bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redistribution of cholesterol from vesicle to plasmalemma controls fusion pore geometry
Authors: Rituper Boštjan , Guček Alenka , Lisjak Marjeta , Gorska Urszula , Šakanović Aleksandra , Bobnar Saša Trkov , Lasič Eva , Božić Mićo , Abbineni Prabhodh S. , Jorgačevski Jernej , Kreft Marko , Verkhratsky Alexei , Platt Frances M. , Anderluh Gregor , Stenovec Matjaž , Božič Bojan , Coorssen Jens R. , Zorec Robert
Published: April 2020

Eukaryotic vesicles fuse with the plasmalemma to form the fusion pore, previously considered to be unstable with widening of the pore diameter. Recent studies established that the pore diameter is stable, reflecting balanced forces of widening and closure. Proteins are considered key regulators of the fusion pore, whereas the role of membrane lipids remains unclear. Super-resolution microscopy revealed that lactotroph secretory vesicles discharge cholesterol after stimulation of exocytosis; subsequently, vesicle cholesterol redistributes to the outer leaflet of the plasmalemma. Cholesterol depletion in lactotrophs and astrocytes evokes release of vesicle hormone, indicating that cholesterol constricts the fusion pore. A new model of cholesterol-dependent fusion pore diameter regulation is proposed. High-resolution measurements of fusion pore conductance confirmed that the fusion pore widens with cholesterol depletion and constricts with cholesterol enrichment. In fibroblasts lacking the Npc1 protein, in which cholesterol accumulates in vesicles, the fusion pore is narrower than in controls, showing that cholesterol regulates fusion pore geometry.

Graphical Abstract

Top: stages through which a vesicle interacts with the plasmalemma. Stage A denotes hemifusion, which proceeds to stage B, with a narrow fusion pore, which can then reversibly open (stage C), before widening fully (stage D). Bottom: redistribution of cholesterol from the vesicle to the outer leaflet of the plasmalemma controls fusion pore constriction.

In Brief

A membrane pore is formed when the vesicle membrane fuses with the plasmalemma. Proteins were considered key regulators of the opening and closing of this fusion pore. Here, evidence is provided to show that cholesterol, a membrane constituent, determines a radial force constricting the fusion pore, revealing that the fusion pore functions as a proteolipidic structure.

Highlights

Intravesicular cholesterol redistributes to the outer leaflet of the plasmalemma.

Cholesterol depletion widens the fusion pore, whereas cholesterol enrichment constricts the fusion pore.

A model of cholesterol-dependent force preventing fusion pore widening is developed.

Disease-related increase in vesicle cholesterol constricts the fusion pore.
Fluorescence-detected quick-scanning X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Clark Adam H. , Steiger Patrick , Bornmann Benjamin , Hitz Stephan , Frahm Ronald , Ferri Davide , Nachtegaal Maarten
Published: April 2020

Time-resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) offers the possibility to monitor the state of materials during chemical reactions. While this technique has been established for transmission measurements for a number of years, XAS measurements in fluorescence mode are challenging because of limitations in signal collection as well as detectors. Nevertheless, measurements in fluorescence mode are often the only option to study complex materials containing heavy matrices or in samples where the element of interest is in low concentration. Here, it has been demonstrated that high-quality quick-scanning full extended X-ray absorption fine-structure data can be readily obtained with sub-second time resolution in fluorescence mode, even for highly diluted samples. It has also been demonstrated that in challenging samples, where transmission measurements are not feasible, quick fluorescence can yield significant insight in reaction kinetics. By studying the fast high-temperature oxidation of a reduced LaFe0.8Ni0.8O3 perovskite type, an example where the perovskite matrix elements prevent measurements in fluorescence, it is shown that it is now possible to follow the state of Ni in situ at a 3 s time resolution.
High-energy-resolution inelastic X-ray scattering spectrometer at beamline 30-ID of the Advanced Photon Source
Authors: Said Ayman H. , Sinn Harald , Toellner Thomas S. , Alp Ercan E. , Gog Thomas , Leu Bogdan M. , Bean Sunil , Alatas Ahmet
Published: April 2020

Inelastic X-ray scattering is a powerful and versatile technique for studying lattice dynamics in materials of scientific and technological importance. In this article, the design and capabilities of the momentum-resolved high-energy-resolution inelastic X-ray spectrometer (HERIX) at beamline 30-ID of the Advanced Photon Source are reported. The instrument operates at 23.724 keV and has an energy resolution of 1.3–1.7 meV. It can accommodate momentum transfers of up to 72  nm−1, at a typical X-ray flux of 4.5 × 109 photons s−1 meV−1 at the sample. A suite of in situ sample environments are provided, including high pressure, static magnetic fields and uniaxial strains, all at high or cryogenic temperatures.
A patent-based model of entrepreneurship education in Brazil
Authors: Cavalheiro Gabriel Marcuzzo do Canto , Cavalheiro Mariana Brandao , Mariano Sandra
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This article is aimed at improving understanding of the possibilities and implications of using patents as a teaching instrument for universities in developing countries in order to enable undergraduate business students to discuss critical issues associated with the commercialization of technological innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on an explorative case of an experiential teaching exercise involving undergraduate students addressing the development of business plans addressing the commercialization of patents. In this way, we proposed the POSTE model to provide a pathway to knowledge creation by integrating entrepreneurial competences of entrepreneurship competences with existing practices.

