bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracking tendon fibers to their insertion – a 3D analysis of the Achilles tendon enthesis in mice
Authors: Sartori Julian , Stark Heiko
Published: February 2020

Tendon insertions to bone are heavily loaded transitions between soft and hard tissues. The fiber courses in the tendon have profound effects on the distribution of stress along and across the insertion. We tracked fibers of the Achilles tendon in mice in micro-computed tomographies and extracted virtual transversal sections. The fiber tracks and shapes were analyzed from a position in the free tendon to the insertion with regard to their mechanical consequences. The fiber number was found to stay about constant along the tendon. But the fiber cross-sectional areas decrease towards the insertion. The fibers mainly interact due to tendon twist, while branching only creates small branching clusters with low levels of divergence along the tendon. The highest fiber curvatures were found within the unmineralized entheseal fibrocartilage. The fibers inserting at a protrusion of the insertion area form a distinct portion within the tendon. Tendon twist is expected to contribute to a homogeneous distribution of stress among the fibers. According to the low cross-sectional areas and the high fiber curvatures, tensile and compressive stress are expected to peak at the insertion. These findings raise the question whether the insertion is reinforced in terms of fiber strength or by other load-bearing components besides the fibers.
Lanthanide-dependent alcohol dehydrogenases require an essential aspartate residue for metal coordination and function
Authors: Good Nathan M. , Fellner Matthias , Demirer Kemal , Hu Jian , Hausinger Robert P. , Martinez-Gomez N. Cecilia
Published: February 2020

The presence of lanthanide elements (Ln3+) and pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) containing cofactors in XoxF methanol dehydrogenases (MDHs) and ExaF ethanol dehydrogenases (EDHs) has expanded the list of biological elements and opened novel areas of metabolism and ecology. Other MDHs known as MxaFIs are related in sequence and structure to these proteins, yet they instead possess a Ca2+-PQQ cofactor. An important missing piece of the Ln3+puzzle is defining what protein features distinguish enzymes using Ln3+-PQQ cofactors from those that do not. In this study, we investigated the functional importance of a proposed lanthanide-coordinating aspartate using XoxF1 MDH from the model methylotrophic bacteriumMethylorubrum extorquensAM1. We report two crystal structures of XoxF1, one containing PQQ and the other free of this organic molecule, both with La3+bound in the active site region and coordinated by Asp320. Using constructs to produce either recombinant XoxF1 or its D320A variant, we show Asp320 is needed forin vivocatalytic function,in vitroactivity of purified enzyme, and coordination of La3+. XoxF1 and XoxF1 D320A, when produced in the absence of La3+, coordinate Ca2+, but exhibit little or no catalytic activity. In addition, we generated the parallel substitution to produce ExaF D319S, and showed the enzyme loses the capacity for efficient ethanol oxidation with La3+. These results provide empirical evidence of an essential Ln3+-coordinating aspartate for the function of XoxF MDHs and ExaF EDHs; thus, supporting the suggestion that sequences of these enzymes, and the genes that encode them, are markers for Ln3+metabolism.
Community responses during the early phase of the COVID-19 epidemic in Hong Kong: risk perception, information exposure and preventive measures
Authors: Kwok Kin On , Li Kin-Kit , Hin Chan Henry Ho , Yi Yuan Yuan , Tang Arthur , Wei Wan In , Shan Wong Samuel Yeung
Published: February 2020

Background

Community responses are important for outbreak management during the early phase when non-pharmaceutical interventions are the major preventive options. Therefore, this study aims to examine the psychological and behavioral responses of the community during the early phase of the COVID-19 epidemic in Hong Kong.

Method

A cross-sectional online survey was launched within 36 hours after confirmed COVID-19 cases were first reported. Councilors of all 452 district council constituency areas were approached for survey dissemination. Respondent demographics, anxiety level, risk perception, sources to retrieve COVID-19 information, actual adoption and perceived efficacy of precautionary measures were collected.

Result

Analysis from 1715 complete responses indicated high perceived susceptibility (89%) and high perceived severity (97%). Most respondents were worried about COVID-19 (97%), and had their daily routines disrupted (slightly/greatly: 98%). The anxiety level, measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, was borderline abnormal (9.01). Nearly all respondents were alert to the disease progression (99.5%). The most trusted information sources were doctors (84%), followed by broadcast (57%) and newspaper (54%), but they were not common information sources (doctor: 5%; broadcast: 34%; newspaper: 40%). Only 16% respondents found official websites reliable. Enhanced personal hygiene practices and travel avoidance to China were frequently adopted (>77%) and considered effective (>90%). The adoption of social-distancing measures was lower (39%-88%), and their drivers for greater adoption include: being female (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:1.27), living in the New Territories (aOR:1.32-1.55), perceived as having good understanding of COVID-19 (aOR:1.84) and being more anxious (aOR:1.07).

