bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical experience of using a novel self‐help inflatable balloon to prevent esophageal stricture after circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Li Longsong , Linghu Enqiang , Chai Ningli , Xiang Jingyuan , Wang Zantao , Zou Jiale , Du Chen , Wang Xiangyao
Published: March 2019

Although endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is gradually becoming a first‐line treatment for superficial esophageal neoplasms (SEN), strictures occur in almost 100% of cases after circumferential ESD. A standard method to prevent stricture has not been established. Thus, we propose a novel self‐help inflatable balloon to prevent stricture. The new balloon was used by the patients themselves at home (4–5 times a day, duration of each procedure was approximately 15–20 min), and was removed when the defects were almost healed. From January 2018 to September 2018, eight patients who received circumferential ESD for SEN and underwent a novel self‐help inflatable balloon to prevent stricture were enrolled. Median size of the mucosal defects was 76.3 mm (range: 50–90 mm). Median time for removing the self‐help inflatable balloon was 94.6 days (range, 71–119 days). Only one (12.5%) patient experienced stricture, and three endoscopic balloon dilation sessions were carried out for this patient. All patients tolerated the balloon well, and none experienced perforation or delayed bleeding. The self‐help inflatable balloon seems to show a high preventive effect against stricture in patients whose mucosal defect was no longer than 100 mm in length after esophageal circumferential ESD. This method is economic, feasible, and safe.
Luther's Heidelberg Disputation and identity formation
Authors: Bräutigam Michael
Published: March 2019

Luther's famous Ninety‐five Theses overshadowed his twenty‐eight theses of the Heidelberg Disputation. This is regrettable insofar as Luther broke in Heidelberg with the traditional scholastic method and introduced for the first time publicly his influential theology of the cross. Luther's existential emphasis in this Disputation is particularly significant, because he answers here the big questions for us: Who am I really in the sight of God? What is my true identity in Christ? Luther radically exposes our self‐centeredness and calls us to look at the world, God, and ourselves through “suffering and the cross,” as only in this way will we be able to perceive clearly and “say what a thing is.” He encourages us to become theologians of the cross who have given up on themselves and discovered that “everything is already done.” Luther's passionate plea to put the cross of Christ at the center of our lives is a welcome reminder for us today, even five hundred years later, as we seek to find out who we are, who God is, and what God is accomplishing in and through us. Rescuing Luther's Heidelberg Disputation from oblivion is vital for the health of both church and academia today.
First report of Phytophthora pseudosyringae recovered from aquatic ecosystems in Bulgaria
Authors: Christova Petya Koeva , Lyubenova Aneta B. , Kostov Kaloyan V. , Slavov Slavtcho B.
Published: March 2019

Two Phytophthora pseudosyringae isolates were recovered from aquatic ecosystems in Bulgaria during a two‐year investigation of Phytophthora distribution in water sources in the country. Isolate RVit2016/6d was derived from Boyana Lake at the Vitosha Mountain, whereas isolate RTr2016/32d was obtained from Erma River at the Ruy Mountain. Both isolates belong to P. pseudosyringae species according to their morphological and physiological characteristics, as well as to the DNA sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. The pathogenicity of the isolates to wild cranberry plants (Vaccinium vitis‐idea) was studied by detached leaves experiments and in planta. Both P. pseudosyringae isolates were able to cause leaf necrosis and death of plants within 3 months. The ability of the pathogens to infect cranberry leaves at different temperatures was also investigated. The significance of P. pseudosyringae species and its potential threat for forest ecosystems is discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. pseudosyringae isolation in Bulgaria.
Measuring the impact of simulation practice on the spatial representation ability of dentists by means of Impacted Mandibular Third Molar (IMTM) Surgery on 3D printed models
Authors: Yao Coral J. , Chow James , Choi Winnie W. S. , Mattheos Nikos
Published: March 2019

Introduction

The ability of spatial representation is one of the most important competences of an oral surgeon, but also a challenging competence to assess in educational settings. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the impact of a hands‐on simulation practice on the development of the Dental Anatomy Spatial Representation Ability (DASRA) of recent dental graduates, using a novel assessment instrument based on CBCT radiographic data.

Materials and methods

A novel instrument for the measurement of DASRA for oral surgery was developed, utilising panoramic, sagittal and horizontal slices from 3D radiographic imaging of impacted wisdom teeth. Twenty‐one young dentists (nine males and 12 females) were enrolled in this study. After measurement of dentists' perceptual ability (PA), all dentists completed a DASRA drawing test and thereafter practiced surgical extraction on 3D printed models, which were based on actual patients' anatomy. A second DASRA was administered after the hands‐on exercise, followed by a feedback survey.

Results

A slight increase in DASRA scores was revealed after practicing on models, which however did not reach statistical significance. However, statistically significant decrease in drawing time was observed after hands‐on experiences (P < 0.001), while important qualitative improvements were noted, such as dentists' ability to position the mandibular nerve. Dentists perceived 3D printed model as a very effective and efficient manner in planning and practicing of surgical interventions.

