bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Murine lupus is Neutrophil Elastase-independent in the MRL.Faslpr model
Authors: Gordon Rachael A. , Tilstra Jeremy S. , Marinov Anthony , Nickerson Kevin M. , Bastacky Sheldon I. , Shlomchik Mark J.
Published: November 2019

Loss of tolerance to nuclear antigens and multisystem tissue destruction is a hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although the source of autoantigen in lupus remains elusive, a compelling hypothetical source is dead cell debris that drives autoimmune activation. Prior reports suggest that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and their associated death pathway, NETosis, are sources of autoantigen in SLE. However, others and we have shown that inhibition of NETs by targeting the NADPH oxidase complex and peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PADI4) did not ameliorate disease in spontaneous murine models of SLE. Furthermore, myeloperoxidase and PADI4 deletion did not inhibit induced lupus. Since NET formation may occur independently of any one mediator, to address this controversy, we genetically deleted an additional important mediator of NETs and neutrophil effector function, neutrophil elastase (ELANE), in the MRL.Faslpr model of SLE. ELANE deficiency, and by extension ELANE-dependent NETs, had no effect on SLE nephritis, dermatitis, anti-self response, or immune composition in MRL.Faslpr mice. Taken together with prior data from our group and others, these data further challenge the paradigm that NETs and neutrophils are pathogenic in SLE.
Structural Insights into Negative Cooperativity between Gemin2 and RNA in Sm-class snRNP Assembly
Authors: Zhang Rundong
Published: November 2019

Sm-class ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs) are ring-shaped structures (Sm cores) formed by Sm hetero-heptamer around a segment of RNA, containing a nonameric oligoribonucleotide, PuAUUUNUGPu, followed by a stem-loop, and are basic structural modules critical for stability and functions of spliceosomal, telomerase and U7 RNPs. In the chaperones-assisted Sm core assembly, Gemin2 of the SMN complex, not only binds SmD1/D2/F/E/G (5Sm), but also serves as a checkpoint via a negative cooperativity mechanism uncovered in our recent study: Gemin2 constricts the horseshoe-shaped 5Sm in a narrow conformation from outside, preventing non-cognate RNA and SmD3/B from joining; only cognate RNA can bind inside 5Sm and widen 5Sm, dissociating Gemin2 from 5Sm and recruiting SmD3/B. However, the structural mechanics is unknown. Here I describe a coordinate-improved structure of 5Sm bound by Gemin2/SMN. Moreover, via new analysis, comparison of this structure with those of newly coordinate-improved Sm cores reveals the negative cooperativity mechanism between Gemin2 and RNA in binding 5Sm at atomic resolution level and provides structural insights into RNA selection and Gemin2’s release in Sm core assembly. Finally, implications in the evolution of the Sm-core assembly chaperoning machinery and the neurodegenerative disease spinal muscular atrophy caused by SMN deficiency are discussed.
Multi-colour DNA-qPAINT reveals how Csk nano-clusters regulate T-cell receptor signalling
Authors: Simoncelli Sabrina , Griffié Juliette , Williamson David J. , Bibby Jack , Bray Cara , Zamoyska Rose , Cope Andrew P. , Owen Dylan M.
Published: November 2019

Phosphorylation of the negative regulatory element of the tyrosine kinase Lck by Csk down-modulates T-cell receptor induced signalling. Being constitutively active, Csk spatial organization is responsible for regulating this signalling interaction. Here, we used stoichiometrically accurate, multiplexed, single-molecule super-resolution microscopy (DNA-qPAINT) to image the nanoscale spatial architecture of Csk and two binding partners implicated in its membrane association – PAG and TRAF3. Combined with a newly developed co-clustering analysis framework, we provide a powerful resource for dissecting signalling pathways regulated by spatio-temporal organisation. We found that Csk forms nanoscale clusters proximal to the plasma membrane that are lost post-stimulation and re-recruited at later time points. Unexpectedly, these clusters do not directly co-localise with PAG at the membrane, but instead provide a ready pool of monomers to down-regulate signalling. By generating CRISPR/Cas9 knock-out T-cells, our data also identify that protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22) is essential for Csk nanocluster re-recruitment and for maintenance of the synaptic PAG population.
Structure and assembly of calcium homeostasis modulator proteins
Authors: Syrjanen Johanna L , Michalski Kevin , Chou Tsung-Han , Grant Timothy , Rao Shanlin , Simorowski Noriko , Tucker Stephen J. , Grigorieff Nikolaus , Furukawa Hiro
Published: November 2019

