bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scale of religiosity for Muslims: an exploratory study
Authors: Ul-Haq Shoaib , Butt Irfan , Ahmed Zeeshan , Al-Said Faris Turki
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Islam plays a powerful symbolic and cultural role in the constitution of consumer preferences, especially in Muslim countries. To quantitatively study this role in the consumption patterns of Muslim consumers we need a suitable scale for religiosity. However, the existing scales of religiosity have been developed primarily for Christian/Jewish respondents and cannot provide valid results for Muslim consumers. This study aims to address these challenges by re-conceptualizing the religiosity construct for Muslims and conducting an exploratory study to generate an initial scale.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper initialized the scale development exercise with a systematic review of the existing Islamic literature to ensure that we use Islamic categories to build the scale. Once the authors had a large pool of items, they consulted experts on Shariah (Islamic law) to evaluate these items for clarity, face and content validity. Next, they conducted five focus groups to (a) determine if they had covered the full terrain of Muslim religiosity; (b) identify if the items correspond with the actual experiences of the target respondents; and (c) ensure linguistic compatibility. This was followed by administering an exploratory survey designed to test psychometric properties of the new scale and to analyze the underlying dimensionality of the inventory of items.

Findings

To extract a manageable number of latent dimensions in the survey data, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) procedure was conducted. This resulted in the extraction of five different factors which were named as Mu’amalat_societal ethics, Roshan Khayali (enlightened moderation), Ibadaat (prayers), Mu’amalat_societal laws, Azeemat (a state exhibiting scrupulous faithfulness) and Mu’amalat_business dealings. There is a divide between Ibadaat (individual and collective worship) and Muamlaat (social relations) that emerged in the data from the cluster analysis procedure.

Originality/value

Religion can be an important part of decision-making of a typical consumer. This paper proposes a new scale for Muslims to tap into their religiosity, as existing scales are not embedded in the Islamic literature. This study also distinguishes Muslim religiosity from its Western counterpart and thus helps in clarifying the Muslim religiosity construct.
Value creation through big data application process management: the case of the oil and gas industry
Authors: Sumbal Muhammad Saleem , Tsui Eric , Irfan Irfan , Shujahat Muhammad , Mosconi Elaine , Ali Murad
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is twofold: to investigate the role of big data in firms’ co-knowledge and value creation and to understand the underlying drivers behind value creation through big data in the oil and gas industry by underscoring the role of firms’ capabilities, trends and challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an inductive approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior managers and analysts working in oil and gas companies across eight countries. The data collected from these key informants were then analysed using the qualitative data analysis software ATLAS.ti.

Findings

Value creation through big data is an important factor for enhancing performance. It has a positive impact on both tangible (organisational performance) and intangible (societal) aspects depending on the context. Oil and gas companies understand the importance of big data to creating value in their operations. However, implementing and using big data has been problematic. In this study, a framework was developed to show that factors such as the shortage of data experts, poor data quality, the risk of cyber-attacks and unsupportive organisational cultures impede its implementation and utilisation.

Research limitations/implications

The findings from this study have implications for managers and executives implementing big data and creating value across various data-intensive industries. The research findings, are contextual, however, and should be applied cautiously.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the value creation literature in the big data context. The findings identify the key areas to be considered for the effective implementation and utilisation of big data in the oil and gas sector. This study addresses a broad but under-explored issue (i.e. knowledge creation from big data and its implementation) and strengthens the academic debate within this research stream.
Are we in this together? Knowledge hiding in teams, collective prosocial motivation and leader-member exchange
Authors: Babič Katja , Černe Matej , Connelly Catherine E. , Dysvik Anders , Škerlavaj Miha
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Although organizations expect employees to share knowledge with each other, knowledge hiding has been documented among coworker dyads. This paper aims to draw on social exchange theory to examine if and why knowledge hiding also occurs in teams.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies, using experimental (115 student participants on 29 teams) and field (309 employees on 92 teams) data, explore the influence of leader-member exchange (LMX) on knowledge hiding in teams, as well as the moderating role of collective (team-level) prosocial motivation.

Findings

The results of experimental Study 1 showed that collective prosocial motivation and LMX reduce knowledge hiding in teams. Field Study 2 further examined LMX, through its distinctive economic and social facets, and revealed the interaction effect of team prosocial motivation and social LMX on knowledge hiding.

Originality/value

This study complements existing research on knowledge hiding by focusing specifically on the incidence of this phenomenon among members of the same team. This paper presents a multi-level model that explores collective prosocial motivation as a cross-level predictor of knowledge hiding in teams, and examines economic LMX and social LMX as two facets of LMX.
The impact of home-country conditions and geographical diversification on the domestic productivity of telecom multinationals
Authors: Symeou Pavlos , Merchant Hemant
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Previous work in international business largely disregards the interplay between home-country conditions and firms’ geographical diversification – implying that, regardless of indigenous conditions, firms can modify their domestic performance (which the authors measure in terms of change in firms’ domestic productivity) merely by diversifying into international markets. The authors contest this view and argue that diversification does not substitute for home-country conditions. Rather, it moderates the baseline impact of home-country conditions on indigenous firms’ domestic performance. The purpose of this study is to describe these mechanisms and empirically examine their implications for indigenous firms’ performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors investigate the above model based on a 20-year longitudinal analysis of 600 observations involving telecommunication incumbents from 65 countries. They control for possible reverse causality between firms’ international diversification (and other firm-specific factors) and their domestic performance, and conduct several robustness checks.

