bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of HMGB1–TLR4 Pathway and Inflammasome Contribute to Enhanced Inflammatory Response in Extended Criteria and Kidneys With KDPI ≥85%
Authors: Florim Greiciane M.S. , Caldas Heloisa C. , Gonçalves Naiane N. , Bueno Giovanna O.B.E. , Baptista Maria A.S.F. , Fernandes-Charpiot Ida M.M. , Abbud-Filho Mario
Published: November 2019

Background.

Metrics for evaluating low-quality kidneys have failed to predict outcomes or reduce the kidney refusal and discard rates. Kidneys from extended-criteria donors (ECDs) and kidneys with ≥85% kidney donor profile indexes (KDPIs) might have different sensitivities to the proinflammatory milieu generated by brain death. We aimed to identify gene expression profile differences in innate immunity pathways between low-quality and ideal kidneys.

Methods.

Preimplantation kidney biopsies from ECD (n = 41) and standard-criteria donor (n = 39) were evaluated for real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction gene expression using the TaqMan Gene Expression Array Plates system for genes Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4), high-mobility group box 1, nuclear factor kappa beta, myeloid differentiation primary response 88, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)1-β, tumor necrosis factor alpha, caspase-1 (CASP1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1, IL-10, heme oxygenase 1 hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), monocyte chemotactic protein 1, transforming growth factor beta 1, TIR-domain containing adapter inducing interferon-β (TRIF), TRIF-related adaptor molecule, interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3), receptor-interacting protein 1, IFNβ-1, and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin protein 3 complex. Gene expression was also evaluated in kidneys with KDPI ≥85.

Results.

ECD biopsies showed significantly higher expression of IL-10, TLR4, high-mobility group box 1, IFN-γ, TRIF-related adapter molecule, IRF-3, HIF-1, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin protein 3 complex, CASP1, and IL-1β (P < 0.05) compared with standard-criteria donor biopsies. IRF-3, HIF-1, and CASP1 were exclusively upregulated in ECD kidneys. Compared with kidneys with KDPIs <85%, kidneys with KDPIs ≥85% had very similar gene transcripts as those observed in ECD kidneys, except that tumor necrosis factor alpha and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 expression was only elevated in kidneys with KDPIs ≥85%. Significant positive correlations were found between the different genes upregulated and the increase in KDPIs.

Conclusions.

Our results showed that TLR4 and inflammasome pathways are enhanced in low-quality kidneys and suggest that blocking of some targets might improve transplant outcomes and reduce discard rates.
High Throughput Screening at the Membrane Interface Reveals New Inhibitors of Amyloid-β
Authors: Cox Sarah J. , Lam Brian , Prasad Ajay , Marietta Hannah A. , Stander Nicholas V. , Joel Joseph G. , Sahoo Bikash R. , Guo Fucheng , Stoddard Andrea K. , Ivanova Magdalena I. , Ramamoorthy Ayyalusamy
Published: November 2019

Amyloid-β aggregation at the cell-membrane of neruonal cells is implicated as a source of toxicity for Alzheimer’s disease. Small molecules have been studied for their ability to supress amyloid aggregation and toxicity, but the presence of membranes negate their activity. Here, we have identified 5 small molecules that are active at the membrane interface.
An Integrative Network-based Analysis Reveals Gene Networks, Biological Mechanisms, and Novel Drug Targets in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Gerring Zachary F , Gamazon Eric R , White Anthony , Derks Eske M
Published: November 2019

Alzheimer’s disease is a highly heritable and severe neuropsychiatric condition. Genome-wide association studies have identified multiple genetic risk factors underlying susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease, however their functional impact remains poorly understood. To overcome this shortcoming, we integrated genome-wide association summary statistics (71,880 cases, 338,378 controls) with tissue-specific gene co-expression networks derived from GTEx to identify functional gene co-expression networks underlying the disease. We found genetic variants associated with Alzheimer’s disease are enriched in gene co-expression networks involved in immune response-related biological processes. The implicated gene co-expression networks are preserved across multiple brain and peripheral tissues, highlighting the potential utility of peripheral tissues in genetic studies of Alzheimer’s disease. We also performed a computational drug repositioning analysis by integrating gene expression changes within Alzheimer’s disease modules with drug-gene signatures from the Connectivity Map, and show disease implicated networks retrieve known Alzheimer’s disease drugs and novel drug repurposing candidates for follow-up functional studies. Our results improve the biological interpretation of recent genetic data for Alzheimer’s disease and provide a list of potential anti-dementia drug repositioning candidates of which the efficacy should be investigated in functional validation studies.
Structure of the Fanconi Anemia Core–UBE2T complex poised to ubiquitinate bound FANCI–FANCD2
Authors: Wang Shengliu , Wang Renjing , Peralta Christopher , Yaseen Ayat , Pavletich Nikola P.
Published: November 2019

