bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of change leadership on employee attitudinal support for planned organizational change
Authors: Onyeneke Gechinti Bede , Abe Tomokazu
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how change leadership activities help bring about employee support for planned organizational change.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a non-experimental quantitative research design, and a self-administered Likert-type questionnaire survey, the study sourced data from employees in an organization undergoing significant change. Data analysis was by structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

Change leadership behaviors bearing on; visioning, communication, participation, support and concern for change participants' interests were found to be of significant importance in ensuring employee buy-in and support for planned change efforts. Although change leadership had no direct effect on employees' behavioral intentions to support change, it was strongly related to employee cognitive appraisal of change. The relationship between change leadership and employee behavioral intentions to support planned change was serially mediated by employee cognitive appraisal and emotional response toward the planned change event.

Practical implications

In appraising planned organizational change efforts, managers tend to focus on employee behaviors toward the change instead of conditions that drive such behaviors. This study underscores the need to focus on employee attitudes as precursors to desired behavior toward change.

Originality/value

Prior research suggests that change leadership behaviors affect employee attitudinal reactions to change but yet lacked empirical validation. By applying a multidimensional approach to attitude and investigating its hierarchy of effects, this study enhanced our accuracy in explaining the influence change leadership has on employee attitudinal support for change.
Can tasks and learning be balanced? A dual-pathway model of cloud-based e-learning continuance intention and performance outcomes
Authors: Cheng Yung-Ming
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the roles of task-technology fit (TTF), learning-technology fit (LTF) and cognitive absorption (CA) in determining medical professionals’ cloud-based electronic learning (e-learning) system continuance intention and performance outcomes and evaluate whether medical professionals’ perceived impact on learning can affect their perceived impact on tasks within medical institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Sample data for this study were collected from medical professionals at six hospitals in Taiwan. A total of 600 questionnaires were distributed, and 373 (62.2%) usable questionnaires were analyzed using structural equation modeling in this study.

Findings

In this study, medical professionals’ perceived TTF and LTF as antecedents to their cloud-based e-learning continuance intention and performance outcomes were validated, and medical professionals’ perceived impact on learning had a positive effect on their perceived impact on tasks. Synthetically speaking, this study’s results strongly support the research model with all hypothesized links being significant.

Originality/value

It is particularly worth mentioning that this study introduces a new construct, “LTF,” to conceptualize, define and measure it, and further contributes to the application of capturing both expectation–confirmation model and CA (i.e. an intrinsic motivator) for completely explaining medical professionals’ perceived TTF and LTF as external variables to their cloud-based e-learning continuance intention and performance outcomes.
Whatever happened to group dynamics in the scientific study of groups?
Authors: Schruijer Sandra G.L.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore whether a group dynamics perspective still exists in the scientific study of groups and what factors may account for the current situation.

Design/methodology/approach

Alongside reflections based on my professional experience, I have analyzed the main academic journals that publish group research.

Findings

A group dynamics perspective is almost totally absent in the scientific study of groups. Contributing factors to this state of affairs are disciplinary developments in psychology (e.g. individualization, experimentalization and specialization), the demise of the status of psychoanalysis, changes in the meaning and manifestation of the “group,” and effects of New Public Management.

Originality/value

The study offers a critical perspective on current group research practices and considers these in a larger (social and historical) context. It advocates a group dynamics perspective for the study of groups, based on systems-psychodynamic insights.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of bullous pemphigoid patients with versus without oral prednisolone treatment
Authors: Ujiie Inkin , Iwata Hiroaki , Yoshimoto Norihiro , Izumi Kentaro , Shimizu Hiroshi , Ujiie Hideyuki
Published: February 2021

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) varies in severity and stratified treatments are needed. However, there are no definitive standards for choosing appropriate treatments. To elucidate the factors involved in choosing treatments and the clinical outcomes of BP, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 78 BP patients at a single center. Of the 78 patients, 49 (62.8%) were treated with oral prednisolone (PSL) and 29 (37.2%) were treated without PSL. The patients with older age, lower Bullous Pemphigoid Disease Area Index (BPDAI), and/or lower anti‐BP180NC16a antibody titer at onset tended to be treated without oral PSL. Notably, only 9.1% patients without PSL experienced relapse, whereas 36.7% patients with oral PSL experienced relapse when the PSL was around 0.1 mg/kg. It suggests that the patients with mild disease severity could be well controlled without oral PSL. Receiver–operator curve analysis demonstrated that the cut‐off value for the use of oral PSL was 31 for total BPDAI and was 7 for BPDAI skin urticaria/erythema, with a high (>0.9) area under the curve. Notably, none of the patients who were negative for the anti‐BP180NC16a antibody at onset experienced relapse even though they were treated without PSL. In conclusion, in BP patients who were negative for anti‐BP180NC16a antibody at onset, with a total BPDAI score of less than 31 or with an urticaria/erythema score of less than 7 can be treated without PSL. When the PSL is tapered to around 0.1 mg/kg, we should carefully monitor the patients to detect relapse.
Land cover, individual’s age and spatial sorting shape landscape resistance in the invasive frog Xenopus laevis
Authors: Vimercati Giovanni , Kruger Natasha , Secondi Jean
Published: February 2021

The description of functional connectivity is based on the quantification of landscape resistance, which represents species‐specific movement costs across landscape features. Connectivity models use these costs to identify movement corridors at both individual and population levels and provide management recommendations for populations of conservation interest. Typically, resistance costs assigned to specific land cover types are assumed to be valid for all individuals of the population. Little attention has been paid to intraspecific variation in resistance costs due to age or dispersal syndrome, which may significantly affect model predictions.

