bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations Between Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Anxiety Sensitivity, Socially Prescribed Perfectionism, and Severity of Somatic Symptoms Among Individuals with Fibromyalgia
Authors: Avishai Cohen Hila , Zerach Gadi
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The contribution of psychological risk factors to the intensification of pain experienced among individuals with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is relatively under-studied. The present study aims to explore associations between FMS-related somatic symptom severity and two personality tendencies: anxiety sensitivity (AS) and socially prescribed perfectionism (SPP). Furthermore, the relative contributions of these personality tendencies are examined vis-à-vis the experience of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and the psychopathology of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS).

Methods

A volunteer sample of 117 Israeli adults with FMS responded to online validated self-report questionnaires regarding their PTEs, PTSS, somatic symptom severity, FMS, AS, and SPP in a cross-sectional study.

Results

Participants’ self-reported PTSS rates (61.5%) were high. AS and SPP were positively related to somatic symptom severity. Interestingly, we found that PTSS positively predicted the severity of somatic symptoms above and beyond the contributions of AS and SPP.

Conclusions

The present study supports the assumption that psychological risk factors may affect the expression of somatic symptoms and the interpretation of pain stimulus arising in the body that might eventually be experienced as excessively painful. The study also suggests that above and beyond psychological risk factors, PTSS may express a high predominance and affect pain perception among participants with FMS.
An Environmental Race to the Bottom? “No More Stringent” Laws in the American States
Authors: Woods Neal D
Published: August 2020

Many American states have adopted laws designed to prevent environmental agencies from regulating pollution emissions more stringently than is required by federal statute. This study leverages variation in the timing and breadth of state adoption of these “No More Stringent” (NMS) laws to examine the claim that interstate competition for mobile capital leads state governments to relax regulatory standards, resulting in an environmental race to the bottom. The results indicate that the diffusion of NMS laws is driven by two forms of interstate economic competition, a policy competition effect that operates primarily among contiguous neighbors and a cost competition effect that operates primarily among a broader set of economic peers. These findings provide new empirical support for the environmental race to the bottom argument, and suggest new challenges for the use of cooperative federalism arrangements that involve state implementation of federal programs.
A Review of Feeding Practices in Infants With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Authors: Taylor Kailey , Maguire Denise
Published: August 2020

Background:

There has been an increase in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) over the past several decades. Infants with NAS experience withdrawal as a result of the sudden termination at birth of substance exposure during pregnancy. A serious sign related to infants diagnosed with NAS is poor feeding. The prevalence of NAS urges researchers and clinicians to develop effective strategies and techniques to treat and manage the poor feeding of infants exposed to substances in utero.

Purpose:

To synthesize current feeding methods and practices used for infants diagnosed with NAS.

Methods/Search Strategy:

PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched for articles published within the last 20 years that focused on feeding practices or feeding schedules, were written in English, were peer-reviewed, and described human studies. The search terms utilized were “neonatal abstinence syndrome” OR “neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome” AND “feeding.”

Findings/Results:

Three findings emerged regarding techniques and management of poor feeding in the NAS population. The findings included infants who received mother's own milk had decreased severity and later onset of clinical signs of withdrawal, demand feeding is recommended, and the infant's cues may be helpful to follow when feeding.

Implications for Practice:

Clinicians should encourage mother's own milk in this population unless contraindications are present. Caregivers and clinicians must be receptive to cues when feeding infants with NAS.

Implications for Research:

Even with the clinical knowledge and experience that infants with NAS are difficult to feed, there is limited research assessing techniques and schedules that are effective in managing successful feeding. Future research should compare feeding schedules such as on-demand feeding versus regimented feeding schedules, as well as investigate techniques that mothers and nurses can utilize to encourage oral intake in this population.

Video abstract available at https://journals.lww.com/advancesinneonatalcare/Pages/videogallery.aspx?autoPlay=false&videoId=37
Peri-operative oxygen consumption revisited
Authors: Jakobsson Julia , Norén Carl , Hagel Eva , Kalman Sigridur , Bartha Erzsébet
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Monitoring oxygen consumption (VO2) is neither recommended nor included in peri-operative haemodynamic algorithms aiming at optimising oxygen delivery (DO2) in major abdominal surgery. Estimates of peri-operative VO2 changes are uncertain in earlier publications and have limited generalisability in the current high-risk surgical population. In a prospective non-interventional observational study in elderly patients undergoing major abdominal procedures, we investigated the change of VO2 after induction of anaesthesia and secondarily, the further changes during and after surgery in relation to DO2 and estimated oxygen extraction ratio (O2ER) by routine monitoring.

METHODS

VO2 was determined by indirect calorimetry (QuarkRMR) in 20 patients more than 65 years (ASA II to IV), scheduled for elective open upper abdominal surgery with combined epidural and general anaesthesia. Data were collected during 20-minute periods pre-operatively and after anaesthesia induction, with subsequent measurements during surgery and postoperatively. Simultaneously, DO2 was monitored using LiDCOplus. The O2ER was estimated from arterial–central venous oxygen content calculation. Mixed models were used to analyse the peri-operative changes.