Conclusions

An instrument for the measurement of DASRA based on 3D radiographic imaging might support educators in the assessment of spatial skills of novice surgeons. Practice on 3D printed, anatomically precise models can benefit dentists on pre‐clinical surgical training and has the potential of improving their dental anatomy spatial representation ability.
Analysis of variance in soil research: Examining the assumptions
Authors: Webster Richard , Lark Richard M.
Published: March 2019

Three assumptions underly safe inference from an analysis of variance of soil data from designed experiments and surveys. They are (a) that the residuals are normally distributed, (b) that the within‐groups variances are equal and (c) that effects of treatments and blocks are additive. Small departures from these assumptions are unlikely to affect conclusions because the analysis is robust. Large departures could have serious consequences, however. The most common departures in the real world of the soil are strongly positively skewed distributions of the observed values, many of which are approximately lognormal. In those situations, transformation of the data to logarithms should lead to analyses from which inferences are sound and to confidence limits on estimates. Mean values can be transformed back to the original scales to aid understanding. Measurements of nitrogen in the soil of the Broadbalk wheat experiment show how transformations of the strongly skewed data to logarithms are sufficient to satisfy the assumptions underlying the analysis. Those of nitrogen in the soil of Cashmore Field at Silsoe required the somewhat more complex Box–Cox transformation to satisfy the assumptions and lead to sensible conclusions. The statistical distributions in pH, already a logarithm, in the soil in sandy drift and chalky boulder clay at Broom's Barn Farm differed so strongly that no transformation would satisfy the assumptions. Non‐parametric tests are available, but they should be used only if no suitable transformation can be found.

Highlights

Safe inference from the analysis of variance is based on three conditions.

The conditions are normal distribution of residuals, homogeneity of variances and additivity of effects.

Most departures from the conditions in the real world of the soil are caused by positively skewed distributions.

Transformation to logarithms will often deal with departures from these conditions.
Osthole attenuates mouse atopic dermatitis by inhibiting thymic stromal lymphopoietin production from keratinocytes
Authors: Fu Xiangping , Hong Chaohui
Published: March 2019

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common skin diseases. Dysregulation of immune system and chronic inflammation were believed to be associated with atopic dermatitis. Osthole was reported to play important roles in antitumor and anti‐inflammation. However, whether osthole has effects on atopic dermatitis remains unclear. In this present study, we explored the biological role of osthole in atopic dermatitis and the molecular mechanism. Atopic dermatitis was induced by 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene. Pathological damage of ear was detected by H&E staining. IgE level in serum or thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) level in supernatant was detected by ELISA. Interleukin (IL)‐4 expression and IL‐13 expression in CD4+ T cells were detected using flow cytometry. The expression levels of mRNA or protein levels were detected by RT‐PCR or Western blot. Osthole attenuated atopic dermatitis development in mouse model. Osthole inhibits Th2 cell response, but have on influence on Th1 or Th17 cell response in the skin. In mouse model, osthole treatment significantly inhibited atopic dermatitis via directly inhibiting TLSP expression levels in keratinocytes. Osthole treatment alleviates atopic dermatitis through directly down‐regulating TSLP production from keratinocytes. Osthole may serve as a potential choice for atopic dermatitis treatment in clinic.
A participatory scenario method to explore the future of marine social‐ecological systems
Authors: Planque Benjamin , Mullon Christian , Arneberg Per , Eide Arne , Fromentin Jean‐Marc , Heymans Johanna Jacomina , Hoel Alf Håkon , Niiranen Susa , Ottersen Geir , Sandø Anne Britt , Sommerkorn Martin , Thébaud Olivier , Thorvik Thorbjørn
Published: March 2019

Anticipating future changes in marine social‐ecological systems (MSES) several decades into the future is essential in the context of accelerating global change. This is challenging in situations where actors do not share common understandings, practices, or visions about the future. We introduce a dedicated scenario method for the development of MSES scenarios in a participatory context. The objective is to allow different actors to jointly develop scenarios which contain their multiple visions of the future. The method starts from four perspectives: “fisheries management,” “ecosystem,” “ocean climate,” and “global context and governance” for which current status and recent trends are summarized. Contrasted scenarios about possible futures are elaborated for each of the four single perspectives before being integrated into multiple‐perspective scenarios. Selected scenarios are then developed into storylines. Focusing on individual perspectives until near the end allows actors with diverse cultures, interests and horizons to confront their own notions of the future. We illustrate the method with the exploration of the futures of the Barents Sea MSES by 2050. We emphasize the following lessons learned: first, many actors are not familiar with scenario building and attention must be paid to explaining the purpose, methodology, and benefits of scenarios exercises. Second, although the Barents Sea MSES is relatively well understood, uncertainties about its future are significant. Third, it is important to focus on unlikely events. Fourth, all perspectives should be treated equally. Fifth, as MSES are continuously changing, we can only be prepared for future changes if we collectively keep preparing.
NARRATING THE FAMILY PAST EMPATHETICALLY: A COMPARISON OF EUGEN RUGE'S IN ZEITEN DES ABNEHMENDEN LICHTS AND MAXIM LEO'S HALTET EUER HERZ BEREIT
Authors: Stewart Amanda
Published: March 2019

