bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative excellence framework for communication management
Authors: Vercic Dejan , Zerfass Ansgar
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Why are excellent communication departments actually outstanding? The purpose of this paper is to address this question from a multidisciplinary perspective and identify two different strands of the excellence debate, one from general management and the other from public relations and communication management. Insights from both perspectives are combined in a new approach – the comparative excellence framework (CEF). This framework has been applied in two studies among 3,691 communication departments across Europe. Characteristics of excellence identified in this empirical exercise are described. The results are then matched with insights from the excellence literature to test the plausibility of the new approach.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature survey has been used to identify current excellence approaches and to build the comparative framework. In the empirical part, two subsequent editions of an annual online survey of communication professionals across Europe were used to test the approach. Excellent departments were identified across four dimensions: advisory influence, executive influence, success and competence. Approximately one-fifth of each sample was identified as excellent.

Findings

The study shows that excellent communication departments are not simply better at communication; they are different. The characteristics identified are in line with popular organizational excellence models from management theory. Excellent departments employ different people (more experienced, with higher positions and in more strategic roles); they partner and collaborate more closely with the executive board and other departments in the organization; they base their work on different processes with more listening and research; and they produce more products at the strategic level, like overall communication and messaging strategies. There is also a strong congruence with excellence theory in communication management.

Research limitations/implications

The CEF uses a limited number of variables to distinguish excellent from other communication departments. This is typical for excellence approaches based on benchmarking and self-assessments. It helps to apply such approaches in practice. The empirical testing is based on data collected on one continent (Europe). Further research should employ data from other regions of the world and test whether results vary.

Practical implications

In its pragmatic simplicity, the CEF is a viable tool for practitioners for the assessment of communication department and for establishing a quality control system. It can also guide the development of training and education in communication management.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that communication management research fits into a larger stream of research in the field of quality management.
Measuring online dialogic conversations’ quality: a scale development
Authors: Romenti Stefania , Valentini Chiara , Murtarelli Grazia , Meggiorin Katia
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a measurement scale for assessing the quality of dialogic conversations among companies and digital publics in social media. Dialogic conversations are defined as sequences of communicative actions and counteractions taken by social actors for different purposes based on specific linguistic choices and characterised by diverse communicative approaches and the role played by the involved parties.

Design/methodology/approach

A multidimensional scale for measuring dialogic conversations is developed from relevant literature concerning dialogue and public engagement in the fields of corporate communication, public relations, management studies and conversation analysis. The scale is built on three main dimensions: organisation turn-taking, sequencing of conversation, repair strategies and procedures. A pilot study was conducted to purify it from irrelevant variables.

Findings

Results of the pilot study show a general good level of reliability for the majority of the proposed variables for Facebook but not for Twitter. This may indicate that Facebook is a more dialogical forum than Twitter.

Originality/value

This is the first study proposing a systematic measurement of the dialogue orientation of online conversations that takes into consideration the role of language and communicative actions. The proposed measurement offers corporate communication managers a concrete tool for evaluating the quality of their online communications and for identifying those areas of their online communication that need improvement.
Intangible resource management: social capital theory development for public relations
Authors: Dodd Melissa Dawn
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize a meso-level (organizational) social capital theoretical approach to public relations. A theory and conceptualization of social capital as a resource- and exchange-based function of public relations is proposed. Here it is argued that public relations professionals serve as the managers of intangible resources on behalf of organizations. These intangibles serve as social capital for organizations and are managed through strategic, goal-directed communication behaviors. Social capital is conceptualized alongside other forms of capital that contribute to organizational advantage. The author proposes a conceptual social capital model of public relations and argues that the strategic management of intangible resources as social capital offers an ontology for public relations.

Design/methodology/approach

The author employed a process of open-system theory building. Extensive research from multi-disciplinary areas of scholarship – namely, sociology, business, and public relations – formed the basis for the conceptualized model and propositions.

Findings

Public relations theory is narrowly defined and does not offer an adequate ontology. This paper extends and refines existing public relations scholarship surrounding social capital to focus on competitive advantages for the organization. This paper uses input from the larger fields of sociology and business, while contextualizing social capital within the public relations scholarship. The result is a resource- and exchange-based social capital model of public relations and propositions for further theory building and empirical analyses.

Practical implications

The public relations discipline often struggles to demonstrate return-on-investment for organizations. The social capital model of public relations offers support for the capital generation and maintenance role of public relations for organizational advantage.

Originality/value

This paper represents one of the first comprehensive attempts at developing a meso-level social capital theory of public relations focused on intangible resource management for the organization.
Reframing the evidence base for policy‐relevance to increase impact: a case study on forest fragmentation in the oil palm sector
Authors: Lucey Jennifer M. , Palmer Georgina , Yeong Kok L. , Edwards David P. , Senior Michael J. M. , Scriven Sarah A. , Reynolds Glen , Hill Jane K.
Published: November 2016

It is necessary to improve knowledge exchange between scientists and decision‐makers so that scientific evidence can be readily accessed to inform policy.