Findings

The authors find – as hypothesized – that international diversification moderates the baseline performance impact of different home-country attributes in different ways. Such diversification does not have a uniform moderating effect on home-country attributes. In other words, the baseline effects of home-country conditions are altered as indigenous firms become more internationalized.

Originality/value

Theoretically, this work bridges the micro- and macro-level arguments that interweave strands from the competitive strategy and national competitive advantage literatures. By unpacking diversification’s rolevis-à-visthe effect of upstream (home-country) conditions on firm performance, the authors attempt to shed light on the mechanisms that help (or hinder) indigenous firms’ performance. Empirically, this study helps to reconcile seemingly opposite views about whether and, if so, how much home-country conditions shape indigenous firms’ expansion after they have diversified internationally.
Online information disclosure in Spanish municipal-owned enterprises
Authors: Andrades Javier , Martinez-Martinez Domingo , Larran Manuel , Herrera Jesus
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the amount of online information reported by Spanish municipal-owned enterprises (MOEs) according to the legal requirements indicated in the Spanish Law 19/2013 on Transparency and Good Governance. In addition, the authors analyze how different variables can affect the extent of online information reported by such enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

To do this, we conducted a content analysis of the web pages of Spanish MOEs located in cities with more than 100.000 habitants, as well as those cities that are provincial capitals. To find information about these enterprises, the authors accessed the General Intervention Board of the State Administration (IGAE) webpage (www.igae.pap.minhafp.gob.es/sitios/igae/es-ES/Paginas/inicio.aspx). This sample was composed of 273 enterprises majority owned and controlled by local governments.

Findings

The findings reveal that the amount of information reported by Spanish MOEs, in accordance with the legal requirements, is quite reduced. The most influential variables for explaining Spanish MOEs’ commitment to information disclosure are population size, political positioning of the local government and reputation.

Originality/value

This study seeks to contribute to the scarce literature on mandatory transparency in the public sector as well as to reinforce the degree of compliance with requirements of information disclosure.
Developing a mobile SNS addiction scale utilizing factor analysis and the Rasch model
Authors: Wang Xinghua
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a mobile social networking service (SNS) addiction scale to measure respondents’ addiction levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the existing literature on the components model of addiction by Griffiths (2005) and mobile SNS addiction, an initial scale in a five-point Likert-format was developed. It was refined through the pilot study with 100 participants and the main study with 423 participants utilizing factor analysis and Rasch analysis.

Findings

Mobile SNS addiction as a behavioral addiction, demonstrated six addiction symptoms: modification, salience, tolerance, withdrawal, conflict and relapse, which were interrelated with each other. The mobile SNS addiction scale developed in this study was found to be psychometrically robust and unidimensional.

Practical implications

The mobile SNS addiction scale consists of nine items, thus making it easier and more convenient to be applied to academic research and clinical practice.

Originality/value

The combined use of factor analysis and the Rasch model could largely reduce potential negative effects associated with limitations of classical test theory and improve the chance of developing a psychometrically robust instrument. The mobile SNS addiction scale covers a range of types of SNSs, thus being more generic. The items in the scale are unidimensionally loaded on the latent construct of mobile SNS addiction and demonstrate measurement invariance across respondents of different demographics.
The quantitative analysis of tensile strength of additively manufactured continuous carbon fiber reinforced polylactic acid (PLA)
Authors: Li Hongbin , Wang Taiyong , Joshi Sanjay , Yu Zhiqiang
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites are being widely used in industry, but the fundamental understanding of their properties is still limited. The purpose of this paper is to quantitatively study the effects of carbon fiber content on the tensile strength of continuous carbon fiber-reinforced polylactic acid (CCFRPLA) fabricated through additive manufacturing using the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process.

Design/methodology/approach

The strength of these materials is highly dependent on the interface that forms between the continuous fiber and the plastic. A cohesive zone model is proposed as a theoretical means to understand the effect of carbon fiber on the tensile strength properties of CCFRPLA. The interface formation mechanism is explored, and the single fiber pulling-out experiment is implemented to investigate the interface properties of CCFRPLA. The fracture mechanism is also explored by using the cohesive zone model.

Findings

The interface between carbon fiber and PLA plays the main role in transferring external load to other fibers within CCFRPLA. The proposed model established in this paper quantitatively reveals the effects of continuous carbon fiber on the mechanical properties of CCFRPLA. The experimental results using additively manufacturing CCFRPLA provide validation and explanation of the observations based on the quantitative model that is established based on the micro-interface mechanics.

