bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Of pubs and platforms
Authors: Miller Daniel
Published: October 2019

This article argues for a more explicit concern with sociality in anthropology, illustrated through a study of one of the oldest English platforms for sociality: the English pub. Using an approach derived from the study of social media, the pub is analysed in terms of the balance between structural (mainly commercial) forces and agency (mainly the desire for particular kinds of sociality). Following an introduction to the English pub, the article considers how pubs exert control over which population they serve. The next section, shows how groups of people colonize pubs, regardless of the pub's intentions. This is followed by a discussion of the various responses by pubs to this colonization. The final section, ‘Scalable sociality’, demonstrates how these processes combine to produce a phenomenon called scalable sociality, which is also a definition of social media: a series of platforms that can be sited along various scales and parameters of sociality. This is important because a similar tension between, on the one hand, commercial or state forces and, on the other hand, the development of new forms of sociality is increasingly common within many topics studied by anthropologists.
Globalisation is Alive and Well … and Kicking
Authors: Price Edward
Published: October 2019

Reports of the death of globalisation have been greatly exaggerated. Instead, so successful has the project been that the power of those who designed it, economic policymakers, has been reduced. Deep market integration will thus continue for some time, producing further uneven distributions of capital, unemployment, growth and political equilibria.
Effects of Oxytocin Administration on Cue‐Induced Craving in Co‐occurring Alcohol Use Disorder and PTSD: A Within‐Participant Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Stauffer Christopher S. , Meinzer Nathan K. , Morrison Tyler , Wen Jin‐Hui , Radanovich Lily , Leung David , Niles Andrea , O'Donovan Aoife , Batki Steven L. , Woolley Joshua D.
Published: October 2019

Background

Individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) are much more likely to meet criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than the general population. Compared to AUD alone, those with comorbid AUD‐PTSD experience worse outcomes. Prior literature suggests that oxytocin, a hypothalamic neuropeptide, may be effective in the treatment of both AUD and PTSD when administered intranasally, although specific mechanisms remain elusive.

Methods

Forty‐seven male patients with comorbid AUD‐PTSD were administered intranasal oxytocin in a randomized, double‐blind, dose‐ranging (20 IU, 40 IU, and matched placebo), within‐participant design with study visits at least 1 week apart. A cue‐induced craving paradigm was conducted using each participant’s preferred alcoholic beverage versus a neutral water cue. Self‐reported alcohol craving and heart rate (HR) were recorded and analyzed using linear mixed‐effect models.

Results

While alcohol cues significantly induced self‐reported craving and increased HR compared to neutral water cues, neither dosage of oxytocin compared to placebo reduced self‐reported cue‐induced alcohol craving nor cue‐induced changes in HR in patients with PTSD‐AUD.

Conclusions

These preliminary findings suggest that oxytocin does not affect cue‐induced craving. Our results contribute to an ever‐growing field of research investigating the effects of intranasal oxytocin on the symptoms of substance use disorders and will help further refine methodology and streamline future inquiries in this area.
Participation in contract farming and farm performance: Insights from cashew farmers in Ghana
Authors: Dubbert Caroline
Published: October 2019

The global demand for cashew nuts continues to increase steadily. However, many African countries face difficulties in marketing and adding value to the product. Using recent survey data of 391 cashew farmers in Ghana, this paper contributes to the growing evidence on the significance of contract farming (CF) in improving the welfare of rural households in developing countries. Specifically, the paper analyzes the factors that influence cashew farmers’ decisions to participate in CF, and the impact of participation on farmers’ performance. We employ a recently developed switching regression model with endogenous explanatory variables and endogenous switching to control for selection bias caused by observable and unobservable factors. The empirical results show that participation in CF significantly increases labor productivity and price margins, as well as cashew yields, and net revenues. A disaggregated analysis of the sample into farm size categories reveals that small‐sized cashew farms tend to benefit more through CF, compared to medium‐ and large‐sized farms.
Reduced segregation and integration of structural brain network associated with sympathetic and dorsal penile nerve activity in anejaculation patients: a graph‐based connectome study
Authors: Chen J. , Yang J. , Huang X. , Ni L. , Fan Q. , Liu T. , Yao Z. , Chen Y.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Recent neuroimaging studies have indicated that some brain areas are involved in the sexual behavior process. Pre‐mature ejaculation patients exhibit altered brain activation and abnormal cortical structures. However, there has been no research evaluating the topological organization of structural brain network in anejaculation (AE).

Methods

We employed diffusion tensor imaging data and graph theory to examine the whole‐brain structural networks among 16 AE patients and 23 healthy controls. In addition, the results of sexual function assessment were also obtained from each patient for symptom assessment. Moreover, the relationships between these clinical features and the altered topological characteristics of AE patients were also explored.

Results

Decreased clustering coefficient was found in the right amygdala, inferior temporal gyrus, and left pallidum of AE. AE also showed increased path length in the right post‐central gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, putamen, pallidum and left heschl gyrus, temporal pole (superior temporal gyrus); however, these altered brain regions showed no significant differences after false discovery rate correction. Moreover, the path length between subcortical and frontal regions was increased in AE. In addition, negative correlations were found between the altered nodal parameters and the amplitudes of somatosensory evoked potentials of dorsal nerve, sympathetic skin response located in the penis.

