bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CAIX forms a transport metabolon with monocarboxylate transporters in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Ames Samantha , Andring Jacob T. , McKenna Robert , Becker Holger M.
Published: May 2019

Tumor cells rely on glycolysis to meet their elevated demand for energy. Thereby they produce significant amounts of lactate and protons, which are exported via monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs), supporting the formation of an acidic microenvironment. The present study demonstrates that carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), one of the major acid/base regulators in cancer cells, forms a protein complex with MCT1 and MCT4 in tissue samples from human breast cancer patients, but not healthy breast tissue. Formation of this transport metabolon requires binding of CAIX to the Ig1 domain of the MCT1/4 chaperon CD147 and is required for CAIX-mediated facilitation of MCT1/4 activity. Application of an antibody, directed against the CD147-Ig1 domain, displaces CAIX from the transporter and suppresses CAIX-mediated facilitation of proton-coupled lactate transport. In cancer cells, this “metabolon disruption” results in a decrease in lactate transport, reduced glycolysis and ultimately reduced cell proliferation. Taken together, the study shows that carbonic anhydrases form transport metabolons with acid/base transporters in human tumor tissue and that these interactions can be exploited to interfere with tumor metabolism and proliferation.
SAMbinder: A web server for predicting SAM binding residues of a protein from its amino acid sequence
Authors: Agrawal Piyush , Mishra Gaurav , Raghava Gajendra P. S.
Published: May 2019

Motivation

S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) is one of the important cofactor present in the biological system and play a key role in many diseases. There is a need to develop a method for predicting SAM binding sites in a protein for designing drugs against SAM associated disease. Best of our knowledge, there is no method that can predict the binding site of SAM in a given protein sequence.

Result

This manuscript describes a method SAMbinder, developed for predicting SAM binding sites in a protein from its primary sequence. All models were trained, tested and evaluated on 145 SAM binding protein chains where no two chains have more than 40% sequence similarity. Firstly, models were developed using different machine learning techniques on a balanced dataset contain 2188 SAM interacting and an equal number of non-interacting residues. Our Random Forest based model developed using binary profile feature got maximum MCC 0.42 with AUROC 0.79 on the validation dataset. The performance of our models improved significantly from MCC 0.42 to 0.61, when evolutionary information in the form of PSSM profile is used as a feature. We also developed models on realistic dataset contains 2188 SAM interacting and 40029 non-interacting residues and got maximum MCC 0.61 with AUROC of 0.89. In order to evaluate the performance of our models, we used internal as well as external cross-validation technique.

Availability and implementation

https://webs.iiitd.edu.in/raghava/sambinder/.
Application of extracellular flux analysis for determining mitochondrial function in mammalian oocytes and early embryos
Authors: Muller Bethany , Lewis Niamh , Adeniyi Tope , Leese Henry J , Brison Daniel , Sturmey Roger G
Published: May 2019

1.

Background

Mitochondria provide the major source of ATP for mammalian oocyte maturation and early embryo development. Oxygen Consumption Rate (OCR) is an established measure of mitochondrial function. OCR by mammalian oocytes and embryos has generally been restricted to overall uptake and detailed understanding of the components of OCR dedicated to specific molecular events remains lacking.

Results

Here, extracellular flux analysis (EFA) was applied to small groups of bovine, equine, mouse and human oocytes and bovine early embryos to measure OCR. Using EFA, we report the changes in mitochondrial activity during the processes of oocyte maturation, fertilization, and pre-implantation development to blastocyst stage in response to physiological demands in mammalian embryos. Crucially, we describe the real time partitioning of overall OCR to spare capacity, proton leak, non-mitochondrial and coupled respiration – showing that while there are alterations in activity over the course of development to respond to physiological demand, the overall efficiency is unchanged.

Conclusion

EFA is shown to be able to measure mitochondrial function in small groups of mammalian oocytes and embryos in a manner which is robust, rapid and easy to use. EFA is non-invasive and allows real-time determination of the impact of compounds on OCR, facilitating an assessment of the parameters of mitochondrial activity. This provides proof-of-concept for EFA as an accessible system with which to study oocyte and embryo metabolism.
Matter of opinion
Authors: Puroila Jenni , Mäkelä Hannele
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the socio-political role of materiality assessment in sustainability reporting literature and discuss the potential of materiality assessment to advance more inclusive accounting and reporting practices, in particular critical dialogic accounting.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on literature on the concept of materiality together with insights from stakeholder engagement, commensuration and critical dialogic accounting the paper analyses disclosure on materiality in sustainability reports. Empirically, qualitative content analysis is used to analyse 44 sustainability reports from the leading companies.

