bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural relationship between emotional and social support for young adult carers towards intergenerational care of the multi-ethnic elderly
Authors: Md. Nawi Nurul Hudani , Megat Ahmad Puteri Hayati , Malek Dahlan A. , Cosmas Getrude , Ibrahim Habibie , Voo Peter , Mohd Suki Norazah
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the structural relationship between the emotional and social support provided for individuals with caring responsibilities for elderly relatives, and the quality of care actually delivered. In addition, the moderating role of gender is explored.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research design was utilised in which 200 usable questionnaires were collected from 250 respondents comprised of young adults who adopt a caregiving roles in respect of elderly parents or other close elderly relatives. The structural equation modelling (SEM) technique was selected for data analysis, and the Analysis of moment structure software version 21 was used.

Findings

The SEM results revealed that emotional support for caregivers was the most important predictor affecting the intergenerational care of multi-ethnic elderly people. Additionally, a moderation analysis revealed that the relative influence in this connection was more pronounced among female caregivers. An increase in the emotional support received by the recipient was found to enhance the level of the relationship, and to result in closer intergenerational ties in the care of the multi-ethnic elderly. Furthermore, the receipt of social support positively influences the judgement of an individual, and expands that person’s social network, which can subsequently have a favourable impact on the way in which one fulfils their caring role. The significant effect of social support provided for intergenerational caregivers in the context of the multi-ethnic elderly was higher in the group of male caregivers than in the group of female caregivers.

Practical implications

This study sends a strong message to policy-makers in developing countries about the need to consider within their National Policy for the Elderly, improvements in the national action plan for a holistic and integrated approach to ensure the well-being of caregivers and the elderly.

Originality/value

The results of the study help young adults to understand the importance of emotional and social support in boosting their relationships with parents and families and motivating intergenerational efforts in the care of the multi-ethnic elderly. Harmony within families is an important ideal in any circumstance, but in the scenario of ageing family members it may be even more essential to try to achieve it.
Transit accessibility for older adults in the Greater Lansing, Michigan region
Authors: Kotval-K Zeenat
Published: August 2017

Purpose

With the growing preference of the generation of ageing baby boomers to age in place, mobility has played an increasingly important role in their continued physical and mental well-being. As older adults drive less, their ability to travel freely where and when they desire becomes increasingly limited. Consequences of this include the cessation of various activities and services that are necessary for daily living. Transportation immobility is known to negatively impact the quality of life through physical, mental, and social isolation. For any initiative or policy to be put in place, an assessment of the current state of transportation services, specifically for older adults, needs to be carried out. The purpose of this paper is to assess the access to public transit in the Greater Lansing, Michigan region, which has a population density of about 2,042 people per square kilometre, available to ageing adults, especially when they have to stop driving.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a spatial approach through the use of geographical information systems to assess the transit infrastructure available for use by older adults in the Greater Lansing region.

Findings

This paper finds a considerable gap in available options and that some of these can be addressed by quite simple actions and initiatives.

Research limitations/implications

Because the data were drawn from the US Census, the spatial analysis is limited to block-level data. The US Census (2011) defines blocks as “statistical areas bounded by visible features such as roads, streams, and railroad tracks, and by nonvisible boundaries such as property lines, city, township, school district, county limits and short line-of-sight extensions of roads”. More detailed geographical data would have enabled a more comprehensive analysis.

Practical implications

This study area is typical of many small towns in the USA and underlines the need for more policy- and community-led transit initiatives to address this critical barrier to optimal ageing.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to study the transit infrastructure of a range of urban areas and ascertain whether it currently fulfils mobility needs of older adults who do not drive.
Sponsor networks and business relations orchestrated by team sports clubs
Authors: Wagner Ulrik , Persson H. Thomas R. , Overbye Marie
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate firms’ reasons and motives for becoming sponsors and how they benefit from this networking engagement by exploring sponsorship networks associated with two Danish team sport clubs – a Premier League football club and a second-division handball club.

Design/methodology/approach

Two online surveys were conducted with firms associated with the networks during the Autumn and Winter of 2013/2014 (n=116). The questionnaire was theoretically anchored in the existing sponsorship literature, business network research, and social capital theory.

Findings

The results show that business logics were the dominating reasons for joining the network. A large proportion of the respondents reported having increased their number of business (32 percent) and social (26 percent) relations with other network members after joining the network. Furthermore, 37 percent of the respondents reported having made business agreements with companies external to the network via network contacts, which supports ideas of bridging social capital. More than half the respondents (59 percent) preferred doing business with network members rather than with non-members.

Originality/value

By investigating a local and regional sport club context, the paper adds to our knowledge about sponsorship networks. It emphasizes the potential importance of team sport clubs for the business landscape, thus maintaining that sport clubs fulfill an important role for local communities beyond being mere entertainment industries.
The first century and beyond
Authors: Oddy Richard Edward , Bason Tom
Published: August 2017

Purpose

In 2016, Sport, Business and Management: An International Journal (SBM) published its 100th article. While a number of other journals have been analysed as to their content, no such study has yet been applied to SBM. The purpose of this paper is to produce a content analysis examining the first century of SBM articles in order to map out what this outlet has published, and to what extent the journal has achieved the objectives set out in the first issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs a content analysis approach, with each of the first 100 research papers being analysed and coded by the two authors.