Conclusion

Together, our results suggest that AE was associated with disruptions in the topological organization of structural brain networks. The decreased clustering coefficient in temporal and subcortical regions and the increased path length between subcortical and frontal regions may contribute to AE. These findings provide new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of AE.
Efficient decellularization of equine tendon with preserved biomechanical properties and cytocompatibility for human tendon surgery indications
Authors: Aeberhard Pierre‐Arnaud , Grognuz Anthony , Peneveyre Cédric , McCallin Shawna , Hirt‐Burri Nathalie , Antons Jens , Pioletti Dominique , Raffoul Wassim , Applegate Lee Ann
Published: October 2019

Chronic and acute tendon injuries are frequent afflictions, for which treatment is often long and unsatisfactory. When facing extended injuries, matrices and scaffolds with sufficient biomechanical properties are required for surgical repair and could additionally serve as supports for cellular therapies to improve healing. In this study, protocols of either commonly used detergents only (SDS 1%, Triton 1%, TBP 1%, and Tween‐20 1%) or a combination of freeze/thaw (F/T) cycles with decellularization agents (NaCl 1M, ddH2O) were evaluated for the decellularization of horse equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) for hand flexor or extensor tendon reconstruction. Decellularization efficiency was assessed microscopically by histological staining (HE, DAPI) and DNA quantification. Macroscopical structure and biomechanical integrity of the tendon matrices were further assessed by gross observation, histological staining (SR), and mechanical testing (ultimate strain and stress, Young’s modulus, energy to failure) for select protocols. Decellularization with hypertonic NaCl 1M in association with F/T cycles produced the most robust tendon matrices, which were nontoxic after 10 days for subsequent recellularization with human fetal progenitor tendon cells (hFPTs). This standardized protocol uses a less aggressive decellularization agent than current practice, which allows subsequent reseeding with allogenic cells, therefore making them very suitable and bioengineered tendon matrices for human tendon reconstruction in the clinic.
Hair cortisol concentrations in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: van Haalen Femke M. , van Dijk Elon H. C. , Savas Mesut , Brinks Joost , Dekkers Olaf M. , Dijkman Greet , van Rossum Elisabeth F. C. , Biermasz Nienke R. , Boon Camiel J. F. , Pereira Alberto M.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), a distinct form of macular degeneration, has been associated with glucocorticoid use and possibly also with an increased endogenous activity of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis. To estimate long‐term glucocorticoid exposure, measurement of hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) has emerged. This cross‐sectional study aimed to investigate HCC, as a reflection of chronic endogenous steroid exposure, in a cohort of patients with chronic CSC (cCSC).

Methods

Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) were determined in 48 patients with cCSC and 230 population‐based controls (Lifelines cohort study), not using exogenous corticosteroids.

Results

Increased HCC (defined as >10.49 pg/mg) were present in 2 (4%) patients with cCSC and 13 (6%) controls. Mean HCC values were not different between patients and controls, and no difference in HCC was found between patients with active cCSC disease and patients with inactive disease. No correlation between HCC and urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels in patients with cCSC was found.

Conclusions

This study shows that HCC in patients with cCSC are not elevated compared to population‐based controls, and no association between HCC and cCSC severity was found. This finding questions the previous suggestion that cCSC is associated with increased HPA axis activity. In line, HCC do not seem useful in monitoring cCSC disease activity.
The sympathetic nervous system in acute kidney injury
Authors: Grisk Olaf
Published: October 2019

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is frequently accompanied by activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). This may result from pre‐exisiting chronic diseases associated with sympathetic activation prior to AKI or it may be induced by stressors that ultimately lead to AKI such as endotoxins and arterial hypotension in circulatory shock. Conversely, sympathetic activation may also result from acute renal injury. Focusing on studies in experimental renal ischaemia and reperfusion (IR), this review summarizes the current knowledge on how the SNS is activated in IR‐induced AKI and on the consequences of sympathetic activation for the development of acute renal damage. Experimental studies show beneficial effects of sympathoinhibitory interventions on renal structure and function in response to IR. However, few clinical trials obtained in scenarios that correspond to experimental IR, namely major elective surgery, showed that peri‐operative treatment with centrally acting sympatholytics reduced the incidence of AKI. Apparently, discrepant findings on how sympathetic activation influences renal responses to acute IR‐induced injury are discussed and future areas of research in this field are identified.
A data science approach to the selection of most informative readouts of the human intradermal capsaicin pain model to assess pregabalin effects
Authors: Lötsch Jörn , Walter Carmen , Zunftmeister Martin , Zinn Sebastian , Wolters Miriam , Ferreiros Nerea , Rossmanith Tanja , Oertel Bruno G. , Geisslinger Gerd
Published: October 2019

