bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RNAP II produces capped 18S and 25S ribosomal RNAs resistant to 5’-monophosphate dependent processive 5’→3’ exonuclease in polymerase switched Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Rocha Miguel A. , Gowda Bhavani S. , Fleischmann Jacob
Published: June 2021

We have previously found in the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans, 18S and 25S ribosomal RNA components, containing more than one phosphate on their 5’-end, resistant to 5’-monophosphate requiring 5’→3” exonuclease. Several lines of evidence pointed to RNAP II as the enzyme producing them. We now show in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, permanently switched to RNAP II, due to deletion part of RNAP I upstream activator alone or in combination with deletion of one component of RNAP I itself, the production of such 18S and 25S rRNAs. They contain multiple phosphates at their 5’-end and an anti-cap specific antibody binds to them indicating capping of these molecules. These molecules are found in RNA isolated from nuclei, therefore are unlikely to be capped in the cytoplasm. This would be unlike recapping of decapped mRNAs which occurs in the cytoplasm. Our data confirm the existence of such molecules and firmly establish RNA II playing a role in their production. The fact that we see these molecules in wild type Saccharomyces cerevisiae indicates that they are not only a result of mutations but are part of the cells physiology. This adds another way RNAP II is involved in ribosome production in addition to their role in the production of ribosome associated proteins.
Emergent Color Categorization in a Neural Network trained for Object Recognition
Authors: de Vries JP , Akbarinia A , Flachot A , Gegenfurtner KR
Published: June 2021

Color is a prime example of categorical perception, yet it is unclear why and how color categories emerge. While prelinguistic infants and animals treat color categorically, several recent modeling endeavors have successfully utilized communicative concepts to predict color categories. Rather than modeling categories directly, we investigate the potential emergence of color categories as a result of acquiring visual skills. Specifically, whether color is represented categorically in a convolutional neural network (CNN) trained to recognize objects in natural images. Systematically training new output layers to the CNN for a color classification task, we find clear borders between new (non-training) colors that are largely invariant to the training colors. Using an evolutionary algorithm that relies on the principle of categorical perception we verify these border locations. These results provide strong evidence that color categorization emerges as a function of basic visual skills and provide a new basis for uncovering how they emerge.
Median based absolute quantification of proteins using Fully Unlabelled Generic Internal Standard (FUGIS)
Authors: Raghuraman Bharath Kumar , Bogdanova Aliona , Moon HongKee , Rzagalinski Ignacy , Geertsma Eric R. , Hersemann Lena , Shevchenko Andrej
Published: June 2021

By reporting molar abundances of proteins, absolute quantification determines their stoichiometry in complexes, pathways or networks. Typically, absolute quantification relies either on protein-specific isotopically labelled peptide standards or on a semi-empirical calibration against the average abundance of peptides chosen from arbitrary selected proteins. In contrast, a generic protein standard FUGIS (forFullyUnlabelledGenericInternalStandard) requires no isotopic labelling, chemical synthesis or external calibration and is applicable to quantifying proteins of any organismal origin. The median intensity of peptide peaks produced by the digestion of FUGIS is used as a single point calibrant to determine the molar abundance of any co-digested protein. Powered by FUGIS, median based absolute quantification (MBAQ) outperformed other available methods of untargeted proteome-wide absolute quantification.
Enhanced translation of leaderless mRNAs under oxidative stress in Escherichia coli
Authors: Leiva Lorenzo Eugenio , Orellana Omar , Ibba Michael , Katz Assaf
Published: June 2021

The bacterial response to oxidative stress requires the adaptation of the proteome to the hostile environment. It has been reported that oxidative stress induces a strong and global inhibition of both, transcription and translation. Nevertheless, whereas it is well known that transcription of a small group of genes is induced thanks to transcription factors such as OxyR and SoxR, an equivalent mechanism has not been described for translation. Here we report that whereas canonical translation that depends on Shine Dalgarno recognition is inhibited by oxidative stress in Escherichia coli, the translation of leaderless mRNA (lmRNA) is enhanced under such conditions. Both, inhibition of canonical translation and enhancement of lmRNA translation, depend on the production of (p)ppGpp. We propose that such a mechanism would allow bacteria to rapidly adapt their proteome to hostile conditions and is, perhaps, a general strategy to confront strong stressful conditions.