In recent years, the family novel has re‐emerged as a popular form for representing, and remembering, the German past. By comparing Maxim Leo's Haltet euer Herz bereit (2009) and Eugen Ruge's In Zeiten des abnehmenden Lichts (2011), I argue that narrative empathy is a key feature of contemporary generational writing. Narrating through various characters’ own perspectives allows the family past to be narrated with a greater sense of empathy in comparison to the ‘Väterliteratur’ of the 1970s and 80s, which foregrounded intergenerational confrontation. Although Eugen Ruge and Maxim Leo belong to different generations (Ruge was born in 1954 in the Soviet Union and Leo in 1970 in East Berlin), there are marked similarities between their approaches to narrativising their family histories. I suggest that these similarities can be attributed to the texts’ dates of publication; twenty years after reunification, authors and readers alike are better positioned to attempt to understand past generations’ experiences with empathy.
Warriors in suits: A Bourdieusian perspective on the construction and practice of military masculinity of Korean men
Authors: Lee Jin , Shirmohammadi Melika , Baumgartner Lisa M. , Oh Jihye , Han Soo Jeoung
Published: March 2019

Within masculinity scholarship, there is a gap about how masculinity carries over from a broad social context to an organizational context. This article explores the construction and capitalization of masculinity through a series of experiences in social fields such as the military and college, and the transfer of militaristic masculinity into the workplace. Drawing on grounded theory methods, we conducted in‐depth interviews with 20 Korean men who completed their mandatory two‐year military service and subsequently joined large corporations in Korea. We uncovered a four‐phase model that depicts how Korean men's masculinity is constructed during military service and transferred to their organizational positions characterizing them as warriors in suits. Informed by a Bourdieusian perspective, this study shows how masculinities are constructed, reinforced and legitimatized by the structural influences of society, and how masculinity becomes the desired image of men at work, which perpetuates the gender and power gaps among organizational members.
Grammars of creativity
Authors: Attfield Robin
Published: March 2019

Wonder can be found in human creativity as well as in nature. While one version of belief in inspiration precludes human creativity, another presupposes it. Margaret Boden, however, suggests that creativity is continuous with generic human powers, and arises through breaking recognised rules. Problems are raised for this latter view. It needs to be added that creativity commonly involves participation in a tradition of skill or craftsmanship, and in a creative community. Further, the continuity approach is argued to be consistent with a version of the inspiration approach, according to which the Creator can communicate through minds reflective of his/her creative imagination, as suggested by Austin Farrer.
Fuzzy logic method to investigate grinding of alumina ceramic using minimum quantity lubrication
Authors: Dambatta Yusuf S. , Sarhan Ahmed A. D , Sayuti Mohd Bin Ab Karim , Shukor M. Hamdi Bin Abd
Published: March 2019

The use of nanofluid in lubrication during machining of advanced engineering ceramics has been found to be highly efficient and eco‐friendly. This work involves experimental investigation of grinding Alumina (Al2O3) ceramic to determine the effect of the grinding variables. The grinding variables considered include depth of cut, feed rate, type of diamond wheel, and lubrication type. Moreover, the response parameters considered include grinding power, coefficient of friction, and surface quality. The responses obtained during the experiments were used to develop a fuzzy logic prediction model. The findings from this work can be concluded as follows: (a) The depth of cut and feed rate have direct proportional relationship with the grinding power and coefficient of friction. (b) The metallic bonded diamond wheel was found to have higher machining efficiency than the resinoid bonded one. (c) Higher number of diamond grits produces lower frictional coefficient. (d) The carbon nanotube based nanofluid when used in the minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) process proffers better lubrication capability than conventional flood cooling system. (e) The developed fuzzy logic models were found to have high prediction accuracies of 97.22%, 98.60%, and 96.8%, respectively, for grinding power, grinding force ratio, and surface roughness.
Stevens‐Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: retrospective review of 10‐year experience
Authors: Zhang Amy J. , Nygaard Rachel M. , Endorf Frederick W. , Hylwa Sara A.
Published: March 2019

Background

Stevens‐Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe mucocutaneous disorders. To date, relatively few studies have looked at institutional approaches to treatment of SJS/TEN, particularly with a focus on wound care.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on patients admitted to the Hennepin County Medical Center from 2007 to 2017 with a final diagnosis of SJS or TEN. Data were obtained for demographics, causative drug, hospital course, supportive care, medical management, complications, and disposition.

