bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutational characterization and mapping of the 70S ribosome active site
Authors: d’Aquino Anne E , Azim Tasfia , Aleksashin Nikolay A , Hockenberry Adam J , Krüger Antje , Jewett Michael C
Published: January 2020

The synthetic capability of the Escherichia coli ribosome has attracted efforts to repurpose it for novel functions, such as the synthesis of polymers containing non-natural building blocks. However, efforts to repurpose ribosomes are limited by the lack of complete peptidyl transferase center (PTC) active site mutational analyses to inform design. To address this limitation, we leverage an in vitro ribosome synthesis platform to build and test every possible single nucleotide mutation within the PTC-ring, A-loop and P-loop, 180 total point mutations. These mutant ribosomes were characterized by assessing bulk protein synthesis kinetics, readthrough, assembly, and structure mapping. Despite the highly-conserved nature of the PTC, we found that >85% of the PTC nucleotides possess mutational flexibility. Our work represents a comprehensive single-point mutant characterization and mapping of the 70S ribosome's active site. We anticipate that it will facilitate structure-function relationships within the ribosome and make possible new synthetic biology applications.
Experiments on Cu-isotope fractionation between chlorine-bearing fluid and silicate magma: implications for fluid exsolution and porphyry Cu deposits
Authors: Guo Haihao , Xia Ying , Bai Ruixia , Zhang Xingchao , Huang Fang
Published: December 2019

Hydrothermal fluid is essential for transporting metals in the crust and mantle. To explore the potential of Cu isotopes as a tracer of hydrothermal-fluid activity, Cu-isotope fractionation factors between Cl-bearing aqueous fluids and silicate magmas (andesite, dacite, rhyolite dacite, rhyolite and haplogranite) were experimentally calibrated. Fluids containing 1.75–14 wt.% Cl were mixed together with rock powders in Au95Cu5 alloy capsules, which were equilibrated in cold-seal pressure vessels for 5–13 days at 800–850°C and 2 kbar. The elemental and Cu-isotopic compositions of the recovered aqueous fluid and solid phases were analyzed by (LA-) ICP–MS and multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, respectively. Our experimental results show that the fluid phases are consistently enriched in heavy Cu isotope (65Cu) relative to the coexisting silicates. The Cu-isotope fractionation factor (Δ65CuFLUID-MELT) ranges from 0.08 ± 0.01‰ to 0.69 ± 0.02‰. The experimental results show that the Cu-isotopic fractionation factors between aqueous fluids and silicates strongly depend on the Cu speciation in the fluids (e.g. CuCl(H2O), CuCl2– and CuCl32−) and silicate melts (CuO1/2), suggesting that the exsolved fluids may have higher δ65Cu than the residual magmas. Our results suggest the elevated δ65Cu values in Cu-enriched rocks could be produced by addition of aqueous fluids exsolved from magmas. Together with previous studies on Cu isotopes in the brine and vapor phases of porphyry deposits, our results are helpful for better understanding Cu-mineralization processes.
Opioid Prescription Filling Trends Among Children with Sickle Cell Disease After the Release of State-Issued Guidelines on Pain Management
Authors: Creary Susan E , Chisolm Deena J , Wrona Sharon K , Cooper Jennifer N
Published: January 2020

Objective

To assess the impact of Ohio’s 2012, 2013, and 2016 opioid prescribing guidelines on opioid and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) prescription filling and health care utilization for pain among children with sickle cell disease (SCD).

Design

Quasi-experimental retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Ohio Medicaid claims data from August 2011 to August 2016.

Subjects

Medicaid beneficiaries under age 19 years with SCD.

Methods

Interrupted time series analyses comparing population-level rates of opioids and NSAID prescriptions filled, standardized amounts of opioids dispensed, and acute health care utilization for pain before and after release of each guideline.

Results

In our cohort of 1,505 children with SCD, there was a temporary but significant decrease in the opioid filling rate (–2.96 prescriptions per 100 children, P = 0.01) and in the amount of opioids dispensed (–31.39 milligram morphine equivalents per filled prescription, P < 0.001) after the 2013 guideline but a temporary but significant increase in the opioid filling rate (7.44 prescriptions per 100 children, P < 0.001) and in the amount of opioids dispensed (72.73 mg morphine equivalents per filled prescription, P < 0.001) after the 2016 guideline. The NSAID filling rate did not significantly change after any of the guidelines. Acute health care utilization rates for pain after the 2016 guideline were similar to those before the 2013 guideline (rate ratio = 1.04, P = 0.63).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that Ohio’s 2013 and 2016 guidelines were associated with significant but nonsustained changes in opioid prescription filling among children with SCD. Additional studies are needed to confirm that opioid guidelines have a sustained impact on excessive opioid prescribing, filling, and misuse.
Hepatitis C and Compensated Cirrhosis Drug Approved for Eight-Week Treatment
Authors: Aschenbrenner Diane S.
Published: December 2019

The antiviral combination drug Mavyret (glecaprevir–pibrentasvir), used to treat patients with hepatitis C virus and compensated cirrhosis, is now approved for a treatment duration of eight weeks in treatment-naive adult and pediatric patients.