RESULTS

VO2 decreased after induction of anaesthesia by a mean of 34% (95% CI, 28 to 39). After 2 h of surgery, VO2 was reduced by 24% (95% CI, 20 to 27) compared with the awake baseline measurements. Pre-operative mean DO2 was 440 (95% CI, 396 to 483) ml min−1 m−2 and decreased by a mean of 37% (95% CI, 30 to 43) during anaesthesia. The estimated O2ER did not change intra-operatively 0.24 (95% CI, 0.21 to 0.26) but increased postoperatively to 0.31 (95% CI, 0.27 to 0.36). The changes of VO2 were parallel with changes of DO2 and O2ER in the intra-operative period.

CONCLUSION

General anaesthesia reduced VO2 by approximately a third in elderly patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Parallel changes of intra-operative VO2 and delivery were demonstrated while oxygen extraction was low. The relevance of these changes needs further assessment in relation to outcomes and haemodynamic interventions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT 03355118.
A systematic review of the methodology of sonographic assessment of upper limb activities–associated carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Fong Sze Wah , Liu Bosco Wang Fung , Sin Chun Lok , Lee King Sang , Wong Tsun Ming , Choi Ka Sin , Yang Yi-Ping , Lin Yi-Ying , Chien Yueh , Tarng Yih-Wen , Chen Cheng-Fong , Lin Liang-Ting
Published: August 2020

Background:

Various upper limb activities were speculated to be associated with the development of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Nonetheless, there are currently no standardization on the uses of parameters in CTS assessments, nor are there any conclusive findings regarding the usefulness of various sonographic measurements in studies of different upper limb activities. In this review, we intend to evaluate the methodology of assessing CTS induced by upper limb activities with ultrasonographic technique and provide corresponding suggestions.

Methods:

Clinical studies on the association between upper limb activities and prevalence of CTS using ultrasonography were recruited in a database research on the basis of a procedural selection criteria and reviewed. The following qualitative items were extracted: characteristics of studies, scanning methods, selection of sonographic parameters, and related article findings.

Results:

Eleven studies were qualified for this review. Three studies were computer keyboard typing related, five studies were electronic device related, and three studies were wheelchair-related. All sampled articles included cross-sectional area (CSA) at the pisiform level. The swelling ratio (SR) and flattening ratio (FR) at the hamate level are also used in most studies in addition to the CSA at the pisiform level. The effectiveness of such parameters is subjected to various confounding factors such as age, weight, body mass index, and wrist anthropometrics, suggesting CSA and SR with sufficient levels had significant values as sonographic parameters. Values of parameters were found affecting symptomatic signs and hand dominance.

Conclusion:

Ultrasound scan is a suitable tool to assess the relationship between upper limb activity and CTS. CSA at the pisiform level and SR and the FR at the hamate levels are generally suitable in upper limb–associated CTS investigations. Specific study designs are required to eliminate different confounding factors accordingly.
Compositional Variability and Mutation Spectra of Monophyletic SARS-CoV-2 Clades
Authors: Teng Xufei , Li Qianpeng , Li Zhao , Zhang Yuansheng , Niu Guangyi , Xiao Jingfa , Yu Jun , Zhang Zhang , Song Shuhui
Published: August 2020

COVID-19 and its causative pathogen SARS-CoV-2 have rushed the world into a staggering pandemic in a few months and a global fight against both is still going on. Here, we describe an analysis procedure where genome composition and its variables are related, through the genetic code, to molecular mechanisms based on understanding of RNA replication and its feedback loop from mutation to viral proteome sequence fraternity including effective sites on replicase-transcriptase complex. Our analysis starts with primary sequence information and identity-based phylogeny based on 22,051 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences and evaluation of sequence variation patterns as mutation spectrum and its 12 permutations among organized clades tailored to two key mechanisms: strand-biased and function-associated mutations. Our findings include: (1) The most dominant mutation is C-to-U permutation whose abundant second-codon-position counts alter amino acid composition toward higher molecular weight and lower hydrophobicity albeit assumed most slightly deleterious. (2) The second abundance group includes: three negative-strand mutations U-to-C, A-to-G, G-to-A and a positive-strand mutation G-to-U generated through an identical mechanism as C-to-U. (3) A clade-associated and biased mutation trend is found attributable to elevated level of the negative-sense strand synthesis. (4) Within-clade permutation variation is very informative for associating non-synonymous mutations and viral proteome changes. These findings demand a bioinformatics platform where emerging mutations are mapped on to mostly subtle but fast-adjusting viral proteomes and transcriptomes to provide biological and clinical information after logical convergence for effective pharmaceutical and diagnostic applications. Such thoughts and actions are in desperate need, especially in the middle of theWar against COVID-19.
Climate change and chill accumulation: implications for tree fruit production in cold-winter regions
Authors: Noorazar Hossein , Kalcsits Lee , Jones Vincent P. , Jones Matthew S. , Rajagopalan Kirti
Published: August 2020