Research limitations/implications

The predict model is established imagining that all the fibers and PLA form a perfect interface. While in a practical situation, only the peripheral carbon fibers of the carbon fiber bundle can fully infiltrate with PLA and form a transmission interface. These internal fibers that cannot contract with PLA fully, because of the limit space of the nozzle, will not form an effective interface.

Originality/value

This paper theoretically reveals the fracture mechanism of CCFRPLA and provides a prediction model to estimate the tensile strength of CCFRPLA with different carbon fiber contents.
Transforming doctoral education: preparing multidimensional and adaptive scholars
Authors: Patterson Clinton A. , Chang Chi-Ning , Lavadia Courtney N. , Pardo Marta L. , Fowler Debra A. , Butler-Purry Karen
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Concerning trends in graduate education, such as high attrition and underdeveloped skills, drive toward a new doctoral education approach. This paper aims to describe and propose a transformative doctoral education model (TDEM), incorporating elements that potentially address these challenges and expand the current practice. The model envisions discipline-specific knowledge coupled with a broader interdisciplinary perspective and addresses the transferable skills necessary to successfully navigate an ever-changing workforce and global landscape. The overarching goal of TDEM is to transform the doctoral student into a multi-dimensional and adaptive scholar, so the students of today can effectively and meaningfully solve the problems of tomorrow.

Design/methodology/approach

The foundation of TDEM is transformative learning theory, supporting the notion learner transformation occurs throughout the doctoral educational experience.

Findings

Current global doctoral education models and literature were reviewed. These findings informed the new TDEM.

Practical implications

Designed as a customizable framework for learner-centered doctoral education, TDEM promotes a mentor network on and off-campus, interdisciplinarity and agile career scope preparedness.

Social implications

Within the TDEM framework, doctoral students develop valuable knowledge and transferable skills. These developments increase doctoral student career adaptability and preparedness, as well as enables graduates to appropriately respond to global and societal complex problems.

Originality/value

This proposed doctoral education framework was formulated through a review of the literature and experiences with curricular design and pedagogical practices at a research-intensive university’s teaching and learning center. TDEM answers the call to develop frameworks that address issues in doctoral education and present a flexible and more personalized training. TDEM encourages doctoral student transformation into adaptive, forward-thinking scholars and thriving in an ever-changing workforce.
Connecting through space and time: catchment‐scale distributions of bacteria in soil, stream water and sediment
Authors: Hermans Syrie M. , Buckley Hannah L. , Case Bradley S. , Lear Gavin
Published: August 2019

Terrestrial and aquatic environments are linked through hydrological networks that transport abiotic components from upslope environments into aquatic ecosystems. However, our understanding of how bacteria are transported through these same networks is limited. Here, we applied 16S rRNA gene sequencing to over 500 soil, stream water and stream sediment samples collected within a native forest catchment to determine the extent to which bacterial communities in these habitats are connected. We provide evidence that while the bacterial communities in each habitat were significantly distinct from one another (PERMANOVA pairwise P < 0.001), the bacterial communities in soil and stream samples were weakly connected to each other when stream sediment sample locations were downhill of surface runoff flow paths. This pattern decreased with increasing distance between the soil and sediment samples. The connectivity between soil and stream water samples was less apparent and extremely transient; the greatest similarity between bacterial communities in soil and stream water overall was when comparing stream samples collected 1 week post soil sampling. This study shows how bacterial communities in soil, stream water and stream sediments are connected at small spatial scales and provides rare insights into the temporal dynamics of terrestrial and aquatic bacterial community connectivity.
High‐grade Glioma – A decade of care in Christchurch
Authors: Yan Shan Shan , James Melissa L , Kerstens Peter , de Lambert Megan , Robinson Bridget A , Yi Ma
Published: August 2019

Introduction

High‐grade glioma (HGG) is a devastating illness. Our study aimed to investigate outcomes for patients with HGG treated in Christchurch focussing particularly on those diagnosed with glioblastoma mulitforme (GBM); compare GBM survival with international standards; examine factors associated with better prognosis; and assess the involvement of various allied health disciplines.

Methods

A 10‐year retrospective study of patients who were diagnosed and treated for HGG at Christchurch Hospital. Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate survival. Predefined multivariate analysis was performed to investigate potential prognostic and predictive factors.

Results

A total of 363 patients were diagnosed with HGG at a median age of 64 years with a 5‐year overall survival of 6.1%. Patients with grade IV tumours had a poorer outcome than grade III patients (P = 0.0002, log‐rank test). Eighty‐two per cent of patients had a surgical resection or biopsy of the tumour. For those patients with GBM, gross tumour resection followed by radical chemoradiation was associated with better survival compared with needle biopsy (HR = 1.93,P = 0.018); increasing age was negatively associated with survival (HR = 1.02 per additional age year,P = 0.037); however, waiting time between neurosurgery and radiation did not affect survival. Six per cent of patients received formal psychological input.