Results

A total of 48 were diagnosed with SJS/TEN during the study period. A total of 41.7% (20/48) were men, and the mean age was 49.2 years. Sulfa antibiotics and nonsulfa antibiotics were the most common causative drug categories, each accounting for a quarter of cases. Supportive measures included intravenous fluid resuscitation in 4.2% of cases, enteral nutrition in 75%, surgical debridement in 27.1%, and porcine xenograft in 16.7%. Wound care consisted of use of a cleanser in 95.8% of patients, topical antibiotic in 95.8%, topical steroid in 20.8%, topical antifungal in 14.6%, emollient in 83.3%, nonadherent dressing in 97.9%, silver impregnated dressing in 39.6%, nonsilver impregnated dressing in 79.2%, and general wrap in 93.8%. For medical treatment, 64.6% of patients received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and 8.3% of patients received cyclosporine. Mortality rate was 12.5% overall, compared to an expected mortality rate of 25.2% as predicted by SCORTEN.

Conclusions

Patients treated with our current regimen of care showed a mortality rate half of that predicted by SCORTEN.
Effects of hydroxyl radical induced oxidation on water holding capacity and protein structure of jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) mantle
Authors: Zhu Wenhui , Huan Haizhen , Bu Ying , Li Xuepeng , Shiuan David , Li Jianrong , Sun Xiaotao
Published: March 2019

Protein oxidation is considered as an important issue in food preservation process. In the present study, the potential influence of protein oxidation on water holding capacity and protein structure of jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) mantle was investigated. After the hydroxyl radical oxidation, it was found that the carbonyl, surface hydrophobicity and dityrosine content of myofibrillar protein significantly increased (P < 0.05), while the content of total sulphydryl decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, the fluorescence intensity of squid was weakened, and the maximum absorption peak of fluorescence red shift as the H2O2 concentration increased. The sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) showed that not only the protein cross‐linking but also degradation could have occurred. The content of α‐helix decreased, the content of β‐sheet, β‐turn and the unordered structures increased after oxidation. In addition, oxidation resulted in a decrease in water holding capacity. Taken together, oxidation resulted in the damage of the myofibrillar structure, the increase in muscle loss rate and the decrease in water holding capacity.
Analysis of improved nutritional composition of bee pollen (Brassica campestris L.) after different fermentation treatments
Authors: Yan Sha , Li Qiangqiang , Xue Xiaofeng , Wang Kai , Zhao Liuwei , Wu Liming
Published: March 2019

Microbial fermentation as an excellent food processing technology has been used for improving the flavour and nutritional feature of food material. In this study, we compared the differences in the nutrient profile of bee pollen (rape bee pollen, Brassica campestris L., BP) fermented with different species of microbes, such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB), yeast, and the two mixed. Based on the nutritional components and multivariate statistical analysis, yeast fermentation has more advantage for BP than fermentation with LAB or mixed microbes. The yeast‐fermented BP has an 83.5% reduction in fructose and 87.4% reduction in glucose, while phenolic compounds, oligopeptides and fatty acids were increased by 9.3%, 68.8% and 18.2%, respectively, compared with the BP without fermentation. The contents of riboflavin, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide and free amino acids in the pollen fermented by yeast were 2.4, 39.6, 4.6 and 4.8 times higher than those in raw BP, respectively. Additionally, in the fermentation process, wall‐breaking pollen showed more advantages in the transformation of nutrients, free amino acid increased by 11% at least, more low molecular weight peptides produced and nicotinic acid and nicotinamide increased by 7% at least, compared with fermented BP. Taken together, these results showed that BP with yeast fermentation has great potential in obtaining high available nutritional products.
Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) by‐products and their impact: from bioactive compounds to biomass energy and sorbent material for removing contaminants. A review
Authors: Colombo Raffaella , Papetti Adele
Published: March 2019

Avocado industry produces enormous by‐products and represents an important source of raw material in food and non‐food applications. This review aims to focus the attention on the valorisation of avocado wastes recycling to produce different materials with important industrial and environmental impacts. In fact, peels and seeds can be reused in food and cosmetic fields due to the presence of bioactive ingredients such as polyphenols; thanks to their antioxidant and antinflammatory activities. In addition, both peels and seeds can be reused in the production of carbonaceous materials with important consequences for environmental pollution in the removal of contaminants from water. Interesting applications of avocado wastes in photocatalysis and biofuel production are also discussed. All the utilisations attest the great potential of recycling avocado by‐products, a little known resource.
An international survey of Psychiatric‐Mental‐Health Nurses on the content validity of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets for Schizophrenia
Authors: Nuño Laura , Barrios Maite , Moller Mary D. , Calderón Caterina , Rojo Emilio , Gómez‐Benito Juana , Guilera Georgina
Published: March 2019