The Fanconi Anemia (FA) pathway is essential for the repair of DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs). The pathway is activated when a replication fork stalls because of an ICL or other replication stress. A central event in pathway activation is the mono-ubiquitination of the FANCI-FANCD2 (ID) complex by the FA Core complex, a ubiquitin ligase of nine subunits. Here we describe the cryo-EM structures of the 1.1 MDa FA Core at 3.1 angstroms, except for the FANCA subunit at 3.4, and of the complex containing Core, ID and the UBE2T ubiquitin conjugating enzyme at 4.2 angstroms. The Core has unusual stoichiometry with two copies of FANCB, FAAP100, FANCA, FAAP20, FANCG, FANCL, but only a single copy of FANCC, FANCE and FANCF. This is due to homodimers of FANCA and FANCB having incompatible 2-fold symmetry, resulting in an overall asymmetric assembly of the other subunits. The asymmetry is crucial, as it prevents the binding of a second FANC-C-E-F sub-complex that inhibits UBE2T recruitment by FANCL, and instead creates an ID binding site. The single active FANCL-UBE2T binds next to the FANCD2 ubiquitination site, prying open the FANCI-FANCD2 interface within which the ubiquitination sites are buried. These structures and biochemical data indicate a single active site ubiquitinates FANCD2 and FANCI sequentially, shedding light on a central event in the FA pathway.
Understanding consumers’ intentions to purchase green products in the social media marketing context
Authors: Sun Ying , Wang Shanyong
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to observe consumers’ attitudes toward and intentions to purchase green products on social media and to explore the relationships among social media marketing, perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE), product knowledge, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, price consciousness and attitudes toward and intentions to purchase green products. In addition, this research attempts to further understand these relationships in different consumer groups.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey method was used to collect data from consumers in China. The Amos 22.0 software package was used to conduct the data analysis.

Findings

The empirical results suggest that attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control positively affect purchase intentions, while price consciousness negatively affects purchase intentions. Product knowledge positively affects consumers’ attitudes and purchase intentions, and PCE positively affects consumers’ attitudes. As expected, social media marketing positively affects subjective norms, product knowledge and PCE and negatively affects price consciousness. However, there is no significant relationship between PCE and purchase intentions. According to the results of multigroup structural equation modeling analysis, the effects differ significantly among different consumer groups.

Originality/value

This study enriches the research about the factors that influence consumers’ purchases of green products in emerging countries in the social media marketing context.
Corporate governance mechanisms and firm performance: evidence from the emerging market following the revised CG code
Authors: Wang Yan , Abbasi Kaleemullah , Babajide Bola , Yekini Kemi C.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the extent to which board characteristics and ownership structure affect firm performance with specific focus on providing new empirical insights following the revised corporate governance (CG) code 2012.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a sample of non-financial firms listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX)-100 index for the years 2011-2014. Firm performance is measured by accounting-based performance indicators (ROA and ROE) and market-based performance indicators (Tobin’s Q and MTB). This study uses multivariate regression techniques including fixed effects model and two-stage least squares (2SLS).

Findings

The findings show that board diversity increases over the two periods (pre-2012 and post-2012), whereas there are cases that companies have not fully complied with the revised CG code 2012 in terms of board independence. In addition, the multiple regression results show that firm performance is negatively and significantly associated with institutional ownership. Nevertheless, the results show that board size, board independent, board diversity and board meetings do not have significant impact on firm performance. The findings are fairly consistent and robust across two periods (pre-2012 and post 2012) and a number of econometric models that sufficiently address the potential endogeneity problems.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study which investigates the impact of the compliance and implementation of 2012 CG code on firm performance in Pakistan. This study is different from the most prior studies in that they use independent non-executive directors rather than conventional non-executive directors to measure board independence.
Is air moisture relevant on radiative heat exchange inside built environments?
Authors: Serra Nuno , Semiao Viriato
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify the necessity of taking into account the commonly neglected radiation in built environments. Ignoring radiation within acclimatized spaces with moist air, which is a participating medium, can yield inaccurate values of the relevant variables, endangering the Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning design accuracy and leading to energy inefficiencies and discomfort.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses computational fluid dynamics to predict non-isothermal flows with radiation, for both mixing and displacement ventilation strategies. The tool is applied to a lab-scale model (scale 1:30), and the results are compared with experimental data and predictions without radiation. Furthermore, the radiation influence is also assessed at real-scale level, including a parametric study on the effect of the air relative humidity on radiation.

Findings

The paper demonstrates the unequivocal impact of radiation on the flows thermal-kinematics at real-scale: ignoring radiation yields average air temperature differences of 2ºC. This becomes more evident for larger air optical thicknesses (larger relative humidity): changing it from 20 per cent to 50 per cent and 70 per cent yields maximum relative differences of 100 per cent for the velocity components and 0.4ºC for the air temperature. Nevertheless, the results for the lab-scale case are not so conclusive about the effect of moist air radiation on the thermal flow characteristics, but they evidence its impact on the flow kinematics (maximum relative differences of velocity components of 35 per cent).

