bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chitinophaga alhagiae sp. nov., isolated from rhizosphere soil of Alhagi sparsifolia
Authors: Zou Yuanyuan , Zhang Xiaoxia , Song Haozhi , Liu Yang , Cheng Qi
Published: February 2019

A Gram-stain-negative, non-flagellated, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain T22T, was isolated from rhizosphere soil ofAlhagi sparsifolia, collected from Xinjiang, China. Its major fatty acids (>5 %) were iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1ω5c, iso-C17 : 0-3OH, summed feature 1 (C13 : 03-OH/iso-C15 : 1 H) and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c/C16 : 1ω7c). The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, two aminolipids and four unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content of the type strain was 53.4 mol%. According to phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain T22Twas related most closely toChitinophaga barathriYLT18T(=CCTCC AB 2015054T) with similarity of 97.7 %. However, strain T22Twas clearly distinguished fromChitinophaga barathriYLT18Tusing genome-to-genome distance and average nucleotide identity value calculation, as well as a range of physiological and biochemical characteristics comparisons. It is obvious from the genotypic and phenotypic data that strain T22Trepresents a novel species of the genusChitinophaga, for which the nameChitinophagaalhagiaesp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is T22T(=ACCC 60125T=KCTC 62518T).
Evaluating Complexity of Fetal MEG Signals: A Comparison of Different Metrics and Their Applicability
Authors: Moser Julia , Bensaid Siouar , Kroupi Eleni , Schleger Franziska , Wendling Fabrice , Ruffini Giulio , Preißl Hubert
Published: February 2019

In this work, we aim to investigate whether information based metrics of neural activity are a useful tool for the search for consciousness before and shortly after birth. Neural activity is measured using fetal magnetoencephalography (fMEG) in human fetuses and neonates. Based on recent theories on consciousness, information-based metrics are established to measure brain complexity and to assess different levels of consciousness. Different metrics (measures of entropy, compressibility and fractality) are, thus, explored in a reference population and their usability is evaluated. For comparative analysis, two fMEG channels were selected: one where brain activity was previously detected and one at least 15cm away, that represented a control channel. The usability of each metric was evaluated and results from the brain and control channel were compared. Concerning the ease of use with fMEG data, Lempel-Ziv-Welch (LZW) compression was evaluated as best, as it is unequivocal and needs low computational effort. The fractality measures have a high parameter space and therefore forfeit comparability, while entropy measures require a higher computational effort and more parameters to adjust compared to LZW. Comparison of a channel with brain activity and a control channel in neonatal recordings showed significant differences in most complexity metrics. This clear difference can be seen as proof of concept for the usability of complexity metrics in fMEG. For fetal data, this comparison produced less clear results which can be related to leftover maternal signals included in the control channel. Further work is necessary to conclusively interpret results from the analysis of fetal recordings. Yet this study shows that complexity metrics can be used for fMEG data on early consciousness and the evaluation gives a guidance for future work. The inconsistency of results from different metrics highlights the challenges of working with complexity metrics as neural correlates of consciousness, as well as the caution one should apply to interpret them.
Persistent anti-heart autoimmunity causes cardiomyocyte damage in chronic heart failure
Authors: Sintou Amalia , Rifai Sarah el , Mansfield Catherine , Sanchez Alonso Jose L. , Rothery Stephen M. , Narodden Salomon , Sharma Keshav , Hasham Muneer G. , Swiatlowska Pamela , Harding Sian E. , Rosenthal Nadia , Gorelik Julia , Sattler Susanne
Published: February 2019

Although clinicians and researchers have long appreciated the detrimental effects of excessive acute inflammation after myocardial infarction (MI), less is known about the role of the adaptive immune system in MI complications including heart failure. Yet, abundant cardiac self-antigens released from necrotic cardiomyocytes in a highly inflammatory environment are likely to overwhelm peripheral mechanisms of immunological self-tolerance and adaptive auto-reactivity against the heart may cause ongoing tissue destruction and exacerbate progression to chronic heart failure (CHF).

Here, we confirm that the adaptive immune system is indeed persistently active in CHF due to ischemic heart disease triggered by MI in rats. Heart draining mediastinal lymph nodes contain active secondary follicles with mature class-switched IgG2a positive cells, and mature anti-heart auto-antibodies binding to cardiac epitopes are still present in serum as late as 16 weeks after MI. When applied to healthy cardiomyocytes in vitro, humoral factors present in CHF serum promoted apoptosis, cytotoxicity and signs of hypertrophy.

