From Genes to Bioleaching: Unraveling Sulfur Metabolism in Acidithiobacillus Genus.

Sulfur oxidation stands as a pivotal process within the Earth's sulfur cycle, in which Acidithiobacillus species emerge as skillful sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. They are able to efficiently oxidize several reduced inorganic sulfur compounds (RISCs) under extreme conditions for their autotrophic growth. This unique characteristic has made these bacteria a useful tool in bioleaching and biological desulfurization applications. Extensive research has unraveled diverse sulfur metabolism pathways and their corresponding regulatory systems. The metabolic arsenal of the Acidithiobacillus genus includes oxidative enzymes such as: (i) elemental sulfur oxidation enzymes, like sulfur dioxygenase (SDO), sulfur oxygenase reductase (SOR), and heterodisulfide reductase (HDR-like system); (ii) enzymes involved in thiosulfate oxidation pathways, including the sulfur oxidation (Sox) system, tetrathionate hydrolase (TetH), and thiosulfate quinone oxidoreductase (TQO); (iii) sulfide oxidation enzymes, like sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase (SQR); and (iv) sulfite oxidation pathways, such as sulfite oxidase (SOX). This review summarizes the current state of the art of sulfur metabolic processes in Acidithiobacillus species, which are key players of industrial biomining processes. Furthermore, this manuscript highlights the existing challenges and barriers to further exploring the sulfur metabolism of this peculiar extremophilic genus.

Are equitable physical performance tests perceived to be fair? Understanding officer cadets' perceptions of fitness standards.

In the last few decades, the armed forces in Western countries such as Canada and the United States have accepted women into virtually all military occupations. Despite this, a growing body of research confirms that female service members face prejudiced treatment while conducting their work in these organizations that continue to be predominately masculine and male-dominated. In particular, women attending the Canadian Military Colleges (CMCs) experience gender-related conflicts arising from the dissimilar fitness test standards between male and female cadets. There have been, however, few studies that scrutinize the psychological mechanisms of these tensions. The aim of this study was to unpack the existing biased perceptions against women pertaining to physical fitness through ambivalent sexism, social dominance orientation, and right-wing authoritarianism. Officer and naval cadets (n = 167, 33.5% women) at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) completed survey measures. Indirect effect analyses showed that cadets who viewed the fitness standards to be unfair expressed more hostile rather than benevolent sexist outlooks against women, and these negative feelings were connected to greater levels of social dominance and right-wing authoritarianism. These results indicate that sexist beliefs, competitive worldviews, and authoritarianism are underlying attitudes that should be addressed by militaries striving to fully integrate women into their forces.

Psychosocial Predictors of Normative Transgression during the COvID-19 Pandemic in Peruvian Citizens / Predictores psicosociales de transgresión normativa durante la pandemia de COvID-19 en ciudadanos peruanos / Preditores psicossociais de transgressão normativa durante a pandemia de COvID-19 em cidadãos peruanos

This research investigated psychological correlates with norm non-compliance during the National State of Emergency declared in Peru at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, it looks at the relationship between Social Dominance Orientation (SDO), perceptions of legitimacy, strength and efficacy of the normative system, and trust in the institutions. It also looks at individual justifications for norm non-compliance and the frequency of transgression. A correlational research design using questionnaires was developed with a sample of 126 participants. Results show that transgression of government-issued norms during the Peruvian National State of Emergency is linked to the ideological compo- nent of SDO and perceptions of a weak and illegitimate normative system. These results are consistent with previous studies on normative transgression in Latin American countries. Additionally, results suggest that the need for subsistence (i.e., generating resources to sustain the household) is fundamental to comprehensively understanding transgressive behavior in contexts of vulnerability such as a global pandemic. The discussion highlights how a precarious socio-political structure ­ one incapable of meeting the basic needs of large sectors of the population­ emerges as a central cause of normative transgression in times of crisis