Persistent and, in particular, neuropathic pain is a major healthcare problem with still insufficient pharmacological treatment options. This triggered research activities aimed at finding analgesics with a novel mechanism of action. Results of these efforts will need to pass through the phases of drug development, in which experimental human pain models are established components e.g. implemented as chemical hyperalgesia induced by capsaicin. We aimed at ranking the various readouts of a human capsaicin–based pain model with respect to the most relevant information about the effects of a potential reference analgesic. In a placebo‐controlled, randomized cross‐over study, seven different pain‐related readouts were acquired in 16 healthy individuals before and after oral administration of 300 mg pregabalin. The sizes of the effect on pain induced by intradermal injection of capsaicin were quantified by calculating Cohen'sd. While in four of the seven pain‐related parameters, pregabalin provided a small effect judged by values of Cohen'sdexceeding 0.2, an item categorization technique implemented as computed ABC analysis identified the pain intensities in the area of secondary hyperalgesia and of allodynia as the most suitable parameters to quantify the analgesic effects of pregabalin. Results of this study provide further support for the ability of the intradermal capsaicin pain model to show analgesic effects of pregabalin. Results can serve as a basis for the designs of studies where the inclusion of this particular pain model and pregabalin is planned.
Cognitive enhancement interventions for people with bipolar disorder: A systematic review of methodological quality, treatment approaches, and outcomes
Authors: Tsapekos Dimosthenis , Seccomandi Benedetta , Mantingh Tim , Cella Matteo , Wykes Til , Young Allan H.
Published: October 2019

Background

Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) suffer from cognitive deficits across several domains. The association between cognitive performance and psychosocial functioning has led to the emergence of cognition as a treatment target.

Objective

This study reviews the existing literature on cognitive enhancement interventions for people with BD, focusing on different treatment approaches and methodological quality.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search following the PRISMA guidelines. Sample characteristics and main outcomes for each study and treatment characteristics for each approach were extracted. Study quality was assessed using the Clinical Trials Assessment Measure (CTAM) and Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool by independent raters.

Results

Eleven articles reporting data from seven original studies were identified encompassing 471 participants. Two treatment approaches were identified, cognitive and functional remediation. For controlled studies, methodological quality was modest (average CTAM score = 60.3), while the overall risk of bias was considered moderate. Beneficial effects on cognitive or functional outcomes were reported in the majority of studies (91%), but these findings were isolated and not replicated across studies. Key methodological limitations included small sample sizes, poor description of randomization process, high attrition rates, and participant exclusion from the analysis.

Conclusions

Findings are promising but preliminary. Quality studies were few and mostly underpowered. Heterogeneity in sample characteristics, outcome measures, and treatment approaches further limit the ability to generalize findings. Adequately powered trials are required to replicate initial findings, while moderators of treatment response and mechanisms of transfer need to be explored.
Molecular heterogeneity unravelled by single‐cell transcriptomics in patients with essential thrombocythaemia
Authors: Hsu Chia‐Chen , Chen Ying‐Ju , Huang Cih‐En , Wu Yu‐Ying , Wang Ming‐Chung , Pei Sung‐Nan , Liao Chun‐Kai , Lu Chang‐Hsien , Chen Ping‐Tsung , Tsou Hsing‐Yi , Li Chian‐Pei , Chuang Wei‐Hsuan , Chuang Ching‐Kai , Yang Cheng‐Yu , Lai Yi‐Hua , Lin Yi‐Hsuan , Chen Chih‐Cheng
Published: October 2019

Significant phenotypic heterogeneity exists in patients with all subtypes of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), including essential thrombocythaemia (ET). Single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐Seq) holds the promise of unravelling the biology of MPN at an unprecedented level of resolution. Herein we employed this approach to dissect the transcriptomes in the CD34+ cells from the peripheral blood of seven previously untreated ET patients and one healthy adult. The mutational profiles in these patients were as follows: JAK2 V617F in two, CALR in three (one type I and two type II) and triple‐negative (TN) in two. Our results reveal substantial heterogeneity within this enrolled cohort of patients. Activation of JAK/STAT signalling was recognized in discrepant progenitor lineages among different samples. Significantly disparate molecular profiling was identified in the comparison between ET patients and the control, between patients with different driver mutations (JAK2 V617F and CALR exon 9 indel), and even between patients harbouring the same driver. Intra‐individual clonal diversity was also found in the CD34+ progenitor population of a patient, possibly indicating the presence of multiple clones in this case. Estimation of subpopulation size based on cellular immunophenotyping suggested differentiation bias in all analysed samples. Furthermore, combining the transcriptomic information with data from targeted sequencing enabled us to unravel key somatic mutations that are molecularly relevant. To conclude, we demonstrated that scRNA‐Seq extended our knowledge of clonal diversity and inter‐individual heterogeneity in patients with ET. The obtained information could potentially leapfrog our efforts in the elucidation of the pathogenesis of the disease.
Optimal portfolio choices using financial leverage
Authors: Laborda Ricardo , Olmo Jose
Published: October 2019