Originality/value

The paper fulfills an identified need to clarify the relevant effects of air moisture on radiation and on the flow turbulence and thermal-kinematic characteristics for forced convective flows inside built environments.
On the effects of straight extremities on low-density lipoprotein transport in the concentration boundary layer of curved arteries
Authors: Tamim Hossein , Abbassi Abbas , Fatouraee Nasser
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of curvature on the transport of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) through a curved artery and concentration boundary layer characteristics numerically.

Design/methodology/approach

By using a projection method based on the second-order central difference discretization, the authors solve the set of governing equations, which consists of Navier–Stokes, continuity and species transport. The effects of initial straight length, as well as the curvature and wall shear stress (WSS) on LDL transport in a curved artery are established in this paper.

Findings

The obtained numerical results imply that the LDL concentration boundary layer thickness decreases in the outer part of the curved artery and increases in the inner part for both with or without initial straight length. The effect of Reynolds number on the concentration distribution in a curved artery with initial straight length is more pronounced than that on a fully curved artery, although an opposite trend was seen for the curvature ratio. The maximum surface LDL concentration is related to the regions with minimum WSS in the inner part of the curved artery, which has more potential the formation of atherosclerosis.

Originality/value

The authors present a comprehensive concentration distribution of LDL in the concentration boundary layer of the curved artery. The authors also characterize and predict the influence of curvature on the formation and development of atherosclerosis within the arterial wall.
Understanding the preferences of males at different ages for plaid shirts
Authors: Zhou Xiaoxi , Xu Hang
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Except the physiological comfort, the design aesthetic of plaid shirts is the decisive factor affecting the purchase decision making of consumers. However, as there is subjectivity and indeterminacy in evaluation of the aesthetic, current research in the literature has little information about the appearance design of checks. The purpose of this paper is to extract the check design features, which influence consumer evaluation, and determine the preferences of men of different ages for the check designs, and the preference differences between them.

Design/methodology/approach

Through cluster and preference experiments, the perception and evaluation of the subjects were gained. By cluster analysis, typical classifications of check designs were fixed. With Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) algorithm, users’ perceptual space was revealed as to the plaid samples. In the PREFMAP analysis, results of the ideal vectors of men of different ages were drawn.

Findings

The study results revealed four typical classifications of check designs, identified three design dimensions that had effects on users’ evaluation, and built the relationship between design features of checks and consumer evaluation. Besides, in the study, the differences in preference for check designs between men of different ages were also explored. It was found that young men liked modern check designs, but disliked “small and complex” check patterns. Middle aged men preferred dark and cool colors, with dislike for “youthful vigor style.” While they cared more about check colors, young men attached more importance to the design style.

Originality/value

Currently, there is little information in the literature about the evaluation of pattern design. In this study, the use of MDS and PREFMAP analysis reveals visualized complex statistical results. The visualization approach is also applicable to design and positioning of other apparel, and can help designers better understand and position design styles and effects, given their consumer groups and design samples.
Social media brand engagement practices
Authors: Osei-Frimpong Kofi , McLean Graeme , Famiyeh Samuel
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deepen the understanding on social media brand engagement (SMBE) practices by exploring the impact of consumer brand knowledge, perceived social pressure, perceived social relatedness (PSR) and the role of brand trust.

Design/methodology/approach

A model is proposed to suggest the influence of consumer-level antecedents and moderators of SMBE. Following a survey design approach, data collected from 687 respondents on Facebook are examined through structural equation modelling using AMOS 23.0.

Findings

The findings reveal significant relationship between the examined antecedents (brand knowledge, perceived social pressure and brand trust) and SMBE. Examination of the moderation role of PSR revealed significant interaction effects on the relationship between brand knowledge and SMBE, as well as perceived social pressure and SMBE. The findings also suggest a lack of interaction effect of PSR on the relationship between brand trust and SMBE.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides empirical evidence in support of understanding SMBE practices by testing theoretically grounded hypotheses. The study focussed on technologically savvy respondents and only Facebook users in Ghana, which could limit the generalisation of the findings reported.

Practical implications

This study illustrates a need for managers to integrate multi-communication channels to enhance brand interactions and engagements. Firms must also adopt strategies that would enhance the sharing of interesting information about their brands on their social media platforms to attract others through customer networks.

Originality/value

The conceptualization of SMBE in this study zooms out our understanding of online SMBE by examining pertinent variables that drive or moderate consumer participation in SMBE activities. The integration of these variables brings out new empirical understanding and extends our knowledge on SMBE.
Islamic bank selection criteria in Nigeria: a model development
Authors: Ezeh Precious Chikezie , Nkamnebe Anayo D.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a model for the study of Islamic bank choice and to test the significant importance of the constructs that influence bank customers to choose Islamic bank in a pluralistic-secular nation.

Design/methodology/approach

Total of 348 conventional and Islamic bank customers were sampled. Five-point Likert-type question containing 27 bank selection items was used in collecting primary data. Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability and average variance extracted are used to test the reliability and validity of the instrument. Also various descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and one sampleT-test are equally used in analyzing the work.