Findings

Given the complex nature of the patenting process, the experiential exercise proposed by this study contributes to enhance IP commercialization capabilities of undergraduate students by simulating decision-making regarding market size, user requirements, product pricing, competitors, substitute products, time-to-market, product production arrangements and strategic use of the terms of a patent.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this research involves the impossibility of completely addressing the venture launch gap. Despite the realistic learning experience based on a real patent, as students do not own the intellectual property rights (IPRs) associated with the patents used in the course, it is not possible to implement the business models developed during the course.

Practical implications

Since patent documents are freely available and companies are increasingly dependent on intellectual property (IP) assets to remain competitive, our study provides evidence that patents can provide a rich source of information that can be used to simulate venture creations by taking into consideration economical, strategical, and legal skills needed to bridge the technology commercialization gap.

Social implications

Given the lack of courses addressing intellectual property in the wide majority of Brazilian undergraduate courses, the teaching experience described in this study contributes to raise the sense of urgency for the commercialization of patents among college students, as a means of turning technology into business.

Originality/value

Despite of the growing correlation between IP and competitiveness, teaching methods relying on IP data, such as patents, industrial designs and trademarks, in research institutions located in developing countries have received limited treatment in the extant literature.
A short measure of innovative work behaviour as a dynamic, context-bound construct
Authors: Messmann Gerhard , Mulder Regina H.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This contribution aims at providing a measure of the overall construct of innovative work behaviour (IWB). As a consequence of the construct's dynamic, context-bound nature, the measure of IWB is based on concrete work activities, captures social and reflective activities, and is context-bound. By employing a short, one-dimensional measurement scale, the instrument enables valuable scientific and practical insights in an economical way.

Design/methodology/approach

The measure of IWB was evaluated with two samples of employees in different work contexts by conducting psychometric analyses, reliability analyses, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and correlation analyses with criterion variables.

Findings

The study provides evidence for the psychometric quality, reliability and validity of the measure of IWB.

Research limitations/implications

The measure can be used to efficiently measure overall IWB. It thus enables the investigation of complex research models involving intervening mechanisms, interactions, or longitudinal effects. Further validation in other work domains and the inclusion of other criterion variables, such as innovative outcomes, is advised.

Practical implications

The measure is useful for organizational practitioners to efficiently assess employees' IWB, to determine needs for supporting IWB at organizational level, and as a conceptual guideline for designing training or giving performance feedback during innovation projects.

Originality/value

The measure enables insights into the question how IWB can be fostered in practice. In addition, the contribution highlights that a measure of IWB needs to account for the construct's dynamic, context-bound nature and pay attention to usability as an important but often neglected quality criterion.
Intra‐ASEAN student mobility: overview, challenges and opportunities
Authors: Chao Roger Yap
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper explores the issue of developing and enhancing intra-ASEAN international student mobility given the context of ASEAN integration, regionalization of ASEAN higher education and the various intra‐ASEAN student mobility schemes currently implemented.

Design/methodology/approach

It explores higher education policies, available higher education and international student mobility data, as well as the various intra‐ASEAN (and relevant) student mobility schemes to present the current status of intra‐ASEAN student mobility, challenges and opportunities to further enhance student mobility within the ASEAN region.

Findings

Aside from showing that intra‐ASEAN student mobility is significantly low compared to outbound student mobility from ASEAN countries, the paper also highlights the relationship between a country’s income status with choice of intra‐ASEAN or extraASEAN student mobility. Finally, it recommends developing a comprehensive intra‐ASEAN mobility scheme taking the merits of the various intra‐ASEAN mobility schemes currently implemented and guided by developments in the European ERASMUS mobility programs.

Originality/value

This is probably the first (in fact, it is an exploratory) paper that address the issue of intra‐ASEAN international student mobility, which aims to explore relevant issues to address the development of a comprehensive ASEAN mobility scheme.
Understanding physician leadership: the mediating effects of positive organizational climate and relational role endorsement
Authors: Quinn Joann Farrell , Cola Philip
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to seek clarity on the factors that increase acceptance of a leadership identity and influence a physician leader to participate in the leader role at a higher level.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the direct and mediating effects of positive psychological climate (PPC) and role endorsement (RE) on physician professional participation (PP) in leadership, a survey was disseminated to members of the American Association of Physician Leadership.

Findings

Findings show that positive relationships support the individual in acceptance of a second identity as a leader, therefore, to a higher level of PP. The double mediation with PPC and RE found in this model warrants additional meaning toward the cultivation of positive relationships.

Research limitations/implications

A broader understanding of physician leadership may benefit from a more comprehensive collection procedure other than self-reported data, including one in which data is collected in a 360-degree feedback format.