These findings directly implicate post-MI autoimmunity as an integral feature of CHF progression, constituting a roadblock to effective regeneration and a promising target for therapeutic intervention.
Small Molecule Screening in Zebrafish Embryos Identifies Signaling Pathways Regulating Early Thyroid Development
Authors: Haerlingen Benoit , Opitz Robert , Vandernoot Isabelle , Trubiroha Achim , Gillotay Pierre , Giusti Nicoletta , Costagliola Sabine
Published: February 2019

Background

Defects in embryonic development of the thyroid gland are a major cause for congenital hypothyroidism in human newborns but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. Organ development relies on a tightly regulated interplay between extrinsic signaling cues and cell intrinsic factors. At present, however, there is limited knowledge about the specific extrinsic signaling cues that regulate foregut endoderm patterning, thyroid cell specification and subsequent morphogenetic processes in thyroid development.

Methods

To begin to address this problem in a systematic way, we used zebrafish embryos to perform a series ofin vivophenotype-driven chemical genetic screens to identify signaling cues regulating early thyroid development. For this purpose, we treated zebrafish embryos during different developmental periods with a panel of small molecule compounds known to manipulate the activity of major signaling pathways and scored phenotypic deviations in thyroid, endoderm and cardiovascular development using whole mountin situhybridization and transgenic fluorescent reporter models.

Results

Systematic assessment of drugged embryos recovered a range of thyroid phenotypes including expansion, reduction or lack of the early thyroid anlage, defective thyroid budding as well as hypoplastic, enlarged or overtly disorganized presentation of the thyroid primordium after budding. Our pharmacological screening identified BMP and FGF signaling as key factors for thyroid specification and early thyroid organogenesis, highlight the importance of low Wnt activities during early development for thyroid specification and implicate drug-induced cardiac and vascular anomalies as likely indirect mechanisms causing various forms of thyroid dysgenesis.

Conclusions

By integrating the outcome of our screening efforts with previously available information from other model organisms includingXenopus, chicken and mouse, we conclude that signaling cues regulating thyroid development appear broadly conserved across vertebrates. We therefore expect that observations made in zebrafish can inform mammalian models of thyroid organogenesis to further our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of congenital thyroid diseases.
Gene expression noise randomizes the adaptive response to DNA alkylation damage in E. coli
Authors: Uphoff Stephan
Published: February 2019

DNA damage caused by alkylating chemicals induces an adaptive response in Escherichia coli cells that increases their tolerance to further damage. Signalling of the response occurs through methylation of the Ada protein which acts as a damage sensor and induces its own gene expression through a positive feedback loop. However, random fluctuations in the abundance of Ada jeopardize the reliability of the induction signal. I developed a quantitative model to test how gene expression noise and feedback amplification affect the fidelity of the adaptive response. A remarkably simple model accurately reproduced experimental observations from single-cell measurements of gene expression dynamics in a microfluidic device. Stochastic simulations showed that delays in the adaptive response are a direct consequence of the very low number of Ada molecules present to signal DNA damage. For cells that have zero copies of Ada, response activation becomes a memoryless process that is dictated by an exponential waiting time distribution between basal Ada expression events. Experiments also confirmed the model prediction that the strength of the adaptive response drops with increasing growth rate of cells.
Marked changes in diversity and relative activity of picoeukaryotes with depth in the global ocean
Authors: Giner Caterina R. , Balagué Vanessa , Pernice Massimo C. , Duarte Carlos M. , Gasol Josep M. , Logares Ramiro , Massana Ramon
Published: February 2019

Microbial eukaryotes are key components of the ocean plankton. Yet, our understanding of their community composition and activity in different water layers of the ocean is limited, particularly for picoeukaryotes (0.2-3µm cell size). Here we examined the picoeukaryotic communities inhabiting different vertical zones of the tropical and subtropical global ocean: surface, deep chlorophyll maximum, mesopelagic (including the deep scattering layer and minimum oxygen zone) and bathypelagic. Communities were analysed by high-throughput sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene, as represented by DNA (community structure) and RNA (metabolic expression), followed by delineation of Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). We found a clear stratification of the picoeukaryotic communities along the water column, with two differentiated assemblages corresponding to the sunlit and dark ocean. Specific taxonomic groups either increased or decreased their abundances with depth. We used the rRNA:rDNA ratio of each individual OTU as a proxy of its metabolic activity. The highest relative activity was found in the mesopelagic layer for most taxonomic groups, and the lowest in the bathypelagic. Overall, our results characterize the change in community structure and activity of picoeukaryotes in the global-ocean water column, suggesting that the mesopeagic layer is a hot-spot of picoeukaryotic activity.
Hippocampal and neocortical oscillations are tuned to behavioral state in freely-behaving macaques
Authors: Talakoub Omid , Sayegh Patricia , Womelsdorf Thilo , Zinke Wolf , Fries Pascal , Lewis Christopher M. , Hoffman Kari L.
Published: February 2019