Biological membranes of many tissues and organs contain large-pore channels designed to permeate a wide variety of ions and metabolites. Examples include connexin, innexin, and pannexin, which form gap junctions and/or bona fide cell surface channels. The most recently identified large-pore channels are the calcium homeostasis modulators (CALHMs), which permeate ions and ATP in a voltage-dependent manner to control neuronal excitability, taste signaling, and pathologies of depression and Alzheimer’s disease. Despite such critical biological roles, the structures and patterns of oligomeric assembly remain unclear. Here, we reveal the first structures of two CALHMs, CALHM1 and CALHM2, by single particle cryo-electron microscopy, which show novel assembly of the four transmembrane helices into channels of 8-mers and 11-mers, respectively. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations suggest that lipids can favorably assemble into a bilayer within the larger CALHM2 pore, but not within CALHM1, demonstrating the potential correlation between pore-size, lipid accommodation, and channel activity.
Maternal- and somatic-type snoRNA expression and processing in zebrafish development
Authors: Pagano Johanna F.B. , Locati Mauro D. , Ensink Wim A , Olst Marina van , van Leeuwen Selina , De Leeuw Wim C. , Nehrdich Ulrike , Spaink Herman P , Rauwerda Han , Jonker Martijs J. , Dekker Rob J. , Breit Timo M
Published: November 2019

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that play an important role in the complex maturation process of ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs). SnoRNAs are categorized in classes, with each class member having several variants present in a genome. Similar to our finding of specific rRNA expression types in zebrafish embryogenesis, we discovered preferential maternal- and somatic-expression for snoRNAs. Most snoRNAs and their variants have higher expression levels in somatic tissues than in eggs, yet we identified three snoRNAs; U3, U8 and snoZ30 of which specific variants show maternal- or somatic-type expression. For U3 and U8 we also found small-derived snoRNAs that lack their 5’ rRNA recognition part and are essentially Domain II hairpin structures (U-DII). These U-DII snoRNAs from variants showed similar preferential expression, in which maternal-type variants are prominently expressed in eggs and subsequently replaced by a somatic-type variants during embryogenesis. This differential expression is related to the organization in tandem repeats (maternal type) or solitary (somatic-type) genes of the involved U snoRNA loci. The collective data showed convincingly that the preferential expression of snoRNAs is achieved by transcription regulation, as well as through RNA processing. Finally, we observed small-RNAs derived from internal transcribed spacers (ITSs) of a U3 snoRNA loci that via complementarity binding, may be involved in the biosynthesis of U3-DII snoRNAs. Altogether, the here described maternal- and somatic-type snoRNAs are the latest addition to the developing story about the dual ribosome system in zebrafish development.
In silico design of a T-cell epitope vaccine candidate for parasitic helminth infection
Authors: Zawawi Ayat , Forman Ruth , Smith Hannah , Mair Iris , Jibril Murtala , Albaqshi Munirah , Brass Andrew , Derrick Jeremy P. , Else Kathryn J.
Published: November 2019

Trichuris trichiura is a parasite that infects 500 million people worldwide, leading to colitis, growth retardation and Trichuris dysentery syndrome. There are no licensed vaccines available to prevent Trichuris infection and current treatments are of limited efficacy. Trichuris infections are linked to poverty, reducing children’s educational performance and the economic productivity of adults. We employed a systematic, multi-stage process to identify a candidate vaccine against trichuriasis based on the incorporation of selected T cell epitopes into virus-like particles. We conducted a systematic review to identify the most appropriate in silico prediction tools to predict histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) molecule T-cell epitopes. These tools were used to identify candidate MHC-II epitopes from predicted ORFs in the Trichuris genome, selected using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Selected epitopes were incorporated into Hepatitis B core antigen virus-like particles (VLPs). A combined VLP vaccine containing four Trichuris MHC-II T-cell epitopes stimulated dendritic cells and macrophages to produce pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The VLPs were internalized and co-localized in the antigen presenting cell lysosomes. Upon challenge infection, mice vaccinated with the VLPs+T-cell epitopes showed a significantly reduced worm burden, and mounted Trichuris-specific IgM and IgG2c antibody responses. The protection of mice by VLPs+T-cell epitopes was characterised by the production of mesenteric lymph node (MLN)-derived Th2 cytokines and goblet cell hyperplasia. Collectively our data establishes that a combination of in silico genome-based CD4+ T cell epitope prediction, combined with VLP delivery, offers a promising pipeline for the development of an effective, safe and affordable helminth vaccine.

Author Summary

The soil transmitted helminth Trichuris trichiura is a major parasite in developing countries; development of a comprehensive vaccine has been elusive. Here we used a systematic approach based on in silico identification of MHC-II T cell epitopes from genome sequences, their incorporation into a virus-like particle (VLP), characterization of the assemblies and testing in an in vivo murine infection model. Animals vaccinated with a preparation of four different VLP-antigen fusions showed significant reductions in intestinal worm burdens and associated antibody responses consistent with protection. The results suggest that a pipeline based on in silico prediction of potent MHC-II T cell epitopes, followed by incorporation into VLPs, could be a strategy which enables rapid translation into a vaccine against Trichuris trichiura.
Accurate background correction in neutron reflectometry studies of soft condensed matter films in contact with fluid reservoirs
Authors: Hoogerheide David P. , Heinrich Frank , Maranville Brian B. , Majkrzak Charles F.
Published: November 2019