Esta investigación indaga los correlatos psicológicos con el incumplimiento de normas durante el Estado de Emergencia Nacional declarado en Perú con ocasión de la pandemia del COVID-19. Específicamente, se exa- mina la relación entre la Orientación a la Dominancia Social (ODS), las percepciones de legitimidad, fortaleza y eficacia del sistema normativo y la confianza en las instituciones. También examina las justificaciones individuales del incumplimiento de las normas, así como la frecuencia de la transgresión. Se desarrolló un diseño de investigación correlacional mediante cuestionarios con una muestra de 126 participantes. Los resultados muestran que la transgresión de las normas emitidas por el Gobierno durante el Estado de Emergencia Nacional peruano, están vinculadas al componente ideológico del ODS y a la percepción de un sistema normativo débil e ilegítimo. Estos resultados son consistentes con estudios previos sobre transgresión normativa en países latinoamericanos. Adicionalmente, los resultados sugieren que la necesidad de subsistencia (es decir, la generación de recursos para el sostenimiento del hogar), es fundamental para comprender de manera integral el comportamiento transgresor en contextos de vulnerabilidad como una pandemia global. La discusión destaca cómo una estructura sociopolítica precaria ­incapaz de satisfacer las necesidades básicas de amplios sectores de la población­ emerge como causa central de la transgresión normativa en tiempos de crisis.

Esta pesquisa investiga as correlações psicológicas com o descumprimento de normas durante o Estado Nacional de Emergência declarado no Peru na época da pandemia da COVID-19. Especificamente, ela analisa a relação entre a orientação de dominância social (ODS), as percepções de legitimidade, força e eficácia do sistema normativo e a confiança nas instituições. Também analisa as justificativas individuais para a não conformidade com a norma, bem como a frequência da transgressão. Um projeto de pesquisa correlacional usando questionários foi desenvolvido com uma amostra de 126 participantes. Os resultados mostram que a transgressão das normas emitidas pelo governo durante o Estado de Emergência Nacional do Peru está ligada ao componente ideológico da ODS e às percepções de um sistema normativo fraco e ilegítimo. Esses resultados são consistentes com estudos anteriores sobre transgressão normativa em países latino-americanos. Além disso, os resultados sugerem que a necessidade de subsistência (ou seja, a geração de recursos para sustentar a família) é fundamental para compreender de forma abrangente o comportamento transgressivo em contextos de vulnerabilidade, como uma pandemia global. A discussão destaca como uma estrutura socio- política precária ­incapaz de atender às necessidades básicas de grandes setores da população­ surge como uma causa central da transgressão normativa em tempos de crise.

The traditional vegetarians - improving attitudes toward vegetarians through emphasizing similarities between vegetarianism and traditional fasting.

The modern choices of diet are often perceived at odds with the traditional worldviews. This study aimed to test the possibility of improving attitudes toward vegetarians by emphasizing the similarity between vegetarianism and religious fasting. We expected the effects of induction to be moderated by endorsement of right-wing authoritarianism and social dominance orientation (SDO-D and SDO-E). Participants (N = 246) were randomly divided into three groups that all read a text about a traditional birthday celebration. The control group read a text about the celebration with meat-based meals, one experimental group read about a celebration with meatless dishes. In the second experimental group it was emphasized that the host became a vegetarian after years of religious fasting. Both inductions improved attitudes toward vegetarians. Only SDO-D proved to be a significant moderator, with induction exhibiting a significant effect at higher levels of SDO-D. The findings inform public communications about reducing meat consumption.

Spectral domain oct for screening of macular diseases prior to multifocal intraocular lens implantation.