Significance statement

The regulation of translation (the production of proteins based on genetic information) is central for the adaptation to environmental changes. In Escherichia coli translation may begin through two alternative pathways. 1.- A canonical initiation that is well understood and is regulated mostly by changes in the accessibility of ribosomes to specific sequences and 2.- Initiation of leaderless mRNAs (lmRNAs) that lack these sequences and for which we do not understand the regulation process. Our results indicate that under oxidative stress, the production of (p)ppGpp in E. coli inhibits canonical translation and simultaneously enhances translation of lmRNAs, showing for the first time a natural condition where lmRNA translation is regulated and a role for (p)ppGpp in this process.
A TRAF-like E3 ubiquitin ligase TrafE coordinates endolysosomal damage response and cell-autonomous immunity toMycobacterium marinum
Authors: Raykov Lyudmil , Mottet Manon , Nitschke Jahn , Soldati Thierry
Published: June 2021

Cells are perpetually challenged by pathogens, protein aggregates or chemicals, that induce plasma membrane or endolysosomal compartments damage, recognised as severe stress and controlled downstream by the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) and the autophagy machineries that are recruited to damaged membranes to either repair or to remove membrane remnants. Yet little is known about the upstream endolysosomal damage response (ELDR) factors that sense damage and lead to extensive tagging of the damaged organelles with signals, such as K63-polyubiquitin, required for the recruitment of ELDR components. To explore ELDR key factors responsible for detection and marking of damaged compartments we use the professional phagocyteDictyostelium discoideum. We found an evolutionary conserved E3-ligase, TrafE, that is robustly recruited to intracellular compartments disrupted after infection withMycobacterium marinumor after sterile damage caused by chemical compounds. TrafE acts at the intersection of ESCRT and autophagy pathways and plays a key role in functional recruitment of the ESCRT subunits ALIX, Vps32 and Vps4 to damage sites or maturing autophagosomes. Importantly, we show that the absence of TrafE severely compromises the xenophagy restriction of bacteria as well as ESCRT-mediated and autophagy-mediated ELDR, resulting in early cell death.
Discerning best practices in XFEL-based biological crystallography – standards for nonstandard experiments
Authors: Gorel Alexander , Schlichting Ilme , Barends Thomas R. M.
Published: June 2021

Serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) at X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) is a novel tool in structural biology. In contrast to conventional crystallography, SFX relies on merging partial intensities acquired with X-ray beams of often randomly fluctuating properties from a very large number of still diffraction images of generally randomly oriented microcrystals. For this reason, and possibly due to limitations of the still evolving data-analysis programs, XFEL-derived SFX data are typically of a lower quality than `standard' crystallographic data. In contrast with this, the studies performed at XFELs often aim to investigate issues that require precise high-resolution data, for example to determine structures of intermediates at low occupancy, which often display very small conformational changes. This is a potentially dangerous combination and underscores the need for a critical evaluation of procedures including data-quality standards in XFEL-based structural biology. Here, such concerns are addressed.
X-ray crystallographic studies of RoAb13 bound to PIYDIN, a part of the N-terminal domain of C-C chemokine receptor 5
Authors: Govada Lata , Saridakis Emmanuel , Kassen Sean C. , Bin-Ramzi Ahmad , Morgan Rhodri Marc , Chain Benjamin , Helliwell John R. , Chayen Naomi E.
Published: June 2021

C-C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) is a major co-receptor molecule used by HIV-1 to enter cells. This led to the hypothesis that stimulating an antibody response would block HIV with minimal toxicity. Here, X-ray crystallographic studies of the anti-CCR5 antibody RoAb13 together with two peptides were undertaken: one peptide is a 31-residue peptide containing the PIYDIN sequence and the other is the PIDYIN peptide alone, where PIYDIN is part of the N-terminal region of CCR5 previously shown to be important for HIV entry. In the presence of the longer peptide (the complete N-terminal domain), difference electron density was observed at a site within a hypervariable CDR3 binding region. In the presence of the shorter core peptide PIYDIN, difference electron density is again observed at this CDR3 site, confirming consistent binding for both peptides. This may be useful in the design of a new biomimetic to stimulate an antibody response to CCR5 in order to block HIV infection.
Tuneable local order in thermoelectric crystals
Authors: Roth Nikolaj , Beyer Jonas , Fischer Karl F. F. , Xia Kaiyang , Zhu Tiejun , Iversen Bo B.
Published: June 2021

Although crystalline solids are characterized by their periodic structures, some are only periodic on average and deviate on a local scale. Such disordered crystals with distinct local structures have unique properties arising from both collective and localized behaviour. Different local orderings can exist with identical average structures, making their differences hidden to Bragg diffraction methods. Using high-quality single-crystal X-ray diffuse scattering the local order in thermoelectric half-Heusler Nb1−x
CoSb is investigated, for which different local orderings are observed. It is shown that the vacancy distribution follows a vacancy repulsion model and the crystal composition is found always to be close to x = 1/6 irrespective of nominal sample composition. However, the specific synthesis method controls the local order and thereby the thermoelectric properties thus providing a new frontier for tuning material properties.
Structural and biophysical aspects of L-asparaginases: a growing family with amazing diversity
Authors: Loch Joanna I. , Jaskolski Mariusz
Published: June 2021