To maximise impact of scientific evidence in policy development, the scientific community should engage more fully with decision‐makers, building long‐term working relationships in order to identify and respond to ‘policy windows’ with science that is reframed for policy‐relevance.

We illustrate the process and challenges using a case study in which we synthesised evidence from studies of habitat fragmentation to provide information for improved biodiversity conservation in the oil palm sector, resulting in the uptake of this research into new industry guidelines.

Policy implications. The case study demonstrates how having an in‐depth understanding of the ‘policy arena’ (the state of policy and the actors and influencing factors that affect policy) and responding with relevant and specific information, enabled effective uptake of science to inform the design of conservation set‐asides in the oil palm industry.
Plant litter mixture partly mitigates the negative effects of extended drought on soil biota and litter decomposition in a Mediterranean oak forest
Authors: Santonja Mathieu , Fernandez Catherine , Proffit Magali , Gers Charles , Gauquelin Thierry , Reiter Ilja M. , Cramer Wolfgang , Baldy Virginie
Published: November 2016

A major challenge of current ecological research is to determine the responses of plant and animal communities and ecosystem processes to future environmental conditions. Ecosystems respond to climate change in complex ways, and the outcome may significantly depend on biodiversity.

We studied the relative effects of enhanced drought and of plant species mixture on soil biota and on litter decomposition in a Mediterranean oak forest. We experimentally reduced precipitation, accounting for seasonal precipitation variability, and created a single‐species litter (Quercus pubescens), a two‐species litter mixture (Q. pubescens+Acer monspessulanum) and a three‐species litter mixture (Q. pubescens+A. monspessulanum+Cotinus coggygria).

In general, drier conditions affected decomposers negatively, directly by reducing fungal biomass and detritivorous mesofauna, and also indirectly by increasing the predation pressure on detritivorous mesofauna by predatory mesofauna. This is reflected under drier conditions in that Collembola abundance decreased more strongly than Acari abundance. One Collembola group (i.e. Neelipleona) even disappeared completely.

Increased drought strongly decreased litter decomposition rates. Mixed litter with two and three plant species positively affected soil biota communities and led to a more efficient litter decomposition process, probably through a greater litter quality. Faster decomposition in mixed litter can thus compensate slower decomposition rates under drier condition.

Synthesis. Our results highlight that, within our study system, drier climate strongly impacts on soil biodiversity and hence litter decomposition. Species‐rich litter may mitigate such a decline in decomposition rates. Diverse plant communities should hence be maintained to reduce shifts in ecosystem functioning under climate change.
Precipitation mediates the effect of human disturbance on the Brazilian Caatinga vegetation
Authors: Rito Kátia F. , Arroyo‐Rodríguez Víctor , Queiroz Rubens T. , Leal Inara R. , Tabarelli Marcelo
Published: November 2016

Seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTFs) are one of the most threatened forests world‐wide. These species‐rich forests not only cope with several acute (e.g. forest loss) and chronic (e.g. overgrazing and firewood extraction) human disturbances but also with climate change (e.g. longer and more severe droughts); yet, the isolated and combined effects of climate and acute and chronic human disturbances on SDTF vegetation are poorly known.

Given the environmental filter imposed by drought in SDTFs, the composition and structure of vegetation is expected to be strongly associated with annual precipitation, and thus the effects of human disturbances on vegetation may also depend on precipitation (i.e. interacting effect).

We tested these hypotheses in the Brazilian Caatinga – a SDTF threatened by climate change and human disturbances. We evaluated the isolated and combined (both additive and multiplicative) effect of precipitation, a chronic disturbance index and acute disturbance (landscape forest cover) on the diversity, stem density, evenness, taxonomic composition and above‐ground biomass of adult trees and shrubs across 19 0·1‐ha plots distributed along a disturbance and precipitation gradients.

We recorded 5541 stems from 129 species. Precipitation showed a stronger (positive) effect on species diversity than acute and chronic disturbances and, as expected, the effect of disturbance depended on precipitation (interacting effect): that is, species diversity (especially the number of rare species) was negatively related to forest loss but positively related to chronic disturbance in wetter sites, whereas in drier sites, species diversity was weakly related to forest cover, but strongly and negatively related to chronic disturbance. Contrary to species diversity, community evenness, stem density and biomass were weakly related to all predictors.

Synthesis. Precipitation appears to be a strong environmental filter determining the distribution of water‐demanding plant species. Chronic disturbance in wetter (high‐productive) forests may favour species diversity by increasing ecosystem heterogeneity (intermediate disturbance hypothesis). Yet, the biodiversity costs of chronic disturbance are higher in drier (low‐productive) forests; that is, there is a co‐limitation imposed by drought and disturbance in drier forests. Overall, our findings indicate that rapid climatic changes in the region will probably have strong negative effects on this seasonally dry tropical forest.
Non‐stationarity in the co‐occurrence patterns of species across environmental gradients
Authors: Bar‐Massada Avi , Belmaker Jonathan
Published: November 2016

Quantifying the role of biotic interactions in driving community assembly often relies on analysing species co‐occurrence patterns, where segregated patterns are taken to indicate antagonistic interactions such as competition. It is unknown, however, if co‐occurrence patterns are stationary across environmental gradients, as it is possible that the strength of biotic interactions that drive these patterns also depends on the environment. In this study, we aim to understand how patterns of co‐occurrence change when species move from their environmental range centre towards their range periphery while isolating the potential signal of biotic interactions from confounding factors.