Wireless recordings in macaque neocortex and hippocampus showed stronger theta oscillations during early-stage sleep than during alert volitional movement including walking. In contrast, hippocampal beta and gamma oscillations were prominent during walking and other active behaviors. These relations between hippocampal rhythms and behavioral states in the primate differ markedly from those observed in rodents. Primate neocortex showed similar changes in spectral content across behavioral state as the hippocampus.
A large proportion of poor birth outcomes among Aboriginal Western Australians are attributable to smoking, alcohol and substance misuse, and assault
Authors: Gibberd Alison J. , Simpson Judy M. , Jones Jocelyn , Williams Robyn , Stanley Fiona , Eades Sandra J.
Published: February 2019

Background

Aboriginal infants have poorer birth outcomes than non-Aboriginal infants. Harmful use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances is higher among Aboriginal women, as is violence, due to factors such as intergenerational trauma and poverty. We estimated the proportion of small for gestational age (SGA) births, preterm births, and perinatal deaths that could be attributed to these risks.

Methods

Birth, hospital, mental health, and death records for Aboriginal singleton infants born in Western Australia from 1998-2010 and their parents were linked. Using logistic regression with a generalized estimating equation approach, associations with birth outcomes and population attributable fractions were estimated after adjusting for demographic factors and maternal health during pregnancy.

Results

Of 28,119 births, 16% of infants were SGA, 13% were preterm, and 2% died perinatally. 51% of infants were exposedin uteroto at least one of the risk factors and the fractions attributable to them were 37% (SGA), 16% (preterm) and 20% (perinatal death).

Conclusions

A large proportion of adverse outcomes were attributable to the modifiable risk factors of substance use and assault. Significant improvements in Aboriginal perinatal health are likely to follow reductions in these risk factors. These results highlight the importance of identifying and implementing risk reduction measures which are effective in, and supported by, Aboriginal women, families, and communities.
In vivo identification of GTPase interactors by mitochondrial relocalization and proximity biotinylation
Authors: Gillingham Alison , Bertram Jessie , Begum Farida , Munro Sean
Published: February 2019

The GTPases of the Ras superfamily regulate cell growth, membrane traffic and the cytoskeleton, and a wide range of diseases are caused by mutations in particular members. They function as switchable landmarks with the active GTP-bound form recruiting to the membrane a specific set of effector proteins. The GTPases are precisely controlled by regulators that promote acquisition of GTP (GEFs) or its hydrolysis to GDP (GAPs). We report here MitoID, a method for identifying effectors and regulators by performing in vivo proximity biotinylation with mitochondrially-localized forms of the GTPases. Applying this to 11 human Rab GTPases identified many known effectors and GAPs, as well as putative novel effectors, with examples of the latter validated for Rab2, Rab5 and Rab9. MitoID can also efficiently identify effectors and GAPs of Rho and Ras family GTPases such as Cdc42, RhoA, Rheb, and N-Ras, and can identify GEFs by use of GDP-bound forms.
Modeling and Visualization of Rice Root Based on Morphological Parameters
Authors: Yang Le , Shao Peng
Published: February 2019

To clarify the morphological distributional characteristic of rice roots, the “root box” experiments are conducted to extract various morphological parameters of roots. On the basis of experiments, in this paper, the rice root model based on morphological parameters is constructed with B-spline curves by analyzing the topological structure of rice roots, quantifying their biological characteristics, summarizing the morphological structure and growth characteristics and improving the Cubic growth function to describe the growth change of rice roots. Meanwhile, the output accuracy of the model is tested. Finally, the dynamic simulation of rice root growth characteristics in three-dimensional space is implemented by using Visual C++ and OpenGL standard graphics library. The compared results demonstrate that the model could faithfully simulate the dynamic growing process of rice roots, and help to enrich the methods of digitization and visualization for roots of other crops.
Validation of an agent-specific safety climate model for construction
Authors: Newaz Mohammad Tanvi , Davis Peter Rex , Jefferies Marcus , Pillay Manikam
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Safety climate (SC) is considered a leading indicator of safety performance, but scholars suggest that a common SC assessment framework is yet to be developed. Following the debate between the importance of facet analysis and agent analysis, the purpose of this paper is to test a factor structure, developed by the authors in previous work and arising from their systematic literature review, highlighting the role of safety agents in a construction site setting.

Design/methodology/approach

Multi-level SC surveys were conducted at five construction sites in Sydney, Australia, collecting data from of 352 workers associated with a mega-construction project. While examining the factor analysis of different studies, data reliability and data validity of the survey findings were ensured and a goodness-of-fit of SC model was examined through structural equation modelling.

