bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is a fair amount of executive compensation? Outrage potential of two key stakeholder groups
Authors: Arnold Markus C. , Grasser Robert
Published: January 2018

The public discussion of executive compensation often centres on ‘fair’ and ‘unfair’ amounts and the public outrage over compensation that is deemed too high. The academic literature states that such outrage can lead to outrage costs, pressuring firms to adjust compensation levels. However, it is unclear what a ‘fair’ compensation is for various stakeholders and how their fairness concerns relate to outrage constraints. Based on surveys among two key stakeholder groups (representative eligible voters and investment professionals), we provide evidence that fairness is an important criterion for both groups but that opinions on how large a fair compensation amount should be are widely dispersed. Moreover, personality traits systematically influence fairness opinions through self‐serving interpretations of distributive justice and personal risk attitudes, indicating that a ‘fair’ amount of executive compensation may strongly depend on the involved stakeholders. Investigating thresholds for outrage, i.e., amounts above which compensation is judged ‘unfairly’ high, we show that even though investment professionals care for fairness as well, ‘capital market outrage’ might not equate to ‘public outrage’. Our paper contributes to the literature on outrage constraints by linking individual fairness concerns to outrage potential and has implications for transparency of executive compensation and research on shareholder activism.
REduction of THRomboembolic EVents during Ablation using the laserballoon: The RETHREVA registry
Authors: Eichenlaub Martin , Pfeufer Arne , Behrens Lars , Klauss Volker , Roettinger Michael , Brodherr Turgut , Lewalter Thorsten
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Cerebral events (CEs), including silent (SCEs), are a known complication of left atrial catheter ablation (LACA) in patients with atrial fibrillation. The aim of this prospective registry was to gain more information about CEs during laserballoon LACA and to reduce the risk of their occurrence.

Methods and results

We enrolled 74 patients (age 61 ± 11 years; 74% male; CHA2DS2‐VASc 1.9 ± 1.4).

Cerebral MRI (1.5 Tesla) was performed to detect CEs. ASPItest identified aspirin‐resistant patients (ARPs). All bleeding complications were recorded.

Due to an initial high CE rate, we evolved our clinical procedure step‐by‐step arriving at an optimized protocol:

Group 1: heparin after single transseptal puncture (TP), activated clotting time (ACT) > 300 seconds (CE: 64.3%).

Group 2: heparin after double TP, ACT > 300 seconds; 2a without (CE: 45.5%, RRR: −29.2%) and 2b with additional intravenous aspirin (CE: 36.4%, RRR: −43.4%; excluding ARP: 30%, RRR: −53.3%).

Group 3: heparin before double TP, ACT > 350 seconds; 3a without (CE: 54.5%, RRR: −15.2%) and 3b with aspirin (CE: 18.5%, RRR: −71.2%; excluding ARP: 8.7%, RRR: −86.5%).

Larger LA diameter > 44 mm (OR: 1.149, P  =  0.005) and no aspirin use (OR: 4.308, P  =  0.008) were CE risk factors in multivariate logistic regression. In those patients receiving aspirin, aspirin resistance (OR: 22.4, P  =  0.011) was an exceptionally strong risk factor.

Conclusion

These data support the use of intravenous aspirin including monitoring of aspirin resistance in addition to ACT‐guided heparin. An optimized protocol of heparin before TP, double TP, and intravenous aspirin in non‐ARP resulted in a significantly lowered CE incidence and severity.
Measure Accurately, Act Rapidly, and Partner With Patients (MAP) improves hypertension control in medically underserved patients: Care Coordination Institute and American Medical Association Hypertension Control Project Pilot Study results
Authors: Hanlin Robert B. , Asif Irfan M. , Wozniak Gregory , Sutherland Susan E. , Shah Bijal , Yang Jianing , Davis Robert A. , Bryan Sean T. , Rakotz Michael , Egan Brent M.
Published: January 2018

