bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reversion is most likely under high mutation supply, when compensatory mutations don’t fully restore fitness costs
Authors: Pennings Pleuni S. , Ogbunugafor C. Brandon , Hershberg Ruth
Published: December 2020

Adaptive mutations are often associated with a fitness cost. These costs can be compensated for through the acquisition of additional mutations, or the adaptations can be lost through reversion in settings where they are no longer favored. While the dynamics of adaptation, reversion and compensation have been central features in several studies of microbial evolution, few studies have attempted to resolve the population genetics underlying how and when either compensation or reversion occur. Specifically, questions remain regarding how certain actors—the evolution of mutators and whether compensatory mutations alleviate costs fully or partially— may influence evolutionary dynamics of compensation and reversion. In this study, we attempt to explain findings from an experimental evolution study by utilizing computational and theoretical approaches towards a more refined understanding of how mutation rate and the fitness effects of compensatory mutations influence evolutionary dynamics. We find that high mutation rates increase the probability of reversion towards the wild type when compensation is only partial. However, the existence of even a single fully compensatory mutation is associated with a dramatically decreased probability of reversion to the wild type. These findings help to explain specific findings from experimental evolution, where compensation was observed in non-mutator strains, but reversion (sometimes with compensation) was observed in mutator strains, indicating that real-world compensatory mutations are often unable to fully alleviate the costs associated with resistance. Our findings emphasize the potential role of the supply and quality of mutations in crafting the evolution of antibiotic resistance, and more generally highlight the importance of population genetic context for explaining findings from experimental evolution.
Unusual mode of dimerization of retinitis pigmentosa-associated F220C rhodopsin
Authors: Khelashvili George , Pillai Anoop Narayana , Lee Joon , Pandey Kalpana , Payne Alexander M. , Siegel Zarek , Cuendet Michel A. , Lewis Tylor R. , Arshavsky Vadim Y. , Broichhagen Johannes , Levitz Joshua , Menon Anant K.
Published: December 2020

Mutations in the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) rhodopsin are a common cause of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa, a blinding disease. Rhodopsin self-associates in the membrane, and the purified monomeric apo-protein opsin dimerizes in vitro as it transitions from detergent micelles to reconstitute into a lipid bilayer. We previously reported that the retinitis pigmentosa-linked F220C opsin mutant fails to dimerize in vitro, reconstituting as a monomer. Using fluorescence-based assays and molecular dynamics simulations we now report that whereas wildtype and F220C opsin display distinct dimerization propensities in vitro as previously shown, they both dimerize in the plasma membrane of HEK293 cells. Unexpectedly, molecular dynamics simulations show that F220C opsin forms an energetically favored dimer in the membrane when compared with the wild-type protein. The conformation of the F220C dimer is unique, with transmembrane helices 5 and 6 splayed apart, promoting widening of the intracellular vestibule of each protomer and influx of water into the protein interior. FRET experiments with SNAP-tagged wild-type and F220C opsin expressed in HEK293 cells are consistent with this conformational difference. We speculate that the unusual mode of dimerization of F220C opsin in the membrane may have physiological consequences.
Cortical layer-specific modulation of neuronal activity after sensory deprivation due to spinal cord injury
Authors: Zaforas Marta , Rosa Juliana M. , Alonso-Calviño Elena , Fernández-López Elena , Miguel-Quesada Claudia , Oliviero Antonio , Aguilar Juan
Published: December 2020

Cortical areas have the capacity of large-scale reorganization following sensory deprivation. However, it remains unclear whether this phenomenon is a unique process that homogenously affects an entire deprived cortical region or it is suitable to changes depending on neuronal networks across distinct cortical layers. Here, we studied how local circuitries within each layer of the deprived cortex set the basis for neuroplastic changes after immediate sensory deprivation due to thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) in anaesthetised rats.In vivoelectrophysiological recordings from deprived hindlimb somatosensory cortex showed that SCI induces layer-specific changes mediating evoked and spontaneous activity. In supragranular layers 2/3, sensory deprivation increased gamma oscillations and the ability of these neurons to initiate up-states during spontaneous activity, suggesting altered corticocortical network and/or intrinsic properties that may serve to maintain the excitability of the cortical column after deprivation. On the other hand, sensory deprivation enhanced infragranular layers’ ability to integrate evoked-sensory inputs leading to increased and faster neuronal responses. Delayed evoked-responses onset were also observed in layers 5/6, suggesting alterations in thalamocortical connectivity. Altogether, our data indicate that SCI immediately modifies local circuitries within the deprived cortex allowing supragranular layers to better integrate spontaneous corticocortical information, and thus modifying column excitability, and infragranular layers to better integrate evoked-sensory inputs to preserve subcortical outputs. These layer-specific neuronal changes may guide the long-term alterations in neuronal excitability and plasticity associated to the rearrangements of somatosensory networks and the appearance of central sensory pathologies usually associated with spinal cord injury.
A comprehensive computational model of animal biosonar signal processing
Authors: Ming Chen , Haro Stephanie , Simmons Andrea Megela , Simmons James A.
Published: December 2020