Findings

Exploratory factor analysis identified four factors. They are Islamic ethics, convenience, Islamic bank services awareness and physical evidence. Furthermore, the factors that show significant importance in the choice of Islamic banking are Islamic ethics and Islamic bank services awareness. The result equally shows that people are aware of Islamic banking.

Practical implications

This study provides insight on the factors that influence the selection of Islamic banking, an innovative banking concept. This study has obvious management and theory implications. Also, the study will assist the bank managers in developing effective marketing strategy to increase the market share.

Originality/value

This study reports Islamic banking selection criteria in a pluralistic-secular Nation. The study also developed a model that can be used in studying the choice of Islamic bank in special type of environment. Thus, Islamic banking is a new reality in the Nigerian financial scene.
Environmental controls override grazing effects on plant functional traits in Tibetan rangelands
Authors: Jäschke Yun , Heberling Gwendolyn , Wesche Karsten
Published: November 2019

Plant functional traits are key to predict community responses to abiotic and biotic disturbances. Grazing is the dominant land‐use form in drylands and alpine environments, especially in Central Asian rangelands. Here, we address grazing effects and their relative importance against environmental controls on plant traits.

We sampled 14 plant functional traits, which are potentially sensitive to grazing, from 127 taxa distributed across three grassland types in Tibetan grasslands exposed to increasing levels of precipitation: steppe, steppe‐meadow and meadow. We performed principal components analysis and fourth‐corner analysis to explore the impacts of grazing and environment on multiple community‐weighted mean (CWM) traits. We also used generaliszed linear mixed models to test the effects of grazing and environment on each CWM trait, and on three dimensions of functional trait diversity, i.e. functional richness (FRic), evenness (FEve) and divergence (FDiv). In addition, we undertook a mini‐review of former studies on grazing effects on plant traits in Chinese grasslands.

We found that CWM traits were mainly affected by climate and elevation rather than by grazing intensity. Only plant tissue C content was negatively affected by intensified grazing across grassland types. Plant growth form and life form were mainly influenced by elevation, while heights of canopy and inflorescence were controlled by temperature. Specific leaf area was positively correlated with precipitation and soil total N content in steppes, while plant tissue N content was only correlated to livestock dung cover. Regarding functional trait diversity, FDiv in steppe‐meadows and meadows, and FEve in meadows were reduced by grazing.

Synthesis. Our results confirmed that environmental controls override grazing impact on CWM traits across Tibetan alpine grasslands. Most plants and their respective traits are adaptive to alpine climates as well as to grazing, and are thus hardly affected by locally intensified grazing intensity. In steppes, functional diversity is insensitive to grazing due to the combined stress of drought and grazing. However, in steppe‐meadows and meadows, grazing may affect ecosystem functioning, as shown by the reduced values of FDiv and FEve under more intense grazing.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
A fruit diet rather than invertebrate diet maintains a robust innate immunity in an omnivorous tropical songbird
Authors: Nwaogu Chima J. , Galema Annabet , Cresswell Will , Dietz Maurine W. , Tieleman B. Irene
Published: November 2019

Diet alteration may lead to nutrient limitations even in the absence of food limitation, and this may affect physiological functions, including immunity. Nutrient limitations may also affect the maintenance of body mass and key life‐history events that may affect immune function. Yet, variation in immune function is largely attributed to energetic trade‐offs rather than specific nutrient constraints.

To test the effect of diet on life‐history traits, we tested how diet composition affects innate immune function, body mass and moult separately and in combination with each other, and then used path analyses to generate hypotheses about the mechanistic connections between immunity and body mass under different diet compositions.

We performed a balanced parallel and crossover design experiment with omnivorous common bulbuls Pycnonotus barbatus in out‐door aviaries in Nigeria. We fed 40 wild‐caught bulbuls ad libitum on fruits or invertebrates for 24 weeks, switching half of each group between treatments after 12 weeks. We assessed innate immune indices (haptoglobin, nitric oxide and ovotransferrin concentrations, and haemagglutination and haemolysis titres), body mass and primary moult, fortnightly. We simplified immune indices into three principal components (PCs), but we explored mechanistic connections between diet, body mass and each immune index separately.

Fruit‐fed bulbuls had higher body mass, earlier moult and showed higher values for two of the three immune PCs compared to invertebrate‐fed bulbuls. These effects were reversed when we switched bulbuls between treatments after 12 weeks. Exploring the correlations between immune function, body mass and moult, showed that an increase in immune function was associated with a decrease in body mass and delayed moult in invertebrate‐fed bulbuls, while fruit‐fed bulbuls maintained body mass despite variation in immune function. Path analyses indicated that diet composition was most likely to affect body mass and immune indices directly and independently from each other. Only haptoglobin concentration was indirectly linked to diet composition via body mass.

