bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning organization and work engagement: exploring the nexus in Indian IT sector
Authors: Malik Parul , Garg Pooja
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of learning organization on work engagement in Indian IT firms. Also, this study provides a holistic understanding of antecedents of work engagement at the individual, team, and organizational levels of learning organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprised of responses from 250 managerial employees’ working in IT companies based in India. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to analyze the proposed measurement model. The study utilized hierarchical multiple regression for testing the research hypotheses. Furthermore, incremental validity was examined to depict the variance contribution of the predictor variables (learning organization).

Findings

The results of hierarchical regression analysis revealed that learning organization dimensions have varied predicting effects on work engagement. The findings of the study showed that vigor and dedication were most significantly predicted by embedded system and continuous learning opportunities of learning organization where as inquiry and dialogue has the most significant influence on absorption.

Practical implications

This study offers concrete insights to human resource managers for developing prioritized composite-level interventions at individual, team, and organizational levels of learning organization for building highly engaged workforce.

Originality/value

Despite number of research works on work engagement, research is deficient in examining the role of learning organization dimensions (individual, team and organization level) in influencing work engagement. By investigating the relationship between learning organization and work engagement, the present study embarks to fill the paucity in academic and practitioner literature in the Indian organizational context.
Does job satisfaction, fair treatment, and cooperativeness influence the whistleblowing practice in Malaysian Government linked companies?
Authors: Said Jamaliah , Alam Md. Mahmudul , Mohamed Dar Irna Bt , Rafidi Marhamah
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Whistleblowing is an important factor in preventing corruption and fraud in organizations. There is a law to promote whistleblowing practices, but the negative subsequent effect of whistleblowing demotivates the reporting of unethical behaviors. Thus, it is important to identify the factors that motivate an employee to exercise whistleblowing in an organization. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine whether the personal factor of job satisfaction and organizational factors such as fair treatment as well as cooperativeness contribute to the whistleblowing practice in an organization.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected primary data based on a questionnaire survey from 73 respondents of the seven top most government linked companies (GLCs) in Malaysia. The data are analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and cross-sectional regression.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that only fair treatment is statistically significant and positively related to the whistleblowing practice. The findings imply that if employees perceive that the organization provides fair treatment in terms of career advancement, awards, training, performance appraisal, job assignment, and pay increases, they would tend to report wrongdoing activities to protect the image of the organization.

Practical implications

The findings of the study will help the policy makers to ensure better working environment and accountability in the public sector of Malaysia and other similar countries.

Originality/value

This is an original study based on primary data to examine the current practices of whistleblowing and its relationship with the practices of job satisfaction, fair treatment, and cooperativeness in the GLCs of Malaysia.
Scientists’ attitudes toward agricultural GM technology development and GM food in China
Authors: Huang Jikun , Peng Bowen , Wang Xiaobing
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Previous studies have mainly focused on public opinions regarding genetically modified (GM) technology and GM food. The purpose of this paper is to assess scientists’ attitudes on whether China needs to develop its national agricultural GM technology and their willingness to buy GM food.

Design/methodology/approach

A stratified sampling method was used to select and interview 806 scientists from six major agricultural universities and 20 research institutes under two national academies in China in 2013. Based on these data, the authors use both descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis to examine scientists’ attitudes toward agricultural GM technology and food, using GM soybean oil as an example of GM foods.

Findings

The survey results show that nearly three-quarters of scientists agree that China needs to develop its agricultural GM technology, but their attitudes differ largely. Only 29 percent of scientists are willing to buy GM soybean oil, similar to urban consumers (25 percent) in China. The knowledge of biology is extensive for some scientists but varies significant among scientists and correlates positively with their attitudes toward agricultural GM technology and GM soybean oil. Younger and male scientists with higher professional titles, and those involved in GM research are more in favor of China’s GM technology compared to other scientists. Female scientists, scientists with lower professional titles, those that have never engaged in GM research or are from non-agricultural scientific disciplines are less willing to buy GM soybean oil. Interestingly, their low willingness to buy GM soybean oil is inconsistent with the fact that it is the most common edible oil in China.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine scientists’ attitudes toward GM technology and food in China. The results of this study contribute to understanding the current debates on GM technology and the relevance of research, based on the willingness to buy GM food, for decision making regarding the commercialization of GM technology.
Mediation role of brand preference on bank advertising and customer loyalty
Authors: Amoako George Kofi , Anabila Peter , Asare Effah Ebenezer , Kumi Desmond Kwadjo
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating role of brand preference on the relationship between bank advertising and customer loyalty in Ghana’s banking industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A total number of 600 respondents participated in the study. Convenient sampling technique was employed to select a cross-section of customers from the universal banks currently operating in Ghana. Structural equation modeling technique of PLS was used to test the nature of relationships in the research hypotheses.

Findings

The study found a significant positive relationship between advertising effectiveness and brand preference. Also, there is a significant positive relationship between advertising and customer loyalty. Again, there is a significant positive relationship between brand preference and customer loyalty. Finally, brand preference positive mediates the relationships between advertising and customer loyalty.