Findings

The authors argue that, first, the technic-rational approach to materiality portrays the assessment as a neutral and value-free measurement, and second, the materiality matrix presents the multiple stakeholders as having a unified understanding of what is considered important in corporate sustainability. Thus, the technic-rational approach to the materiality assessment, reinforced with the use of the matrix is a value-laden judgement of what matters in corporate sustainability and narrows down rather than opens up the complexity of the assessment of material sustainability issues, stakeholder engagement and the societal pursuit of sustainable development.

Originality/value

The understandings and implications of the concept of materiality are ambiguous and wide-reaching, as, through constituting the legitimised set of claims and information on corporate sustainable performance, it impacts our understanding of sustainable development at large, and affects the corporate and policy-level transition towards sustainability. Exploring insights from critical dialogic accounting help us to elaborate on the conceptions and practical implications of materiality assessment that enhance stakeholder engagement in a democratic, rather than managerial, spirit.
Reassessing the contents and context of governance in Asia: recognizing achievements
Authors: Huque Ahmed Shafiqul
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Good governance has been declared as the key target of most Asian governments, but it appears to be an unattainable objective. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potentials for establishing governance across Asian countries. Drawing upon the literature and experience of Asian countries, the study argues that governance represents an unclear state that is rooted more in perception than reality. An extensive review of the indicators of governance reveals the anomaly and unorganized efforts to measure it, and points to the need for recognizing accomplishments in areas that are not directly or indirectly covered in the existing schemes of assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a broad review of the literature on governance and political systems in Asian countries. Existing arrangements for assessing governance are critically reviewed to point out the risks in a perception-dependent approach. Secondary sources and insight obtained from relevant research constitute the data analyzed in the paper.

Findings

The paper finds that the target of good governance cannot be fully achieved due to the significant diversity across Asian countries as well as varied perceptions held by assessors. Stakeholders have different perceptions about the requirements and ideal of governance and existing tools for measuring governance are inadequate. Most importantly, assessment frameworks do not recognize contextual dimensions that are relevant to Asian countries. Furthermore, it is important to recognize efforts that are aimed at improving conditions instead of working toward an absolute outcome of governance. Recognition of small successes will contribute to the improvement of circumstances rather than ranking countries on the basis of a limited number of perception-based indicators and listing them on international indices.

Research limitations/implications

The paper does not draw upon primary sources of information and is limited to an assessment of existing arrangements.

Practical implications

The paper will help draw attention to the limitations of existing arrangements of assessing countries and ranking them for the quality of governance. It will also encourage researchers to think about alternative tools for assessing governance and recognizing progress in Asian countries.

Social implications

The paper will encourage governments to identify obstacles to good governance and adopt policies to overcome them.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature presenting a critical view for encouraging alternative approach to governance, incorporating perceptions of diverse stakeholders and highlights the need to recognize progress, however limited, in all areas.
“It put control back onto my family situation”: family experiences of positive behaviour support
Authors: Botterill Sinead , Cottam Susan , Fowke Alex , Theodore Kate
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Positive behaviour support (PBS) is currently considered best practice for managing challenging behaviour in young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A key principle of PBS is that all members of the person’s support network participate in the assessment and intervention. It is, therefore, important to understand what factors act as facilitators or barriers to family engagement; however, research in this area is limited. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a novel piece of qualitative research analysis into experiences of family members of young people who have received family-based PBS.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight parents of a young person with an intellectual or developmental disability who had received PBS were interviewed about their experiences and factors they found helpful and hindering in terms of their engagement. Thematic analysis allowed a detailed and robust interpretation of the qualitative data.

Findings

Five superordinate themes were identified, namely, PBS is more than just strategies, considering the family context, the therapist/family relationship, acknowledging challenges and the ongoing nature of the problem and supporting family member change.

Research limitations/implications

Although research was rigorously conducted, the small sample size mean findings should be considered preliminary.

Originality/value

The literature related to family engagement in PBS is limited and largely based on the opinions of professionals. This study identified factors that parents themselves felt were helpful and hindering in terms of their engagement and offers practical suggestions for services and future research.
Planning of sport and recreational facilities informed by interdisciplinary knowledge
Authors: Hjort Mikkel , Martin W. Mike , Troelsen Jens
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a design strategy that investigates the systematic use of interdisciplinary knowledge through a transparent decision-making process. The study identifies relevant design parameters that should be considered in the development of this design strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data were collected through observations of the design process of two new sport facilities, meetings with sport, well-being and aging experts and through semi-structured interviews with end-users. The development of the proposed design strategy is based on a methodology with elements from “Knowledge to Action (KTA),” “Action research” and a “List of value concepts.” The rigid timetable guaranteed systematic progress, where both knowledge from the end-users and experts were incorporated throughout the decision-making process.