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Sets for schizophrenia describe the key problems in functioning that are experienced by individuals with this disorder. This study examines the content validity of these Core Sets and aims to identify the most frequent problems faced by people with schizophrenia, considering for this analysis the perspective of Psychiatric‐Mental‐Health Nurses. The study complied with the COREQ checklist for qualitative studies. A total of 101 nurses from 30 countries covering all six World Health Organization regions participated in a Delphi study. Their responses in Round 1 were linked to ICF categories, retaining those reported by at least 5% of participants. In Round 2, they were asked to rate the relevance of each of these categories to the nursing care of patients with schizophrenia. This process was repeated in Round 3. A total of 2327 concepts were extracted in Round 1 and linked to ICF categories. Following the analysis, 125 categories and 31 personal factors were presented to the experts in rounds 2 and 3. Consensus (defined as agreement ≥75%) was reached for 97 of these categories and 29 personal factors. These categories corresponded to all those (N = 25) in the Brief Core Set and 87 of the 97 categories of the Comprehensive Core Set for schizophrenia. Ten new categories emerged. The Delphi process identified the problems in functioning that nurses encounter when treating individuals with schizophrenia, and the results supported the content validity of the Core Sets. We conclude that these Core Sets offer a comprehensive framework for structuring clinical information and guiding the treatment process.
Less is more approach: basic variable neighborhood search for the obnoxious p‐median problem
Authors: Mladenović Nenad , Alkandari Abdulaziz , Pei Jun , Todosijević Raca , Pardalos Panos M.
Published: March 2019

The goal of the less is more approach (LIMA) for solving optimization problems that has recently been proposed in Mladenović et al. (2016) is to find the minimum number of search ingredients that make a heuristic more efficient than the currently best. In this paper, LIMA is successfully applied to solve the obnoxious p‐median problem (OpMP). More precisely, we developed a basic variable neighborhood search for solving the OpMP, where the single search ingredient, the interchange neighborhood structure, is used. We also propose a new simple local search strategy for solving facility location problems, within the interchange neighborhood structure, which is in between the usual ones: first improvement and best improvement strategies. We call it facility best improvement local search. On the basis of experiments, it appeared to be more efficient and effective than both first and best improvement. According to the results obtained on the benchmark instances, our heuristic turns out to be highly competitive with the existing ones, establishing new state‐of‐the‐art results. For example, four new best‐known solutions and 133 ties are claimed in testing the set with 144 instances.
Disentangling the processes driving tree community assembly in a tropical biodiversity hotspot (New Caledonia)
Authors: Pouteau Robin , Munoz François , Birnbaum Philippe
Published: March 2019

Aim

Understanding the drivers of community diversity and composition is a major question in ecology, which is of particular significance for the conservation of narrowly distributed taxa facing habitat alteration. In this study, we examined three ecological processes (environmental and biotic filtering, and dispersal limitation) hypothesized to drive community assembly in the island biodiversity hotspot of New Caledonia, and whether the relative importance of these processes changes along environmental gradients.

Methods

First, we assessed environmental filtering by stacking binary presence/absence species distribution models generated for 678 tree species from c. 40,000 occurrences. Second, we acknowledged the influence of dispersal limitation by applying a buffer around each occurrence. Third, we modelled a local hierarchy of performances by ranking species in decreasing order of their predicted habitat suitability, up to the predicted local species richness. Predictions of stacked species distribution models (S‐SDMs) accounting for different combinations of the filtering processes were compared with the composition of 12 forest plots.

Results

The three filters appear to be important driving forces. Accounting for environmental filtering provided fairly accurate assemblage predictions but species richness was overestimated. Considering dispersal limitation increased assemblage specificity (the proportion of correctly predicted absences) while considering differences in local performances increased assemblage sensitivity (the proportion of correctly predicted presences). The predictive ability of all S‐SDMs decreased with elevation, which suggests that unpredictable stochastic processes influenced biodiversity dynamics in more productive mountain habitats.

Main conclusions

New Caledonian tree communities appear to be similar to those of other tropical regions in their structuring processes (important role of dispersal and biotic filtering, increasing role of neutral processes with productivity). Our findings stress the potential of using S‐SDMs to understand and predict current and future biodiversity patterns.
Complement C3a promotes proliferation, migration and stemness in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Fan Zhuo , Qin Jingjing , Wang Dandan , Geng Songmei
Published: March 2019

Background

Complement C3 has been shown to be highly expressed in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) tumour tissues and is correlated with tumour cell growth. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of C3 in cSCC malignant transformation.

Methods

C3 expression was analysed in cSCC cell lines A431, Tca8113, SCC13, HSC‐5 and HSC‐1 and in immortalized HaCaT keratinocytes. Proliferation and migration of cSCC were determined after C3a exposure. Expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), pro‐matrix metalloproteinase 1 (pro‐MMP1), pro‐matrix metalloproteinase 2 (pro‐MMP2), stemness factors, GSK‐3β, and β‐catenin were analyzed. Tumour growth was examined in a murine xenograft model.

