bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seafood export as a relationship-oriented supply network
Authors: Glavee-Geo Richard , Engelseth Per
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of relationships and networking in the international flow of seafood products through export processes and practices using empirical case examples.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides an insight into seafood export through ten case studies of seafood exporters from Norway and a freight forwarder working with most of these companies.

Findings

The international seafood business is characterised by coordination, interactions, and exchange such that economic and social interactions among network members transcend national boundaries into international/global markets. The findings reveal how studied seafood exports are in line with the learning-based Uppsala internationalisation model, embedded in international buyer-seller relationship structures and networks, which is also a particularity of this food-producing industry. To secure long-term business in distant markets, small- and medium-sized (SME) seafood exporters have shifted the focus from transactional approaches to relationships and networking as a means of improving export performance. This paper suggests how logistics and marketing have become closely and strategically interconnected, and so marketing strategies depend on logistics strategies and the two cannot be separated in a typical global seafood supply network.

Practical implications

Purposeful collaborative interaction between exporter and importer helps in risk mitigation. Increased interactions in distant markets by SMEs can also be achieved using social media networking.

Originality/value

This paper offers an insight into the global seafood supply network using empirical case examples from Norway, an important seafood producing country.
Supply chain agility: a mediator for absorptive capacity
Authors: Martinez-Sanchez Angel , Lahoz-Leo Fernando
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the mediating effect of supply chain agility (SCA) in the relationship between absorptive capacity (AC) and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use data from 231 Spanish firms and test the hypothesis by structural equation modelling.

Findings

SCA mediates the relationship between AC and firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional survey and the use of managerial perceptions may need to use longitudinal and real measures in future studies to validate causal relationships.

Practical implications

SCA may contribute to explain why AC improves firm performance. Firms with more agile supply chains may benefit more from their efforts in AC to improve firm performance.

Originality/value

A conceptual framework has been developed to explain the relationships of the main constructs of the study (AC and SCA) with firm performance and whether SCA mediates the relationship between AC and firm performance.
Use of Big Four auditors and fund raising: evidence from developing and emerging markets
Authors: Beisland Leif Atle , Mersland Roy , Strøm Øystein
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This study is motivated by recent research suggesting that the funding benefits of using Big Four auditors may not be as uniform as were previously assumed. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between use of Big Four auditors and access to debt capital by applying data from microfinance institutions (MFIs) in emerging countries, a population typically not investigated in accounting research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply a unique hand-collected data set from 60 emerging markets and empirically investigate whether access to various debt categories is related to the use of Big Four auditors.

Findings

The authors find that access to international commercial debt, international subsidized debt and government agency debt is positively related to the use of a Big Four auditor. For local commercial debt, the authors find no association between auditor type and access to debt capital. The association between auditor choice and access to debt capital is stronger for nonprofit than for-profit MFIs.

Originality/value

This is the first audit quality study to include a broad sample of emerging countries, which in itself is an important contribution. As far as general audit quality research is concerned, the authors take the literature one step further by showing that the benefits of using a Big Four auditor may be dependent on the specific source of debt financing a firm or organization seeks to use. Moreover, the authors demonstrate that the for-profit vs nonprofit dimension influences the relationship between auditor choice and access to capital.
Continuous glucose monitoring: a systematic review of sensor systems and prospects
Authors: Ray Partha Pratim
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a notable invention introduced in the biomedical industry. It provides valuable information about intermittent capillary blood glucose that is normally unattainable by regular clinical blood sample tests. CGM includes several progressive facilities such as instantaneous and real-time display of blood glucose level, “24/7” coverage, continuous motion of alerts for actual or impending hypo- and hyperglycemia and the ability to characterize glycemic variability. CGM allows users and physicians to visualize and diagnose more accurate and precise rate of change of glucose by capacitating small, comfortable, user-friendly sensor devices. Sometimes, this vital information is shared to the personal message box over Internet. In short, CGM is capable to inform, educate, motivate and alert (IEMA) people with diabetes. Despite the huge expectation with CGM, the available solutions have not attracted much attention among people. The huge potential of CGM in future diabetic study relies on the successful implication of the CGM. This paper aims at disseminating of state-of-the-art knowledge about existing work around the CGM.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a comprehensive systematic review on the recent developments in CGM development techniques that have been reported in credible sources, namely PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Science Direct, Springer Link, Scopus and Google Scholar. Detailed analysis and systematic comparison are provided to highlight the achievement and future direction of CGM deployment.

Findings

Several key challenges are also portrayed for suitable opportunistic orientation. CGM solutions from four leading manufacturers such as Tandem, Dexcom, Abbott and Medtronic are compared based on the following factors including accuracy (% MARD); sensor lifetime, calibration requirement, smart device, compatibility and remote monitoring. Qualitative and quantitative analyses are performed.