Practical implications

The study provides a useful guide to strategy and policy formulation in marketing communication by establishing the potential viability of advertising strategy in bank marketing and its potential to generate brand preference and customer loyalty.

Originality/value

The study has practical implication for, and relevance not only to the banking industry communication strategy but also the entire financial services industry.
Quality and image of banking services: a comparative study of conventional and Islamic banks
Authors: Saleh Md Abu , Quazi Ali , Keating Byron , Gaur Sanjaya S.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Bank customers’ perceptions of service quality and service image of Islamic banks may differ from those of conventional banks. The purpose of this paper is to examine the differing perceptions of customers of Islamic and conventional banking systems in an emerging market, which has rarely been addressed and adds to the body of knowledge on this topic. This study also re-examines the SERVQUAL model of customer banking services to measure their impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses responses from a randomly drawn sample of 229 customers from conventional banks and 225 customers from Islamic banks operating in Bangladesh using a structured questionnaire. SPSS and structural equation modeling techniques were employed as statistical tools for data analysis.

Findings

Overall, the examined service quality dimensions wield varying effects on client satisfaction mediated through the perceived image of banking services. Islamic bank customers’ perceptions of the level of reliability, responsiveness, security and reputation were significantly higher than those of conventional banks.

Research limitations/implications

This study enhances our understanding of how Islamic banking practices differ from those of conventional banking in terms of service quality and image-related factors. More specifically, the findings of this research explain consumers’ perceived assessment of satisfaction and loyalty in a comparative research setting.

Originality/value

No prior studies have addressed the impact of the individual service quality dimensions on image factors in the context of conventional and Islamic banking in an emerging market, Bangladesh.
The job embeddedness-turnover relationship
Authors: Coetzer Alan , Inma Chutarat , Poisat Paul
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to examine the job embeddedness (JE)-turnover intentions relationship in large and small organisations; second, to investigate how employee perceptions of each dimension of JE may differ in large and small organisations; and third, to determine if work group cohesion moderates the JE-turnover intentions relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a short form of the original JE questionnaire, data were collected from 549 employees in organisations located in four major business centres in South Africa. Participants were from organisations in diverse industries.

Findings

JE predicted turnover intentions in large organisations, but not in small organisations. Contrary to expectations, employees in small organisations perceived that they would sacrifice more benefits than employees in large organisations if they were to quit. Results suggest that work group cohesion moderates the JE-turnover intentions relationship.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed to determine how JE operates in different size organisations and in urban and rural small organisations.

Practical implications

In small organisations, building group cohesion and persuasively communicating benefits of working in a small organisation can help to embed employees.

Originality/value

This study responds to calls for further JE research in a wider range of national contexts. It contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the three dimensions of JE by investigating how employee perceptions of each dimension differ in large and small organisations. The study also responds to appeals for research that examines moderators of the JE-turnover relationship by exploring work group cohesion as a potential moderator.
Pilot of the BOOST‐A™: An online transition planning program for adolescents with autism
Authors: Hatfield Megan , Murray Nina , Ciccarelli Marina , Falkmer Torbjörn , Falkmer Marita
Published: July 2017

Background

Many adolescents with autism face difficulties with the transition from high school into post‐school activities. The Better OutcOmes & Successful Transitions for Autism (BOOST‐A™) is an online transition planning program which supports adolescents on the autism spectrum to prepare for leaving school. This study describes the development of the BOOST‐A™ and aimed to determine the feasibility and viability of the program.

Methods

Two pilot studies were conducted. In Pilot A, the BOOST‐A™ was trialled by six adolescents on the autism spectrum, their parents, and the professionals who worked with them, to determine its feasibility. In Pilot B, 88 allied health professionals (occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and psychologists) reviewed the BOOST‐A™ to determine its viability.

Results

Participants rated the BOOST‐A™ as a feasible tool for transition planning. The majority of allied health professionals agreed that it was a viable program. Based on participant feedback, the BOOST‐A™ was modified to improve usability and feasibility.

Conclusion

The BOOST‐A™ is a viable and feasible program that has the potential to assist adolescents with autism in preparing for transitioning out of high school. Future research will determine the effectiveness of the BOOST‐A™ with adolescents across Australia.
Effects of fermented skim milk drink by Kluyveromyces marxianus LAF4 co‐cultured with lactic acid bacteria to release angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitory activities
Authors: Ahtesh Fatah B , Apostolopoulos Vasso , Stojanovska Lily , Shah Nagendra P , Mishra Vijay Kumar
Published: July 2017