Computational models of animal biosonar seek to identify critical aspects of echo processing responsible for the superior, real-time performance of echolocating bats and dolphins in target tracking and clutter rejection. The Spectrogram Correlation and Transformation (SCAT) model replicates aspects of biosonar imaging in both species by processing wideband biosonar sounds and echoes with auditory mechanisms identified from experiments with bats. The model acquires broadband biosonar broadcasts and echoes, represents them as time-frequency spectrograms using parallel bandpass filters, translates the filtered signals into ten parallel amplitude threshold levels, and then operates on the resulting time-of-occurrence values at each frequency to estimate overall echo range delay. It uses the structure of the echo spectrum by depicting it as a series of local frequency nulls arranged regularly along the frequency axis of the spectrograms after dechirping them relative to the broadcast. Computations take place entirely on the timing of threshold-crossing events for each echo relative to threshold-events for the broadcast. Threshold-crossing times take into account amplitude-latency trading, a physiological feature absent from conventional digital signal processing. Amplitude-latency trading transposes the profile of amplitudes across frequencies into a profile of time-registrations across frequencies. Target shape is extracted from the spacing of the object’s individual acoustic reflecting points, or glints, using the mutual interference pattern of peaks and nulls in the echo spectrum. These are merged with the overall range-delay estimate to produce a delay-based reconstruction of the object’s distance as well as its glints. Clutter echoes indiscriminately activate multiple parts in the null-detecting system, which then produces the equivalent glint-delay spacings in images, thus blurring the overall echo-delay estimates by adding spurious glint delays to the image. Blurring acts as an anticorrelation process that rejects clutter intrusion into perceptions.

Author summary

Bats and dolphins use their biological sonar as a versatile, high-resolution perceptual system that performs at levels desirable in man-made sonar or radar systems. To capture the superior real-time capabilities of biosonar so they can be imported into the design of new man-made systems, we developed a computer model of the sonar receiver used by echolocating bats and dolphins. Our intention was to discover the processing methods responsible for the animals’ ability to find and identify targets, guide locomotion, and prevent classic types of sonar or radar interference that hamper performance of man-made systems in complex, rapidly-changing surroundings. We have identified several features of the ears, hearing, time-frequency representation, and auditory processing that are critical for organizing echo-processing methods and display manifested in the animals’ perceptions.
Determination of digital technologies preferences of educational researchers
Authors: Fırat Mehmet , Altınpulluk Hakan , Kılınç Hakan
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the preferences of 96 educational researchers on the use of digital technologies in scientific research.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was designed as a quantitative-dominant sequential explanatory mixed-method research.

Findings

Despite the spreading use of advanced technologies of big data and data mining, the most preferred digital technologies were found to be data analysis programs, databases and questionnaires. The primary reasons of using digital technology in scientific research were to collect data easily and quickly, to reduce research costs and to reach a higher number of participants.

Originality/value

The use of digital technologies in scientific research is considered a revolutionary action, which creates innovative opportunities. Through digitalized life, probably for the first time in history, the educational researchers have analytical information, which we can benefit from more than the individual's own statements in research involving human factor. However, there are a few studies that investigated the preferences of educational researchers who use digital technologies in their scientific research.
Development of a supply chain risk index for manufacturing supply chains
Authors: Alora Aswin , Barua Mukesh K.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify, classify and prioritize supply chain risks faced by Indian micro small and medium manufacturing companies and to develop a comprehensive supply chain risk index.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data has been collected from 354 Indian micro small and medium enterprises on the different supply chain risks faced by them. An extensive literature review followed by expert's interview has been carried out in order to finalize the supply chain risks. A hybrid methodology consists of AHP and Fuzzy TOPSIS is applied for the data analysis. A sensitivity analysis has been done to check the robustness and consistency of the results.

Findings

Results depict the importance of supply side and financial side risks faced by manufacturing supply chains, thus adding to the ongoing academic debate on the importance of supply chain finance solutions.

Research limitations/implications

Study is limited to the scope of an emerging market. Generalization of results needs more systematic studies around the world in different supply chains.

Practical implications

Supply chain managers can consider the benchmark framed in this study in order to identify the health of their supply chain and to efficiently employ supply chain risk management strategies.

Originality/value

The current study is novel in developing a supply chain risk index using a hybrid AHP-Fuzzy TOPSIS methodology with a comprehensive list of 26 supply chain risks under 5 categories for an MSME supply chain. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study incorporating financial risks in the development of a supply chain risk index.
Antecedents and consequences of stress in retailing: environmental expectations and promoter scoring
Authors: Lucia-Palacios Laura , Pérez-López Raúl , Polo-Redondo Yolanda
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the effects of the disconfirmation of expectations of crowding and mall accessibility, on stress and two marketing outcomes, satisfaction and promoter scoring.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained through two face-to-face surveys from mall shoppers that answered them at two different moments of their shopping experience, before entering the mall and before leaving it. Results are obtained from 230 customers that answered the two questionnaires.

Findings

The findings suggest that stress indirectly influences customer promoter scoring through satisfaction, while disconfirmation of expectations influences it directly and indirectly.