Findings

The systematic literature review of Newaz et al. (2018) suggested a five-factor model of: management commitment, safety system, role of the supervisor, workers’ involvement and group SC. However, empirical data indicated that the questionnaire used to measure “safety system” failed to pass scale reliability; thus, a four-factor model was proposed to develop an agent-specific SC factor structure in the construction industry.

Originality/value

The four-factor model indicates the role and level of influence of different safety agents to improve safety perceptions on construction sites. The findings of this study will encourage researchers in construction safety to use the simplified four-factor SC (agent-specific) model presented and test it to further develop a common factor structure for the construction industry. The fact that the model is comprised of four factors makes further implementation somewhat easier in the development of safety plans, and when considering the role of safety agents, therefore enhancing its potential value.
Predicting Users’ willingness to diffuse healthcare knowledge in social media
Authors: Jin Xiao-Ling , Zhou Zhongyun , Yu Xiaoyu
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate why users are willing to diffuse healthcare knowledge in social media by drawing on the communicative ecology theory (CET) and prior research on interpersonal communication.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a large-scale scenario-based online survey in WeChat (the most popular social media platform in China) to test the proposed research model and hypotheses. The final data set consists of 1,039 useful responses from WeChat users.

Findings

The results indicate that interestingness, emotionality and institution-based trust are the strongest antecedents in predicting healthcare knowledge-diffusing likelihood, followed by usefulness, source credibility and positivity. Further, the relationship between institution-based trust and healthcare knowledge-diffusing likelihood is partially mediated by source credibility.

Practical implications

Healthcare practitioners who seek to motivate individuals to disseminate healthcare knowledge need to phrase or frame healthcare knowledge in a way that draws greater interest, evokes stronger emotion, increases perceived usefulness or reflects positively on themselves. Healthcare organizations should also pay attention to strengthening users’ trust in the platform and source-related information that can indicate source authority.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to investigate the dissemination of healthcare knowledge in the context of social media (WeChat in particular). Compared with other types of information, healthcare knowledge is more scientific and professional to the extent that most laypersons do not have relevant expertise to directly evaluate whether the content is credible and of high quality. Rather, their sharing likelihood is dependent more on other factors than perceived information quality and credibility; those factors include platform-related factors that may play an important role but has been overlooked in prior literature on interpersonal communication. By combining CET with interpersonal communication-related research and including institution-based trust as an important determinant of healthcare knowledge dissemination, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of healthcare knowledge diffusion process.
Exposure of chlorpyrifos in toddlers living in an agricultural area in Sakon Nakhon province, North-East Thailand
Authors: Siriwat Satinee , Rohitrattana Juthasiri , Nganchamung Thitirat , Ong-artborirak Parichat , Robson Mark , Siriwong Wattasit
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Children living in agricultural areas are exposed to pesticides in their living areas and through activities of daily living. These exposures may lead to adverse health effects. The purpose of this paper is to investigate household environmental and behavioural factors associated with chlorpyrifos exposure and resultant adverse health effects in children living in an agricultural community.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was conducted including 65 toddlers (age of 12–36 months) and their parents were face-to-face interviewed from January to February 2016. Toddler’s hands and feet, toys and floors were wiped for chlorpyrifos residue analysis. The wipes were extracted and analysed by gas chromatography with a flame photometric detector, and blood cholinesterase activity was measured by the EQM Test-mate (model 400).

Findings

The average age (± standard deviation) of children was 19.9 (±5.9) months. Chlorpyrifos detections were 61.5 per cent (hands), 57.1 per cent (toys), 53.8 per cent (floors) and 30.8 per cent (feet). The highest chlorpyrifos residue concentration was detected on toy surface (3.022 µg/m2). Chlorpyrifos residues on hands and feet were positively correlated with concentrations on floors and toys (Spearman’s ρ, p<0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that more frequent hand washing (β=−0.236, p=0.067) and showering (β=−0.240, p=0.056) was negatively associated with chlorpyrifos residue on children’s body. House cleaning frequency was significantly associated with an increase in haemoglobin-adjusted erythrocyte cholinesterase (β=0.251, p<0.05).

Originality/value

Chlorpyrifos exposures found in the children household area through their activities and behaviours can cause several adverse health effects. The circumstances associated with chlorpyrifos exposure should be mitigated and reduced to improve the household environment of children living agricultural areas.
The impact of temporary staff on permanent staff in accident and emergency departments
Authors: Bajorek Zofia , Guest David
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address a gap in the recent literature on employment of temporary workers by exploring the impact of temporary workers on the perceptions, attitudes and behaviour of permanent staff with particular reference to their implications for patient safety and service quality in hospital accident and emergency departments. The analysis is set in the context of the job demands-resources theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was undertaken using a case study approach with semi-structured interviews in two London hospitals. Participants included staff from the HR director level, clinical managers and permanent staff who all had an influence in the hiring and management of temporary staff in some way. Transcripts were analysed thematically using an adopted framework approach.