BACKGROUND: Cataract surgery with multifocal IOLs could give patients good vision and great satisfaction, at the same time generating high expectations; therefore, its precise indication is essential if we are to reach our goal. The use of optical coherence tomography may be a valuable tool in the screening of macular diseases, which often cannot be detected in routine clinical examinations. This study evaluates the benefit of including spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in routine preoperative cataract surgery protocols for better case selection in multifocal IOLs. METHODS: Observational and retrospective clinical study that includes patients with an indication for multifocal IOL implantation who underwent retinal fundus exam and SD-OCT examination between 2018 and 2019. The clinical examination with ophthalmoscopy and SD-OCT imaging results were evaluated to observe their influence on the final choice of the lens implanted lens in cataract surgery. RESULTS: 405 eyes from 207 patients with multifocal IOL indication were included. It was found that 220 (54.2%) of all indicated multifocal or trifocal IOLs were in fact implanted. The most important reason for not implanting the indicated IOL was financial, in 116 (59.46%) eyes. The second cause were retinal abnormalities detected by SD-OCT, 63 eyes (15.6%). Those abnormalities included dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (50.7%), neovascular AMD (3.1%), vitreomacular adhesion (11.1%), diabetic macular edema (3.1%), epiretinal membrane (ERM) (25.3%) and other macular abnormalities (6.3%). Of the 63 eyes with an abnormal SD-OCT result, 44 (69.8%) were also identified by fundus examination. Nineteen (30.2%) eyes had abnormalities detected only by SD-OCT imaging with a normal clinical exam. CONCLUSIONS: Routine use of SD-OCT imaging may help diagnose pre-existing macular pathologies not identified by clinical exam, helping both physicians and patients choose the ideal IOL individually and has the potential to prevent unsatisfactory functional results.

Evidências de validade da Escala de Orientação à Dominância Social no Brasil / Validity evidence of the Social Dominance Orientation Scale in Brazil / Evidencias de validez de Escala de Orientación a Dominancia Social en Brasil

O presente estudo buscou adaptar a Escala de Orientação à Dominância Social (SDO7) para o contexto brasileiro, propor uma versão reduzida do instrumento, avaliar sua estrutura fatorial e evidências de validade entre grupos. Para tanto, realizou-se coleta de dados on-line em que participaram 1.056 indivíduos de quatro diferentes amostras. Análises fatoriais confirmatórias indicaram os melhores índices de ajuste para a estrutura original de quatro fatores, sendo dois substanciais (Dominância e Anti-Igualitarismo) e dois de método (pró-traço e contra-traço). Os fatores substanciais, denominados "Dominância Social" e "Anti-Igualitarismo", apresentaram alfa de Cronbach superior a 0,70 em todas as amostras. As versões longa e reduzida da escala apresentaram bons índices de validade de critério entre grupos com correlações altas entre os escores dos fatores substanciais e a autocategorização política. Portanto, o instrumento apresentou evidências de validade e fidedignidade e podem ser utilizados em estudos futuros. (AU)

This study aims to cross-culturally adapt the Social Dominance Orientation Scale (SDO7) for the Brazilian context, propose a reduced version of the instrument, and assess its factor structure and validity evidences. Participants included 1,056 individuals across four different samples collected online. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated the best fit indices for the original four-factor structure, two substantial (Dominance x Anti-Egalitarianism) and two methodological (pro-trait x counter-trait). The substantial factors had Cronbach's alpha values above 0.70 in all samples. Furthermore, both the long and reduced versions of the scale were highly correlated with political self-categorization. Hence, the instrument in its long and reduced versions showed good validity and reliability evidences for the Brazilian context and can be used in future studies. (AU)

Este estudio tiene como objetivo adaptar transculturalmente la Escala de Orientación a la Dominancia Social (SDO7) para el contexto brasileño, proponer una versión reducida del instrumento, evaluar su estructura factorial y evidencias de validez entre grupos. Por lo que, se llevó a cabo una recogida de datos online en la que participaron 1056 individuos de cuatro muestras diferentes. Los análisis factoriales confirmatorios indicaron los mejores índices de ajuste para la estructura original de cuatro factores, dos de ellos son sustanciales (Dominancia x Anti-Igualitarismo) y los otros dos son metodológicos (pro-rasgo x contra-rasgo). Los factores sustanciales, denominados "Dominancia social" y "Anti-Igualitarismo", presentaron alfa de Cronbach por encima de 0,70 en todas las muestras. Las versiones larga y corta de la escala presentaron buenos índices de validez con altas correlaciones entre los puntajes de los factores sustanciales y la autocategorización política. Por lo tanto, el instrumento presentó evidencias de validez y confiabilidad para el contexto brasileño y puede utilizarse en futuros estudios. (AU)

ETC Model: How One Small Dialysis Organization Is Navigating Uncharted Policy Waters.