L-Asparaginases have remained an intriguing research topic since their discovery ∼120 years ago, especially after their introduction in the 1960s as very efficient antileukemic drugs. In addition to bacterial asparaginases, which are still used to treat childhood leukemia, enzymes of plant and mammalian origin are now also known. They have all been structurally characterized by crystallography, in some cases at outstanding resolution. The structural data have also shed light on the mechanistic details of these deceptively simple enzymes. Yet, despite all this progress, no better therapeutic agents have been found to beat bacterial asparaginases. However, a new option might arise with the discovery of yet another type of asparaginase, those from symbiotic nitrogen-fixing Rhizobia, and with progress in the protein engineering of enzymes with desired properties. This review surveys the field of structural biology of L-asparaginases, focusing on the mechanistic aspects of the well established types and speculating about the potential of the new members of this amazingly diversified family.
Crystal structure, Hirshfeld and electronic transition analysis of 2-[(1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)methyl]benzoic acid
Authors: Ali Arif , Muslim Mohd , Kamaal Saima , Ahmed Adeeba , Ahmad Musheer , Shahid M. , Khan Jamal A. , Dege Necmi , Javed Saleem , Mashrai Ashraf
Published: June 2021

In the title compound, C15H12N2O2, the benzimidazole ring system is inclined to the benzene ring by 78.04 (10)°. The crystal structure features O—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen bonding and C—H...π and π–π interactions, which were investigated using Hirshfeld surface analysis.
Arithmetic properties of singular overpartition pairs without multiples of k
Authors: Nayaka S. Shivaprasada , Sreelakshmi T.K. , Kumar Santosh
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In this paper, the author defines the function B¯i,jδ,k(n), the number of singular overpartition pairs of n without multiples of k in which no part is divisible by δ and only parts congruent to ± i, ± j modulo δ may be overlined.

Design/methodology/approach

Andrews introduced to combinatorial objects, which he called singular overpartitions and proved that these singular overpartitions depend on two parameters δ and i can be enumerated by the function C¯δ,i(n), which gives the number of overpartitions of n in which no part divisible by δ and parts ≡ ± i(Mod δ) may be overlined.

Findings

Using classical spirit of q-series techniques, the author obtains congruences modulo 4 for B¯2,48,3(n), B¯2,48,5 and B¯2,412,3.

Originality/value

The results established in this work are extension to those proved in Andrews’ singular overpatition pairs of n.
Farmland lease, high-rent threat and contract instability: evidence from China
Authors: Zhu Wenjue , Paudel Krishna P. , Inoue Sean , Luo Biliang
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose is to understand why contract instability occurs when small landowners lease their land to large landholders.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a contract theoretical model to understand the stability problem in the farmland lease contract in China, where most landowners are small landholders.

Findings

Results from the doubly robust estimation method used on randomly selected interview data from 552 households in nine provinces of China indicate that contract instability can arise endogenously when large landholders sign a contract. The authors conclude that a suitable rent control regime or contract enforcement may be necessary to promote a large-scale farmland transfer in China.

Originality/value

The authors develop a contract theoretical model and apply it to the land rental market in China. Data used are original and collected from farmers located in nine provinces of China.
China's Confucius Institute in Africa: a different story?
Authors: Li Siyuan
Published: June 2021

Purpose

China's Confucius Institutes (CIs) have been under increasing scrutiny in the West while their development in Africa has been steady and strong. This article aims to examine the establishment, operation and effects of this institute in Africa, and discuss its role in a wider context of education, development and China's foreign policy towards Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This empirical research is a case study of China's Confucius Institutes in Africa. Fieldwork data was collected in China and seven CIs in four African countries.

Findings

This research found that the CIs were not just Chinese language and culture promotion organisations in Africa. Rather, they played a deeper and more profound role in training local individuals, involving them in different forms of Chinese presence in Africa and linking their own personal development with the rise of China. In that sense, this article argues that the CI plays a positive role in promoting China's soft power and national interest in Africa. This article also highlights the problems of the institute's operational mode, and casts doubt on some aspects of its future development.

Originality/value

This research systematically examines the establishment, operation and effects of the CIs in Africa, in an attempt to understand the real role of this institute in China's foreign policy towards Africa and demonstrate the uniqueness of the situation of the CIs in Africa.
A decade of the international journal of lean six sigma: bibliometric overview
Authors: Prakash Surya , Kumar Satish , Soni Gunjan , Mahto Raj V. , Pandey Nitesh
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to present an overview of leading research trends in the lean six sigma domain published in the International Journal of Lean Six Sigma (IJLSS) since its inception.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyses articles published between 2010 and 2019 in IJLSS using the bibliometric technique. The results of data analysis identify the most prolific authors, their affiliation, citation trends and highly cited articles from the journal. Further, a graphical analysis involving bibliographic coupling and co-citation analysis of the corpus enriches the investigation.

