐old children had mean probability adequacy of 12 micronutrients <0.5, and the adequacy of individual micronutrients namely vitamin A, E and calcium were low. Dietary determinants such as low dietary diversity score, dietary species richness and the lowest tertiles of different food groups' intake (except for sugars, fish and sea foods and spices and condiments) predicted micronutrient inadequacy. In addition to a high prevalence of undernutrition in children and adolescents and overnutrition in WRA, the effect of various dietary determinants on micronutrient adequacy in the study group of the Meitei community are reported.
Influences of psychosocial factors and home food availability on healthy meal preparation
Authors: Ng Choon Ming , Satvinder Kaur , Koo Hui Chin , Yap Roseline Wai Kuan , Mukhtar Firdaus
Published: December 2020

The involvement of children in healthy meal preparation activities has emerged as a potential strategy to promote healthy eating behaviour among children. However, there is a lack of understanding of children's internal (psychosocial factors) and external factors (home food availability) that may support the practice of preparing healthy meals. This study aimed to determine children's psychosocial factors of healthy meal preparation within themselves and their external environment of home food availability as predictors for the practice of healthy meal preparation. Public schools (n = 8) from all three zones (Bangsar‐Pudu, Keramat and Sentul) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were selected through stratified random sampling. Two hundred children aged 9–11 and their parents participated. Children's psychosocial factors towards healthy meal preparation and their home food availability were assessed through children and parents, respectively, using validated questionnaires. Majority of the schoolchildren (86.5%) had poor practice of healthy meal preparation. Increased attitude (r = 0.344, P < 0.001) and self‐efficacy (r = 0.501, P < 0.001) of healthy meal preparation and the availability of fruits (r = 0.304, P < 0.001), vegetables (r = 0.243, P < 0.001) and healthful ready‐to‐eat foods (r = 0.227, P = 0.001) at home were positively correlated with the practice of preparing healthy meals. After adjusting for age, sex and monthly household income, increased self‐efficacy (P < 0.001), availability of fruits (P = 0.01) and lower availability of less healthful ready‐to‐eat food (P = 0.01) were associated with better healthy meal preparation practices. Outcomes revealed that positive self‐efficacy of healthy meal preparation, home food availability of fruits and less healthful alternatives were associated with the practice of healthy meal preparation and thus should be targeted in future health‐promotion strategy.
When I say… empathic dissonance
Authors: Laughey William F. , Brown Megan E. L. , Palmer Emilia G. , Finn Gabrielle M.
Published: December 2020

A new term defined as 'the mental discomfort created by making expressions of empathy that are not sincerely felt', the authors explore how "empathic dissonance" presents a common problem in medical education.
When reflex reactions oppose voluntary commands: The StartReact effect on eye opening
Authors: Valls‐Solé Josep , Castellote Juan M. , Kofler Markus , Serranová Tereza , Versace Viviana , Campostrini Stefania , Campolo Michela
Published: December 2020

A startling auditory stimulus (SAS) induces a reflex response involving, among other reactions, a strong contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle (OOc) and subsequent eye closure. A SAS also induces the StartReact effect, a significant shortening of reaction time in subjects ready for task execution. We examined the obvious conflict appearing when a StartReact paradigm requires participants with eyes closed to open their eyes to look for a visual target. We recorded OOc EMG activity and eyelid movements in healthy volunteers who were instructed to open their eyes at perception of a somatosensory imperative stimulus (IS) and locate the position of a Libet's clock's hand shown on a computer screen at 80 cm distance. In 6 out of 20 trials, we delivered a SAS simultaneously with the IS. The main outcome measures were reaction time at onset of eyelid movement and the time gap (TG) separating subjective assessment of the clock's hand position from real IS issuing. Control experiments included reaction time to eye closing and target location with eyes open to the same IS. Reaction time was significantly faster in SAS than in noSAS trials and slower for eye opening than for eye closing in both conditions. In the eye‐opening task, TG was significantly shorter in SAS with respect to noSAS trials, despite the presence of the SAS‐related burst in the OOc before EMG cessation. Our results indicate that the StartReact effect speeds up eye opening and location of a target in the visual field despite the startle reaction opposing the task.
On estimation in the nested case‐control design under nonproportional hazards
Authors: Nuño Michelle M. , Gillen Daniel L.
Published: December 2020