The ETC model proposes to increase access to home dialysis and transplant for patients with ESRD. Implementation of this model is happening while many dialysis organizations are still suffering the far-reaching effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In addition, the model has the potential to negatively affect small and independent dialysis organizations disproportionately. It incentivizes home dialysis over transplant and promotes development of new home dialysis programs, rewards achievement over improvement, and places an excessive burden on small and independent dialysis organizations. Advantages of the program include the focus on self-care as an acceptable alternative to home dialysis for some patients and the potential for some organizations to make improvements in care with increased reimbursements. The authors hope that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will address many of these concerns in updated rulemaking and guidance.

Portable Medical Suction and Aspirator Devices: Are the Design and Performance Standards Relevant?

Airway clearance refers to the clearing of any airway blockage caused due to foreign objects such as mud, gravel, and biomaterials such as blood, vomit, or teeth fragments using the technology of choice, portable suction devices. Currently available devices are either too heavy and bulky to be carried, or insufficiently powered to be useful despite being in accordance with the ISO 10079-1 standards. When applied to portable suction, the design and testing standards lack clinical relevancy, which is evidenced by how available portable suction devices are sparingly used in pre-hospital situations. Lack of clinical relevancy despite being in accordance with design/manufacturing standards arise due to little if any collaboration between those developing clinical standards and the bodies that maintain design and manufacturing standards. An updated set of standards is required that accurately reflects evidence-based requirements and specifications, which should promote valid, rational, and relevant engineering designs and manufacturing standards in consideration of the unique scenarios facing prehospital casualty care. This paper aims to critically review the existing standards for portable suction devices and propose modifications based on the evidence and requirements, especially for civilian prehospital and combat casualty care situations.

Ideological Influences on Intergroup Attitudes in the Context of the Hague Court Boundary Dispute between Peru and Chile / Influencias ideológicas de las actitudes intergrupales en el contexto de la disputa fronteriza entre Perú y Chile ante la Corte de la Haya / Influências ideológicas das atitudes intergrupais no contexto da disputa fronteiriça entre Peru e Chile frente à Corte de Haia

Abstract In the context of the border dispute presented by Peru against Chile in the The Hague Court, this study analyzes the influences of two ideological motivational dimensions: Right-Wing Authoritarianism (RWA) and Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) on a set of intergroup attitudes that involve both nations. To this end, a survey study of 196 Chileans and 223 Peruvians participants was conducted. The instruments used to measure ideology and political attitudes are the following ones: RWA Scale; SDO Scale; Scale of Intergroup attitudes between Chile-Peru and specific questions on interest in the Hague litigation and willingness to fight for one's country. The results show that in the Peruvian case attitudes of belligerence and alert and a greater willingness to fight for the country are better explained by the RWA, while in the Chilean case these same attitudes are explained both by the RWA as well as the SDO. On the other hand, pacificist attitudes are explained inversely by SDO in both countries. These findings support the hypothesis that intergroup dynamics between both countries have been marked by expressed actions of a Chilean expansionism versus a Peruvian vengefulness and suggest that equalitarianism will promote attitudes toward respect and cooperation between both groups, changing the frames of expansionism and vengefulness for one of a culture of peace.

Resumo Este estudo analisa as influências de duas dimensões motivacionais ideológicas: o Autoritarismo de Direita (RWA) e a Orientação à Dominação Social (SDO) em um conjunto de atitudes intergrupais que envolvem Perú e Chile, no contexto da disputa fronteiriça apresentada pelo primeiro contra o segundo na Corte de Haia. Para isso, foi desenvolvido um estudo com 196 participantes do Chile e 223 do Peru. Os instrumentos utilizados para medir a ideologia e as atitudes políticas são os seguintes: Questionário de RWA; questionário de SDO; questionário de atitudes intergrupos entre Chile é Peru e itens de interesse na disputa ante A Haia e a vontade de lutar pelo próprio país. Os resultados mostram que, no caso peruano, as atitudes de beligerância e alerta, e uma maior disposição de lutar pelo país são explicadas pelo RWA, enquanto no caso chileno, essas mesmas atitudes são explicadas tanto pelo RWA quanto pela SDO. Por outro lado, as atitudes pacifistas são diminuidas pela SDO nos dois países. Estos resultados corroboram á hipótese da dinâmica intergrupal entre os dois países, marcada por ações explícitas do expansionismo chileno versus revanchismo peruano; os resultados também sugerem que as ideologias igualitarias poderão promover atitudes de respeito e cooperação entre os dois grupos, alterando os esquemas expansionista e revanchista para uma cultura de paz.