Originality/value

This work can be a valuable source of reference and guidance for future research in this field.
Explaining determinants of Agri-tourism income: evidence from Italy
Authors: Giaccio Vincenzo , Giannelli Agostino , Mastronardi Luigi
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the income sources of Italian farm tourism businesses, considering some economic, social and environmental variables that represent internal business factors and highlighting their contribution to the development of this income.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis is based on the Italian section of the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) that includes 365 Italian farm tourism businesses. FADN is an instrument to assess the income of European agricultural holdings and the impacts of the Common Agricultural Policy. The analysis has been carried out through a Multivariate Regression Model.

Findings

The results of this paper have showed that some economic variables (food service, direct selling and public subsidies) determine an increase in farm income, whereas an increased number of family employees may have a negative impact on this income.

Research limitations/implications

External factors, such as proximity to urban or cultural centres, may impact on agri-tourism income, but these are not considered in the statistical analyses. Another limit of this paper is the exclusion of tourists’ motivational variables and others mostly referring to the market (pricing policies, promotional strategies, etc.). Furthermore, this paper focuses on a specific country and this could reduce the generalization of its results.

Practical implications

Thanks to the selected regression drivers, farmers who offer tourism services could recognize a priori their entrepreneurial opportunities and understand the variables on which to focus to increase their income, which could be in turn strengthened by policies seeking to develop the endogenous potential.

Social implications

Agri-tourism can fulfill various functions in the regional economy, with positive implications for the quality of life of rural societies.

Originality/value

On the European level, there is currently a lack of research studying the variables affecting agri-tourism revenue and entrepreneurial choice that mostly define profitability. This may be the first time that FADN data set has been utilized for researching farm tourism businesses in Europe.
In vivo optical coherence tomography imaging in a case of mucous membrane pemphigoid and a negative Nikolsky's sign
Authors: Capocasale Giorgia , Panzarella Vera , Rodolico Vito , Di Fede Olga , Campisi Giuseppina
Published: February 2018

There is currently a growing interest in new diagnostic tools of the oral cavity and mucosa which are non‐invasive, repeatable and reliable. A diagnosis of a suspected, autoimmune pathology was made regarding a 57‐year‐old patient with desquamative gingivitis. However, a negative Nikolsky's sign did not seem to indicate a diagnosis of mucous membrane pemphigoid neither was there any indication as to the optimum location for an incisional biopsy. As an imaging method, the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) has enabled the obtaining of tomographic (cross‐sectional) scans of tissue. Such images are acquired prior to and after verifying Nikolsky's sign, thereby enabling the clinician to identify the presence (or not) of subepithelial bullae. Thereafter, an assessment of changes in the subepithelium (the split) can be performed, even in the absence of a suitable clinical picture, such as, for example, a negative Nikolsky's sign. Histological analysis and the use of indirect immunofluorescence have facilitated a diagnosis of mucous membrane pemphigoid, an autoimmune pathology, which can be confirmed with the appearance of subepithelial bullae. OCT was found to be a valid, non‐invasive, auxiliary diagnostic device, capable of revealing in vivo and real‐time bullae, which were hitherto clinically undetectable.
Critically ill neonates displayed stable vital parameters and reduced metabolic acidosis during neonatal emergency airborne transport in Sweden
Authors: Frid Ingrid , Ågren Johan , Kjellberg Mattias , Normann Erik , Sindelar Richard
Published: February 2018

Aim

This study evaluated the medical quality of acute airborne transports carried out by a neonatal emergency transport service in a Swedish healthcare region from 2012 to 2015.

Methods

The transport charts and patient records of all infants transported to the regional centre were reviewed for transport indications and vital parameters and outcomes.

Results

We identified 187 acute airborne transports and the main indications for referral were therapeutic hypothermia after perinatal asphyxia, extremely preterm birth and respiratory failure. There were 37 deaths, but none of these occurred during transport and none of the deaths that occurred within 24 hours after transport were found to be related to the transport per se. No differences were found in vital parameters or ventilator settings before and after transport, except for an improvement in blood pH (7.22 ± 0.13 versus 7.27 ± 0.13, mean ± SD, p < 0.01), due to a decrease in base deficit (−8.0 ± 6.8 versus −5.4 ± 6.3 mmol, p < 0.001), while the partial pressure of carbon dioxide remained unchanged.

Conclusion

During air transport, critically ill neonates displayed stable vital parameters and reduced metabolic acidosis. No transport‐related mortality was found, but the high number of extremely preterm infants transported indicates the potential for improving in‐utero transport.
Deletion of Uncoupling Protein‐2 reduces renal mitochondrial leak respiration, intrarenal hypoxia and proteinuria in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Friederich‐Persson M. , Persson P. , Hansell P. , Palm F.
Published: February 2018

Aim

Uncoupling protein‐2 (UCP‐2) can induce mitochondrial uncoupling in the diabetic kidney. Although mitochondrial uncoupling reduces oxidative stress originating from the mitochondria and can be regarded as a protective mechanism, the increased oxygen consumption occurring secondarily to increased mitochondria uncoupling, that is leak respiration, may contribute to kidney tissue hypoxia. Using UCP‐2−/− mice, we tested the hypothesis that UCP‐2‐mediated leak respiration is important for the development of diabetes‐induced intrarenal hypoxia and proteinuria.