Changes to the product's labeling regarding the shortened length of therapy are based on preliminary data from the EXPEDITION-8 trial.
New Drug for Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Aschenbrenner Diane S.
Published: December 2019

The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist semaglutide, previously approved to treat type 2 diabetes as a subcutaneous injection under the trade name Ozempic, is now available as an oral tablet under the trade name Rybelsus.
The Elements of a Nursing Malpractice Case, Part 3B: Causation
Authors: Brous Edie
Published: December 2019

The chain of causation can be broken if an independent actor intervenes between the defendant's negligence and the resulting injury.
Initial experience with ablation of the innervation surrounding sinus and atrioventricular nodes to treat paroxysmal bradyarrhythmia
Authors: Lu Chun-Shan , Guo Cheng-Jun , Fang Dong-Ping , Hao Peng , He Dong-Fang , Xu Ai-Guo
Published: December 2019

Background

The symptomatic bradyarrhythmia is Class I indication for pacing therapy which is not a radical cure. The present study aimed to assess the feasibility and to present the initial results of the restricted ablation of the parasympathetic innervation surrounding sinus and atrioventricular (AV) nodes for treating patients with bradyarrhythmia.

Methods

A total of 13 patients with cardiogenic syncope were included from May 2008 to June 2015. Under the guidance of fluoroscopy and /or three-dimensional geometry by 64-slice spiral computed tomography, atrial activation sequence in sinus rhythm was mapped. Chamber geometry was reconstructed manually or automatically using the Niobe II magnetic navigation system integrated with the CARTO-remote magnetic technology (RMT) system. Cardioneuroablation was targeted at the high-amplitude fractionated electrograms surrounding the regions of His bundle and the site with the earliest activation in sinus rhythm. Areas surrounding the sinus node, AV node, and the phrenic nerve were avoided.

Results

Thirteen patients completed the studies. Ablation was successfully performed in 12 patients and failed in one. The high-frequency potential was recorded in atrial electrograms surrounding the sinus or AV nodes in all the patients and disappeared in 15 s after radiofrequency applications. The vagal reaction was observed before the improvement of the sinus and AV node function. No complications occurred during the procedures. Patients were followed up for a mean of 13.0 ± 5.9 months. During the follow up ten patients remained free of symptoms, and two patients had a permanent cardiac pacemaker implanted due to spontaneous recurrence of syncope. The heart rate of post-ablation was higher than pre-ablation (69.0 ± 11.0 vs. 49.0 ± 10.0 beats/min, t 
= 4.56, P = 0.008). The sinus node recovery time, Wenckebach block point, and atrium-His bundle interval were significantly shorter after ablation (1386.0 ± 165.0 vs. 921.0 ± 64.0 ms, t 
= 7.45, P = 0.002; 590.0 ± 96.0 vs. 464.0 ± 39.0 ms, t 
= 2.38, P = 0.023; 106.0 ± 5.0 vs. 90.0 ± 12.0 ms, t 
= 
9.80, P = 0.013 before and after ablation procedure, respectively).

Conclusions

Ablation of sinoatrial and AV nodal peripheral fibrillar myocardium electrical activity might provide a new treatment to ameliorate paroxysmal sinus node dysfunction, high degree AV block, and vagal-mediated syncope.
Triple-C SMAS Plication Facelift for Natural Facial Rejuvenation
Authors: Sadati Kevin , Motakef Saba
Published: December 2019

Background:

Various methods are used to reposition the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) during facelift procedures. This study presents a novel, radially oriented, layered SMAS plication: the triple-C SMAS plication. This technique utilizes customizable vectors in the pattern of a “C” to plicate the SMAS in 3 layers to lift and tighten the deep structures of the face.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing the triple-C SMAS plication over a 1-year period. Patients with a length of follow-up less than 100 days were excluded from the study. Demographic data, operative data, complication rates, and satisfaction rates were assessed.

Results:

One hundred ninety-one consecutive patients underwent a triple-C SMAS plication over a 12-month period. One hundred ten patients met inclusion criteria. Average follow-up was 404.5 days. Complications assessed included temporary facial nerve neuropraxia (0.91%), major hematoma (1.82%), minor hematoma (2.73%), seroma (4.54%), great auricular nerve injury (0%), postauricular skin slough >2 cm (1.82%), and infection (0.91%). Two revision procedures were performed (1.82%). Patient satisfaction rate was 96.4%.

Conclusions:

Traditional SMAS plication techniques involve single-layer, straight-line plications to lift the lower face and neck, limiting their versatility. The triple-C SMAS plication represents a novel technique to safely and effectively elevate the deep structures of the face in a radial pattern to restore a more youthful contour to the malar area, jawline, and neck. This represents a unique strategy for face lifting by which excellent results can be consistently obtained.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Chinese Version of the Knowledge and Beliefs About Pain in Elderly Patients With Dementia Questionnaire
Authors: LIN Pei-Chao , CHOU Pi-Ling , TSENG Hui-Chen , HSIEH Mei-Hui , LIN Li-Chan
Published: December 2019

Background

The quality of pain management in hospitalized older adult patients with dementia is a crucial issue in healthcare. The knowledge and beliefs of nurses are known to predict their pain management intentions toward this particularly vulnerable patient population.