We quantified resistance costs in an expanding invasive population of the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis in Western France. In this principally aquatic amphibian, juveniles, sub‐adults and adults disperse overland. The enhancement of dispersal traits via spatial sorting has been also observed at the range periphery of the population. Resistance costs, and thus connectivity, might vary as a function of life stage and position within the invaded range.

We assessed multiple dimensions of functional connectivity. On various land cover types, we measured locomotion, as crossing speed, in different post‐metamorphic age classes, and dehydration, sensitivity of locomotion to dehydration and substrate preference in juveniles. We also tested the effect of the position in the invaded range (core vs. periphery) on individual performances.

In juveniles, general trends towards higher resistance costs on grass and lower resistance costs on bare soil and asphalt were observed, although not all experiments provided the same cost configurations. Resistance to locomotion varied between age classes, with adults and sub‐adults facing lower costs than juveniles, particularly when crossing structurally complex land cover types such as grass and leaf litter. The position in the range had a minor effect on landscape resistance, and only in the dehydration experiment, where water loss in juveniles was lower at the range periphery.

Depicting functional connectivity requires (a) assessing multiple dimensions of behavioural and physiological challenges faced by animals during movement; (b) considering factors, such as age and dispersal syndrome, that may affect movement at both individual and population levels. Ignoring this complexity might generate unreliable connectivity models and provide unsupported management recommendations for conservation.
Linking morbillivirus exposure to individual habitat use of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) between geographically different sites
Authors: Cloyed Carl S. , Balmer Brian C. , Schwacke Lori H. , Takeshita Ryan , Hohn Aleta , Wells Randall S. , Rowles Teresa K. , Saliki Jeremiah T. , Smith Cynthia R. , Tumlin Mandy C. , Zolman Eric S. , Fauquier Deborah A. , Carmichael Ruth H.
Published: February 2021

Dolphin morbillivirus (DMV) is a virulent pathogen that causes high mortality outbreaks in delphinids globally and is spread via contact among individuals. Broadly ranging nearshore and open‐ocean delphinids are likely reservoir populations that transmit DMV to estuarine populations.

We assessed the seroprevalence of DMV antibodies and determined the habitat use of common bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus truncatus, from two estuarine sites, Barataria Bay and Mississippi Sound, in the northern Gulf of Mexico. We predicted that risk to DMV exposure in estuarine dolphins is driven by spatial overlap in habitat use with reservoir populations.

Serum was collected from live‐captured dolphins and tested for DMV antibodies. Habitat use of sampled individuals was determined by analysing satellite‐tracked movements and stable isotope values.

DMV seroprevalences were high among dolphins at Barataria Bay (37%) and Mississippi Sound (44%), but varied differently within sites. Ranging patterns of Barataria Bay dolphins were categorized into two groups: Interior and Island‐associated. DMV seroprevalences were absent in Interior dolphins (0%) but high in Island‐associated dolphins (45%). Ranging patterns of Mississippi Sound dolphins were categorized into three groups: Interior, Island‐east and Island‐west. DMV seroprevalences were detected across Mississippi Sound (Interior: 60%; Island‐east: 20%; and Island‐west: 43%). At both sites, dolphins in habitats with greater marine influence had enriched δ13C values, and Barataria Bay dolphins with positive DMV titres had carbon isotope values indicative of marine habitats. Positive titres for DMV antibodies were more common in the lower versus upper parts of Barataria Bay but evenly distributed across Mississippi Sound.

A dolphin's risk of exposure to DMV is influenced by how individual ranging patterns interact with environmental geography. Barataria Bay's partially enclosed geography likely limits the nearshore or open‐ocean delphinids that carry DMV from interacting with dolphins that use interior, estuarine habitats, decreasing their exposure to DMV. Mississippi Sound's relatively open geography allows for greater spatial overlap and mixing among estuarine, nearshore and/or open‐ocean cetaceans. The spread of DMV, and likely other diseases, is affected by the combination of individual movements, habitat use and the environment.
Root functional traits explain root exudation rate and composition across a range of grassland species
Authors: Williams Alex , Langridge Holly , Straathof Angela L. , Muhamadali Howbeer , Hollywood Katherine A. , Goodacre Royston , de Vries Franciska T.
Published: February 2021

Plant root exudation is a crucial means through which plants communicate with soil microbes and influence rhizosphere processes. Exudation can also underlie ecosystem response to changing environmental conditions. Different plant species vary in their root exudate quantity and quality, but our understanding of the plant characteristics that drive these differences is fragmentary. We hypothesised that root exudates would be under phylogenetic control and fit within an exploitative root nutrient uptake strategy, specifically that high rates of root exudation would link to root traits indicative of exploitative growth.