Methods

Kidney function, in vivo oxygen metabolism, urinary protein leakage and mitochondrial function were determined in wild‐type and UCP‐2−/− mice during normoglycaemia and 2 weeks after diabetes induction.

Results

Diabetic wild‐type mice displayed mitochondrial leak respiration, pronounced intrarenal hypoxia, proteinuria and increased urinary KIM‐1 excretion. However, diabetic UCP‐2−/− mice did not develop increased mitochondrial leak respiration and presented with normal intrarenal oxygen levels, urinary protein and KIM‐1 excretion.

Conclusion

Although functioning as an antioxidant system, mitochondria uncoupling is always in co‐occurrence with increased oxygen consumption, that is leak respiration; a potentially detrimental side effect as it can result in kidney tissue hypoxia; an acknowledged unifying pathway to nephropathy. Indeed, this study demonstrates a novel mechanism in which UCP‐2‐mediated mitochondrial leak respiration is necessary for the development of diabetes‐induced intrarenal tissue hypoxia and proteinuria.
Severe central sleep apnoea associated with nalmefene: a case report
Authors: Khouri Charles , Arbib François , Revol Bruno , Pepin Jean‐Louis , Tamisier Renaud
Published: February 2018

Nalmefene, an opioid antagonist, has recently been approved for the treatment of alcohol dependence. We describe here the first case of a 52‐year‐old woman who developed a severe central sleep apnoea (CSA) 5 months after initiation of nalmefene. Scoring of ventilation during sleep recording revealed an apnoea‐hypopnoea index of 67/h with 98.7% of central events and an apnoea index of 65/h. Nalmefene was withdrawn and a new polysomnography was performed which concluded that CSA has disappeared. Pathophysiology is still unclear but could involve the κ‐opioid receptors. Physicians should be aware that CSA might affect patients treated with nalmefene. Further investigations are required to determine the pathophysiology, frequency, and treatment of CSA associated with nalmefene and other therapy for alcohol disorders.
Cardiometabolic risks and omega‐3 index in recent‐onset bipolar I disorder
Authors: Wulsin Lawson R , Blom Thomas J , Durling Michelle , Welge Jeffrey A , DelBello Melissa P , Adler Caleb M , McNamara Robert K , Strakowski Stephen M
Published: February 2018

Objectives

The aims of the present study were to characterize cardiometabolic risk factors in a cohort of bipolar disorder patients with limited exposure to psychotropic medications, and to evaluate their associations with mood symptoms and omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) blood levels.

Methods

Cardiometabolic risk assessments were compared in individuals with bipolar I disorder experiencing a first manic or mixed episode or an early depressive episode (n=117) and healthy subjects (n=56). Patients were medication free at assessment and had no or limited exposure to mood‐stabilizer or antipsychotic medications prior to the current admission. Associations among cardiometabolic parameters and Clinical Global Impression—Severity scale (CGI‐S), manic (Young Mania Rating Scale [YMRS]), and depressive (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HDRS]) symptom ratings were evaluated within the bipolar group.

Results

Following adjustment for demographic variables (i.e., age, gender, and parental education), significantly higher fasting triglyceride levels were observed in the bipolar group compared to the healthy group (121.7 mg/dL vs 87.0 mg/dL; P<.01). There were no clear trends for other metabolic indicators, including blood pressure, body mass index, and fasting glucose. Nineteen percent of the bipolar group and 6% of the healthy group met the criteria for metabolic syndrome (P=.23). The omega‐3 index was lower in the bipolar group (3.4% vs 3.9%; P<.01). Within the bipolar group, no associations were found between the cardiometabolic parameters and CGI‐S, YMRS, and HDRS symptom ratings.

Conclusions

Recent‐onset medication‐free bipolar disorder is associated with higher triglyceride levels. These findings are suggestive of early metabolic dysregulation prior to long‐term psychotropic medication exposure. Lower omega‐3 PUFA levels in individuals with bipolar I disorder represent a potential therapeutic target for additional investigation.
Agricultural Implications of Unconventional Natural Gas Development: Divergent Perceptions of Sustainable and Conventional Farmers
Authors: Poulsen Melissa N. , Bailey‐Davis Lisa , DeWalle Joseph , Mowery Jacob , Schwartz Brian S.
Published: February 2018

This study explored sustainable and conventional farmers’ perceptions of unconventional natural gas development (UNGD) as it relates to agricultural production and distribution. Farmers (n = 200) in Pennsylvania's Marcellus shale region with gas drilling infrastructure on or near their farmland completed questionnaires; a subset (n = 16) of survey respondents participated in semi‐structured interviews. Findings revealed sustainable farmers faced unique negative impacts from UNGD, including greater sensitivity to environmental impacts, risks to organic certification and market participation, declining consumer confidence, and depreciating value of sustainable operations. UNGD‐related income and increased wealth within communities appeared to benefit agricultural production and sales, yet the most cited impact of UNGD on agricultural productivity was a decrease in crop production as farmland was used for UNGD. Findings also highlighted potential impacts on nascent local food markets in areas with UNGD, farmers’ expectations for outside oversight of UNGD, and limited transparency of environmental safety violations.
Banks and Corporate Decisions: Evidence from Business Groups
Authors: Higgins Huong N.
Published: February 2018