Purpose

This study was designed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Knowledge and Beliefs About Pain in Elderly Patients With Dementia (KBPED-C) questionnaire using a sample of hospital nurses.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted. The 17-item KBPED-C was distributed between September 2013 and August 2014 to 350 nurses working at a hospital in northern Taiwan. Consistency assessment was conducted using Cronbach's alpha, and construct validity was examined using principal component analysis. Three hundred five nurses (19 men and 286 women) were enrolled using convenience sampling.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 30.8 ± 5.8 years. The Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency was .86. The item–total correlation was acceptable. The observed content validity was strong, with a content validity index of .86. Construct validity testing revealed a four-factor structure that accounted for 55.2% of the total variance. The four factors of the KBPED-C questionnaire were “general beliefs about pain and aging,” “pain management in the workplace,” “knowledge about pain management in older adult patients with dementia,” and “beliefs about pain in older people.”

Conclusions/Implications for Practice

This preliminary validation study showed the high acceptability, reliability, and validity of the KBPED-C for hospital nurses. Future studies may use this questionnaire to explore the beliefs and knowledge of nurses regarding pain in older adult patients with dementia.
Synchrony Between Bipolar Mood Cycles and Lunar Tidal Cycles Ended After Initiation of Light Treatment and Treatment of Hypothyroidism
Authors: AVERY DAVID H. , ALEXANDER ELIZABETH M. , WEHR THOMAS A.
Published: December 2019

According to a recent report, mood cycles in a group of patients with rapid cycling bipolar disorder oscillated in synchrony with lunar gravimetric tides. Mood switches in a 67-year-old woman with rapid cycling bipolar II disorder on lithium maintenance treatment were assessed with a χ2 periodogram and a χ2 analysis of the mood switches in relation to the lunar tidal cycle. During a period when she was treated with nortriptyline and her thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were elevated, her mood switches had a significant (P<0.05) 29- to 30-day periodicity, and the χ2 analysis showed that the switches were distributed nonrandomly in relation to the spring-neap lunar tidal cycle (P<0.0001); 14 of 15 switches occurred within 2 days of the spring tides. After nortriptyline was discontinued, thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were normalized with treatment with levothyroxine, and consistent bright light treatment was started, the synchrony between mood cycles and lunar cycles disappeared, and rapid cycling eventually stopped. The possibility that lunar mood cycling is sometimes contingent on antidepressant treatment, decreased thyroid function, and certain types of light-dark cycles needs to be considered in future research on lunar tidal influences on the course of bipolar illness.
Psychotic Disorders in Patients Who Use Synthetic Cannabinoids
Authors: SKRYABIN VALENTIN Y. , VINNIKOVA MARIA A.
Published: December 2019

Objective:

The main objective of this study was to investigate the structure of psychotic disorders due to synthetic cannabinoid use and to determine differences in clinical characteristics and disease course between such substance-induced psychosis and psychosis associated with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia.

Methods:

This was a longitudinal, observational cohort study that included male patients who underwent inpatient treatment in the intensive care unit or in the emergency department due to substance-induced psychoses. The follow-up period was up to 2 years.

Results:

We identified 4 clinical variants of substance-induced psychoses in patients who use synthetic cannabinoids.

Conclusions:

Our study revealed that psychotic symptoms are typical manifestations in association with intoxication with synthetic cannabinoids, and we identified several nonspecific characteristics of the psychoses that may occur in patients intoxicated with synthetic cannabinoids. We also identified a number of signs that may indicate the presence of substance-induced psychoses.
Drug-Drug Interactions (DDIs) in Psychiatric Practice, Part 7: Relative Receptor Binding Affinity as a Way of Understanding the Differential Pharmacology of Currently Available Antipsychotics
Authors: PRESKORN SHELDON H.
Published: December 2019

This column is the seventh in a series exploring drug-drug interactions (DDIs) with a special emphasis on psychiatric medications. The first 3 columns in this DDI series discussed why patients being treated with psychiatric medications are at increased risk for taking multiple medications and thus experiencing DDIs, how to recognize such DDIs, strategies for avoiding and/or minimizing adverse outcomes from such DDIs, and pharmacokinetic considerations concerning DDIs in psychiatric practice. The fourth and fifth columns in this series presented a pair of parallel tables, one of which outlined the primary, known mechanism(s) of action of all commonly used psychiatric medications and one of which summarized major types of pharmacodynamic DDIs based on mechanism of action. Clinicians can use these 2 tables together to predict pharmacodynamically mediated DDIs. The sixth column discussed key pharmacodynamic interactions involving ethanol, opioids, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. That column focused particularly on hypertensive crises and serotonin syndrome with monoamine oxidase inhibitors and also DDIs involving psychiatric medications with adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and on the central nervous system. This seventh column in this series presents the concept of relative receptor binding and includes a table summarizing the relative receptor binding affinity of commonly used antipsychotic medications, including all of the newer agents as well as some of the older agents such as haloperidol. The overall goal of this series of columns is to present a simple way of conceptualizing neuropsychiatric medications in terms of their pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics to allow prescribers to take these facts into consideration when they need to use ≥2 drugs in combination to optimally treat a patient.
The Relationship of Early-Life Adversity With Adulthood Weight and Cardiometabolic Health Status in the 1946 National Survey of Health and Development
Authors: Robson Ellie , Norris Tom , Wulaningsih Wahyu , Hamer Mark , Hardy Rebecca , Johnson William
Published: December 2019

Objective

Evidence linking early-life adversity with an adverse cardiometabolic profile in adulthood is equivocal. This study investigates early-life adversity in relation to weight and cardiometabolic health status at ages 60 to 64 years.