Practical implications

These results also suggest that stress and disconfirmation of expectations about crowding and accessibility are important in determining promoter scoring. To reduce stress and increase satisfaction and promoter scoring, managers should focus on exceeding customers' expectations about mall accessibility and on ensuring that customers experience a lower level of crowding than they expected.

Originality/value

The article examines Net Promoter Scoring, an outcome that has attracted managers' attention but little is known about its antecedents. The paper provides evidence of the effect of disconfirmation of expectations and negative emotions on promoter scoring.
Brand outcomes in sales channel relationships: a guanxi theory perspective
Authors: Rong Weidong , Arnold Mark J. , Carlson Brad D.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Guanxi is the foundation of business success in Chinese and other Eastern cultures, but little is known about the extent to which guanxi influences brand outcomes in channel relationships. The purpose of this study is to propose a novel theoretical framework of interpersonal and interorganizational guanxi relationships in a sales channel context and how these relationships influence brand outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conceptualize, develop and validate new scales measuring interpersonal and interorganizational guanxi and test the proposed model with a field study to validate the effects of guanxi on brand loyalty. The causal relationships between interpersonal guanxi and brand attitudes and affect are confirmed in a separate field experiment.

Findings

Findings show that interpersonal guanxi is antecedent to interorganizational guanxi, and these two constructs have significant and differential direct and indirect effects on brand attitudes, brand affect and brand loyalty.

Originality/value

New multidimensional scales measuring both interpersonal and interorganizational guanxi were developed. Both interpersonal and interorganizational guanxi are conceptualized as second-order reflective constructs measured by the reflective first-order guanxi elements of personal and firm trust, personal and firm long-term orientation, xinyong (integrity), reciprocity, interaction and face.
Stock market performance: is the weather a bother in the tropics? Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Tetteh Joseph Emmanuel , Amoah Anthony
Published: December 2020

Purpose

In the wake of climate change and its associated impact on firms' performance, this paper attempts to provide a piece of empirical evidence in support of the effect of weather conditions on the stock market performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Monthly time-series dataset and the fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) semi-parametric econometric technique are used to establish the effect of weather variables on stock market return.

Findings

This study finds that temperature and wind speed have a negative and statistically significant relationship with stock market performance. Likewise, humidity exhibits a negative relationship with stock market performance, albeit insignificant. The relevant stock market and macroeconomic control variables are statistically significant in addition to exhibiting their expected signs. The findings lend support to advocates of behavioural factors inclusion in asset pricing and decision-making.

Practical implications

For policy purposes, the authors recommend that traders, investors and stock exchange managers must take into consideration different weather conditions as they influence investors' behaviour, investment decisions, and consequently, the stock market performance.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study provides the first empirical evidence of the nexus between disaggregated weather measures and stock market performance in Ghana. This study uses monthly data (which are very rare in the literature, especially for developing country studies) to provide empirical evidence that weather influences stock market performance.
Odor intolerance and proposed off-site limit under the Thailand public health provision
Authors: Hirunrueng Taiyatach , Patthanaissarnukool Withida , Sihabut Tanasri
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the initial odor concentration which commonly urges Thais to make complaints and to propose an off-site limit for odorous emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

Odor concentrations measured by Nasal Rangers® and face-to-face survey interviews were simultaneously conducted with 122 residents located near 101 manufacturing centers in 20 provinces of Thailand. Along with the measured values and odor strength verbally rated by trained assessors, the number of complaint intentions, annoyance levels and health symptoms of residents were reported.

Findings

The odor concentrations in the inspected houses were <2, 2, 4, 7, 15, 30 and 60 D/T. The trained assessors stated that at the concentration of 4D/T, most odors were likely to be objectionable and unbearable when odor concentrations were higher. Correspondingly, about 80% of residents exposed to odors at this level felt some annoyance and reported health symptoms and therefore intended to register a complaint. At lower concentrations, the annoyance level as well as the decision to complain likely depended on other factors such as hedonic tone and exposure frequency.

Practical implications

The proposed off-site reference value for odor complaint assessment was 4D/T. However, in the case of lower concentrations, additional relevant factors were crucially required to investigate the complaint.

Originality/value

This finding will help local authorities diminish subjective discretion on whether or not an odor constitutes a nuisance.
Integrative model of behavioural intention: the influence of environmental concern and condition factors on food waste separation
Authors: Ng Poh Yen , Ho Poh-Ling , Sia Joseph Kee-Ming
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper positions environmental concern as the antecedent of attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control. It also sets to expand the theory of planned behaviour by including two condition factors: favourable situation and facility availability on the intention to separate food waste at source.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collects data by using self-administered questionnaires on 682 respondents in Malaysia. Structural equation modelling is employed to test the conceptual model and the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that environmental concern positively influences attitude and subjective norms, which, in turn, influences food waste separation intention. Favourable situation and facility availability are found to influence the separation intention.