Resumen En el contexto de la disputa fronteriza presentada por Perú contra Chile ante la Corte de la Haya, este estudio analiza las influencias dos dimensiones motivacionales ideológicas: el Autoritarismo de Derecha (RWA) y la Orientación a la Dominancia Social (SDO) en un conjunto de actitudes intergrupales que involucran a ambas naciones. Con esta finalidad, fue desarrollado un estudio por encuestas con 196 participantes de Chile y 223 de Perú. Los instrumentos utilizados para medir la ideología y las actitudes políticas son los siguientes: Escala de RWA; Escala de SDO; Escala de actitudes intergrupales entre Chile-Perú y preguntas específicas sobre el interés en el litigio de La Haya y la disposición de luchar por el propio país. Los resultados muestran que en el caso peruano las actitudes de beligerancia y alerta, y una mayor disposición a luchar por el país son explicadas por el RWA, mientras en el caso chileno, estas mismas actitudes son explicadas tanto por el RWA como por la SDO. Por otra parte, las actitudes pacifistas son explicadas inversamente por la SDO en ambos países. Estos hallazgos corroboran la hipótesis sobre las dinámicas intergrupales entre ambos países, las cuales han estado marcadas por acciones explicitas de expansionismo chileno versus revanchismo peruano; asimismo, los resultados sugieren que el igualitarismo promovería actitudes hacia el respeto y cooperación entre ambos grupos, cambiando los esquemas expansionista y revanchista por uno de cultura de paz.

Attitudes towards favoring the fall of Tall Poppies: The role of Social Dominance Orientation, Authoritarianism, Political Ideologies, and Self-Esteem.

Individuals occupying high-status positions are sometimes victims of the tall poppy syndrome where people want to see them cut down to size. These attitudes reflect a tension between achievement, authority, and equality. In a pre-registered study (Study 1: N = 47,951), and a replication (Study 2: N = 5,569), of two representative New Zealand samples we investigated how social dominance orientation, right-wing authoritarianism, political ideologies and self-esteem predicted favoring the fall of the tall poppy. Novel findings showed individuals high in social dominance orientation favored the fall of the tall poppy. In both studies, high authoritarian aggression and submission, and low conventionalism (in Study 1 only) were also associated with negative tall poppy attitudes. So too were individuals with lower self-esteem and who were less conservative in their political ideology. These findings advance our understanding of how group-based hierarchy and inequality relate to attitudes toward individuals in high-status positions.

Neoliberal Economic Policies' Effects on Perceptions of Social Justice and Sociopolitical Participation in Portugal.

Contemporary societies challenge long-standing projects of the "good society" and social equality through neoliberal economic policies. Social forms of uncertainty generated by financial deprivation, precarity, and inequality seem to have effects on agency and coping and so socioeconomic and psychological consequences. This study aims to test these relationships, as well as a hypothesis on the potential impact of these constructs on beliefs of sociopolitical control and social dominance, which have implications for social justice. A mediation model explores the effects of financial access (the manifest benefit of work) on psychosocial uncertainty (which reflects the perception of uncertainty in the social context and the experience of its consequences within work, relationships, and the adoption of self-defeating beliefs) and on emotional coping strategies towards uncertainty, and their effects on personal agency, sociopolitical control (SPC), and social dominance orientation (SDO). Data are derived from a study of 633 participants in Portugal. Although personal agency is influenced by financial access and psychosocial uncertainty, it is not proved as a significant mediator for SPC and SDO. Nevertheless, financial access, psychosocial uncertainty, and emotional coping significantly contribute to the model, supporting the hypothesis that financial access protects against psychosocial uncertainty. Both have an impact on SPC and SDO. Therefore, financial deprivation and psychosocial uncertainty potentially contribute to extremism and populism in societies characterised by socially created forms of uncertainty. Implications of results for psychological intervention, namely in vocational/professional counselling, are discussed.