Methods

We included 1059 individuals from the 1946 National Survey of Health and Development. Data on adversity between ages 0 to 15 years were used to create a cumulative childhood psychosocial adversity score and a socioeconomic adversity score. Cardiometabolic and weight/height data collected at ages 60 to 64 years were used to create four groups: metabolically healthy normal weight, metabolically unhealthy normal weight, metabolically healthy overweight/obese, and metabolically unhealthy overweight/obese. Associations between the two exposure scores and weight/health status were examined using multinomial logistic regression, with adjustment for sex and age at the outcome visit.

Results

Sixty-two percent of normal-weight individuals were metabolically healthy, whereas only 34% of overweight/obese individuals were metabolically healthy. In a mutually adjusted model including both exposure scores, a psychosocial score of ≥3 (compared with 0) was associated with increased risk of being metabolically unhealthy (compared with healthy) in both normal-weight adults (relative risk = 2.49; 95% confidence interval = 0.87–7.13) and overweight/obese adults (1.87; 0.96–3.61). However, the socioeconomic adversity score was more strongly related to metabolic health status in overweight/obese adults (1.60; 0.98–2.60) than in normal-weight adults (0.95; 0.46–1.96).

Conclusions

Independently of socioeconomic adversity, psychosocial adversity in childhood may be associated with a poor cardiometabolic health profile, in both normal-weight and overweight/obese adults.
Genetic-Ancestry Analysis on >93,000 Individuals Undergoing Expanded Carrier Screening Reveals Limitations of Ethnicity-Based Medical Guidelines
Authors: Kaseniit Kristjan E. , Haque Imran S. , Goldberg James D. , Shulman Lee P. , Muzzey Dale
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Despite strong association between genetic ancestry and carrier status, current carrier-screening guidelines recommend testing for a limited set of conditions based on a patient’s self-reported ethnicity, which conflates genetic and cultural factors.

Materials and Methods

For 93,419 individuals undergoing a 96-gene expanded carrier screen (ECS), correspondence was assessed among carrier status, self-reported ethnicity, and a dual-component genetic ancestry (e.g., 75% African/25% European) calculated from sequencing data.

Results

Self-reported ethnicity was an imperfect indicator of genetic ancestry, with 9% of individuals having >50% genetic ancestry from a lineage inconsistent with self-reported ethnicity. Self-reported ethnicity-based carrier-screening guidelines are incomplete, as several conditions not included in guidelines had similarly strong correlation between carrier rate and genetic ancestry as conditions included in screening guidelines. Limitations of self-reported ethnicity led to missed carriers in at-risk populations: for 10 ECS conditions, patients with intermediate genetic ancestry backgrounds—who did not self-report the associated ethnicity—had significantly elevated carrier risk. Finally, for seven of the 16 conditions included in current screening guidelines, most carriers were not from the population the guideline aimed to serve.

Conclusion

To provide equitable reproductive care, guidelines should discontinue the use of ethnicity as a basis for determining which patients are appropriate for carrier screening and instead recommend pan-ethnic ECS.
IRAK1-mediated coincidence detection of microbial signals licenses inflammasome activation
Authors: Vayttaden Sharat J. , Smelkinson Margery , Ernst Orna , Carlson Rebecca J. , Sun Jing , Bradfield Clinton , Dorrington Michael G. , Liang Jonathan , Bouladoux Nicolas , Gottschalk Rachel A. , Oh Kyu-Seon , Pegoraro Gianluca , Ganesan Sundar , De Nardo Dominic , Latz Eicke , Belkaid Yasmine , Varma Rajat R. , Fraser Iain D.C.
Published: December 2019

The innate immune system signals through various higher order signaling complexes called supramolecular organizing centers (SMOCs), which typically organize components of a single pathway. While innate immune signaling pathways have been largely characterized using single receptor stimuli, responses to pathogens require the coordinated engagement of multiple pathways. Here, we report an IRAK1-containing SMOC formed specifically when multiple receptors are activated, which recruits select components of the TLR, MAPK and inflammasome pathways. This allows for signal flux redistribution from TLRs to inflammasomes and facilitates inflammasome licensing through an MKK7-JNK axis, which is defective inIrak1−/−mice. Furthermore, this defect inIrak1−/−mice manifests in increased susceptibility to inflammasome-sensitive pathogens and diminished IL1 production from inflammasomes after co-TLR priming. Thus, IRAK1 SMOCs form a multi-pathway coordinating hub for coincidence detection of microbial signals, which may be employed by innate immune cells as a threat assessment and thresholding mechanism for inflammasome activation.
Environmental shedding of toxigenicClostridioides difficileby asymptomatic carriers: A prospective observational study
Authors: Gilboa Mayan , Houri Levi Esther , Cohen Carmit , Tal Ilana , Rubin Carmit , Feld-Simon Olga , Brom Adi , Eden-Friedman Yehudit , Segal Shoshi , Rahav Galia , Regev-Yochay Gili ,   for the ShIC research group
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To compare the burden of environmental shedding of toxigenicC. difficileamong asymptomatic carriers,C. difficileinfected (CDI) patients and non-carriers, in an inpatient non-epidemic setting.