Practical implications

Role endorsement serves as a mediating mechanism to PP (citizenship behaviors) for both PPC and social intelligence competencies. These data indicate that the presence of role endorsement for physicians changes their degree of participation and impacts their own role identity. This immediately helps to direct development efforts for physicians during their transition from physician to physician leader.

Originality/value

This study confirms the mediating relationship of REupon the PP of physician leaders, with both implications for practice and a broader understanding of the nature of physician leadership.
An investigation of characteristics of effective global leaders
Authors: Geil Marc A. , Greenwald Jessica
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to unite research in cultural intelligence (CQ), core confidence and multitasking to examine how these characteristics interplay in the perceptions of global leadership effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprised 149 employees, mostly managers from 21 countries with 18 native languages spoken who had global leadership experience while working fulltime for international organizations. Relationships were examined using the hierarchical linear regression of survey data.

Findings

Support is found for core confidence moderating the relationship between CQ and other-rated and self-rated perceptions of global leadership effectiveness such that the relationship is stronger when leader core confidence is high. Moreover, support is found for CQ and core confidence having positive relationships with self-rated perceptions of global leadership effectiveness, and the study found a positive relationship between CQ and multitasking.

Practical implications

The relationships studied provide practitioners with information to supplement the employee selection process for global leaders. The ability to assess current or future employees and hedge organizational risk in assignment to global leadership positions could have a significant impact.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by investigating individual characteristics contributing to the perceptions of global leadership effectiveness. Because perceptions are often acted on as if reality and globalization in our personal and work lives is expansive, understanding these relationships is important.
The mediating role of documents: information sharing through medical records in healthcare
Authors: Isah Esther Ebole , Byström Katriina
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The focus of this paper is on the mediating role of medical records in patient care. Their informative, communicative and constitutive facets are analysed on the basis of a case study in an African University teaching hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

A practice-oriented approach and the concept of boundary objects were adopted to examine medical records as information artefacts. Data from nonparticipant observations and interviews with physicians were triangulated in a qualitative analysis.

Findings

Three distinctive practices for information sharing – absorbing by reading, augmenting by documenting and recounting by presenting – were identified as central to the mediating role of medical records in the care of patients. Additionally, three information-sharing functions outside the immediate care of patients were identified: facilitating interactions, controlling hegemonic order and supporting learning. The records were both a useful information resource and a blueprint for sustaining shared practices over time. The medical records appeared as an essential part of patient care and amendments to them resulted in changes in several other work practices.

Originality/value

The analysis contributes to research on documents as enacting and sustaining work practices in a workplace.
Gender diversity, governance and dividend policy in Brazil
Authors: Almeida Tatiana Aquino , Morais Cinthya Rachel Firmino de , Coelho Antonio Carlos
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Considering that the heterogeneity in the composition of deliberation and management bodies can promote a differentiated impact on earnings distribution policies of companies, the purpose of this paper is to examine the marginal influence of female participation on the board of directors and executive board regarding decisions associated with dividend policy in companies operating in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample is composed of non-financial companies listed on the B3 Stock Exchange between 2010 and 2015, which encompasses 261 companies (1,084 observations per year). The tests aim at explaining the probability of earnings distribution and the payout level of companies through variables that measure the female presence – considering that the explanatory economic attributes of decisions over dividends are kept under control. The econometric analysis was carried out through the descriptive analysis of the variables and LOGIT and TOBIT tests of inference estimated with fixed effects and meeting all econometric requirements.

Findings

The proportion of women in both deliberative and executive bodies affects marginally the dividend policy of Brazilian companies. The female presence in management bodies contributes to a higher probability of earnings distribution and increase in the payout level; such tendency is moderated when women are in the board of directors; so, we do not reject the hypothesis of female influence on dividend policy decisions in Brazil.

Originality/value

One can find such investigations in foreign environments, but such tests had not been accomplished in Brazil so far. We discuss, therefore, in an unprecedented way, the heterogeneity in deliberative (governance) and executive (management) bodies and its outcomes in strategic decisions made in Brazilian companies, focusing on the female insertion and on fundamental decisions that are related to the relationship among stakeholders, which is the dividend policy per se.
Understanding demonstration effects among youth sport spectators: cognitive and affective explanations
Authors: Potwarka Luke R. , Snelgrove Ryan , Wood Laura , Teare Georgia , Wigfield Daniel
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine whether watching a live track cycling event could increase youths' intention to participate in the sport, and to identify cognitive and affective mechanisms associated with post-event intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of youth spectators (n = 362) who experienced the 2016 Milton International Track Cycling Challenge completed pre- and post-event questionnaires to assess intention to participate and cognitive and affective components of their spectator experience.

Findings

Respondents' intentions to participate post-event were significantly higher than pre-event. Results also indicated that state inspiration mediated relationships between three cognitive dimensions of sport spectator experiences (i.e. fantasy, flow, evaluation) and intention to participate.