Measure Accurately, Act Rapidly, and Partner With Patients (MAP) is an evidence‐based protocol implemented to improve hypertension control in a clinic for underserved patients (49.9% Medicaid and 50.2% black). Patients with hypertension seen during the year before intervention and with at least one visit during the 6‐month intervention (N = 714) were included. If initial attended blood pressure (BP; standard aneroid manometer) was ≥140/≥90 mm Hg, unattended automated office BP was measured in triplicate and averaged (Measure Accurately) using an Omron HEM‐907XL. When automated office BP was ≥140/≥90 mm Hg, Act Rapidly included intensification of antihypertensive medications, assessed by therapeutic inertia. Partner With Patients included BP self‐monitoring, reducing pill burden, and minimizing medication costs, which was assessed by systolic BP change per therapeutic intensification. Between baseline and the last study visit, BP control to <140/<90 mm Hg increased from 61.2% to 89.9% (P < .0001). MAP rapidly and significantly improved hypertension control in medically underserved patients, largely as a result of measuring BP accurately and partnering with patients.
Organ damage changes in patients with resistant hypertension randomized to renal denervation or spironolactone: The DENERVHTA (Denervación en Hipertensión Arterial) study
Authors: Oliveras Anna , Armario Pedro , Sans Laia , Clarà Albert , Vázquez Susana , Molina Luis , Pareja Júlia , de la Sierra Alejandro , Pascual Julio
Published: January 2018

Renal denervation and spironolactone have both been proposed for the treatment of resistant hypertension, but their effects on preclinical target organ damage have not been compared. Twenty‐four patients with 24‐hour systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg despite receiving three or more full‐dose antihypertensive drugs, one a diuretic, were randomized to receive spironolactone or renal denervation. Changes in 24‐hour blood pressure, urine albumin excretion, arterial stiffness, carotid intima‐media thickness, and left ventricular mass index were evaluated at 6 months. Mean baseline‐adjusted difference between the two groups (spironolactone vs renal denervation) at 6 months in 24‐hour systolic blood pressure was −17.9 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI], −30.9 to −4.9; P = .01). Mean baseline‐adjusted change in urine albumin excretion was −87.2 (95% CI, −164.5 to −9.9) and −23.8 (95% CI, −104.5 to 56.9), respectively (P = .028). Mean baseline‐adjusted variation of 24‐hour pulse pressure was −13.5 (95% CI, −18.8 to −8.2) and −2.1 (95% CI, −7.9 to 3.7), respectively (P = .006). The correlation of change in 24‐hour systolic blood pressure with change in log‐transformed urine albumin excretion was r = .713 (P < .001). At 6 months there was a reduction in albuminuria in patients with resistant hypertension treated with spironolactone as compared with renal denervation.
Renal artery stenting for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis identified in patients with coronary artery disease: Does captopril renal scintigraphy predict outcomes?
Authors: Stratigis Spyros , Stylianou Kostas , Kyriazis Periklis P. , Dermitzaki Eleftheria‐Kleio , Lygerou Dimitra , Syngelaki Paraskevi , Stratakis Stavros , Koukouraki Sophia , Parthenakis Fragiskos , Tsetis Dimitrios , Daphnis Eugene
Published: January 2018

The authors evaluated the effectiveness of percutaneous renal revascularization (PRR) with stenting for the treatment of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) in patients with coronary artery disease and the usefulness of captopril renal scintigraphy for predicting clinical outcomes after PRR. Sixty‐four consecutive patients, referred for evaluation of suspected ARAS, after coronary angiography, underwent baseline captopril renal scintigraphy followed by renal angiography. Forty‐four patients (68.7%) were diagnosed with a significant ARAS≥ 60% and were treated with PRR plus medical therapy. Twenty‐four months after PRR, 86.4% and 73.3% of patients showed a hypertension and renal benefit, respectively. Captopril renal scintigraphy positivity had moderate sensitivity and high specificity in predicting a hypertension and renal benefit. In patients with ARAS≥ 70%, the sensitivity and specificity were 100% for both a hypertension and renal benefit.PRR for ARAS conferred a substantial benefit in patients with a high coronary artery disease burden. Captopril renal scintigraphy was highly accurate in predicting clinical outcomes.
Fixed‐dose combination therapy to reduce the growing burden of cardiovascular disease in low‐ and middle‐income countries: feasibility and challenges
Authors: Nansseu Jobert Richie , Tankeu Aurel T. , Kamtchum‐Tatuene Joseph , Noubiap Jean Jacques
Published: January 2018