Conclusion

Our survival outcomes were comparable with internationally published series. More research is required to improve survival in HGG, including molecular guided treatment, and better define treatment paradigms, such as for the elderly and frail.
Bedside interpretation of simplified continuous EEG after cardiac arrest
Authors: Lybeck Anna , Cronberg Tobias , Borgquist Ola , Düring Joachim Pascal , Mattiasson Gustav , Piros David , Backman Sofia , Friberg Hans , Westhall Erik
Published: August 2019

Background

Continuous EEG‐monitoring (cEEG) in the ICU is recommended to assess prognosis and detect seizures after cardiac arrest but implementation is often limited by the lack of EEG‐technicians and experts. The aim of the study was to assess ICU physicians ability to perform preliminary interpretations of a simplified cEEG in the post cardiac arrest setting.

Methods

Five ICU physicians received training in interpretation of simplified cEEG ‐ total training duration 1 day. The ICU physicians then interpreted 71 simplified cEEG recordings from 37 comatose survivors of cardiac arrest. The cEEG included amplitude‐integrated EEG trends and two channels with original EEG‐signals. Basic EEG background patterns and presence of epileptiform discharges or seizure activity were assessed on 5‐grade rank‐ordered scales based on standardized EEG terminology. An EEG‐expert was used as reference.

Results

There was substantial agreement (κ 0.69) for EEG background patterns and moderate agreement (κ 0.43) for epileptiform discharges between ICU physicians and the EEG‐expert. Sensitivity for detecting seizure activity by ICU physicians was limited (50%), but with high specificity (87%).

Conclusions

After cardiac arrest, preliminary bedside interpretations of simplified cEEGs by trained ICU physicians may allow earlier detection of clinically relevant cEEG changes, prompting changes in patient management as well as additional evaluation by an EEG‐expert. This strategy requires awareness of limitations of both the simplified electrode montage and the cEEG interpretations performed by ICU physicians. cEEG evaluation by an expert should not be delayed.
The extraction of first, second or third permanent molar teeth and its effect on the dentofacial complex
Authors: Hatami A , Dreyer C
Published: August 2019

The extraction of permanent molar teeth was first introduced in 1976 as a substitution for premolar extraction in cases with mild crowding. Since then, a number of studies have investigated the effect of permanent molar extraction on dentofacial harmony. Undertaking the procedure of molar extraction is most commonly recommended in response to factors such as: gross caries, large restorations and root‐filled teeth, along with its application in the management of anterior open bite and reduction in crowding in facial regions. It has been indicated, however, that before undertaking the extraction of molar teeth it is important to investigate the potential influence of the procedure on other molars, with particular consideration of their eruption path. This is due to the doubt as to the effect of the exact molar teeth extraction and their consequences. In light of this, This review was undertaken to investigate and compare the effect of first, second and the third molar teeth extraction and their subsequent dentofacial complex changes.
A comparative assessment of plant flammability through a functional approach: The case of woody species from Argentine Chaco region
Authors: Santacruz‐García Ana Carolina , Bravo Sandra , del Corro Florencia , Ojeda Fernando
Published: August 2019

Recent changes to fire regimes in many regions of the world have led to renewed interest in plant flammability experiments to understand and predict the consequences of such changes. These experiments require the development of practical and standardised flammability testing protocols. The research aims were (i) to compare plant flammability assessments carried out using two different approaches, namely functional trait analysis and testing with a shoot‐level device; and (ii) to evaluate the effect of disturbances and seasonal variability on flammability. The study area was located in the Western Chaco region, Argentina, and 11 species were selected based on their representativeness in forests. We studied six functional traits related to flammability, growth habit and foliar persistence, in forests without disturbances over the three last decades as well as in disturbed forests. The seasonal variation of these functional traits was evaluated over two consecutive years. Functional trait flammability index (FI) and shoot‐level measurements followed standard protocols. Sixty per cent of the species measured presented a high to very high FI. The results of both assessment methods were significantly correlated. Both methods identified the same species as having medium flammability, but differed in regards to the most flammable species. Senegalia gilliesii was identified as the most flammable species when using functional trait analysis, whereas shoot‐level assessments found Larrea divaricata and Schinus johnstonii to be the most flammable. There were no disturbance effects on the FI but there was seasonal variation. Our results validate the use of functional traits as a predictive method of flammability testing and represent the first global effort comparing flammability obtained through functional trait analysis with empirical measurements. The significant correlation between both methods allows the selection of the one that is more appropriate for the size of the area to be evaluated and for the availability of technical resources.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Chinese herbal medicine combined with tadalafil for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Y. L. , Geng L. G. , He C. B. , Yuan S. Y.
Published: August 2019

Background

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a tough problem in medicine. This article aims to provide the latest evidence for the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with tadalafil in treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Methods

All randomized controlled trials that Chinese herbal medicine combined with tadalafil for erectile dysfunction were included in databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, Weip Database, China Biology Medicine disc (CBM), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. The quality of the included articles was evaluated using Cochrane Reviewer's Handbook 5.3, and meta‐analysis was performed using Stata 13.1.