This paper investigates the role of leverage in determining the investor's optimal asset allocation over multiperiod investment horizons. To do this, we allow investors to lever their financial position by borrowing from credit markets. GMM methods are used to estimate and test the optimal portfolio weights and individual's optimal choice of financial leverage. These optimal choices are assumed to be parametric functions of a set of state variables describing the evolution of the economy. The empirical application of this methodology to a portfolio of cash, bonds and stocks reveals that a) financial leverage limits the reaction of investors to changes in the investment opportunity set; b) individuals increase leverage during recessions and deleverage in expansionary periods; c) optimal portfolio weights and financial leverage are negatively related to the degree of investor's risk aversion and positively related to the investment horizon.
Accuracy of digital impressions for implant‐supported complete‐arch prosthesis, using an auxiliary geometry part—An in vitro study
Authors: Iturrate Mikel , Eguiraun Harkaitz , Solaberrieta Eneko
Published: October 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of complete‐arch digital impressions for fabrication of an implant‐supported prosthesis in the edentulous maxilla using an auxiliary geometry part.

Materials and methods

A replica of the upper jaw of an edentulous patient with four scannable impression copings was fabricated in stainless steel. This model was scanned with an industrial non‐contact 3D structured blue light 3D scanner, and the measurements of three reference distances were established as reference values. Subsequently, the model was scanned in two different scenarios (with or without an auxiliary geometry part put in place and fixed to the model) using three intraoral scanners. Measurements were taken with 3D inspection software, and a digital impression of the complete arch was built with mesh processing software by combining 2 STL files obtained with an intraoral scanner.

Results

All measurements with the auxiliary geometry part gave significantly more accurate results (p < .05). Trueness improved in the three reference distances, reaching values of 8 ± 6 µm at D12 reference distance, 20 ± 11 µm at D13 and 35 ± 22 µm at D14. Precision also improved significantly with the use of the auxiliary geometry part placed on the model (p < .05). The best precision results at reference distances D13 and D14 were obtained with the True Definition Scanner.

Conclusions

The proposed methodology significantly improves the accuracy of complete‐arch digital impressions in edentulous patients obtained in vitro, regardless of which scanner is used.
Designing instruction for complex learning: 4C/ID in higher education
Authors: Frerejean Jimmy , van Merriënboer Jeroen J.G. , Kirschner Paul A. , Roex Ann , Aertgeerts Bert , Marcellis Marco
Published: October 2019

Objectives‐based instructional design approaches break down tasks into specific learning objectives and prescribe that instructors should choose the optimal instructional method for teaching each respective objective until all objectives have been taught. This approach is appropriate for many tasks where there is little relation between the objectives, but less effective for teaching complex professional tasks that require the integration of knowledge, skills, and attitudes and the coordination of different skills. For the latter, a task‐centred approach that starts designing instruction from whole, real‐life tasks, is more appropriate. This article describes one task‐centred instructional design model, namely the Four‐Component Instructional Design (4C/ID) model and illustrates its application by reflecting on three educational programs in higher education designed with 4C/ID. The first case presents a design for a course that focuses on the development of mobile apps at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. The second case illustrates the integration of information problem‐solving skills at Iselinge University of Professional Teacher Education, a teacher training institute in the Netherlands. The third case is an example from general practice education at the KU Leuven, Belgium. Future developments and issues concerning the implementation of task‐centred educational programmes are discussed.
Characteristics of 698 patients with dissociative seizures: A UK multicenter study
Authors: Goldstein Laura H. , Robinson Emily J. , Reuber Markus , Chalder Trudie , Callaghan Hannah , Eastwood Carole , Landau Sabine , McCrone Paul , Medford Nick , Mellers John D. C. , Moore Michele , Mosweu Iris , Murray Joanna , Perdue Iain , Pilecka Izabela , Richardson Mark P. , Carson Alan , Stone Jon ,   on behalf of the CODES Study Group
Published: October 2019

Objective

We aimed to characterize the demographics of adults with dissociative (nonepileptic) seizures, placing emphasis on distribution of age at onset, male:female ratio, levels of deprivation, and dissociative seizure semiology.

Methods

We collected demographic and clinical data from 698 adults with dissociative seizures recruited to the screening phase of the CODES (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy vs Standardised Medical Care for Adults With Dissociative Non‐Epileptic Seizures) trial from 27 neurology/specialist epilepsy clinics in the UK. We described the cohort in terms of age, age at onset of dissociative seizures, duration of seizure disorder, level of socioeconomic deprivation, and other social and clinical demographic characteristics and their associations.

Results

In what is, to date, the largest study of adults with dissociative seizures, the overall modal age at dissociative seizure onset was 19 years; median age at onset was 28 years. Although 74% of the sample was female, importantly the male:female ratio varied with age at onset, with 77% of female but only 59% of male participants developing dissociative seizures by the age of 40 years. The frequency of self‐reported previous epilepsy was 27%; nearly half of these epilepsy diagnoses were retrospectively considered erroneous by clinicians. Patients with predominantly hyperkinetic dissociative seizures had a shorter disorder duration prior to diagnosis in this study than patients with hypokinetic seizures (P < .001); dissociative seizure type was not associated with gender. Predominantly hyperkinetic seizures were most commonly seen in patients with symptom onset in their late teens. Thirty percent of the sample reported taking antiepileptic drugs; this was more common in men. More than 50% of the sample lived in areas characterized by the highest levels of deprivation, and more than two‐thirds were unemployed.