Originality/value

This study is one of the earliest studies to investigate residents’ intention to participate in food waste separation at a source that employs the expanded theory of planned behaviour with environmental concern and condition factors.
Investigating pre-service teacher learning: transformations and artful mindshift
Authors: Arnold Julie
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This research explores the ways in which a pre-service teacher (Deidre) reflects on experiences to develop transformation into a professional educator. This study investigates how pre-service teachers engage in dialogue and art to elaborate and reflect on learning experiences, which provide evidence of mindshift and emergent knowledge and teacher identity.

Design/methodology/approach

Often difficult to measure and trace, this work presents the emerging transformation of a pre-service teacher through ethnographic methodology, stories and artful practice.

Findings

As part of a larger study, the design reveals transformative mindshift from pre-service teacher reflective stories. Data from interviews and artful practice reveal evidence of moments of pedagogical impact, which contribute to identity and professional practice (Clandinin et al., 2006; Loughran, 2006).

Social implications

Focusing on “what”, “when” and “how” transitions occur is explored to further understand the professional development in initial teacher education.

Originality/value

Building on research undertaken by Cochran-Smith and Lytle (1999), this investigation draws on artful reflections and stories to evidence elements of powerful pedagogical learning in order to teach in the world of professional practice.
Under pressure: exploring pressures for corporate social responsibility in mutual funds
Authors: Putnam Rankin Caddie
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This empirical study seeks to understand how mutual fund firms interpret conflicting pressures to conform or differentiate in the context of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Research suggests that organizations engage in practices that conform to industry standards in order to be seen as legitimate members of their industry. Other studies suggest that organizations differentiate themselves in order to compete and outperform their rivals. Pressures for organizational conformity and differentiation are explored in two types of organizations in the mutual fund industry: socially responsible investment (SRI) and non-SRI firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on qualitative in-depth interviews with twenty-six mutual funds.

Findings

The analysis revealed that pressures for conformity and differentiation were salient among mutual fund executives but emphasized differently for the two types of mutual funds.

Originality/value

The study concluded by suggesting SRI firms use both strategies of conformity and differentiation to amplify the message that they adhere to the values of CSR.
Discriminating formation and accumulation processes of some strategic metals in Fe-Mn deposits of the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Blokhin Maksim , Zarubina Natalia , Mikhailik Pavel , Elovskiy Evgeniy , Ivanova Yulia , González Francisco Javier , Somoza Luis
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to present the results of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) determination of economically significant metals including rare-earth elements and Y (REY), Co + Ni + Cu obtained from the Fe-Mn deposits (FMD) of different areas selected along the Atlantic Ocean.

Design/methodology/approach

The description of the instrumental part of the analysis was shown in detail, including the choice of the acquisition mode and other settings of the quadrupole ICP-MS Agilent 7700x, which allow to eliminate spectral overlaps as much as possible and to achieve good precision and accuracy of the measurement. The accuracy of the obtained results was controlled by analysis of certified reference materials (CRM) of Fe-Mn nodules of the US Geological Survey – NOD-A-1 and NOD-P-1, as well as the Russian CRM samples of Fe-Mn nodule OOPE 603 (SDO-6) and ore crust OOPE 604 (SDO-7). Statistical processing of the analysis results demonstrated the acceptability of chosen sample preparation technique and ICP-MS tunes for the determination of REY in FMD.

Findings

The performed analytical research allowed giving a geochemical characteristic of studied FMD. The precision for the elements to be determined according to the relative standard deviation (RSD) was within 5.0%.

Originality/value

To move away from the subjective visual assessment of the analytical results quality in terms of absence (or presence) of the REE sawtooth distribution, an original objective mathematical method was proposed.
Controlled choice, not choice and control: Families' reflections after one year using the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Authors: Smethurst Gabrielle , Bourke‐Taylor Helen M. , Cotter Claire , Beauchamp Fiona
Published: December 2020

Introduction

At least 40 percent of children with cerebral palsy and their families rely on access to allied health services, assistive technology, and require funding and expertise to achieve skills and participate in daily life. Implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has resulted in a shift to public funding and emphasis on choice and control of services, support and assistive technology to promote social and economic participation. Families of children with cerebral palsy are invested in scheme success and their subjective experiences require consideration if the NDIS is to meet participation targets.

Objective

The aim of this research was to explore the experiences of families with a child with cerebral palsy, who have been in receipt of the NDIS for 12 months, comparisons to previous funding systems, and recommendations for the NDIS going forward.

Methods

Purposive sampling was utilised within one specialised paediatric setting. All families received occupational therapy intervention for their child. A qualitative approach using semi structured interviews was employed. Braun and Clarke's six phases of thematic analysis was utilised to analyse the data and explore participants lived experiences.

Findings

Eight (n = 8) mothers of children with cerebral palsy were interviewed. Three overarching themes were derived from the data: Equipment impacts on all areas of life; Frustration navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme; and Gratitude, hope and suggestions.