Findings

This study has found that there has been a general focus on sport marketing throughout the first 100 papers, while football is the dominant sport that has been studied. Over the course of the 100 papers, the majority of articles employed quantitative methods, with surveys being the most used method of collecting data. The authors were initially principally based in Europe and North America; however, the geographical location has widened over the period in question.

Originality/value

While there have been a number of other journals which have had a content analysis, this is the first such study into SBM.
Soil biotic quality lacks spatial structure and is positively associated with fertility in a northern grassland
Authors: Chagnon Pierre‐Luc , Brown Charlotte , Stotz Gisela C. , Cahill James F.
Published: August 2017

When placing roots in the soil, plants integrate information about soil nutrients, plant neighbours and beneficial/detrimental soil organisms. While the fine‐scale spatial heterogeneity in soil nutrients and plant neighbours have been described previously, virtually nothing is known about the spatial structure in soil biotic quality (measured here as a soil Biota‐Induced plant Growth Response, or BIGR), or its correlation with nutrients or neighbours. Such correlations could imply trade‐offs in root placement decisions.

Theory would predict that soil BIGR is (1) negatively related to soil fertility and (2) associated with plant community structure, such that plants influence soil biota (and vice versa) through plant–soil feedbacks. We would also expect that since plants have species‐specific impacts on soil organisms, spatially homogeneous plant communities should also homogenize soil BIGR.

Here, we test these hypotheses in a semi‐arid grassland by (1) characterizing the spatial structure of soil BIGR at a scale experienced by an individual plant and (2) correlating it to soil abiotic properties and plant community structure. We do so in two types of plant communities: (1) low‐diversity patches dominated by an invasive grass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) and (2) patches covered mostly by native vegetation, with the expectation that dominance by Bromus would homogenize soil BIGR.

Soil BIGR was spatially heterogeneous, but not autocorrelated. This was true in both vegetation types (Bromus‐invaded vs. native patches). Conversely, soil abiotic properties and plant community structure were frequently spatially autocorrelated at similar scales. Also, contrary to many studies, we found a positive correlation between soil BIGR and soil fertility. Soil BIGR was also associated with plant community structure.

Synthesis. The positive correlation between soil BIGR and some soil nutrient levels suggests that plants do not necessarily trade‐off between foraging for nutrients vs. biotic interactions: nutritional cues could rather indicate the presence of beneficial soil biota. Moreover, the spatial structure in plant communities, coupled with their correlation with soil BIGR, jointly suggest that plant–soil feedbacks operate at local scales in the field: this has been identified in modelling studies as an important driver of plant coexistence.
Breakdown of a geographic cline explains high performance of introduced populations of a weedy invader
Authors: Endriss Stacy B. , Alba Christina , Norton Andrew P. , Pyšek Petr , Hufbauer Ruth A.
Published: August 2017

What drives the evolution of increased growth and fecundity in plants introduced to a novel range is not well understood.

We investigate between‐range differences in performance for Verbascum thapsus, a weedy invader known to grow larger in its introduced than native range. Specifically, we question whether adaptation to herbivory or climate best explains increased performance of introduced populations.

We grew 14 native and 22 introduced populations of V. thapsus in two common garden locations: near Prague, Czech Republic (native range) and in Colorado, USA (introduced range). By removing herbivores from half of the plants within each garden we tested the prediction of the evolution of increased competitive ability (EICA) hypothesis: increased performance is driven by an evolutionary shift of resources away from defence against herbivory towards growth and reproduction. We then investigated whether genetically based clines in performance are expressed along climate gradients within both the native and introduced ranges.

On average, seeds produce larger rosettes when collected from the introduced vs. native range. While this evolution of increased growth in introduced populations in part matches the prediction of EICA, climate, not herbivory, best explains this between‐range difference. Specifically, seeds collected from the native range produce smaller rosettes as the climate of origin becomes cooler and drier, while there is no cline in performance in rosettes grown from seed collected from the introduced range, which are large regardless of climate of origin. Thus, a climate‐based cline within the native range best explains lower average performance of native compared to introduced populations.

Synthesis. The breakdown in a potentially adaptive cline emphasizes the need to more closely investigate the evolutionary processes that shape geographic structuring (or its absence) within the introduced range. In addition, EICA is not universally applicable to all invasion scenarios, and our findings underscore the importance of testing the underlying assumptions alongside the predictions of this hypothesis.
Microbial technology with major potentials for the urgent environmental needs of the next decades
Authors: Verstraete Willy , De Vrieze Jo
Published: August 2017