We collected root exudates from plants grown in field soil, as well as leachates of the entire plant–soil system, to assess both the quantity and quality of root exudates, and their interaction with the soil metabolome, across 18 common grassland species.

We found that exudation varied with plant functional group and that differences were trait dependent. Particularly, root diameter, root tissue density and root nitrogen content explained much of the variation in exudate metabolome, along with plant phylogeny. Specific root exudation rate was highest in forbs and was negatively correlated with root tissue density, a trait indicative of conservative resource‐use strategy, and positively correlated with root diameter, which is associated with microbial collaboration and resource uptake ‘outsourcing’.

Synthesis. We provide novel insight into species‐specific differences in root exudates and identify root functional traits that might underlie these differences. Our results show that root exudation fits, although not entirely, within current models of the root economic space, with strong positive relationships to outsourcing traits like high root diameter. Determining the role of root exudates as a key facet of the resource‐outsourcing strategy necessitates further research into the fundamental controls on root exudation quantity and quality, particularly during environmental change.
Biodiversity facets affect community surface temperature via 3D canopy structure in grassland communities
Authors: Guimarães‐Steinicke Claudia , Weigelt Alexandra , Proulx Raphaël , Lanners Thomas , Eisenhauer Nico , Duque‐Lazo Joaquín , Reu Björn , Roscher Christiane , Wagg Cameron , Buchmann Nina , Wirth Christian
Published: February 2021

Canopy structure is an important driver of the energy budget of grassland ecosystem and is, at the same time, altered by plant diversity. Diverse plant communities typically have taller and more densely packed canopies than less diverse communities. With this, they absorb more radiation, have a higher transpiring leaf surface and are better coupled to the atmosphere which leads to cooler canopy surfaces. However, whether plant diversity generally translates into a cooling potential remains unclear and lacks empirical evidence. Here, we assessed how functional identity, functional diversity and species richness of grassland communities in the Jena Experiment predict the mean and variation of plant surface temperature mediated via effects of canopy structure.

Using terrestrial laser scanning, we estimated canopy structure describing metrics of vertical structure (mean height, LAI), the distribution (evenness) and the highest allocation (centre of gravity) of biomass along height strata. As metrics of horizontal structure, we considered community stand gaps, canopy surface variation and emergent flowers. We measured surface temperature with a thermal camera. We used SEM models to predict biodiversity effects on the surface temperature during two seasonal peaks of biomass.

Before the first cut in May, herb‐dominated communities directly promoted lower leaf surface temperatures. However, communities with lower centre of gravity (mostly herb dominated) also increased canopy surface temperatures compared with grass‐dominated communities with higher biomass stored in the top canopy. Grass‐dominated communities showed a smaller variation of surface temperatures, which was also positively affected by species richness via an increase in mean height. In August, mean surface temperature decreased with increasing community CC and LAI. The variation of surface temperature was greater in herb‐dominated than in grass‐dominated communities and increased with plant species richness (direct effects).

Synthesis. The mean and variation of canopy surface temperature were driven by differences in functional group composition (herbs‐ vs. grass dominance) and to a lesser extent by plant diversity. These effects were partly mediated the metrics of canopy structure but also by direct effects unrelated to the structural metrics considered.
Bringing sexuality out of the closet: What can we learn from occupational therapists who successfully address the area of sexuality in everyday practice?
Authors: O’Mullan Cathy , O’Reilly Maria , Meredith Pamela
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Sex has been recognised as an activity of daily living, and sexuality as an important part of our identity, with implications for our self‐esteem and quality of life. Although this brings sex and sexuality within the scope of occupational therapy practice, empirical and anecdotal information suggests that neither are routinely included in therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of therapists who are comfortable addressing sex and sexuality in practice, with a view to influencing future research and practice. The research question posed was as follows: “What can we learn from occupational therapists who successfully address the area of sexuality in everyday practice?”

Methods

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to explore the research question. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 Australian occupational therapists who were purposively recruited. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed following the guidelines for IPA data analysis.

Results

Four master themes and five sub‐themes emerged from the analysis and are discussed under the following headings: sexuality matters; know your boundaries; just do it; and seek support and mentoring. The themes provide insight into how occupational therapists successfully integrate sexuality into everyday practice.