Seven strains of selected probiotic bacteria were separately combined with Kluyveromyces marxianus LAF4 to ferment 12% reconstituted skim milk (RSM) at 37 °C for 0–12 h. The growth characteristics of the probiotic strains and K. marxianus, pH levels, proteolytic activity and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitory (ACE‐I) activity of the fermented RSM were measured. The highest ACE‐I activity of 60% was for K. marxianus at 37 °C for 12 h (P < 0.005) when compared to K. marxianus in combination with the probiotic bacterial strains.
Serpine 1 induces alveolar type II cell senescence through activating p53‐p21‐Rb pathway in fibrotic lung disease
Authors: Jiang Chunsun , Liu Gang , Luckhardt Tracy , Antony Veena , Zhou Yong , Carter A. Brent , Thannickal Victor J. , Liu Rui‐Ming
Published: July 2017

Senescence of alveolar type 2 (ATII) cells, progenitors of the alveolar epithelium, is implicated in the pathogeneses of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), an aging‐related progressive fatal lung disorder with unknown etiology. The mechanism underlying ATII cell senescence in fibrotic lung diseases, however, remains poorly understood. In this study, we report that ATII cells in IPF lungs express higher levels of serpine 1, also known as plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI‐1), and cell senescence markers p21 and p16, compared to ATII cells in control lungs. Silencing PAI‐1 or inhibition of PAI‐1 activity in cultured rat ATII (L2) cells leads to decreases in p53 serine 18 phosphorylation (p53S18P), p53 and p21 protein expressions; an increase in retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation (ppRb); and a reduction in the sensitivity to bleomycin‐ and doxorubicin‐induced senescence. Silencing p53, on the other hand, abrogates PAI‐1 protein‐stimulated p21 expression and cell senescence. In vivo studies, using ATII cell‐specific PAI‐1 conditional knockout mouse model generated recently in this laboratory, further support the role of PAI‐1 in the activation of p53‐p21‐Rb cell cycle repression pathway, ATII cell senescence, and lung fibrosis induced by bleomycin. This study reveals a novel function of PAI‐1 in regulation of cell cycle and suggests that elevation of PAI‐1 contributes importantly to ATII cell senescence in fibrotic lung diseases.
Demand for collective food‐safety standards
Authors: Bovay John
Published: July 2017

In 2007, leading members of the U.S. fresh‐tomato industry responded to pressure from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding the industry's long history of poor food‐safety outcomes and adopted a set of standards for production practices related to food safety at all levels of the fresh‐tomato supply chain. Adherence to these standards was required under a federal marketing order that applied to essentially all tomatoes grown in Florida. The California Tomato Farmers cooperative, whose members produced the vast majority of fresh tomatoes grown in California, also required that its members adopt these standards. The collective food‐safety standards for fresh tomatoes closely resemble the requirements of the U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, so the collective adoption of these standards provides an excellent case study to illustrate the possible effects of FSMA implementation on demand. I assess the hypothesis that demand for tomatoes from Florida and California increased following the adoption of standards for food‐safety practices by growers in those states, relative to demand for tomatoes from other regions. My analysis demonstrates essentially no evidence that demand for fresh tomatoes responded positively to the implementation of collective food‐safety practices.
The potential of anti‐infectives and immunomodulators as therapies for asthma and asthma exacerbations
Authors: Edwards M. R. , Walton R. P. , Jackson D. J. , Feleszko W. , Skevaki C. , Jartti T. , Makrinoti H. , Nikonova A. , Shilovskiy I. P. , Schwarze J. , Johnston S. L. , Khaitov M. R. ,   EAACI Anti‐infectives in Asthma and Asthma Exacerbations Task Force
Published: July 2017

Asthma is responsible for approximately 25,000 deaths annually in Europe despite available medicines that maintain asthma control and reduce asthma exacerbations. Better treatments are urgently needed for the control of chronic asthma and reduction in asthma exacerbations, the major cause of asthma mortality. Much research spanning >20 years shows a strong association between microorganisms including pathogens in asthma onset, severity and exacerbation, yet with the exception of antibiotics, few treatments are available that specifically target the offending pathogens. Recent insights into the microbiome suggest that modulating commensal organisms within the gut or lung may also be a possible way to treat/prevent asthma. The European Academy of Allergy & Clinical Immunology Task Force on Anti‐infectives in Asthma was initiated to investigate the potential of anti‐infectives and immunomodulators in asthma. This review provides a concise summary of the current literature and aimed to identify and address key questions that concern the use of anti‐infectives and both microbe‐ and host‐based immunomodulators and their feasibility for use in asthma.
Lactic Dehydrogenase in the In Vitro Evaluation of Hemolytic Properties of Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Li Donghai , Wu Qingyu , Liu Shuhong , Chen Yuanyuan , Chen Haosheng , Ruan Yingmao , Zhang Yu
Published: July 2017