Several needs in the context of the water–energy–food nexus will become more prominent in the next decades. It is crucial to delineate these challenges and to find opportunities for innovative microbial technologies in the framework of sustainability and climate change. Here, we focus on four key issues, that is the imbalance in the nitrogen cycle, the diffuse emission of methane, the necessity for carbon capture and the deterioration of freshwater reserves. We suggest a set of microbial technologies to deal with each of these issues, such as (i) the production of microbial protein as food and feed, (ii) the control of methanogenic archaea and better use of methanotrophic consortia, (iii) the avoidance of nitrification and (iv) the upgrading of CO2 to microbial bioproducts. The central message is that instead of using crude methods to exploit microorganisms for degradations, the potentials of the microbiomes should be used to create processes and products that fit the demands of the cyclic market economy.
The contribution of microbially produced nanoparticles to sustainable development goals
Authors: Cueva Miguel E. , Horsfall Louise E.
Published: August 2017

Nanoparticles (NPs), particles having one or more dimensions below 100 nm, are currently being synthesized through chemical and physical methods on an industrial scale. However, these methods for the synthesis of NPs do not fit with sustainable development goals. NP synthesis, through chemical and physical methods, requires high temperatures and/or pressures resulting in high energy consumption and the generation of large amounts of waste. In recent years, research into the synthesis of NPs has shifted to more green and biological methods, often using microorganisms. A biological approach has many advantages over chemical and physical methods. Reactions are catalysed in aqueous solutions at standard temperature and pressure (cost effective and low energy syntheses). This method does not require solvents or harmful chemicals, making NP biosynthesis a greener and more eco‐friendly method. Furthermore, NP synthesis by microbes does not require the use of pure starting materials; thus it can simultaneously be used for the bioremediation of contaminated water, land and waste, and the biosynthesis of NPs. Therefore the biosynthesis of NPs contributes to the sustainable development goals, while the alternative physical and chemical methods exclusively utilize scarce and expensive resources for NP synthesis.
Estimating genotyping errors from genotype and reconstructed pedigree data
Authors: Wang Jinliang
Published: August 2017

Genotyping errors are rules rather than exceptions in reality, and are found in virtually all but very small datasets. These errors, even when occurring at an extremely low rate, can derail many genetic analyses such as parentage/sibship assignments and linkage/association studies.

Nonetheless, few robust and accurate methods are available for estimating the rate of occurrence of genotyping errors and for identifying individual erroneous genotypes at a locus. Methods based on duplicate genotyping are expensive, and estimate genotype inconsistency rather than error rate at a locus. Methods based on Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium tests have low robustness and low power, and apply only to those particular errors that cause excessive homozygosity. Methods based on pedigrees are powerful, robust and accurate. However, they rely on known and complete pedigrees that are unfortunately rarely available from natural populations in the wild.

I proposed a maximum likelihood method to reconstruct pedigrees from genotype data with errors occurring at a roughly estimated (presumed) rate. In this paper, I describe how to use the method and inferred pedigree in estimating allelic dropout (or null allele) rate and false allele rate jointly at each marker locus, in identifying the erroneous genotypes, and in inferring the most likely genotypes at each locus of each individual. I examine the power, accuracy and robustness of the method by extensive simulations, and demonstrate the usefulness of the method by analysing three empirical datasets.

It is concluded that, both pedigrees and the rates of genotyping errors at each locus can be reliably estimated from the same genotype data by the same likelihood method, when marker information is sufficient and some sampled individuals are first‐degree relatives. The erroneous genotypes are however inferred conservatively, and are reliably detected only when they occur in large families and/or at highly polymorphic loci. Estimation of genotyping error rates per locus and identification of erroneous genotypes of each individual at each locus should be routinely conducted to assess and improve data quality, to highlight markers for optimization of genotyping protocols or for replacement, and to enable the integration of genotyping errors in a robust statistical analysis.
High Y‐chromosomal Differentiation Among Ethnic Groups of Dir and Swat Districts, Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Inam , Olofsson Jill K. , Margaryan Ashot , Ilardo Melissa , Ahmad Habib , Sikora Martin , Hansen Anders J. , Shahid Nadeem Muhammad , Fazal Numan , Ali Murad , Buchard Anders , Hemphill Brian E. , Willerslev Eske , Allentoft Morten E.
Published: August 2017

The ethnic groups that inhabit the mountainous Dir and Swat districts of northern Pakistan are marked by high levels of cultural and phenotypic diversity. To obtain knowledge of the extent of genetic diversity in this region, we investigated Y‐chromosomal diversity in five population samples representing the three main ethnic groups residing within these districts, including Gujars, Pashtuns and Kohistanis. A total of 27 Y‐chromosomal short tandem repeats (Y‐STRs) and 331 Y‐chromosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (Y‐SNPs) were investigated. In the Y‐STRs, we observed very high and significant levels of genetic differentiation in nine of the 10 pairwise between‐group comparisons (RST0.179–0.746), and the differences were mirrored in the Y‐SNP haplogroup frequency distribution. No genetic differences were found between the two Pashtun subethnic groups Tarklanis and Yusafzais (RST= 0.000). Utmankhels, also considered Pashtuns culturally, were not closely related to any of the other population samples (RST0.451–0.746). Thus, our findings provide examples of both associations and dissociations between cultural and genetic legacies. When analyzed within a larger continental‐scale context, these five ethnic groups fall mostly outside the previously characterized Y‐chromosomal gene pools of the Indo‐Pakistani subcontinent. Male founder effects, coupled with culturally and topographically based constraints upon marriage and movement, are likely responsible for the high degree of genetic structure in this region.
Predicting NK cell subsets using gene expression levels in peripheral blood and endometrial biopsy specimens
Authors: Davies Michael L. , Dambaeva Svetlana V. , Katukurundage Dimantha , Repak Miroslava , Gilman‐Sachs Alice , Kwak‐Kim Joanne , Beaman Kenneth D.
Published: August 2017