Banks who can influence clients' governance may steer those clients into mergers to reduce the banks' own risk. Empirical evidence based on Japan's mergers and acquisitions (M&As) during the country's 1990s banking crisis indicates that acquirers with stronger bank ties made acquisitions that they would not have normally made. These acquirers lost more shareholder value via mergers than acquirers with weaker bank ties. The banks' risk was reduced, while the banks' shareholders gained significant excess returns from their borrowers' mergers. This paper offers implications for corporate governance of firms with strong bank ties and advances the existing knowledge on business groups.
Legal pluralisms, justice and spatial conflicts: New directions in legal geography
Authors: Robinson Daniel F. , Graham Nicole
Published: February 2018

Critical legal pluralism acknowledges both the multiple sources and forms of law, and their dynamic interaction, within singular geographical spaces at whatever scales they are defined. Challenging conventional constructs of law and jurisdiction, the articles in this themed section draw on the ideas of legal pluralism, justice and spatial conflict to explore the experience, interaction, impact and possibilities of the plurality of laws in particular and diverse geographical contexts. Encompassing a wide‐ranging geographical scope and pluralistic approach to the idea of law, these articles present fresh analyses and novel case studies from Australia, UK, Cambodia, Indonesia, USA, Thailand and Aotearoa New Zealand, which collectively reflect the richly textured and diversely oriented work of legal geographers. They raise important and challenging questions about law as a living materiality and about place as a legal agent.
Dung beetle richness decreases with increasing landscape structural heterogeneity in an African savanna‐agricultural mosaic
Authors: LaScaleia Michael C. , Reynolds Chevonne , Magagula Cebisile N. , Roets Francois , McCleery Robert A.
Published: February 2018

The landscape heterogeneity hypothesis posits that increasing variance of land cover types in agricultural landscapes will increase landscape level biodiversity. This hypothesis, however, does not detail which component of landscape structural heterogeneity, compositional (the type and amount) or configurational (the shape and arrangement) has the greatest influence on biodiversity and at what spatial scale(s).

We investigated how dung beetle (Scarabaeidae) alpha‐diversity responded to landscape structural heterogeneity at a variety of spatial scales in an agricultural mosaic‐landscape in north‐eastern Swaziland. We also compared the effect of these components to the effect of variation in the amounts of major land‐cover types in the landscape and plot level vegetation structure.

We used pitfall traps to sample the dung beetle community along a gradient of heterogeneity and used linear mixed effects models to compare the effect of each component on dung beetle richness and Shannon diversity at four separate spatial scales (i.e. 1‐,1.5‐, 2‐ & 3‐km). Land‐cover diversity and number of patches represented compositional and configurational landscape heterogeneity respectively.

Landscape compositional heterogeneity was negatively correlated with dung beetle richness at the 1.5‐km and 2‐km spatial scales. The percentage savanna in the landscape was positively correlated with dung beetle richness at the 3‐km and 2‐km scales.

Landscape level heterogeneity may enhance diversity of some taxonomic groups, but this was not the case for dung beetles in a southern African savanna. The best way to maintain their diversity is to create or maintain large continuous blocks of savanna while limiting intensive agriculture.
Clinical characteristics and management of patients with rosacea in a tertiary dermatology center in Singapore from 2009 to 2013
Authors: Cheong Kah Wai , Yew Yik Weng , Lai Yi Chun , Chan Roy
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Rosacea is a common chronic facial skin disease. A multiethnic society such as Singapore provides an opportunity to evaluate the demographic characteristics and their impact on clinical outcome in rosacea.

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate characteristics and outcome of rosacea in a multiracial population in Singapore.

Methods

Records of all rosacea patients between January 2009 and December 2013 were retrospectively retrieved from the electronic medical records (EMR). Descriptive analysis was performed to understand the characteristics of patients with rosacea. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between the various variables and types of rosacea as well as the clinical outcome.

Results

A total of 1340 patients were identified. The mean age at presentation was 42.8 years with a female predominance (65%). Most of the patients had erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) (56.3%) followed by papulopustular rosacea (PPR) (37%). With multinomial logistic regression, controlling for age, gender, and known triggers, Indians and Caucasians were more likely to have PPR compared to ETR (OR: 3.4, P = 0.01 and OR: 2.1, P = 0.01 respectively). Patients who had phymatous rosacea are also more likely to be older males (OR: 3.82 95% CI 1.64–8.92, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

The epidemiology and outcome of rosacea among local patients were studied. Rosacea is more common among certain racial groups such as Chinese, Caucasian, and other races. The clinical subtypes also seem to be related to races of certain skin colors and might be related to varied natural intrinsic responses to the sun among different racial groups.
What nurses and midwives want: Findings from the national survey on workplace climate and well‐being
Authors: Holland Peter J. , Tham Tse Leng , Gill Fenella J.
Published: February 2018

Aim

A discussion of the findings from a nationwide study of workplace and well‐being issues of Australian nurses and midwives.