Winter chill accumulation is critical for the productivity and profitability of perennial tree fruit systems. Several studies have quantified the impacts of global warming on chill accumulation in the warmer production regions of the world, where insufficient chill events occur and their frequency is increasing. In contrast, we focus on a region with relatively cold winters–the Pacific Northwest United States (PNW)–where insufficient chill events are currently absent, and quantify the potential for introduction of these risks under climate change. Results identified spatial variation within the PNW, with chill accumulation projected to increase in some areas but decrease in others. There was also spatiotemporal variation in the driving factors of changes to chill accumulation. Even with decreases in chill accumulations, there are likely minimal issues with insufficient chill accumulation. However, delayed chill accumulation in combination with advances in the onset of heat accumulation can potentially shift the region from one where spring phenology is primarily forcing-driven to one where the dynamic interplay between chilling and forcing processes become important. These interactions might create production risks for varieties with high chill requirements, post mid-21st-century under high emissions scenarios. Future work should focus on understanding, modeling, and projecting responses across these overlapping chilling and forcing processes. Additionally, given significant spatial differences across a relatively small geographic range, it is also critical to understand and model these dynamics at a local landscape resolution for regions such as the PNW.
Rapidin vitroprototyping of O-methyltransferases for pathway applications inEscherichia coli
Authors: Haslinger Kristina , Hackl Thomas , Prather Kristala L.J.
Published: August 2020

O-methyltransferases are ubiquitous enzymes involved in biosynthetic pathways for secondary metabolites such as bacterial antibiotics, human catecholamine neurotransmitters, and plant phenylpropanoids. While thousands of putative O-methyltransferases are found in sequence databases, few examples are functionally characterized. From a pathway engineering perspective, however, it is crucial to know the substrate and product ranges of the respective enzymes to fully exploit their catalytic power.

In this study, we developed anin vitroprototyping workflow that allowed us to screen ~30 enzymes against five substrates in three days with high reproducibility. We combinedin vitrotranscription/translation of the genes of interest with a microliter-scale enzymatic assay in 96-well plates. The substrate conversion was indirectly measured by quantifying the consumption of the S-adenosyl-L-methionine co-factor by time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer rather than time-consuming product analysis by chromatography. This workflow allowed us to rapidly prototype thus-far uncharacterized O-methyltransferases for future use as biocatalysts.
Nonclassical nucleation of protein mesocrystals via oriented attachment
Authors: Van Driessche Alexander E.S. , Van Gerven Nani , Joosten Rick R.M. , Ling Wai Li , Bacia Maria , Schoehn Guy , Sommerdijk Nico A.J.M. , Sleutel Mike
Published: August 2020

Self-assembly of proteins holds great promise for the bottom-up design and production of synthetic biomaterials. In conventional approaches, designer proteins are pre-programmed with specific recognition sites that drive the association process towards a desired organized state. Although proven effective, this approach poses restrictions on the complexity and material properties of the end-state. An alternative, hierarchical approach that has found wide adoption for inorganic systems, relies on the production of crystalline nanoparticles which in turn become the building blocks of a next-level assembly process driven by oriented attachment (OA). As it stands, OA has not been observed for proteins. Here we employ cryoEM in the high nucleation rate limit of protein crystals and map the self-assembly route at molecular resolution. We observe the initial formation of facetted nanocrystals that merge lattices by means of OA alignment well before contact is made, satisfying non-trivial symmetry rules in the process. The OA mechanism yields crystal morphologies that are not attainable through conventional crystallization routes. Based on these insights we revisit a system of protein crystallization that has long been classified as non-classical, but our data is in direct conflict with that conclusion supporting a classical mechanism that implicates OA. These observations raise further questions about past conclusions for other proteins and illustrate the importance of maturation stages after primary nucleation has taken place.
Assessing the Cognitive Status of Drosophila by the Value-Based Feeding Decision
Authors: Yu Chih-Chieh , Chang Ferng-Chang , Hong Yong-Huei , Li Jian-Chiuan , Chen Po-Lin , Chen Chun-Hong , Chiu Tzai-Wen , Lu Tsai-Te , Wang Yun-Ming , Kao Chih-Fei
Published: August 2020

Decision making is considered an important aspect of cognitive function. Impaired decision making is a consequence of cognitive decline caused by various physiological conditions, such as aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Here we exploited the value-based feeding decision (VBFD) assay, which is a simple sensory-motor task, to determine the cognitive status of Drosophila. Our results indicated the deterioration of VBFD is notably correlated with aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Restriction of the mushroom body (MB) neuronal activity partly blunted the proper VBFD. Furthermore, using the Drosophila polyQ disease model, we demonstrated the impaired VBFD is ameliorated by the dinitrosyl iron complex (DNIC-1), a novel and steady nitric oxide (NO)-releasing compound. Therefore we propose that the VBFD assay provides a robust assessment of Drosophila cognition and can be used to characterize additional neuroprotective interventions.
Histone demethylome map reveals combinatorial gene regulatory functions in embryonic stem cells
Authors: Kumar Yogesh , Tripathi Pratibha , Dakle Pushkar , Mehravar Majid , Pandey Varun K. , Bullen Michael J. , Zhang Zhongming , Hathiwala Dhaval , Kerenyi Marc , Woo Andrew , Ghamari Alireza , Cantor Alan B. , Wong Lee H. , Kim Jonghwan , Glass Kimberly , Yuan Guo-Cheng , Pinello Luca , Orkin Stuart H. , Das Partha Pratim
Published: August 2020