Findings

The two case studies documented results involving end-users and experts in a systematic way. In conclusion, it was apparent that the use of interdisciplinary collaboration informed the design outcome.

Practical implications

Based on the two cases, the following advice can be given to the architectural profession: architects should use the KTA model or similar in order to target the search for relevant interdisciplinary knowledge and ensure that relevant evidence is involved in the design process of upcoming projects regarding sport and recreation. Architects should make the design process transparent so that one can see which design decisions have been made through the design process. This must be done to ensure that there is greater coherence between vision and practice.

Originality/value

The study showed how architects could import knowledge, skills and values from other disciplines such as environmental psychology and active living research to improve the decision-making process of future sport and recreation projects. It was also clear that this design decision process could be made more transparent in the effort to allow the various stakeholders to take ownership of the resulting design outcomes.
The investigation and analysis of the current situation of medical service price cognition of China with grey relational analysis theory
Authors: Yin Lili , Duan Lizhong , Zhang Yinran , Liu Hangyu , Zhang Chongxu , Sun Qiaoqiao , Lu Qi
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Through a questionnaire survey, the purpose of this paper is to understand and analyse the cognitions of medical service price of medical workers in various regions of China, and discuss the policy suggestions on the price dynamic adjustment of medical service.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a questionnaire survey on the cognition of medical service price medical workers in various regions of China, and then the grey relational analysis theory is used to analyse the data obtained from the questionnaire survey.

Findings

The investigation and analysis shows some cognitions of hospital workers on the price of medical services in various regions in China, the authors analyse the results of grey relational analysis and come up with suggestions for relevant departments.

Research limitations/implications

Although a plenty of research on the current situation of medical service price cognition of China is discussed in the paper, it is not complete; thus, a large amount of information needs to be consulted further. The data obtained from the questionnaire are less used and the utilisation rate is lower, which may result in one-sided results and need further investigation.

Practical implications

Through the investigation and analysis, the authors can determine about the implementation of medical service prices in various parts of China from the perspective of hospital workers to a certain degree, and try to explore the relevant policy recommendations for the dynamic adjustment of medical service prices.

Social implications

The price of medical services refers to the fees for registration, diagnosis, inspection, surgery, nursing and medicine. In a narrow sense, the price of medical services refers to the standard of charge for medical services except drugs. This paper mainly refers to the narrow sense. As one of the important means and methods for the government to control the medical service market, medical service price is also an important basis for the economic source of medical institutions. The adjustment of medical service price is related to the interests of all aspects of society.

Originality/value

Medical service price is an important basis for the economic source of medical institutions, the adjustment of medical service price is related to the interests of all aspects of society and it is a hot issue of social concern. Through the investigation and analysis, the authors use grey relational analysis to know about the medical service prices in various parts of China from the perspective of hospital workers to a certain degree, and try to explore the relevant policy recommendations for the dynamic adjustment of medical service prices.
A passenger-centred model in assessing airport service performance
Authors: Wiredja Dedy , Popovic Vesna , Blackler Alethea
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Assessing airport service performance requires understanding of all passenger processing and discretionary activities at airport passenger terminals – a need that has not yet been addressed in the research to date. This paper aims to address this shortcoming in evaluating overall airport service based on passenger experience from departure to arrival.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparative analysis over 40 airport models, including their indicators and configuration of service measures, was undertaken in a previous work to identify key-design requirements in assessing airport service performance based on passenger experience (Wiredja et al., 2015). Based on these requirements, this paper constitutes the development of a passenger-centred model covering all service areas from departure to arrival terminals. The newly developed model is then examined using factor and regression analyses by involving 215 airline passengers from 22 world’s international airports.

Findings

Overall service performance is understood as a function of combined sub-performances of two groups of airport domains: processing domains and non-processing domains. The overall result demonstrated that the two sets of service factors and their relevant attributes had significant impact on overall service performance at processing and non-processing domains.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model applies a set of dynamic performance measures that provide flexibility. These measures are adjustable depending on the needs. Adding or replacing measures defines the specificity of the domains and performances assessed. The model components can be modified in respective service attributes when passenger needs or priorities change. The only constant component is user-centred indicators (in this research, Passenger-centred indicators).

Originality/value

This research has generated new insights and knowledge that directly contribute to the assessment of airport service performance. The novelty of this research is the development of a passenger-centred approach in evaluating overall airport service based on passenger experience. This passenger-driven model provides a more integrated and robust approach in this field than previously available.
Development of opportunistic maintenance policy towards optimal maintenance system (OPTOMS) model
Authors: Ab-Samat Hasnida , Kamaruddin Shahrul
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Opportunistic maintenance (OM) policy is a prospective maintenance approach that instigates for a more effective and optimized system. The purpose of this paper is to provide the steps and methods used in model development processes for the application of the OM policy.