Practical implications

Sport managers should design youth day events to engage with youth prior to the event to increase their knowledge of the sport. This prior engagement may help youth to evaluate performances effectively. Moreover, event experience should be designed to incorporate vicarious and immersive experiences tailored to youth spectators.

Originality/value

The present study is one of the first to assess intentions to participate among youth spectators at multiple time points (i.e. before and after an event) and identifies specific mechanism within the spectator experience that may lead to a demonstration effect.
Fatal neonatal nephrocutaneous syndrome in 18 Roma children with EGFR deficiency
Authors: Mazurova Stella , Tesarova Marketa , Zeman Jiri , Stranecky Viktor , Hansikova Hana , Baxova Alica , Giertlova Maria , Lastuvkova Jana , Chovanova Vanda , Rusnakova Simona , Knapkova Maria , Minarik Gabriel , Honzik Tomas , Magner Martin
Published: April 2020

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane glycoprotein with tyrosine‐kinase signaling activity, involved in many cellular functions including cell growth and differentiation. Germ line loss‐of‐function mutations in EGFR lead to a severe neonatal skin disorder (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man #131550). We report 18 premature Roma children from 16 families with birthweights ranging 440–1470 g and multisystem diseases due to the homozygous mutation c.1283G˃A (p.Gly428Asp) in EGFR. They presented with thin, translucent, fragile skin (14/15), skin desquamation (10/17), ichthyosis (9/17), recurrent skin infections and sepsis (9/12), nephromegaly (10/16) and congenital heart defects (7/17). Their prognosis was poor, and all died before the age of 6 months except one 13‐year‐old boy with a severe skin disorder, dentinogenesis imperfecta, Fanconi‐like syndrome and secondary hyperaldosteronism. Management of ion and water imbalances and extremely demanding skin care may improve the unfavorable outcome of such patients.
The paradox of the long term: human evolution and entanglement★
Authors: Hodder Ian
Published: April 2020

Over recent decades, many archaeologists have eschewed evolutionary theories, and in doing so they have turned away from the identification of long‐term trends that are of great relevance to present‐day matters of concern. In particular, there is clear evidence for an overall long‐term increase in the amount of human‐made material and associated human‐thing entanglements, an increase tied up with environmental impact and global inequalities. The directionality of these long‐term changes is clear and yet evolutionary theory largely shuns notions of overall directional change. This paradox and its implications are the subject of this article, with the suggestion made that, for human evolution at least, notions of directionality and path dependence need to be embraced, with concomitant changes in human evolutionary theory, and with implications for responses to environmental change. Adding to earlier accounts of entanglement, emphases are placed on the self‐amplifying processes that lead to change and on irreversibility in the place of teleology.
Women’s Lives Beyond the Checkpoint in Palestine
Authors: Griffiths Mark , Repo Jemima
Published: April 2020

This article brings women to the fore of a discussion of checkpoints in Palestine to understand better the ways that Palestinian women’s lives—even as they may not regularly cross checkpoints—are affected by Israeli security infrastructure. Drawing on fieldwork near Checkpoint 300 between Bethlehem and Jerusalem, we examine women’s lives in the context of a gendered system of permits and the nearby checkpoint that makes men’s days of labour both long and exhausting, a fact that has profound effects on the family home in terms of restricted mobilities and the division of domestic labour. The article thus builds an account of checkpoints that: (1) situates women’s everyday lives in Palestine in the context of Israel’s military occupation; (2) extends the temporality of checkpoints beyond the checkpoint itself; and, therefore, (3) enables an understanding of the effects of borders beyond the immediate space of the border.
Quantitative fetal fibronectin for prediction of preterm birth in asymptomatic twin pregnancy
Authors: Kuhrt Katy , Hezelgrave‐Elliott Natasha , Stock Sarah J. , Tribe Rachel , Seed Paul T. , Shennan Andrew H.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

To evaluate cervicovaginal fluid quantitative fetal fibronectin, measured by a bedside analyzer, to predict spontaneous preterm birth in twin pregnancy before 30 weeks of gestation.

Material and methods

In a prospective cohort study, we studied the accuracy of quantitative fetal fibronectin measured between 18 and 27+6 weeks of gestation in high‐risk asymptomatic women with twin pregnancies, to predict spontaneous preterm birth before 30 weeks of gestation. Predefined fetal fibronectin thresholds were ≥10, ≥50 and ≥200 ng/mL. Predictive statistics were also calculated to evaluate accuracy of “early” tests, performed between 18 and 21+6 weeks and “standard” tests performed between 22+0 and 27+6 weeks of gestation in the same cohort. Subgroup analysis was performed according to cervical length measurement. In addition, we compared accuracy of prediction with quantitative fetal fibronectin measured during the standard test period in asymptomatic twin pregnancy with no additional risk factors, to twin pregnancies with one or more additional risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth.

Results

Of 130 eligible women identified with quantitative fetal fibronectin tests undertaken during the standard testing period, 9% delivered before 30 weeks of gestation. Quantitative fetal fibronectin was significantly related to outcome before 30/40 (ROC curves of 0.8 [95% CI 0.7‐1]). Early tests were not significantly predictive; ROC area 0.53 (95% CI 0.29‐0.81). There was a trend towards better predictive accuracy when one or more additional risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth or cervical length were considered.