Results

C3 expression was much more highly expressed in all cSCC cell lines than in HaCaT cells. C3a treatment significantly promoted cSCC cell proliferation and migration and upregulated cyclin D1, cyclin E, VEGF, pro‐MMP1 and pro‐MMP2 expression, which were impeded by the C3aR antagonist. Moreover, the expression of stemness factors Sox‐2, Nanog, Oct‐4, c‐Myc and CD‐44 was stimulated by C3a and slowed by C3aR disruption. Knockdown of Sox‐2 by siRNA transfection suppressed cell proliferation and migration, constrained VEGF secretion and inhibited pro‐MMP1 and pro‐MMP2 expression. C3a also activated the Wnt and β‐catenin pathway in cSCC cells. Disruption of C3aR expression dampened tumour growth and the expression of Wnt‐1, β‐catenin and Sox‐2 in the xenograft model.

Conclusions

C3a enhanced cell proliferation, migration and stemness in cSCC, and this activity was correlated with activation of the Wnt and β‐catenin pathway.
Long non‐coding RNA ZEB2‐AS1 promotes the proliferation, metastasis and epithelial mesenchymal transition in triple‐negative breast cancer by epigenetically activating ZEB2
Authors: Zhang Guoxin , Li Hongli , Sun Ruimei , Li Peirui , Yang Zhiyi , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Zhaoyan , Yang Yuling , Yin Chonggao
Published: March 2019

The triple‐negative breast cancer is the most malignant type of breast cancer. Its pathogenesis and prognosis remain poor despite the significant advances in breast cancer diagnosis and therapy. Meanwhile, long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) play a pivotal role in the progression of malignant tumors. In this study, we found that LncRNA‐ZEB2‐AS1 was dramatically up‐regulated in our breast cancer specimens and cells (MDA231), especially in metastatic tumor specimens and highly invasive cells, and high lncRNA‐ZEB2‐AS1 expression is associated with clinicopathologic features and short survival of breast cancer patients. LncRNA‐ZEB2‐AS1 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of MDA231 cells in SCID mice. Thus, it is regarded as an oncogene in triple‐negative breast cancer. It is mainly endo‐nuclear and situated near ZEB2, positively regulating ZEB2 expression and activating the epithelial mesenchymal transition via the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β/Zeb2 signaling pathway. Meanwhile, EGF‐induced F‐actin polymerization in MDA231 cells can be suppressed by reducing lncRNA‐ZEB2‐AS1 expression. The migration and invasion of triple‐negative breast cancer can be altered through cytoskeleton rearrangement. In summary, we demonstrated that lncRNA‐ZEB2‐AS1 is an important factor affecting the development of triple‐negative breast cancer and thus a potential oncogene target.
Association of non‐surgical periodontal therapy on patients' oral health‐related quality of life—A multi‐centre cohort study
Authors: Peikert Stefanie A. , Spurzem Wilhelm , Vach Kirstin , Frisch Eberhard , Ratka‐Krüger Petra , Woelber Johan P.
Published: March 2019

Aim

The aim of this multi‐centre cohort study was to investigate the association of non‐surgical periodontal therapy (NST) on the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in general and related to severity of periodontal disease and treatment modalities.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and seventy‐two patients with periodontal disease from 18 dental practices were measured before and 6–8 weeks after NST using a standardized and validated OHRQoL instrument (Oral Health Impact Profile‐G14, OHIP‐G14). Another questionnaire was filled out by the dentists to evaluate the influence of treatment modalities and disease severity.

Results

Overall, the mean value of the OHIP baseline improved significantly after NST (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, a significant negative association between the severity of periodontitis and OHRQoL could be detected, and only patients with moderate and severe periodontitis showed a significant improvement of OHIP mean values (p < 0.0001). The results also indicated a significant association of the practitioners (p = 0.0362) as well as treatment modalities (favouring systemic antibiotics, p = 0.0066) regarding the improvement of the patients' OHRQoL.

Conclusion

This study showed that NST is positively associated with patients' oral health‐related quality of life. This association seems to depend on the disease severity and caregiver and treatment modality.
Prevalence and predictive factors of dentin hypersensitivity in Brazilian adolescents
Authors: Silva Markelane Santana , Lima Alessandra Noleto de Almeida Nunes , Pereira Marta Maria Alves , Ferraz Mendes Regina , Prado Júnior Raimundo Rosendo
Published: March 2019

Aim

To measure the prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity (DH) in adolescents.

Methods

The diagnosis was based on self‐report and was confirmed by tactile and evaporative tests. The association between DH and predictor factors was determined using a multivariate model. The sample consisted of 384 adolescents.