Conclusion

Families reported challenges navigating the NDIS including administrative challenges and extensive wait times for assistive technology, as well as gratefulness for increased opportunities for support. Occupational therapists and other allied health professionals can assist by: being proactive in service delivery and advocating for the needs of individual families and children; and finding ways to increase the preparedness of the NDIS to better understand the needs of children with cerebral palsy and their families.
Precarious bodies: The securitization of the “veiled” woman in European human rights
Authors: Edmunds Aneira J.
Published: December 2020

This article examines how judicial human rights in Europe have adopted the security politics that have swept across Europe in recent years and how, through the European Court of Human Rights’ (ECtHR)decision‐making over the veil they have contributed to the precarity of the Muslim woman’s body. While suffering from stigmatization through securitization of the veil (I am using ‘veil’ to describe various garments such as the hijab, niqab and burqa. For the purposes of this article, this is a useful shorthand), covered Muslim women’s (The concept of Muslim women is a misnomer because it suggests that Muslim women constitute a homogeneous group when they are not. Without denying their heterogeneity, its use here is suggestive of the way it is used by securitizing agents and narratives) attempts at strategic human rights litigation against bans on their clothing, including landmark cases such as SAS v. France, have failed. Institutional human rights in Europe have hijacked national governments’ security narratives and thus been complicit in furthering the bodily vulnerability of covered Muslim women by sanctioning the public stripping of their clothing. This transgresses human rights’ fundamental, normative, commitment to preventing bodily wounding. It exposes the conditionality and limitation of judicial human rights and endorses an idealized version of the exposed woman as free and equal. Moreover, by abandoning its role as neutral arbiter or audience, the ECtHR exposes human rights’ ongoing link with neo‐colonialism. The Court’s decision‐making raises the question of how veiled women might mobilize to desecuritize the veil. I suggest a return to the politics of rights combined with the “rebellious cosmopolitanism” resonant with Camus’ politics to mount relentless protests against governance feminism and the Eurocentrism of institutional human rights for a return to “normal politics”.
An N‐of‐1 study of daily alcohol consumption following minimum unit pricing implementation in Scotland
Authors: Kwasnicka Dominika , Boroujerdi Massoud , O'Gorman Aileen , Anderson Martin , Craig Peter , Bowman Louise , McCann Mark
Published: December 2020

Background and aims

Within the context of Scotland's policy change to implement a minimum unit price (MUP) per unit of alcohol sold in licensed premises, this study used an N‐of‐1 design to assess between‐person differences in the psychological and social factors associated with daily alcohol consumption.

Design and setting

A mixed‐methods approach combined N‐of‐1 observational studies, comprising daily surveys followed by qualitative social network interviews (not reported here). Peer researchers with lived experience of substance use were involved in the study design and fieldwork was conducted in towns and rural areas in the East of Scotland.

Participants/cases

Twenty‐five adults with current or recent history of alcohol dependence recruited for three 12‐week waves: 11 in wave 1 (pre‐MUP), 11 in wave 2 (pre‐ and post‐MUP) and three in wave 3 (post MUP).

Measurements

Gender, age, alcohol and other drug use history. Daily surveys for 12 weeks captured information about factors in the last 24 hours, e.g. amount and type of alcohol consumed, stress, social contact.

Findings

Each participant was in the daily survey for a mean of 64 days [standard deviation (SD) = 42; median = 59], with a response rate of 48%; 15 participants provided sufficient data for analysis. Factors related to daily alcohol consumption differed between individuals. Models suggested that some individuals with high initial consumption reduced drinking after MUP, but explanatory factors differed, e.g. changing motivation was important for some, while alcohol availability was important for others.

Conclusions

Adapting N‐of‐1 methods for an observational study uncovered differences in alcohol consumption change before and after minimum unit pricing implementation in Scotland, evidence of individual differences in the factors relating to alcohol consumption patterns and some evidence that post‐MUP consumption changes may be related to changing psychosocial factors.
Genome‐wide association studies for growth‐related traits in a crossbreed pig population
Authors: Xue Y. , Li C. , Duan D. , Wang M. , Han X. , Wang K. , Qiao R. , Li X.‐J. , Li X.‐L.
Published: December 2020

Growth‐related traits are important economic traits in the pig industry that directly influence pork production efficiency. To detect quantitative trait loci and candidate genes affecting growth traits, genome‐wide association studies were performed for backfat thickness (BF) and loin muscle depth (LMD) in 370 Chuying‐black pigs using Illumina PorcineSNP50 BeadChip array. We totally identified 14 BF‐associated SNPs, which included 11 genome‐wide SNPs (P < 1.39E‐06) and 3 chromosome‐wide suggestive SNPs (P < 2.79E‐05) and for LMD, 9 SNPs surpassed the genome‐wide significant threshold (P < 1.39E‐06). These SNPs explained 30.33 and 27.51% phenotypic variance for BF and LMD respectively. Furthermore, 14 and 9 genes nearest to the significant SNPs were selected to be candidate genes, including MAGED1, GPHN, CCSER1, and GUCY2D for BF and PARM1, COL18A1, HSF5, and SCML2 genes for LMD. One significant SNP, which explained 6.07% of phenotypic variance for BF, mapped to a pleiotropic quantitative trait locus with a 494‐kb interval. Together, the SNPs and candidate genes identified in this study will advance our understanding of the complex genetic architecture of BF and LMD traits, and they will also provide important clues for future implementation of a genomic selection program in Chuying‐black pigs.
Antenatal corticosteroids, maternal body mass index and infant morbidity within the ASTEROID trial
Authors: Hofer Olivia J. , McKinlay Christopher J. D. , Tran Thach , Crowther Caroline A.
Published: December 2020

Background

Antenatal corticosteroids (ACSs) administered to women before preterm birth improve neonatal health. Proportionately more women are obese or overweight in current obstetric populations than those who were included in the original trials of ACSs, and it remains uncertain if higher doses are required for such women.