Methods

C. difficilecarriage was determined by positive toxin-B PCR from rectal swabs of asymptomatc patients. Active CDI was defined as a positive 2-step EIA/PCR test in patients with >3 unformed stools/24 hours.C. difficileenvironmental contamination was assessed by obtaining specimens from 10 sites in the patients’ rooms. Toxigenic strains were identified by PCR. We created a contamination scale to define the overall level of room contamination that ranged from clean to heavy contamination.

Results

117 rooms were screened; 70 rooms inhabited byC. difficilecarriers, 30 rooms by active CDI patients and 17 rooms by nonC. difficile-carriers (Control). In the carrier rooms 29 (41%) had more than residual contamination, from which 17 (24%) were heavily contaminated. In the CDI rooms 12 (40%) had more than residual contamination from which 3 (10%) were heavily contaminated, while in the control rooms, one room (6%) had more than residual contamination and none were heavily contaminated. In a multivariate analysis, the contamination score of rooms inhabited by carriers did not differ from rooms of CDI patients, yet both were significantly more contaminated than those of none carriers OR 12.23 and 11.16 (95%CI:1.5-99.96 P=0.0195, and 1.19-104.49 p=0.035), respectively.

Conclusion

Here we show thatC. difficilecarriers’ rooms are as contaminated as those of patients with active CDI and significantly more than those of non-carriers.
Barriers and opportunities to greening the construction supply chain management
Authors: Ahmed Maria , Thaheem Muhammad Jamaluddin , Maqsoom Ahsen
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate critical barriers hindering the adoption of green supply chain management (GSCM) and the opportunities that can be exploited with such an implementation in the construction industry of developing countries. It also devises strategies to avoid critical barriers in implementation and exploit opportunities for a better overall environmental performance of the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This research relies upon an extensive literature review; data are collected from 163 professionals and 15 interviews of field professionals from 11 developing countries are conducted. The barriers and opportunities are synthesized through literature review and then data are collected over their significance from the construction professionals through an online survey. To highlight the interconnectedness of the critical barriers and opportunities, a causal loop framework is developed. Furthermore, expert opinion is sought to develop the strategies.

Findings

This research integrates information from different sources and provides a holistic view of the current situation of GSCM in developing countries. In total, 34 barriers and 23 opportunities are extracted from literature. The top 4 barriers fall under the “involvement and support” category, whereas the top four opportunities fall under the “environmental” category. Furthermore, the strategies to implement GSCM include suitable policies by top management to incorporate practices such as innovative green design, green procurement, green packaging, green distribution and even end-of-life management, which play a vital role in emission reduction.

Originality/value

This research is a first attempt at evaluating the barriers and opportunities facing GSCM in the construction sector of the developing countries. The findings encourage the stakeholders in adopting GSCM practices by presenting a clear picture of the potential benefits that can be exploited by implementing the proposed strategies to eliminate critical barriers in the construction industry.
Exploring nuances of green skepticism in different economies
Authors: Silva Minelle E. , Sousa-Filho José Milton de , Yamim Amanda Pruski , Diógenes Abílio Peixoto
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between consumers’ skepticism and green consumption in different economies by exploring antecedents and consequences of skepticism.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a cross-country approach, with data from Brazil and France, the relationships between green skepticism and downstream consequences (e.g. intention to purchase green products) were analyzed using the partial least squares path modeling with the results of 996 questionnaires.

Findings

Contradicting previous research, the authors found that in France, green skepticism represents consumers’ increased green advertising elaboration, not a disbelief in companies’ claims, and it is associated with greater intentions to make green purchases. Meanwhile, in Brazil, green skepticism represents consumers’ disbelief, which is associated to consumers greater suspicion toward (and distance from) companies’ claims in such country. This study shows that the role of skepticism and the valence of its effect on green attitudes depend on market relationships.

Research limitations/implications

The authors promote the importance of investigating the different meanings of skepticism across countries, what can spill over on research of other marketing aspects, such as advertising elaboration. Managers should consider the importance of consumers’ doubts and skepticism as a useful element that can be explored in green advertising effectiveness.

Practical implications

Managers should consider the importance of consumers’ doubts and skepticism as a useful element that can be explored in green advertising effectiveness.