Epigenetic regulators and transcription factors establish distinct regulatory networks for gene regulation to maintain the embryonic stem cell (ESC) state. Although much has been learned regarding individual epigenetic regulators, their combinatorial functions remain elusive. Here, we report previously unknown combinatorial functions of histone demethylases (HDMs) in gene regulation of mouse ESCs. Generation of a histone demethylome (HDMome) map of 20 well-characterized HDMs based on their genome-wide binding revealed co-occupancy of HDMs in different combinations: KDM1A-KDM4B-KDM6A and JARID2-KDM2B-KDM4A-KDM4C-KDM5B largely co-occupy at enhancers and promoters, respectively. Mechanistic studies uncover that KDM1A-KDM6A combinatorially modulates P300/H3K27ac, H3K4me2 deposition and OCT4 recruitment that directs the OCT4/CORE regulatory network for target gene expression; while co-operative actions of JARID2-KDM2B-KDM4A-KDM4C-KDM5B control H2AK119ub1 and bivalent marks of polycomb-repressive complexes that facilitate the PRC regulatory network for target gene repression. Thus, combinatorial functions of HDMs differentially impact gene expression programs in mESCs.
Proteomic and transcriptomic profiling reveal different aspects of aging in the kidney
Authors: Takemon Yuka , Chick Joel M. , Gyuricza Isabela Gerdes , Skelly Daniel A. , Devuyst Olivier , Gygi Steven P. , Churchill Gary A. , Korstanje Ron
Published: August 2020

The kidney is an excellent model for studying organ aging. Kidney function shows steady decline with age and is easy to assay using urine or blood samples. However, little is known about the molecular changes that take place in the kidney during the aging process. In order to better understand the molecular changes that occur with age, we measured mRNA and protein levels in 188 genetically diverse mice at ages 6, 12, and 18 months. We observed distinctive change in mRNA and protein levels as a function of age. Changes in both mRNA and protein are associated with increased immune infiltration and decreases in mitochondrial function. Proteins show a greater extent of change and reveal changes in a wide array of biological processes including unique, organ-specific features of aging in kidney. Most importantly, we observed functionally important age-related changes in protein that occur in the absence of corresponding changes in mRNA. Our findings suggest that mRNA profiling alone provides an incomplete picture of molecular aging in the kidney and that examination of changes in proteins is essential to understand aging processes that are not transcriptionally regulated.
The ascorbate-deficient guinea pig model of shigellosis allows the study of the entireShigellalife cycle
Authors: André Antonin C , Mulet Céline , Anderson Mark C , Injarabian Louise , Buch Achim , Prade Verena Marina , Walch Axel Karl , Lykkesfeldt Jens , Sansonetti Philippe , Marteyn Benoit S
Published: August 2020

Shigellaspp. are the causative agents of bacillary dysentery or shigellosis, mainly in children living in developing countries. The study ofShigellaentire life cyclein vivoand the evaluation of vaccine candidates’ protection efficacy have been hampered by the lack of a suitable animal model of infection (1). None of the ones evaluated so far (mouse, rabbit, guinea pig) allows to recapitulate shigellosis symptoms uponShigellaoral challenge. Historical reports suggest that dysentery and scurvy are both metabolic diseases associated with ascorbate-deficiency. Mammals which are susceptible toShigellainfection (humans, non-human primates and guinea pigs) are the lonely ones which are unable to synthesize ascorbate. We optimized a low-ascorbate diet to induce moderate ascorbate-deficiency but not scurvy in guinea pigs (Ascplasmaconc.=1.6 μM vs 36 μM with optimal ascorbate supply). We demonstrated that moderate ascorbate-deficiency increases shigellosis severity during extended period of time (up to 48h) with all strains tested (Shigella flexneri5a and 2a,Shigella sonnei). At late time-points, a massive influx of neutrophils was observed both within the disrupted colonic mucosa and in the luminal compartment, althoughShigellaremains able to disseminate deep into the organ to reach the sub-mucosal layer and the bloodstream. This new model of shigellosis opens new doors for the study both ofShigellainfection strategy and innate and adaptive immune responses toShigellainfection. It may be also of a great interest to study the virulence of other pathogen for which no suitable animal model of infection is available (Vibrio cholerae, Yersinia pestis, Mycobacterium tuberculosisorCampylobacter jejuni, among others).