Results

A total of 11 studies including 451 cases in the treatment group and 452 cases in the control group were obtained. Compared with tadalafil alone, meta‐analysis suggests there were statistically significant differences in International Index of Erectile Function‐5 (IIEF‐5), effective rate, Sexual Encounter Profile questions 2 and 3 (SEP‐Q2, SEP‐Q3) between traditional Chinese medicine combined with tadalafil, and no statistically significant differences in side effects between the two groups. All included studies were tested for publication bias, and the results indicated that there was no significant bias. Two of the articles mentioned the scheme that traditional Chinese medicine combined with low‐dose tadalafil for erectile dysfunction by down stairs.

Conclusion

Traditional Chinese medicine combined with tadalafil has significant efficacy in the treatment of ED with no increase in side effects. The specific implementing regulations and effect of de‐escalation therapy still need more long‐term, multicenter, randomized, and double‐blind clinical trials.
Evidence for the Oocyte Mosaicism Selection model on the origin of Patau syndrome (trisomy 13)
Authors: Babay Lilla É. , Horányi Dániel , Győrffy Balázs , Nagy Gyula R.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

In 2008, Hultén et al hypothesized that maternal ovarian trisomy 21 mosaicism might be the primary causative factor for fetal Down syndrome. We hypothesize that this theory can be extended to trisomy 13.

Material and methods

We collected fetal ovarian tissue from seven female fetuses between 16 and 23 gestational weeks, following the termination of the pregnancy for non‐genetic reasons. All procedures were performed with informed consent and ethical approval from the local ethics committee. We used touch preparation techniques from fetal ovarian tissues and an anti‐stromal antigen 3 antibody against the meiosis‐specific stromal antigen 3 protein to differentiate between germ cells, ovarian stromal cells and the cells entering their first meiotic prophase. We used fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis to determine chromosome 13 numbers in each cell.

Results

We were able to detect a proportion of trisomy 13 cells in all cases. The average incidence of trisomy 13 cells was 2.04% in stromal antigen 3‐positive and 0.91% in the stromal antigen 3‐negative cells. The number of the trisomic cells increased significantly with gestational age (for stromal antigen 3‐positive cells r = 0.93, P = 0.0038, for stromal antigen 3‐negative cells r = 0.85, P = 0.0071).

Conclusions

This study indicates that besides trisomy 21, the Oocyte Mosaicism Selection model could be extended to trisomy 13 as well. The crucial factor for trisomy 13 seems to be the pre‐meiotic/mitotic trisomy 13 mosaicism, leading to a so‐called secondary meiotic nondisjunction of those oocytes having three copies of chromosome 13.
Pharmacist services in nursing homes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lee Shaun Wen Huey , Mak Vivienne Sook Li , Tang Yee Woon
Published: August 2019

Aims

Pharmacists have been contributing to the care of residents in nursing homes and play a significant role in ensuring quality use of medicine. However, the changing role of pharmacist in nursing homes and their impact on residents is relatively unknown.

Methods

Six electronic databases were searched from inception until November 2018 for articles published in English examining the services offered by pharmacists in nursing homes. Studies were included if it examined the impact of interventions by pharmacists to improve the quality use of medicine in nursing homes.

Results

Fifty‐two studies (30 376 residents) were included in the current review. Thirteen studies were randomised controlled studies, while the remainder were either pre–post, retrospective or case–control studies where pharmacists provided services such as clinical medication review in collaboration with other healthcare professionals as well as staff education. Pooled analysis found that pharmacist‐led services reduced the mean number of falls (−0.50; 95% confidence interval: −0.79 to −0.21) among residents in nursing homes. Mixed results were noted on the impact of pharmacists' services on mortality, hospitalisation and admission rates among residents. The potential financial savings of such services have not been formally evaluated by any studies thus far. The strength of evidence was moderate for the outcomes of mortality and number of fallers.

Conclusion

Pharmacists contribute substantially to patient care in nursing homes, ensuring quality use of medication, resulting in reduced fall rates. Further studies with rigorous design are needed to measure the impact of pharmacist services on the economic benefits and other patient health outcomes.
The roles of gut microbiota and circadian rhythm in the cardiovascular protective effects of polyphenols
Authors: Man Andy W.C. , Xia Ning , Daiber Andreas , Li Huige
Published: August 2019