Problem

In molecular analysis of tissue biopsy specimens, one crucial aspect is characterization of immune cell populations. This is especially important for evaluation of uterine receptivity by assessing levels of lymphocyte populations including CD56bright CD16‐ uterine NK cells and CD56dim CD16+ conventional NK cells. Our objective was to investigate whether measuring total RNA transcripts from a tissue specimen would accurately reflect immune cell levels and be a new technique to assess immune cell subsets.

Method of Study

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and endometrial tissues were used. Flow cytometry was utilized for the analysis of lymphocyte subsets in PBMCs, and RT‐qPCR was applied to quantify RNA transcripts indicative of lymphocyte and granulocyte populations.

Results

In PBMC specimens, there were significant correlations between gene expression levels and cell subsets. NK cells correlated with CD16A, NKp46, and CD56 transcripts, B cells correlated with EBF1, and CD8+ T cells correlated with CD8β. Finally, endometrial tissues displayed high CD56 expression and very low CD3ε, CD16A, and NKp30, reflecting the characteristic endometrial NK cell subsets.

Conclusion

Strong correlations between RT‐qPCR data and levels of lymphocyte subsets indicate that gene expression analysis will be a useful technique for characterizing levels of CD56+ cells in endometrial tissues.
Local IL‐25 contributes to Th2‐biased inflammatory profiles in nasal polyps
Authors: Hong H.‐Y. , Chen F.‐H. , Sun Y.‐Q. , Hu X.‐T. , Wei Y. , Fan Y.‐P. , Zhang J. , Wang D.‐H. , Xu R. , Li H.‐B. , Shi J.‐B.
Published: August 2017

Background

IL‐25 has been proposed to play a key role in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). This study aimed to evaluate the association of IL‐25 with the Th2‐biased inflammatory profiles in CRSwNP.

Methods

Nasal polyp (NP) tissues and control uncinate process tissues were collected from 92 patients with CRSwNP, 20 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and 16 normal control subjects. IL‐25 expression was examined using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, RT‐qPCR, and ELISA. The inflammatory profiles and clinical characteristics of 2 NP subtypes (IL‐25high and IL‐25low) were evaluated, and the effects of IL‐25 on Th2 cytokine production in cultured dispersed polyp cells were examined in vitro.

Results

The mRNA and protein levels of IL‐25 were significantly increased in the polyp tissues compared with the control uncinate process tissues. The IL‐25high subtype showed greater computed tomography scores, endoscopic scores, and Th2 response. Exposure to IL‐25 activated type 2 innate lymphoid cells and Th2 cells in NP simultaneously which further increased Th2 cytokine production in vitro.

Conclusions

Local IL‐25 plays a crucial role in promoting Th2‐biased inflammatory profiles in NP and may serve as a promising therapeutic target in CRSwNP patients.
Population pharmacokinetic model of transdermal nicotine delivered from a matrix‐type patch
Authors: Linakis Matthew W. , Rower Joseph E. , Roberts Jessica K. , Miller Eleanor I. , Wilkins Diana G. , Sherwin Catherine M. T.
Published: August 2017

Aims

Nicotine addiction is an issue faced by millions of individuals worldwide. As a result, nicotine replacement therapies, such as transdermal nicotine patches, have become widely distributed and used. While the pharmacokinetics of transdermal nicotine have been extensively described using noncompartmental methods, there are few data available describing the between‐subject variability in transdermal nicotine pharmacokinetics. The aim of this investigation was to use population pharmacokinetic techniques to describe this variability, particularly as it pertains to the absorption of nicotine from the transdermal patch.

Methods

A population pharmacokinetic parent‐metabolite model was developed using plasma concentrations from 25 participants treated with transdermal nicotine. Covariates tested in this model included: body weight, body mass index, body surface area (calculated using the Mosteller equation) and sex.

Results

Nicotine pharmacokinetics were best described with a one‐compartment model with absorption based on a Weibull distribution and first‐order elimination and a single compartment for the major metabolite, cotinine. Body weight was a significant covariate on apparent volume of distribution of nicotine (exponential scaling factor 1.42). After the inclusion of body weight in the model, no other covariates were significant.