Neutron reflectometry (NR) is a powerful method for looking at the structures of multilayered thin films, including biomolecules on surfaces, particularly proteins at lipid interfaces. The spatial resolution of the film structure obtained through an NR experiment is limited by the maximum wavevector transfer at which the reflectivity can be measured. This maximum is in turn determined primarily by the scattering background, e.g. from incoherent scattering from a liquid reservoir or inelastic scattering from cell materials. Thus, reduction of scattering background is an important part of improving the spatial resolution attainable in NR measurements. Here, the background field generated by scattering from a thin liquid reservoir on a monochromatic reflectometer is measured and calculated. It is shown that background subtraction utilizing the entire background field improves data modeling and reduces experimental uncertainties associated with localized background subtraction.
Why buy new, when used will do?
Authors: Nicholson Michael Robert
Published: November 2019

Learning outcomes

Students are exposed to debt and equity financing; analysis of company affairs using selected financial statement information; use of ratios in financial analysis; the impact of adequate financing on company performance; and trade-offs companies must make in their day-to-day operations.

Case overview/synopsis

Jetcon Corporation’s business model involved the importation of pre-owned cars from Japan for re-sale in Jamaica. It was a fiercely competitive business as there were over 100 companies involved in this sector. There was also a vibrant new-car sector. Jetcon focused on importing mid to low price Japanese pre-owned models, which were already common on Jamaican roads, and which would be affordable to the larger segment of buyers. Like most small businesses, it experienced difficulty raising financing in the amounts and cost that is required and this contributed to its decision to raise equity capital through an initial public offer. It was the first used-car dealer to list on the Jamaica Stock Exchange.

Complexity academic level

This case is suitable for final-year undergraduate students in finance. By that time they should already have been exposed to debt, equity and stock markets. It helps students to explore some of the issues involved in financing a company’s operations.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
US students interning in New Zealand: how they are challenged; what they learn
Authors: Sligo Frank , Housel Teresa Heinz
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore US students’ experience in for-credit, unpaid internships overseas with particular reference to their personal development, how they mobilised their knowledge across contexts, their learning as acquisition and as participation, and what they contributed. Students were thought likely to encounter three forms of cultural differences: national, workplace and academic.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 17 students in communication, marketing or related fields from the USA were placed in four-week internships in Wellington, New Zealand. Outcomes for them were assessed first, via weekly discussions in which they described what they had encountered that week, second, via the presentations they gave at the end of the course to internship hosts and university staff on the subject of what they had found challenging and what they had learned and contributed, and third, through assessment of students’ formal written assignments to discover what they said they had learned and what they had contributed.

Findings

Students were surprised at how proactive their internship hosts expected them to be and at how little overt direction they received. While they valued their opportunity to make a contribution to their workplace, they found this challenging. Students gave instances of their learning both as individuals and in groups. No mention was made of academic cultural differences being an issue, but they often described the demanding nature of the national and workplace cultural differences that they encountered.

Research limitations/implications

The study reports on only one cohort of students in one year, so a longitudinal study of further cohorts might provide different findings.

Originality/value

Insights are provided into how students saw themselves as changing from their involvement. Students described the challenges they faced, how they reacted to those challenges and their most important forms of learning.
Locating heritage value in building material reuse
Authors: Arlotta Allison Iris
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the intersection of building material reuse and heritage value, and raises questions about how “preservation” has traditionally been defined and conceptualized. With a grounding in the realities of global climate change, the paper argues for further research on the topic and for the active engagement of the preservation field in reuse efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

After a review of existing literature, this study takes a descriptive and conceptual approach to explore the heritage values generated through material reuse.

Findings

This paper finds that processes of material reuse are richly embedded with heritage value and offer a conceptual challenge to established modes of heritage practice.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper suggest that heritage practitioners should actively engage with material reuse efforts to better understand the heritage values generated from such processes. Areas of future research and collaboration are identified.

Originality/value

Despite their intrinsic interaction with aged and existing infrastructure, there has been limited engagement in the heritage and preservation field with the topics of deconstruction, building material reuse, or construction and demolition waste practices more generally. This paper thus provides descriptive research on a topic that has been unevenly explored.
Factors affecting the accuracy of cost estimate during various design stages
Authors: Dandan Tala Hassan , Sweis Ghaleb , Sukkari Lilana Salem , Sweis Rateb J.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify factors affecting cost estimate accuracy in each of five design stages preceding building construction: order of magnitude, conceptual/schematic, detailed design, construction document and bid phase.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using an online survey completed by 138 respondents who work in design consultancy firms in Jordan, including project managers, architects and quantity surveyors (QSs). Survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Confirmatory interviews and case study comparisons were used to confirm the statistical analysis results.

Findings

The results of this study indicated that each design stage’s cost estimate was affected by several factors. Two significant factors were common across four of the five design stages: client experience and project team experience. In addition, a high level of agreement was observed among the project managers, architects and QSs regarding the factors affecting cost estimate accuracy.