Conclusion

According to the participants in this study, addressing sex and sexuality during therapy is part of providing holistic client‐centred care. With clear personal and professional boundaries, occupational therapists can address sexuality within routine practice utilising core occupational therapy skills, such as communication, collaborative problem solving, pacing, positioning, and adaptive equipment. Furthermore, participants demonstrated that this can be done within a range of settings. It starts with a commitment and the motivation to find a way.
Markets, mis‐direction and motives: A factual analysis of hoarding and speculation in southern Murray–Darling Basin water markets
Authors: Loch Adam , Auricht Christopher , Adamson David , Mateo Luis
Published: February 2021

There is a long history of concern about speculation in water markets, and potential adverse impacts on agricultural water users. However, applications of traditional analysis into price increase drivers in water markets are challenging due to data limitations. To address this, we use speculation theory, most notably Hirshleifer’s four fundamentals for speculative trade, to examine whether speculation or hoarding price increase drivers are evident in Australia’s largest water market, the southern Murray–Darling Basin. While speculation is likely, and with good reason given the gains possible, we find no evidence of hoarding behaviour in market price or volume trends. It is more plausible that agricultural sectors – notably horticultural users – have driven price increases given their requirements to access water at any cost during periods of low supply. These findings conform to theoretical expectations and help to inform badly needed insights into water market fundamentals required for future analysis. Overall, calls for stricter market controls on non‐agricultural water users are not supported by our findings. However, greater transparency in water market and broker activity, arising from substantial improvements in the underlying data and trade regulations associated with water markets, would be an ideal outcome from any public police extension.
How can collaborative practices be supported in an era of new public governance? Lessons from an education initiative
Authors: Noone Jack , Salignac Fanny , Saunders Isabella
Published: February 2021

The changing nature of organisations in the public sector means that collaboration is an imperative for many. However, we still know little about how collaborations operate in practice. Those stewarding collaborations need this knowledge to provide effective support. In this article, we are interested in applying Salignac et al.’s Collaboration Health Assessment Tool (CHAT) framework to a live collaboration initiative to better understand the factors, chain of events, and actions that lead to ‘healthy’ collaboration. We conducted interviews with stakeholders from a collaboration initiative involved in the implementation of an education participation program. Findings from our qualitative analysis suggest the initial design stage to be of critical importance. Ultimately, our research provides an example of how CHAT can be used to identify dimensions of collaboration that are, or are not, working well for an initiative and how partner organisations can use systems thinking to understand how their collaboration functions to better address the issues that they face.
Modeling allelic analyte signals for aSTRs in NGS DNA profiles
Authors: Cheng Kevin , Lin Meng‐Han , Moreno Lilliana , Skillman Jessica , Hickey Stephanie , Cuenca Daniela , Hudlow William R. , Just Rebecca , Bright Jo‐Anne , Buckleton John , Curran James M.
Published: February 2021

We describe an adaption of Bright et al.’s work modeling peak height variability in CE‐DNA profiles to the modeling of allelic aSTR (autosomal short tandem repeats) read counts from NGS‐DNA profiles, specifically for profiles generated from the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit, DNA Primer Mix B. Bright et al.’s model consists of three key components within the estimation of total allelic product—template, locus‐specific amplification efficiencies, and degradation. In this work, we investigated the two mass parameters—template and locus‐specific amplification efficiencies—and used MLE (maximum likelihood estimation) and MCMC (Markov chain Monte Carlo) methods to obtain point estimates to calculate the total allelic product. The expected read counts for alleles were then calculated after proportioning some of the expected stutter product from the total allelic product. Due to preferential amplicon selection introduced by the sample purification beads, degradation is difficult to model from the aSTR outputs alone. Improved modeling of the locus‐specific amplification efficiencies may mask the effects of degradation. Whilst this model could be improved by introducing locus specific variances in addition to locus specific priors, our results demonstrate the suitability of adapting Bright et al.’s allele peak height model for NGS‐DNA profiles. This model could be incorporated into continuous probabilistic interpretation approaches for mixed DNA profiles.
Differentiating Pu‐erh raw tea from different geographical origins by1H‐NMR and U‐HPLC/Q‐TOF‐MS combined with chemometrics
Authors: Wu Xia , Liu Ying , Guo Jieqing , Wang Juanxia , Li Meizhen , Tan Youzhen , Zheng Qifan , Feng Yifan
Published: February 2021

Pu‐erh tea is believed to be a beneficial beverage for health due to its many kinds of pharmacological effects. Nevertheless, detailed information related to differences in metabolites of Pu‐erh raw tea from different geographical origins remains scarce. In this study, 43 elements were found in water‐soluble components of Pu‐erh raw tea by highly sensitive ultra‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (U‐HPLC/Q‐TOF‐MS). The characteristic groups of 29 metabolites from nondestructive proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) spectroscopy were assigned. The variables contributed largely to the origin classification, mainly including valine, threonine, chlorogenic acid, quinic acid, epiafzelechin, and gallic acid ester, were screened out by sparse partial least squares discriminant analysis (sPLS‐DA) method. This study provided a feasible and rapid technique for distinguishing Pu‐erh tea from different areas by1H‐NMR combined with sPLS‐DA.
Osteosarcoma of the anterior maxilla mimicking a periapical pathology: A case report
Authors: Pires Mariana Domingos , Martins Jorge N. R. , Dias Gonçalo Seguro , Doutel Delfim , Ordinola‐Zapata Ronald
Published: February 2021