We used two separate statistical approaches (null models and joint species distribution models) to quantify pairwise co‐occurrence patterns for tree species sampled in 9382 plots distributed across the conterminous US. We also analysed co‐occurrence patterns that emerged from a simple meta‐community model. We then assessed how patterns of species segregation and aggregation change in relation to habitat suitability while accounting for multiple factors known to confound co‐occurrence analyses.

We found strong non‐stationarity in co‐occurrences, with patterns shifting from segregated at the environmental range centre towards aggregated at range margins for the majority of tree species. Patterns were in full agreement between model simulations and both empirical analyses. Model simulations suggest that this pattern is at least partly driven by variation in the relative abundances of non‐focal species even when no direct biological interactions are present.

Synthesis. Patterns of tree species co‐occurrence vary across environmental gradients, with increased segregation when environmental conditions are optimal and increased aggregation when the environment is less suitable. This pattern may originate from a trade‐off between the abundance of the focal species pair, which decreases towards the environmental range margin, and the increasing abundance of non‐focal species to which the environment is more suitable. The strong dependence of co‐occurrence patterns on environmental conditions might limit the predictive ability of joint species distribution models, which couple species co‐occurrences and their environmental responses, because co‐occurrence patterns and environmental responses are confounded.
Herbivore size matters for productivity–richness relationships in African savannas
Authors: Burkepile Deron E. , Fynn Richard W. S. , Thompson Dave I. , Lemoine Nathan P. , Koerner Sally E. , Eby Stephanie , Hagenah Nicole , Wilcox Kevin R. , Collins Scott L. , Kirkman Kevin P. , Knapp Alan K. , Smith Melinda D.
Published: November 2016

Productivity and herbivory often interact to shape plant community composition and species richness with levels of production mediating the impact of herbivory. However, differences in herbivore traits such as size, feeding guild and dietary requirements may result in different impacts of diverse herbivore guilds across productivity gradients.

We used size‐selective herbivore exclosures to separate the effects of herbivory by larger herbivores, such as elephant, Burchell's zebra and blue wildebeest from those of medium/smaller herbivores, such as impala and warthog, on herbaceous plant communities. These exclosures were established along a 10‐fold productivity gradient, ranging from 90 to 950 g m−2 of standing plant biomass in the Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Exclusion of all herbivores generally increased plant species richness at low productivity, but decreased richness at high productivity. Exclusion of medium/smaller herbivores (e.g. impala, warthog) showed stronger effects on plant richness, particularly loss of forbs, at higher productivity rather than at lower productivity. In contrast, exclusion of larger herbivores had stronger effects on plant richness, typically with increasing forb richness, at low rather than high productivity.

The change in species richness appeared linked to changes in light availability following herbivore exclusion. Strong increases in shading led to declines in species richness while more moderate increases in shading led to increases in species richness, possibly due to amelioration of heat and water stress by modest increases in shading.

Increasing plant dominance, which likely alters multiple mechanisms of plant interactions, was correlated with declines in plant richness following herbivore exclusion. The impact of increasing dominance on plant richness operated independent of productivity, with the exclusion of impala appearing particularly important in driving this relationship.

Synthesis. We show that the impact of herbivore losses on plant diversity will be strongly situation dependent and will vary with the herbivores lost (e.g. larger vs. smaller, grazers vs. browsers), plant functional type (e.g. grasses vs. forbs) and environmental context (e.g. productivity). Although larger herbivores are often emphasized for their strong impacts on community dynamics and ecosystem processes, we show that smaller, abundant herbivores can exert strong top‐down control on plant communities.
Mucosa‐associated biohydrogenating microbes protect the simulated colon microbiome from stress associated with high concentrations of poly‐unsaturated fat
Authors: De Weirdt Rosemarie , Hernandez‐Sanabria Emma , Fievez Veerle , Mees Eva , Geirnaert Annelies , Van Herreweghen Florence , Vilchez‐Vargas Ramiro , Van den Abbeele Pieter , Jauregui Ruy , Pieper Dietmar H. , Vlaeminck Bruno , Van de Wiele Tom
Published: November 2016