Originality/value

Accurately estimating building construction costs during the design process has posed a challenge for designers and their clients in Jordan. Despite the care and effort involved in preparing cost estimates in each of the five design stages, deviations are commonly observed. Because the accuracy of building construction cost estimates directly affect the success or failure of a project, the results of this study can be used to reduce uncertainties in building construction cost estimation and subsequently increase the likelihood of project success
Understanding how professionals cultures impact implementation of a pediatric oncology genomic test
Authors: Gagnon Justin , Rahimzadeh Vasiliki , Longo Cristina , Nugus Peter , Bartlett Gillian
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Healthcare innovation, exemplified by genomic medicine, requires increasingly sophisticated understanding of the interdisciplinary-organizational context in which new innovations are implemented. Deliberative stakeholder consultations are public engagement tools that are gaining increasing traction in health care, as a means of maximizing the diversity of roles and interests vested in a particular policy or practice issue. They engage participants from different knowledge systems (“cultures”) in mutually respectful debate to enable group consensus on implementation strategies. Current deliberation analytic methods tend to overlook the cultural contexts of the deliberative process. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper proposes adding ethnographic participant observation to provide a more comprehensive account of the process that gives rise to deliberative outputs. To underpin this conceptual paper, the authors draw on the authors’ experience engaging healthcare professionals during implementation of genomics in the care for pediatric oncology patients with treatment-resistant glioblastoma at two tertiary care hospitals.

Findings

Ethnography enabled a deeper understanding of deliberative outcomes by combining rhetorical and non-rhetorical analysis to identify the implementation and coordination of care barriers across professional cultures.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the value of ethnographic methods in enabling a more comprehensive assessment of the quality of engagement across professional cultures in implementation studies.
Exploring the determinants of information adoption
Authors: Luo Chuan , Luo Xin , Ma Ning
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of review group’s content-related and environment-associated attributes on information adoption intention of information readers. In addition, this study further investigates the effects of these determinants in different websites with different commercial attributes (i.e. online stores and third party forums).

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a structured online survey to collect data from an online store and a third party forum in China; totally 302 responses were collected.

Findings

The empirical results confirm that all of the five determinants significantly affect the information adoption intention of information readers. Furthermore, the authors found that four of the determinants have distinct effects in different websites.

Originality/value

The findings of this study validate the significant moderating role of website attributes in readers’ information processing. Information readers use distinct criteria to evaluate the received review information; electronic word-of-mouth determinants have varying effects on different websites with different commercial attributes.
Shifting identities: exploring occupational identity for those in recovery from an eating disorder
Authors: Dark Esther , Carter Sarah
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature, transition and formation of occupational identity for those in recovery from eating disorders (EDs).

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured “episodic” interviews were carried out with six women, self-identifying in recovery from an ED. Narrative-type-analysis produced a distilled narrative of participants’ accounts, before use of thematic analysis compared and extracted pertinent themes.

Findings

During recovery from an ED, significant shifts occurred in occupational identities, moving from sole identification with the ED, to a greater understanding of self; facilitated by increased engagement in meaningful occupations, adapting occupational meaning, connecting with self and others and the importance of becoming and belonging.

Originality/value

This is the first known piece of research exploring occupational identity in relation to EDs. The findings are applicable to occupational therapists and add to the growing body of qualitative research into EDs.
The impact of consumers’ positive online recommendations on the omnichannel webrooming experience
Authors: Orús Carlos , Gurrea Raquel , Ibáñez-Sánchez Sergio
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to analyze how consumers’ online recommendations affect the omnichannel webrooming experience based on the internet, physical and mobile channels.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experimental studies are implemented. Study 1 analyzes the impact of an online review on the physical interaction with the product. Study 2 modifies the moment of receiving the online recommendation and its social tie.

Findings

Webrooming improves the shopping experience. Online recommendations from anonymous customers increase confidence in the product’s adequacy, although this effect depends on the moment of receiving the recommendation and the level of confidence before interacting physically with the product. Friend recommendations reinforce preferences regardless of previous online experiences.

Research limitations/implications

This research examines the effects of different types of online recommendations on offline shopping experiences, choice and confidence. Confidence is stressed as a key variable in omnichannel behavior.

Practical implications

The findings offer practical value for electronic word-of-mouth marketing, omnichannel marketing, as well as online and physical channel management.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies that examine the impact of online consumer recommendations on shopping experiences combining online, mobile and physical channels. The results reveal the importance of recommendations’ source and moment of reception for determining consumers’ preferences, choice and confidence.
Follicle‐stimulating hormone and estradiol are associated with bone mineral density and risk of fractures in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Jing Yixuan , Wang Xiaofeng , Yu Jingjia , Wang Xiaojing , Zhou Yanman , Tao Bei , Sun Lihao , Liu Jianmin , Zhao Hongyan
Published: November 2019

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with a higher fracture risk. Sex hormones are important for maintaining skeletal health. It is not clear which sex hormone(s) contribute(s) to bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk in males with T2DM. This study investigated the relationships of these parameters in males with T2DM.