Significance

Females with dissociative seizures were more common at all ages, whereas the proportion of males increased with age at onset. This disorder was associated with socioeconomic deprivation. Those with hypokinetic dissociative seizures may be at risk for delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Ultra‐long‐term subcutaneous home monitoring of epilepsy—490 days of EEG from nine patients
Authors: Weisdorf Sigge , Duun‐Henriksen Jonas , Kjeldsen Marianne J. , Poulsen Frantz R. , Gangstad Sirin W. , Kjær Troels W.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To explore the feasibility of home monitoring of epilepsy patients with a novel subcutaneous electroencephalography (EEG) device, including clinical implications, safety, and compliance via the first real‐life test.

Methods

We implanted a beta‐version of the 24/7 EEG SubQ (UNEEG Medical A/S, Denmark) subcutaneously in nine participants with temporal lobe epilepsy. Data on seizures, adverse events, compliance in using the device, and use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were collected. EEG was recorded for up to 3 months, and all EEG data were reviewed visually to identify electrographic seizures. These were descriptively compared to seizure counts and AED changes reported in diaries from the same period.

Results

Four hundred ninety days of EEG and 338 electrographic seizures were collected. Eight participants completed at least 9 weeks of home monitoring, while one cancelled participation after 4 weeks due to postimplantation soreness. In total, 13 cases of device‐related adverse events were registered, none of them serious. Recordings obtained from the device covered 73% of the time, on average (range 45%‐91%). Descriptively, electrographic seizure counts were substantially different from diary seizure counts. We uncovered several cases of underreporting and revealed important information on AED response. Electrographic seizure counts revealed circadian distributions of seizures not visible from seizure diaries.

Significance

The study shows that home monitoring for up to 3 months with a subcutaneous EEG device is feasible and well tolerated. No serious adverse device‐related events were reported. An objective seizure count can be derived, which often differs substantially from self‐reported seizure counts. Larger clinical trials quantifying the benefits of objective seizure counting should be a priority for future research as well as development of algorithms for automated review of data.
The Practice of Family Life Education Within Early Head Start Home Visiting
Authors: Walsh Bridget A. , Mortensen Jennifer A. , Edwards Adrienne L. , Cassidy Dawn
Published: October 2019

Objective

To investigate relevant professionals' perspectives about potential collaboration between family life education (FLE) and home visiting in Early Head Start's Home‐Based Option (EHS‐HBO) to understand the merits and challenges of this partnership.

Background

Practices for EHS‐HBO programs vary, which prevents the development of a consistent, evidence‐based home visiting model. Alignment with the strengths‐based family life education methodology (prevention, education, collaboration) may bring more consistency to EHS home visiting.

Method

A purposive sample of 123 family life education, family science, and early childhood professionals completed a topical, open‐ended survey. Responses were analyzed by using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Several themes emerged from the data concerning (a) agreement that FLE is a viable approach to EHS‐HBO (e.g., the FLE approach is beneficial, includes relevant training, and professionalizes home visiting); and (b) potential obstacles in merging FLE and EHS‐HBO (e.g., deficiencies in FLE training for home visitors, certification requirements are restrictive, and lack of credential recognition).

Conclusion

FLE is a viable approach to EHS‐HBO, and programs approved by the National Council on Family relations provide valuable training for future home visitors. Participants expressed positive attitudes as well as insight about the interface of FLE and EHS home visiting.

Implications

A current FLE approach to EHS‐HBO needs to be conceptualized and described more thoroughly, and a measure of home‐visitor fidelity to FLE should be developed. Research and alignment efforts are warranted on the synergy between FLE and EHS home visiting, which currently shows promise.
Structural and thermodynamic correlation illuminates the selective transport mechanism of disaccharide α‐glycosides through ABC transporter
Authors: Chandravanshi Monika , Gogoi Prerana , Kanaujia Shankar Prasad
Published: October 2019

Carbohydrate (or sugar) molecules are extremely diverse regarding their length, linkage and epimeric state. Selective acquisition of these molecules inside the cell is achieved by the substrate (or solute)‐binding protein of ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transport system. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the selective transport of diverse carbohydrates remains unclear mainly owing to their structural complexity and stereochemistry. This study reports crystal structures of an α‐glycoside‐binding protein (αGlyBP, ORF ID: TTHA0356 from Thermus thermophilus HB8) in complex with disaccharide α‐glycosides namely trehalose (α‐1,1), sucrose (α‐1,2), maltose (α‐1,4), palatinose (α‐1,6) and glucose within a resolution range of 1.6–2.0 Å. Despite transporting multiple types of sugars, αGlyBP maintains its stereoselectivity for both glycosidic linkage as well as an epimeric hydroxyl group. Out of the two subsites identified in the active‐site pocket, subsite B which accommodates the glucose and glycosyl unit of disaccharide α‐glycosides is highly conserved. In addition, structural data confirms the paradoxical behavior of glucose, where it replaces the high‐affinity ligand(s) (disaccharide α‐glycosides) from the active site of the protein. Comparative assessment of open and closed conformations of αGlyBP along with mutagenic and thermodynamic studies identifies the hinge region as the first interaction site for the ligands. On the other hand, encapsulation of ligand inside the active site is achieved through the N‐terminal domain (NTD) movement, whereas the C‐terminal domain (CTD) of αGlyBP is identified to be rigid and postulated to be responsible for maintaining the interaction with the transmembrane domain (TMD) during substrate translocation.