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may affect colon microbiome homeostasis by exerting (specific) antimicrobial effects and/or interfering with mucosal biofilm formation at the gut mucosal interface. We used standardized batch incubations and the Mucosal‐Simulator of the Human Microbial Intestinal Ecosystem (M‐SHIME) to show the in vitro luminal and mucosal effects of the main PUFA in the Western diet, linoleic acid (LA). High concentrations of LA were found to decrease butyrate production and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii numbers dependent on LA biohydrogenation to vaccenic acid (VA) and stearic acid (SA). In faecal batch incubations, LA biohydrogenation and butyrate production were positively correlated and SA did not inhibit butyrate production. In the M‐SHIME, addition of a mucosal environment stimulated biohydrogenation to SA and protected F. prausnitzii from inhibition by LA. This was probably due to the preference of two biohydrogenating genera Roseburia and Pseudobutyrivibrio for the mucosal niche. Co‐culture batch incubations using Roseburia hominis and F. prausnitzii validated these observations. Correlations networks further uncovered the central role of Roseburia and Pseudobutyrivibrio in protecting luminal and mucosal SHIME microbiota from LA‐induced stress. Our results confirm how cross‐shielding interactions provide resilience to the microbiome and demonstrate the importance of biohydrogenating, mucosal bacteria for recovery from LA stress.
Genome‐wide association of functional traits linked with Campylobacter jejuni survival from farm to fork
Authors: Yahara Koji , Méric Guillaume , Taylor Aidan J. , de Vries Stefan P. W. , Murray Susan , Pascoe Ben , Mageiros Leonardos , Torralbo Alicia , Vidal Ana , Ridley Anne , Komukai Sho , Wimalarathna Helen , Cody Alison J. , Colles Frances M. , McCarthy Noel , Harris David , Bray James E. , Jolley Keith A. , Maiden Martin C. J. , Bentley Stephen D. , Parkhill Julian , Bayliss Christopher D. , Grant Andrew , Maskell Duncan , Didelot Xavier , Kelly David J. , Sheppard Samuel K.
Published: November 2016

Campylobacter jejuni is a major cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide, primarily associated with the consumption of contaminated poultry. C. jejuni lineages vary in host range and prevalence in human infection, suggesting differences in survival throughout the poultry processing chain. From 7343 MLST‐characterised isolates, we sequenced 600 C. jejuni and C. coli isolates from various stages of poultry processing and clinical cases. A genome‐wide association study (GWAS) in C. jejuni ST‐21 and ST‐45 complexes identified genetic elements over‐represented in clinical isolates that increased in frequency throughout the poultry processing chain. Disease‐associated SNPs were distinct in these complexes, sometimes organised in haplotype blocks. The function of genes containing associated elements was investigated, demonstrating roles for cj1377c in formate metabolism, nuoK in aerobic survival and oxidative respiration, and cj1368‐70 in nucleotide salvage. This work demonstrates the utility of GWAS for investigating transmission in natural zoonotic pathogen populations and provides evidence that major C. jejuni lineages have distinct genotypes associated with survival, within the host specific niche, from farm to fork.
Milk quality characteristics of Boutsiko, Frisarta and Karagouniko sheep breeds reared in the mountainous and semimountainous areas of Western and Central Greece
Authors: Skoufos Ioannis , Tzora Athina , Giannenas Ilias , Karamoutsios Achilleas , Tsangaris Georgios , Fthenakis Georgios C.
Published: November 2016

In this study, the chemical and microbiological characteristics of ovine milk from three indigenous Greek breeds was assessed. The breeds selected for this study were Boutsiko, Frisarta and Karagouniko. The milk yield of each breed was recorded at the early, mid‐ and late stages of lactation for two consecutive years. Among the three breeds, the average milk compositions obtained were similar for protein, lactose and total solids; however, fat values were significantly lower in Frisarta milk compared with Boutsiko and Karagouniko milk. The major fatty acids (FAs) in ovine milk were palmitic and oleic. The microbiological quality of Boutsiko and Karagouniko milk was superior to Frisarta milk.
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐inhibitory and antithrombotic activities of soluble peptide extracts from buffalo and cow milk Cheddar cheeses
Authors: Rafiq Saima , Huma Nuzhat , Pasha Imran , Shahid Muhammad , Xiao Hang
Published: November 2016

The aim of the study was to evaluate potential role of a water‐soluble peptide (WSP) extracts derived from buffalo and cow milk Cheddar cheeses with special reference to their antihypertension and antithrombotic activities. The WSP fractions collected at different stages of ripening were tested to assess their degree of proteolysis, their peptides were profiled by RP‐HPLC and in vitro assays for potential bioactivity were conducted. The peptide peak development was observed with slight differences in peaks number, area and height. Both angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐inhibitory and antithrombotic activities increased progressively during ripening. In comparison, the highest activities were observed in peptide extracts obtained from buffalo milk Cheddar cheese, in a dose‐dependent fashion.
The weakness of postcommunist civil society reassessed
Authors: FOA ROBERTO STEFAN , EKIERT GRZEGORZ
Published: November 2016