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become a major concern in low‐ and middle‐income countries, which bear about 80% of the cardiovascular mortality worldwide. Curbing the burden of CVD implies the management and control of many cardiovascular risk factors that act synergistically to increase cardiovascular mortality. Such actions may require expensive polymedications in a context of limited resources. Therefore, alternative solutions for CVD prevention in low‐ and middle‐income countries are urgently needed. In this context, the concept of a fixed‐dose combination therapy, a polypill composed of drugs known to effectively treat or prevent CVD, has been proposed as a scalable strategy to overcome nonadherence to polymedications and reduce costs. While this has recently been approved in more than 30 countries across America and Europe, there is a crucial need to analyze the potential benefits and challenges related to cardiovascular polypills implementation and vulgarization in low‐ and middle‐income countries, the epicenter of CVD.
Probiotic Lactobacillus sp. inhibit growth, biofilm formation and gene expression of caries‐inducing Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Wasfi Reham , Abd El‐Rahman Ola A. , Zafer Mai M. , Ashour Hossam M.
Published: January 2018

Streptococcus mutans contributes significantly to dental caries, which arises from homoeostasic imbalance between host and microbiota. We hypothesized that Lactobacillus sp. inhibits growth, biofilm formation and gene expression of Streptococcus mutans. Antibacterial (agar diffusion method) and antibiofilm (crystal violet assay) characteristics of probiotic Lactobacillus sp. against Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) were evaluated. We investigated whether Lactobacillus casei (ATCC 393), Lactobacillus reuteri (ATCC 23272), Lactobacillus plantarum (ATCC 14917) or Lactobacillus salivarius (ATCC 11741) inhibit expression of Streptococcus mutans genes involved in biofilm formation, quorum sensing or stress survival using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Growth changes (OD600) in the presence of pH‐neutralized, catalase‐treated or trypsin‐treated Lactobacillus sp. supernatants were assessed to identify roles of organic acids, peroxides and bacteriocin. Susceptibility testing indicated antibacterial (pH‐dependent) and antibiofilm activities of Lactobacillus sp. against Streptococcus mutans. Scanning electron microscopy revealed reduction in microcolony formation and exopolysaccharide structural changes. Of the oral normal flora, L. salivarius exhibited the highest antibiofilm and peroxide‐dependent antimicrobial activities. All biofilm‐forming cells treated with Lactobacillus sp. supernatants showed reduced expression of genes involved in exopolysaccharide production, acid tolerance and quorum sensing. Thus, Lactobacillus sp. can inhibit tooth decay by limiting growth and virulence properties of Streptococcus mutans.
Failure of monotherapy in clinical practice in patients with type 2 diabetes: The Korean National Diabetes Program
Authors: Jeon Ja Young , Lee Soo Jin , Lee Sieun , Kim Soo Jin , Han Seung Jin , Kim Hae Jin , Kim Dae Jung , Kim Young Seol , Woo Jeong Taek , Ahn Kyu Jeung , Nam Moonsuk , Baik Sei Hyun , Park Yongsoo , Lee Kwan‐Woo
Published: January 2018

Aims/Introduction

We investigated the failure of monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in real practice settings.

Materials and Methods

The Korean National Diabetes Program was a prospective, multicenter observational cohort study of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Korea. Of the 3,950 patients enrolled in the study, we studied 998 who were continuously maintained on monotherapy for at least 90 days at six participating centers. To balance the baseline characteristics of patients in each group, we used propensity matching at a 1:1 ratio (metformin vs sulfonylureas) and 4:1 ratio (metformin vs meglitinides and metformin vs alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors [aGIs]). The hazard ratios (HRs) of treatments (compared with metformin) were determined by Cox's proportional hazards regression modeling.

Results

The median follow‐up time was 56 months, and monotherapy failed in 45% of all patients. The annual incidences of failure were 15.6%, 21.3%, 27% and 9.6% in the metformin, sulfonylurea, meglitinide and aGI groups. Compared with metformin, sulfonylureas and meglitinides were associated with higher risks of monotherapy failure (HR 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–1.80; HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.13–3.27), and aGIs with risks similar to that of metformin (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.44–1.45). When analyzed by failure type, sulfonylureas, meglitinides and aGIs were associated with a higher risk of a switch to other agents (HR 4.43, 95% CI 2.14–9.17; HR 18.80, 95% CI 6.21–56.93; HR 4.25, 95% CI 1.49–12.13), and aGIs with a lower risk of prescription of add‐on second agents (HR 0.16, 95% CI 0.04–0.64).