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) can effectively improve the survival rate of patients with end‐stage heart failure, but the hemolytic complications induced by long‐time VAD support have received wide attention recently. The conventional evaluation method of the hemolytic properties of VADs by the indicator of plasma free hemoglobin (PFH) concentration is used but not sensitive enough to meet the needs of the actual examinations. In this study, an experimental method was applied for the evaluation of the injuries and damages caused by VADs to erythrocytes by both indicators of PFH and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) in the in vitro hemolysis assay of VADs. The changes of LDH and PFH concentrations in plasma with the shear stress and the exposure time under a fixed shear stress were measured and analyzed to investigate the sensitivity and accuracy of the evaluation of erythrocyte damage by LDH. Furthermore, through 24 h in vitro hemolysis tests, the changes of LDH and PFH concentrations in blood samples were measured in combination with the microscopic histological changes and ultrastructural changes of erythrocytes, to assess the possibility of LDH evaluating the hemolysis of VADs. The changes of the concentration of LDH were more sensitive than those of PFH to different shear stress and exposure times, especially lower stress. Meanwhile, in the 24 h in vitro hemolysis assay, the PFH concentration in the blood samples showed no significant changes in the first 8 h, while the LDH concentration increased significantly in the first 3 h, which was consistent with the morphological changes of erythrocytes. Compared with the changes of the PFH concentration, the LDH concentration is sensitive to the damage of erythrocytes caused by VADs. It was considered that LDH could be applied as an additional indicator in the evaluation of erythrocyte damage and hemolytic properties of VADs in combination with the normalized index of hemolysis, for the more accurate assessment of the blood compatibility of VADs.
Role of the Long Non‐Coding RNA Growth Arrest‐Specific 5 in Glucocorticoid Response in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Lucafò Marianna , Di Silvestre Alessia , Romano Maurizio , Avian Alice , Antonelli Roberta , Martelossi Stefano , Naviglio Samuele , Tommasini Alberto , Stocco Gabriele , Ventura Alessandro , Decorti Giuliana , De Iudicibus Sara
Published: July 2017

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely employed in inflammatory, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases, and, despite the introduction of novel therapies, remain the first‐line treatment for inducing remission in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Given the high incidence of suboptimal response, associated with a significant number of side‐effects, that are particularly severe in paediatric patients, the identification of subjects that are most likely to respond poorly to GCs is extremely important. Recent evidence suggests that the long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) GAS5 could be a potential marker of GC resistance. To address this issue, we evaluated the association between the lncRNA GAS5 and the efficacy of steroids, in terms of inhibition of proliferation, in two cell lines derived from colon and ovarian cancers, to confirm the sensitivity and specificity of these lncRNAs. These cells showed a different sensitivity to GCs and revealed differential expression of GAS5 after treatment. GAS5 was up‐regulated in GC‐resistant cells and accumulated more in the cytoplasm compared to the nucleus in response to the drug. The functions of GAS5 were assessed by silencing, and we found that GAS5 knock‐down reduced the proliferation during GC treatment. Furthermore, for the first time, we measured GAS5 levels in 19 paediatric IBD patients at diagnosis and after the first cycle of GCs, and we demonstrated an up‐regulation of the lncRNA in patients with unfavourable steroid response. Our preliminary results indicate that GAS5 could be considered a novel pharmacogenomic marker useful for the personalization of GC therapy.
A Local Agreement Pattern Measure Based on Hazard Functions for Survival Outcomes
Authors: Dai Tian , Guo Ying , Peng Limin , Manatunga Amita K.
Published: July 2017

Assessing agreement is often of interest in biomedical and clinical research when measurements are obtained on the same subjects by different raters or methods. Most classical agreement methods have been focused on global summary statistics, which cannot be used to describe various local agreement patterns. The objective of this work is to study the local agreement pattern between two continuous measurements subject to censoring. In this article, we propose a new agreement measure based on bivariate hazard functions to characterize the local agreement pattern between two correlated survival outcomes. The proposed measure naturally accommodates censored observations, fully captures the dependence structure between bivariate survival times and provides detailed information on how the strength of agreement evolves over time. We develop a nonparametric estimation method for the proposed local agreement pattern measure and study theoretical properties including strong consistency and asymptotical normality. We then evaluate the performance of the estimator through simulation studies and illustrate the method using a prostate cancer data example.
Renal-infiltrating CD11c+ cells are pathogenic in murine lupus nephritis through promoting CD4+ T cell responses
Authors: Liao X , Ren J , Reihl A , Pirapakaran T , Sreekumar B , Cecere T E , Reilly C M , Luo X M
Published: July 2017