Findings

The results indicate that the effect of temporary staff on permanent staff depended on the quality of the “resource”. There was a “hierarchy of preference” for temporary staff based on their familiarity with the context. Those unfamiliar with the department served as a distraction to permanent staff due to the need to “manage” them in various ways. While this was rarely perceived to affect patient safety, it could have an impact on service quality by causing delays and interruptions. In line with previous research, the use of temporary staff also affected perceptions of fairness and the commitment of some permanent staff.

Practical implications

A model developing an approach for improved practice when managing temporary staff was developed to minimise the risks to patient safety and service quality, and improve permanent staff morale.

Social implications

The review highlights the difficulties that a limited amount of temporary staff integration can have on permanent staff and patient care, indicating that consideration must be placed on how temporary staff are inducted and clarifying expectations of roles for both temporary and permanent staff.

Originality/value

This paper studies the under-researched impact of temporary staff, and, distinctively, staff employed on a single shift, on the behaviour and attitudes of permanent staff. It highlights the need to consider carefully the qualitative nature of “resources” in the job demands-resources theory.
Sources of efficiency changes at Asian container ports
Authors: Yang Xiyi , Yip Tsz Leung
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the efficiency changes of 23 major Asian container ports for the period from 2000 to 2007. In addition to assess the general trend, it also attempts to decompose the overall efficiency change into technological efficiency change, technical efficiency change and scale efficiency change to help port authorities to devise operational strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The Malmquist index method is used, which is derived from data envelopment analysis. In this model, technological improvement comes from using state-of-the-art technologies, technical improvement is from rationalizing of port inputs and scale efficiency is from adjustment of port operational scales.

Findings

On average, the investigated ports have improved their efficiencies by 14.3 per cent. Such efficiency gains can be attributed to a 41 per cent increase in pure technical efficiency, a 47.5 per cent increase in scale efficiency and a 30.5 per cent decrease in technological efficiency. The scale efficiency contributes the most to the overall efficiency improvement, while technical and technological effects seem to have less impact. The fact that technological efficiency has little variance seems to suggest that this source of efficiency gain may not bring substantial competitive advantage.

Research limitations/implications

The sample period is 2000-2007, so the impact from the Asian financial crisis or the economic downturn was not covered. Also, the port throughputs data do not separate shipment and transhipment.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable suggestions to improve efficiency for container ports along the “Maritime Silk Road.”
The affective quality of sound: repositioning the listener
Authors: Macdonald Fiona Josephine
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the possibilities of performative research practices in the dissemination of social science research. The paper introduces the benefits of these practices and demonstrates the relational benefits of sound. The paper explores the possibility that sound may be used to reposition the listener to a new way of hearing.

Design/methodology/approach

This research emerged from a larger research project investigating the silent racism that was evident in an inclusive education program. A constructivist narrative approach was adopted to investigate the benefits of sharing the sensorial qualities of participant responses as an aural excerpt. The aim here is to reposition the listener from their own cultural value systems to being open to new understandings.

Findings

The paper highlights the relationship between the storyteller and the listener. Sharing a young man’s personal experience of racism enabled the visceral and affective quality of his deeply personal experience to be conveyed to the listener.

Research limitations/implications

This paper reports on the experiences of one participant. It is not designed to represent the experiences of all young people with African heritage, but rather to present the possibilities of using sound in the dissemination of research findings.

Originality/value

The methodological approach of this paper offers a unique and valuable contribution to the growing interest in new avenues to disseminate research findings, particularly those that convey the deeply personal experience of participants.
Getting up close and personal
Authors: Northcote Jeremy , Phillips Tarryn
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of peer researchers in participant observation.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved interviews with 11 fieldworkers aged 18–25 years.

Findings

The method improves access to settings and provides useful context information on participants.

Research limitations/implications

It is a useful method in situations where normal access to participants and settings is problematic.

Originality/value

The paper is the first ever evaluation of supervised peer research (as opposed to peer-led research).
Legitimacy-seeking strategies in the gambling industry: the case of responsible gambling
Authors: Leung Tiffany Cheng Han
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how responsible gambling policies are communicated and presented as a legitimation strategy to different stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based primarily on 49 semi-structured interviews with internal and external stakeholders of Macao’s gambling industry in 2011. This study draws on Reast et al.’s (2012) legitimacy-seeking strategy framework.

Findings

The findings indicate that these organisations use construing and earning legitimacy strategies to ensure passive support and acquiescence from certain stakeholder groups, and they deploy bargaining and capturing legitimacy strategies to generate active support for this morally contested industry. As a means of attaining long-standing legitimacy in the industry, gambling operators engage symbolically rather than substantively in responsible gambling to minimise the legitimacy gap.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the study pertain to a unique setting and might not be suitable for generalisation.