Significance

The study ofShigellavirulence cyclein vivohas been hampered by the lack of a suitable animal model, which would allow the colonic mucosa infection upon oral challenge. Based on historical reports and physiological aspects, it was suggested that ascorbate-deficiency may stand as a new dysentery risk-factor. To test this hypothesis, we set up a new ascorbate-deficient guinea pig model and demonstrated for the first time that theShigellainfectious process occurred for extended period of time (up to 48h) and demonstrated that shigellosis severity was higher in ascorbate-deficient animal. Ascorbate-deficient guinea pig model of infection may be used to assess the virulence of other pathogens for which no suitable animal model of infection is still lacking.
Structural analysis of theLegionella pneumophilaDot/Icm Type IV Secretion System Core Complex
Authors: Durie Clarissa L. , Sheedlo Michael J. , Chung Jeong Min , Byrne Brenda G. , Su Min , Knight Thomas , Swanson Michele S. , Lacy D. Borden , Ohi Melanie D.
Published: August 2020

Legionella pneumophilais an opportunistic pathogen that causes the potentially fatal pneumonia Legionnaires’ Disease. This infection and subsequent pathology require the Dot/Icm Type IV Secretion System (T4SS) to deliver effector proteins into host cells. Compared to prototypical T4SSs, the Dot/Icm assembly is much larger, containing ~27 different components including a core complex reported to be composed of five proteins: DotC, DotD, DotF, DotG, and DotH. Using single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), we report reconstructions of the core complex of the Dot/Icm T4SS that includes a symmetry mismatch between distinct structural features of the outer membrane cap (OMC) and periplasmic ring (PR). We present models of known core complex proteins, DotC, DotD, and DotH, and two structurally similar proteins within the core complex, DotK and Lpg0657. This analysis reveals the stoichiometry and contact interfaces between the key proteins of the Dot/Icm T4SS core complex and provides a framework for understanding a complex molecular machine.
Layered alkali propanoatesM+(C2H5COO)−;M+= Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+
Authors: Fábry Jan , Samolová Erika
Published: August 2020

The title alkali propanoates poly[(μ5-propanoato)alkali(I)],M+(C2H5COO)−, with alkali/M+= Na+, K+, Rb+and Cs+, show close structural similarity, which is manifested by the coordination of the cations by six oxygen atoms in a chessboard motif, forming a bilayer. This bilayer is situated between hydrophobic layers composed of dangling ethyl chains from the carboxylate groups. Stacking of these two-dimensional sandwiches, which are parallel to (001), forms the title structures. Each metal cation is coordinated by six O atoms in the form of a distorted trigonal prism. One pair of these oxygen atoms belongs to a bridging, bidentately coordinating carboxylate anion, while each of the other four oxygen atoms belongs to different carboxylate groups, which are in a bridging monodentate mode. Despite the close similarity, each of the studied alkali propanoates crystallizes in a different space group. The atoms are in general positions, except for the cation in K+(C2H5COO)−, which is situated on a mirror plane. Positional disorder of the methyl groups that are disordered over two positions is present in the Na+and K+propanoates, in contrast to the Rb+and Cs+propanoates. In the Na+compound, the occupational parameters of the disordered methyl groups are different compared to the K+compound where they are equal. This difference results in doubling of theaunit-cell parameter of the Na+compound with respect to that of the K+compound, otherwise the structures are homeotypic. In Cs+propanoate, a disorder of the methyl H atoms is observed.
Estimation of greenhouse gas emissions from three livestock production systems in Ethiopia
Authors: Berhe Amanuel , Bariagabre Solomon Abera , Balehegn Mulubrhan
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Different livestock production systems contribute to globally Greenhouse gas emission (GHG) emission differently. The aim of this paper is to understand variation in emission in different production systems and it is also important for developing mitigation interventions that work for a specific production system.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors used the Global Livestock Environmental Assessment interactive model (GLEAM-i) to estimate the GHG emission and emission intensity and tested the effectiveness of mitigation strategies from 180 farms under three production systems in northern Ethiopia, namely, pastoral, mixed and urban production systems.

Findings

Production systems varied in terms of herd composition, livestock productivity, livestock reproductive parameters and manure management systems, which resulted in difference in total GHG emission. Methane (82.77%) was the largest contributor followed by carbon dioxide (13.40%) and nitrous oxide (3.83%). While both total carbon dioxide and methane were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in urban production system than the other systems emission intensities of cow’s milk and goat and sheep’s meat were lower in urban systems. Improvement in feed, manure management and herd parameters resulted in reduction of total GHG emission by 30, 29 and 21% in pastoral, mixed and urban production systems, respectively.