Aim

Our aim was to assess the association between maternal body mass index (BMI) and infant morbidity after the administration of ACSs.

Methods

In the secondary analysis of the ASTEROID trial cohort, women at risk of preterm birth at <34 weeks’ gestation were randomised to betamethasone or dexamethasone. Infant outcomes were compared according to whether women were of normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2) or obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2).

Results

Of 982 women with a singleton pregnancy and BMI data, 519 (52.9%) were of normal size, 241 (24.5%) were overweight and 222 (22.6%) were obese. Compared with infants born to women of normal weight, there was little or no difference in respiratory distress syndrome in infants born to women who were overweight (odds ratio (OR) = 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57, 1.49) or obese (OR = 1.44, 95% CI 0.90, 2.31). Similarly, there were no significant differences between infants born to women in the three BMI groups for other morbidities, including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, mechanical ventilation, intraventricular haemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, patent ductus arteriosus, necrotising enterocolitis, perinatal death or combined serious morbidity.

Conclusions

Maternal body size is not associated with infant morbidity after ACS exposure. Dose adjustment for women with higher BMI is not required.
Surgery in pregnancy: Identifying factors contributing to variation and delay in diagnosis and management of appendicitis in pregnancy
Authors: Copson Sean , Nathan Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

Background

Suspected appendicitis is the most common indication for surgery for non‐obstetric conditions during pregnancy. Delay in management increases the risk of appendiceal perforation and pregnancy loss. Stand‐alone specialty obstetric hospitals often don’t have surgical teams on site. It has been suspected that this may be a factor that leads to delayed diagnosis and management of non‐obstetric surgical conditions in pregnancy.

Aims

To assess the differences in time to diagnosis, imaging, surgical management and outcomes between a stand‐alone tertiary obstetric hospital and a tertiary general hospital for pregnant patients presenting with suspected appendicitis who underwent an appendicectomy.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study of all women who underwent appendicectomy in pregnancy for suspected appendicitis over a four‐year period.

Results

Women who attended the specialist hospital were later in gestation (medians 29 weeks vs 18 weeks, P = 0.004) and less likely to have imaging (84% vs 56%, P = 0.047) with no difference in the rates of confirmation of diagnosis of appendicitis using imaging. Women who presented to the specialist hospital were more likely to be managed with a laparotomy, admitted to high dependency unit, have a longer hospital stay and tended to be later in gestation. There was no difference in rates of positive appendicectomies, appendiceal perforation or management in under the recommended 24 h.

Conclusions

The specialty obstetric hospital has a much higher rate of laparotomy and longer length of stay. The majority of patients presenting to both hospitals did not undergo surgery within 24 h and delay in imaging was a major contributor.
Effectiveness of on‐farm continuous flow high‐temperature short‐time pasteurization for inactivation of bovine leukemia virus in milk
Authors: Tomita Keisuke , Miyauchi Sonoko , Katagiri Yuzuru , Yoneyama Syuji , Dongze Leng , Chiba Yusuke , Hirata Toh‐Ichi , Ichijo Toshihiro , Yasuda Hajime A. , Hikono Hirokazu , Murakami Kenji
Published: December 2020

The effectiveness of on‐farm continuous flow high‐temperature short‐time (HTST) pasteurization (i.e., 72°C for 15 s) for the inactivation of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) in milk was investigated with a sheep bioassay. Four sheep that had been inoculated with completely pasteurized milk containing approximately 3.4 × 107 BLV‐infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and treated by either HTST pasteurization or laboratory‐scale low‐temperature long‐time (LTLT) pasteurization (i.e., 60°C for 30 min), remained negative for BLV for at least 17 weeks after inoculation. In contrast, all sheep inoculated with unpasteurized or inadequately pasteurized milk containing the same number of BLV‐infected PBMC were tested positive for BLV and anti‐BLV antibodies within 3 weeks after inoculation. These results suggest that on‐farm continuous flow HTST pasteurization was equivalent value with inactivated BLV on the LTLT procedure and can effectively inactivate BLV in the milk. Therefore, on‐farm HTST pasteurization of the pooled colostrum or milk used in automated feeding systems is likely to protect group‐housed preweaned calves from BLV infection, thereby improving animal health on dairy farms.
Local perspective and practical knowledge: Social work practice research on chronic diseases of the nomadic area in China
Authors: Wang Peng , Has Erdene
Published: December 2020