Osteosarcomas of the jaws (OSJ) are difficult to diagnose, rare malignant lesions, with uncharacteristic radiographic and clinical presentation. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to improve long‐term prognosis. The current report presents a rare case of a primary conventional osteoblastic osteosarcoma of the anterior maxilla in a 25‐year‐old female. She presented to a private dental clinic after developing pain, facial oedema and palpation tenderness of a mass associated with the upper right lateral incisor. The signs and symptoms mimicked very closely a regular radiolucent and symptomatic periapical pathology, and the definitive diagnosis was only possible through a combination of clinical, radiographic and histopathological findings. The patient was referred to an oncology facility, where she was submitted to radical excision surgery through a hemi‐maxillectomy. Although other pathologies are uncommon, the differential diagnosis of lesions compatible with odontogenic periapical pathology should not be neglected.
Effect of injectable progestin‐only contraceptives, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and norethisterone enanthate, on cytokine production during T‐cell activation
Authors: Matubu Allen T. , Hillier Sharon L. , Meyn Leslie A. , Stoner Kevin A. , Mhlanga Felix , Mbizvo Mike , Maramba Aaron , Chirenje Zvavahera M. , Achilles Sharon L.
Published: February 2021

Problem

There is paucity of human data about the effects of depot medroxyprogesterone (DMPA) and norethisterone enanthate (Net‐En) use on systemic immune function, which may have implications for reproductive tract infection susceptibility and transmissibility. We sought to evaluate the impact of injectable contraceptive use on T‐cell responsiveness using T cells exposed in vivo and tested ex vivo.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from healthy, HIV‐negative women after 30, 90 and 180 days of DMPA, norethisterone enanthate (Net‐En) or copper intrauterine device (Cu‐IUD) contraceptive use. Cells were stimulated ex vivo with phorbol myristate acetate and ionomycin, stained and analysed using flow cytometry. Mixed‐effects linear models were used to evaluate change in proportions of T cells producing IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐4 and IL‐13.

Results

Compared with baseline, decreased proportions of IFN‐γ–producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (p = .003, p = .006, respectively) and TNF‐α–producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (p = .039, p = .034, respectively) were observed after 180 days of DMPA use. Decreased IL‐4–producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (p = .045 and p = .024, respectively) were noted after 180 days of Net‐En use. Decreased IL‐4–producing CD4+ T cells were observed after 30 days (p = .035) and not after 180 days of DMPA use (p = .49). There were no changes in proportion of T cells producing IL‐13 in DMPA users, nor any changes in IFN‐γ, TNF‐α and IL‐13 in Net‐En and Cu‐IUD users.

Conclusion

In vivo exposure of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to typical pharmacologic concentrations of DMPA does not cause broad suppression to stimuli; however, depletion of specific cytokine‐producing T cells may occur after prolonged DMPA use.
Trust amid “trust deficit”
Authors: SARAF ADITI
Published: February 2021

In Kashmir, traders used the term “trust deficit” both to refer to the lack of faith in the Indian state, and to the mistrust that tinged credit transactions within their own community. Although trust‐based informal credit had been undermined by political violence and mistrust, it remained the basis of capital and commodity circulation in the marketplace, challenging normative assumptions of trust as a prerequisite for credit. The concept of reflective improvidence illuminates how traders maintained economic relations amid violence and volatility by deviating from traditional practices of forecast that are commonly drawn on to determine credit transactions. Instead, the open temporal dynamic between trust and credit emerged as a site where traders transformed commercial and political relations in the flux of war and uncertain futures. Traders forged collectivities that, however tenuous, resisted the communalized narratives that sought to frame the Kashmir conflict. [violence, commerce, trust, credit, frontiers, war economy, Srinagar, Kashmir]
Gallbladder carcinoma outcomes in an Australian tertiary referral hospital
Authors: Wietsma Marianne F. T. , Molloy Charles , Bhimani Nazim , de Savornin Lohman Elise A. J. , Gill Anthony J. , Andrici Juliana , Samra Jaswinder , de Reuver Philip R. , Hugh Thomas J.
Published: February 2021

Background

This study aimed to examine the presentation, treatment, and long‐term outcomes of patients with gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) managed in a surgical unit of an Australian tertiary referral hospital of a 19‐year period.

Methods

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data of patients with GBC managed in the Royal North Shore Upper GI Surgical department from October 1999 to March 2018.

Results

A total of 104 patients with GBC were identified: 36 patients underwent palliative treatment, 61 patients with gallbladder adenocarcinoma underwent resection with curative intent. Seven patients were excluded. ‘Simple cholecystectomy’ was undertaken in eight patients, ‘standard radical cholecystectomy’ in 37 and ‘extended radical resection’ in 16. The median survival in these patients was 35 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 21.29–55.10), with a median follow up of 60 months (95% CI 38.18–78.39). This compares with an overall median survival of only 4.00 months (95% CI 2.79–6.24) in patients who did not undergo a potentially curative resection. Independent predictors of poor long‐term survival included an elevated preoperative serum tumour marker, advanced tumour stage (T3/T4) or node positive disease (N1/N2).