Methods

This study involved 482 men with T2DM. BMDs at the lumbar spine (L2‐4), femoral neck (FN), and total hip (TH) were measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). The 10‐year probability of fractures was assessed using the modified Fracture Risk Algorithm (FRAX) tool. Serum levels of sex hormones were measured.

Results

Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) were associated with BMDs at L2‐4 (FSH, β = −.162, P < .05; E2, β = .176, P < .001), and E2 was associated with BMD at FN (β = .137, P < .05) and TH (β = .140, P < .05). FSH was associated with major osteoporotic fractures (β = .288, P < .001) and hip fractures (β = .235, P < .001). Higher FSH was a risk factor for osteoporosis/osteopenia (odds ratios [OR] = 2.92, 95% CI = 1.66‐5.14, P < .001), whereas higher E2 was a protective factor (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.22‐0.60, P < .001). Patients in the higher tertile of FSH and lower tertile of E2 had an increased risk of osteoporosis/osteopenia (OR = 5.05, 95% CI = 1.37‐18.65, P < .05).

Conclusions

For males with T2DM, FSH and E2 are significantly associated with BMD, osteoporosis/osteopenia, and fracture risk.
Mechanism research of miR‐34a regulates Axl in non‐small‐cell lung cancer with gefitinib‐acquired resistance
Authors: Xiong Ran , Sun Xiang‐xiang , Wu Han‐ran , Xu Guang‐wen , Wang Gao‐xiang , Sun Xiao‐hui , Xu Mei‐qing , Xie Ming‐ran
Published: November 2019

Background

To investigate the regulatory mechanism behind miR‐34a‐altered Axl levels in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with gefitinib‐acquired resistance.

Methods

The expression of miR‐34a, Axl, Gas6 and related downstream signaling proteins in the EGFR mutant NSCLC cell lines were determined by qRT‐PCR and Western blot; PC9‐Gef‐miR‐34a and HCC827‐Gef‐miR‐34a cells were established by transfecting the parent cells with a miR‐34a overexpressing virus, then the expression of Axl, Gas6 and the downstream channel‐related proteins were also compared in PC9‐Gef‐miR‐34a and HCC827‐Gef‐miR‐34a and drug‐resistant strains. The survival rate of the cells were measured by CCK8 assay. A luciferase reporter detected whether Axl was the target of miR‐34a. Finally, a tumor‐bearing nude mouse model was established to verify the relationship between the expression of miR‐34a, Axl and Gas6 mRNA in vivo.

Results

The expression levels of Axl mRNA and protein, Gas6 mRNA and protein, and related downstream proteins in PC9‐Gef and HCC827‐Gef cell lines were higher than those in PC9 and HCC827 parental cell lines, while the expression of miR‐34a was lower than it was in the parental cell lines (P < 0.05). The expression of Axl mRNA and protein, Gas6 mRNA and protein, and related downstream signaling proteins in PC9‐Gef and HCC827‐Gef cell lines was higher than the expression in PC9‐Gef‐miR‐34a and HCC827‐Gef‐miR‐34a cells, which overexpressed miR‐34a (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The miR‐34a regulation of Axl plays an important role in NSCLC‐acquired gefitinib resistance, and their expression is inversely correlated, which suggests that they can be used as prognostic markers or potential therapeutic targets for NSCLC.
Challenges to implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control guidelines on tobacco cessation treatment: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Shelley Donna R. , Kyriakos Christina , McNeill Ann , Murray Rachael , Nilan Kapka , Sherman Scott E. , Raw Martin
Published: November 2019

Aim

To identify barriers to implementing the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Article 14 guidelines on tobacco dependence treatment (TDT).

Design

Cross‐sectional survey conducted from December 2014 to July 2015 to assess implementation of Article 14 recommendations.

Setting and participants

Survey respondents (n = 127 countries) who completed an open‐ended question on the 26‐item survey.

Measurements

The open‐ended question asked the following: ‘In your opinion, what are the main barriers or challenges to developing further tobacco dependence treatment in your country?’. We conducted thematic analysis of the responses.

Findings

The most frequently reported barriers included a lack of health‐care system infrastructure (n = 86) (e.g. treatment not integrated into primary care, lack of health‐care worker training), low political priority (n = 66) and lack of funding (n = 51). The absence of strategic plans and national guidelines for Article 14 implementation emerged as subthemes of political priority. Also described as barriers were negative provider attitudes towards offering offer TDT (n = 11), policymakers’ lack of awareness about the effectiveness and affordability of TDT (n = 5), public norms supporting tobacco use (n = 11), a lack of health‐care leadership and expertise in the area of TDT (n = 6) and a lack of grassroots and multi‐sector networks supporting policy implementation (n = 8). The analysis captured patterns of co‐occurring themes that linked, for example, low levels of political support with a lack of funding necessary to develop health‐care infrastructure and capacity to implement Article 14.