Conclusions

Quantitative fetal fibronectin measured from 22 to 27+6 weeks of gestation accurately predicts spontaneous preterm birth at <30 weeks of gestation. Tests undertaken earlier are of limited value. Consideration of cervical length or prior history in addition to quantitative fetal fibronectin strengthens prediction.
Analysis of 61 exclusive enteral nutrition formulas used in the management of active Crohn’s disease—new insights into dietary disease triggers
Authors: Logan Michael , Gkikas Konstantinos , Svolos Vaios , Nichols Ben , Milling Simon , Gaya Daniel R. , Seenan John Paul , Macdonald Jonathan , Hansen Richard , Ijaz Umer Z. , Russell Richard K. , Gerasimidis Konstantinos
Published: April 2020

Background

Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is an effective treatment for Crohn's disease.

Aims

To investigate the hypothesis that ingredients of EEN formulas are unlikely to initiate a disease flare and that their dietary elimination is not essential for disease amelioration.

Methods

We performed compositional analysis of EEN formulas with evidence of efficacy in management of active Crohn's disease. Macronutrient content was compared against the dietary reference values (DRV), the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) and intake of Crohn's disease children. Food additives were cross‐referenced against the FAO/WHO database.

Results

Sixty‐one formulas were identified with variable composition (carbohydrates [22.8%‐89.3%], protein [7.8%‐30.1%], fat [0%‐52.5%]). Maltodextrin, milk protein and vegetable/plant oils were the commonest macronutrient sources. Their n‐6:n‐3 fatty acid ratio varied from 0.25 to 46.5. 56 food additives were identified (median per formula: 11). All formulas were lactose‐free, gluten‐free, and 82% lacked fibre. The commonest food additives were emulsifiers, stabilisers, antioxidants, acidity regulators and thickeners. Food additives, implicated in Crohn's disease aetiology, were present in formulas (modified starches [100%], carrageenan [22%], carboxymethyl cellulose [13%] and polysorbate 80 [5%]). Remission rates did not differ between EEN formulas with and without those food additives. Analysis including only formulas from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) retained in the latest Cochrane meta‐analysis produced similar findings. EEN formulas contained less energy from saturated fat than NDNS intake.

Conclusion

We have identified food ingredients which are present in EEN formulas that are effective in Crohn's disease and challenge perceptions that these ingredients might be harmful.
Changing paradigms in measuring national well‐being: How does Korea rank “beyond GDP”?
Authors: Rudolf Robert
Published: April 2020

Academics, politicians, and citizens around the world are calling for multidimensional measures of national well‐being to be included in public policy‐making. Under the motto “The Future of Well‐Being,” the 6th OECD World Forum recently pushed forward this debate in Incheon, Korea. Comparing multidimensional well‐being measures across countries, Korea ranks well in income and health, but shows deficiencies in social support, perceived freedom over life choices, air quality, and work‐life balance. Multidimensional measures of well‐being are increasingly being adopted by policy‐makers around the world to improve people's lives.
The effects of aripiprazole and olanzapine on pupillary light reflex and its relationship with pharmacogenetics in a randomized multiple‐dose trial
Authors: Koller Dora , Saiz‐Rodríguez Miriam , Zubiaur Pablo , Ochoa Dolores , Almenara Susana , Román Manuel , Romero‐Palacián Daniel , de Miguel‐Cáceres Alejandro , Martín Samuel , Navares‐Gómez Marcos , Mejía Gina , Wojnicz Aneta , Abad‐Santos Francisco
Published: April 2020

Aims

Pupillography is a noninvasive and cost‐effective method to determine autonomic nerve activity. Genetic variants in cytochrome P450 (CYP), dopamine receptor (DRD2, DRD3), serotonin receptor (HTR2A, HTR2C) and ATP‐binding cassette subfamily B (ABCB1) genes, among others, were previously associated with the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antipsychotic drugs. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of aripiprazole and olanzapine on pupillary light reflex related to pharmacogenetics.

Methods

Twenty‐four healthy volunteers receiving 5 oral doses of 10 mg aripiprazole and 5 mg olanzapine tablets were genotyped for 46 polymorphisms by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Pupil examination was performed by automated pupillometry. Aripiprazole, dehydro‐aripiprazole and olanzapine plasma concentrations were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Aripiprazole affected pupil contraction: it caused dilatation after the administration of the first dose, then caused constriction after each dosing. It induced changes in all pupillometric parameters (P < .05). Olanzapine only altered minimum pupil size (P = .046). Polymorphisms in CYP3A, HTR2A, UGT1A1, DRD2 and ABCB1 affected pupil size, the time of onset of constriction, pupil recovery and constriction velocity. Aripiprazole, dehydro‐aripiprazole and olanzapine pharmacokinetics were significantly affected by polymorphisms in CYP2D6, CYP3A, CYP1A2, ABCB1 and UGT1A1 genes.