Originality/value

This research examines an underexplored debate on the role of green skepticism in different economies and demonstrates the nuances green advertising impact on both markets.
Values and beliefs as predictors of pre‐service teachers’ enjoyment of teaching in inclusive settings
Authors: Büssing Alexander Georg , Menzel Susanne , Schnieders Maxime , Beckmann Valerie , Basten Melanie
Published: December 2019

As several countries have committed themselves to the promotion of inclusive school systems, teachers might feel overwhelmed by the additional competencies needed for inclusive teaching. Beyond an increase in specialised knowledge, these competencies include a coherent belief system to facilitate the adoption of inclusive practices. Currently, there is scarce knowledge concerning the foundation of teachers’ beliefs and values and the possible connections between these personality traits and inclusive practices. Based on the theory of cognitive hierarchy, we investigated the predictive ability of the value of universalism in shaping sentiments, attitudes and concerns about inclusive education (RQ1), as well as their links to the anticipated enjoyment of teaching in inclusive settings as an indicator of enthusiasm for teaching (RQ2). Within a sample of 229 biology pre‐service teachers (Mage = 22.9 years, SDage = 3.5 years; 76% female, 68% bachelor) we found universalism to be a direct predictor of sentiments, attitudes and concerns regarding inclusive education. Furthermore, universalism was the strongest predictor of anticipated enjoyment of teaching in inclusive settings, while only sentiments about inclusive education were not predictive for enjoyment. The study illustrates how deeper underlying values like universalism is connected to beliefs about inclusive education and subsequent motivations in the classroom. When teacher educators intend to motivate pre‐service teachers to teach in inclusive settings, these variables should be kept in mind, though further study must be done on the generalisability of the results for pre‐service teachers of other school subjects.
Long‐lasting microbial dysbiosis and altered enteric neurotransmitters in adult rats following adolescent binge ethanol exposure
Authors: Vetreno Ryan P. , Massey Veronica , Crews Fulton T.
Published: December 2019

Human alcoholism and ethanol exposure of adult mice cause acute microbial dysbiosis. Adolescent binge drinking is common, but the effect of adolescent ethanol exposure on the adult microbiome and enteric neurotransmitters has not been studied. In the current study, male Wistar rats received adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) treatment, and fecal samples were collected on postnatal day (P)54 and P95 for bacterial 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Cecal tissue was collected on P95 for analysis of innate immune and neurotransmitter marker expression. At the genus level, AIE treatment altered the relative abundance of several microbes, including decreased relative abundance of Dehalobacterium and CF231 (a member of the Paraprevotellaceae family) that persisted into adulthood. Across aging, the relative abundance of several microbes was altered in both control‐ and AIE‐treated rats. At P95, AIE exposure was associated with increased cecal serotonin levels and reduced choline acetyltransferase gene expression. Taxonomic shifts at P54 and at P95 suggest that AIE causes both immediate and lasting microbial dysbiosis. The lasting microbial dysbiosis was accompanied by alterations of enteric neurotransmitters.
Distribution of adult Australian wingless scorpionflies (Mecoptera: Apteropanorpidae)
Authors: Palmer Christopher M , Yeates David K
Published: December 2019

Apart from a few species of interest to behavioural ecologists, the biology and ecology of most scorpionfly species is not well known. The Apteropanorpidae is a family of wingless Mecoptera endemic to Tasmania, comprising four described species in the genus Apteropanorpa. Intensive field surveys for Apteropanorpa species were conducted from 2001 to 2003 in a range of altitudes and habitats in several parts of Tasmania, and these yielded a large number of adult specimens. Adults were collected from a total of 26 plant species and subspecies belonging to nine families, including both angiosperms and gymnosperms. There was a positive relationship between the total number of plant species sampled at each site and adult abundance, so that sampling a greater number of plant species increased the number of adults collected. There was a positive relationship between plant size and abundance at five out of eight sites, such that adults were more likely to aggregate on larger plants. The overall sex ratio of adults on plants was 1:1. An extremely large series of adults was collected in pitfall traps established along an altitudinal transect on Mt Weld, southern Tasmania, from January to April 2001. Pitfall‐trapped adults comprised two species: Apteropanorpa warra at altitudes ≤1000 m and the alpine species A. tasmanica at altitudes of 1100–1300 m. Total abundance of A. warra in pitfall traps on Mt Weld was low; however, the number of pitfall‐trapped female A. tasmanica was very large and markedly increased linearly with altitude from 1100–1300 m in both March and April 2001. The number of male A. tasmanica was also large and increased markedly from 1100 to 1200 m in both March and April. Data strongly indicate an autumnal peak in adult abundance for the Apteropanorpidae, as is the case for other Australian Mecoptera.
Differential gene expression profiles of human efferent ducts and proximal epididymis
Authors: Légaré Christine , Sullivan Robert
Published: December 2019

Background

Gene expression patterns along the epididymis are established by specific transcription factor networks that coordinate region‐specific functions. In rodents, the epididymis can be divided in up to 19 segments. Based on gross anatomy, the human epididymis is divided into caput, corpus, and cauda segments together with efferent ducts that occupy the proximal part of this organ.

Objectives

To determine to which extent gene expression pattern is segmented along the efferent ducts and the proximal region of the epididymis in men of reproductive age.

Materials and methods

Epididymal transcriptome profiling was performed on eight distinct regions from three donors. Microarray analysis was performed on a gene‐chip microarray. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs)>2‐fold change (P < .05) were clustered in relation to their intensity profiles. Overrepresented biological functions from gene ontology were searched using DAVID 6.8. Expression profiles were validated by qRT‐PCR quantification of selected genes.