We demonstrated a causal effect of diet composition on innate immune function, body mass and moult: bulbuls were in a better condition when fed on fruits than invertebrates, confirming that innate immunity is nutrient specific. Our results are unique because they show a reversible effect of diet composition on wild adult birds whose immune systems are presumably fully developed and adapted to wild conditions—demonstrating a short‐term consequence of diet alteration on life‐history traits.
Low‐Acrylamide French Fry Acceptance: A Pilot Study
Authors: Johnson Aaron M. , Porter Gregory , Camire Mary Ellen
Published: November 2019

Concern about the safety of acrylamide in french fries led to the identification of potato varieties low in the acrylamide precursors asparagine and reducing sugars that vary with variety, nitrogen (N) fertilizer applications, and other factors, but produce light‐colored fries, which may not appeal to consumers. New potato varieties shown to produce low‐acrylamide fries, AF4296‐3 and Easton, and an industry‐standard variety, Russet Burbank, were fertilized at four N application rates (0, 112, 224, and 336 kg N/ha) in a 3 × 4 factorial design. Potato tubers from each of the 12 variety X fertilizer factorial combinations were processed into fries. French fries made from Easton and AF4296‐3 potatoes fertilized with the lower N levels were less red (lower CIE a*) and yellow (higher b*) than Russet Burbank fries after frying. Forty‐seven consumers rated the 12 samples (potato variety X N fertilizer rate) on a 9‐point hedonic scale. Aroma, taste, and texture hedonic scores did not differ among samples. The mean hedonic color score for the Russet Burbank fries fertilized with 224 kg/ha (7.4) was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than those for the AF4296‐3 with 224 kg/ha N and Easton and 336 kg/ha N fries. After consumers were informed of the acrylamide content of fries relative to commercial products, the overall liking and purchase intent for Russet Burbank fries decreased. Education may be needed to inform consumers about the merits of whiter french fry color as a trade‐off for reduced exposure to acrylamide, which is a probable dietary carcinogen.

Practical Application

New potato varieties have lower concentrations of the compounds that form acrylamide during cooking. These varieties tend to brown less during frying than do common potatoes, resulting in lighter‐colored and less golden‐colored french fries. Consumer education may be needed to counteract potential consumer rejection of the fries made from these new varieties with information about the lower acrylamide content and increased safety of these foods.
Glycemic Index and Microstructure Evaluation of Four Cereal Grain Foods
Authors: RamyaBai Mookambika , Wedick Nicole M. , Shanmugam Shobana , Arumugam Kokila , Nagarajan Lakshmipriya , Vasudevan Kavitha , Gunasekaran Geetha , Rajagopal Gayathri , Spiegelman Donna , Malik Vasanti , Anjana Ranjit Mohan , Hu Frank B. , Unnikrishnan Ranjit , Willett Walter , Malleshi Nagappa , Njelekela Marina A. , Gimbi Dorothy , Krishnaswamy Kamala , Henry CJK , Mohan Viswanathan , Sudha Vasudevan
Published: November 2019

To determine the glycemic index (GI) of selected cereals and association with their microstructure. The GI of whole grain pilaf (WGP), instant brown rice (IBR), whole maize ugali (MWU), and refined maize ugali (RMU) was assessed in a randomized trial. Fourteen healthy participants with mean age of 25 years were administered 50 g portions of available carbohydrates from glucose and various test foods after an overnight fast on separate occasions. Capillary blood samples of participants were used to measure blood glucose over 2 hr. The GI was calculated as per standard protocol. The microstructure of test foods, determined by scanning electron microscopy was evaluated to understand the measured GI values. The GI (mean ± standard error) of IBR was the highest (87.8 ± 6.8) followed by RMU (74.7 ± 6.5) and WMU (71.4 ± 5.1). WGP had medium GI (58.9 ± 5.1; P < 0.01 vs. IBR). Microstructure examination of IBR revealed disruption of bran layer and presence of fissures indicating loss of intactness of bran. Stereozoom images for WGP revealed intact bran and germ. For RMU and WMU, the grain was milled leading to loss of integrity. IBR, RMU, and WMU have high GI values, which is likely due to disruption of bran layer, endosperm modification (IBR), and loss of grain matrix (WMU, RMU). WGP has medium GI probably due to fairly intact bran and germ.

Practical Application

Wholegrain or whole meal flour may not necessarily be low in glycemic index (GI; low GI < 55; medium 55 to 69 and high GI ≥70). “Ugali” a commonly consumed cereal staple food in Tanzania made from either refined or whole meal maize flour was found to be a high GI food. Intact whole grain foods, such as whole grain pilaf (mixed intact whole grains) is a healthier alternative to milled whole grains such as whole meal maize flour. Instant quick cooking brown rice exhibited a high GI, due to the processing method, suggesting that regular brown rice may be a healthier option.
A characterisation study of Ubaid period ceramics from As‐Sabbiya, Kuwait, using a non‐destructive portable X‐Ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometer and petrographic analyses
Authors: Ashkanani Hasan J. , Tykot Robert H. , Al‐Juboury Ali Ismail , Stremtan Ciprian C. , Petřík Jan , Slavíček Karel
Published: November 2019