Background

Current discourse only provides a fragmented understanding of a multifaceted nature of working conditions and well‐being, necessitating a more holistic investigation to identify critical workplace issues within these professions.

Design

Discussion paper.

Data Sources

A national survey conducted in July 2016 involving Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation members. The literature supporting this paper focuses on the nursing and midwifery workforce and studies on attraction and retention issues.

Implications for Nursing and Midwifery

Workplace policies and practices in place in health care organizations that are within the control of management are key factors in the negative issues associated with the profession from the survey. Proactive and targeted interventions particularly aimed at salient issues of work intensification, declining engagement, and effective voice mechanisms are needed to address these crucial issues if the attrition of individuals from nursing and midwifery occupations is going to be ameliorated.

Conclusion

To alleviate workforce issues pushing nurses and midwives to the tipping point of exiting the professions, health care organizations need to take a proactive stance in addressing issues under the control of management.
A system dynamics model for the analysis of clinical laboratory productivity
Authors: Gönül‐Sezer Eylül Damla , Ocak Zeynep
Published: February 2018

This study describes the initial stages of the development of a system dynamics (SD) model that will be used to simulate the dynamics of various factors that impact the productivity of clinical laboratories. Facing a staff capacity constraint, a clinical laboratory can undertake a number of strategies: (a) hiring new staff, (b) working overtime, or (c) doing both. In this preliminary research, we use a dynamic model to (a) study the impact of these strategies on laboratory productivity, including cost control, and (b) simulate the laboratory human resource utilization process. An SD approach is used for model development because it enables modelers to understand and discuss complex problems by illuminating the relationships among the variables involved. We use a laboratory's test backlog and the test turnaround time as main productivity parameters for this preliminary study. We run the simulation for six months and study laboratory productivity performance behavior over this time period.
Effects of salinity on the growth and morphology of the invasive, euryhaline hydroid Cordylophora (Phylum Cnidaria, Class Hydrozoa)
Authors: Folino‐Rorem Nadine C. , Renken Corbin J.
Published: February 2018

The invasive, euryhaline hydroid Cordylophora sp. is a colonial cnidarian present in both freshwater and brackish water habitats. Individuals contend with osmotic stress at the tissue and cellular level. It has been suggested that this hydroid's ability to expand its range of distribution by invading new habitats is due in large part to an ability to acclimate to new salinities. The purpose of this study was to assess colony growth and morphological changes at various salinities in freshwater and brackish genotypes of Cordylophora sp. Single genotypes from a known freshwater clade (0.5 psu; Des Plaines River) and a known brackish clade (16 psu; Napa River) were cultured and gradually transitioned to 12 different salinities ranging 0.5–22 psu, and we characterized the growth rates and hydranth morphological features at each salinity. Colony growth was optimal at 0.5 psu for the freshwater genotype and 10 psu for the brackish genotype. Changes in hydranth morphology in the freshwater genotype were primarily observed at higher salinities, while morphological changes in the brackish genotype primarily occurred at lower salinities. Our results for the brackish genotype generally concur with previous work, but this study is the first to document the response of a freshwater genotype of Cordylophora sp. to various salinities. Differences in growth between these two genotypes strongly support the previously proposed existence of multiple cryptic species. Furthermore, because this hydroid is quite prevalent in freshwater and brackish systems as a fouling organism, understanding the effects of various salinities on the successful establishment of Cordylophora sp. is an important contribution to the understanding of the ecophysiology and management of this invasive hydroid.
Integration of behavioural feedback in web‐based systems nutrition learning among university students
Authors: Chung L. M. Y. , Fong S. S. M. , Ma A. W. W. , Cheng S. T.
Published: February 2018

This study evaluated whether nutrition knowledge and healthy eating patterns can be achieved through web‐based systems, a secondary analysis of learning activities and assessment records. Students used online dietary recording systems to capture food intake data for 2 weeks. The first cohort used a food photo‐upload method and the second cohort used a food text‐searching (TS) method. We compared nutrient intake profiles, nutrition knowledge, and reflective journals of the 2 groups. Interaction effects were tested by 1‐way multivariate ANOVA on outcomes between groups (p < .05). More reflective and action statements in reflective journals were observed in the TS group. The photo‐upload group exhibited significant improvement in saturated fat, sodium, cholesterol, and fat consumption (p < .001), as compared with TS group. Web‐based dietary systems can be adopted in nutrition education to effectively enhance students' nutrition knowledge and help them to reflect on their dietary patterns.
Association between serum total homocysteine and arterial stiffness in adults: a community‐based study
Authors: Chen Lulu , Wang Binyan , Wang Jiancheng , Ban Qianyun , Wu Hongxu , Song Yun , Zhang Jingping , Cao Jingjing , Zhou Ziyi , Liu Lishun , Cao Tianyu , Gao Lan , Guo Huiyuan , Zhang Tao , Tang Genfu , Huang Xiao , Zhang Yan , Li Jianping , Huo Yong , Cheng Xiaoshu , Zang Tonghua , Xu Xiping , Zhang Hao , Qin Xianhui
Published: February 2018