Findings

The results of the bibliometric analysis suggest that the number of IJLSS’s publications and citations grew markedly over time (from 4 citations in 2010 to nearly 1,324 in 2019). The organizational diversity and collaboration among authors publishing in IJLSS are trending upwards. Case study and focus group are the two most common research designs in publications. In the study, three major themes emerged: implementation of lean on business, integration of lean and six sigma and the effects of lean six sigma on businesses.

Practical implications

The study finding informs and educates practitioners and scholars about various qualitative research tools, applications and methods of implementing lean six sigma tools in different industry sectors.

Originality/value

The study uses bibliometric analysis to propose a novel categorization of research published in IJLSS and to report on the utilization of various lean tools in the journal. The study provides guidance for new future research besides offering a thorough introspection of the lean and six sigma domains.
Exploring the empirical evidence of social desirability bias (SDB) in sport consumer research
Authors: Park Youngho , Kwak Dae Hee
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The current study aims to provide a systematic approach to detecting and identifying social desirability bias (SDB) in survey data using controversial sponsorship as a research context.

Design/methodology/approach

We used an experimental approach to manipulate sponsorship situations (e.g. Beer sponsor vs Sports drink sponsor) that could potentially motivate respondents to under-report their perceptions toward the sponsor. By employing both procedural and statistical approaches, our evidence shows that responses toward the controversial sponsor were in fact contaminated by SDB.

Findings

The findings of the study provide methodological and practical implications for how sport marketing scholars and practitioners can identify, detect and control SDB in self-report data.

Originality/value

We argue that some survey research in sport marketing may be prone to SDB, but SDB has not received sufficient attention in sport marketing research. We emphasize the importance of detecting (and avoiding/controlling) SDB in sport management research.
Ownership structure, board independence and auditor choice: evidence from GCC countries
Authors: Guizani Moncef , Abdalkrim Gaafar
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper investigates the role of board independence in determining the relationship between firm ownership and auditor choice.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a logistic regression to test the direct and indirect effects of ownership structure on the decision to hire a high-quality (Big 4) audit firm. The sample consists of 207 non-financial firms listed on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries stock markets between 2009 and 2016.

Findings

Empirical findings show that family ownership is associated with a negative and significant coefficient suggesting that an increase in family ownership decreases the likelihood that the firm will employ a Big 4 auditor. This finding suggests that family owners are reluctant to impose external monitoring. Furthermore, we find a positive relationship between institutional ownership and auditor choice supporting the conjecture that institutional investors are more likely to choose a Big 4 auditor. The results also reveal that the effects of family and institutional ownership on auditor choice are partially mediated by independent directors.

Practical implications

This study has important implications for GCC economies whose policymakers and regulators may need to address the conflict between controlling and non-controlling shareholders. It provides guidance for firms in the construction and implementation of their own corporate governance policies. Furthermore, the study findings may be useful to investors, assisting them in making better informed decisions and aids other interested parties in gaining a better understanding of the role played by ownership structure in the quality of auditors. Finally, the paper highlights the importance of the composition of the board of directors in increasing the likelihood of hiring a high-quality audit firm.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the present paper is to examine the board composition as a potential mediating variable between ownership structure and auditor choice. Moreover, it highlights the issue of improving governance mechanisms.
Novel environment friendly olive pomace-cyclohexanone formaldehyde composite resin
Authors: Sert Selda , Kızılcan Nilgün
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Cyclohexanone-formaldehyde resin (CFR) was in situ modified with olive pomace (OP) in the presence of sodium hydroxide. The purpose of this study is to produce eco-friendly OP modified cyclohexanone composite resins (OPCFCR) with a one-step method that has higher condensation reaction temperature than CFR. The water absorption properties, gloss value and cross-cut adhesion properties of the product were investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Cyclohexanone, formalin (37% aqueous solution) and tannin were mixed and 20% aqueous NaOH solution was added to produce the resin. OP has environmentally friendly bio-based lignin, cellulose and phenolic compounds and the OP structure has been incorporated into the structure of the CFR resin during the in situ modification, such as resole resin and polysaccharide. The weights of pomace were used as 5% and 10% of the weight of cyclohexanone in cyclohexanone-formaldehyde composite resins, respectively.

Findings

There is an improvement in the properties of the OPCFCR produced from an agricultural waste that is very abundant in Gulf of Edremit region of Balikesir. The OPCFCRs were soluble in common organic solvents. The product OPCFCR has a dark red-brown color.

Research limitations/implications

The reaction mixture must be stirred continuously. Subsequently, 37% formalin was added dropwise in total while refluxing. The amount of aqueous NaOH solution is limited as the formed resin may become insoluble in common organic solvents. At the end of the reaction, a water-insoluble resin is obtained.

Practical implications

This study provides the application of ketonic resins. The OPCFCR containing phenolic groups may also promote the adhesive strength of a coating.

Social implications

These resins may be used for the preparation of adhesive. OP, with a large amount of catechol groups, was considered for reducing the formaldehyde emission level on the adhesive system.