Results

The prevalence was 19.0%. DH prevalence to tactile stimulus was higher in those participants whose toothbrush movement was vertical/horizontal (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.47–0.60, p < 0.001), in the presence of dental biofilm (OR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.94–3.09, p < 0.001), of non‐carious cervical lesion (OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 2.40–3.18, p < 0.001), of gingival recession (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.44–1.86, p < 0.001) and gyroversion (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.40–1.82; p < 0.001). When DH was diagnosed by evaporative stimulus, there was an association with brush movement in a vertical/horizontal direction (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.66–0.82, p < 0.001), with the use of mouthwash solutions (OR = 2.65, 95% CI = 2.16–3.25, p < 0.001), in the presence of non‐carious cervical lesion (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.57–1.96, p < 0.001), of gyroversion (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.51–1.90, p < 0.001) and gingival recession (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.59–1.99, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The prevalence of DH in the sample was worrying, since almost 1 in 5 adolescents had DH. Individuals with DH were more likely to report traumatic dental brushing, and presence of dental biofilm, non‐carious cervical lesion, gingival recession and gyroversion in the affected teeth.
Decreased salivary concentration of CD9 and CD81 exosome‐related tetraspanins may be associated with the periodontal clinical status
Authors: Tobón‐Arroyave Sergio Iván , Celis‐Mejía Natalia , Córdoba‐Hidalgo Mónica Patricia , Isaza‐Guzmán Diana María
Published: March 2019

Aim

This cross‐sectional case–control study was designed to determine the association of the salivary concentration of CD9/CD81 exosome‐related tetraspanins with the periodontal clinical status.

Materials and Methods

Saliva samples from 104 periodontitis patients and 45 healthy controls were collected. Periodontal status was assessed based on full‐mouth clinico‐radiographical data, and salivary concentration of the analytes was calculated by ELISA. The association between the biomarkers with disease status was analysed using multivariate binary logistic regression models.

Results

Significantly decreased salivary levels of CD9 and CD81 exosomes were detected in periodontitis patients in comparison with healthy controls. Also, negative significant correlations between salivary concentrations of CD9/CD81 exosomes regarding clinical measurements were observed. Likewise, a significant downward trend of the concentration of these two biomarkers concerning the stage and grade of disease could be identified. Logistic regression analyses revealed a strong/independent association for decreased salivary concentration of CD81 exosomes regarding disease status. Confounding and interaction effects between age and salivary concentration of CD9 exosomes were also noted.

Conclusion

Reduced salivary concentration of CD9/CD81 exosomes might be of significance in the context of periodontal disease pathogenesis.
Beyond relationship quality: The role of leader–member exchange importance in leader–follower dyads
Authors: Lee Allan , Thomas Geoff , Martin Robin , Guillaume Yves , Marstand Anders F.
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we introduce a novel construct, leader–member exchange (LMX) importance, which we position as a meta‐perception indicating whether followers view their LMX relationship as personally important or valuable to them. Based on social exchange theory, we examine the extent to which the obligation followers feel towards their leader depends jointly on the quality and the importance of the LMX relationship. We examine how LMX importance influences the process through which LMX quality affects employees’ level of organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) by focusing on felt obligation (a measure of followers’ reciprocity obligation in the social exchange process) as a mediating variable. Across two studies, we found that high levels of both LMX quality and LMX importance interacted to engender a greater feeling of obligation in followers to repay the perceived favourable exchanges with their leader. Felt obligation predicted leader‐rated OCB, demonstrating support for our hypothesized moderated mediation model. However, psychological empowerment, when included alongside felt obligation (in Study 2), did not mediate the LMX‐OCB relationship. Overall, our findings extend the focus of LMX theory beyond the confines of LMX quality to incorporate the importance of the LMX relationship.

Practitioner points

Leaders should be aware that followers vary in the extent to which they perceive the leader–follower relationship to be personally important. As such, they may decide to invest heavily in helping followers understand that the relationship is instrumental for their success at work.

Leaders should invest not only in trying to build positive relationships, but also in establishing the importance of these relationships. Doing so will maximize the benefits of developing a high‐quality relationship.

Followers appear to be more willing to reciprocate when they perceive a high‐quality relationship with the leader and one when they perceive the relationship to be important. Thus, managers should be aware that the norm of reciprocity may vary depending on how important followers perceive the relationship to be and leaders may need to find other ways to motivate employees who do not see the relationship as important.

When followers do not see the leader–follower relationship as important, managers should avoid trying to engage in reciprocity contingent influence tactics and/or try to change followers’ perceptions of the importance of the relationship.
Relational costs of status: Can the relationship between supervisor incivility, perceived support, and follower outcomes be exacerbated?
Authors: Potipiroon Wisanupong , Ford Michael T.
Published: March 2019

Status has a central role in workplace incivility research. Although status is associated with a variety of benefits at work, we draw upon the relational model of authority and the status maintenance argument to propose that individuals with high status are more strongly affected by the experience of supervisor incivility than those with lower status. We tested this hypothesis by examining the relationships between supervisor incivility and turnover intentions, organizational deviance, and task performance, and proposed that the exacerbating effect of status could be explained by the extent to which employees feel that they are valued, cared for, and supported by their organization and supervisor (i.e., perceived organizational and supervisory support [POS and PSS]). Based on the structural equation modelling (SEM) analyses of supervisor–subordinate dyad data collected from a large organization in Thailand, our findings confirmed that the adverse effects of supervisor incivility on follower outcomes were more pronounced among those with higher status. The results also showed that these effects were differentially mediated by POS and PSS. Whereas POS mediated the effect of supervisor incivility on turnover intentions and organizational deviance, it was found that PSS mediated the effect of supervisor incivility on task performance. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Practitioner points

Managers should pay particular attention to the type of relationships they develop with their employees. Our work suggests that rude behaviours from authority figures can contribute to employee turnover intentions, deviant behaviours, and poor performance.