Conclusions

In conclusion, aripiprazole and its main metabolite, dehydro‐aripiprazole altered pupil contraction, but olanzapine did not have such an effect. Many polymorphisms may influence pupillometric parameters and several polymorphisms had an effect on aripiprazole, dehydro‐aripiprazole and olanzapine pharmacokinetics. Pupillography could be a useful tool for the determination of autonomic nerve activity during antipsychotic treatment.
Neonatal incubator or artificial womb? Distinguishing ectogestation and ectogenesis using the metaphysics of pregnancy
Authors: Kingma Elselijn , Finn Suki
Published: April 2020

A 2017 Nature report was widely touted as hailing the arrival of the artificial womb. But the scientists involved claim their technology is merely an improvement in neonatal care. This raises an under‐considered question: what differentiates neonatal incubation from artificial womb technology? Considering the nature of gestation—or metaphysics of pregnancy—(a) identifies more profound differences between fetuses and neonates/babies than their location (in or outside the maternal body) alone: fetuses and neonates have different physiological and physical characteristics; (b) characterizes birth as a physiological, mereological and topological transformation as well as a (morally relevant) change of location; and (c) delivers a clear distinction between neonatal incubation and ectogestation: the former supports neonatal physiology; the latter preserves fetal physiology. This allows a detailed conceptual classification of ectogenetive and ectogestative technologies according to which the 2017 system is not just improved neonatal incubation, but genuine ectogestation. But it is not an artificial womb, which is a term that is better put to rest. The analysis reveals that any ethical discussion involving ectogestation must always involve considerations of possible risks to the mother as well as her autonomy and rights. It also adds a third and potentially important dimension to debates in reproductive ethics: the physiological transition from fetus/gestateling to baby/neonate.
COVID‐19 and urology: a comprehensive review of the literature
Authors: Puliatti Stefano , Eissa Ahmed , Eissa Radwa , Amato Marco , Mazzone Elio , Dell’Oglio Paolo , Sighinolfi Maria Chiara , Zoeir Ahmed , Micali Salvatore , Bianchi Giampaolo , Patel Vipul , Wiklund Peter , Coelho Rafael F. , Bernhard Jean‐Christophe , Dasgupta Prokar , Mottrie Alexandre , Rocco Bernardo
Published: April 2020

Objective

To discuss the impact of COVID‐19 on global health, particularly on urological practice and to review some of the available recommendations reported in the literature.

Material and Methods

In the current narrative review the PubMed database was searched to identify all the related reports discussing the impact of COVID‐19 on the urological field.

Results

The COVID‐19 pandemic is the latest and biggest global health threat. Medical and surgical priorities have changed dramatically to cope with the current challenge. These changes include postponements of all elective outpatient visits and surgical procedures to save facilities and resources for urgent cases and patients with COVID‐19 patients. This review discuss some of the related changes in urology.

Conclusions

Over the coming weeks, healthcare workers including urologists will be facing increasingly difficult challenges, and consequently, they should adopt triage strategy to avoid wasting of medical resources and they should endorse sufficient protection policies to guard against infection when dealing with COVID‐19 patients.
‘We are the same as everyone else just with a different and unique backstory’: Identity, belonging and ‘othering’ within education for young people who are ‘looked after’
Authors: Jones Lisa , Dean Charlotte , Dunhill Ally , Hope Max A. , Shaw Patricia A.
Published: April 2020

This paper develops understandings of how being publicly identified and consequently labelled as ‘looked after’ can have damaging consequences for young people, particularly in how they are perceived by their peers in the context of schooling. Based on qualitative research in northern England utilising participatory approaches with young people and interviews with support staff, we explore barriers that inhibit young people's sense of belonging. We highlight how the very processes and practices set up to support the young people can often have unintended consequences by routinely positioning them as Other, before considering the implications for education and schooling in particular.
VALUE OF LIFE AND INJURY: EVIDENCE FROM A U.S. FISHERY
Authors: Marvasti Akbar
Published: April 2020

Here, revealed trade‐offs between monetary rewards and safety risk for shrimp fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico are investigated. Shrimp harvesting is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States with an occupational fatality rate significantly above the average. The instrumental variables method is employed for estimation of the injuries and fatalities. My estimates of the value of a statistical life and the value of statistical injury, using the sample selection model, are in line with the estimates from other industries and provide useful information for public policy. (JEL J17, Q2, K2, D2)
Relationship between improvement of glycaemic control and reduction of major cardiovascular events in 15 cardiovascular outcome trials: A meta‐analysis with meta‐regression
Authors: Giugliano Dario , Bellastella Giuseppe , Longo Miriam , Scappaticcio Lorenzo , Maiorino Maria Ida , Chiodini Paolo , Esposito Katherine
Published: April 2020

Aim

In order to disclose relations between reduction of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and risk of major cardiovascular events (MACE), we performed a meta‐analysis with metaregression of all cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) so far published in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Materials and Methods

An electronic search up to February 10, 2020 was conducted to determine eligible trials. Pooled summary estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated according to the random effects model using the Paule‐Mandel method; restricted maximum likelihood estimators were used to estimate model parameters in the metaregression.