Practical implications

In the absence of stringent legal mechanisms and strong external stakeholder pressure, the 12th Five-Year Plan of the People’s Republic of China aims to transform Macao into a “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure”, and gambling companies may soon face much stronger pressures from the Chinese Government and the Macao Government.

Social/implications

Voluntary responsible gambling initiatives are liable to be used only in symbolic fashion, without offering genuine engagement or full commitment to the most vulnerable stakeholder group.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on social and accounting literature by providing an in-depth case study of how organisations in the gambling industry use different communication strategies to shape and respond to controversial issues.
Sustainability as source of competitive advantages in mature sectors
Authors: Settembre Blundo Davide , García-Muiña Fernando Enrique , Pini Martina , Volpi Lucrezia , Siligardi Cristina , Ferrari Anna Maria
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how sustainability can become a source of competitive advantage for mature manufacturing sectors where technologies are standardized, and innovation is mainly generated across the value chain and not by individual companies.

Design/methodology/approach

From the methodological point of view, this research estimates the sustainability status of ceramic production in the Sassuolo district (Italy), using the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) model, and changing the observation point for the analysis, from the enterprise (micro level) to the entire sector (meso level).

Findings

This paper provides an analysis of the environmental, economic and social impacts of the four main types of ceramic tiles manufactured in Italy, both in aggregate terms for the entire sector and per square meter of product.

Practical implications

The methodological approach used in this research is easy to replicate both for companies when designing their sustainability strategies and for public decision makers when assessing the sustainability performance of a sector or supply chain.

Social implications

For the first time, a socio-economic impact assessment is proposed for the ceramic sector, conducted in parallel with the environmental impact assessment through stakeholder mapping and prioritization.

Originality/value

This paper conceptualizes the theme of relations and interdependencies between ceramic producers organized in industrial districts and the territories in which they operate in order to determine empirically the sustainability performance of Italian ceramic sector, using the LCSA model with a territorial extension that presupposes an innovative contribution to current literature and practice.
Resveratrol protects against hepatic insulin resistance in a rat's model of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease by down‐regulation of GPAT‐1 and DGAT2 expression and inhibition of PKC membranous translocation
Authors: Badi Rehab M. , Mostafa Dalia G. , Khaleel Eman F. , Satti Huda H.
Published: February 2019

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with hepatic insulin resistance (IR). Resveratrol (RES) a potent hypolipidemic dietary polyphenol has been identified for its ability to prevent hepatic steatosis and hepatic IR in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed murine models of NAFLD. In the present study, we have carried an in vivo animal experiment to identify a novel mechanism for RES protective action. Sub‐chronic (45 days) RES pretreatment in 3 days HFD‐fed adult Wistar rats prevented early hepatic IR through inhibiting PKC/JNK activation; decreasing p‐IRS (Ser307) and increasing p‐IRS(Tyr612), p‐Akt(Ser473) and p‐GSK3(Ser9). These effects of RES were associated with reduced expression of acyl‐CoA:glycerol‐sn‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT‐1) and diacylglycerol:acyl‐CoA acyltransferase (DGAT2), two critical enzymes in the glycerol‐3‐phosphate pathway for de novo triglycerides synthesis. These data indicate that RES protects against NAFLD, initially, by inhibiting the early development of hepatic IR.
After the RESTART trial: six guidelines for clinical trials of early stuttering intervention
Authors: Onslow Mark , Lowe Robyn
Published: February 2019

Background

The Rotterdam Evaluation Study of Stuttering Therapy randomized trial (RESTART) was seminal, comparing the Lidcombe Program with RESTART Demands and Capacities Model‐based treatment (RESTART‐DCM) for pre‐school age children who stutter.

Aims

To critique the methods of the RESTART trial to develop guidelines for its systematic replication and extension. Beyond that, to contribute to the refinement of existing methodological guidelines for early stuttering intervention.

Method

The discussion is organized around methodological issues of primary outcomes, treatment completion, clinician allegiance, treatment fidelity, age exclusions and no‐treatment control reasoning.

Main Contribution

We recommend six methodological guidelines to guide future clinical trials comparing the Lidcombe Program with RESTART‐DCM, which can be applied to clinical trials of other early stuttering intervention methods: (1) incorporate a continuous measure of primary outcome; (2) ensure that all children in clinical trials have completed treatment; (3) eliminate potential bias due to clinician allegiance; (4) establish treatment fidelity within and beyond the clinic; (5) include children younger than 3 years in clinical trials; and (6) establish an estimate of treatment effect size at some stage of treatment development.