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a major manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), causing morbidity and mortality in 40–60% of SLE patients. The pathogenic mechanisms of LN are not completely understood. Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of various immune cell populations in lupus nephritic kidneys of both SLE patients and lupus-prone mice. These cells may play important pathogenic or regulatory roles in situ to promote or sustain LN. Here, using lupus-prone mouse models, we showed the pathogenic role of a kidney-infiltrating CD11c+ myeloid cell population in LN. These CD11c+ cells accumulated in the kidneys of lupus-prone mice as LN progressed. Surface markers of this population suggest their dendritic cell identity and differentiation from lymphocyte antigen 6 complex (Ly6C)low mature monocytes. The cytokine/chemokine profile of these renal-infiltrating CD11c+ cells suggests their roles in promoting LN, which was confirmed further in a loss-of-function in-vivo study by using an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) strategy targeting CX3CR1, a chemokine receptor expressed highly on these CD11c+ cells. However, CX3CR1 was dispensable for the homing of CD11c+ cells into lupus nephritic kidneys. Finally, we found that these CD11c+ cells co-localized with infiltrating T cells in the kidney. Using an ex- vivo co-culture system, we showed that renal-infiltrating CD11c+ cells promoted the survival, proliferation and interferon-γ production of renal-infiltrating CD4+ T cells, suggesting a T cell-dependent mechanism by which these CD11c+ cells promote LN. Together, our results identify a pathogenic kidney-infiltrating CD11c+ cell population promoting LN progression, which could be a new therapeutic target for the treatment of LN.
Countering resistance to protected‐area extension
Authors: Lindenmayer David , Thorn Simon , Noss Reed
Published: July 2017

The establishment of protected areas is a critical strategy for conserving biodiversity. Key policy directives like the Aichi targets seek to expand protected areas to 17% of Earth's land surface, with calls by some conservation biologists for much more. However, in places such as the United States, Germany, and Australia, attempts to increase protected areas are meeting strong resistance from communities, industry groups, and governments. We examined case studies of such resistance in Victoria, Australia, Bavaria, Germany, and Florida, United States. We considered 4 ways to tackle this problem. First, broaden the case for protected areas beyond nature conservation to include economic, human health, and other benefits, and translate these into a persuasive business case for protected areas. Second, better communicate the conservation values of protected areas. This should include highlighting how many species, communities, and ecosystems have been conserved by protected areas and the counterfactual (i.e., what would have been lost without protected area establishment). Third, consider zoning of activities to ensure the maintenance of effective management. Finally, remind citizens to think about conservation when they vote, including holding politicians accountable for their environmental promises. Without tackling resistance to expanding the protected estate, it will be impossible to reach conservation targets, and this will undermine attempts to stem the global extinction crisis.
Therapeutic application of GPR119 ligands in metabolic disorders
Authors: Yang Jin Won , Kim Hyo Seon , Choi Yong‐Won , Kim Young‐Mi , Kang Keon Wook
Published: July 2017

GPR119 belongs to the G protein‐coupled receptor family and exhibits dual modes of action upon ligand‐dependent activation: pancreatic secretion of insulin in a glucose‐dependent manner and intestinal secretion of incretins. Hence, GPR119 has emerged as a promising target for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus without causing hypoglycaemia. However, despite continuous efforts by many major pharmaceutical companies, no synthetic GPR119 ligand has been approved as a new class of anti‐diabetic agents thus far, nor has any passed beyond phase II clinical studies. Herein, we summarize recent advances in research concerning the physiological/pharmacological effects of GPR119 and its synthetic ligands on the regulation of energy metabolism, and we speculate on future applications of GPR119 ligands for the treatment of metabolic diseases, focusing on non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Beyond glycaemic control: A cross‐over, double‐blinded, 24‐week intervention with liraglutide in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Dubé Marie‐Christine , D'Amours Martin , Weisnagel S. John
Published: July 2017

Aims

To investigate the effects of 24 weeks of treatment with liraglutide added to basal/bolus insulin on anthropometric and metabolic parameters in overweight participants with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

In a double‐blinded cross‐over fashion, 15 participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive placebo (saline solution) or liraglutide for 24 weeks including a 1‐month titration period from 0.6 to 1.2 to 1.8 mg, in addition to their insulin. The treatment was followed by a 1‐month wash‐out period. Participants were then assigned to the other treatment for another 24 weeks. Paired rank tests were used to compare the metabolic parameters.

Results

There was no treatment effect on HbA1c nor on insulin dose. Heart rate was increased by about 8 beats per minute with liraglutide. There were significant reductions in metabolic measures: weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, body fatness, computed tomography scan abdominal and mid‐thigh measurements, systolic and diastolic blood pressures (all P ≤ .05). There was no increase in time spent in hypoglycaemia with liraglutide.

Conclusions

The addition of liraglutide to basal/bolus insulin therapy for 24 weeks in overweight/obese individuals with type 1 diabetes improved the anthropometric and metabolic profiles without an increase in hypoglycaemia.

Clinical Trials.gov No: NCT01787916.
Development of a cardiovascular diseases risk prediction model and tools for Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A population‐based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wan Eric Yuk Fai , Fong Daniel Yee Tak , Fung Colman Siu Cheung , Yu Esther Yee Tak , Chin Weng Yee , Chan Anca Ka Chun , Lam Cindy Lo Kuen
Published: July 2017

Aims

Evidence‐based cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk prediction models and tools specific for Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are currently unavailable. This study aimed to develop and validate a CVD risk prediction model for Chinese T2DM patients.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 137 935 Chinese patients aged 18 to 79 years with T2DM and without prior history of CVD, who had received public primary care services between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010. Using the derivation cohort over a median follow‐up of 5 years, the interaction effect between predictors and age were derived using Cox proportional hazards regression with a forward stepwise approach. Harrell's C statistic and calibration plot were used on the validation cohort to assess the discrimination and calibration of the models. The web calculator and chart were developed based on the developed models.