Results

The 15 CVOTs included evaluated 138,250 patients. In the pooled analysis, the risk of MACE was significantly reduced by 9% (hazard ratio, HR = 0.91, 0.87–0.95, P <0.001) as compared with placebo, with significant heterogeneity between trials (I2 = 44%, P = 0.060) There was a robust relation between the reduction in achieved HbA1c at the end of the trial and the HR reduction for MACE (beta = −0.3169, P = 0.029), explaining most (78%) of the between‐study variance; this relation was totally driven by the risk reduction of non‐fatal stroke only, which explained 100% of between‐study variance, and apparently restricted to the class of glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP−1RAs). There was no relation between the reduction in achieved HbA1c and the HR for heart failure (variance explained = 0%) or all‐cause mortality (variance explained = 6%).

Conclusion

The blood glucose reduction observed in CVOTs may play some role in reducing the risk of non‐fatal stroke, at least during treatment with GLP‐1RAs, without affecting the other two components of MACE.
Island properties dominate species traits in determining plant colonizations in an archipelago system
Authors: Aikio Sami , Ramula Satu , Muola Anne , von Numers Mikael
Published: April 2020

The extrinsic determinants hypothesis emphasizes the essential role of environmental heterogeneity in species’ colonization. Consequently, high resident species diversity can increase community susceptibility to colonizations because good habitats may support more species that are functionally similar to colonizers. On the other hand, colonization success is also likely to depend on species traits. We tested the relative importance of environmental characteristics and species traits in determining colonization success using census data of 587 vascular plant species collected about 70 yr apart from 471 islands in the archipelago of SW Finland. More specifically, we explored potential new colonization as a function of island properties (e.g. location, area, habitat diversity, number of resident species per unit area), species traits (e.g. plant height, life‐form, dispersal vector, Ellenberg indicator values, association with human impact), and species’ historical distributions (number of inhabited islands, nearest occurrence). Island properties and species’ historical distributions were more effective than plant traits in explaining colonization outcomes. Contrary to the extrinsic determinants hypothesis, colonization success was neither associated with resident species diversity nor habitat diversity per se, although colonization was lowest on sparsely vegetated islands. Our findings lead us to propose that while plant traits related to dispersal and establishment may enhance colonization, predictions of plant colonizations primarily require understanding of habitat properties and species’ historical distributions.
Stable isotope analysis for assessing the intercrop movement of Microplitis mediator, a larval endoparasitoid of Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Zhang Qian , Yang Long , Li Min‐Long , Liu Yong‐Qiang , Lu Yan‐Hui
Published: April 2020

Methods to trace source habitats and movement of parasitic natural enemies in agroecosystems are limited. This study demonstrates that stable carbon isotope analysis offers a valuable new method for revealing the movement of Microplitis mediator (Haliday) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a larval endoparasitoid of Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), between C3 and C4 plants. Results indicate that M. mediator with δ13C values of lower than −22‰ originate from a C3 plant, whereas those with δ13C values of higher than −19‰ develop on a C4 plant.
Measuring impulsivity in Parkinson’s disease: a correlational and structural neuroimaging study using different tests
Authors: Marín‐Lahoz J. , Martínez‐Horta S. , Sampedro F. , Pagonabarraga J. , Horta‐Barba A. , Bejr‐kasem H. , Botí M. Á. , Fernández‐Bobadilla R. , Pascual‐Sedano B. , Pérez‐Pérez J. , Aracil‐Bolaños I. , Gironell A. , Gómez‐Ansón B. , Kulisevsky J.
Published: April 2020

Background and purpose

Impulsivity is an aspect of personality and a major component of multiple neuropsychiatric conditions. In Parkinson’s disease, it has been associated with the expression of impulse control disorders, a highly prevalent non‐motor complication. Even though multiple tests of impulsivity have been used in this context, the impact of test choice has not been addressed. The aim was to evaluate whether different impulsivity measures in Parkinson’s disease share substantial inter‐scale and anatomical correlations or rather mirror different underlying phenomena.

Methods

In a consecutive sample of 89 Parkinson’s disease patients without impulse control disorders, four common tests were evaluated assessing different aspects of impulsivity: impulsiveness trait, decisions under implicit risk with and without losses, and delay discounting. Correlations among test scores were analysed and each score was used as a regressor in a set of grey matter volume (GMV) voxel‐based morphometry analyses to explore their brain structural correlates.

Results

No significant correlations were found between the different impulsivity tests. Furthermore, their structural brain correlates were divergent. Impulsiveness trait appeared to be associated with lower GMV in dorsal–lateral prefrontal cortices, implicit risk (with losses) with higher GMV in the left nucleus accumbens and lower left insular GMV, implicit risk (without losses) with higher GMV in the left lingual gyrus and lower GMV in the gyri recti and delay discounting with higher GMV in the left nucleus accumbens.