Conclusion

The biology and stage of GBC at presentation are major factors in determining patient outcome. There is a need for better pre‐ and post‐operative predictors to improve risk stratification, and these are likely to be in the form of molecular markers. Although the focus of surgery should be to ensure an R0 resection, patients with advanced stage disease need to be carefully selected for surgical intervention, and ideally should be managed by a multidisciplinary team in a specialist centre.
Relationship status and mental and physical health among Polish and American young adults: The role of relationship satisfaction and satisfaction with relationship status
Authors: Adamczyk Katarzyna , Barr Ashley B. , Segrin Chris
Published: February 2021

There is growing recognition that relationship factors besides relationship status play an important role in young adults’ mental and physical health. This study explored the concurrent (between‐individual) and longitudinal (within‐individual) associations between relationship status, relationship satisfaction, satisfaction with relationship status, and varied dimensions of health in samples of Polish and U.S. young adults. Data from young adults (aged 18–34 at Wave 1) were collected in a three‐wave investigation in Poland and in the USA with one‐year intervals between each of the measurements. The cross‐sectional analyses demonstrated that individuals in relationships reported better health, particularly if they were in a higher‐quality relationship. The fixed‐effects models showed that relationship quality was a much more consistent and powerful predictor of health than was relationship status; however, for depression, satisfaction with relationship status was an independent contributor to health. Cross‐cultural analyses revealed a stronger link between partner status and depression and emotional well‐being, and relationship satisfaction and psychological well‐being among Polish young adults than their American counterparts. The results demonstrated that characteristics of relationships and satisfaction with relationship status matter more for changes in health than relationship status alone and that these links may differ by cultural context.
Effectiveness of NoiBene: A Web‐based programme to promote psychological well‐being and prevent psychological distress in university students
Authors: Di Consiglio Micaela , Fabrizi Gloria , Conversi David , La Torre Giuseppe , Pascucci Tiziana , Lombardo Caterina , Violani Cristiano , Couyoumdjian Alessandro
Published: February 2021

Mental health problems are very common among university students. NoiBene is an evidence‐based intervention for the promotion of well‐being and the prevention of psychological distress among university students. NoiBene was tested in two studies. In study 1, a randomized controlled pilot trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy of NoiBene on students’ well‐being, emotional awareness, emotion regulation and assertiveness. The degree of satisfaction with the intervention was also investigated. Students (n = 24) were assigned to either the NoiBene programme or a control condition. In study 2, to confirm the usefulness of NoiBene, we analysed data from the current use of NoiBene (n = 178). The effectiveness of NoiBene on transdiagnostic mechanisms (perfectionism, repetitive thinking and experiential avoidance) was also investigated. In study 1, NoiBene improved self‐acceptance and increased the ability to identify feelings. Students reported a good level of perceived usefulness. In study 2, the results confirmed findings from the first study and suggested that NoiBene can improve emotional awareness and decrease transdiagnostic mechanisms. NoiBene is a promising tool that can improve students' psychological well‐being. More control studies are mandatory.
Identifying factors that contribute to military veterans’ post‐military well‐being
Authors: Vogt Dawne , King Matthew W. , Borowski Shelby , Finley Erin P. , Perkins Daniel F. , Copeland Laurel A.
Published: February 2021

Prior research has examined the independent effects of demographic and military characteristics, trauma history, and coping resources on military veterans’ health. However, there is limited knowledge of how these factors intersect with one another and with veterans’ health to impact their broader well‐being as they readjust to civilian life. Data for this study were drawn from a longitudinal investigation of the health and broader well‐being of U.S. veterans (N = 7150) who had recently left military service. Machine learning analyses (random forests of regression trees) were used to examine how factors assessed shortly after military separation were associated with veterans’ well‐being approximately a year later. Veterans who endorsed the combination of low depression, high social support, and high psychological resilience were most likely to report high well‐being a year later. Neither demographic and military characteristics nor trauma history emerged as strong predictors of veterans’ well‐being when considered in the context of other factors. Although most predictors were similar for women and men, depression was a stronger predictor of women's well‐being. Results highlight the importance of screening for and intervening with veterans who report high depression, low social support, and low psychological resilience when leaving military service. These findings can inform efforts to promote veterans’ post‐military well‐being.
Laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy in advanced gastric cancer: Postoperative outcomes and long‐term survival analysis
Authors: Chittawadagi Bhushan , Nayak Sunil K. , Ramakrishnan Parthasarathi , Kumar Saravana , Cumar Bharath , Natarajan Ramesh , Palanivelu Praveen R. , Chinnusamy Palanivelu
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Data on laparoscopic treatment of operable gastric cancer from India is sparse. This study aims to document outcomes of laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy in an Indian population.