Conclusions

This is the first population pharmacokinetic model to describe the absorption and disposition of transdermal nicotine and its metabolism to cotinine and the pharmacokinetic variability between individuals who were administered the patch.
A C-index for Recurrent Event Data: Application to Hospitalizations among Dialysis Patients
Authors: Kim Sehee , Schaubel Douglas E. , McCullough Keith P.
Published: August 2017

We propose a C-index (index of concordance) applicable to recurrent event data. The present work addresses the dearth of measures for quantifying a regression model's ability to discriminate with respect to recurrent event risk. The data which motivated the methods arise from the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS), a long-running prospective international study of end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis. We derive the theoretical properties of the measure under the proportional rates model (Lin et al., 2000), and propose computationally convenient inference procedures based on perturbed influence functions. The methods are shown through simulations to perform well in moderate samples. Analysis of hospitalizations among a cohort of DOPPS patients reveals substantial improvement in discrimination upon adding country indicators to a model already containing basic clinical and demographic covariates, and further improvement upon adding a relatively large set of comorbidity indicators.
Assessment of the efficacy of a novel tailored vitamin K dosing regimen in lowering the International Normalised Ratio in over‐anticoagulated patients: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Kampouraki Emmanouela , Avery Peter J. , Wynne Hilary , Biss Tina , Hanley John , Talks Kate , Kamali Farhad
Published: August 2017

Current guidelines advocate using fixed‐doses of oral vitamin K to reverse excessive anticoagulation in warfarinised patients who are either asymptomatic or have minor bleeds. Over‐anticoagulated patients present with a wide range of International Normalised Ratio (INR) values and response to fixed doses of vitamin K varies. Consequently a significant proportion of patients remain outside their target INR after vitamin K administration, making them prone to either haemorrhage or thromboembolism. We compared the performance of a novel tailored vitamin K dosing regimen to that of a fixed‐dose regimen with the primary measure being the proportion of over‐anticoagulated patients returning to their target INR within 24 h. One hundred and eighty‐one patients with an index INR > 6·0 (asymptomatic or with minor bleeding) were randomly allocated to receive oral administration of either a tailored dose (based upon index INR and body surface area) or a fixed‐dose (1 or 2 mg) of vitamin K. A greater proportion of patients treated with the tailored dose returned to within target INR range compared to the fixed‐dose regimen (68·9% vs. 52·8%; P = 0·026), whilst a smaller proportion of patients remained above target INR range (12·2% vs. 34·0%; P < 0·001). Individualised vitamin K dosing is more accurate than fixed‐dose regimen in lowering INR to within target range in excessively anticoagulated patients.
How I manage sickle cell patients with high transcranial doppler results
Authors: Brewin John , Kaya Banu , Chakravorty Subarna
Published: August 2017

Stroke is one of the most severe complications to affect children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA). Transcranial doppler (TCD) is an accurate and non‐invasive method to determine stroke risk. Randomised controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of chronic transfusion therapy in stroke prevention based on risk stratification determined by TCD velocities. This has led to the regular use of TCD monitoring for children with SCA in order to determine stroke risk. Significant resource allocation is necessary to facilitate training, quality assurance and failsafe arrangements for non‐attenders. In a subgroup of patients, chronic transfusions for primary stroke prevention can be replaced by hydroxycarbamide therapy, provided careful monitoring is undertaken; including repeat TCD studies at frequent intervals. The authors propose an evidence‐based algorithm for the management of abnormal TCD velocities and discuss the role of this test in other clinical contexts, such as in Haemoglobin SC disease.
Activity of lenalidomide in mantle cell lymphoma can be explained by NK cell‐mediated cytotoxicity
Authors: Hagner Patrick R. , Chiu Hsiling , Ortiz Maria , Apollonio Benedetta , Wang Maria , Couto Suzana , Waldman Michelle F. , Flynt Erin , Ramsay Alan G. , Trotter Matthew , Gandhi Anita K. , Chopra Rajesh , Thakurta Anjan
Published: August 2017

Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory agent that has demonstrated clinical benefit for patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL); however, despite this observed clinical activity, the mechanism of action (MOA) of lenalidomide has not been characterized in this setting. We investigated the MOA of lenalidomide in clinical samples from patients enrolled in the CC‐5013‐MCL‐002 trial (NCT00875667) comparing single‐agent lenalidomide versus investigator's choice single‐agent therapy and validated our findings in pre‐clinical models of MCL. Our results revealed a significant increase in natural killer (NK) cells relative to total lymphocytes in lenalidomide responders compared to non‐responders that was associated with a trend towards prolonged progression‐free survival and overall survival. Clinical response to lenalidomide was independent of baseline tumour microenvironment expression of its molecular target, cereblon, as well as genetic mutations reported to impact clinical response to the Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib. Preclinical experiments revealed lenalidomide enhanced NK cell‐mediated cytotoxicity against MCL cells via increased lytic immunological synapse formation and secretion of granzyme B. In contrast, lenalidomide exhibited minimal direct cytotoxic effects against MCL cells. Taken together, these data provide the first insight into the clinical activity of lenalidomide against MCL, revealing a predominately immune‐mediated MOA.
Safety and efficacy of nelarabine in children and young adults with relapsed or refractory T‐lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia or T‐lineage lymphoblastic lymphoma: results of a phase 4 study
Authors: Zwaan Christian Michel , Kowalczyk Jerzy , Schmitt Claudine , Bielorai Bella , Russo Mark W. , Woessner Mary , Ranganathan Sulabha , Leverger Guy
Published: August 2017