Conclusions

In Parkinson’s disease, different impulsivity measures reflect very dissimilar behavioural and brain structural correlates. Our results suggest that parkinsonian impulsivity is not a unitary phenomenon but rather a heterogeneous entity.
A Triple‐Stack Column Procedure for Rapid Separation of Cu and Zn from Geological Samples
Authors: Freymuth Heye , Reekie Callum D. J. , Williams Helen M.
Published: April 2020

We present a new procedure for the separation and purification of Cu and Zn from geological samples. Our procedure employed a single pass, triple‐stack column set‐up. The first column, filled with TRU resin (TrisKem International), quantitatively removed Fe and Ti from sample matrices. A second column, filled with pre‐filter resin (TrisKem International), removed organic compounds. Finally, a third column, filled with anion exchange resin (AG1‐X8, 200–400 mesh, Bio‐Rad), was used to separate Cu and Zn from the remaining matrix. Our procedure required about 50% less acid volume than previously reported methods for Cu and Zn separation, thereby minimising analytical blanks and column running times. Copper and Zn stable isotope ratios were determined by a Thermo Neptune Plus MC‐ICP‐MS using Zn and Cu external normalisation, respectively, in addition to sample‐standard bracketing to correct for instrumental mass bias. We explore the inter‐calibration of Cu and Zn isotope fractionation coefficients during analysis by measuring mixed Cu–Zn solutions with enhanced mass bias variation generated by varying sample gas flow rates. Our results demonstrate that this procedure is useful when variation in instrumental mass bias throughout analytical sequences is insufficient to inter‐calibrate Cu and Zn fractionation coefficients.
The COVID‐19 (Coronavirus) pandemic: reflections on the roles of librarians and information professionals
Authors: Ali Muhammad Yousuf , Gatiti Peter
Published: April 2020

This Regular Feature explores the role of health science librarians in the coronavirus pandemic. COVID‐19 has spread rapidly all over the world. All major cities around the globe are in lockdown. In Pakistan, the first case was diagnosed on 26 February 2020, and currently, there are more than 2039 diagnosed cases and 26 deaths as on 31 March 2020. Across the country, there are further 12 000 suspected cases. This will undoubtedly increase if precautionary measures are not taken. Pakistani universities, colleges and schools were in lockdown. The role of university librarians in this emergency included raising awareness through public health education, providing support to medical staff, researchers and providing ongoing traditional services to regular library patrons in Pakistan. The Regular Feature also provides links to useful resources. JM.
Improved two‐dimensional electrophoretic mapping of Japanese human hair proteins; application to curved and straight Japanese human hairs; and protein identification by MALDI MS and MS/MS quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Bryson W.G. , McCormack A.C. , Plowman J.E. , Grosvenor A.J. , Murphy C.J. , Nagase S. , Itou T. , Koike K.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To evaluate improved protein extraction and two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) separation methods with Japanese reference human hair (JRH); to determine whether fibre curvature is related to protein composition in curly and straight Japanese women’s human hair (JHH) samples; and to identify proteins from JRH 2DE maps and expression differences between curly and straight JHH.

Methods

Hair keratin and keratin‐associated proteins (KAPs) were extracted intact with dithiothreitol or tris(2‐carboxyethyl) phosphine from JRH or from curved or straight JHH. Extracted proteins were isoelectric‐focused on first‐dimensional pH gradient gel strips, then separated by molecular weight on laboratory‐made, second‐dimension, large format gels. The software compared protein abundance between duplicate 2DE gels of curved and straight JHH.

Thirty‐eight proteins from a JRH 2DE gel were enzyme‐cleaved for MALDI‐TOF‐MS analysis to determine peptide composition, and where possible, de novo sequencing gave peptide sequence data. An in‐house human hair protein database incorporating ninety‐eight annotated protein sequences assisted MS analysis.

Results

2DE gels of tris(2‐carboxyethyl) phosphine‐extracted JRH improved keratin and KAP resolution and number compared to those of dithiothreitol‐extracted JRH and published commercially made second‐dimensional gels.

Silver‐stained 2DE gels of the straight or curved JHH sets were remarkably similar. Over‐staining to reveal basic proteins caused poor resolution of the major acidic protein classes. Software comparisons of fifty‐nine resolved proteins revealed two were significantly different in abundance between curved and straight hairs but in insufficient amounts for MS analysis. MS identified twelve proteins from a JRH CBBG‐stained 2DE gel: six type II keratins, three type I keratins and three high sulphur proteins. A further eight were potential conformational isoforms and isoelectric variants of the identified proteins bringing the total to twenty identified or partially identified proteins.

Conclusion

Root‐end human hair extraction with tris(2‐carboxyethyl) phosphine improves protein resolution and visualizes more proteins on large format 2DE gels. The two minor protein differences between duplicate straight or curved JHH 2DE gels were unlikely to change fibre structure from straight to curved hair.

MS results confirmed that multiple isoforms exist of various hair proteins. Low sequence coverage prevented distinction between members in rows of homologous protein spots of similar molecular weight.