Results

There were no DEGs among segments 1‐3 of efferent ducts region neither among segments 4‐6 of the caput epididymis. 1058 DEGs were identified between efferent ducts and the epididymis, whereas 444 and 846 DEGs distinguished the caput from the corpus (section 7) and cauda (section 8) epididymis, respectively. A total of 131 DEGs were detected between corpus (7) and cauda (8) transcriptomes. Up‐regulated DEGs in the efferent ducts were predominantly related to cilium assembly/movement and cell differentiation. Fertilization, defense, and immune responses were associated with caput epididymis (4‐6), while spermatogenesis and protein binding were found all along the epididymis (4‐8).

Discussion

The proximal human epididymis is exclusively occupied by efferent ducts with a distinct DEG profile compared with the downstream epididymal segments. Moreover, gene expression profiling revealed two regions in the human epididymis: the caput and the distal corpus/cauda region.

Conclusions

Human epididymal transcriptome reveals limited DEGs, and efferent ducts have a distinct DEGs profile.
Letter: hepatitis B virus infection and risk of multiple myeloma—a meta‐analysis of cohort studies
Authors: An Ran , Li Jiaming , Chen Yubao , Chen Yu
Published: December 2019

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Su et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15132 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15607.
Confirming the recessive inheritance of PERP‐related erythrokeratoderma
Authors: Patel Nisha , Alkeraye Salim , Alobeid Eman , Alshidi Tarfa , Helaby Rana , Abdulwahab Firdous , Shamseldin Hanan E. , Alkuraya Fowzan S.
Published: January 2020

Erythrokeratoderma (EK) is heterogeneous clinical entity characterized by excessive scaling with resulting erythrokeratotic plaques. Several genes have been linked to EK and they encode a number of proteins that are important for the integrity of the keratinocyte layer of the epidermis. PERP is a transcription factor that is activated by both p53 and p63. However, its deficiency in a mouse model appears to only recapitulate p63‐mediated role in skin development and organization. We report an extended multiplex consanguineous family in which an EK phenotype with a striking similarity to that observed in Perp−/− mice, is mapped to an autozygous region on chromosome 6 that spans PERP. Whole‐exome sequencing revealed a novel variant in PERP that fully segregated with the phenotype. Functional analysis of patient‐ and control‐derived keratinocytes revealed a deleterious effect of the identified variant on the intracellular localization of PERP. A previous report showed that PERP mutation causes a dominant form of keratoderma but a single patient in that report with a homozygous variant in PERP suggests that recessive inheritance is also possible. Our results, therefore, support the establishment of an autosomal recessive PERP‐related EK phenotype in humans.
BILATERAL RENT‐SEEKING AND GROWTH OF FDI INFLOW IN CHINA: THEORY AND EVIDENCE
Authors: Keng Shu , Lee Chien‐Chiang , Li Weiping , Shen Jim Huangnan
Published: December 2019

This research proposes a new theory called bilateral rent‐seeking to explain the dramatic growth of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow into China over the past several decades. We construct a Nash bargaining model to illustrate the relevance of how the reciprocal relationship between the local state and foreign investors leads to the greater incentives for the latter to invest in the local market, thus resulting into the huge FDI inflows into the domestic market in China in the past several decades. The empirically evidence presented in the end is broadly consistent with the theories proposed in this paper (JEL D21, D72, L52)
The impact of home‐based pulmonary rehabilitation on people with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lahham Aroub , McDonald Christine F. , Moore Rosemary , Cox Narelle S. , Rawlings Sarah , Nichols Amanda , Liacos Athina , Holland Anne E.
Published: December 2019

Introduction

People with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience exercise intolerance, dyspnoea and poor quality of life. However, the role of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in this group is unclear. Objectives: This randomised controlled trial aimed to explore the effects of home‐based PR in people with mild COPD.

Methods

People with mild COPD (FEV1/FVC < 70%; FEV1 > 80%predicted) with a smoking history of ≥10 packet years were randomised to either 8 weeks of home‐based PR (one home visit and seven once‐weekly telephone calls) or standard care (weekly social telephone calls). Six minute walk distance (6MWD), and Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale (mMRC) and Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ) scores were compared.

Results

A total of 58 participants (34 males, mean age 68 (SD 9) years, FEV1%predicted 90 (7), 6MWD 496 (105) m) were included with 31 participants randomised to home‐based PR. Participants attended an average of 6.8 of the 8 scheduled sessions, ranging from 3 to 8 sessions. Both groups showed improvements in exercise capacity, symptoms and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) over time, however there was no difference in 6MWD at end‐intervention (mean difference −3 m, 95% confidence interval (CI) −64 to 58) or 6 months (7 m, 95% CI −59 to 72). At 6 months home‐based PR participants were more likely to have clinically important improvements in CRQ emotional function (50% of home PR vs 0% control, P < 0.001) and CRQ total score (45% vs 17%, P = 0.05).

Conclusion

For people with mild COPD, home‐based PR did not improve exercise capacity more than standard care.