Both increased arterial stiffness and higher total homocysteine (tHcy) are associated with an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between tHcy and arterial stiffness is still inconclusive. The authors aimed to test the relationship of tHcy with carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and examine the possible effect modifiers in adults. A study was conducted from July to September 2016 in Jiangsu Province, China. A total of 16 644 participants were enrolled in the final analysis. Increased arterial stiffness is defined as a cfPWV ≥10 m/s. Overall, there was a positive association between tHcy and cfPWV levels (per 5‐μmol/L tHcy increase: β = 0.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.08–0.13) and increased arterial stiffness (per 5‐μmol/L tHcy increase: odds ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.07–1.14). Compared with participants with tHcy <10 μmol/L, the significantly higher cfPWV levels were observed in those with tHcy ≥15 μmol/L (β = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.28–0.47). Accordingly, a higher prevalence of increased arterial stiffness was found in patients with tHcy10 to <15 μmol/L (odds ratio, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.05–1.33) and tHcy ≥15 μmol/L (odds ratio, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.32–1.71) as compared with participants with tHcy <10 μmol/L. Furthermore, the stronger positive association was found in participants who were older (≥60 years, P for interaction = .008), had low body mass index (<25 kg/m2, P for interaction = .026), high systolic blood pressure levels (≥145 mm Hg [median], P for interaction = .048), or diabetes mellitus (P for interaction = .045). The present study demonstrated that serum tHcy concentrations were positively associated with cfPWV and the prevalence of increased arterial stiffness. These results suggest that the cardiovascular effects of tHcy may partly be mediated through arterial stiffness.
Cleaning interactions by gobies on a tropical eastern Pacific coral reef
Authors: Quimbayo J. P. , Zapata F. A.
Published: February 2018

The present study describes the cleaning interactions among species of cleaner gobies Tigrigobius spp. and Elacatinus puncticulatus (family Gobiidae) and the client fish species they clean in a coral reef of Gorgona Island, Colombia. In 419 cleaning events, we observed 27 species acting as clients of Tigrigobius spp., whereas only nine were clients of E. puncticulatus. Paranthias colonus and Cephalopholis panamensis were the species most commonly cleaned by Tigrigobius spp., while Ophioblennius steindachneri and Stegastes acalpulcoensis were the clients most commonly cleaned by E. puncticulatus. The abundance (but not the body size) of clients was an important variable predicting the cleaning frequency observed for clients of Tigrigobius spp., but this was not the case for clients of E. puncticulatus. Additionally, Tigrigobius spp. preferred cleaning planktivores, sessile invertebrate feeders and territorial herbivores (Ivlev's index >0·15), whereas E. puncticulatus did not exhibit any preference. We observed two major peaks of cleaning activity for Tigrigobius spp., one in the early morning and another one in the late afternoon. These results suggest that Tigrigobius spp. is a specialized cleaner goby, whereas E. puncticulatus is a facultative cleaner that cleans sporadically.
LIM homeobox transcription factor Isl1 is required for melatonin synthesis in the pig pineal gland
Authors: Zhang Jinglin , Qiu Jingtao , Zhou Yewen , Wang Yue , Li Hongjiao , Zhang Taojie , Jiang Ying , Gou Kemian , Cui Sheng
Published: February 2018

Melatonin is a key hormone that regulates circadian rhythms, metabolism, and reproduction. However, the mechanisms of melatonin synthesis and secretion have not been fully defined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the functions of the LIM homeobox transcription factor Isl1 in regulating melatonin synthesis and secretion in porcine pineal gland. We found that Isl1 is highly expressed in the melatonin‐producing cells in the porcine pineal gland. Further functional studies demonstrate that Isl1 knockdown in cultured primary porcine pinealocytes results in the decline of melatonin and arylalkylamine N‐acetyltransferase (AANAT) mRNA levels by 29.2% and 72.2%, respectively, whereas Isl1 overexpression raised by 1.3‐fold and 2.7‐fold. In addition, the enhancing effect of norepinephrine (NE) on melatonin synthesis was abolished by Isl1 knockdown. The in vivo intracerebroventricular NE injections upregulate Isl1 mRNA and protein levels by about threefold and 4.5‐fold in the porcine pineal gland. We then examined the changes in Isl1 expression in the pineal gland and global melatonin levels throughout the day. The results show that Isl1 protein level at 24:00 is 2.5‐fold higher than that at 12:00, which is parallel to melatonin levels. We further found that Isl1 increases the activity of AANAT promoter, and the effect of NE on Isl1 expression was blocked by an ERK inhibitor. Collectively, the results presented here demonstrate that Isl1 positively modulates melatonin synthesis by targeting AANAT, via the ERK signaling pathway of NE. These suggest that Isl1 plays important roles in maintaining the daily circadian rhythm.
A case series of lacosamide as adjunctive therapy in refractory sleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy (previously nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy)
Authors: Samarasekera Shanika R. , Berkovic Samuel F. , Scheffer Ingrid E.
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of open‐label lacosamide in patients with refractory sleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy. The study was a case review of eight patients with refractory sleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy treated with lacosamide. Seizure diaries compared the mean baseline seizure frequency with the most recent 3 months of follow‐up. Five (62.5%) patients were responders, defined as ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency, over a mean duration of exposure of 21.5 months. The mean maintenance dose of lacosamide was 400 mg/day. No‐one reported worsening of seizures. Lacosamide was well tolerated with initial fatigue being the main side‐effect. Lacosamide is a potentially efficacious adjunctive therapy in patients with refractory sleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy. A double‐blind placebo‐controlled study would determine its efficacy.
Evening use of caffeine moderates the relationship between caffeine consumption and subjective sleep quality in students
Authors: Kerpershoek Mirjam L. , Antypa Niki , Van den Berg Julia F.
Published: February 2018