Originality/value

OPCFCR has been synthesized in the presence of a base catalyst. Environmental and ecological concerns have increased the attention paid by chemical industry to renewable raw materials.
Using a collaborative zine to co-produce knowledge about location-based virtual reality experiences
Authors: Nash Richard , Yamada-Rice Dylan , Dare Eleanor , Love Steve , Main Angus , Potter John , Rodrigues Deborah
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on a designed research methodology to distil existing research findings from an esrc/ahrc funded japan/uk network on location-based virtual reality experiences for children in order to generate new knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The structured co-production methodology was undertaken in three stages. These were: (1) a collaborative workshop which produced a series of collage narratives, (2) collaborating with a non-human entity in the form of a digital coded tool to reconfigure the workshop responses and mediate the hierarchy of roles, (3) the co-production of a zine as a collaborative reflection method, which shared via postal service enabled a dialogue and exchange of round Robin interventions by the network members.

Findings

The analysis of the data collected in this study highlighted five themes that could be used by other researchers on a wide range of projects. These were: (1) knowing through making, (2) the importance of process, (3) beyond linear representations, (4) agency of physical materials and (5) agency of digital code.

Research limitations/implications

The context of the study being undertaken during the first phase of the global pandemic, revealed insight into a method of co-production that was undertaken under emergency remote working conditions. The knowledge generated from this can be applied to other research contexts such as working with researchers or participants across global borders without the need to travel.

Originality/value

The research provides an innovative rethinking of co-production methods in order to generate new knowledge from multidisciplinary and multimodal research.
Numerical investigation of flow around a structure using Navier-slip boundary conditions
Authors: Choi Sang-Do , Eum Tae-Soo , Shin Eun Taek , Song Chang Geun
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Complicated motion of vortex is frequently observed in the wake of islands. These kinds of swirling fluid cause the trap of sediments or pollutants, subsequently inducing the dead zone, odor or poor water quality. Therefore, the understanding of flow past a circular cylinder is significant in predicting water quality and positioning the immersed structures. This study aims to investigate the flow properties around a structure using Navier-slip boundary conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Boundary conditions are a major factor affecting the flow pattern because the magnitude of flow detachment on a surface can redistribute the tangential stress on the wall. Therefore, the authors performed an analysis of laminar flow passing through a circular structure to investigate the effect of boundary conditions on the flow pattern.

Findings

The authors examined the relationship between the partial-slip boundary conditions and the flow behavior at low Reynolds number past a circular cylinder considering velocity and vorticity distributions behind the cylinder, lift coefficient and Strouhal number. The amplitude of lift coefficient by the partial slip condition had relatively small value compared with that of no-slip condition, as the wall shear stress acting on the cylinder became smaller by the velocity along the cylinder surface. The frequency of the asymmetrical vortex formation with partial slip velocity was increased compared with no-slip case due to the intrinsic inertial effect of Navier-slip condition.

Originality/value

The ability to engineer slip could have dramatic influences on flow, as the viscous dominated motion can lead to large pressure drops and large axial dispersion. By the slip length control, no-slip, partial-slip and free-slip boundary conditions are tunable, and the velocity distributions at the wall, vortex formation and wake pattern including the amplitude of lift coefficient and frequency were significantly affected by slip length parameter.
Nurse Practitioner Scope‐of‐Practice Laws and Opioid Prescribing
Authors: MCMICHAEL BENJAMIN J.
Published: June 2021

Policy Points

The increased use of nurse practitioners represents a viable policy option to address continuing access‐to‐care deficiencies across the United States, but state scope‐of‐practice laws limit the ability of nurse practitioners to deliver health care.

Groups in favor of restrictive scope‐of‐practice laws have argued that relaxing these laws will lead to increases in opioid prescriptions during an already severe opioid crisis, implicating patient safety concerns.

An examination of a data set of 1.5 billion opioid prescriptions demonstrates that relaxing nurse practitioner scope‐of‐practice laws generally reduces opioid prescriptions. This evidence supports eliminating restrictive scope‐of‐practice laws that currently govern nurse practitioners in many states.

Context

As many parts of the United States continue to face physician shortages, the increased use of nurse practitioners (NPs) can improve access to care. However, state scope‐of‐practice (SOP) laws limit the ability of NPs to provide care by restricting the services they can provide and often requiring physician supervision of their practices. One important justification for the continuation of these restrictive SOP laws is preventing the overprescription of certain medications, particularly opioids.

Methods

This study examined a data set of approximately 1.5 billion individual opioid prescriptions between 2011 and 2018, which were aggregated to the individual provider‐year level. A series of difference‐in‐differences regression models was estimated to examine the association between laws allowing NPs to practice independently and opioid prescribing patterns among physicians and NPs. Opioid prescriptions were measured in total annual morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) prescribed by individual providers.