Database

Structural data are available in RCSB Protein Data Bank under the accession number(s) 6J9W, 6J9Y, 6JAD, 6JAG, 6JAH, 6JAI, 6JAL, 6JAM, 6JAN, 6JAO, 6JAP, 6JAQ, 6JAR, 6JAZ, 6JB0, 6JB4, 6JBA, 6JBB and 6JBE.
Plant growth regulator and soil fertilizer improve production and growing stage of Brachiaria decumbens
Authors: Rocha Leone Campos , Teixeira Fábio Andrade , Pedreira Márcio dos Santos , Fries Daniela Deitos , Dias Daniel Lucas Santos , Costa Evely Giovanna Leite , de Figueiredo Abdias José , Seixas Angel Amaral , Pacheco Camile Carvalho , Santiago Bismarck Moreira
Published: October 2019

It is necessary to increase the rates of initial growth of pastures for use during the better planting period. Thus, two experiments were used to evaluate the effect of plant growth regulator (PGR; auxins, gibberellins and cytokinins) in seeds types (coated with polymer coating fungicide and conventional method) and nitrogen fertilization methods in Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk on the germination, growth, development and physiological composition. From the regression estimates, lower levels of PGR (10.3; 12.8; 8.85 and 9.57 ml/kg for germination percentage, germination speed index, leaf and pseudostem, respectively) were recommended in coated seeds when compared to conventional method (untreated seeds, with polymer coating and fungicide). Leaf and pseudostem mass production had a significant interaction effect between seed type and the use of growth regulator. Coated seeds (with fungicide and polymers after scarification) had greater performance with absence or at lower levels (8.85 and 9.57 ml/kg seed) of growth regulators. This was not observed for conventional seeds, the higher doses (15.5 and 18.1 ml/kg) presented higher development for the same characteristics. In second experiment, rates of photoassimilate were increased by soil fertilization and use of PGRs. No influence of foliar fertilization was observed when used exclusively, but N‐fertilization multiple and soil promotes an increase in chlorophyll content and mass yield, respectively. The use of exogenous hormonal compounds acts on the organogenesis of plant tissues and increases the formation of plant tissues and acts in the promotion of germination and development of structures, making it a key tool in pasture establishment.
AMPK activity is required for the induction of anhydrobiosis in a tardigrade Hypsibius exemplaris, and its potential up‐regulator is PP2A
Authors: Kondo Koyuki , Mori Masaru , Tomita Masaru , Arakawa Kazuharu
Published: October 2019

The anhydrobiotic tardigrade, Hypsibius exemplaris, was previously considered to require de novo gene expression and protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity for successful anhydrobiosis. These indicate that H. exemplaris has signal transduction systems responding to desiccation stress, with the involvement of phosphorylation events. To this end, we carried out time‐series phosphoproteomics of H. exemplaris exposed to mild desiccation stress and detected 48 phosphoproteins with significant differential regulations. Among them, immediate and successive reduction of phosphorylation levels of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) was observed. The subsequent chemical genetic approach showed that AMPK was activated during the preconditioning stage for anhydrobiosis, and inhibition of its activity impaired successful anhydrobiosis. As PP2A is known to dephosphorylate AMPK in other organisms, we suggested that decreased phosphorylation levels of AMPK upon mild desiccation stress were caused by dephosphorylation by PP2A. Accordingly, phosphoproteomics of animals pre‐treated with the PP1/PP2A inhibitor cantharidic acid (CA) lacked the decrease in phosphorylation levels of AMPK. These observations suggest that AMPK activity is required for successful anhydrobiosis in H. exemplaris, and its phosphorylation state is possibly regulated by PP2A.
Measurement of plasma and platelet tissue factor pathway inhibitor, factor V and Protein S in people with haemophilia
Authors: Ellery Paul E. R. , Hilden Ida , Thyregod Peter , Martinez Nicholas D. , Maroney Susan A. , Gill Joan C. , Mast Alan E.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is a naturally occurring anticoagulant found in plasma, where it circulates bound to lipoproteins, factor V (FV) or Protein S (PS), and in platelets. Therapeutic agents targeting TFPI are under development for the treatment of haemophilia A and haemophilia B.

Aim

To begin to understand how TFPI, FV and PS interact to modulate haemophilia bleeding.

Methods

Plasma and platelet antigen concentrations of these factors were determined in 73 people with haemophilia A and 18 with haemophilia B. Using multiple regression models, these were compared to the same analytes measured in 224 male blood donors.

Results

There were no differences in plasma or platelet TFPI, FV or PS concentrations between haemophilia types or severities. However, compared to blood donors, people with haemophilia had approximately one‐third lower plasma PS, 9% lower plasma TFPIα, 50% higher platelet FV and 26% lower platelet Protein S.