Caffeine is often used to reduce sleepiness; however, research suggests that it can also cause poor sleep quality. The timing of caffeine use, amongst other factors, is likely to be important for the effects it has on sleep quality. In addition, individual differences exist in the effect of caffeine on sleep quality. This cross‐sectional study investigated the influence of the timing of caffeine consumption on and a possible moderating role of chronotype in the relationship between caffeine consumption and sleep quality in 880 students (74.9% female, mean age 21.3 years, SD = 3.1). Respondents filled in online questionnaires about chronotype (the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire), sleep quality (the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and caffeine consumption. Mean caffeine consumption was 624 mg per week, and 80.2% of the sample drank caffeine after 18:00 hours. Regression analyses demonstrated that higher total caffeine consumption was only related to poorer sleep quality for people who did not drink caffeine in the evening (β = 0.209, p = .006). We did not find a relationship between caffeine and sleep quality in people who drank caffeine in the evening (β = −0.053, p = .160). Furthermore, we found no evidence for a moderating role of chronotype in the relationship between caffeine consumption and sleep quality. We concluded that a self‐regulating mechanism is likely to play a role, suggesting that students who know that caffeine negatively affects their sleep quality do not drink it in the evening. Caffeine sensitivity and the speed of caffeine metabolism may be confounding variables in our study.
Sociolinguistics of Judeo‐Spanish
Authors: Kirschen Bryan
Published: February 2018

In this paper, I address sociolinguistic concerns related to the Judeo‐Spanish language from prior to the expulsion of the Sephardic Jews from Spain (1492) and Portugal (1497) until the present day. After discussing relevant sociolinguistic models pre‐ and post‐expulsion in order to account for variation across Judeo‐Spanish speech communities worldwide, I discuss the current ethnolinguistic vitality of the language as well as the domains of use whereby speakers continue to utilize their heritage language. I then discuss sociolinguistic variation, noting variables that may condition elements of speech, supported by synchronic and diachronic studies related to the language. Given such factors, I examine two major contact situations: that of code‐switching across communities as well as contact with non‐Sephardic (“Modern”) varieties of Spanish. I conclude by offering ways in which students and scholars of the language can advance Judeo‐Spanish sociolinguistics as a field, including a discussion of current research methodologies and other key considerations of the 21st century.
Evolution of pyrrolizidine alkaloid biosynthesis in Apocynaceae: revisiting the defence de‐escalation hypothesis
Authors: Livshultz Tatyana , Kaltenegger Elisabeth , Straub Shannon C. K. , Weitemier Kevin , Hirsch Elliot , Koval Khrystyna , Mema Lumi , Liston Aaron
Published: February 2018

Plants produce specialized metabolites for their defence. However, specialist herbivores adapt to these compounds and use them for their own benefit. Plants attacked predominantly by specialists may be under selection to reduce or eliminate production of co‐opted chemicals: the defence de‐escalation hypothesis.

We studied the evolution of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in Apocynaceae, larval host plants for PA‐adapted butterflies (Danainae, milkweed and clearwing butterflies), to test if the evolutionary pattern is consistent with de‐escalation.

We used the first PA biosynthesis specific enzyme (homospermidine synthase, HSS) as tool for reconstructing PA evolution. We found hss orthologues in diverse Apocynaceae species, not all of them known to produce PAs. The phylogenetic analysis showed a monophyletic origin of the putative hss sequences early in the evolution of one Apocynaceae lineage (the APSA clade). We found an hss pseudogene in Asclepias syriaca, a species known to produce cardiac glycosides but no PAs, and four losses of an HSS amino acid motif. APSA clade species are significantly more likely to be Danainae larval host plants than expected if all Apocynaceae species were equally likely to be exploited.

Our findings are consistent with PA de‐escalation as an adaptive response to specialist attack.
Knowledge about oral leukoplakia for use at different levels of expertise, including patients
Authors: van der Waal I
Published: February 2018

Objective

The purpose of this contribution is to discuss how the subject of oral leukoplakia might be communicated among the various healthcare workers and also among patients.

Material and Methods

The discussion is based on the available literature and on many decades of clinical and histopathological experience of the author.

Results

The literature does not contain guidelines on what level of expertise can be expected from the various dental and medical healthcare workers in the field of oral leukoplakia, nor on how to communicate this disorder with patients. Based on personal experience, a number of suggestions have been proposed to overcome this shortcoming.