Conclusion

Important barriers to implementing the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Article 14 guidelines include lack of a health‐care system infrastructure, low political priority and lack of funding.
Do Non‐exporting Plants Benefit from Exporting Peer Plants?*
Authors: Chun Hyunbae , Hur Jung , Son Nyeong Seon , Yoon Haeyeon
Published: November 2019

This study examines indirect spillover effects at plant level within firms by analyzing the performance of non‐exporting plants with exporting peer plants by using Korean plant–firm matched data from 2007 to 2013. Our results show that there are no significant differences in growth between non‐exporting plants and their exporting peer plants in the same firms, whereas significant differences exist among non‐exporting plants depending on whether their peers export. This implies that exporting peer plants are important channels through which non‐exporting plants benefit within a firm.
Microbial interactions in the atopic march
Authors: Nibbering B , Ubags N D J
Published: November 2019

The human body is populated by a large number of microorganisms and exist in symbiosis with these immensely diverse communities, which are suggested to influence health and disease. The microbiota plays an essential role in the maturation and function of the immune system. The prevalence of atopic diseases has increased drastically over the past decades, and the co-occurrence of multiple allergic diseases and allergic sensitization starting in early life has gained a great deal of attention. Immune responses in different organs affected by allergic diseases (e.g. skin, intestine and lung) may be linked to microbial changes in peripheral tissues. In the current review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of microbial interactions in allergic diseases and their potential role in the atopic march.
Integrating functional connectivity and fire management for better conservation outcomes
Authors: Sitters Holly , Di Stefano Julian
Published: November 2019

Globally, the mean abundance of terrestrial animals has fallen by 50% since 1970, and populations face ongoing threats associated with habitat loss, fragmentation, climate change, and disturbance. Climate change can influence the quality of remaining habitat directly and indirectly by precipitating increases in the extent, frequency, and severity of natural disturbances, such as fire. Species face the combined threats of habitat clearance, changing climates, and altered disturbance regimes, each of which may interact and have cascading impacts on animal populations. Typically, conservation agencies are limited in their capacity to mitigate rates of habitat clearance, habitat fragmentation, or climate change, yet fire management is increasingly used worldwide to reduce wildfire risk and achieve conservation outcomes. A popular approach to ecological fire management involves the creation of fire mosaics to promote animal diversity. However, this strategy has 2 fundamental limitations: the effect of fire on animal movement within or among habitat patches is not considered and the implications of the current fire regime for long‐term population persistence are overlooked. Spatial and temporal patterns in fire history can influence animal movement, which is essential to the survival of individual animals, maintenance of genetic diversity, and persistence of populations, species, and ecosystems. We argue that there is rich potential for fire managers to manipulate animal movement patterns; enhance functional connectivity, gene flow, and genetic diversity; and increase the capacity of populations to persist under shifting environmental conditions. Recent methodological advances, such as spatiotemporal connectivity modeling, spatially explicit individual‐based simulation, and fire‐regime modeling can be integrated to achieve better outcomes for biodiversity in human‐modified, fire‐prone landscapes.

Article impact statement: Land managers may conserve populations by using fire to sustain or enhance functional connectivity.
Digging Deeper: An Object Relations Couple Therapy Update
Authors: Siegel Judith P.
Published: November 2019

Over the past two decades, neurobiology research has added clarity to the process of emotional and behavioral change. In turn, this has led to endorsement of interventions that appear to be most helpful in individual and couple therapy. In addition to research on emotional dysregulation, contemporary studies have focused on the construction of meaning and its relevance to interpersonal relationships. According to Lisa Barrett, Richard Lane, and others, the brain references concepts to rapidly arrive at the most probable conclusions. Encoded experience and memory fragments guide this process and are vital in understanding partners' emotional responses. These findings support an object relations perspective that emphasizes the importance of past relational experiences that inform the present. This is particularly relevant in work with couples, as each individual's beliefs, expectations, and capacity for intimacy are invariably tied to earlier relationships. Research findings on memory reconstruction provide a basis for interventions that can add to the existing treatment approach, as it is suggested that working in a specific way with emotionally based memories has the potential to modify and reduce their predictive power and ability to unleash beliefs and behaviors that work against intimacy. The therapist who is informed by emerging neuroscience research can better uncover and actively work with memories that may be compromising a couple's relationship.
An analysis of employment patterns of domestic migrants and immigrants in a Rustbelt city: A study of Buffalo‐Niagara Falls
Authors: Bagchi‐Sen Sharmistha , Schunder Torsten , Tai Xiaonan
Published: November 2019