During the last two decades, scholars from a variety of disciplines have argued that civil society is structurally deficient in postcommunist countries. Yet why have the seemingly strong, active and mobilised civic movements of the transition period become so weak after democracy was established? And why have there been diverging political trajectories across the postcommunist space if civil society structures were universally weak? This article uses a new, broader range of data to show that civil societies in Central and Eastern European countries are not as feeble as commonly assumed. Many postcommunist countries possess vigorous public spheres and active civil society organisations strongly connected to transnational civic networks able to shape domestic policies. In a series of time‐series cross‐section models, the article shows that broader measures of civic and social institutions are able to predict the diverging transition paths among postcommunist regimes, and in particular the growing gap between democratic East Central Europe and the increasingly authoritarian post‐Soviet space.
Impact of male condition on his spermatophore and consequences for female reproductive performance in the Glanville fritillary butterfly
Authors: Duplouy Anne , Woestmann Luisa , Gallego Zamorano Juan , Saastamoinen Marjo
Published: November 2016

In butterflies, male reproductive success is highly related to the quality and the size of the spermatophore transferred to the female. The spermatophore is a capsule produced by the male during copulation, which in many species contains sperm in addition to a nuptial gift, and which is digested by the female after copulation. The nuptial gift may contribute to egg production and offspring quality, and in some cases also to female body maintenance. The production of the spermatophore, however, represents a cost for the male and, in polyandrous species, ejaculates are sometimes allocated adaptively across matings. Nonetheless, although the ecological factors affecting the reproductive success of female butterflies have been the topic of numerous studies, little information exists on the factors affecting males’ contribution to reproduction, and the indirect impacts on female fecundity and fitness. We used the Glanville fritillary butterfly,Melitaea cinxia(Linnaeus, 1758) (Nymphalidae), in order to assess variation in male allocation to matings. In this species, smaller males produce smaller spermatophores, but variation in spermatophore size is not correlated with female reproductive success. We show that spermatophore size increases with male age at first mating, decreases with mating frequency and adult food‐deprivation, and is not influenced by developmental food‐limitation. The length of copulation period does not influence the spermatophore size nor influences the polyandrous mating behavior in this species. Male contribution to his spermatophore size is clearly influenced by his condition and adult‐resource at the time of mating. Despite this variation, spermatophore size does not seem to have a direct impact on female reproductive output or mating behavior.
Phase I study of irinotecan for previously treated lung cancer patients with the UGT1A1*28 or *6 polymorphism: Results of the Lung Oncology Group in Kyushu (LOGIK1004A)
Authors: Fukuda Minoru , Shimada Midori , Kitazaki Takeshi , Nagashima Seiji , Hashiguchi Kohji , Ebi Noriyuki , Takayama Koichi , Nakanishi Yoichi , Semba Hiroshi , Harada Taishi , Seto Takashi , Okamoto Isamu , Ichinose Yukito , Sugio Kenji
Published: November 2016

Background

Various polymorphisms have been detected in the UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase 1A (
UGT1A
) gene, and
UGT1A1

*28 and
UGT1A1

*6 have important effects on the pharmacokinetics of irinotecan and the risk of severe toxicities during irinotecan therapy. This study was conducted to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of irinotecan chemotherapy according to the
UGT1A1
genotype in previously treated lung cancer patients with the
UGT1A1

*28 or
UGT1A1

*6 polymorphism.

Methods

The eligibility criteria were as follows: lung cancer patients that had previously been treated with anticancer agents other than irinotecan, possessed the
UGT1A1

*28 or
UGT1A1

*6 polymorphism (group A included *28/*28, *6/*6, and *28/*6, and group B included *28
/− and *6
/−), were aged ≤75 years old, had a performance score of 0–1, and exhibited adequate bone marrow function. The patients were scheduled to receive irinotecan on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and 36.

Results

Four patients were enrolled in this trial. Two patients were determined to be ineligible. The remaining two patients, who belonged to group B, received an initial irinotecan dose of 60 mg/m2, but did not complete the planned treatment because of diarrhea and leukopenia. Thus, in group B patients, 60 mg/m2 was considered to be the MTD of irinotecan. The study was terminated in group A because of poor case recruitment.

Conclusions

The MTD of irinotecan for previously treated lung cancer patients that are heterozygous for the
UGT1A1

*
28 or
UGT1A1

*
6 gene polymorphism is 60 mg/m2.
Against Imagination: On the Ambiguities of a Composite Concept
Authors: Stankiewicz Damien
Published: November 2016

In this article, I argue that “imagination” and “imaginaries” (arguably quite different but often conflated) have acquired too many meanings, which are in turn too imprecisely applied and combined, to usefully illuminate mechanisms of social belonging. I begin by reviewing others’ critiques of the concepts and the ways scholars have sought to organize and manage its meaning(s) and offering a synthesis of these. I argue for the arbitrariness of such lineages before demonstrating the ways in which various combinations of imagination‐imaginaries have been assembled and deployed in current literature. I contend that ongoing efforts to use and extrapolate the term, or to decipher or cull its meaning, merely recuperate its value as a catchall device for asserting social collectivity and claiming broad relevance of often limited ethnographic data. After arguing, through example, that other theories and concepts often better do the analytical work that anthropologists intend imagination and imaginaries to perform, I conclude with a metatheoretical reflection on the relationship between imagination and contradiction.
Preterm infants exhibited less pain during a heel stick when they were played the same music their mothers listened to during pregnancy
Authors: Kurdahi Badr Lina , Demerjian Taline , Daaboul Tania , Abbas Hanan , Hasan Zeineddine Mirvat , Charafeddine Lama
Published: November 2016

Aim

Playing music during painful procedures has shown inconsistent benefits for preterm infants. This study observed preterm infants during a heel stick procedure to assess whether listening to the music their mothers listened to during pregnancy had any impact on their pain and physiological and behavioural parameters.