Conclusion

Together, the presented data suggest that individuals with haemophilia may have a compensatory procoagulant response of both plasma and platelet proteins to the decreased concentrations of FVIII or FIX.
JUST A BIG MISUNDERSTANDING? BIAS AND BAYESIAN AFFECTIVE POLARIZATION
Authors: Stone Daniel F.
Published: October 2019

I present a model of affective polarization—growth in hostility over time between two parties—via quasi‐Bayesian inference. In the model, two agents repeatedly choose actions. Each choice is based on a balance of concerns for private interests and the social good. More weight is put on private interests when an agent's character is intrinsically more self‐serving and when the other agent is believed to be more self‐serving. Each agent Bayesian updates about the other's character, and dislikes the other more when she is perceived as more self‐serving. I characterize the effects on growth in dislike of three biases: a prior bias against the other agent's character, the false consensus bias, and limited strategic thinking. Prior bias against the other's character remains constant or declines over time, and actions do not diverge. The other two biases cause actions to become more extreme over time and repeatedly be “worse” than expected, causing mutual growth in dislike, that is, affective polarization. The magnitude of dislike can become arbitrarily large—even when both players are arbitrarily “good” (unselfish). The results imply that seemingly irrelevant cognitive biases can be an important cause of the devolution of relationships, in politics and beyond, and that subtlety and unawareness of bias can be key factors driving the degree of polarization.
Degradation of structural proteins and their relationship with the quality of Mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) during post‐mortem storage and cooking
Authors: Tang Mi , Dai Hongjie , Ma Liang , Yu Yong , Liu Tingwei , Feng Xin , Hu Weijie , Li Yuan , Zhang Yuhao
Published: October 2019

This study was carried out to investigate the changes in the microstructure and structural proteins (titin, nebulin, desmin and tropomyosin (TPM)) of mandarin fish muscle as well as the relationship between the structural proteins and the quality characteristics of fish muscle during post‐mortem storage and after cooking. During post‐mortem storage, titin was degraded initially, accompanied with an increase of the I‐band length. Subsequently, the degradation of desmin induced a gradual breakage of the myofibrils. The following degradation of nebulin accelerated the destruction of N2‐lines, which occurred with a slightly fuzzy Z‐disc. Finally, TPM began to degrade, and the remaining desmin was also degraded further. Principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis indicated that the changes in the quality characteristics of fish muscle were intimately related to the degradation of structural proteins. Hence, these structural proteins could be the biomarkers to monitor the quality characteristics of fish muscle.
The Turkish version of the Handover Evaluation Scale: A validity and reliability study
Authors: Tuna Rujnan , Dalli Birsen
Published: October 2019

Aim

The purpose of this study is to adapt the English version of the Handover Evaluation Scale to a Turkish nursing sample.

Methods

This is a methodological and cross‐sectional study. This study was conducted with 192 nurses working in different units in a public hospital between September 2016 and January 2017. A descriptive information form and the Handover Evaluation Scale were used to collect data. First, language validity and content validity were determined regarding the adaptation of the scale.

Results

As a result of the adaptation process, it was determined that the scale's structure, which consisted of 10 items and two factors explaining 68.96% of the total variance, was valid and reliable for the Turkish nursing sample. A Kaiser‐Meyer‐Olkin test and Bartlett's test of sphericity indicated that the sample met the criteria required for factor analysis. The reliability coefficient for the overall scale was 0.92. The test‐retest reliability results were 0.87 for the overall intraclass correlation coefficient, and the t‐test result was P > .05.

Conclusion

This adaptation study revealed that the scale is a valid and reliable tool for evaluation of the handover of Turkish nurses.
Relationship between the nursing practice environment and the therapeutic relationship in acute mental health units: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Roviralta‐Vilella Maria , Moreno‐Poyato Antonio R. , Rodríguez‐Nogueira Óscar , Duran‐Jordà Xavier , Roldán‐Merino Juan F. ,   On behalf of MiRTCIME.CAT Working Group
Published: October 2019

The therapeutic relationship constitutes the central axis of mental health nursing. The clinical practice environment has been empirically related to the quality of care. However, the relationship between the two constructs is unknown in the setting of mental health units. We aimed to examine whether the practice environment and nurses’ characteristics influence the therapeutic relationship in mental health units. Through a cross‐sectional design, data were collected via an online form completed by nurses in 18 mental health units. Linear regression was used to examine the relationship between the clinical practice environment and the therapeutic relationship. Questionnaires were completed by 198 participants. The mean age was 33.8 (SD 9.1) years, 71.7% were women, and only 20.2% had a specialist qualification in mental health. The therapeutic relationship was better when there was a more favourable practice environment (B: 3.111; 95% CI: 1.46–4.75). The most influential environment‐related factor was the nursing foundations for quality of care (B: 2.124; 95% CI: 0.17–4.07). The factors associated with a high‐quality therapeutic relationship were a more favourable practice environment and the presence of more foundations for quality nursing care, coupled with higher academic attainment and longer nursing experience. Institutions should take into account the importance of the nursing practice environment in mental health units. Aspects related to the quality of nursing foundations, such as training, the use of nursing language and taxonomy, and the existence of a common nursing philosophy, are influential for a high‐quality therapeutic relationship.
The burden and clinical manifestation of hospitalized influenza among different pediatric age‐groups in the tropics
Authors: Chong Chia‐Yin , Yung Chee‐Fu , Gan Cherie , Thio Szu‐Tien , Tan Natalie Woon‐Hui , Tee Nancy Wen‐Sim , Lin Cui , Lin Raymond Tze‐Pin , Thoon Koh‐Cheng
Published: October 2019