Developmental Hip Dysplasia: An Epidemiological Nationwide Study in Italy from 2001 to 2016.

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) includes a broad spectrum of hip abnormalities. DDH requires early diagnosis and treatment; however, no international consensus on screening protocol and treatment is provided in the literature. Epidemiological studies are helpful to understand the national variation of a specific surgical procedure and compare it with that of other countries. Data provided by different countries could allow researchers to provide international guidelines for DDH screening and treatment. Limited data are reported regarding trends of hospitalization for DDH, and no public database is available. The purpose of this study was to estimate annual admissions for DDH in Italian patients from 2001 to 2016, based on the hospitalization reports. Data of this study were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Reports (SDO) reported at the Italian Ministry of Health. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. From 2001 to 2016, 3103 hospitalizations for DDH were recorded in Italy, with a mean incidence of 2.33 (per 100,000 young inhabitants). Females of the 0-4 years old group represented the majority of patients hospitalized for DDH.

No man is an island: Psychological underpinnings of prosociality in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak.

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, sustainable forms of collective resilience help societies coping cohesively with unprecedented challenges. In our empirical contribution, we framed collective resilience and cohesion in terms of prosociality. A study carried out in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak in the UK (N = 399) articulated basic individual values, ideological orientations (i.e., authoritarianism and social dominance orientation), and core political values in a comprehensive framework to predict bonding and bridging forms of prosocial intentions, and prosocial behaviors directed towards vulnerable groups. According to our findings, people whose worldview incorporates collective and collaborative principles cared more about others' welfare. Jointly, self-transcendence, equality, and accepting immigrants predicted more prosociality, whereas social dominance orientation predicted less prosociality. Over and beyond all other predictors, self-transcendence uniquely predicted prosocial intentions and behaviors alike. To conclude, we suggest interventions to promote and sustain prosociality among people motivated by a larger array of life goals and worldviews.

Ideology before party: Social dominance orientation and right-wing authoritarianism temporally precede political party support.

Although an extensive literature on political ideology and party support has developed, studies examining the temporal ordering of these variables remain lacking. We address this oversight and argue that because ideologies provide a framework for understanding the world, they should forecast changes in party support over time. Accordingly, a random intercepts cross-lagged panel model estimated the annual within-person associations between social dominance orientation (SDO), right-wing authoritarianism (RWA), and party support in nine waves of a New Zealand representative longitudinal panel sample from 2009 to 2017 (N = 31,537). As hypothesized, SDO and RWA predicted within-person increases in support for the centre-right National Party, but decreases in support for the centre-left Labour Party. Reciprocal associations from party support to ideology were approximately half the magnitude. These results provide some of the most robust evidence to date of the oft-assumed, but largely untested, premise that SDO and RWA predict change in party support.

Análisis Psicométrico de la Escala Orientación hacia la Dominancia Social (SDO) Mediante un Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales Exploratorias (ESEM) / Psychometric Analysis of the Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) Scale Through a Model of Exploratory Structural Equations (ESEM)

Resumen El objetivo de la presente investigación es analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala Orientación hacia la Dominancia Social (SDO), en una muestra no universitaria de la ciudad de Arica, Chile, implementando técnicas psicométricas de acuerdo con el estado del arte disciplinar. El muestreo fue no probabilístico, por conveniencia y disponibilidad de 812 participantes, entre edades de 18 a 89 años. Se realizaron estimaciones de fiabilidad, análisis factoriales confirmatorios y modelos de ecuaciones estructurales exploratorios, contrastando diferentes modelos. Los resultados proporcionaron evidencia de validez basada en la estructura interna de la prueba, presentando buen ajuste de la estructura de la SDO (RMSEA=.076; CFI=.963; TLI=.956), y adecuados niveles estimados de fiabilidad (Oposición a la Igualdad: α=.85, ω=.84; Dominancia Grupal: α =.67, ω =.66). Finalmente, se concluye que las puntuaciones de la escala SDO poseen evidencia suficiente para sustentar su uso e interpretación, en población no universitaria equivalente a la del presente estudio.