Despite the benefits associated with having high status in the workplace, our findings suggest that high‐status employees are more strongly affected by the experience of supervisory incivility.

To buffer these effects, organizations should create a work environment in which employees feel valued, cared for, and supported. Our findings indicate that the negative aspects of these perceptions are partly responsible for the effects of supervisor incivility.
Gender, leadership, and the display of empathic anger
Authors: Keck Steffen
Published: March 2019

Three experimental studies with different participant pools examined the effects of displays of empathic anger – anger that is caused by witnessing or learning of harm done to another person – on perceptions of men and women in leadership positions. In contrast to prior work, which focused on expressions of anger regarding personal failure and found double standards that favour men, the results in this study show that displays of empathic anger were significantly more beneficial for female leaders. In particular, female leaders who expressed anger about a harm done to a subordinate were perceived as possessing more agentic and communal characteristics, and as being more effective in their position, than their male counterparts. Moreover, the results showed that this effect was driven by observers’ tendency to attribute empathic anger expressed by female compared with male leaders more strongly to internal reasons like the leader's personality. Consistent with these findings, the different perceptions of male and female leaders were no longer present when attributions for the displays of empathic anger were clearly internal.

Practitioner points

To be effective leaders, female managers need to show qualities like determination and confidence, but unlike male leaders, they often find it difficult to do so without simultaneously been judged as lacking important attributes like warmth and kindness.

The results in this study suggest that female leaders can overcome this problem by expressing anger about a harm done to others, which causes observes to judge them even more positively than male leaders who engage in the same behaviour.

Overall, whereas female leaders should generally avoid expressing anger about a personal harm for which they are judged very negatively, they should not be reluctant to display anger about harm done to other members of organization when they have the opportunity to do so.
The effect of a self‐management program on hand‐washing/mask‐wearing behaviours and self‐efficacy level in peritoneal dialysis patients: a pilot study
Authors: Karadag Ezgi
Published: March 2019

Background

Self‐management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is crucial for health outcomes.

Objectives

This study was conducted to demonstrate the effect of a self‐management programme based on Bandura's self‐efficacy theory offered to patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) on behavioural changes regarding hand‐washing/mask‐wearing and self‐efficacy level.

Design

In this study, the pretest‐posttest design was used without a control group.

Methods

The sample of the study consisted of 30 patients who were receiving peritoneal dialysis. At the first interview conducted with patients, patients were given a Questionnaire Form on Socio‐Demographic and Disease Characteristics and the Self‐efficacy Scale. Following the 6‐month self‐management programme; the self‐efficacy scale was applied again and the effectiveness of the self‐management programme was evaluated by re‐asking the questions on hand‐washing and mask‐wearing behaviours, and the two questions on the presence of peritonitis and leucocyte abnormality. The self‐management programme in question in this study was comprised of multidisciplinary team collaboration, telephone contact, clinic interviews, use of reminders, training intervention based on Bandura's self‐efficacy theory and enhancement of self‐efficacy.

Results

A statistically significant difference was found between the pre‐intervention and post‐intervention self‐efficacy scale mean scores of patients (t: −4,396, p < .001).

Conclusions

In this study, it was found that the self‐management programme based on Bandura's self‐efficacy theory caused a positive change in the hand‐washing/ mask‐wearing behaviours of patients and that it improved the self‐efficacy level.
Assessing the Relationship between Neoliberal Ideology and Reactions to Central American Asylum Seekers in the United States
Authors: Dutt Anjali , Kohfeldt Danielle
Published: March 2019

According to the United Nations, there are approximately 22.5 million refugees in the world and this number is expected to grow due to war and environmental catastrophe. Additionally, contemporary U.S. society is marked by neoliberal ideology, increasingly coupled with nationalist discourses and policies. Noting the current U.S. sociopolitical context, there is great incentive to study how internalization of neoliberal ideology relates to engagement in efforts to support the rights of refugees. In the current study, we examine the relationships between internalized neoliberal ideology, moral exclusion of people seeking asylum from Central America, levels of ethnocentrism, and willingness to engage in efforts to support the human rights of asylum seekers. Participants (N = 270) were recruited through Prolific Academic and responses were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings illustrate a strong connection between endorsement of neoliberal ideology and the moral exclusion of Central American asylum seekers, as well as lower levels of willingness to engage in efforts to support the rights of asylum seekers and higher levels of ethnocentrism. Policy implications are discussed.