Introduction

In tropical Singapore, influenza occurs all year‐round. This study of influenza‐confirmed hospitalized pediatric patients compared clinical characteristics and complications by age‐group and differences between influenza A and B.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of pediatric inpatients from January 2013 to December 2014. Patients were grouped into: <6 months, 6 months to <5 years, 5‐ to <10‐year and ≥10 years. Complications were classified into neurologic, pulmonary, and other. We also calculated the incidence of hospitalized influenza cases per 100 000 age‐related population.

Results

There were a total of 1272 patients with a median age of 37 months. The highest hospitalization rates were in the <6 months age‐group. Majority (75.2%) had no comorbidity; 25.6% had complications: neurologic 11.9%, pulmonary 9.6%, other 4.1%. Patients with other complications were older, male, and had the highest influenza B rates and the longest length of stay. Influenza A comprised 76.9% of cases and had higher complication rates especially neurologic, compared to influenza B. Influenza B patients were older and were more likely to develop other complications. The 6‐month to <5‐year‐age‐group had the highest complication rate (30.6%), especially neurologic. However, ≥10 years old had the highest other complications, ICU/ high‐dependency admissions and influenza B Victoria rates.

Conclusions

Infants <6 months had the highest hospitalization rates for influenza. The 6‐month to <5‐year‐age‐group had the highest complication rate especially neurologic. Influenza A patients were younger, had higher seizure rates and complications compared to influenza B.
Cleansing efficacy of waist‐shaped inter‐dental brushes. A randomized‐controlled crossover study
Authors: Schnabl Dagmar , Goebel Georg , Kadletz Alice , Gaenzer Hanna , Steiner René , Laimer Johannes , Kapferer‐Seebacher Ines
Published: October 2019

Objective

To compare the cleansing efficacy of waist‐shaped versus cylindric inter‐dental brushes in patients receiving supportive periodontal therapy.

Materials and methods

After sample size estimation, 20 periodontal maintenance patients diagnosed with periodontitis stage 3 were recruited. Brushing efficacy of waist‐shaped and cylindric inter‐dental brushes was evaluated in a randomized‐controlled, examiner‐blinded, two‐period crossover study by assessment of the Turesky modification of Quigley‐Hein plaque index (T‐QHI) and the papillary bleeding index (PBI) at four sites per tooth.

Results

Seventeen probands with 1,474 tooth sites finished the study. At baseline, median of overall T‐QHI scores was 1.4 (interquartile range 1.38–1.92). After 1 month, T‐QHI for waist‐shaped inter‐dental brushes was 1.24 (1.03–1.52); in 15 individuals, T‐QHI 0 was the grade most often measured. T‐QHI for cylindric brushes was 1.71 (1.18–2.29; p = .042), with T‐QHI 0 being the grade most often measured only in seven individuals. The odds ratio for establishing plaque‐free inter‐dental sites with waist‐shaped relative to cylindric brushes was 1.8 [95% CI 1.6–1.9] (p < .001; logistic regression analysis). There were no statistically significant differences between PBI levels of waist‐shaped and cylindric brushes.

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated the superiority in cleansing efficacy of waist‐shaped over cylindric inter‐dental brushes in individuals receiving supportive periodontal treatment.
Brain size affects responsiveness in mating behaviour to variation in predation pressure and sex ratio
Authors: Corral‐López Alberto , Romensky Maksym , Kotrschal Alexander , Buechel Severine D. , Kolm Niclas
Published: October 2019

Despite ongoing advances in sexual selection theory, the evolution of mating decisions remains enigmatic. Cognitive processes often require simultaneous processing of multiple sources of information from environmental and social cues. However, little experimental data exist on how cognitive ability affects such fitness‐associated aspects of behaviour. Using advanced tracking techniques, we studied mating behaviours of guppies artificially selected for divergence in relative brain size, with known differences in cognitive ability, when predation threat and sex ratio was varied. In females, we found a general increase in copulation behaviour in when the sex ratio was female biased, but only large‐brained females responded with greater willingness to copulate under a low predation threat. In males, we found that small‐brained individuals courted more intensively and displayed more aggressive behaviours than large‐brained individuals. However, there were no differences in female response to males with different brain size. These results provide further evidence of a role for female brain size in optimal decision‐making in a mating context. In addition, our results indicate that brain size may affect mating display skill in male guppies. We suggest that it is important to consider the association between brain size, cognitive ability and sexual behaviour when studying how morphological and behavioural traits evolve in wild populations.