Polyphenols are secondary metabolites of plants that have been widely studied for their health benefits as antioxidants. In the last decade, several clinical trials and epidemiological studies have shown that long‐term consumption of polyphenol‐rich diet protects against chronic diseases such as cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Current cardiovascular studies have also suggested an important role of gut microbiota and circadian rhythm in the pathogenesis metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. It is known that polyphenols can modulate the composition of core gut microbiota and interact with circadian clocks. In this article, we summarize recent findings, review the molecular mechanisms and the potential of polyphenols as dietary supplements for regulating gut microbiota and circadian rhythms, and discuss future research directions.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on The Pharmacology of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.6/issuetoc
Targeting the peptidase PCSK9 to reduce cardiovascular risk: Implications for basic science and upcoming challenges
Authors: Nishikido Toshiyuki , Ray Kausik K.
Published: August 2019

LDL cholesterol (LDL‐C) plays a central role in the progression of atherosclerosis. Statin therapy for lowering LDL‐C reduces the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and is the recommended first‐line treatment for patients with high LDL‐C levels. However, some patients are unable to achieve an adequate reduction in LDL‐C with statins or are statin‐intolerant; thus, PCSK9 inhibitors were developed to reduce LDL‐C levels, instead of statin therapy. PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies dramatically reduce LDL‐C levels and cardiovascular risk, and promising new PCSK9 inhibitors using different mechanisms are currently being developed. The absolute benefit of LDL‐C reduction depends on the individual absolute risk and the achieved absolute reduction in LDL‐C. Therefore, PCSK9 inhibitors may provide the greatest benefits from further LDL‐C reduction for the highest risk patients. Here, we focus on PCSK9‐targeted therapies and discuss the challenges of LDL‐C reduction for prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Analysis of colorectal cancer‐related mutations by liquid biopsy: Utility of circulating cell‐free DNA and circulating tumor cells
Authors: Takeda Kohki , Yamada Takeshi , Takahashi Goro , Iwai Takuma , Ueda Koji , Kuriyama Sho , Koizumi Michihiro , Matsuda Akihisa , Shinji Seiichi , Ohta Ryo , Yokoyama Yasuyuki , Hotta Masahiro , Hara Keisuke , Yoshida Hiroshi
Published: August 2019

We recruited 56 colorectal cancer patients and compared the mutational spectrum of tumor tissue DNA, circulating cell‐free DNA (ccfDNA) and circulating tumor cell (CTC) DNA (ctcDNA) to evaluate the potential of liquid biopsy to detect heterogeneity of cancer. Tumor tissue DNA, ccfDNA, and ctcDNA were extracted from each patient and analyzed using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and digital PCR. To maximize yields of CTC, three antibodies were used in the capture process. From 34 untreated patients, 53 mutations were detected in tumor tissue DNA using NGS. Forty‐seven mutations were detected in ccfDNA, including 20 not detected in tissues. Sixteen mutations were detected in ctcDNA, including five not detected in tissues. In 12 patients (35.3%), mutations not found in tumor tissues were detected by liquid biopsy: nine (26.5%) in ccfDNA only and three (8.8%) in ctcDNA only. Combination analysis of the two liquid biopsy samples increased the sensitivity to detect heterogeneity. From 22 stage IV patients with RAS mutations in their primary tumors, RAS mutations were detected in 14 (63.6%) ccfDNA and in eight (36.4%) ctcDNA using digital PCR. Mutations not detected in primary tumors can be identified in ccfDNA and in ctcDNA, indicating the potential of liquid biopsy in complementing gene analysis. Combination analysis improves sensitivity. Sensitivity to detect cancer‐specific mutations is higher in ccfDNA compared with ctcDNA.
Long‐term efficacy and safety of once‐monthly pasireotide in Cushing's disease: A Phase III extension study
Authors: Fleseriu Maria , Petersenn Stephan , Biller Beverly M. K. , Kadioglu Pinar , De Block Christophe , T'Sjoen Guy , Vantyghem Marie‐Christine , Tauchmanova Libuse , Wojna Judi , Roughton Michael , Lacroix André , Newell‐Price John
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Many patients with Cushing's disease (CD) require chronic pharmacotherapy to control their hypercortisolism. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of long‐acting pasireotide during a long‐term extension study in patients with CD.

Design

Open‐label extension to a 12‐month Phase III study of long‐acting pasireotide in CD (N = 150; NCT01374906).

Patients

Patients with mean urinary free cortisol (mUFC) ≤ upper limit of normal (ULN) or receiving clinical benefit at core study end could continue long‐acting pasireotide during the extension.

Results

Eighty‐one of 150 (54.0%) enrolled patients entered the extension. Median overall exposure to pasireotide at study end was 23.9 months; 39/81 (48.1%) patients completed the extension (received ≥ 12 months’ treatment during the extension and could transit to a separate pasireotide safety study). mUFC was ≤ULN in 42/81 (51.9%), 13/81 (16.0%) and 43/81 (53.1%) patients at extension baseline, month (M) 36 and last assessment. Median mUFC remained within normal limits. Median late‐night salivary cortisol was 2.6 × ULN at core baseline and 1.3 × ULN at M36. Clinical improvements were sustained over time. Forty‐two (51.9%) patients discontinued during the extension: 25 (30.9%) before M24 and 17 (21.0%) after M24. Hyperglycaemia‐related AEs occurred in 39.5% of patients. Mean fasting glucose (FPG) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were stable during the extension, with antidiabetic medication initiated/escalated in some patients. Sixty‐six (81.5%) and 71 (88.9%) patients were classified as having diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%, FPG ≥ 7.0 mmol/L, antidiabetic medication use, or history of diabetes) at extension baseline and last assessment.