Discussion

Risk perception towards COVID-19 in the community was high. Most respondents are alert to the disease progression, and adopt self-protective measures. This study contributes by examining the psycho-behavioral responses of hosts, in addition to the largely studied mechanistic aspects, during the early phase of the current COVID-19 epidemic. The timely psychological and behavioral assessment of the community is useful to inform subsequent interventions and risk communication strategies as the epidemic progresses.
Computerized content analysis of online data – opportunities for marketing scholars and practitioners
Authors: Kietzmann Jan , Pitt Leyland F.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the main developments from the early days of manual content analysis to the adoption of computer-assisted content analysis and the emerging artificial intelligence (AI)-supported ways to analyze content (primarily text) in marketing and consumer research. A further aim is to outline the many opportunities these new methods offer to marketing scholars and practitioners facing new types of data.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper maps our methods used for content analysis in marketing and consumer research.

Findings

This paper concludes that many new and emerging forms of unstructured data provide a wealth of insight that is neglected by existing content analysis methods. The main findings of this paper support the fact that emerging methods of making sense of such consumer data will take us beyond text and eventually lead to the adoption of AI-supported tools for all types of content and media.

Originality/value

This paper provides a broad summary of nearly five decades of content analysis in consumer and marketing research. It concludes that, much like in the past, today’s research focuses on the producers of the words than the words themselves and urges researchers to use AI and machine learning to extract meaning and value from the oceans of text and other content generated by organizations and their customers.
Perpetrator or victim? A review of the complexities of domestic violence cases
Authors: Hamel John Marc
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a review of research on the merits of public policy and law enforcement responses to intimate partner violence (IPV) in the USA using prevalence rates and dynamics of IPV.

Design/methodology/approach

A reading of recent comprehensive literature reviews was supplemented by a PsychInfo search of relevant articles published in peer-reviewed journals.

Findings

Laws against IPV in the USA have been enforced much more vigorously in comparison with most of the world, many of which have no such laws at all. While more perpetrators have been held accountable for their actions – increasing the safety of victims – many perpetrators are never brought to justice, and “mandatory arrest” laws sometimes result in arrests being made with a scant evidence of wrongdoing. This state of affairs can be traced two key factors. First, the persistence of the gender paradigm – an outdated and discredited set of assumptions about the role of gender in IPV – as formulated by battered women’s advocates, which has informed IPV public policy for several decades. Second, the complex nature of IPV, a phenomenon that mostly happens behind closed doors, varies widely in frequency, intensity, mutuality and impact on victims, and it cannot easily be framed in binary victim/perpetrator terms.

Practical implications

The arrest and prosecution of possibly innocent individuals is in violation of due process and mitigates against our common efforts to reduce IPV in our communities.

Originality/value

A compact summary of the relevant IPV policy literature is presented with a focus on an under-studied topic, i.e. the problems inherent in the categorization of individuals as either victims or perpetrators and the failure to recognize the inherently complex nature of IPV.
Multinational enterprises motivational factors in capitalizing emerging market opportunities and preparedness of India
Authors: Bhattacheryay Suranjan
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to heighten intrinsic advantages, dis-advantages, being enjoyed by emerging country firms and the motivational factors that influence multinational enterprises (MNEs) to establish long-lasting relationship with emerging economies. The study also highlights the steps initiated by India by executing reform friendly foreign direct investment policy to attract foreign investments.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is descriptive in nature, based on secondary data, sourced from various reports of India Government and the Central Bank of India.

Findings

The Indian economy has undergone profound and substantial liberalization and made sweeping reforms in most of its sectors besides adopting internationalization policy agendas to upkeep their domestic firms in “going global”. However, India needs to amend the existing restrictive labour and land laws besides providing efficient employable workforce. India further needs a less cash economy, which ultimately marches into digitized credit system to build India as one of the best attractive countries in the eyes of global investors.

Research limitations/implications

As the study is based on secondary data, it may be general, in explicit and may not be perfect in concluding decision.

Social implications

MNEs play a major force in driving globalization of the world economy. However, MNEs face a variety of complex and multiple challenges in establishing strategic control over emerging economies. In spite of all odds, MNEs generate and capture value to host country firms by applying unique business models besides combining with or buying a foreign business.

Originality/value

Investment flows to India for the past 15 years (2005-2019) are critically analysed to justify research questions. Further, in the literature “Preparedness of India”, a lot of new interesting insights, incorporated.
Knowledge sharing and technological innovation capabilities of Chinese software SMEs
Authors: Yao Jianguo , Crupi Antonio , Di Minin Alberto , Zhang Xumei
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how knowledge sharing influences technological innovation capability (TIC) of the software small- and medium-sized enterprises (SSMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the theories regarding knowledge management, TIC, software engineering and open innovation, this paper constructed a research model comprising factors affecting knowledge sharing, knowledge sharing and TIC, and then tested the model quantitatively. The study focuses on SSMEs in China collecting 457 online questionnaires and uses a structural equation model to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The knowledge sharing culture, organizational structure, middle-level leadership and management system have significantly positive effects on tacit knowledge sharing; management system and IT support have significantly positive effects on explicit knowledge sharing; both explicit and tacit knowledge sharing have significantly positive effects on TIC.