Findings

Across all NPs and physicians, independent NP practice was associated with a statistically significant decline of 6%, 2%, 3%, 7%, and 5% in total annual MMEs prescribed to commercially insured, cash‐paying, Medicare, government‐assistance, and all patients, respectively. Medicaid patients saw no statistically significant change in annual MMEs. Across all payers, NPs generally increase and physicians generally decrease the number of opioids they prescribe following a grant of NP independence. These counterbalancing changes result in an overall net decline in MMEs.

Conclusions

No evidence supports the contention that allowing NPs to practice independently increases opioid prescriptions. The results support policy changes that allow NPs to practice independently.
Exercise recommendations and referral patterns of oncology professionals
Authors: Mizrahi David , Murnane Andrew , Quinn Sharni , Crowe Jessica , Rosenbaum Simon , Adams Diana , Atkinson Morgan
Published: June 2021

Background

Exercise physiologists and physiotherapists can provide exercise interventions for cancer survivors; however, many do not access this support. Our primary aim explored referral habits to exercise professionals and attitudes of oncology professionals. Secondary aims explored fitness levels of oncology professionals and the relationship between fitness and exercise referral habits.

Methods

Oncology professionals (n = 67) attending a national cancer conference in Australia participated in this cross‐sectional study (23% doctors, 11% nurses, 25% allied health, and 41% other). A subgroup (n = 49) completed a fitness assessment measuring aerobic fitness (3‐minute step test), muscle strength (handgrip dynamometry), and body composition (waist‐to‐hip ratio). Oncology professionals in a position to refer patients to exercise professionals were assessed on their history of patient referrals.

Results

Sixty‐seven of 750 eligible conference delegates participated (9% recruitment rate), of which 73% completed fitness assessments. Participants displayed above average physical activity and fitness levels with 60% meeting exercise guidelines. The majority (92%) agreed that exercise is important among cancer survivors to attenuate treatment‐associated symptoms. Most understand the role of exercise physiologists (61%) and physiotherapists (64%) in cancer care. Seventy‐three percent reported that referral to exercise professionals is optimal to increase exercise participation. Most (82%) oncology professionals who are able to refer patients to exercise professionals have self‐reported doing so, while 91% recommended exercise themselves. Sixty‐two percent were aware of evidence‐based exercise guidelines. Fitness levels (p = 0.25), strength (p = 0.88), and physical activity (p = 0.33) did not impact referrals made to exercise professionals.

Conclusion

There was high awareness exercise‐oncology benefits and evidence‐based guidelines existed among sampled participants. Oncology professionals understand the role of exercise professionals, reflected by high self‐reported referral rates. Implementing referral pathways to exercise professionals in cancer care may facilitate improved patient outcomes.
To biopsy or not to biopsy? Outcomes following stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for biopsy‐confirmed versus radiologically‐diagnosed primary lung cancer in a single Australian institution
Authors: Koh Tze Lui , Ong Wee Loon , Farrugia Briana , Leong Tracy , Lapuz Carminia , Lim Adeline
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Obtaining tissue diagnosis for lung cancer can sometimes be difficult and unsafe. We evaluated outcomes of biopsy‐confirmed versus radiologically‐diagnosed lung cancer treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).

Methods

A single‐institutional retrospective cohort of lung cancer patients treated with SBRT between February 2014 and October 2018. Outcomes of interest were: local failure (LF), distant failure (DF), and overall survival (OS). Probability of LF, DF, and OS were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Differences in outcomes between biopsy‐confirmed versus radiologically‐diagnosed lung cancer were evaluated using the log‐rank test.

Results

Sixty‐five lung lesions in 61 patients were treated with SBRT. Mean age was 75.6 years. Twenty‐seven patients (44.3%) were ECOG 2–3. Thirty‐nine patients (64%) were radiologically‐diagnosed. There were five cases of LF observed at median of 12.8 months post‐SBRT and 12‐month LF‐free survival was 96% (95% CI, 86–99%), with no differences between groups (p = 0.1). Sixteen patients developed DF, with 12‐month DF‐free survival of 84% (95% CI, 71–91%), and no difference between groups (p = 0.06). Sixteen deaths were reported at a median of 12.5 months post‐SBRT, with 12‐month OS of 85% (95% CI, 73–92%), and no differences between study groups (p = 0.5). No grade 3 toxicities were reported.