Conclusion

In addition to guiding future clinical research comparing RESTART‐DCM and Lidcombe Program treatment, these recommendations may extend to influence positively other treatment developments for early stuttering.
Coping with low water activities and osmotic stress in Acinetobacter baumannii: significance, current status and perspectives
Authors: Zeidler Sabine , Müller Volker
Published: February 2019

Multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens are one of the most pressing challenges of contemporary health care. Acinetobacter baumannii takes a predominant position, emphasized in 2017 by the World Health Organization. The increasing emergence of MDR strains strengthens the demand for new antimicrobials. Possible targets for such compounds might be proteins involved in resistance against low water activity environments, since A. baumannii is known for its pronounced resistance against desiccation stress. Despite the importance of desiccation resistance for persistence of this pathogen in hospitals, comparable studies and precise data on this topic are rare and the mechanisms involved are largely unknown. This review aims to give an overview of the studies performed so far and the current knowledge on genes and proteins important for desiccation survival. ‘Osmotic stress’ is not identical to ‘desiccation stress’, but the two share the response of bacteria to low water activities. Osmotic stress resistance is in general studied much better, and in recent years it turned out that accumulation of compatible solutes in A. baumannii comprises some special features such as the bifunctional enzyme MtlD synthesizing the unusual solute mannitol. Furthermore, the regulatory pathways, as understood today, will be discussed.
Learning Metabolism by Problem‐Based Learning Through the Analysis of Health or Nutrition Articles from the Web in Biochemistry
Authors: Bruna Carola E. , Valenzuela Nicole A. , Bruna Daniela V. , Lozano‐Rodríguez Armando , Márquez Carolina G.
Published: February 2019

Problem‐based learning using authentic material from the web was used to teach metabolism in a biochemistry course. In place of traditional lectures, students’ analyzed health or nutrition articles from newspapers and magazines, which were debatable from a scientific point of view, following the principles of problem‐based learning. A mixed method was used to assess the students’ perception, use of sources of information and web services while performing the task, and changes in self‐directed learning. Students’ perception was particularly positive. The majority stated that the methodology helped them to apply knowledge to real life and that they learned about the topic analyzed by their group. The perception that problem‐based learning promotes the ability to solve problems, critical thinking, and collaborative work is noteworthy. Tutors considered that teams identified the problem and concluded correctly, noticing students’ enthusiasm and motivation. The methodology also promoted scientific reading. More importantly, a significant improvement in self‐directed learning of the 2014 cohort was detected. This intervention suggests that this methodology is a valuable alternative to motive and promote self‐learning; representing an opportunity to shift the focus of instruction from the teacher to the student. The design of the activity and materials are described in detail. Also, limitations and solutions are discussed.
Avian mitochondrial genomes retrieved from museum eggshell
Authors: Grealy Alicia , Bunce Michael , Holleley Clare E
Published: February 2019

Avian eggshell is a bio‐ceramic material with exceptional properties for preserving DNA within its crystalline structure, presenting an opportunity to retrieve genomic information from extinct or historical populations of birds. However, intracrystalline DNA has only been recovered from the large, thick eggshell of palaeognaths; members of their more‐diverse sister group (neognaths) lay smaller, thinner eggs that may not exhibit the same propensity for DNA preservation. Here, we use three 40–60‐year‐old museum eggshell specimens of Australian neognath birds to determine the minimum mass of eggshell from which intracrystalline DNA can be retrieved, and to characterize the yield and quality of such DNA. In doing so, we describe the first protocol for successful extraction of intracrystalline DNA from neognath eggshells, with the view to unlocking the potential of vast museum egg collections for genetic research. We were able to retrieve DNA fragments over 200 bp in length from 10 mg of eggshell powder from all three specimens, and demonstrate that expanding the existing blow‐hole can allow sufficient material to be collected for DNA extraction while minimizing damage to the appearance and structural integrity of the egg. Furthermore, we were able to reconstruct near‐complete mitochondrial genomes at a coverage of 40‐83X through shotgun sequencing of these extracts on three NextSeq lanes. Given the current extinction and extirpation rates of many avian species world‐wide, genetic data from eggshell could provide a rapid and cost‐effective approach to examining temporal changes in avian diversity, which is not only becoming crucial for conservation management, but also serve to deepen our understanding of genome‐wide evolutionary processes.
Correlation between EGFR mutation status and F18‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography‐computed tomography image features in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhu Lei , Yin Guotao , Chen Wei , Li Xiaofeng , Yu Xiaozhou , Zhu Xiang , Jiang Wei , Jia Chaoyang , Chen Peihe , Zhang Yufan , Lu Di , Yu Lijuan , Li Xubin , Xu Wengui
Published: February 2019

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate an association between EGFR mutation status and

18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (18F‐FDG PET‐CT) image features in lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of the data of 139 patients with lung adenocarcinoma confirmed by surgical pathology who underwent preoperative 18F‐FDG PET‐CT was conducted. Correlations between EGFR mutation status, clinical characteristics, and PET‐CT parameters, including the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), the mean of the SUV (SUVmean), the peak of the SUV (SUVpeak) of the primary tumor, and the ratio of SUVmax between the primary tumor and the mediastinal blood pool (SUVratio), were statistically analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of EGFR mutation. Receiver operating characteristic curves of statistical quantitative parameters were compared.