Conclusions

Metformin was associated with a lower failure risk than were sulfonylureas and meglitinides, but a comparable aGI failure rate.
Distribution and Processing of Eimeria nieschulziOWP13, a New Protein of the COWP Family
Authors: Wiedmer Stefanie , Buder Ulrike , Bleischwitz Sinja , Kurth Michael
Published: January 2018

Eimeria species are important veterinary coccidian parasites and are transmitted between hosts via oocysts. The infectious sporozoites are protected by the oocyst and sporocyst wall. Tyrosine‐rich proteins are well‐known components of the Eimeria oocyst wall. Recently, cysteine motif containing proteins (COWP family), as described in Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium spp., have also been characterized in Eimeria. Here, we identified a novel COWP‐related protein, EnOWP13, and tracked it via transfection technology in Eimeria nieschulzi. The subsequent analysis suggests that the mCherry‐tagged EnOWP13 localizes to the wall‐forming bodies I and the outer wall. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the distribution of wall‐forming bodies similar to avian Eimeria species and revealed that the wall‐forming bodies I show peroxidase activity. The EnOWP13 amino acid composition and FITC‐cadaverine‐positive wall‐forming bodies I suggest a participation of an enzyme with transglutaminase activity. This is the first description and characterization of this novel outer oocyst wall protein, which is also orthologous to other Eimeria species and Toxoplasma gondii, suggesting a new potential cross‐linking mechanism of wall‐forming proteins via isopeptide bonds.
Rapid detection and differentiation of carp oedema virus and cyprinid herpes virus‐3 in koi and common carp
Authors: Soliman H , El‐Matbouli M
Published: January 2018

Carp oedema virus (CEV) and koi herpes virus (KHV) are of major concern to common carp breeders and koi enthusiasts worldwide. The viruses cause diseases that exhibit similar external signs; thus, it is difficult to distinguish between them clinically. In this study, we developed and optimized rapid and accurate single‐ and multiplex isothermal diagnostic tools, based on recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), for detection and differentiation of CEV and KHV. The assays were combined with a lateral flow dipstick to enable visual detection of amplification products and simplify post‐amplification analysis. Both CEV‐ and KHV‐RPA assays were specific for their target virus. The lower detection limits of the assays were similar to those of established diagnostic PCR tests for the viruses. A sample preparation method was optimized to eliminate the need for total DNA extraction from fish tissues. The estimated time to perform these RPA assays, from receiving the sample to having a result, is 50 min, compared to 10 and 7 hr for CEV‐ and KHV‐PCR tests, respectively. The assays can be performed in field situations to improve screening of fish and reduce spread of these viruses and thereby enhance the common carp and koi industries.
Compensatory approaches and engagement techniques to gain flood storage in England and Wales
Authors: McCarthy S. , Viavattene C. , Sheehan J. , Green C.
Published: January 2018

Flood storage involves creating sacrificial land for water to purposefully inundate to protect land downstream. Obtaining the right or co‐operation to flood on private property remains a challenge. This paper is based on empirical qualitative research with 14 key stakeholders involved in the practice of gaining land to flood in England and Wales and the different forms of financial and economic approaches that might be used to facilitate this right. Expropriation of land, one off‐payment, annual single payment, and flood event losses compensation were explored. Availability of funding as compensation is the main driver for landowner adoption of flood storage schemes. Three funding approaches were revealed; flowage easement, full land purchase, and agricultural schemes funding diffuse storage. Rather than attempting to gain partnerships between spatially dislocated stakeholders in upper storage and lower impacted catchments success resides on the storage land and persuading landowner co‐operation. A clear enforced legal framework of ownership of land and funding mechanisms is also viewed as essential.
Evaluation of microbial quality of dried foods stored at different relative humidity and temperature, and effect of packaging methods
Authors: Hyun Jeong‐Eun , Kim Ju‐Hee , Choi Yun‐Sun , Kim Eun‐Mi , Kim Jong‐Chan , Lee Sun‐Young
Published: January 2018

This study investigated the effects of relative humidity (RH) and temperature on microbial populations in dried foods (seaweed, kelp, and pumpkin) during storage. The products were stored at different RH (RH 50, 70, or 100%) and at 25 or 35°C for 15 days. Overall, populations of total mesophilic bacteria, Escherichia coli/coliform, and yeast/mold in dried seaweed, dried kelp, and dried pumpkin were higher at RH 90% than at RH of 50 or 70% after 15 days of storage at 25 or 35°C. Effects of packaging methods (open bag, closed bag, and airtight container) on microbial populations in dried pumpkin were also evaluated. At RH of 90% and 25 or 35°C, stored closed bags or airtight containers was effective at maintaining the initial levels of total mesophilic bacteria, E. coli/coliform, and yeast/mold in dried pumpkin after 15 days. Thus, microbial survival and growth depends on storage conditions including storage temperature, relative humidity, time, and packaging methods. These results could be used for developing safe storage conditions for dried foods.