Conclusion

The oncological outcomes were similar in patients with early lung cancer treated with SBRT with or without biopsy‐confirmation. In situations where tissue diagnosis is not feasible or unsafe, it is not unreasonable to offer SBRT based on clinical and radiological suspicion following multidisciplinary discussions.
Acute liver failure requiring transplantation: A possible link to ulipristal acetate treatment?
Authors: Dinis‐Oliveira Ricardo Jorge , Vieira Duarte Nuno
Published: June 2021

The present case describes in detail a 55‐year‐old woman diagnosed with acute liver injury 3 days after completion of the first treatment course with ulipristal acetate (UPA), 5 mg/day orally for uterine fibroids causing persistent bleeding (treatment duration of 109 days). Liver transplantation was performed approximately 6 weeks after UPA suspension, and a photograph of the explanted liver is presented. Of note, other common causes of acute liver injury, such as history of alcohol or other psychoactive substances abuse, viral hepatitis and autoimmune hepatitis or preexisting liver disease were all excluded. This case was reported to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and contributed to the final recommendations of the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) disclosed in January 2021. The causality assessment considered a probable case of drug‐induced liver injury as a consequence of UPA treatment, and the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) was scored as unlikely. Although further studies are needed aiming to avoid confounding factors, this case suggests that liver function tests should be monitored during treatment with UPA.
Debate: The toll of the COVID‐19 pandemic on children’s risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Authors: Melhem Nadine M. , Brent David A.
Published: June 2021

The consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic on risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) in children are still not fully known. However, COVID‐19 and the mitigation strategies to limit its transmission have affected children and adolescents through increased parental morbidity and mortality, increased poverty and financial strain, social isolation, and lost connectedness to school, peers, and afterschool activities. These are all associated with increased risk for psychiatric disorders and STBs in children. Mental health professionals and pediatric primary care settings need to monitor psychiatric symptoms and risk for STBs in children and especially among those who were directly affected during the pandemic in order to reduce the burden of the pandemic on children and families.
A good investment: longer‐term cost savings of sensitive parenting in childhood
Authors: Bachmann Christian J. , Beecham Jennifer , O’Connor Thomas G. , Briskman Jackie , Scott Stephen
Published: June 2021

Background

Good quality parenting in early childhood is reliably associated with positive mental and physical health over the lifespan. The hypothesis that early parenting quality has significant long‐term financial benefits has not been previously tested.

Methods

Design: Longitudinal study with follow‐up from 2012 to 2016. Setting: UK multicentre study cohort (London, South‐East England). Participants: 174 young people drawn from 2 samples, one at moderate risk of poor outcomes and one at high risk, assessed aged 4–6 years then followed up in early adolescence (mean age 12.1 years). Measures: The primary outcome was total costs: health, social care, extra school support, out‐of‐home placements and family‐born expenditure, determined through semistructured economic interviews. Early parenting quality was independently assessed through direct observation of parent–child interaction.

Results

Costs were lower for youths exposed to more sensitive parenting (most sensitive quartile mean £1,619, least sensitive quartile mean £21,763; p < .001). Costs were spread across personal family expenditure and education, health, social and justice services. The cost difference remained significant after controlling for several potential confounders. These included demographic variables (family poverty, parental education); exposure to child abuse; and child/young person variables including level of antisocial behaviour in both childhood and adolescence, IQ and attachment security.

Conclusions

This study is the first showing that more sensitive early parental care predicts lower costs to society many years later, independent of poverty, child and youth antisocial behaviour levels and IQ. Savings are likely to increase as individuals grow older since early parenting quality predicts health, behavioural and occupational outcomes in adulthood. The findings provide novel evidence for the public health impact of early caregiving quality and likely financial benefits of improving it.
Germ cell–specific expression of Venus by Tol2‐mediated transgenesis in endangered endemic cyprinid Honmoroko (Gnathopogon caerulescens)
Authors: Higaki Shogo , Nishie Tomomi , Todo Takaaki , Teshima Reiko , Kusumi Kenichiro , Mitsumori Risa , Tooyama Ikuo , Fujioka Yasuhiro , Kawasaki Toshihiro , Sakai Noriyoshi , Takada Tatsuyuki
Published: June 2021

Fishes expressing a fluorescent protein in germ cells are useful to perform germ cell transfer experiments for conservation study. Nonetheless, no such fish has been generated in endangered endemic fishes. In this study, we tried to produce a fish expressing Venus fluorescent protein in germ cells using Honmoroko (Gnathopogon caerulescens), which is one of the threatened small cyprinid endemic to the ancient Lake Biwa in Japan. To achieve germ cell‐specific expression of Venus, we used piwil1 (formally known as ziwi) promoter and Tol2 transposon system. Following the co‐injection of the piwil1‐Venus expression vector and the Tol2 transposase mRNA into fertilized eggs, presumptive transgenic fish were reared. At 7 months of post‐fertilization, about 19% (10/52) of the examined larvae showed Venus fluorescence in their gonad specifically. Immunohistological staining and in vitro spermatogenesis using gonads of the juvenile founder fish revealed that Venus expression was detected in spermatogonia and spermatocyte in male, and oogonia and stage I and II oocytes in female. These results indicate that the Tol2 transposon and zebrafish piwil1 promoter enabled gene transfer and germ cell‐specific expression of Venus in G. caerulescens. In addition, in vitro culture of juvenile spermatogonia enables the rapid validation of temporal expression of transgene during spermatogenesis.
Pressure–temperature–time evolution of subducted crust revealed by complex garnet zoning (Theodul Glacier Unit, Switzerland)
Authors: Bovay Thomas , Lanari Pierre , Rubatto Daniela , Smit Matthijs , Piccoli Francesca
Published: June 2021