Research limitations/implications

The study enriches the research on knowledge sharing and TIC. However, it does not consider factors affecting knowledge sharing at the non-organizational level or the interaction between explicit and tacit knowledge sharing.

Practical implications

The study offers several recommendations/suggestions for helping SSMEs to promote and implement explicit or tacit knowledge sharing and TIC.

Originality/value

This paper examines the impact of knowledge sharing on TIC from the perspective of knowledge management deconstructing knowledge sharing from the epistemological dimension and the TIC of software companies on the basis of software engineering theory. It provided a new theoretical perspective for the research of knowledge management and technological innovation management in SSMEs.
Visual storytelling on Instagram: branded photo narrative and the role of telepresence
Authors: Lim Heejin , Childs Michelle
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The new focus of brand communication in social media has driven firms to develop the effective visual content strategy. In light of narrative transportation theory, this study aims to investigate the impact of a photo’s narrative elements on self-brand connection through viewers’ transportation and emotional responses. Additionally, this study tests the role of telepresence on Instagram in this psychological mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

Using between-subjects experimental design, two experimental studies test the effect of implied movement (Study 1) and diverse narrative elements such as a character, implied motion for chronology and the relevant background (Study 2).

Findings

Results demonstrate that a single narrative element, i.e. implied motion, does not induce a viewer’s transportation to the presented image. Rather, the viewer’s transportation occurs as a function of complex and diverse narrative elements, such as implied motion and the background as a context.

Practical implications

Findings suggest that the concept of photo narrative should be taken into consideration in a visually-oriented social media environment. To increase self-brand connection, social media communication should be designed with diverse elements to promote viewers’ active simulation and create meaning to the branded photo story.

Originality/value

This study expands the theory of narrative transportation by applying it to a visual form. Additionally, this research investigates the effect of social media communication on self-brand connection; the findings of this study demonstrate that a major goal of social media communication is not to sell products but to strengthen consumer-brand relationships through branded storytelling.
Exchange ideology and employee creativity: a moderated mediation analysis
Authors: Song Zhigang , Gu Qinxuan
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between exchange ideology and employee creativity based on the social exchange perspective. It also attempts to examine the mediating role of perceived shared leadership and the moderating role of vertical moral leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

Multilevel and multisource data were collected from 56 research and development (R&D) teams with 306 employees. Hypotheses were tested with multilevel path analysis.

Findings

The authors found that exchange ideology was negatively related to both perceived shared leadership and employee creativity, and perceived shared leadership mediated the relationship between exchange ideology and employee creativity. Moreover, we revealed that vertical moral leadership buffered the negative relationship between employee exchange ideology and perceived shared leadership and also the indirect effect of exchange ideology on employee creativity via perceived shared leadership.

Research limitations/implications

Organizations should select employees with a relatively weak exchange ideology when forming teams to conduct creative tasks. Moreover, team leaders should make great efforts to facilitate the development of shared leadership among team members while to be a moral leader.

Originality/value

This study extends creativity literature by investigating the effect of exchange ideology on employee creativity. It also sheds lights on leadership research by examining the mediating role of perceived shared leadership and the moderating role of vertical moral leadership.
Optimising nature conservation outcomes for a given region‐wide level of food production
Authors: Finch Tom , Green Rhys E. , Massimino Dario , Peach Will J. , Balmford Andrew
Published: February 2020

The land sharing‐sparing framework aims to quantify the trade‐off between food production and biodiversity conservation, but it has been criticized for offering, for reasons of simplicity, an unrealistically limited set of different land uses.

Here, we develop the framework to evaluate a much larger suite of land‐use strategies in which the areas and yields of three land‐use compartments - natural habitat, high‐yield farmland, and lower‐yield farmland - are varied simultaneously. For two regions of England, we use functions that relate the local population density of breeding bird species to farm yield to simulate species‐specific region‐wide population sizes under each strategy.

We find that geometric mean population size, averaged across all species, is maximized when farmland yields are higher than the current average yield, and when spared land combines both natural habitat and low‐yield farmland. This conclusion is relatively insensitive to the maximum yield considered feasible under extreme land sparing, and holds across a range of region‐wide food production targets.

To some extent, our conclusion depends on which species groups were included in the assessment. Considered alone, farmland birds preferred a strategy with little or no natural habitat. Nonetheless, the optimal strategy was broadly consistent across all widely recognized listings of species of conservation concern.