Methods

We randomly exposed 42 preterm infants, with a mean gestational age of 31.8 ± 2.79 weeks, to the music their mothers listened to during pregnancy, recorded lullabies and no music, before, during and after a heel stick. Pain responses were measured using the Neonatal Pain, Agitation and Sedation Scale (N‐PASS), and physiological and behavioural responses were recorded by a nurse blinded to the intervention.

Results

N‐PASS pain scores were lowest during mothers’ music, with a mean of 1.40 (±1.28), compared to 2.33 (±1.64) for no music and 1.62 (±2.27) for the lullabies [F(3/121) = 4.86, p = 0.009]. Physiological parameters were not significantly different between the conditions. During the mothers’ music, infants spent more time in a quiet alert state, with a significant decrease in their respiratory rates.

Conclusion

The music mothers listened to during pregnancy was more beneficial for preterm infants, as it decreased pain and improved behavioural states during a heel stick.
Nutrients, amino acid, fatty acid and non‐starch polysaccharide profile and in vitro digestibility of macadamia nut cake in swine
Authors: Tiwari Utsav P. , Jha Rajesh
Published: November 2016

The highly variable cost and limited availability of conventional feedstuffs make it imperative to explore alternative feedstuffs to be used in swine. Macadamia nut cake (MNC), a coproduct of the macadamia nut oil industry, has not been well studied. MNC was analyzed for its nutrient profile, gross energy (GE), fibers, amino acids and fatty acids content. Dry matter (DM) and GE digestibility of MNC in swine was determined using an in vitro model. On a DM basis, ash, crude protein, ether extract, NDF, ADF, lignin and GE were found to be 3.7, 25.5, 11.9, 35.8, 28.0, 16.0% and 5581 kcal/kg, respectively. Total and soluble non‐starch polysaccharide content were 32.2 and 11.8%, respectively. The concentration of lysine was found to be 0.7%. The DM and GE digestibility were found to be 75.7 and 71.4%, respectively. Gross energy content of MNC is comparable with that of corn and higher than soybean meal, while protein content is twice as high as corn but lower than soybean meal. In conclusion, MNC is not merely a good source of protein and energy but also has fairly high digestibility in swine. Hence, it can be used as a viable alternative source of energy and protein in swine diets.
Impact of the Chronic Omega‐3 Fatty Acids Supplementation in Hemiparkinsonism Model Induced by 6‐Hydroxydopamine in Rats
Authors: Barros Alexandre Sales , Crispim Rafael Yuri Gouveia , Cavalcanti Juliana Uchoa , Souza Ricardo Basto , Lemos Jonatas Cavalcante , Cristino Filho Gerardo , Bezerra Mirna Marques , Pinheiro Thales Fontenele Moraes , de Vasconcelos Silvânia Maria Mendes , Macêdo Danielle Silveira , de Barros Viana Glauce Socorro , Aguiar Lissiana Magna Vasconcelos
Published: November 2016

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The neuronal degeneration may result from the convergence of a number of different pathogenic factors, including apoptosis, excitotoxicity and oxidative stress. Many studies emphasize the importance of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω‐3 PUFAs) in vital processes such as maintenance of the properties of cell membranes and the participation in signal transduction and biodynamic activity of neuronal membranes. In this study, the protective effect of ω‐3 PUFA administration on the 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) model of PD in rats was investigated. ω‐3 PUFA (1.5 and 3.0 g/kg) was orally administered by gavage during 28 consecutive days to male Wistar rats. On the 4th day, hemiparkinsonism was induced through intrastriatal injection of 6‐OHDA. On the 25th day, the animals were submitted to behavioural analysis. On the 28th day, after euthanasia, the brain areas were collected for neurochemical evaluation. ω‐3 PUFAs (1.5 and 3.0 g/kg) restored monoamine and amino acid levels on the striatum from hemiparkinsonian rats, followed by reduction in the number of apomorphine‐induced rotations and promotion of a partial locomotor recovery. In addition, ω‐3 PUFAs (1.5 and 3.0 g/kg) decreased the lipid peroxidation levels and nitrite levels in the brain areas from hemiparkinsonian rats. Thus, this study suggests that supplementation with ω‐3 PUFAs prevents behavioural and neurochemical disturbances induced by 6‐OHDA, presenting a potential neuroprotective action.
Oil‐Fortified Maize Porridge Increases Absorption of Lumefantrine in Children with Uncomplicated Falciparum Malaria
Authors: Mwebaza Norah , Jerling Markus , Gustafsson Lars L. , Silva Antero V. , Pohanka Anton , Obua Celestino , Waako Paul , Beck Olof , Homann Manijeh Vafa , Färnert Anna , Hellgren Urban
Published: November 2016