Collisional orogens commonly include mono‐metamorphic and poly‐metamorphic units, and their different evolution can be difficult to recognize and reconcile. The Theodul Glacier Unit (TGU) in the Western Alps consists of an association of metasedimentary and metamafic rocks embedded within the Zermatt‐Saas tectonic unit. In spite of recent petrological studies, it remains unclear whether these rocks underwent one or multiple metamorphic cycles. In this study, different lithologies from the TGU unit (mafic schist, mafic granofels, and chloritoid schist) were investigated for petrography, quantitative compositional mapping of garnet, thermodynamic modelling, and Lu–Hf garnet dating. The data reveal a coherent mono‐metamorphic history with a β‐shaped pressure–temperature (P–T) path characteristic of oceanic subduction. Garnet Lu–Hf ages yield a restricted garnet crystallization time window between 50.3 and 48.8 Ma (±0.5%, 2SD). A prograde metamorphic stage recorded in garnet cores yields conditions of 490 ± 15℃ and 1.75 ± 0.05 GPa. Maximum pressure conditions of 2.65 ± 0.10 GPa and 580 ± 15℃ were reached at 50.3 ± 0.3 Ma. Initial exhumation was rapid and led to isothermal decompression to 1.50 ± 0.10 GPa within 1 Ma. This decompression was associated with lawsonite breakdown in mafic schist and in mafic granofels, causing intense fluid–rock interaction within and between different lithologies. This process is recorded in garnet textures and trace element patterns, and in the major element composition of K‐white mica. Initial exhumation was followed by re‐heating of ~30℃ at a pressure of 1.50 ± 0.10 GPa. Perturbation of the subduction‐zone thermal structure may be related to upwelling of hot asthenospheric mantle material and transient storage of the unit at the crust–mantle boundary.
Passive drag in Para swimmers with physical impairments: Implications for evidence‐based classification in Para swimming
Authors: Hogarth Luke , Oh Yim‐Taek , Osborough Casey , Osborough Conor , Formosa Danielle , Hunter Adam , Alcock Alison , Burkett Brendan , Payton Carl
Published: June 2021

The inherent hydrodynamic resistance force, or passive drag, of a swimmer directly influences how they move through the water. For swimmers with physical impairments, the strength of association between passive drag and swimming performance is unknown. Knowledge on this factor could improve the World Para Swimming classification process. This study established the relationship between passive drag and 100 m freestyle race performance in Para swimmers with physical impairments. Using a cross‐sectional study design, an electrical‐mechanical towing device was used to measure passive drag force in 132 international‐level Para swimmers. There was a strong, negative correlation between normalized passive drag force and 100 m freestyle race speed in the combined participant cohort (ρ = −0.77, p < 0.001). Type of physical impairment was found to affect the relationship between passive drag and 100 m freestyle race speed when included in linear regression (R2 = 0.65, χ2 = 11.5, p = 0.025). These findings contribute to the body of evidence that passive drag can provide an objective assessment of activity limitation in Para swimmers with physical impairments. The effect of physical impairment type on the relationship between passive drag and swimming performance should be accounted for in Para swimming classification.
Digital Nomadism as a Key Perspective of Changes in the Labour Market
Authors: Christoph Monika
Published: June 2021

The possibility of faster and more available travel makes the term “citizen of the world” more real than ever and reflects the globalizing digital reality. Digital nomadism understood as a new dimension of remote work has certainly acquired a new meaning at the turn of 2020 and 2021. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 significantly accelerated the digitization of work and education areas, which had a valid impact on our socio-economic functioning. Interpersonal relations have changed, the digital educational and professional reality has given a new shape to human expectations; space and time take on a new meaning, our everyday life is situated in an increasing technological dimension. Digital nomadism growing in the culture of innovation as a phenomenon that automatically responds to current changes in social, educational and professional life is assessed nowadays positively as well as critically. However, regardless of the assessment of this phenomenon, it seems to be setting the direction of a new lifestyle. Showing the phenomenon of digital nomadism as a key perspective of changes in the labour market is the goal and the key issue presented in this article. Analysis of changes in the sphere of work is the starting point for presenting the digital nomadism phenomenon. The topics of educational and professional aspirations of young people, issues of matching and professional suitability as well as models of contemporary careers are also taken up. The summary includes educational trends that are worth developing in the future, also as part of lifelong learning. The article presents a theoretical type of study. The aims and methodology of the cited research results are indicated in the parentheses.