Taking a nomadic community in Inner Mongolia autonomous region of China as an example, this paper analyzes the local characteristics of chronic diseases suffered by families and nomads in the nomadic area of Inner Mongolia and puts forward the problem of ignoring the local cultural and ecological factors in the social welfare system dealing with the chronic diseases of nomadic area. The paper describes disregard of the welfare system, institutions, communities, families, and individuals of chronic diseases in the nomadic area and points out that social work practice research should be carried out based on the cultural and ecological relevance and local knowledge of the nomadic area. It is believed that the family healthcare model suitable for nomadic area has practical significance for effectively dealing with chronic diseases in the nomadic area.
Associations of religiosity and spiritual well‐being with appearance concerns after head and neck cancer surgery
Authors: Reis Liliane B. M. , Leles Cláudio R. , Freire Maria C. M.
Published: December 2020

Objective

To investigate whether religiosity and spiritual well‐being are associated with appearance concerns among people with visible sequelae due to cancer surgery in the head and neck region.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried in 202 adult patients in a referral hospital for cancer treatment in Midwest Brazil. Data on sociodemographic, psychosocial and clinical aspects and cancer‐related behaviours were collected through interviews, clinical examination and medical records. The outcome was the patients' appearance concerns (Derriford Appearance Scale—DAS24). The independent explanatory variables were religiosity (Duke University Religiousness Index—DUREL) and spiritual well‐being (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy‐Spiritual Well‐Being Scale—FACIT‐Sp12). Data were analysed using Pearson's chi‐square and Poisson regression.

Results

Most of the participants were male (76.2%), and mean age was 58.6 years (SD = 11.6). The scores of appearance concerns (DAS24) ranged from 21 to 75 (median = 33.0). In the bivariate analysis, appearance concerns were associated with spiritual well‐being (FACIT‐Sp12), degree of disfigurement and treatment with radiotherapy/chemotherapy. Religiosity (DUREL) was not associated with the outcome. In the adjusted regression model, a lower prevalence of appearance concerns was found among patients with higher levels of spiritual well‐being (PR = 0.86; CI = 0.79‐0.94), males (PR = 0.87; CI = 0.79‐0.95), those with lower degrees of disfigurement (PR = 0.89; CI = 0.82‐0.98) and those who had no treatment with radiotherapy/chemotherapy (PR = 0.83; CI = 0.72‐0.94).

Conclusion

High spiritual well‐being was independently associated with lower levels of appearance concerns in people with visible sequelae due to cancer surgery in the head and neck region. Understanding the role of this psychosocial determinant may help in the coping process.
Quality of life in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of comparative studies
Authors: Zhao Na , Yang Yuan , Zhang Ling , Zhang Qinge , Balbuena Lloyd , Ungvari Gabor S. , Zang Yu‐Feng , Xiang Yu‐Tao
Published: December 2020

Background

Studies regarding the impact of Parkinson's disease (PD) on quality of life (QOL) have reported conflicting results, and the underlying QOL domains require further study. In order to understand the association between PD and QOL, we conducted this meta‐analysis to systematically compare QOL between PD patients and healthy controls.

Method

The PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched. Data were analyzed using the random‐effects model.

Results

Twenty studies covering 2707 PD patients and 150,661 healthy controls were included in the study. Compared with healthy controls, PD patients had significantly poorer QOL overall and in most domains with moderate to large effects sizes. Different QOL measures varied in their association with quality of life, with the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire‐39 (PDQ‐39) having the largest effect size (standard mean difference, SMD = −1.384, 95% CI: −1.607, −1.162, Z = 12.189, P < 0.001), followed by the Europe Quality of Life Questionnaire‐visual analogue scale (EQ‐VAS) (SMD = −1.081, 95% CI: −1.578, −0.584, Z = −4.265, P < 0.001), Europe Quality of Life Questionnaire‐5D (EQ‐5D) (SMD = −0.889, 95% CI: −1.181, −0.596, Z = −5.962, P < 0.001), and the Short‐form Health Survey (SF) scales (physical dimension: SMD = −0.826, 95% CI: −1.529, −0.123, Z = −2.303, P = 0.021; mental dimension: SMD = −0.376, 95% CI: −0.732, −0.019, Z = −2.064, P = 0.039).

Conclusion

PD patients had lower QOL compared with healthy controls in most domains, especially in physical function and mental health. Considering the negative impact of poor QOL on daily life and functional outcomes, effective measures should be developed to improve QOL in this population.
Increases in multimorbidity with weight class in the United States
Authors: Madlock‐Brown Charisse R. , Reynolds Rebecca B. , Bailey James E.
Published: December 2020