Analysis of time‐to‐event data using Cox's proportional hazards (PH) model is ubiquitous in scientific research. A sample is taken from the population of interest and covariate information is collected on everyone. If the event of interest is rare and covariate information is difficult to collect, the nested case‐control (NCC) design reduces costs with minimal impact on inferential precision. Under PH, application of the Cox model to data from a NCC sample provides consistent estimation of the hazard ratio. However, under non‐PH, the finite‐sample estimates corresponding to the Cox estimator depend on the number of controls sampled and the censoring distribution. We propose two estimators based on a binary predictor of interest: one recovers the estimand corresponding to the Cox model under a simple random sample, while the other recovers an estimand that does not depend on the censoring distribution. We derive the asymptotic distribution and provide finite‐sample variance estimators.
Risk factors for, frequency, and type of complications after temporary tube cystostomy in goats, sheep, and pigs
Authors: Gamsjäger Lisa , Chigerwe Munashe
Published: December 2020

Objective

To describe risk factors for as well as type and frequency of complications, time to occurrence of complications, and mortality after temporary tube cystostomy alone or in combination with other surgical procedures, in goats, sheep, and pigs.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

One hundred thirteen goats, eight sheep, and six pigs.

Methods

Medical records of goats, sheep, and pigs that underwent temporary tube cystostomy alone or in combination with urethrotomy at the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, University of California‐Davis from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2018 were reviewed. Signalment, presurgical and surgical procedures, urolith type and location, and postoperative complications and mortality were analyzed. In goats, logistic regression analysis was performed to determine association between the presence of complications or mortality as well as candidate predictor variables.

Results

Postoperative complications were reported in 54.9% (62/113) of goats, 37.5% (3/8) of sheep, and 50% (3/6) of pigs. The most frequent type of complication was reobstruction. Median (range) time to first complication was 171 days (1‐2247) for goats. In sheep and pigs, the range for time to re‐presentation for complications was 11 to 37 and 17 to 1182 days, respectively. Proportions of nonsurvivors after tube cystostomy were 48.4% (30/62) goats, 1/8 sheep and 2/6 pigs. No association between examined predictor variables and the occurrence of complications or mortality was detected.

Conclusion

The risk of complications and mortality after temporary tube cystostomy was high, especially in goats.

Clinical significance

Owners should be made aware of the high complication rate after temporary tube cystostomy alone or in combination with other procedures. Investigation of alternative approaches to manage obstructive urolithiasis in goats, sheep, and pigs should be considered.
El endeudamiento para el acceso a la vivienda: los modelos de justicia detrás de la protección constitucional al deudor
Authors: López-Castro Yira Nohelia , Hernández-Zambrano David
Published: December 2020

En Colombia, las políticas habitacionales han condicionado el acceso a la vivienda digna al endeudamiento de los ciudadanos. Así, introducida en la cotidianidad de la ciudadanía y materializada a través de relaciones de poder asimétricas, la deuda se inserta en las preocupaciones constitucionales como una reacción a las fallas de la distribución de la vivienda a través del modelo de mercado. En este contexto, este artículo de investigación presenta la construcción de la figura del deudor en las políticas públicas desde los años treinta, y reconstruye la forma en la que la jurisprudencia de la Corte Constitucional ha contribuido con la definición de dicho sujeto. Para realizar el análisis, el texto caracteriza los modelos abstractos de justicia que yacen tras las justificaciones de la protección del deudor y señala los problemas derivados de la adopción de dichas justificaciones.
Resolución alternativa de conflictos ante el Servicio Nacional del Consumidor (SERNAC)
Authors: Morales Ortiz María Elisa , Walker Silva Nathalie Maureen
Published: December 2020

Este trabajo busca analizar las denominadas mediaciones individuales y colectivas como mecanismos alternativos de resolución de conflictos operados por el Servicio Nacional del Consumidor (SERNAC). Para ello, se revisa y comenta el texto de la Ley 19.496 (Ley de Protección de los Derechos de los Consumidores), antes y después de su última modificación, con una técnica de contraste. El estudio de la normativa y sus cambios concluye que las “mediaciones” individuales y colectivas no son, en rigor, mediaciones, sino procedimientos que representan un esfuerzo legislativo encaminado a establecer pautas de regulación para ese tipo de Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).