Results

For both genders, predictors for higher risk of CVD were older age, smoking, longer diabetes duration, usage of anti‐hypertensive drug and insulin, higher body mass index, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, a total cholesterol to high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (TC/HDL‐C) ratio and urine albumin to creatinine ratio, and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate. Interaction factors with age demonstrated a greater weighting of TC/HDL‐C ratio in both younger females and males, and smoking status and HbA1c in younger males.

Conclusion

The developed models, translated into a web calculator and color‐coded chart, served as evidence‐based visual aids that facilitate clinicians to estimate quickly the 5‐year CVD risk for Chinese T2DM patients and to guide intervention.
ADAM10 modulates calcitriol‐regulated RAGE in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Lee Ting‐Wei , Kao Yu‐Hsun , Lee Ting‐I , Chen Yi‐Jen
Published: July 2017

Background

Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) signalling plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Calcitriol modulates cardiac RAGE expression. This study explored the mechanisms underlying the effect of calcitriol on RAGE and soluble RAGE (sRAGE) expression in cardiomyocytes.

Materials and methods

Western blot, ELISA, fluorometric assay and PCR analyses were used to evaluate the RAGE, sRAGE, endogenous secretory RAGE (esRAGE), Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), and a disintegrin and metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10) expression and enzyme activity in HL‐1 atrial myocytes without and with calcitriol (10 and 100 nM), nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) inhibitor (50 μg/mL), or ADAM10 inhibitor (5 μM) incubation for 48 h.

Results

Calcitriol (10 nM) significantly reduced RAGE protein expression and increased sRAGE concentrations in HL‐1 cardiomyocytes compared with control cells. These changes were associated with increased protein expression and enzyme activity of ADAM10 and higher mRNA expression of esRAGE. In the presence of ADAM10 inhibitor, however, the suppressive effect of calcitriol on RAGE was diminished. Methylglyoxal (500 μM for 10 min)‐mediated JNK phosphorylation was attenuated in the presence of calcitriol (10 nM). Moreover, control and NF‐κB inhibitor‐treated HL‐1 cells had similar RAGE and sRAGE expression, suggesting that calcitriol‐mediated RAGE modulation was independent of NF‐κB signalling.

Conclusions

We showed that RAGE downregulation and increased sRAGE production by calcitriol were mediated through ADAM10 activation in cardiomyocytes. The results suggest that calcitriol has therapeutic potential in treating RAGE‐mediated cardiovascular complications.
The role of plant phenology in stomatal ozone flux modeling
Authors: Anav Alessandro , Liu Qiang , De Marco Alessandra , Proietti Chiara , Savi Flavia , Paoletti Elena , Piao Shilong
Published: July 2017

Plant phenology plays a pivotal role in the climate system as it regulates the gas exchange between the biosphere and the atmosphere. The uptake of ozone by forest is estimated through several meteorological variables and a specific function describing the beginning and the termination of plant growing season; actually, in many risk assessment studies, this function is based on a simple latitude and topography model. In this study, using two satellite datasets, we apply and compare six methods to estimate the start and the end dates of the growing season across a large region covering all Europe for the year 2011. Results show a large variability between the green‐up and dormancy dates estimated using the six different methods, with differences greater than one month. However, interestingly, all the methods display a common spatial pattern in the uptake of ozone by forests with a marked change in the magnitude, up to 1.9 TgO3/year, and corresponding to a difference of 25% in the amount of ozone that enters the leaves. Our results indicate that improved estimates of ozone fluxes require a better representation of plant phenology in the models used for O3 risk assessment.
A unifying explanation for variation in ozone sensitivity among woody plants
Authors: Feng Zhaozhong , Büker Patrick , Pleijel Håkan , Emberson Lisa , Karlsson Per Erik , Uddling Johan
Published: July 2017

Tropospheric ozone is considered the most detrimental air pollutant for vegetation at the global scale, with negative consequences for both provisioning and climate regulating ecosystem services. In spite of recent developments in ozone exposure metrics, from a concentration‐based to a more physiologically relevant stomatal flux‐based index, large‐scale ozone risk assessment is still complicated by a large and unexplained variation in ozone sensitivity among tree species. Here, we explored whether the variation in ozone sensitivity among woody species can be linked to interspecific variation in leaf morphology. We found that ozone tolerance at the leaf level was closely linked to leaf dry mass per unit leaf area (LMA) and that whole‐tree biomass reductions were more strongly related to stomatal flux per unit leaf mass (r2 = 0.56) than to stomatal flux per unit leaf area (r2 = 0.42). Furthermore, the interspecific variation in slopes of ozone flux–response relationships was considerably lower when expressed on a leaf mass basis (coefficient of variation, CV = 36%) than when expressed on a leaf area basis (CV = 66%), and relationships for broadleaf and needle‐leaf species converged when using the mass‐based index. These results show that much of the variation in ozone sensitivity among woody plants can be explained by interspecific variation in LMA and that large‐scale ozone impact assessment could be greatly improved by considering this well‐known and easily measured leaf trait.
Sensory strategies of postural sway during quiet stance in patients with haemophilic arthropathy
Authors: Cruz‐Montecinos C. , De la Fuente C. , Rivera‐Lillo G. , Morales‐Castillo S. , Soto‐Arellano V. , Querol F. , Pérez‐Alenda S.
Published: July 2017

Introduction

The sensory strategies of postural control in adult haemophilic arthropathy patients are still poorly understood.