Conclusions

Long‐acting pasireotide provided sustained biochemical and clinical improvements, with no new safety signals emerging, supporting its use as an effective long‐term therapy for CD.
Novel homozygous variations in PLCZ1 lead to poor or failed fertilization characterized by abnormal localization patterns of PLCζ in sperm
Authors: Dai Jing , Dai Can , Guo Jing , Zheng Wei , Zhang Tianlei , Li Yuan , Lu Changfu , Gong Fei , Lu Guangxiu , Lin Ge
Published: August 2019

Total fertilization failure (TFF), which is the failure of fertilization in all oocytes, occurs in 1%‐3% of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. However, the sperm‐related factors that cause fertilization failure in humans are still largely unknown. Here, we identified three novel homozygous variations in the PLCZ1 gene in a recessive inheritance pattern in three consanguineous families, which all located in a key catalytic domain, and predicted to modify its secondary structure and thus impair its hydrolytic activity. Moreover, immunofluorescent staining revealed that PLCζ in mutant sperm exhibited abnormal localization patterns. ICSI‐AOA resulted in an increased rate of normal fertilization compared with previous ICSI cycles (75.0% vs 2.2%, P < .001). In summary, we identified three novel homozygous variations in PLCZ1 that led to poor or failed fertilization that could be overcame by ICSI‐AOA.
Priority questions for biodiversity conservation in the Mediterranean biome: Heterogeneous perspectives across continents and stakeholders
Authors: Moreira Francisco , Allsopp Nicky , Esler Karen J. , Wardell‐Johnson Grant , Ancillotto Leonardo , Arianoutsou Margarita , Clary Jeffrey , Brotons Lluis , Clavero Miguel , Dimitrakopoulos Panayiotis G. , Fagoaga Raquel , Fiedler Peggy , Filipe Ana F. , Frankenberg Eliezer , Holmgren Milena , Marquet Pablo A. , Martinez‐Harms Maria J. , Martinoli Adriano , Miller Ben P. , Olsvig‐Whittaker Linda , Pliscoff Patricio , Rundel Phil , Russo Danilo , Slingsby Jasper A. , Thompson John , Wardell‐Johnson Angela , Beja Pedro
Published: August 2019

The identification of research questions with high relevance for biodiversity conservation is an important step towards designing more effective policies and management actions, and to better allocate funding among alternative conservation options. However, the identification of priority questions may be influenced by regional differences in biodiversity threats and social contexts, and to variations in the perceptions and interests of different stakeholders. Here we describe the results of a prioritization exercise involving six types of stakeholders from the Mediterranean biome, which includes several biodiversity hotspots spread across five regions of the planet (Europe, Africa, North and South America, and Australia). We found great heterogeneity across regions and stakeholder types in the priority topics identified and disagreement among the priorities of research scientists and other stakeholders. However, governance, climate change, and public participation issues were key topics in most regions. We conclude that the identification of research priorities should be targeted in a way that integrates the spectrum of stakeholder interests, potential funding sources and regional needs, and that further development of interdisciplinary studies is required. The key questions identified here provide a basis to identify priorities for research funding aligned with biodiversity conservation needs in this biome.
Therapy for children with cerebral palsy: who, what, and how much?
Authors: Novak Iona
Published: August 2019

This commentary is on the original article by McCoy et al. To view this paper visit on pages 140‐146 of this issue.
Short‐term fully closed‐loop insulin delivery using faster insulin aspart compared with standard insulin aspart in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Bally Lia , Herzig David , Ruan Yue , Wilinska Malgorzata E. , Semmo Mariam , Vogt Andreas , Wertli Maria M. , Vogt Bruno , Stettler Christoph , Hovorka Roman
Published: August 2019

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of short‐term fully closed‐loop insulin delivery using faster versus standard insulin aspart in type 2 diabetes. Fifteen adults with insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes underwent 22 hours of closed‐loop insulin delivery with either faster or standard insulin aspart in a double‐blind randomized crossover design. Basal‐bolus regimen was replaced by model predictive control algorithm‐directed insulin delivery based on sensor glucose levels. The primary outcome was time with plasma glucose in target range (5.6–10.0 mmol/L) and did not differ between treatments (mean difference [95% CI] 3.3% [−8.2; 1.7], P = 0.17). Mean glucose and glucose variability were comparable, as was time spent below and above target range. Hypoglycaemia (<3.5 mmol/L) occurred once with faster insulin aspart and twice with standard insulin aspart. Mean total insulin dose was higher with faster insulin aspart (mean difference [95% CI] 3.7 U [0.7; 6.8], P = 0.021). No episodes of severe hypoglycaemia or other serious adverse events occurred. In conclusion, short‐term fully closed‐loop in type 2 diabetes may require higher dose of faster insulin aspart compared with standard insulin aspart to achieve comparable glucose control.
The relationship between individual differences in gray matter volume and religiosity and mystical experiences: A preregistered voxel‐based morphometry study
Authors: van Elk Michiel , Snoek Lukas
Published: August 2019