Synthesis and applications. Our study looks at landscapes with a long history of agricultural use, and which have little remaining natural habitat, such as those found in lowland England. In these landscapes, conservation outcomes are likely to be maximized by mixed strategies in which high‐yield production enables an increase in area of both natural habitat and low‐yield farmland elsewhere in the region.
The contribution of semi‐natural habitats to biological control is dependent on sentinel prey type
Authors: McHugh Niamh M. , Moreby Steve , Lof Marjolein E. , Van der Werf Wopke , Holland John M.
Published: February 2020

It is widely recognized that landscape factors affect the biological control of weed seeds and insect pests in arable crops, but landscape effects have been found to be inconsistent between studies.

Here, we compare six different types of sentinels (surrogate prey that was either live insects or seeds) to measure the effects of semi‐natural habitats at field to landscape scales on levels of biological control in winter wheat in the UK. Sentinels were located in fields adjacent to three boundary types: grassy margin, hedgerows or woodland to study the local scale effects and in landscapes of varying heterogeneity in study areas of 1‐km radius.

Overall, mean levels of predation were higher for most insect prey (60.8%) located on the ground compared to the crop (12.2%) and was lower for seeds (5.8%). Predation of sentinels on the ground was attributed to generalist predators. Semi‐natural habitats had both positive and negative effects at field and landscape scales, but the response varied with the sentinel type. Herbaceous linear semi‐natural habitats had positive effects at local scales for Calliphora vomitoria and Sitobion avenae sentinels and provide evidence that farmers can introduce linear herbaceous features to benefit biological control. In contrast, our distance‐weighted kernel models identified a positive relationship between woody habitats and the predation of C. vomitoria and Chenopodium album. Natural aphid infestations were lower in landscapes with more semi‐natural habitat.

Synthesis and applications. Sentinels may be sensitive enough to detect variation in levels of biological control influenced by semi‐natural habitats, but this study confirms that landscape effects differ for different types of sentinel prey. This implies that it may not be possible to categorize landscapes as pest suppressive using a single sentinel type. Future studies should therefore consider using multiple sentinels to give a better perspective on predation intensity. The resulting recommendations for farm management include planting woodland adjacent wheat fields infested with seed predators and positioning herbaceous linear habitats adjacent wheat fields infested with Sitobion avenae, particularly if fields are bordered by woody liner habitats due to their association with decreased S. avenae predation.
Effect of model heat treatment conditions on selected properties of milk fat
Authors: Staniewski Bogusław , Smoczyński Michał , Żulewska Justyna , Wiśniewska Krystyna , Baranowska Maria
Published: February 2020

In this study, the effect of diverse thermal treatments on the physical characteristics of anhydrous milk fat was monitored with the use of scanning calorimetry, firmness analysis, electron microscopy and image analysis. The optimal properties of milk fat were achieved for the thermal treatment taking into account its composition as well as melting and solidification points of the main triacylglycerol fractions (temperatures: 6/20.5/14 °C). Unfavourable results were obtained for the one‐stage system (10 °C/13 h). These results may be helpful in optimising parameters of milk fat crystallisation in high‐fat products, and the fractal analysis has proven to be useful in the evaluation of fat crystallisation.
Conservative surgery for ovarian torsion in young women: perioperative complications and national trends
Authors: Mandelbaum RS , Smith MB , Violette CJ , Matsuzaki S , Matsushima K , Klar M , Roman LD , Paulson RJ , Matsuo K
Published: February 2020

Objective

To analyse populational trends and perioperative complications following conservative surgery versus oophorectomy in women <50 years of age with ovarian torsion.

Design

Population‐based retrospective observational study.

Setting

Nationwide Inpatient Sample in the USA (2001–2015).

Population

In all, 89 177 ovarian torsions including 20 597 (23.1%) conservative surgeries and 68 580 (76.9%) oophorectomies.

Methods

(1) Trend analysis to assess utilisation of conservative surgery over time, (2) multivariable binary logistic regression to identify independent factors associated with conservative surgery and (3) inverse probability of treatment weighting with a generalised estimating equation to analyze perioperative complications.

Main outcome measures

Trends, characteristics and complications related to conservative surgery.

Results

Performance of conservative surgery increased from 18.9 to 25.1% between 2001 and 2015 (32.8% relative increase, P = 0.001) but decreased steadily after age 15, and sharply declined after age 35 (P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, younger age exhibited the largest effect size for conservative surgery among the independent factors (adjusted odds ratios 3.39–7.96, P < 0.001). In the weighted model, conservative surgery was associated with an approximately 30% decreased risk of perioperative complications overall (10.0% versus 13.6%, odds ratio 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.62–0.85, P < 0.001) and was not associated with venous thromboembolism (0.2 versus 0.3%, P = 0.457) or sepsis (0.4 versus 0.3%, P = 0.638).

Conclusion

There has been an increasing utilisation of conservative surgery for ovarian torsion in the USA in recent years. Our study suggests that conservative surgery for ovarian torsion may not be associated with increased perioperative complications.