Nelarabine is an antineoplastic agent approved for the treatment of relapsed/refractory T‐lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T‐ALL) or T‐lineage acute lymphoblastic lymphoma (T‐LBL). The purpose of this phase 4, multicentre, single‐arm, observational, open‐label trial was to provide additional data on the safety and efficacy of nelarabine under licensed conditions of use in children and young adults ≤21 years of age. Patients (N = 28) had a mean ± standard deviation age of 11·5 ± 4·6 years; 71% were male and 61% had a diagnosis of T‐ALL. Adverse events (AEs) and treatment‐related AEs were experienced by 46% and 21%, respectively, and included few haematological AEs and no haematological serious AEs. Neurological AEs from one of four predefined categories (peripheral and central nervous systems, mental status change and uncategorized) were reported in four patients. There were no AE‐related treatment discontinuations/withdrawals. The overall response rate was 39.3%: complete response (CR), 35.7%; CR without full haematological recovery (CR*), 3.6%. Post‐treatment stem cell transplantation was performed for 46% of the cohort. Median overall survival (OS) was 3·35 months for non‐responders and not reached for responders (CR + CR*). The response rate, median OS, and safety profile of nelarabine in this disease setting and population were consistent with those reported previously.
Intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections for refractory neurogenic detrusor overactivity incontinence: do we need urodynamic investigation for outcome assessment?
Authors: Koschorke Miriam , Leitner Lorenz , Sadri Helen , Knüpfer Stephanie C. , Mehnert Ulrich , Kessler Thomas M.
Published: August 2017

Objective

To evaluate if urinary continence in patients with refractory neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) incontinence after intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections is sufficient for appropriate outcome assessment or if urodynamic investigation (UDI) is needed.

Patients and Methods

A consecutive series of 148 patients undergoing intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections for refractory NDO incontinence were prospectively evaluated. Patients underwent UDI before and at 6 weeks after onabotulinumtoxinA injections. The primary outcome was the prevalence of maximum storage detrusor pressure (Pdetmax storage) of >40 cmH2O in continent patients at 6 weeks after treatment. The secondary outcomes were treatment effects on other clinical and video‐urodynamic variables.

Results

At 6 weeks after intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections, 98 of the 148 patients (66%) with NDO incontinence were continent. Of these patients, 18 (18%, confidence interval 12–27%) had a Pdetmax storage of >40 cmH2O. Gender, underlying neurological disorder, and high Pdetmax storage before treatment appear to increase the risk of poor urodynamic outcomes.

Conclusions

Urinary continence is not sufficient for outcome assessment after intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections, as high intravesical pressures threatening the upper urinary tract may be missed in a relevant proportion of continent patients. Therefore, we strongly recommend UDI as a routine part of the follow‐up.
Sediment routing evolution in the North Alpine Foreland Basin, Austria: interplay of transverse and longitudinal sediment dispersal
Authors: Sharman Glenn R. , Hubbard Stephen M. , Covault Jacob A. , Hinsch Ralph , Linzer Hans‐Gert , Graham Stephan A.
Published: August 2017

Integration of detrital zircon geochronology and three‐dimensional (3D) seismic‐reflection data from the Molasse basin of Austria yields new insight into Oligocene‐early Miocene palaeogeography and patterns of sediment routing within the Alpine foreland of central Europe. Three‐dimensional seismic‐reflection data show a network of deep‐water tributaries and a long‐lived (>8 Ma) foredeep‐axial channel belt that transported Alpine detritus greater than 100 km from west to east. We present 793 new detrital zircon ages from 10 sandstone samples collected from subsurface cores located within the seismically mapped network of deep‐water tributaries and the axial channel belt. Grain age populations correspond with major pre‐Alpine orogenic cycles: the Cadomian (750–530 Ma), the Caledonian (490–380 Ma) and the Variscan (350–250 Ma). Additional age populations correspond with Eocene‐Oligocene Periadriatic magmatism (40–30 Ma) and pre‐Alpine, Precambrian sources (>750 Ma). Although many samples share the same age populations, the abundances of these populations vary significantly. Sediment that entered the deep‐water axial channel belt from the west (Freshwater Molasse) and southwest (Inntal fault zone) is characterized by statistically indistinguishable age distributions that include populations of Variscan, Caledonian and Cadomian zircon at modest abundances (15–32% each). Sandstone from a shallow marine unit proximal to the northern basin margin consists of >75% Variscan (350–300 Ma) zircon, which originated from the adjacent Bohemian Massif. Mixing calculations based on the Kolmogorov–Smirnoff statistic suggest that the Alpine fold‐thrust belt south of the foreland was also an important source of detritus to the deep‐water Molasse basin. We interpret evolving detrital zircon age distributions within the axial foredeep to reflect a progressive increase in longitudinal sediment input from the west (Freshwater Molasse) and/or southwest (Inntal fault zone) relative to transverse sediment input from the fold‐thrust belt to the south. We infer that these changes reflect a major reorganization of catchment boundaries and denudation rates in the Alpine Orogen that resulted in the Alpine foreland evolving to dominantly longitudinal sediment dispersal. This change was most notably marked by the development of a submarine canyon during deposition of the Upper Puchkirchen Formation that promoted sediment bypass eastward from Freshwater Molasse depozones to the Molasse basin deep‐water axial channel belt. The integration of 3D seismic‐reflection data with detrital zircon geochronology illustrates sediment dispersal patterns within a continental‐scale orogen, with implications for the relative role of longitudinal vs. transverse sediment delivery in peripheral foreland basins.
What Develops in Infants’ Spatial Categorization? Korean Infants’ Categorization of Containment and Tight‐Fit Relations
Authors: Casasola Marianella , Ahn Yeojin A.
Published: August 2017