The Ubaid cultural phenomena (6500–4200 BC) of southern Mesopotamia has been used to characterise other archaeological sites in the Arabian Gulf region. The aim of this inquiry is to explore the nature of the interaction between the homeland of the Ubaid and the wider Gulf region. Through the use of a non‐destructive portable X‐ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometer, this study seeks to characterise and identify the chemical and mineralogical compositions of the ceramic assemblage from the Bahra 1 site of the As‐Sabbiya region, Kuwait. The chemical results demonstrated that a combination of six trace elements [rubidium (Rb), strontium (Sr), yttrium (Y), zirconium (Zr), niobium (Nb) and barium (Ba)] occur significantly enough to delineate clay‐based artifact groups—local red coarse from Ubaid, while the mineralogical analysis confirms the pXRF result and identifies the source of the raw materials and temper as well. Also, the comparison between the Ubaid and Bronze Age assemblage results suggests that potters used different clay resources within their own regions and/or production techniques.
MicroRNA‐188 regulates aging‐associated metabolic phenotype
Authors: Huang Yan , Xiao Ye , Liu Ya , Guo Min , Guo Qi , Zhou Fangliang , Liu Ting , Su Tian , Xiao Yuzhong , Luo Xiang‐Hang
Published: November 2019

With the increasing aging population, aging‐associated diseases are becoming epidemic worldwide, including aging‐associated metabolic dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of microRNA miR‐188 in the aging‐associated metabolic phenotype. The results showed that the expression of miR‐188 increased gradually in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) of mice during aging. MiR‐188 knockout mice were resistant to the aging‐associated metabolic phenotype and had higher energy expenditure. Meanwhile, adipose tissue‐specific miR‐188 transgenic mice displayed the opposite phenotype. Mechanistically, we identified the thermogenic‐related gene Prdm16 (encoding PR domain containing 16) as the direct target of miR‐188. Notably, inhibition of miR‐188 expression in BAT and iWAT of aged mice by tail vein injection of antagomiR‐188 ameliorated aging‐associated metabolic dysfunction significantly. Taken together, our findings suggested that miR‐188 plays an important role in the regulation of the aging‐associated metabolic phenotype, and targeting miR‐188 could be an effective strategy to prevent aging‐associated metabolic dysfunction.
The determinants of recovery from the Black Saturday bushfire: demographic factors, behavioural characteristics and financial literacy
Authors: Asbi Ammar , Ramiah Vikash , Yu Xi , Wallace Damien , Moosa Nisreen , Reddy Krishna
Published: November 2019

We investigate the contribution of demographic factors, behavioural characteristics and financial literacy to recovery from the financial losses inflicted by the Black Saturday bushfire. Behavioural characteristics (such as overconfidence, self‐serving and loss aversion biases) in conjunction with bushfire survivors’ knowledge of financial indicators are used to determine recovery time. Data are collected through in‐depth interviews with bushfire survivors, academics and experts in natural disasters. The results show that demographic, behavioural and financial literacy factors have the potential to enhance the recovery process.
Does the addition of potassium nitrate to carbamide peroxide gel reduce sensitivity during at‐home bleaching?
Authors: Costacurta AO , Kunz PVM , Silva RC , Wambier LM , da Cunha LF , Correr GM , Gonzaga CC
Published: November 2019

Background

A systematic review with meta‐analysis was conducted to assess the effect of adding potassium nitrate to carbamide peroxide gels on bleaching efficacy and on reducing the risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, BBO, and Cochrane Library databases and the gray literature were searched. IADR abstracts, records of trials, dissertations and theses were also searched. The Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool was used to assess the quality of the studies.

Results

Six studies were included in the systematic review and most of them had unclear risk of bias for the key domains, and of these only five were included in the meta‐analysis. The risk ratio (RR) for sensitivity was 0.93 (95% CI = 0.73 to 1.19, P = 0.56). The standardized mean difference for pain intensity was −0.10 (95% CI = −0.36 to 0.16, P = 0.45), and for colour change was 0.12 (95% CI = −0.22 to 0.46; P = 0.49).

Conclusions

No significant differences were observed between the groups with and without addition of the desensitizer in the gel. The addition of potassium nitrate to carbamide peroxide gel did not reduce the risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity during at‐home bleaching. Colour change was not influenced by the addition of potassium nitrate to the gel.
Animal industry and veterinary science in eastern New Guinea 1: before World War II
Authors: Egerton JR
Published: November 2019

Until the latter part of the nineteenth century, there were no domestic animals other than pigs, dogs and poultry in the island of New Guinea. From 1889 onwards, occupying authorities, missionaries and settlers from Germany, the UK, Japan and Australia imported ruminants, pigs and horses. Some of these importations were from Asia. This paper describes some outcomes of those importations and the potential hazards for Australia entailed in them.
Generic drug competition: The pharmaceutical industry “gaming” controversy
Authors: Hemphill Thomas A.
Published: November 2019