Originality/value

This study is a first time comparison of the GHG emission production by various production systems in northern Ethiopia. Moreover, it uses the GLEAM-i program for the first time in the ex ante settings for measuring and comparing emissions as well as for developing mitigation scenarios. By doing so, it provides information on the various livestock production system properties that contribute to the increase or decrease in GHG emission and helps in developing guidelines for low emission livestock production systems.
Does gender equality bridge or buffer the entrepreneurship gender gap? A cross-country investigation
Authors: Vracheva Veselina , Stoyneva Irina
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Gender equality levels opportunities for men and women and reduces the initial capital constraints women often face, and yet as entrepreneurship opportunities for women open up in more developed and egalitarian societies, fewer women are choosing entrepreneurship. This paper explores this contradiction as it relates to female economic and political participation in the context of business regulation efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on panel data from 89 countries from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor survey and the Global Gender Gap report, we use random effects regression to examine relationships. Analyses included 252 country-years, and all data used during analyses were at the country level.

Findings

Results suggest that equality in economic participation narrows and political participation widens the entrepreneurship gender gap, but a country's business regulation efficiency moderates both relationships negatively.

Research limitations/implications

This study does not distinguish opportunity- and necessity-driven entrepreneurship, and does not consider the survival rates of enterprises and their industries.

Practical implications

Findings are pertinent to policymakers interested in advancing female entrepreneurship. They also apply to female entrepreneurs who must begin to recognize the diversity in work-life preferences among women and men.

Originality/value

A theoretical model is informed by two competing theories, suggesting that in the context of female entrepreneurship, removal of economic and political participation barriers, combined with business regulation efficiency, intensifies the entrepreneurship gender gap.
Struggling to make a difference against the odds: a synthesis of qualitative research on women leading schools in Zimbabwe
Authors: Moyo Zvisinei , Perumal Juliet , Hallinger Philip
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper reports on results of a systematic research synthesis of 25 studies on women in educational leadership and management in Zimbabwe. The aim of this systematic review of research was to report conclusions drawn from a synthesis of findings from studies of gender and educational leadership in Zimbabwe.

Design/methodology/approach

The review used systematic methods to identify 25 research studies that examined women leading schools in Zimbabwe. Research synthesis methods used for qualitative research studies were employed in order to identify three broad themes and related subthemes across the studies.

Findings

The review identified three themes: (1) barriers to women gaining access to management positions, (2) female ways of leading, (3) context challenges for women leaders. Both barriers to gaining positions and context challenges faced in enactment of the leadership role are described. These consist of an intertwined web of personal, institutional and cultural challenges. Women's ways of leading were characterized as collegial, collaborative and caring.

Research limitations/implications

Three implications are identified. First is a need for better statistical information on gender representation in Zimbabwe and other African countries. Second is a need to design and implement training, mentoring and networking support programs for female leaders in Zimbabwe. Finally, the authors recommend that future research move toward the use of mixed methods research designs capable of achieving complementary research goals of gaining a broad perspective on the effects of female leadership and in-depth understanding of how those are achieved.

Originality/value

Empirical studies of female leadership is especially urgent in Africa where particular features embedded in the cultural context shape female access to leadership role and attitude towards efforts of women to lead.
Exchange rate effect on money demand in Pakistan
Authors: Zehra Iffat , Kashif Muhammad , Chhapra Imran Umer
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine association of money demand with key macroeconomic variables in Pakistan. The paper also investigates the asymmetric effect of real effective exchange rate (REER) on money demand.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs both linear autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and non-linear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model. Annual data from 1970 to 2018 is used which is subjected to non-linearity through partial sum concept. Empirical analysis is conducted to prove if money demand is influenced by currency appreciation or depreciation, for long and short run.

Findings

Cointegration test indicates existence of a long-run relationship between money demand and its determinants. Results from NARDL model suggest negative relation between money demand and inflation in long and short run. Real income shows positive but a very minimal and insignificant effect on money demand in long and short run. Impact of call money rates is statistically significant and negative on M1 and M2. Wald tests and differing coefficient sign confirm presence of asymmetric relation of REER in long run with M2, whereas in short run we observe a linear, symmetrical relation of REER with M1 and M2. Stability diagnostic tests (CUSUM and CUSUMSQ) verify stability of M2 demand model in Pakistan.

Practical implications

Results signify that role of money demand is imperative as a monetary policy tool and it can be utilized to achieve objective of price stability. Additionally, exchange rate movements should be critically examined by monetary authorities to avoid inflationary pressures resulting from an increase in demand for broad monetary aggregate.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to scarce monetary literature on asymmetrical effects of exchange rate in Pakistan. Impact of variables has been studied through linear approach, but this paper is unique since it attempts to explore non-linear relationships.
A reliability-based and sustainability-informed maintenance optimization considering risk attitudes for telecommunications equipment
Authors: Karevan Ali , Tee Kong Fah , Vasili Mohammadreza
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study presents a reliability-based and sustainability-informed maintenance optimization model for telecommunications equipment. It considers several risk attributes associated with sustainability dimensions (i.e. social, economic and environmental aspects).

Design/methodology/approach

Many companies have developed long-term strategies to promote higher resource utilization, which has led to a paradigm shift in the role of maintenance. In parallel, reliability has been recognized as a fundamental factor in characterizing the optimal blend of maintenance strategies for a given system. It is essential for accurate failure prediction, which contributes toward more efficient use of all resources.