Results

EGFR mutations were detected in 74 (53.2%) of the 139 lung adenocarcinomas and were more frequent in non‐smoking patients. Univariate analysis showed that the SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak, and SUVratio were lower in EGFR‐mutated than in wild‐type tumors. The receiver operating characteristic curves showed no significant differences between their diagnostic efficiencies. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that being a never smoker was an independent predictor of EGFR mutation.

Conclusion

Quantitative parameters based on 18F‐FDG PET‐CT have modest power to predict the presence of EGFR mutation in lung adenocarcinoma; however, when compared to smoking history, they are not good or significant predictive factors.
Birth choices for women in a ‘Positive Birth after Caesarean' clinic: Randomised trial of alternative shared decision support strategies
Authors: Wise Michelle R. , Sadler Lynn , Shorten Brett , van der Westhuizen Kelly , Shorten Allison
Published: February 2019

Background

Systematic approaches to information giving and decision support for women with previous caesarean sections are needed.

Aim

To evaluate decision support within a ‘real‐world' shared decision‐making model.

Methods

A pragmatic comparative effectiveness randomised trial in the Positive Birth After Caesarean Clinic. Women with one previous caesarean and singleton pregnancy <25 weeks were randomly allocated to standard Positive Birth After Caesarean care, or standard Positive Birth After Caesarean care plus a decision aid booklet. Main outcome measure was mode of birth, with secondary measures of knowledge, decisional conflict, birth choice, adherence to birth choice, perception of decision support, and satisfaction.

Results

Of 297 participants, rate of attempted vaginal birth after caesarean increased and was similar for both groups (61% vs 57%, P = 0.5). Knowledge scores increased more for women in the additional decision aid group (2.0 vs 1.6 points, P = 0.2). Decisional conflict score reduction was similar between groups (P = 0.5). Women initially unsure of their birth preference who received the additional decision aid had greater reduction in decisional conflict score (P = 0.04) and were more likely to plan vaginal birth after caesarean (49% vs 33%, P = 0.2). Adherence to birth choice and birth satisfaction was similar between groups. Women in the additional decision aid group rated their decision support tool higher (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

In a ‘real world' shared decision‐making model, an additional decision aid conferred some benefits in factors associated with preparation for shared decision‐making. Decision aids may provide particular benefit for women who are initially unsure and need assistance in the deliberation phase.
Variation in anti‐microbial prescription and complications post emergency appendicectomy in Australia: do we follow recommended guidelines?
Authors: Thong Da Wei , Kim Jason , Dobson Benjamin , Cheung Henry , Arthur Thomas ,   QUEST Collaboration
Published: February 2019

Background

This study aims to establish compliance levels to prescription guidelines among Australian surgeons in the use of antibiotics in the surgical management of appendicitis. The secondary outcomes are predictors of post‐operative infective complications; surgical site infection (SSI) and intra‐abdominal abscess (IAA) at 30 days.

Methods

A multi‐centre, prospective, observational study was conducted over a period of 2 months with a 30‐day follow‐up. Patients were eligible for recruitment if they underwent appendicectomy for suspected appendicitis. Antibiotics prescription practices were recorded and compared to national guidelines.

Results

A total of 1189 patients were recruited across 27 centres; 1081 (92.1%) patients were given prophylactic antibiotics at the time of appendicectomy. Patients with gangrenous appendicitis were more likely to receive prophylactic antibiotics (98.9%); lower rates of use were seen in the non‐appendicitis group (85.7%). A total of 619 (53.3%) patients received antibiotics in the post‐operative period. Despite recommendations, 300 (44.3%) patients with simple appendicitis received post‐operative antibiotics. Only six (2.9%) patients with complicated appendicitis did not receive antibiotics. Overall, SSI and IAA rates were 1.9% and 2.7%, respectively. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (P = 0.02) and patients with converted operations (P = 0.001) were more likely to have a SSI. Patients with complicated appendicitis and those operated on by a consultant were more likely to increase the odds of IAA (odds ratio 3.8 and 5.1, respectively).

Conclusion

This broad‐based study shows mixed compliance with antibiotic guidelines in the surgical management of appendicitis in Australia. The use of post‐operative antibiotics in patients with simple appendicitis should be a target for antimicrobial stewardship programmes to prevent antibiotic over‐utilization.