Aim

To determine sensorial posture‐control strategies through postural sway frequency analysis when in a bipedal quiet stance with and without visual stimulus deprivation in healthy subjects and patients with haemophilic arthropathy. Secondarily, to determine the irregularity of postural balance control through sample entropy (SampEn).

Methods

A triaxial accelerometer attached at the L3 level determined the displacement and acceleration of the centre of mass (DCoM and ACoM, respectively) under open‐ and closed‐eyes conditions. Sensorial strategies were studied by spectral analysis of the DCoM signal, divided into low, medium and high frequencies for visual/vestibular, cerebellum and somatosensory strategies respectively. DCoM irregularity was also analysed by SampEn.

Results

Fifteen young, healthy subjects and fifteen young, haemophilia patients were included. The mediolateal DCoM and anteroposterior ACoM differed between groups. During the open‐eyes condition, haemophiliacs presented limited high and medium frequencies, and more low frequency bands as compared to non‐haemophiliacs (P<.05). In the closed‐eyes condition, haemophiliacs had a minor percentage of high frequencies but an elevated percentage of low frequencies as compared to non‐haemophiliacs (P<.05). Non‐haemophiliacs had higher SampEn than haemophiliacs in the mediolateral axis with open‐ and closed‐eyes (P<.05 and <.001, respectively).

Conclusions

The presented results indicate that patients with haemophilic arthropathy, as compared to healthy subjects, have less postural control irregularity and poor somatosensory system contributions that are compensated by more vestibular inputs.
Add‐on effects of fluvastatin in simeprevir/pegylated‐interferon/ribavirin combination therapy for patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus infection: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Suda Goki , Ito Jun , Nagasaka Atsushi , Yamamoto Yoshiya , Furuya Ken , Okamoto Munenori , Terashita Katsumi , Kobayashi Tomoe , Tsunematsu Izumi , Yoshida Junichi , Meguro Takashi , Ohara Masatsugu , Kawagishi Naoki , Kimura Megumi , Umemura Machiko , Izumi Takaaki , Tsukuda Yoko , Nakai Masato , Sho Takuya , Natsuizaka Mitsuteru , Morikawa Kenichi , Ogawa Koji , Sakamoto Naoya ,   for the NORTE Study Group
Published: July 2017

Background

The Japan Society of Hepatology guidelines indicate that hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitor combination therapy with simeprevir (SMV), pegylated‐interferon (Peg‐IFN), and ribavirin (RBV) is a therapeutic option for patients who fail to respond to a direct direct‐acting antiviral‐containing regimen. However, treatment outcomes have room for improvement. Fluvastatin (FLV) add‐on treatment in Peg‐IFN and RBV combination therapy for HCV‐infected patients significantly improved the sustained virologic response (SVR), but the add‐on effect of FLV on SMV combination therapy is not well understood.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomized, multicenter study in which a total of 61 HCV genotype 1b‐infected patients were recruited and 60 eligible patients were randomly allocated to two groups that received 12 weeks of SMV/Peg‐IFN/RBV followed by 12 weeks of Peg‐IFN/RBV with or without 24 weeks of FLV. The SVR rate and adverse events were compared between the two groups.

Results

Thirty‐one patients were allocated to the FLV add‐on group and 29 patients were allocated to the control group. Baseline clinical factors, including median age, baseline platelet count, alanine aminotransferase level, HCV RNA titer, Fibrosis‐4 index, and rate of IL28B minor genotype, were all similar between the two groups. The rapid virologic response, end‐of‐treatment response rates, SVR rates at 24 weeks after treatment, and safety profiles were also similar between the two groups.