Findings

The corresponding subattributes are identified based on expert opinions and then incorporated into the proposed model. Subsequently, using the multiobjective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO), the proposed sustainability risks together with the maintenance costs are optimized, and the proper blend of maintenance strategies is identified.

Originality/value

Effective management of all human and natural resources, which are particularly emphasized by the concept of sustainability, has attracted much attention in recent years. However, contributions that effectively apply this concept in maintenance problems are very few and very few studies have attempted to quantify sustainability.
Effect of authoritarian leadership on user resistance to change: evidence from IS project implementation in China
Authors: Zhang Yajun , Gao Peiran , Zhang Junwei , Lu Lu
Published: August 2020

Purpose

User resistance to change has been identified as a significant cause of information system (IS) implementation failure. Previous studies have proposed antecedents of user resistance to change. However, whether project leadership (e.g. authoritarian leadership) can lead to user resistance to change remains unclear. By drawing on project leadership, affective event theory and contingency theory of leadership, the authors address this void by empirically examining whether authoritarian leadership can lead to user resistance to change through the mediation of negative emotion and whether the magnitude of this mediation depends on the power distance level.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines the authors’ research model that integrates authoritarian leadership, negative emotion, power distance and user resistance to change using data from a matched-pair survey of 278 users and their supervisors involved in IS project implementation in China.

Findings

Negative emotion plays a mediating role in the relationship of authoritarian leadership and user resistance to change. In addition, power distance moderates the relationship between authoritarian leadership and negative emotion and the indirect effect of authoritarian leadership on user resistance to change in IS project implementation through negative emotion.

Originality/value

The authors’ research provides a comprehensive understanding of the antecedents of user resistance to change in IS project implementation and ultimately contributes to the IS project implementation literature and practice.
Pathogenicity of clinical Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium isolates from Thailand in a mouse colitis model
Authors: Sarichai Phinitphong , Buddhasiri Songphon , Walters Georgia E. , Khantawa Banyong , Kaewsakhorn Thattawan , Chantarasakha Kanittha , Tepaamorndech Surapun , Thiennimitr Parameth
Published: August 2020

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium [STM]) is a leading cause of nontyphoidal salmonellosis (NTS) worldwide. The pathogenesis of NTS has been studied extensively using a streptomycin‐pretreated mouse colitis model with the limited numbers of laboratory STM strains. However, the pathogenicity of the clinically isolated STM (STMC) strains endemic in Thailand in mice has not been explored. The aim of this study was to compare the pathogenicity of STMC strains collected from Northern Thailand with the laboratory STM (IR715) in mice. Five STMC isolates were obtained from the stool cultures of patients with acute NTS admitted to Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital in 2016 and 2017. Detection of virulence genes and sequence type (ST) of the strains was performed. Female C57BL/6 mice were pretreated with streptomycin sulfate 1 day prior to oral infection with STM. On Day 4 postinfection, mice were euthanized, and tissues were collected to analyze the bacterial numbers, tissue inflammation, and cecal histopathological score. We found that all five STMC strains are ST34 and conferred the same or reduced pathogenicity compared with that of IR715 in mice. A strain‐specific effect of ST34 on mouse gut colonization was also observed. Thailand STM ST34 exhibited a significant attenuated systemic infection in mice possibly due to the lack of spvABC‐containing virulence plasmid.
The moral justification and practice of intergovernmental equalisation grants to local government – A subsidiarity perspective
Authors: Drew Joseph , Miyazaki Masato
Published: August 2020

Decentralised government – such as local government – allows for better tailoring of goods and services and hence higher levels of economic welfare. However, inequities in wealth can mean that some local governments experience difficulty trying to provide for the needs of their citizens. To try to mitigate these disparities, most systems of local government feature a program of untied equalisation grant transfers. However, proponents of equalisation grants schemes have struggled to provide a convincing moral justification for the practice: often scholars resort to rather unconvincing appeals to Pigou's famous normative dictum that equals should be treated equally. We propose that the natural law Principle of Subsidiarity is a more appropriate and robust moral justification for equalisation grant transfers. Moreover, we show how adoption of a subsidiarity justification would lead to improved grants practice that could be expected to avoid some of the serious problems that plague existing equalisation grant schemes.
Assembling organ donation: situating organ donation in hospital practice
Authors: Bea Sara
Published: August 2020

In this article I argue for the need to situate deceased organ donation in and as a hospital practice. This study puts the spotlight on the practical conditions that enable and emplace organ donation in the hospital setting. The analytical move serves the political purpose to inform and interrogate dominant policy framings intended to address the problem of organ shortage. I present an ethnographic investigation that draws upon a Science and Technology Studies (STS) approach to make visible the sociomaterial arrangements that bring together people, things and politics in the assembling of organ donation at a Catalan hospital. A progressive and indeterminate process which might fall through and become disassembled at any given time. This, as I explain, challenges current opt‐out policy that unnecessarily reduces donation to an individual choice to be decided upon in life. Instead, and drawing on ethnographic materials, I propose a situated and relational understanding of organ donation: an embedded health care and procurement practice enacted as a collective accomplishment. I conclude that (more) responsible donation policies need to be informed by, and attuned to, the situated practicalities and enduring tensions that condition and constrain the assembling of organ donation at the hospital setting.
Information Barriers to Adoption of Agricultural Technologies: Willingness to Pay for Certified Seed of an Open Pollinated Maize Variety in Northern Uganda
Authors: Mastenbroek Astrid , Sirutyte Irma , Sparrow Robert
Published: August 2020