This study evaluates employment patterns of domestic migrants and immigrants and also explores the role of ethnic niching for Asian and African American recent arrivals in the context of local structural transformation (e.g., the shift from manufacturing to services). Employment patterns are examined for industry‐occupation groups using the 5% Public Use Micro Sample of the 2000 U.S. Decennial Census and the 2006–2010 of the American Community Survey. The study area is a Rustbelt city that has suffered from population loss: the Buffalo‐Niagara Falls MSA. Location quotients and shift‐share analysis are used to classify employment shifts into four industry‐occupation groups: growing, transforming, declining, and emerging. Logistic regressions are estimated to identify the role of various demographic factors and ethnic niches on the employment of recent arrivals in the above four industry‐occupation groups. The results show that the employment of recent arrivals vary by migration status and ethnicity. The role of ethnic niches is especially important in declining industry‐occupation groups. The analytical framework can be used to understand where and how migrants, both domestic and immigrants, find work. Future studies can focus on the pros and cons of ethnic niching (e.g., barriers to suitable jobs, ethnic entrepreneurship through niche experience) as structural transformation continues across U.S. regions, especially with new technologies.
Transcriptomic immune profiles of human flavivirus‐specific T‐cell responses
Authors: Grifoni Alba , Tian Yuan , Sette Alessandro , Weiskopf Daniela
Published: November 2019

The Flavivirus genus of viruses includes dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV), yellow fever (YFV), Japanese encephalitis (JEV), and West Nile (WNV) viruses. Infections with these species combined are prevalent in tropical and sub‐tropical areas, affecting millions of people and ranging from asymptomatic to severe forms of the disease. They therefore pose a serious threat to global public health. Several studies imply a role for T cells in the protection but also pathogenesis against the different flavivirus species. Identifying flavivirus‐specific T‐cell immune profiles and determining how pre‐exposure of one species might affect the immune response against subsequent infections from other species is important to further define the role of T cells in the immune response against infection. Understanding the immune profiles of the flavivirus‐specific T‐cell response in natural infection is important to understand the T‐cell response in the context of vaccination. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on human immune profiles of flavivirus‐specific T‐cell reactivity, comparing natural infection with the acute form of the disease and vaccination in different flavivirus infections.
Sustained and self‐terminating atrial fibrillation induced immediately after pulmonary vein isolation exhibit differences in coronary sinus electrical activity from onset
Authors: Johner Nicolas , Namdar Mehdi , Shah Dipen C.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Little data exists on the electrophysiological differences between sustained atrial fibrillation (sAF; >5 minutes) vs self‐terminating nonsustained AF (nsAF; <5 minutes). We sought to investigate the electrophysiological characteristics of coronary sinus (CS) activity during postpulmonary vein isolation (PVI) sAF vs nsAF.

Methods and Results

We studied 142 patients post‐PVI for paroxysmal AF (PAF). In a 50‐patient subset, CS electrograms in the first 30 seconds of induced AF were analyzed manually. A custom‐made algorithm for automated electrogram annotation was derived for validation on the whole patient set. In patients with sAF post‐PVI, CS fractionated potentials were ablated.

Manual analysis showed that patients with sAF exhibited higher activation pattern variability (2.1 vs 0.5 changes/sec; P < .001); fewer proximal‐to‐distal wavefronts (25 vs 61%; P < .001); fewer unidirectional wavefronts (60 vs 86%; P < .001); more pivot locations (4.3 vs 2.1; P < .001); shorter cycle lengths (190 vs 220 ms; P < .001); and shorter cumulative isoelectric segments (35 vs 44%; P = .045) compared to nsAF. These observations were confirmed on the whole study population by automated electrogram annotation and sample entropy computation (SampEn: 0.29 ± 0.15 in sAF vs 0.15 ± 0.05 in nsAF; P < .0001). The derived model predicted sAF with 78% sensitivity, 88% specificity; agreement with manual model: 88% (Cohen's kappa= 0.76). CS defragmentation resulted in AF termination or noninducibility in 49% of sAF.

Conclusion

In PAF patients post‐PVI, induced sAF shows greater activation sequence variability, shorter cycle length, and higher SampEn in the CS compared to nsAF. Automated electrogram annotation confirmed these results and accurately distinguished self‐terminating nsAF episodes from sAF based on 30‐second recordings at AF onset.
Neurokinin‐1 and cytokine receptors as targets for therapy of chronic prurigo
Authors: Wallengren J.
Published: November 2019

Linked article: K. Agelopoulos et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019; 33: 2371–2379. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15905.
Multispectral imaging for quality control of laboratory‐reared Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) pupae
Authors: Mastrangelo Thiago , da Silva Fabiano França , Mascarin Gabriel Moura , da Silva Clíssia Barboza
Published: November 2019