Design/methodology/approach

Dubbed as opportunistic principle toward optimal maintenance system (OPTOMS) for OM policy toward optimal maintenance system, the model is devised as a decision support system model and contains five phases. The motivation and focus of the model resolve around the need for a practical framework or model of maintenance policy for the application in an industry. In this paper, the OPTOMS model was verified and validated to ensure that the model is applicable in the industry and robust as a support system in decision making for the optimal maintenance system.

Findings

From the verification steps conducted in a case study company, it was found that the developed model incorporated simple but practical tools like check sheet, failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA), control chart that has been commonly used in the industry.

Practical implications

This paper provides the general explanations of the developed model and tools used for each phase in implementing OM to achieve an optimal maintenance system. Based on a case study conducted in a semiconductor company, the OPTOMS model can align and prepare the company in increasing machine reliability by reducing machine downtime.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper is based on the in-depth discussion of all phases and steps in the model that emphasize on how the model will become practical theories in conducting an OM policy in a company. The proposed methods and tools for data collection and analysis are practical and commonly used in the industry. The framework is designed for practical application in the industry. The users would be from the Maintenance and Production Department.
The relationship between the technology acceptance model and preference for ebooks at a large research university
Authors: Smith Susan Lynn , Rodriguez Allyson , Miller Erin DeWitt , Xu Lu
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study aims to uncover factors related to students’ preference for ebooks with hopes that understanding what drives these preferences will help librarians to figure out how to increase students’ use of ebooks.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, researchers developed a model of ebook preference and a survey including constructs related to perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Respondents were undergraduate students from a core political science course at a large research university in the USA.

Findings

Ebook performance expectancy and ebook self-efficacy have indirect effects on ebook preference by way of ebook attitude. Ebook attitude and social influence both have direct effects.

Research limitations/implications

One of the limitation include respondents being of a similar age and having a similar experience of technology and ebooks. Prior use of ebooks may partially explain the results.

Practical implications

Librarians should help students develop ebook self-efficacy. Vendors should consider how interfaces may impact ebook self-efficacy. Ebook attitude may be positively influenced by tapping students’ desire to utilize technology.

Originality/value

This research adds to the understanding about ebook preference while expanding research in libraries by applying a theory and model from another research discipline.
An applied code of ethics model for decision-making in the accounting profession
Authors: Payne Dinah M. , Corey Christy , Raiborn Cecily , Zingoni Matthew
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of paper is to supply a code of ethics that can be easily utilized by working professional in their day to day decision making. The accounting profession plays a vital role in the functioning of modern society. It is essential that members of this profession be ethical and stand fast against the internal and external pressures that might encourage these professionals to engage in fraudulent activities. Codes of ethics provide a coherent articulation of the ideals, responsibilities and limitations of the collective ethic of a profession’s members and can assist in guiding ethical behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Our model is based on the professional values of justice, utility, competence and utility, i.e. JUCI model, which is a straightforward and easily understandable ethical decision-making model that the average accounting professional, as well as finance professionals in general, may reference when challenged with difficult ethical quandaries.

Findings

This code, the JUCI Code, represents a contribution to the literature in that its simple, but not simplistic, approach could be of enormous benefit to busy and pressured accountants who need help in constructing independently achieved and defensible rational ethical decisions in the practice of accounting.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors build upon a review of ethical foundations and codes of conduct in other professions to construct our code of ethics for accounting professionals.
Implementation of target cost management in a non-Japanese environment
Authors: Baharudin Norhafiza , Jusoh Ruzita
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Drawing from dynamic capability theory, this paper aims to examine the implementation of target cost management (TCM) in a non-Japanese environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a case study at Company ABC, an automotive manufacturer in Malaysia, this paper investigates the differences in the TCM implementation process between Company ABC and companies operating in the Japanese business environment. The data were collected through in-depth interviews, direct observation and document reviews.

Findings

Using a single-case study approach, the findings show that although the case company follows similar fundamental steps of TCM as highlighted in the literature, it has modified the detail of the TCM steps to some extent to match with the company’s resources, business processes and strategic routines.