Korean‐learning infants’ categorization of two spatial categories, one consistent and one inconsistent with the Korean semantic category of “kkita,” was examined. Infants of 10 months (n = 32) and 18 months (n = 49) were tested on their categorization of containment or tight fit spatial relations. At 10 months, infants only formed a category of containment, but at 18 months, their categorization of tight fit was significantly stronger than containment. The results suggest that Korean infants benefit from their language environment in forming a category of tight fit when the exemplars are perceptually diverse. In particular, infants’ language environment may bolster their ability to generalize across diverse exemplars to form abstract categorical representations of spatial relations.
Biomechanical behavior of titanium and zirconia frameworks for implant‐supported full‐arch fixed dental prosthesis
Authors: Tiossi Rodrigo , Gomes Érica Alves , Faria Adriana Cláudia Lapria , Rodrigues Renata Cristina Silveira , Ribeiro Ricardo Faria
Published: August 2017

Background

The biomechanical behavior of implant‐supported titanium and zirconia full‐arch fixed dental prosthesis (FAFDP) frameworks require further investigation.

Purpose

Strains transferred by implant‐supported titanium (Ti) and zirconia (Zr) FAFDP frameworks were analyzed.

Materials and Methods

Maxillary 14‐unit FAFDPs supported by 6 implants and 12‐unit FAFDPs supported by 4 implants were tested. One‐piece frameworks were fabricated by computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing. Four groups were divided (n = 3): G1, Ti‐6 implants; G2, Zr‐6 implants; G3, Ti‐4 implants; G4, Zr‐4 implants. A 250 N single‐point load was applied on the second premolar. A three‐dimensional digital image correlation system recorded framework and maxilla model surface deformation.

Results

The following strains (μS) averaged over the length of the second premolar were calculated: frameworks, G1 (321.82 ± 111.29), G2 (638.87 ± 108.64), G3 (377.77 ± 28.64), G4 (434.18 ± 132.21); model surface, G1 (473.99 ± 48.69), G2 (653.93 ± 45.26), G3 (1082.50 ± 71.14), G4 (1218.26 ± 230.37). Zirconia frameworks supported by 6 implants (G2) presented higher surface strains (P < .05). FAFDPs with titanium frameworks transferred significantly lower strains to the supporting maxilla when 6 implants were used (G1) (P < .05). Both framework materials transferred similar strains when supported by 4 implants (G3 and G4) (P > .05).

Conclusions

Zirconia frameworks supported by 6 implants showed higher strains. FAFDPs supported by 6 implants transferred less strains to the supporting maxilla, irrespective of framework material.
Cellular behaviours of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells towards pristine graphene oxide nanosheets
Authors: Wei Changbo , Liu Zifeng , Jiang Fangfang , Zeng Binghui , Huang Mingdi , Yu Dongsheng
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Graphene oxide (GO), the derivative of graphene with unique properties, has attracted much attention for applications in dental implants. The aim of this study was, by two biomimetic cell culture methods, to investigate the quantitative relationship between the concentration of pristine GO nanosheets and their cellular behaviours towards bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).

Materials and methods

The cells were firstly characterized according to their morphology, self‐renewal capabilities and multipotency. Subsequently, adhesion density, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization of BMSCs treated with various concentrations of GO were analysed. In addition, osteogenic‐related proteins were measured for further verification of the GO‐induced osteogenic differentiation.

Results

Pristine GO nanosheets inhibited the proliferation of BMSCs at a high concentration of 10 μg/mL during the first 3 days with two seeding methods and facilitated proliferation of BMSCs at a low concentration of 0.1 μg/mL after 5 days with a sequential‐seeding method compared to a co‐seeding method. Analogously, osteogenic differentiation was promoted when BMSCs were treated with 0.1 μg/mL of GO. Both the proliferation and differentiation showed concentration‐dependent behaviour. Interestingly, Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway appeared to be involved in osteogenic differentiation induced by pristine GO nanosheets.