Artemether‐lumefantrine (AL) is a first‐line treatment for uncomplicated malaria. Absorption of lumefantrine (LUM) is fat dependent, and in children, intake is recommended with milk. We investigated whether oil‐fortified maize porridge can be an alternative when milk is not available. In an open‐label pharmacokinetic study, Ugandan children <5 years with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria were randomized to receive standard six‐dose AL treatment [one tablet (20 mgA/120 mg LUM) if <15 kg and two tablets if >15 kg] with milk (A) or maize porridge plus oil (B). Parametric two‐sample t‐test was used to compare relative oral LUM bioavailability. The primary end‐point was LUM exposure till 8 hr after the first dose (AUC0–8 hr). Secondary outcome included day 7 concentrations (d7LUM), LUM exposure between days 7 and 28 (AUCd7–28) and day 28 PCR‐adjusted parasitological response. Evaluable children (n = 33) included 16 in arm A and 17 in arm B. The AUC0–8 hr was comparable between A and B [geometric mean (95% CI): 6.01 (3.26–11.1) versus 6.26 (4.5–8.43) hr*μg/mL, p = 0.9]. Less interindividual variability in AUC0–8 hr was observed in B (p = 0.01), but d7LUM and AUCd7–28 were comparable. Children receiving two tablets had significantly higher exposure than those receiving one tablet [median d7LUM (505 versus 289 ng/mL, p = 0.02) and AUCd7–28 (108 versus 41 hr*μg/mL, p = 0.006)]. One parasitological failure (d28 recrudescence) was observed. Our findings suggest that oil‐fortified maize porridge can be an alternative to milk in augmenting absorption of LUM. The lower LUM exposure observed in children dosed with one AL tablet needs further attention.
Long‐term lithium treatment increases intracellular and extracellular brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in cortical and hippocampal neurons at subtherapeutic concentrations
Authors: De‐Paula Vanessa J. , Gattaz Wagner F. , Forlenza Orestes V.
Published: November 2016

Objectives

The putative neuroprotective effects of lithium treatment rely on the fact that it modulates several homeostatic mechanisms involved in the neurotrophic response, autophagy, oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial function. Lithium is a well‐established therapeutic option for the acute and long‐term management of bipolar disorder and major depression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of subtherapeutic and therapeutic concentrations of chronic lithium treatment on brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) synthesis and secretion.

Methods

Primary cultures of cortical and hippocampal neurons were treated with different subtherapeutic (0.02 and 0.2 mM) and therapeutic (2 mM) concentrations of chronic lithium treatment in cortical and hippocampal cell culture.

Results

Lithium treatment increased the intracellular protein expression of cortical neurons (10% at 0.02 mM) and hippocampal neurons (28% and 14% at 0.02 mM and 0.2 mM, respectively). Extracellular BDNF of cortical neurons increased 30% and 428% at 0.02 and 0.2 mM, respectively and in hippocampal neurons increased 44% at 0.02 mM.

Conclusion

The present study indicates that chronic, low‐dose lithium treatment up‐regulates BDNF production in primary neuronal cell culture.
Sleep–wake cycle phenotypes in young people with familial and non‐familial mood disorders
Authors: Scott Jan , Naismith Sharon , Grierson Ashlee , Carpenter Joanne , Hermens Daniel , Scott Elizabeth , Hickie Ian
Published: November 2016

Objectives

Converging evidence identifies that the offspring of parents with bipolar disorder (BD), individuals at clinical high risk ofBD, and young people with recent onsetBDmay differ from other clinical cases or healthy controls in terms of sleep–wake profiles. However, it is possible that these differences may reflect current mental state, subtype of mood disorder, or familial traits. This study aimed to determine objective and subjective sleep–wake profiles in individuals aged 15–25 years with a current major depressive episode, in relation to familial traits.

Methods

Frequency matching was employed to ensure that each individual with a confirmed family history ofBD(FH+) could be compared to four controls who did not have a familial mood disorder (FH–). Pre‐selected objective actigraphy and subjective Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) ratings were compared using one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and applying the Benjamini–Hochberg (BH) correction for false discoveries.

Results

The sample comprised 60 individuals with a mean age of 19 years. TheFH+ (n=12) andFH– groups (n=48) differed on three key sleep parameters: mean sleep duration on week nights (P=.049), variability in waking after sleep onset (P=.038), and daily disturbances (PSQIdimension of sleep disturbance and daytime dysfunction;P=.01).