The trial was registered at the Australia New Zealand clinical trial registry (https://www.anzctr.org.au, Trial ID: ACTRN12616000965404).
Spatiotemporal ecology of juvenile Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) and Northern Pike (Esox lucius) in upper St. Lawrence River nursery bays during their inaugural fall and winter
Authors: Walton‐Rabideau Sarah E. , Lédée Elodie J. I. , Leblanc John Paul , Szekeres Petra , Midwood Jonathan D. , Gallagher Austin J. , Farrell John M. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: December 2019

Understanding the spatial ecology of juvenile freshwater fish beyond summer months is an essential component of their life history puzzle. To this end, declines in the natural populations of sympatric Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) and Northern Pike (Esox lucius) in the upper St. Lawrence River prompted study of spatiotemporal patterns and habitat requirements associated with earlier life stages of these congeneric, freshwater predators in fall and overwinter periods. Over 75 age‐0 esocids were tagged and passively monitored using acoustic telemetry in four nursery embayments in fall and winter months from 2015 and 2017 months to elucidate spatiotemporal ecology and test hypotheses related to emigration. Presence, residency, space and habitat use were assessed and modelled against key environmental (i.e. water temperature and level) and biological (total length) covariates using mixed effect models. Muskellunge were found to spend more time in deeper, littoral regions with canopy‐forming, submerged aquatic vegetation while Northern Pike aggregated in the deepest, highly vegetated region of their nursery embayment. Results suggest fish may exhibit transitionary movements in fall months and may span outwards into nearshore regions along the main river channel. Studies informing coastal restoration initiatives to increase Muskellunge production are encouraged to assess sympatric habitat use relative to prominent embayment structures and further explore depth partitioning by these young predators. With a substantial influence from water‐level regulation on use of nursery habitat, future studies must work in concert with management plans aimed at producing more natural riverine cycles and thus increased recruitment of Esox species.
The knowledge, awareness, and perception of healthcare professionals about appropriate prescribing in the elderly: Findings from Nigeria and South Africa
Authors: Saka Sule A. , Oosthuizen Frasia , Nlooto Manimbulu , Odusan Olatunde
Published: January 2020

Rationale, Aims, and Objectives

Inappropriate prescribing is associated with preventable morbidity and mortality in the elderly. The American Geriatrics‐Beers (AGS‐Beers) Criteria was developed to guide healthcare professionals (HCPs) to prescribe medications appropriately in the elderly. However, there is a dearth of information about the knowledge and awareness of HCPs of these criteria, and their perceptions of appropriate prescribing in the elderly. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and perceptions of Nigerian and South African HCPs about appropriate prescribing in the elderly.

Method

A 32‐item questionnaire was self‐administered among consecutively selected HCPs (physicians, nurses, and pharmacists) in one teaching hospital each in Nigeria and South Africa. Seven questions including six clinical vignettes from the 2015 AGS‐Beers Criteria were used to assess the participants' knowledge.The participants' knowledge was classified based on the total score as poor (0‐3), fair (4, 5), and good (6, 7). The HCPs' perceptions of appropriate prescribing in the elderly were evaluated using a 5‐point Likert scale. Mann‐Whitney U test was used to evaluate ranked variables at P < .05.

Results

A total of 369 participants, 62.9% (232/369) mean age 42.75(9.35) years in Nigeria and 37.1% (137/369), mean age 38.66 (7.76) years, (CI = 2.32‐5.87, P < .001) in South Africa were evaluated. Many participants in Nigeria (52.6%) and 48.2% in South Africa had scores (4, 5).The majority of the participants (57.3%) in Nigeria and 67.2% in South Africa were not aware of any explicit criteria for prescribing to the elderly while 45.8% of the total participants with no significant difference between the groups (P = .332) “strongly agreed” or “agreed” that the basic professional training is adequate for prescribing medicines to the elderly.

Conclusions

Many HCPs in Nigeria and South Africa had a fair knowledge of appropriate prescribing to the elderly and considered basic professional training as adequate for appropriate prescribing to the elderly.
mRNA Polyadenylation Machineries in Intestinal Protozoan Parasites
Authors: Ospina‐Villa Juan David , Tovar‐Ayona Brisna Joana , López‐Camarillo César , Soto‐Sánchez Jacqueline , Ramírez‐Moreno Esther , Castañón‐Sánchez Carlos A. , Marchat Laurence A.
Published: January 2020

In humans, mRNA polyadenylation involves the participation of about 20 factors in four main complexes that recognize specific RNA sequences. Notably, CFIm25, CPSF73, and PAP have essential roles for poly(A) site selection, mRNA cleavage, and adenosine residues polymerization. Besides the relevance of polyadenylation for gene expression, information is scarce in intestinal protozoan parasites that threaten human health. To better understand polyadenylation in Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, and Cryptosporidium parvum, which represent leading causes of diarrhea worldwide, genomes were screened for orthologs of human factors. Results showed that Entamoeba histolytica and C. parvum have 16 and 12 proteins out of the 19 human proteins used as queries, respectively, while G. lamblia seems to have the smallest polyadenylation machinery with only six factors. Remarkably, CPSF30, CPSF73, CstF77, PABP2, and PAP, which were found in all parasites, could represent the core polyadenylation machinery. Multiple genes were detected for several proteins in Entamoeba, while gene redundancy is lower in Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Congruently with their relevance in the polyadenylation process, CPSF73 and PAP are present in all parasites, and CFIm25 is only missing in Giardia. They conserve the functional domains and predicted folding of human proteins, suggesting they may have the same roles in polyadenylation.