Materials and methods

Data of patients who underwent laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy for operable advanced gastric cancer between February 2012 and January 2017 were collected from electronic hospital records supplemented by telephonic interviews and analyzed. Survival was evaluated using Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis curves.

Results

In total 121 patients were included. Conversion to open gastrectomy was 5.7%. One hundred and fourteen patients (73 laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy and 41 laparoscopic total gastrectomy) were included for analysis. D2 lymphadenectomy was done in all cases; mean number of dissected lymph nodes was 23.12 ± 9.14 (12–45). Major complications (Clavien‐Dindo Grade III and IV) was seen in 6.1% of cases with reoperation rate of 3.5% (4/114). Stage 3 disease was seen in 60.6% cases and stage 2 disease in 32.5%. Follow‐up data were available for 76.3% of patients with mean follow‐up of 29.5 months. Overall survival across all stages was 38.7 months. Five‐year disease‐free survival and overall survival were 36.7% and 55.9% respectively, across all stages.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy is safe, feasible with similar postoperative complications and comparable survival outcomes across all stages when compared to available literature on open gastrectomy cases.
The association between cigarette smoking and efavirenz plasma concentration using the population pharmacokinetic approach
Authors: Chow Ngah Kuan , Harun Sabariah Noor , Wong E‐Jinq , Low Lee Lee , Sheikh Ghadzi Siti Maisharah , Khan Amer Hayat
Published: February 2021

Aims

Efavirenz is still widely used as the preferred first‐line antiretroviral agent in middle‐ and low‐income countries, including Malaysia. The efavirenz population pharmacokinetic profile among HIV‐positive smokers is still unknown. We aimed to assess the association of smoking with efavirenz and the differences in HIV clinical outcomes.

Methods

A total of 154 stable HIV‐positive patients on efavirenz in northern Malaysia were recruited with a sparse sampling for this multicentre prospective cohort study. The association between smoking and efavirenz pharmacokinetic parameters was determined using the nonlinear mixed‐effect model. A mixture model of clearance was adopted to describe the metaboliser status because genetic data are unavailable. The effect of smoking on HIV clinical markers (CD4, CD4/CD8 ratio and viral blips) for at least 2 years after the antiretroviral initiation was also investigated.

Results

Our data were best fitted with a 1‐compartment mixture model with first‐order absorption without lag time. Smoking significantly associated with higher clearance (β = 1.39; 95% confidence interval: 1.07 to 1.91), while weight affected both clearance and volume. From the mixture model, 20% of patients were in the slow clearance group, which mimic the genotype distribution of slow metaboliser. An efavirenz dose reduction is not recommended for smokers ≥60 kg with normal metabolism rate. Smoking significantly associated with slower normalisation of CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratio.

Conclusions

HIV‐positive smokers presented with significantly higher efavirenz clearance and unfavourable clinical outcomes. Close monitoring of adherence and clinical response among smokers is warranted.
Regulation of the conserved 3′‐5′ exoribonuclease EXOSC10/Rrp6 during cell division, development and cancer
Authors: Stuparević Igor , Novačić Ana , Rahmouni A. Rachid , Fernandez Anne , Lamb Ned , Primig Michael
Published: February 2021

The conserved 3′‐5′ exoribonuclease EXOSC10/Rrp6 processes and degrades RNA, regulates gene expression and participates in DNA double‐strand break repair and control of telomere maintenance via degradation of the telomerase RNA component. EXOSC10/Rrp6 is part of the multimeric nuclear RNA exosome and interacts with numerous proteins. Previous clinical, genetic, biochemical and genomic studies revealed the protein's essential functions in cell division and differentiation, its RNA substrates and its relevance to autoimmune disorders and oncology. However, little is known about the regulatory mechanisms that control the transcription, translation and stability of EXOSC10/Rrp6 during cell growth, development and disease and how these mechanisms evolved from yeast to human. Herein, we provide an overview of the RNA‐ and protein expression profiles of EXOSC10/Rrp6 during cell division, development and nutritional stress, and we summarize interaction networks and post‐translational modifications across species. Additionally, we discuss how known and predicted protein interactions and post‐translational modifications influence the stability of EXOSC10/Rrp6. Finally, we explore the idea that different EXOSC10/Rrp6 alleles, which potentially alter cellular protein levels or affect protein function, might influence human development and disease progression. In this review we interpret information from the literature together with genomic data from knowledgebases to inspire future work on the regulation of this essential protein's stability in normal and malignant cells.
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy‐related inflammation and dementia
Authors: Sakai Kenji , Yamada Masahito
Published: February 2021