Conclusion

Knowledge about oral leukoplakia varies among the various healthcare workers, depending on their level of expertise. Communication on this subject with patients should be in easy to understand wording, avoiding professional terminology as much as possible.
Lyophilized bone marrow cell extract functionally restores irradiation‐injured salivary glands
Authors: Su X , Fang D , Liu Y , Ruan G , Seuntjens J , Kinsella JM , Tran SD
Published: February 2018

Objective

Bone marrow cell extract (BMCE) was previously reported to restore salivary gland hypofunction caused by irradiation injury. Proteins were shown to be the main active factors in BMCE. However, BMCE therapy requires multiple injections and protein denaturation is a concern during BMCE storage. This study aimed to preserve, by lyophilization (freeze‐drying), the bioactive factors in BMCE.

Methods

We developed a method to freeze‐dry BMCE and then to analyze its ingredients and functions in vivo. Freeze‐dried (FD) BMCE, freshly prepared BMCE (positive control), or saline (vehicle control) was injected into the tail vein of mice that had received irradiation to damage their salivary glands.

Results

Results demonstrated that the presence of angiogenesis‐related factors and cytokines in FD‐BMCE remained comparable to those found in fresh BMCE. Both fresh and FD‐BMCE restored comparably saliva secretion, increased cell proliferation, upregulated regenerative/repair genes, protected salivary acinar cells, parasympathetic nerves, and blood vessels from irradiation‐damaged salivary glands.

Conclusion

Lyophilization of BMCE maintained its bioactivity and therapeutic effect on irradiation‐injured salivary glands. The advantages of freeze‐drying BMCE are its storage and transport at ambient temperature.
Issues with the surgical treatment of antiresorptive agent‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws
Authors: Kagami H , Inoue M , Kobayashi A , Taguchi A , Li X , Yoshizawa M
Published: February 2018

Antiresorptive agent‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw is a rare but significant complication in patients using antiresorptive agents such as bisphosphonates and denosumab. Although the disease is well recognized, and many studies have been performed on the management of this condition, the treatment of severe osteonecrosis is still a challenge. Most recent studies have shown an advantage of surgical treatment over conservative treatment for stage 2/3 patients, but there is no consensus on the appropriate surgical procedures for antiresorptive agent‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Furthermore, patients with severe systemic conditions may not be appropriate for extensive surgical treatment, and the treatment protocol for such patients has not been established. In this review, issues regarding the current surgical treatment for antiresorptive agent‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws are discussed, with an emphasis on the clinical aspects.
Treatment of Refractory Idiopathic Supraorbital Neuralgia Using Percutaneous Pulsed Radiofrequency
Authors: Luo Fang , Lu Jingjing , Ji Nan
Published: February 2018

Background and Aims

No ideal therapeutic method currently exists for refractory idiopathic supraorbital neuralgia patients who do not respond to conservative therapy, including medications and nerve blocks. Pulsed radiofrequency is a neuromodulation technique that does not produce sequelae of nerve damage after treatment. However, the efficacy of percutaneous pulsed radiofrequency for the treatment of refractory idiopathic supraorbital neuralgia is still not clear. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the supraorbital nerve for refractory supraorbital neuralgia patients.

Methods

We prospectively investigated the long‐term effects of ultrasound‐guided percutaneous pulsed radiofrequency in the treatment of 22 refractory idiopathic supraorbital neuralgia patients. A reduction in the verbal pain numeric rating scale score of more than 50% was used as the standard of effectiveness. The effectiveness rates at different time points within 2 years were calculated.

Results

After a single pulsed radiofrequency treatment, the effectiveness rate at 1 and 3 months was 77%, and the rates at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years were 73%, 64%, and 50%, respectively. Except for a small portion of patients (23%) who experienced mild upper eyelid ecchymosis that gradually disappeared after approximately 2 weeks, no obvious complications were observed.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the results of our study demonstrate that for patients with refractory idiopathic supraorbital neuralgia, percutaneous pulsed radiofrequency may be an effective and safe treatment choice.
Engineering rice with lower grain arsenic
Authors: Deng Fenglin , Yamaji Naoki , Ma Jian Feng , Lee Sang‐Kyu , Jeon Jong‐Seong , Martinoia Enrico , Lee Youngsook , Song Won‐Yong
Published: February 2018

Arsenic (As) is a poisonous element that causes severe skin lesions and cancer in humans. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a major dietary source of As in humans who consume this cereal as a staple food. We hypothesized that increasing As vacuolar sequestration would inhibit its translocation into the grain and reduce the amount of As entering the food chain. We developed transgenic rice plants expressing two different vacuolar As sequestration genes, ScYCF1 and OsABCC1, under the control of the RCc3 promoter in the root cortical and internode phloem cells, along with a bacterial γ‐glutamylcysteine synthetase driven by the maize UBI promoter. The transgenic rice plants exhibited reduced root‐to‐shoot and internode‐to‐grain As translocation, resulting in a 70% reduction in As accumulation in the brown rice without jeopardizing agronomic traits. This technology could be used to reduce As intake, particularly in populations of South East Asia suffering from As toxicity and thereby improve human health.