Tweetable abstract

Conservative surgery for ovarian torsion may not be associated with increased perioperative complications.
Status and trends in EFlows in southern Africa
Authors: Brown Cate , Campher Dirk , King Jackie
Published: February 2020

Environmental Flows (EFlows) are defined as the quantity, timing and quality of the flow of water, sediment and biota necessary to sustain freshwater and estuarine ecosystems, and the human livelihoods and well‐being that depend on these ecosystems. As such they are a vital component of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM). A recent survey found that, in general, Africa lags behind schedule with respect to the global SDG Target 6.5 to implement IWRM at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate. This web‐based review explores progress made in EFlows Assessments and implementing their outcomes in southern Africa. It outlines the apparent impetus to the uptake of EFlows provided by legislation, common funding mechanisms for EFlows assessment and evolving trends in EFlows assessment. It also highlights instances of implementation of EFlows in both in‐country and transboundary settings.
Reforming Agricultural Policies Will Help to Improve Environmental Performance
Authors: DeBoe Gwen , Deconinck Koen , Henderson Ben , Lankoski Jussi
Published: February 2020

Agriculture is a major source of environmental pressure worldwide. At the same time, most countries support the farming sector through a variety of policy instruments. This article discusses the impact of agricultural policies on environmental performance. The available evidence as well as modelling studies undertaken at the OECD show that the way in which agricultural support is provided affects its environmental impact. Support coupled to production or input use is particularly harmful for the environment, while other instruments such as largely decoupled payments, which do not depend on current production choices, are among the least environmentally harmful forms of support. Yet the most environmentally harmful instruments remain widely used, although less so in the EU. Policies should therefore be reoriented towards more decoupled forms of support – a reform which would pay a ‘double dividend’ in terms of both improved economic efficiency and environmental performance. This would reduce the environmental harm created by agricultural activities, but additional policy measures are needed to address the remaining environmental externalities – both in providing public goods and reducing environmental damage – that are not reflected in prices received or paid by farmers. Policymakers also have an important role to play in designing policies that can be effectively monitored and evaluated in terms of both their economic and environmental consequences.
Efficacy of dual use of Tc‐99m‐pertechnetate and Tc‐99m‐tetrofosmin scintigraphy for the assessment of thyroid nodules
Authors: Bhatia Nisha , Dhingra Vandana K , Kumari Saumya , Dhawan Devinder K , Chadha Vijayta D
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Radioisotope methods have shown to be useful in the non‐invasive diagnosis of thyroid nodules over the past years. The present prospective study aims to evaluate the efficacy of gamma imaging using single and dual tracer using Tc‐99m pertechnetate and Tc‐99m tetrofosmin for evaluation and management of thyroid nodules.

Methods

Dynamic (perfusion) imaging was performed after injecting 148–185 MBq (4–5 mCi) of Tc‐99m pertechnetate followed by static imaging. A second, dynamic (perfusion) imaging study within same week was performed with 296–370MBq (8–10mCi) of Tc‐99m tetrofosmin on same group of patients followed by early and delayed images. Results of radionuclide perfusion scan from both studies were compared qualitatively with postsurgical histopathology or fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).

Results

Total 65 nodules in 50 patients were included in the study. With single tracer, the specificity and accuracy of Tc‐99m pertechnetate was 23% and 45% and for Tc‐99m tetrofosmin scan was 40% and 49%. When dual tracers were evaluated for the same group of patients, the specificity was 56% and accuracy was 55%.

Conclusion

Dual Tracer technique with Tc‐99m pertechnetate and Tc‐99m tetrofosmin could be helpful in selecting nodules need surgical intervention. This technique can be used for convenient and rapid diagnostic evaluation of thyroid nodules non‐invasively. We suggest a combination of fine needle aspiration biopsy and dual use of Tc‐99m‐pertechnetate and Tc‐99m‐tetrofosmin as a routine diagnostic approach to thyroid nodules.
Heterochromatin loss as a determinant of progerin‐induced DNA damage in Hutchinson–Gilford Progeria
Authors: Chojnowski Alexandre , Ong Peh Fern , Foo Mattheus Xing Rong , Liebl David , Hor Louis‐Peter , Stewart Colin L. , Dreesen Oliver
Published: February 2020