Research limitations/implications

As the study used a single-case study approach on an automotive company, the results cannot be generalized in other settings. The findings give an insight into the TCM implementation in a developing country such as Malaysia. Better understanding of TCM as a business competitive tool may help to promote TCM application in other developing countries. The findings help new potential TCM companies in the same industry to mitigate and leverage the risk of failure in implementing TCM by modifying the TCM implementation process to suit their contextual environments.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to explain in depth the TCM implementation process in the case company and highlights how the dynamic capabilities can cause differences in TCM practices compared to those practiced in the Japanese context.
Associations between folate and choline intake, homocysteine metabolism, and genetic polymorphism of MTHFR, BHMT and PEMT in healthy pregnant Polish women
Authors: Chmurzynska Agata , Seremak‐Mrozikiewicz Agnieszka , Malinowska Anna M. , Różycka Agata , Radziejewska Anna , KurzawiŃska Grażyna , Barlik Magdalena , Wolski Hubert , Drews Krzysztof
Published: May 2019

Aim

Physiological homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations depend on several factors, both dietary (including folate and choline intake) and biological (such as polymorphism of the genes involved in Hcy metabolism). This study aimed to thus test the associations between genes functionally linked with Hcy metabolism (MTHFR, BHMT and PEMT), folate and choline intakes, and total Hcy (tHcy) concentrations of healthy pregnant women.

Methods

One hundred and three healthy Polish women aged 18–44 years, in the third trimester of pregnancy, were enrolled.

Results

Mean blood tHcy and glutathione (GSH) concentrations were 8.08 ± 3.25 μM and 4.84 ± 1.21 μM, respectively. Concentrations of tHcy were found to be lower in the women who were taking folic acid supplements than in those who did not take these supplements (7.42 ± 1.78 μM vs 9.28 ± 4.42 μM, P < 0.05). There were no associations found between the examined parameters and BHMT (rs7356530), MTHFR (rs1801133) and PEMT (rs12325817) alone. However, blood tHcy concentrations differed in the PEMT genotype subgroups when choline and folate intakes were considered: respectively, 25% and 20% lower levels were observed in the C allele carriers who met their needs of choline or folate than in those who did not take enough these nutrients (P < 0.05 for both associations).

Conclusions

This study suggests that choline and folate intakes might interact with MTHFR, BHMT and PEMT polymorphisms to determine tHcy and GSH blood concentrations in healthy pregnant women.
Improving the autotransporter‐based surface display of enzymes in Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: Tozakidis Iasson E. P. , Lüken Lena M. , Üffing Alina , Meyers Annika , Jose Joachim
Published: May 2019

Pseudomonas putida can be used as a host for the autotransporter‐mediated surface display of enzymes (autodisplay), resulting in whole‐cell biocatalysts with recombinant functionalities on their cell envelope. The efficiency of autotransporter‐mediated secretion depends on the N‐terminal signal peptide as well as on the C‐terminal translocator domain of autotransporter fusion proteins. We set out to optimize autodisplay for P. putida as the host bacterium by comparing different signal peptides and translocator domains for the surface display of an esterase. The translocator domain did not have a considerable effect on the activity of the whole‐cell catalysts. In contrast, by using the signal peptide of the P. putida outer membrane protein OprF, the activity was more than 12‐fold enhanced to 638 mU ml−1 OD−1 compared with the signal peptide of V. cholerae CtxB (52 mU ml−1 OD−1). This positive effect was confirmed with a β‐glucosidase as a second example enzyme. Here, cells expressing the protein with N‐terminal OprF signal peptide showed more than fourfold higher β‐glucosidase activity (181 mU ml−1 OD−1) than with the CtxB signal peptide (42 mU ml−1 OD−1). SDS‐PAGE and flow cytometry analyses indicated that the increased activities correlated with an increased amount of recombinant protein in the outer membrane and a higher number of enzymes detectable on the cell surface.
Are Co‐users of Alcohol and Marijuana More Willing to Experience Consequences From Drinking? A Longitudinal Examination Among First‐Year College Students
Authors: Linden‐Carmichael Ashley N. , Mallett Kimberly A. , Sell Nichole , Turrisi Robert
Published: May 2019

Background

Alcohol and marijuana co‐users are at heightened vulnerability for experiencing a variety of negative alcohol use outcomes including heavier alcohol use and driving under the influence. The current study explored willingness to experience negative consequences as a potential factor underlying the association between co‐user status and negative consequences in an effort to guide future intervention work. From a longitudinal study of first‐year college students, we examined willingness to experience consequences at Time 2 as a mediator of co‐user status at Time 1 and experience of negative consequences at Time 3.

Methods

First‐year college student drinkers (n = 1,914) at a large university completed surveys in the fall and spring of their freshman year and the fall of their sophomore year.

Results

Alcohol and marijuana co‐users reported higher willingness to experience consequences than alcohol‐only users. Willingness to experience consequences partially explained the association between alcohol and marijuana couse and consequences.