The neural substrates of religious belief and experience are an intriguing though contentious topic. Here, we had the unique opportunity to establish the relation between validated measures of religiosity and gray matter volume in a large sample of participants (N = 211). In this registered report, we conducted a confirmatory voxel‐based morphometry analysis to test three central hypotheses regarding the relationship between religiosity and mystical experiences and gray matter volume. The preregisterered hypotheses, analysis plan, preprocessing and analysis code and statistical brain maps are all available from online repositories. By using a region‐of‐interest analysis, we found no evidence that religiosity is associated with a reduced volume of the orbito‐frontal cortex and changes in the structure of the bilateral inferior parietal lobes. Neither did we find support for the notion that mystical experiences are associated with a reduced volume of the hippocampus, the right middle temporal gyrus or with the inferior parietal lobes. A whole‐brain analysis furthermore indicated that no structural brain differences were found in association with religiosity and mystical experiences. We believe that the search for the neural correlates of religious beliefs and experiences should therefore shift focus from studying structural brain differences to a functional and multivariate approach.
The olfactory mucosa, first actor of olfactory detection, is sensitive to glucocorticoid hormone
Authors: Meunier Nicolas , Raynaud Aurélien , Le Bourhis Mikaël , Grébert Denise , Dewaele Aurélie , Acquistapace Adrien , Bombail Vincent
Published: August 2019

The olfactory mucosa (OM) is the primary site of odorant detection, and its axonal projections relay information to brain structures for signal processing. We have previously observed that olfactory function can be affected during a prolonged stress challenge in Wistar rats. The stress response is a neuroendocrine retro‐controlled loop allowing pleiotropic adaptive tissue alterations, which are partly mediated through the release of glucocorticoid hormones. We hypothesised that, as part of their wide‐ranging pleiotropic effects, glucocorticoids might affect the first step of olfactory detection. To study this, we used a number of approaches ranging from the molecular detection and functional characterisation of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in OM cells, to the study of GR acute activation in vivo at the molecular, electrophysiological and behavioural levels. In contrast to previous reports, where GR was reported to be exclusive in olfactory sensory neurones, we located functional GR expression mostly in olfactory ensheathing cells. Dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally to activate GR in vivo, and this led to functional odorant electrophysiological response (electro‐olfactogram) and OM gene expression changes. In a habituation/cross‐habituation test of olfactory sensitivity, we observed that DEX‐treated rats exhibited higher responsiveness to a complex odorant mixture. These findings support the idea that olfactory perception is altered in stressed animals, as glucocorticoids might enhance odour detection, starting at the first step of detection.
Resolving the genetic paradox of invasions: Preadapted genomes and postintroduction hybridization of bigheaded carps in the Mississippi River Basin
Authors: Wang Jun , Gaughan Sarah , Lamer James T. , Deng Cao , Hu Wanting , Wachholtz Michael , Qin Shishang , Nie Hu , Liao Xiaolin , Ling Qufei , Li Weitao , Zhu Lifeng , Bernatchez Louis , Wang Chenghui , Lu Guoqing
Published: August 2019

The genetic paradox of biological invasions is complex and multifaceted. In particular, the relative role of disparate propagule sources and genetic adaptation through postintroduction hybridization has remained largely unexplored. To add resolution to this paradox, we investigate the genetic architecture responsible for the invasion of two invasive Asian carp species, bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and silver carp (H. molitrix) (bigheaded carps) that experience extensive hybridization in the Mississippi River Basin (MRB). We sequenced the genomes of bighead and silver carps (~1.08G bp and ~1.15G bp, respectively) and their hybrids collected from the MRB. We found moderate‐to‐high heterozygosity in bighead (0.0021) and silver (0.0036) carps, detected significantly higher dN/dS ratios of single‐copy orthologous genes in bigheaded carps versus 10 other species of fish, and identified genes in both species potentially associated with environmental adaptation and other invasion‐related traits. Additionally, we observed a high genomic similarity (96.3% in all syntenic blocks) between bighead and silver carps and over 90% embryonic viability in their experimentally induced hybrids. Our results suggest intrinsic genomic features of bigheaded carps, likely associated with life history traits that presumably evolved within their native ranges, might have facilitated their initial establishment of invasion, whereas ex-situ interspecific hybridization between the carps might have promoted their range expansion. This study reveals an alternative mechanism that could resolve one of the genetic paradoxes in biological invasions and provides invaluable genomic resources for applied research involving bigheaded carps.