Hutchinson–Gilford progeria is a premature aging syndrome caused by a truncated form of lamin A called progerin. Progerin expression results in a variety of cellular defects including heterochromatin loss, DNA damage, impaired proliferation and premature senescence. It remains unclear how these different progerin‐induced phenotypes are temporally and mechanistically linked. To address these questions, we use a doxycycline‐inducible system to restrict progerin expression to different stages of the cell cycle. We find that progerin expression leads to rapid and widespread loss of heterochromatin in G1‐arrested cells, without causing DNA damage. In contrast, progerin triggers DNA damage exclusively during late stages of DNA replication, when heterochromatin is normally replicated, and preferentially in cells that have lost heterochromatin. Importantly, removal of progerin from G1‐arrested cells restores heterochromatin levels and results in no permanent proliferative impediment. Taken together, these results delineate the chain of events that starts with progerin expression and ultimately results in premature senescence. Moreover, they provide a proof of principle that removal of progerin from quiescent cells restores heterochromatin levels and their proliferative capacity to normal levels.
Lion (Panthera leo) demographics in the south‐western Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Authors: Ferreira Sam M. , Beukes B. Otto , Haas Tim C. , Radloff Frans G. T.
Published: February 2020

Changes in demographic features of the lion population in the south‐western Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park cause conservation concern. The ratio between adult males and females changed from 1♂:2♀ to 1♂:1♀ over a 32‐year period (1977–2010). This is atypical for undisturbed lion populations. We evaluated mechanisms that on their own or together could explain the trend by using both a discrete‐ and continuous‐time capture–recapture model to analyse 2 years of individual‐based observation data (May 2013–June 2015). Although most vital rates were within expected parameters, shifts in the sex structure remained similar to that reported for sub‐adults previously. The population comprised of 26.9% cubs and juveniles (<2 years), 14.2% sub‐adults (2–4 years) and 59% adults (>4 years). Litters had equal sex ratios at first detection. Birth rates were lower (0.44 cubs per female per year) than between 1998 and 2001 (0.69 cubs per female per year). The continuous model indicated a higher survival effect for female cubs, while both models showed higher survival rates/effects for sub‐adult and adult females relative to males. However, the sex ratio for sub‐adults was male‐biased. The shift in demographic signals may associate with changes in age‐related immigration rates of sub‐adult males.
Quality indicators in colonoscopy: an evolving paradigm
Authors: Shine Rebecca , Bui Andrew , Burgess Adele
Published: February 2020

The year 1969 marked a revolution in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). It is when Dr Wolff developed the colonoscope and quickly realized its potential in both diagnosis and treatment of colonic neoplasms. Over the past 50 years there has been exponential increase in utilization of colonoscopy with over 1 million colonoscopies performed annually throughout Australasia. Endoscopic removal of pre‐malignant lesions has been proven to reduce the incidence and mortality of colorectal. Although timing and frequency of surveillance colonoscopy plays a crucial role in risk reduction of CRC, this is dependent upon the findings of the index colonoscopy. The goal of screening colonoscopy is to detect CRC and identify and remove pre‐malignant neoplasms that risk progression to CRC. With increasing uptake of bowel screening throughout Australasia, there is increasing pressure to ensure all endoscopists and endoscopy units perform at a universal high‐quality. All too often high demand and constant delays compromise colonoscopy quality. Without clear and concise quality indicators with transparent measurement and audit, these flaws can quickly jeopardize screening goals and patient outcomes. This review aims to explore six key quality indicators and explore the evidence behind the current recommended standards. These key indicators include; rate of adequate bowel preparation, caecal intubation rate, adenoma detection rate, withdrawal time, complication rates and surveillance intervals.
Surgeon’s experience and clinical outcome after retropubic tension‐free vaginal tape—A case series
Authors: Holdø Bjørn , Møllersen Kajsa , Verelst Margareta , Milsom Ian , Svenningsen Rune , Skjeldestad Finn Egil
Published: February 2020

Introduction

The retropubic tension‐free vaginal tape procedure has been the preferred method for primary surgical treatment of stress and stress‐dominant mixed urinary incontinence in women for more than 20 years. In this study, we assessed associations between surgeon's experience with the primary tension‐free vaginal tape procedure and both perioperative complications and recurrence rates.

Material and methods

Using a consecutive case‐series design, we assessed 596 patients treated with primary retropubic tension‐free vaginal tape surgery performed by 18 surgeons from 1998 through 2012, with follow up through 2015 (maximum follow‐up time: 10 years per patient). Data on perioperative complications and recurrence of stress urinary incontinence from medical records was transferred to a case report form. Surgeon's experience with the tension‐free vaginal tape procedure was defined as number of such procedures performed as lead surgeon (1‐19 [“beginners”], 20‐49 and ≥50 procedures). All analyses were done with a 5% level of statistical significance. We applied the Chi‐square test in the assessment of perioperative complications. The regression analyses of recurrence rate by number of tension‐free vaginal tape procedures performed were restricted to the three surgeons who performed ≥50 procedures.

Results

We found a significantly higher rate of bladder perforations (P = .03) and a higher rate of urinary retentions among patients whose tension‐free vaginal tape procedures were performed by “beginners” (P = .06). We observed a significant reduction in recurrence rates with increasing number of tension‐free vaginal tape procedures for one surgeon (P = .03).