Conclusions

The current study was the first to compare co‐users of alcohol and marijuana to alcohol‐only users on willingness to experience consequences, and examine the role of willingness as a mediator between co‐user status and consequences experienced. Co‐users were more willing to experience adverse effects from drinking, in turn predicting more consequences. Intervention work targeting consequences may be less effective for co‐users; thus, additional work is needed to identify other potential mechanisms for change for this at‐risk group.
Hunting success of lions affected by the moon's phase in a wooded habitat
Authors: Preston Elizabeth F. R. , Johnson Paul J. , Macdonald David W. , Loveridge Andrew J.
Published: May 2019

Variation in moonlight affects foraging, hunting and vigilance behaviours in many nocturnal species. Here, we explore the effect of moonlight on the movement and hunting behaviour of African lions. Previous studies found bright moonlight is associated with reduced hunting success; however, those studies were largely undertaken in open habitats where predators are easily seen by prey species on moonlit nights. In this study, we explored whether moonlight affected hunting behaviour and success in a largely wooded environment. Measures of short‐term lion movements (distance moved, displacement and path tortuosity) derived from GPS telemetry data were used as indicators of movement behaviour. Field observations of belly distension were used to assess recent food intake. Lions had greater belly distension (indicating feeding success) on dark nights. However, this change in feeding success was not reflected by lion movement patterns—there was no evidence that these changed across moon phases. There was no evidence that lions used more covered habitats on brighter nights to facilitate concealment.
The Language of Security: Reassessing Australia's Policies of Free Trade and Offshore Detention
Authors: Grainger‐Brown Lucas
Published: May 2019

Offshore detention and bilateral free trade constitute hallmarks of Australia's international policy. This paper explores how these policy directions were originally justified in the Pacific Solution and the Australia‐US Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA). In the literature both policies are theorised as security offerings but whilst the Pacific Solution is obviously exclusionary, AUSFTA aimed at including Australia in the US's orbit. This suggests that security as a justification for policy is flexible, complex, and warrants closer observation of its practical articulations. Reviewing the speeches with which the relevant Ministers introduced their legislation, I argue that offshore detention and bilateral free trade derive from a specific language of security in which policy‐makers view individual actors as the basis of national threats. The language of security invokes a threatening international environment by focussing on the selfish and amoral components of human behaviour whilst diminishing social institutions and collective structures. Vague anarchy and simplified individualism position the state as a righteous protector rather than a rational policy‐maker. I conclude by questioning whether this is a sound basis for policy and canvass options for escaping the language of security.
The challenge of de‐labeling penicillin allergy
Authors: Stone Cosby A. , Trubiano Jason , Coleman David T. , Rukasin Christine R. F. , Phillips Elizabeth J.
Published: May 2019

Background

Even though 8%‐25% of most populations studied globally are labeled as penicillin allergic, most diagnoses of penicillin allergy are made in childhood and relate to events that are either not allergic in nature, are low risk for immediate hypersensitivity, or are a potential true allergy that has waned over time. Penicillin allergy labels directly impact antimicrobial stewardship by leading to use of less effective and broader spectrum antimicrobials and are associated with antimicrobial resistance. They may also delay appropriate antimicrobial therapy and lead to increased risk of specific adverse healthcare outcomes. Operationalizing penicillin allergy de‐labeling into a new arm of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) has become an increasing global focus.

Methods

We performed an evidence‐based narrative review of the literature of penicillin allergy label carriage, the adverse effects of penicillin allergy labels, and current approaches and barriers to penicillin allergy de‐labeling. Over the period 1928‐2018 in Pubmed and Medline, search terms used included “penicillin allergy” or “penicillin hypersensitivity” alone or in combination with “adverse events,” “testing,” “evaluation,” “effects,” “label,” “de‐labeling,” “prick or epicutaneous,” and “intradermal” skin testing, “oral challenge or provocation,” “cross‐reactivity,” and “antimicrobial stewardship”.

Results

Penicillin allergy labels are highly prevalent, largely inaccurate and their carriage may lead to unnecessary treatment and inferior outcomes with alternative agents as well as adverse public health outcomes such as antibiotic resistance.

Conclusions

Operationalizing penicillin allergy de‐labeling as an aspect of ASP has become an increasing global focus. There is a need for validated approaches that optimally combine the use of history and ingestion challenge with or without proceeding formal skin testing to tackle penicillin allergy efficiently within complex healthcare systems. At the same time, there is great promise for penicillin allergy evaluation and de‐labeling as an individual and public health strategy to reduce adverse healthcare outcomes, improve antimicrobial stewardship, and decrease healthcare costs.
Between Radical Geography and Humanism: Anne Buttimer and the International Dialogue Project
Authors: Ferretti Federico
Published: May 2019