Conclusions

The sleep profiles we identified in this study, especially the daily disturbances phenotype, provide support for research into endophenotypes forBD. Also, the findings may offer the opportunity for more tailored, personalized interventions that target specific components of the sleep–wake cycle in individuals with a family history ofBD.
Anxiety symptoms prior to a prostate cancer diagnosis: Associations with knowledge and openness to treatment
Authors: Dillard Amanda J. , Scherer Laura D. , Ubel Peter A. , Alexander Stewart , Fagerlin Angela
Published: November 2016

Aim

Research suggests that anxiety may be a common response to a cancer diagnosis, but research is needed to examine anxiety before diagnosis. Anxiety before diagnosis may relate to the comprehension of relevant health information or openness to potential treatments. This study examined anxiety and these outcomes in men who were waiting to learn of a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Objectives

One goal of this study was to determine whether anxiety would increase as men came closer to learning the results of their prostate cancer biopsy. Another goal was to test whether anxiety was associated with knowledge about prostate cancer or openness to different treatments.

Methods

Men (N = 265) who were facing a prostate cancer diagnosis were surveyed at two time points. Time 1 occurred at the time of biopsy, and Time 2 occurred immediately before men received their biopsy result. At each time point, men reported their anxiety about prostate cancer and their biopsy result. At Time 2, they completed a knowledge test of information about prostate cancer and reported their openness to different potential treatments.

Results

Anxiety symptoms increased as men came closer to learning their diagnosis. Also, higher anxiety was associated with lower knowledge and greater openness to particular treatments like surgery. Interactions showed that when anxiety increased from Time 1 to Time 2, having high or low knowledge mattered less to treatment openness.

Conclusion

Waiting for a cancer diagnosis is an important time period in which anxiety may increase and relate to information processing and openness to treatments.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Men undergoing prostate cancer screening have been found to experience high and low levels of anxiety.

Research has shown that negative emotions like anxiety are common following a cancer diagnosis, but little research has examined emotions right before diagnosis.

Anxiety has been associated with information processing and motivation to engage in preventive behaviours.

What does this study add?

Applies and tests a theoretical idea related to how anxiety may change as one approaches personally relevant threatening health feedback.

Shows relationships between changes in anxiety and knowledge in the context of waiting for actual health feedback.

Associates increased anxiety in the prostate cancer context with knowledge and openness to different treatments.
Neurochemical and behavioural effects of hypidone hydrochloride (YL‐0919): a novel combined selective 5‐HT reuptake inhibitor and partial 5‐HT1A agonist
Authors: Zhang Li‐Ming , Wang Xiao‐Yun , Zhao Nan , Wang Yu‐Lu , Hu Xiao‐Xu , Ran Yu‐Hua , Liu Yan‐Qin , Zhang You‐Zhi , Yang Ri‐Fang , Li Yun‐Feng
Published: November 2016

Background and purpose

Our previous studies revealed that hypidone hydrochloride (YL‐0919), which acts as a selective 5‐HT (serotonin) reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and displays partial 5‐HT1A receptor agonist properties, exerts a significant antidepressant effect in various animal models. The aim of present research was to further investigate the pharmacology of YL‐0919.

Experimental approach

We first investigated the target profile of YL‐0919 using [35S]‐GTPγS binding and microdialysis. To determine whether the 5‐HT or noradrenergic systems are involved in the antidepressant‐like effect of YL‐0919, the 5‐hydroxytryptophan (5‐HTP)‐induced head‐twitch test and antagonism with a high dose of apomorphine were performed. Using the learned helplessness paradigm, the novelty suppressed feeding test, the Vogel‐type conflict and elevated plus‐maze test, we further verified the antidepressant‐like and anxiolytic‐like effects of YL‐0919. The effects of YL‐0919 on hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP) and sexual behaviour were also evaluated.

Key results

Data from the present study demonstrated that YL‐0919 displays partial 5‐HT1A receptor agonist properties, producing a greater impact on extracellular 5‐HT levels than a conventional SSRI (fluoxetine), as well as significant antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. Furthermore, YL‐0919 treatment rapidly influenced the synaptic plasticity (enhancing LTP) of rats. Finally, at doses close to those producing antidepressant‐like effects, YL‐0919 did not result in a marked inhibition of sexual function.

Conclusions and implications

These data suggest that YL‐0919 is probably a fast‐onset potent antidepressant with few side effects.
The palatability of Neotropical poison frogs in predator‐prey systems: do alkaloids make the difference?
Authors: Schulte Lisa M. , Saporito Ralph A. , Davison Ian , Summers Kyle
Published: November 2016

Neotropical poison frogs sequester alkaloid‐based chemical defenses from their diet, which seem to repel invertebrate predators after contact. In this study, we tested the reaction of predatory ants toward skin secretions of captive‐bred poison frogs without alkaloids. Although the secretions had a smell and taste similar to those of wild‐caught frogs, the ants did not avoid them, but actually preferred them. We infer that amphibian secretions are attractive to invertebrate predators (probably due to palatable nutritive components), but that this attraction is overridden when unpalatable alkaloids are present.