Conclusions

Surgeon's experience with the tension‐free vaginal tape procedure is associated with the risk of bladder perforation and urinary retention, and may be associated with the long‐term effectiveness of the procedure.
Leader Member Exchange in Leaders’ Support for Voice: Good Relationships Matter in Situations of Power Threat
Authors: Urbach Tina , Fay Doris
Published: February 2020

While previous research underscores the role of leaders in stimulating employee voice behaviour, comparatively little is known about what affects leaders’ support for such constructive but potentially threatening employee behaviours. We introduce leader member exchange quality (LMX) as a central predictor of leaders’ support for employees’ ideas for constructive change. Apart from a general benefit of high LMX for leaders’ idea support, we propose that high LMX is particularly critical to leaders’ idea support if the idea voiced by an employee constitutes a power threat to the leader. We investigate leaders’ attribution of prosocial and egoistic employee intentions as mediators of these effects. Hypotheses were tested in a quasi‐experimental vignette study (N = 160), in which leaders evaluated a simulated employee idea, and a field study (N = 133), in which leaders evaluated an idea that had been voiced to them at work. Results show an indirect effect of LMX on leaders’ idea support via attributed prosocial intentions but not via attributed egoistic intentions, and a buffering effect of high LMX on the negative effect of power threat on leaders’ idea support. Results differed across studies with regard to the main effect of LMX on idea support.
CSR for Happiness: Corporate determinants of societal happiness as social responsibility
Authors: Chia Austin , Kern Margaret L. , Neville Benjamin A.
Published: February 2020

Over the past decade, societal happiness has increasingly been considered important to public policy initiatives globally, supported by interdisciplinary scholarly efforts spanning the social sciences, economics, and public health. Curiously, despite for‐profit corporations being core social institutions of modern societies, scant attention has been given to the social role and responsibilities of corporations in relation to societal happiness. In this article, we review and integrate research from positive psychology and related disciplines to examine happiness as a social outcome of corporate activity. We propose that corporations have a social responsibility to respect, preserve, and advance people's right to, and experience of, happiness—which we term CSR for Happiness. Within the existing literature, stakeholder happiness has generally been narrowly conceptualized in hedonic terms and has failed to consider the broader impacts of corporate activities on societal happiness. Drawing on advances in psychological theory and research, we provide a holistic conceptualization of happiness, which includes objective, subjective, hedonic, and eudaimonic dimensions of happiness. We offer an integrative conceptual framework, which includes the macro‐to‐micro and micro‐to‐macro pathways through which corporations directly and indirectly impact upon societal happiness. Finally, we consider implications of happiness research for the intersections of business and society.
A pilot trial of complement inhibition using eculizumab to overcome platelet transfusion refractoriness in human leukocyte antigen allo‐immunized patients
Authors: Vo Phuong , Purev Enkhtsetseg , West Kamille A. , McDuffee Emily , Worthy Tatyana , Cook Lisa , Hawks Geri , Wells Brian , Shalabi Reem , Flegel Willy A. , Adams Sharon D. , Reger Robert , Aue Georg , Tian Xin , Childs Richard
Published: February 2020

Heavily transfused patients frequently develop human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allo‐immunization resulting in platelet transfusion refractoriness and a high risk for life‐threatening thrombocytopenia. Data suggest complement activation leading to the destruction of platelets bound by HLA allo‐antibodies may play a pathophysiologic role in platelet refractoriness. Here we conducted a pilot trial to investigate the use of eculizumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds and inhibits C5 complement, to treat platelet transfusion refractoriness in allo‐immunized patients with severe thrombocytopenia. A single eculizumab infusion was administered to 10 eligible patients, with four (40%) patients overcoming platelet refractories assessed measuring the corrected platelet count increment (CCI) 10–60 min and 18–24 h post transfusion. Responding patients had a reduction in the requirement for subsequent platelet transfusions and had higher post‐transfusion platelet increments for 14 days following eculizumab administration. Remarkably, three of the four responders met CCI criteria for response despite receiving HLA‐incompatible platelets. Our results suggest that eculizumab has the ability to overcome platelet transfusion refractoriness in patients with broad HLA allo‐immunization. This study establishes proof of principle that complement inhibition can treat platelet transfusion refractoriness, laying the foundation for a large multicentre trial to assess the overall efficacy of this approach (ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02298933).
Genomic evolution of ibrutinib‐resistant clones in Waldenström macroglobulinaemia
Authors: Jiménez Cristina , Chan Gloria G. , Xu Lian , Tsakmaklis Nickolas , Kofides Amanda , Demos Maria G. , Chen Jiaji , Liu Xia , Munshi Manit , Yang Guang , Castillo Jorge J. , Wiestner Adrian , García‐Sanz Ramón , Treon Steven P. , Hunter Zachary R.
Published: February 2020