We examine smallholder farmers’ willingness to pay for agricultural technology and whether information is a constraint to adoption of certified maize seed in Northern Uganda. The uptake of improved maize varieties by smallholder farmers in Uganda remains persistently low, despite the higher yield potential compared to traditional varieties. A recently growing body of literature identifies information constraints as a potential barrier to adoption of agricultural technologies. We used incentive compatible Becker‐DeGroot‐Marschak auctions to elicit willingness to pay for quality assured improved maize seed by 1,009 smallholder farmers, and conducted a randomised evaluation to test the effect of an information intervention on farmers’ knowledge of seed certification. Our results show that the randomised information treatment enhanced farmers’ knowledge of certified seed. However, using the information treatment as an instrumental variable for knowledge, we find no evidence of a causal effect of knowledge on willingness to pay, suggesting that even though farmers are information constrained, this constraint does not affect adoption of certified seed directly. Nevertheless, only 14% of sampled farmers were willing to pay the market price, which corresponds closely with actual observed demand for certified seed in the previous season. This suggests that there are other barriers to adoption than information and awareness.
Postmortem Liver and Kidney Tissue Concentrations of Heroin Biomarkers and Their Metabolites in Heroin‐Related Fatalities*†
Authors: Al‐Asmari Ahmed I.
Published: August 2020

A method was developed and validated for analyzing 6‐monoacetylmorphine, morphine, 6‐acetylcodeine, and codeine in routine postmortem liver and kidney specimens using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Samples were prepared with a Stomacher instrument followed by solid‐phase extraction. All calibration curves [0.5–1000 ng/g] were linear with coefficients of determination greater than 0.99 and limits of quantification of 1.0 ng/g. Within‐run precision ranged between 2.0% and 8.0%, between‐run precision ranged between 1.0% and 9.0%, and accuracy ranged between −5.0% and +3.0%. Matrix effects ranged from −18% to +9%. After matrix effects were excluded, analytical recoveries ranged from 76% to 94%. The distributions of 6‐monoacetylmorphine, morphine, 6‐acetylcodeine, and codeine were investigated in 31 postmortem cases in which heroin was the primary cause of death. In the current study, the median free morphine ratios were calculated for liver to blood and kidney to blood, which were 2.2 and 4.0, respectively. The current report highlights the importance of testing multiple specimens, including liver and kidney, in heroin‐related deaths, especially if no blood samples are available. Furthermore, this work presents new information regarding the distribution of heroin metabolites in liver and kidney.
What is the distribution of Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score in an undifferentiated emergency department chest pain population?
Authors: Rawicki Amiel J , Klim Sharon , Kelly Anne‐Maree
Published: August 2020

Objective

To determine the distribution of Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score (ADDRS) in undifferentiated chest pain patients.

Methods

Prospective observational study of adult patients presenting to the ED with non‐traumatic chest pain.

Results

Of 139 patients studied, more than 75% of patients has an ADDRS ≥1, mainly because of the report of severe pain. There were no aortic dissections. In patients with non‐specific chest pain, testing driven by the ADDRS protocol would have seen a 280% increase in d‐dimer testing and 2200% increase in computed tomography aortogram rates.

Conclusion

Widespread use of the ADDRS and its investigation protocol cannot be supported.
Effect of allicin and its mechanism of action in purine removal in turbot
Authors: Li Tingting , Ren Likun , Wang Dangfeng , Song Minjie , Li Qiuying , Li Jianrong
Published: August 2020

Low‐purine food is not only the focus of gout patients, but also the focus of contemporary green diet development. Fish are usually considered as high‐purine foodstuff because of the high nutritional value and high purine content. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce purine content in fish to ensure that they are suitable for patients with hyperuricemia or gout. In this study, the effect of allicin on purine reduction in turbot during cooking was investigated using high‐performance liquid chromatography, and the change of xanthine oxidase (XO) activity was also studied. Molecular docking analysis was further performed to elucidate the mechanism of purine reduction by allicin. The results revealed that in the step of soaking, allicin could reduce purine content in fish by slightly enhancing XO activity, promoting hypoxanthine transformation into xanthine. The removal of total purines in experimental and control group reached 70.45% and 57.20%, respectively. Moreover, allicin could change the thermal stability of xanthine by providing an acidic environment, resulting in the rapid decrease of xanthine and hypoxanthine levels by boiling. Thus, this study provides a simple method to decrease purine levels, suggesting a possibility that allicin can function as a purine remover in food.