Among American adults 20 years and older, 59 percent take at least one prescription drug on a regular basis. Unlike most branded drugs, which are generally drugs that have a trade name and are protected by a patent, off‐patent generic drugs make up approximately 90 percent of prescriptions annually filled in the United States; yet in 2017, generic drugs made up only 23 percent of total drug costs in the U.S. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has taken the lead in encouraging increased competition in the nation's prescription drug marketplace, most recently with its release of the agency's Drug Competition Action Plan, but also with its regulatory guidance and enforcement efforts to eliminate “gaming” of the regulatory process by both branded and generic pharmaceutical manufacturers. Such “gaming” activities include “pay‐for‐delay” agreements involving financial compensation between branded and generic pharmaceutical manufacturers to forestall the emergence into the market of generic pharmaceuticals to compete against a formerly patent‐protected branded drug. A combination of new enabling legislation, federal judicial guidance, and agency regulatory activities show promise in encouraging increased competition in the prescription drug marketplace, with the American consumer the ultimate beneficiary of lower health care costs and improved overall personal health.
Data‐driven Q‐matrix validation using a residual‐based statistic in cognitive diagnostic assessment
Authors: Yu Xiaofeng , Cheng Ying
Published: November 2019

In a cognitive diagnostic assessment (CDA), attributes refer to fine‐grained knowledge points or skills. The Q‐matrix is a central component of CDA, which specifies the relationship between items and attributes. Oftentimes, attributes and Q‐matrix are defined by subject‐matter experts, and assumed to be appropriate without any misspecifications. However, this assumption does not always hold in real applications. To address this concern, this paper proposes a residual‐based statistic for validating the Q‐matrix. Its performance is evaluated in a simulation study and compared against that of an existing method proposed in Liu, Xu and Ying (2012, Applied Psychological Measurement, 36, 548). Simulation results indicate that the proposed method leads to a higher recovery rate of the Q‐matrix and is computationally more efficient. The advantage in computational efficiency is particularly pronounced when the number of attributes measured by the test reaches five or more. Results also suggest that the two methods have different tendencies in estimating the attribute vector for each item. In cases where the methods fail to recover the correct Q‐matrix, the method in Liu et al. (2012, Applied Psychological Measurement, 36, 548) tends to overestimate the number of attributes measured by the items, whereas our method does not show that bias.
Nonadditive effects among threats on rare plant species
Authors: Bernardo Holly L. , Goad Rachel , Vitt Pati , Knight Tiffany M.
Published: November 2019

The current loss of biodiversity has put 50,000 plant species at an elevated risk of extinction worldwide. Conserving at‐risk species is often complicated by covariance or nonadditivity among threats, which makes it difficult to determine optimal management strategies. We sought to demographically quantify covariance and nonadditive effects of more threats on more rare plant species than ever attempted in a single analysis. We used 1082 population reports from 186 populations across 3 U.S. states of 27 rare, herbaceous plant species collected over 15 years by citizen scientists. We used a linear mixed‐effects model with 4 threats and their interactions as fixed predictors, species as a random predictor, and annual growth rates as the response. We found a significant 3‐way interaction on annual growth rates; rare plant population sizes were reduced by 46% during the time immediately after disturbance when populations were also browsed by deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and had high levels of encroachment by woody species. This nonadditive effect should be considered a major threat to the persistence of rare plant species. Our results highlight the need for comprehensive, multithreat assessments to determine optimal conservation actions.
OPTIONS TO THE REALM: A COST NEUTRAL PROPOSAL TO IMPROVE POLITICAL INCENTIVES
Authors: Hendrickson Joshua R. , Salter Alexander William
Published: November 2019

In this article, we draw on the literature on political property rights, political accountability, and strategic management and entrepreneurship to propose a cost neutral reform aimed at promoting long‐run economic prosperity. We propose replacing politicians' defined benefit pensions with a financial contract that is tied to economic performance. In particular, we propose a contract that pays out a lump sum to a politician 30 years after their election if real gross domestic product per capita is above some preset benchmark. Furthermore, we show that the contract can be priced such that it is cost neutral in terms of present value with a defined‐benefit pension. We argue that this contract provides a net benefit to society.(JELD70, D72)
Novel therapies based on the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Bieber Thomas
Published: November 2019

Our understanding of the mechanisms underlying atopic dermatitis has been instrumental in the development of novel pharmacological agents. Worldwide, more than seventy companies are currently developing at least one new drug for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Based on our current understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease, the present review article highlights the most important novel therapeutic strategies.
Neuartige Therapien auf der Grundlage der Pathophysiologie der atopischen Dermatitis
Authors: Bieber Thomas
Published: November 2019

Das Verständnis der Mechanismen, die der atopischen Dermatitis (AD) zugrunde liegen, war ein entscheidender Katalysator für die Entwicklung neuartiger Medikamente zur Behandlung dieser Krankheit. Weltweit entwickeln derzeit mehr als siebzig Pharmaunternehmen mindestens ein neues Medikament für die Behandlung der AD. Diese Übersichtsarbeit soll den aktuellen Stand der wichtigsten neuartigen Therapieansätze auf der Grundlage des heutigen Verständnisses der Pathophysiologie der AD beschreiben.
Working experience is not a predictor of good communication: Results from a controlled trial with simulated patients
Authors: Kruse Anne B. , Heil Helge Klaus‐Peter , Struß Norbert , Fabry Götz , Silbernagel Waltraud , Vach Kirstin , Ratka‐Krüger Petra , Woelber Johan P.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

The importance of good communication in dentistry is proven in terms of both medical satisfaction and patient‐related recovery and prevention. The present work deals with the comparison of communicative abilities and the communicative self‐assessment of licensed dentists as well as students of dentistry with special emphasis on the influence of the treatment experience.