Little is known regarding how multimorbidity combinations associated with obesity change with increase in body weight. This study employed data from the national Cerner HealthFacts Data Warehouse to identify changes in multimorbidity patterns by weight class using network analysis. Networks were generated for 154 528 middle‐aged patients in the following categories: normal weight, overweight, and classes 1, 2, and 3 obesity. The results show significant differences (P‐value<0.05) in prevalence by weight class for all but three of 82 diseases considered. The percentage of patients with multimorbidity (excluding obesity) increases from in 55.1% in patients with normal weight, to 57.88% with overweight, 70.39% with Class 1 obesity, 73.99% with Class 2 obesity, and 71.68% in Class 3 obesity, increasing most substantially with the progression from overweight to class 1 obesity. Most prevalent disease clusters expand from only hypertension and dorsalgia in normal weight, to add joint disorders in overweight, lipidemias in class 1 obesity, diabetes in class 2 obesity, and sleep disorders and chronic kidney disease in class 3 obesity. Recognition of multimorbidity patterns associated with weight increase is essential for true precision care of obesity‐associated chronic conditions and can help clinicians identify and address preclinical disease before additional complications arise.
Überempfindlichkeitsreaktionen auf nichtsteroidale Antiphlogistika (NSAID) – eine retrospektive Studie
Authors: Angeletti Flavia , Meier Franziska , Zöller Nadja , Meissner Markus , Kaufmann Roland , Valesky Eva Maria
Published: December 2020

Hintergrund

Unsere Studie zielte darauf ab, die Validität von klinischer Anamnese und oraler Provokation bei Patienten mit Überempfindlichkeitsreaktionen auf nichtsteroidale Antiphlogistika (NSAID, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs) zu überprüfen und sichere Alternativen zu identifizieren. Insbesondere wurde dabei der COX‐2‐Inhibitor Etoricoxib mit untersucht.

Patienten und Methoden

Insgesamt wurden in diese retrospektive Studie 104 Patientinnen und Patienten mit bestätigter Überempfindlichkeit auf NSAID einbezogen. Sie wurden in den Jahren 2004 bis 2012 in der Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie am Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt behandelt.

Ergebnisse

Die Angaben aus der Anamnese und die im oralen Provokationstest (OPT) aufgetretenen Symptome stimmten weitgehend überein und waren meist leicht bis mäßig ausgeprägt. Der häufigste Auslöser für Symptome war Acetylsalicylsäure (ASS), und zwar sowohl anamnestisch (27,9 %) als auch im OPT (47,8 %). Etoricoxib löste im OPT die wenigsten Reaktionen aus (4,2 %). Paracetamol führte nur in 6,7 % der untersuchten Fälle zu OPT‐Reaktionen, obwohl es anamnestisch öfter genannt wurde (14 %).

Schlussfolgerungen

Wann immer möglich, sollte ein OPT durchgeführt werden, da die zu erwartenden Symptome meist nur leicht bis mäßig auftreten. Zur Unterscheidung zwischen selektiven und kreuzreaktiven Überempfindlichkeitsreaktionen sollte ASS immer Teil des Testprotokolls sein. Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie deuten auch darauf hin, dass Etoricoxib und Paracetamol bei einer Überempfindlichkeit auf NSAID als sichere Alternativen in Frage kommen. Allerdings sollten auch diese Medikamente nicht eingesetzt werden, ohne dass vorher ein OPT unter stationären Bedingungen durchgeführt wurde, denn schwere Symptome sind möglich.
Skleromyxödem
Authors: Hoffmann Jochen H. O. , Enk Alexander H.
Published: December 2020

Das Skleromyxödem ist eine seltene Ablagerungsdermatose aus der Gruppe der Muzinosen, die verschiedene Organe befallen kann und fast regelhaft mit einer monoklonalen Gammopathie assoziiert ist. An der Haut bestehen typischerweise generalisierte, 2 bis 3 mm große, halbkugelige oder flache, wachsartige, leicht rötliche bis hautfarbene, dichtstehende Papeln und sklerodermiforme Indurationen. In abnehmender Häufigkeit können eine Beteiligung des Nervensystems, rheumatologische Begleiterkrankungen, eine Beteiligung des kardiovaskulären Systems, eine gastrointestinale Beteiligung, eine Beteiligung des Atmungstraktes, eine Nierenbeteiligung und eine Augenbeteiligung auftreten. Eine gefürchtete neurologische Komplikation ist das dermato‐neurologische Syndrom, ein fieberhaftes Krankheitsbild mit Grippe‐artigen Prodromi, das mit epileptischen Anfällen und Koma einhergehen und letal enden kann. Unbehandelt nimmt das Skleromyxödem einen unvorhersehbaren, üblicherweise aber über viele Jahre progredienten, potenziell letalen Verlauf. Einer gängigen Klassifikation nach Rongioletti folgend werden für die Diagnose „Skleromyxödem“ (1) generalisierte papulöse und sklerodermiforme Effloreszenzen, (2) die histologische Trias von Muzinablagerungen, Fibroblastenproliferation und Fibrose, (3) monoklonale Gammopathie und (4) das Fehlen einer Schilddrüsenerkrankung gefordert. Abweichend wurde auch ein interstitielles Granuloma‐annulare‐artiges histologisches Bild beschrieben. Die Pathogenese des Skleromyxödems ist unklar. Diskutiert wird eine Rolle verschiedener Serumfaktoren. Der Beweis einer kausalen Beziehung der Krankheitsmanifestationen zur Paraproteinämie fehlt. Hochdosierte intravenöse Immunglobuline (IVIg) sind die leitliniengerechte Erstlinientherapie des Skleromyxödems.