Ibrutinib is highly active in Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM) patients, but disease progression can occur due to acquired mutations in BTK, the target of ibrutinib, or PLCG2, the protein downstream of BTK. However, not all resistant patients harbour these alterations. We have performed a whole‐exome sequencing study to identify alternative molecular mechanisms that can drive ibrutinib resistance. Our findings include deletions on chromosomes 6q, including homozygous deletions, and 8p, which encompass key regulators of BTK, MYD88/NF‐κB, and apoptotic signalling. Moreover, we have identified recurring mutations in ubiquitin ligases, innate immune signalling, and TLR/MYD88 pathway regulators in ibrutinib‐resistant WM patients.
Testing for the effects of credit crunch on agriculture investment in the EU
Authors: Mamatzakis E. C. , Staikouras C.
Published: February 2020

There are several research papers focusing on the detrimental effects of the credit crunch on the economic performance. A sector of the economy where the implications of the credit crunch have not been thoroughly studied is the agriculture. This is surprising given the importance of agriculture for the European economy. We focus on agriculture in fourteen European Union (EU) Member States in the aftermath of the credit crunch. To this end, we employ the micro‐econometric data set of Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) of EU at NUTS 2 level. From a methodological point of view, we model agriculture investment based on a flexible panel Vector Autoregressive (VAR) model that provides impulse response functions (IRFs) and variance decompositions (VDCs). The empirical estimates indicate that agriculture investment has been constrained by negative shocks in interest paid and total liabilities. Unless those financial constraints are eased, agriculture investment in EU would remain rather sluggish at best.
Intraocular pressure fluctuation and neurodegeneration in the diabetic rat retina
Authors: Jung Kyoung In , Woo Jung Eun , Park Chan Kee
Published: February 2020

Background and Purpose

Early retinal neurodegeneration occurs as one of the complications of diabetes even before clinically detectable diabetic vascular retinopathy. The pathogenesis of retinal diabetic neuropathy is still not well understood. We investigated the serial changes or fluctuations in intraocular pressure (IOP) and examined their roles in the pathogenesis of neuronal degeneration in diabetic retina.

Experimental Approach

Male Sprague Dawley rats with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes were treated with ophthalmic preparations of brinzolamide, latanoprost, both drugs (combined treatment) or saline for 8 weeks. IOP was measured daily under general anaesthesia using a rebound tonometer. Antegrade axoplasmic flow in the optic nerve was assessed with a fluorescent substrate. Immunohistochemical staining, TUNEL assays and western blots were also used.

Key Results

The fluctuation of IOP was higher in the diabetes group than in the normal control or the combined treatment group. Diabetes‐induced apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells was decreased by combined treatment. Increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein or Iba‐1 in the retina or optic nerve head, induced by diabetes, was attenuated only by the combined treatment. Intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 was increased in diabetic rats but not in the combined treatment group. Diabetes‐induced loss of antegrade axoplasmic transport was partially relieved with combined treatment.

Conclusion and Implications

Elevated IOP fluctuations seemed to be associated with the gliosis, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration induced by diabetes. The loss of retinal ganglion cells might be relieved by IOP‐lowering medication. The improvement of unstable perfusion pressure could play a role in neuroprotection in the diabetic retina.
Loss of the clock gene Per1 promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma progression via the AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Yang Guojun , Yang Yixin , Tang Hong , Yang Kai
Published: February 2020

Current studies have shown that the clock gene Period 1 (Per1) is downregulated in various tumors and plays an important role in promoting tumor progression. However, the biological functions and mechanism of Per1 in tumors remain largely unknown. In this study, 86 specimens of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues were collected to determine the Per1 expression level and the clinical significance of Per1 expression. Per1 was stably inhibited or overexpressed in OSCC cells to investigate its function and mechanism in vitro and in vivo. We found that Per1 was remarkably downregulated in OSCC and that low Per1 expression was significantly associated with TNM clinical stage and poor prognosis of OSCC patients. Per1 overexpression in SCC15 OSCC cells (Per1‐OE SCC15 cells) significantly promoted autophagy and apoptosis while inhibiting proliferation and the AKT/mTOR pathway. However, the results obtained in Per1‐silenced TSCCA OSCC cells were opposite those obtained in Per1‐OE SCC15 cells. After addition of the AKT activator SC79 to Per1‐OE SCC15 cells, the increased autophagy and apoptosis as well as decreased proliferation were remarkably rescued. Furthermore, increased apoptosis was significantly rescued in Per1‐OE SCC15 cells treated with the autophagy inhibitor autophinib. In vivo tumorigenicity assays also confirmed that Per1 overexpression suppressed tumor growth. Taken together, our findings demonstrate for the first time that Per1 promotes OSCC progression by inhibiting autophagy‐mediated cell apoptosis and enhancing cell proliferation in an AKT/mTOR pathway‐dependent manner, and Per1 could be used as a valuable therapeutic target for OSCC.