Conclusions

Pristine GO nanosheets at a concentration of 0.1 μg/mL provide benefits to promote BMSCs proliferation and osteogenesis under a sequential‐seeding method, contributing to the use of GO for dental implantation.
Individual relocation decisions after tornadoes: a multi‐level analysis
Authors: Cong Zhen , Nejat Ali , Liang Daan , Pei Yaolin , Javid Roxana J.
Published: August 2017

This study examines how multi‐level factors affected individuals' relocation decisions after EF4 and EF5 (Enhanced Fujita Tornado Intensity Scale) tornadoes struck the United States in 2013. A telephone survey was conducted with 536 respondents, including oversampled older adults, one year after these two disaster events. Respondents' addresses were used to associate individual information with block group‐level variables recorded by the American Community Survey. Logistic regression revealed that residential damage and homeownership are important predictors of relocation. There was also significant interaction between these two variables, indicating less difference between homeowners and renters at higher damage levels. Homeownership diminished the likelihood of relocation among younger respondents. Random effects logistic regression found that the percentage of homeownership and of higher income households in the community buffered the effect of damage on relocation; the percentage of older adults reduced the likelihood of this group relocating. The findings are assessed from the standpoint of age difference, policy implications, and social capital and vulnerability.
Dapagliflozin is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality in people with type 2 diabetes (CVD‐REAL Nordic) when compared with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor therapy: A multinational observational study
Authors: Persson Frederik , Nyström Thomas , Jørgensen Marit E. , Carstensen Bendix , Gulseth Hanne L. , Thuresson Marcus , Fenici Peter , Nathanson David , Eriksson Jan W. , Norhammar Anna , Bodegard Johan , Birkeland Kåre I.
Published: August 2017

Aims

To compare the sodium‐glucose‐cotransporter‐2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitor dapagliflozin with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors with regard to risk associations with major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events (MACE; non‐fatal myocardial infarction, non‐fatal stroke or cardiovascular mortality), hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), atrial fibrillation and severe hypoglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a real‐world setting.

Methods

All patients with T2D prescribed glucose‐lowering drugs (GLDs) during 2012 to 2015 were identified in nationwide registries in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Patients were divided into two groups: new users of dapagliflozin and new users of DPP‐4 inhibitors, matched 1:3 by propensity score, calculated by patient characteristics, comorbidities and drug treatment. Cox survival models were used to estimate hazard ratio (HR) per country separately, and a weighted average was calculated.

Results

After matching, a total of 40 908 patients with T2D were identified as new users of dapagliflozin (n = 10 227) or a DPP‐4 inhibitor (n = 30 681). The groups were well balanced at baseline; their mean age was 61 years and 23% had CV disease. The mean follow‐up time was 0.95 years, with a total of 38 760 patient‐years. Dapagliflozin was associated with a lower risk of MACE, HHF and all‐cause mortality compared with DPP‐4 inhibitors: HRs 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67‐0.94), 0.62 (95% CI 0.50‐0.77), and 0.59 (95% CI 0.49‐0.72), respectively. Numerically lower, but non‐significant HRs were observed for myocardial infarction (0.91 [95% CI 0.72‐1.16]), stroke (0.79 [95% CI 0.61‐1.03]) and CV mortality (0.76 [95% CI 0.53‐1.08]) Neutral associations with atrial fibrillation and severe hypoglycaemia were observed.

Conclusions

Dapagliflozin was associated with lower risks of CV events and all‐cause mortality compared with DPP‐4 inhibitors in a real‐world clinical setting and a broad T2D population.
Predictive factors for successful renal denervation: should we use them in clinical trials?
Authors: Barber‐Chamoux Nicolas , Esler Murray D.
Published: August 2017

Renal denervation (RDN) is facing various challenges to its initial claimed value in hypertension treatment. Major concerns are the choice of the patients and the technical efficacy of the RDN. Different factors have been described as predicting the capacity of RDN to decrease blood pressure. These factors are related to the patients, the procedure and the tools to confirm successful neural ablation. Their use in future trials should help to improve RDN trials understanding and outcomes. This review summarizes the different predictive factors available and their potential benefits in patient selection and in procedure guidance.
Influences of dissolved oxygen on juvenile largemouth bass foraging behaviour
Authors: French Christopher G. , Wahl David H.
Published: August 2017

Summer stratification often leads to large areas of hypolimnetic hypoxia in lakes and reservoirs. These areas of hypoxia alter fish behaviours and distributions as well as restrict access to valuable prey resources, yet few studies have examined foraging behaviour of fish in response to low dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations. We observed foraging behaviour of juvenile largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, in response to varying DO concentrations in tanks that simulated a stratified lake water column during the summer: 28°C oxygenated epilimnion, 15°C deoxygenated hypolimnion. Compared with saturated concentrations (8.0–9.0 mg/L), hypolimnetic oxygen concentrations of 3.0 mg/L and 1.5 mg/L resulted in a drastic decrease in prey consumption, handling efficiency and time spent below the thermocline mainly due to avoidance behaviour of hypoxic conditions. However, we found at high hypolimnetic prey densities, individual fish were more willing to venture into reduced oxygen concentrations. Several unique behaviours including transporting prey above the oxycline for consumption, aquatic surface respiration and gill flaring were employed by largemouth bass foraging in low oxygen environments. Reduced hypolimnetic oxygen concentrations may influence and alter feeding strategies, especially for fish that rely on benthic prey resources.