This paper argues for a rediscovery and reassessment of the contributions that humanistic approaches can make to critical and radical geographies. Based on an exploration of the archives of Anne Buttimer (1938–2017) and drawing upon Paulo Freire's notion of conscientização (awareness of oppression accompanied by direct action for liberation), a concept that inspired the International Dialogue Project (1977–1988), I explore Buttimer's engagement with radical geographers and geographies. My main argument is that Buttimer's notions of “dialogue” and “catalysis”, which she put into practice through international and multilingual networking, should be viewed as theory‐praxes in a relational and Freirean sense. In extending and putting critically in communication literature on radical pedagogies, transnational feminism and the “limits to dialogue”, this paper discusses Buttimer's unpublished correspondence with geographers such as David Harvey, William Bunge, Myrna Breitbart, Milton Santos and others, and her engagement with radical geographical traditions like anarchism, repositioning “humanism” vis‐à‐vis the fields of critical and radical geography.
Histamine, histamine receptors, and neuropathic pain relief
Authors: Obara Ilona , Telezhkin Vsevolod , Alrashdi Ibrahim , Chazot Paul L.
Published: May 2019

Histamine, acting via distinct histamine H1, H2, H3, and H4 receptors, regulates various physiological and pathological processes, including pain. In the last two decades, there has been a particular increase in evidence to support the involvement of H3 receptor and H4 receptor in the modulation of neuropathic pain, which remains challenging in terms of management. However, recent data show contrasting effects on neuropathic pain due to multiple factors that determine the pharmacological responses of histamine receptors and their underlying signal transduction properties (e.g., localization on either the presynaptic or postsynaptic neuronal membranes). This review summarizes the most recent findings on the role of histamine and the effects mediated by the four histamine receptors in response to the various stimuli associated with and promoting neuropathic pain. We particularly focus on mechanisms underlying histamine‐mediated analgesia, as we aim to clarify the analgesic potential of histamine receptor ligands in neuropathic pain.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on New Uses for 21st Century. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.3/issuetoc
circMAN1A2 could serve as a novel serum biomarker for malignant tumors
Authors: Fan Chun‐Mei , Wang Jin‐Peng , Tang Yan‐Yan , Zhao Jin , He Shu‐Yi , Xiong Fang , Guo Can , Xiang Bo , Zhou Ming , Li Xiao‐Ling , Li Yong , Li Gui‐Yuan , Xiong Wei , Zeng Zhao‐Yang
Published: May 2019

Novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of cancers are needed to improve precision medicine. Circular RNAs act as important regulators in cancers at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. The circular RNA circMAN1A2 is highly expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma according to our previous RNA sequencing data; however, the expression and functions of circMAN1A2 in cancers are still obscure. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the expression of circMAN1A2 in the sera of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and other malignant tumors and analyzed its correlations with clinical features and diagnostic values. The expression levels of circMAN1A2 were detected by quantitative real‐time PCR, and the correlations of clinical features with circMAN1A2 expression were analyzed by χ2 tests. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the clinical applications of circMAN1A2. The results showed that circMAN1A2 was upregulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, oral cancer, thyroid cancer, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer, with areas under the curves of 0.911, 0.779, 0.734, 0.694, and 0.645, respectively, indicating the good diagnostic value of circMAN1A2. Overall, our findings suggested that circMAN1A2 could be a serum biomarker for malignant tumors, providing important insights into diagnostic approaches for malignant tumors. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of circMAN1A2 in the pathogenesis of cancer.
The association of allergic sensitization patterns in early childhood with disease manifestations and immunological reactivity at 10 years of age
Authors: Schulten Véronique , Frazier April , Calatroni Agustin , Kattan Meyer , Bacharier Leonard B. , O’Connor George T. , Sandel Megan T. , Wood Robert A. , Wheatley Lisa M. , Togias Alkis , Visness Cynthia M , Dresen Amy , Gern James E. , Sette Alessandro
Published: May 2019

Background

Allergy to German cockroach (CR) is common in urban environments and is an important allergen in children with asthma.

Objective

We hypothesize that the evolution of allergic sensitization and clinical disease is associated with distinct patterns of allergen‐specific T cell reactivity. To test this hypothesis, a subset of high‐risk inner‐city children participating in the URECA (Urban Environment and Childhood Asthma) birth cohort were selected to evaluate CR‐specific T cell reactivity from three distinct groups based on acquisition of aeroallergen sensitivity from ages 2 to 10: low atopy with minimal to no sensitivity (n = 26), early‐onset allergic sensitization (n = 25) and late‐onset allergic sensitization (n = 25).

Methods

Using pools of previously identified CR‐derived T cell epitopes, we characterized the allergen‐specific T cell response in these 76 subjects from blood samples obtained at age 10. CR‐specific production of IL‐5, IFNγ and IL‐10 was measured by ELISPOT following two‐week in vitro culture with CR extract.