Conclusions

This prospective, randomized, multicenter study indicated that FLV had no add‐on effect when given with SMV/Peg‐IFN/RBV combination therapy for genotype 1b HCV‐infected patients.
Food Security at Whose Expense? A Critique of the Canadian Temporary Farm Labour Migration Regime and Proposals for Change
Authors: Weiler Anelyse M. , McLaughlin Janet , Cole Donald C.
Published: July 2017

Temporary farm labour migration schemes in Canada have been justified on the premise that they bolster food security for Canadians by addressing agricultural labour shortages, while tempering food insecurity in the Global South via remittances. Such appeals hinge on an ideology defining migrants as racialized outsiders to Canada. Drawing on qualitative interviews and participant observation in Mexico, Jamaica and Canada, we critically analyse how Canada's Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program is tied to ideological claims about national food security and agrarianism, and how it purports to address migrant workers’ own food insecurity. We argue remittances only partially, temporarily mitigate food insecurity and fail to strengthen migrant food sovereignty. Data from our clinical encounters with farm workers illustrate structural barriers to healthy food access and negative health consequences. We propose an agenda for further research, along with policies to advance food security and food sovereignty for both migrants and residents of Canada.
Usefulness of fragmented QRS in hypertensive patients in the absence of left ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Eyuboglu Mehmet , Karabag Yavuz , Karakoyun Suleyman , Senarslan Omer , Tanriverdi Zulkif , Akdeniz Bahri
Published: July 2017

In the absence of left ventricular hypertrophy, importance of fragmented QRS complex (fQRS) in individuals with hypertension is unknown. The authors aimed to evaluate the relationship between blood pressure levels and fQRS in the absence of left ventricular hypertrophy. A total of 548 never‐treated patients who underwent 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were enrolled. The frequency of fQRS was significantly higher in patients with hypertension than normotension (36.4% vs 17.6%, P<.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that systolic blood pressure is significantly associated with presence of fQRS on electrocardiography (odds ratio, 0.931; 95% CI, 0.910–0.9521 [P<.001]) even after adjusting for other confounding factors. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed a cutoff value of 147.65 mm Hg for systolic blood pressure to predict presence of fQRS (sensitivity: 51%, specificity: 99%, area under the curve=0.764; 95% CI, 0.717–0.811 [P<.001]). fQRS may be a sign of increased blood pressure and may predict higher fibrotic burden in patients with hypertension.
Promoter IV‐BDNF deficiency disturbs cholinergic gene expression of CHRNA5, CHRM2, and CHRM5: effects of drug and environmental treatments
Authors: Sakata Kazuko , Overacre Abigail E.
Published: July 2017

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes maturation of cholinergic neurons. However, how activity‐dependent BDNF expression affects specific cholinergic gene expression remains unclear. This study addressed this question by determining mRNA levels of 22 acetylcholine receptor subunits, the choline transporter (CHT), and the choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in mice deficient in activity‐dependent BDNF via promoter IV (KIV) and control wild‐type mice. Quantitative RT‐PCR revealed significant reductions in nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha 5 (CHRNA5) in the frontal cortex and hippocampus and M5 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (CHRM5) in the hippocampus, but significant increases in M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (CHRM2) in the frontal cortex of KIV mice compared to wild‐type mice. Three‐week treatments with fluoxetine, phenelzine, duloxetine, imipramine, or an enriched environment treatment (EET) did not affect the altered expression of these genes except that EET increased CHRNA5 levels only in KIV frontal cortex. EET also increased levels of CHRNA7, CHT, and ChAT, again only in the KIV frontal cortex. The imipramine treatment was most prominent among the four antidepressants; it up‐regulated hippocampal CHRM2 and frontal cortex CHRM5 in both genotypes, and frontal cortex CHRNA7 only in KIV mice. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first evidence that BDNF deficiency disturbs expression of CHRNA5, CHRM2, and CHRM5. Our results suggest that promoter IV‐BDNF deficiency – which occurs under chronic stress – causes cholinergic dysfunctions via these receptors. EET is effective on CHRNA5, while its compensatory induction of other cholinergic genes or drugs targeting CHRNA5, CHRM2, and CHRM5 may become an alternative strategy to reverse these BDNF‐linked cholinergic dysfunctions.

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Being diagnosed with cancer: The experiences of patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Chircop Daren , Scerri Josianne
Published: July 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore the lived experiences of patients on receiving a diagnosis of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Background

Persons with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma are often diagnosed with cancer when at an advanced stage. This may arise due to a lack of screening programmes and delays in help seeking as the symptoms experienced are fairly nonspecific in nature. Consequently, receiving an unexpected diagnosis of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma may pose a psychosocial challenge to the individual.

Design

An exploratory qualitative phenomenological design was used.

Methods

Six adult patients diagnosed with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma were recruited and participated in two semi‐structured interviews at different timepoints. Transcribed texts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results

Three main themes emerged: “Emotional reaction to the diagnosis,” “Struggling with a lack of understanding” and “Searching through past experiences.” Most of the participants expressed shock, disbelief and fear at the news of being diagnosed with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. A sense of relief was expressed by one participant, who could now provide a label to the pain experienced.

Conclusions

This study highlights the responses of patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma on receiving a diagnosis. These responses are influenced by their knowledge about the illness, type of symptoms experienced, their own personal circumstances and the manner in which the diagnosis was given.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nursing care relates to an understanding of the patients’ experiences. By reflecting on these findings, nurses are empowered to communicate with persons who have received a diagnosis of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma in a patient‐sensitive manner, which establishes a relationship of trust and respect.