Materials and Methods

A total of 34 dentists (experimental group) with an average work experience of 16 years and 36 students (control group) with an average of 1.4 years of treatment experience were included. In addition to a tutor, four types of simulation patients with standardised trained roles (anxious, critical, dissatisfied and difficult to motivate) were used to create reproducible conversations. The self‐assessment and evaluation of the conversation took place by completing questionnaires. Here, an introductory questionnaire was distributed to the participants prior to the conversation and another one after intervention. Whilst the tutors completed their survey during the intervention, the simulation patients answered their questions after the conversation.

Results

The results showed that the dentists rated their own communication skills significantly higher than the students for anxious (P < 0.001) and unmotivated patients (P = 0.026). However, the evaluation of the simulated patients showed that the students achieved higher overall empathy scores (42.03 vs 38.77, P = 0.016).

Conclusion

Due to the declining empathy values with increasing treatment experience, communication training is useful for the daily routine of treatment even for experienced dentists.
The relationship of gastric microbiota and Helicobacter pylori infection in pediatrics population
Authors: Miao Ruixue , Wan Chaomin , Wang Zhiling
Published: November 2019

Background

In recent years, the impact of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) on the gut microbiota has attracted more attention; however, the relationship in pediatric population rarely was reported.

Methods

Endoscopic gastric mucosal biopsy specimens from 55 children with gastrointestinal symptoms were collected, 37 of them were H pylori‐positive (23 nonpeptic ulcer and 14 peptic ulcer) and 18 were H pylori‐negative. In addition, 11 specimens were collected from H pylori‐positive children who performed second endoscopy in 4 weeks after therapy. Microbial abundance and compositions were analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA amplification and microbial functions were predicted using the software PICRUSt.

Results

The gastric microbiota of H pylori‐positive children were mainly dominated by Helicobacter in genus (95.43%). The microbiota richness and diversity of H pylori‐positive children were lower than that of H pylori‐negative children. No difference was found in microbiota structure between H pylori‐positive children with or without peptic ulcer. The richness and compositions after therapy were closer to the characteristics of H pylori‐negative children. For predicted functions, higher abundance in pathways of infection diseases, cancer and lower abundance in the pathways of amino acid, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism were found in H pylori‐positive group than H pylori‐negative group.

Conclusion

The characteristics of gastric microbiota were affected by H pylori infection rather than disease states, and the richness and diversity of gastric species were inverse correlation with H pylori infection in children. Eradication therapy was helpful to restore shifted gastric microbiota.
Treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor‐induced severe paronychia with pyogenic granuloma‐like lesions with topical betaxolol: an open‐label observation study
Authors: Yen Chi‐Feng , Hsu Chao‐Kai , Yang Hsing‐San , Lee Chaw‐Ning , Chi Ching‐Chi , Chung Wen‐Hung , Wang Chih‐Liang , Pang Jong‐Hwei Su , Wang Chuang‐Wei , Ko Yu‐Shien , Lu Chun‐Wei
Published: November 2019

Background

Paronychia is a common adverse event caused by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. However, high rates of post‐treatment discomfort, infection, recurrence, and increased time to return to work have been noted after nail plate avulsion for EGFR inhibitor‐induced paronychia. Furthermore, poor wound healing and malnutrition were common conditions found in cancer patients. The aim of this study is to find an effective, pain‐relieving, and noninvasive treatment for patients with severe paronychia induced by EGFR inhibitors.

Methods

Data from a series of 35 non‐small cell lung cancer cases suffering from EGFR inhibitor‐induced paronychia with pyogenic granuloma‐like lesions of digits treated with betaxolol 0.25% ophthalmic solution once daily were collected and analyzed.

Results

Of the 35 patients suffering from grade 2 or 3 paronychia with pyogenic granuloma‐like lesions induced by EGFR inhibitors, 34 (97.1%) demonstrated complete resolution and only one (2.9%) had partial resolution after 12 weeks of topical betaxolol treatment. The grading of paronychia according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events decreased from an average of 2.29 to 0.63 after 4 weeks of treatment (P = 5.55 × 10−16). All the patients had significant improvement (50% pain reduction), as their pain visual analogue scale scores decreased from an average of 7.06 to 2.26 after one week of treatment (P = 6.11 × 10−25).

Conclusion

Betaxolol 0.25% ophthalmic solution is an effective, safe, and pain‐relieving treatment for patients suffering from EGFR inhibitor‐induced paronychia with pyogenic granuloma‐like lesions and deep fissures.