The sterile insect technique (SIT) has been widely used to suppress several fruit fly species. In southern Brazil, millions of sterile flies of the South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus Wiedemann (Dipetra: Tephritidae), will be produced in a mass‐rearing facility called MOSCASUL to suppress wild populations from commercial apple orchards. In spite of standard rearing conditions, the quality of pupal batches can be inconsistent due to various factors. The quantification of poor quality material (e.g. empty pupae, dead pupae or larvae) is necessary to track down rearing issues, and pupal samples must be taken randomly and evaluated individually. To speed up the inspection of pupal samples by replacing the manual testing with the mechanized one, this study assessed a multispectral imaging (MSI) system to distinguish the variations in quality of A. fraterculus pupae and to quantify the variations based on reflectance patterns. Image acquisition and analyses were performed by the VideometerLab4 system on 7‐d‐old pupae by using 19 wavelengths ranging from 375 to 970 nm. The image representing the near infrared wavelength of 880 nm clearly distinguished among high‐quality pupae and the other four classes (i.e. low‐quality pupae, empty pupae, dead pupae and larvae). The blind validation test indicated that the MSI system can classify the fruit fly pupae with high accuracy. Therefore, MSI‐based classification of A. fraterculus pupae can be used for future pupal quality assessments of fruit flies in mass‐rearing facilities.
Genetic variability and demographic history ofAnguilla mossambica(Peters, 1852) from continental Africa and Madagascar
Authors: Frankowski Jens , Lübke Kay , Coke Mike , Weyl Olaf L.F.
Published: November 2019

In this study, population genetic and demographic parameters were inferred using sequence data from 151 individuals ofAnguilla mossambicaoriginating from continental south and south‐east Africa and Madagascar. The analyses were based on a 532 bp segment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. The absence of genetic structuring was observed thereby supporting the hypothesis of panmixia for the endemicA. mossambica. The overall nucleotide diversityπ= 0.002 and the haplotype diversity reachedh= 0.691. Significant negative values from several tests of neutrality and mismatch analysis pointed to fluctuating historical population sizes. Bayesian averaging resulted in higher support for population growth modelsvs. a constant population‐size model. Population decline and subsequent growth most likely predated the last glacial and were probably related to extended periods of extreme drought followed by wetter and more stable hydroclimate between 150 and 75,000 years before present (kBP). According to this scenario the female effective population size has increased since 110 kBP byc. two orders of magnitude to a recent level of about 650,000 (219,317–2,292,000).
Isolation, characterization, and application of biogenic amines‐degrading strains from fermented food
Authors: Cheng Shumin , Xu Ying , Lan Xiang
Published: November 2019

The aim of the present study was to screen a type of microorganism for degradation of bioamines in fermented food, investigate their characteristics in growth and degrading bioamines, and also assess the effects of inoculating strain starter cultures on biogenic amines (BAs) accumulation in soy sauces. The screening for no‐BAs‐producing strains was carried out using a double color method and an oxidase test. The degradation rates were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC‐FLD). In this study, strains (J2 and J3) with high ability were isolated from some naturally fermented food samples. They were identified as Wickerhamomyces anomalus and Millerozyma farinosa, respectively, by partial amplification of the 16S rRNA gene. The strains exhibited high multiple BAs degradation activity over a range of pH values (5–8), temperatures (28–35°C), salt (NaCl) concentrations (0–10%), and ethanol concentrations (0–10%). One of the isolated strains, W. anomalus, has the highest biodegradability for putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, and tyramine with degradation rates of 61, 66, 67, and 59% in an experimental model, and 39.3, 33.6, 39.9, and 43.1% in fermented soy sauce containing 10% of NaCl, respectively. Additionally, the study of mechanism demonstrated that the removal ability of BAs was mainly due to biodegradation.
High confidence, yet poor knowledge of infant feeding recommendations among adults in Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Chan Kathleen , Whitfield Kyly C.
Published: November 2019

In Canada, adherence to the national ‘Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants' recommendations of infant and young child feeding (IYCF; 0‐24 months) is suboptimal. While maternal knowledge of IYCF is commonly assessed, that of the general public has rarely been explored. Our objective was to assess the knowledge of, and confidence in answers to, Canadian IYCF recommendations among a diverse sample of adults in Nova Scotia, Canada. Between March and May 2018, a self‐administered questionnaire examining IYCF knowledge, self‐rated confidence, and sociodemographic information was conducted among Nova Scotians (≥19 years) in public locations. We surveyed 229 adults; 60% (n=134) were women. Mean (95% CI) age was 44 (41,46) years, 73% self‐identified as white, 77% were born in Canada, and 69% were parents. Knowledge deficits were: age to terminate breastfeeding (18.3 (16.7,19.9) months; recommendation: ≥24 months), age to introduce solids (9.2 (8.2,10.2) months; recommendation: 6 months), vitamin D supplementation (10% correct), and optimal complementary foods (only 37% indicated iron‐rich foods). Correct IYCF knowledge was lower among men, non‐parents, young adults (19‐29 years) and low‐income adults (<$50,000/year). Mean self‐rated confidence (out of 10) was high (7.2 (6.9,7.5)), and not different (p>0.05) between correct and incorrect responses for: best food for a newborn, age to terminate any breastfeeding, and age to start family meal foods. We found low knowledge of IYCF guidelines, yet high confidence in responses regardless of accuracy, among adults in Nova Scotia. General public knowledge deficits may contribute to an unsupportive culture around IYCF practices and low adherence to current recommendations.