Abstract The objective of this research is to analyze the psychometric properties of the Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) Scale in a non-university sample of the city of Arica, Chile, implementing psychometric techniques according to the state of disciplinary art. The sampling was non-probabilistic due to the convenience and availability of 812 participants in a range of ages from 18 to 89 years. To contrast different models were performed reliability estimates, confirmatory factorial analyses, and exploratory structural equation models. The results provided evidence of validity based on the internal structure of the test, presenting good adjustment of the SDO structure (RMSEA=.076; CFI=.963; TLI=.956), and estimated adequate levels of reliability (Opposition to the Equality: α=.85, ω=.84, Group dominance: α =.67, ω =.66). Finally, the research concluded that the scores of the SDO scale have sufficient evidence to support its use and interpretation, in a non-university population equivalent to that of the present study.

Ethylmalonic encephalopathy: Clinical course and therapy response in an uncommon mild case with a severe ETHE1 mutation.

Ethylmalonic encephalopathy (EE) is a rare metabolic disorder caused by dysfunction of ETHE1 protein, a mitochondrial dioxygenase involved in hydrogen sulfide (H2S) detoxification. EE is usually a fatal disease with a severe clinical course mainly associated with developmental delay and regression, recurrent petechiae, orthostatic acrocyanosis, and chronic diarrhoea. Treatment includes antioxidants, antibiotics that lower H2S levels and antispastic medications, which are not curative. The mutations causing absence of the ETHE1 protein, as is the case for the described patient, usually entail a severe fatal phenotype. Although there are rare reported cases with mild clinical findings, the mechanism leading to these milder cases is also unclear. Here, we describe an 11-year-old boy with an ETHE1 gene mutation who has no neurocognitive impairment but chronic diarrhoea, which is controlled by oral medical treatment, and progressive spastic paraparesis that responded to Achilles tendon lengthening.

Support for rejection and reception policies toward asylum seekers in Italy: The role of conservative ideologies and legitimizing myths.

Based on Social Dominance Theory (SDT), this study investigates the relationships between ideologically conservative attitudes (social dominance orientation, SDO; right-wing authoritarianism, RWA), legitimizing myths (false belief in asylum seekers as bogus; perception of in-group threats), and citizens' support for restricted reception and rejection of asylum policies. A sample of 539 people living in Italy filled in an anonymous questionnaire administered using a cross-sectional design. The results support the expectations, showing that people high in SDO and RWA were more likely to hold the belief that asylum seekers are making false claims and to perceive that the latter pose a threat to the in-group, which in turn increased support for both of restrictive policies. Findings suggest that conservative ideologies can positively affect citizens' support for restrictive asylum seeker policies based on both rejection and restricted reception by supplying ideological justification for not accommodating them in the host society.

Laparoscopic pelvic organ suspension with mesh: a modified technique and primary results / Suspensão laparoscópica de órgão pélvico com malha: uma técnica modificada e resultados primários

Abstract Background: Pelvic organ prolapse recurrence rate is an important issue which impacts the patient's quality of life and results in a new surgical procedure. We use a new technique of laparoscopic pelvic organ suspension (rectal suspension) for pelvic organ prolapse treatment in our center. We evaluated the results of this technique, three months after surgery and at the time of study reporting. Methods: All patients with pelvic organ prolapse for whom laparoscopic pelvic organ prolapse had been done were evaluated. Data were collected from the patient's charts and their short term follow up 3 months after the surgery and their last follow up visit. Demographic, history, physical examination, Wexner's fecal incontinence score and Altomare's Obstructed Defecation Syndrome score, post-operation complications and patient's satisfaction were analyzed, retrospectively. Results: All patients were female with a mean age of 57 ± 11.43 years (range 32-86 years). Mean BMI was 26.1 ± 3.73. Nine patients had rectal bleeding (31%), 18 had prolonged or difficult defecation (62%), 16 had rectal prolapse (55.2%), 11 had gas incontinence (37.9%), 9 had liquid stool incontinence (31%), 5 had stool incontinence (17.2%), 9 had vaginal prolapse (31%), 23 had constipation (79.3%), 9 complaint of pelvic pain (31%), 9 had urge or stress urinary incontinence (31%) and 13 had dyspareunia (44.8%). Conclusions: In conclusion, we believe this procedure has good results in short term follow up (3 months after surgery), but a high recurrence rate in the middle term follow up. Therefore, this procedure is no longer recommended.