Results

T cell responses were significantly higher in the early‐onset atopy group compared to low atopy (P = 0.01), and a trend for higher cytokine production in the late onset compared to the low atopy cohort was also observed (P = 0.06). T cell responses were similar between early‐ and late‐onset cohorts. Furthermore, a comparison of T cell reactivity between asthmatic and non‐asthmatic individuals revealed significantly higher cytokine production in asthmatics compared to non‐asthmatics (P = 0.02) within both the CR‐allergic and non‐allergic cohorts.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

In conclusion, the present study reports that higher T cell reactivity is associated with allergen sensitization and asthma. Interestingly, no significant difference in T cell reactivity was observed in allergic children with early‐onset versus late‐onset atopy.
Comparing short dental implant and standard dental implant in terms of marginal bone level changes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Bitaraf Tahereh , Keshtkar Abbasali , Rokn Amir Reza , Monzavi Abbas , Geramy Allahyar , Hashemi Kazem
Published: May 2019

Purpose

To compare short implants (SH; 4‐8 mm) to standard implants (ST; longer than 8 mm) in edentulous jaws, evaluating pri‐implant marginal bone levels (MBLs) changes, implant failures (IFs), complications, and prosthesis failures (PFs).

Materials and Methods

Electronic searches were conducted through the PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov to locate all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SH to ST. Meta‐analysis procedures were performed on the weighted mean difference (WMD) and standardized mean difference (SMD) of MBLs using Stata.

Results

Twenty‐three articles were included in this review. The WMD of MBLs when comparing SH to ST in both jaws up to 1‐year follow‐up was statistically significant preferring SH (WMD: −0.09 [CI: −0.12, −0.06], I2: 67.0%). The efficacy of SH vs ST on SMD of MBLs was moderate (SMD: −0.43 [CI: −0.57, −0.28], I2: 55.7%). There were no significant differences in IF (RR: 0.75 [0.44,1.27]) and PF (RR: 0.58 (0.22,1.581), and significantly higher biological complications (RR: 0.25 [0.15, 0.40]) for SH was observed compared to the ST in both jaws up to 1‐year follow‐up.

Conclusions

SH and ST implants showed the comparable outcomes except biological complication preferring SH. Future systematic review and meta‐analysis with longer and larger RCTs are required to confirm the present outcomes.
Immediate implant placement combined with maxillary sinus floor elevation utilizing the transalveolar approach and nonsubmerged healing for failing teeth in the maxillary molar area: A randomized controlled trial clinical study with one‐year follow‐up
Authors: Liu Hanqing , Liu Renzhang , Wang Mingzhen , Yang Jianjun
Published: May 2019

Background

In previous studies, immediate implant placement in molar sites has been widely applied.

Purpose

To study the clinical effect and feasibility of immediate implant placement combined with maxillary sinus floor elevation utilizing the transalveolar approach and nonsubmerged healing for failing teeth in the maxillary molar area.

Material and Methods

Patients who required implantation surgry to replace a failing tooth in the maxilla molar region were selected. Patients were randomized into two groups: immediate implant placement combined with maxillary sinus floor elevation utilizing the transalveolar approach and nonsubmerged healing (test group) or delayed implant placement combined with maxillary sinus floor elevation utilizing the transalveolar approach and nonsubmerged healing (control group). The outcome criteria were the success rates of implants, Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) data and results of the subjective satisfaction survey performed with a visual analog scale (VAS).

Results

All implants had good initial stability after implantation. The survival rate of implants was 100% at 1‐year follow‐up. At the time of permanent restoration, the differences in average horizontal shrinkage of alveolar bone (W1) on the buccal side between the test group (0.65 ± 0.12 mm) and the control group (1.23 ± 0.32 mm) were statistically significant (P < .0001); however, no statistically significant difference (P = .515) was observed on the palatal side (0.3 ± 0.10 mm vs 0.28 ± 0.08 mm). The difference in vertical resorption of alveolar bone (H1) on the buccal side between the test group (0.60 ± 0.18 mm) and the control group (1.53 ± 0.19 mm) was statistically significant (P < .0001), but no statistically significant difference (P = .190) in the reduction of palatal alveolar bone (0.24 ± 0.12 mm vs 0.29 ± 0.13 mm) was observed. After 1‐year loading, no statistically significant difference (P > .05) in vertical or horizontal changes (W2, H2) were identified in the test group or control group. Patient satisfaction in both groups was similar (8.36 ± 1.01 vs 8.14 ± 1.35), and the difference between groups was not statistically significant (P = .638).

Conclusion

Immediate implant placement combined with maxillary sinus floor elevation utilizing the transalveolar approach and nonsubmerged healing is feasible for the maxillary molar area, and the clinical effect is satisfactory.