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a disorder characterized by deposition of amyloid on the leptomeningeal and cortical blood vessels. Sporadic amyloid β (Aβ)‐type CAA is the most common type of CAA. Although CAA is well known as a cause of recurrent cerebral lobar hemorrhage, inflammation and vasculitis (CAA‐related inflammation [CAA‐ri]) induced by deposited Aβ on the vessel walls is emerging as a treatable condition. Furthermore, dementia could develop regardless of the presence of Alzheimer's disease pathology. The estimated total number and prevalence of CAA‐ri in Japan was reported as follows: 170 and 0.13 per 100 000 population, respectively. The estimated total number of CAA‐related intracerebral hemorrhage was 5900. The crude prevalence rate of CAA‐related intracerebral hemorrhage was 4.64 per 100 000 population. The patients with CAA‐ri show acute or subacute‐onset cognitive impairment, behavioral changes and headache. Brain magnetic resonance imaging is a useful tool for the diagnosis of CAA‐ri, showing asymmetrical white matter abnormalities and occasional meningeal enhancement. Furthermore, elevation of anti‐Aβ antibodies and inflammatory markers in the cerebrospinal fluid would be useful for clinical diagnosis. Clinical diagnostic criteria were proposed; however, neuropathological examination obtained by brain biopsy is still warranted to confirm severe Aβ deposition and vasculopathic changes with lymphocytic infiltrations and/or granulomatous vasculitis. No validated protocol of treatment has been established. Nearly 80% of the patients with CAA‐ri improved after immunosuppressant therapy, including corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide. Early treatment is necessary to prevent the development of irreversible sequela in the brain.
Mandibular residual ridge morphology in relation to complete dentures and implant overdentures–PartII: Predictors for effectiveness of implant overdenture therapy
Authors: Xia Yuning , Ma Chufan , Chen Jihua , Witter Dick J. , Zhang Qian , Creugers Nico H. J.
Published: February 2021

Background

The significance of mandibular residual ridge height and satisfaction with conventional complete dentures (CCD) as predictors for the added value of implant‐overdenture (IOD) therapy is unknown.

Purpose

To investigate the predictive value of thresholds for (1) residual ridge height at premolar location (PRH), and (2) satisfaction with CCD‐stability for the added value of two intraforaminal implants supporting the mandibular CCD.

Methods

Thirty CCD wearing patients (67.9 ± 7.0 years) for whom a new CCD was advised, received a new CCD. Mandibular gypsum models were digitally measured. After 3 months free of complaints (T1), perceived CCD‐stability was evaluated, and participants received two intraforaminal implants. At T1 and T2 (3 months free of complaints after IOD therapy) participants completed OHIP14‐CN, and denture satisfaction (VAS) questionnaires, and performed mixing ability tests. Participants were grouped according to PRH of ≥6.15 mm versus < 6.15 mm, and perceived CCD‐stability satisfied vs. dissatisfied. Scores at T2 were compared to T1 (pairedt‐tests). Predictive values of PRH and CCD‐stability were analyzed with logistic multivariate regression models.

Results

At T2, only participants with PRH of <6.15 mm or dissatisfied with CCD‐stability had significant lower OHIP‐total and domain scores for 'physical pain' and 'physical disability' and significantly higher VAS scores for perceived chewing function, denture retention and oral comfort. Regression analyses showed that participants with PRH of <6.15 mm, or dissatisfied with CCD‐stability had significantly higher chance for lower OHIP‐total and domain scores 'physical pain' and 'physical disability', and for higher VAS scores for perceived chewing function, denture retention and oral comfort at T2. Masticatory performance improved significantly after IOD therapy, but independent of PRH and CCD‐stability.

Conclusion

PRH and satisfaction with CCD‐stability were adequate prognostic indicators for improvement of oral health‐related quality of life and denture satisfaction by mandibular IOD therapy.
Importance of deepening integration of crime and conservation sciences
Authors: Gore Meredith L. , Bennett Abigail
Published: February 2021

Conservation crime is a globally distributed societal problem. Conservation crime science, an emerging interdisciplinary field, has the potential to help address this problem. However, its utility depends on serious reflection on the transposition of crime science approaches to conservation contexts, which may differ in meaningful ways from traditional crime contexts. We considered the breadth of crime science approaches being used in conservation as well as the depth of crime science integration in conservation. We used the case of sea cucumber (Holothuria floridana, Isostichopus badionotus) trafficking in Mexico as an example of why the interdisciplinarity of crime and conservation sciences should be deepened and how integration can help ideate new solutions. We first conducted a review of literature to capture the range of interdisciplinarity applications. We identified 6 crime science approaches being applied to the conservation contexts of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; wildlife and plant crime; and illegal logging. We then compared this knowledge base to the case of illegal sea cucumber fishing in Mexico. We identified 5 challenges in the application of these approaches to conservation contexts: the relative diffusion of harms and victims in conservation crimes; scalar mismatches in crime, authority, and the conservation issue itself; interactions between legal and illegal networks; communities and their authority to define and control crime; and the role of natural science in the rule of law. Considering these 5 factors may enhance the depth of interdisciplinarity between crime and conservation sciences. Nurturing interdisciplinary crime and conservation science will expand innovation and help accelerate successful risk management programs and other policy agendas.