Resumo Introdução: A taxa de recorrência do prolapso de órgãos pélvicos é uma questão importante que afeta a qualidade de vida do paciente, resultando em um novo procedimento cirúrgico. Os autores adotaram uma nova técnica de suspensão laparoscópica de órgãos pélvicos (suspensão retal) no tratamento de prolapso de órgãos pélvicos. Os resultados dessa técnica foram avaliados três meses após a cirurgia e no momento do relato do estudo. Métodos: Todos os pacientes com prolapso de órgão pélvico submetidos a suspensão laparoscópica foram avaliados. Os dados foram coletados do prontuário do paciente, na visita de acompanhamento três meses após a cirurgia e na última visita de acompanhamento. Os dados demográficos, histórico médico, avaliação física, escore de incontinência fecal de Wexner, escore da síndrome da defecação obstruída de Altomare, complicações pós-operatórias e satisfação do paciente foram analisados retrospectivamente. Resultados: Todos os pacientes eram do sexo feminino, com média de idade de 57 ± 11,43 anos (variação de 32 a 86 anos). O índice de massa corporal médio foi de 26,1 ± 3,73. Nove (31%) pacientes apresentaram sangramento retal; 18 (62%), defecação prolongada ou difícil; 16 (55,2%), prolapso retal; 11 (37,9%), incontinência gasosa; nove (31%), incontinência fecal líquida, cinco (17,2%), incontinência fecal; nove (31%), prolapso vaginal; 23 (79,3%), constipação; nove (31%), queixa de dor pélvica; nove (31%), incontinência urinária de urgência ou esforço e 13 (44,8%), dispareunia. Conclusões: Os autores acreditam que este procedimento apresenta bons resultados no seguimento de curto prazo (três meses após a cirurgia), mas uma alta taxa de recorrência no acompanhamento a médio prazo. Portanto, esse procedimento não é mais recomendado.

The Relationship between Social Dominance Orientation and Child Sexual Abuse Credibility Assessment.

Allegations of child sexual abuse (CSA) across various contexts have often been denied or ignored by a multitude of people, including those who do not personally know the alleged perpetrators or victims. The lack of belief of children's CSA reports is problematic, as this may affect the child's adjustment, the consequences for the alleged perpetrator, and the likelihood of other victims reporting abuse that they experienced. One plausible explanation for low credibility is the variable of social dominance orientation. In the current study, a diverse sample (N = 60) read a hypothetical vignette of a CSA allegation, rated the credibility of the child, and completed the Social Dominance Orientation-7 scale (SDO-7). Results supported that high social dominance orientation predicts low credibility ratings of the child's CSA allegation. Findings may impact how clinicians and investigators approach the assessment of credibility of CSA allegations, how they appraise the opinions of others about such credibility, and jury selection in the court system.

Cooperative energetic effects elicited by the yeast Shwachman-Diamond syndrome protein (Sdo1) and guanine nucleotides modulate the complex conformational landscape of the elongation factor-like 1 (Efl1) GTPase.

One of the final maturation steps of the large ribosomal subunit requires the joint action of the elongation factor-like 1 (human EFL1, yeast Efl1) GTPase and the Shwachman-Diamond syndrome protein (human SBDS, yeast Sdo1) to release the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 6 (human eIF6, yeast Tif6) and allow the assembly of mature ribosomes. EFL1 function is driven by conformational changes. However, the nature of such conformational changes or the mechanism by which they are prompted are still largely unknown. In previous studies, it has been established that this GTPase interacts with its cofactor in solution in an inverted orientation with respect to the binding mode derived from 60S ribosome subunit cryo-EM data. To shed new light on this conundrum, we characterized calorimetrically the energetic basis describing the recognition of Efl1 to GT(D)P, Sdo1 and their intercommunication in solution. A structural-based analysis of the binding signatures indicates that Efl1 has a large structural flexibility. The mutual effects of Sdo1 and nucleotides on Efl1 modulate in a very specific and robust way the complex conformational landscape of Efl1, resembling the behavior observed with other GTPases and their cofactors.