Practical applications

The result of this study could be used for improving the safety of dried foods with appropriate storage conditions.
Antibacterial activity of agar‐based films containing nisin, cinnamon EO, and ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Abdollahzadeh Esmail , Mahmoodzadeh Hosseini Hamideh , Imani Fooladi Abbas Ali
Published: January 2018

The antibacterial activity of six essential oils (peppermint, chamomile, cumin, tarragon, dill, and cinnamon) was tested against gram‐positive (Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus) and gram‐negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. The cinnamon EO was selected for the preparation of active films. Twenty‐four active films were developed and tested against the foodborne pathogens. In the next study, antimicrobial films were prepared by incorporating nisin (100AU), cinnamon EO (0.6%), and ZnO NPs (10 mg/15 ml) into the agar‐based film and tested against seven strains of L. monocytogenes. The antibacterial activity of the bio‐nanocomposite was also examined on the population of pathogens which artificially are inoculated in‐depth of minced fish over 12 days. Results showed that cinnamon (CEO) had the highest antimicrobial activity. The results revealed that the blend films with ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) + CEO were more effective against gram‐positive bacteria than gram‐negative bacteria. The strain‐specific variation was noticeable for seven tested strains of L. monocytogenes. The films containing nisin and the combination of nisin with ZnO NPs and CEO significantly inhibited the growth of L. monocytogenes on the Tryptic soy agar‐NaCl model (p < .05). The results revealed a negligible effect of the active film in minced fish.

Practical applications

This study developed and utilized antimicrobial nanocomposite films for controlling foodborne pathogens. The antibacterial activity of the active films on the surface of a food model showed that combining ZnO NPs, CEO, and nisin into agar films is a promising method to enhance the food safety.
Multiplex polymerase chain reaction detection of selected bacterial species from symptomatic and asymptomatic non‐vital teeth with primary endodontic infections
Authors: Pattanshetty Smita , Kotrashetti Vijayalakshmi S. , Bhat Kishore , Nayak Ramakant S. , Somannavar Pradeep , Pujar Madhu
Published: January 2018

Aim

The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of selective anaerobic microorganisms in primary root canal infections of symptomatic and asymptomatic non‐vital teeth with periapical pathosis using multiplex polymerase chain reaction.

Methods

A total of 100 root canal samples (50 from symptomatic and 50 from asymptomatic teeth) were obtained from patients with primary endodontic infections. DNA extracted from the samples was amplified by using specific primers for the 16S rRNA gene of each bacterium, and semiquantification was done to analyze the prevalence of microorganisms and their correlation to clinical features.

Results

Treponema denticola (T. denticola) was present in 21 (42%) and 29 (58%) samples in the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups, respectively. Tannerella forsythia, Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), and Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) were significantly high (P < .05) in the symptomatic group, whereas Prevotella intermedia was significantly high (P < .05) in the asymptomatic group. The mean counts of T. denticola and F. nucleatum were significantly high (P < .05) in the symptomatic group. For symptoms, P. gingivalis, T. denticola, and F. nucleatum were significantly associated with clinical features.

Conclusion

Significant differences exist in the bacterial composition between asymptomatic and symptomatic primary endodontic infections. As well as presence of pathogens, other factors, such as the phenotypic trait of bacteria and interactions among bacterial members, might play a determining role in the pathogenicity of primary endodontic infections.
Night‐time care routine interaction and sleep disruption in adult cardiac surgery
Authors: Casida Jesus M , Davis Jean E , Zalewski Aaron , Yang James J
Published: January 2018

Aims and Objectives

To explore the context and the influence of night‐time care routine interactions (NCRIs) on night‐time sleep effectiveness (NSE) and daytime sleepiness (DSS) of patients in the cardiac surgery critical‐care and progressive‐care units of a hospital.

Background

There exists a paucity of empirical data regarding the influence of NCRIs on sleep and associated outcomes in hospitalised adult cardiac surgery patients.

Methods

An exploratory repeated‐measures research design was employed on the data provided by 38 elective cardiac surgery patients (mean age 60.0 ± 15.9 years). NCRI forms were completed by the bedside nurses and patients completed a 9‐item Visual Analogue Sleep Scale (100‐mm horizontal lines measuring NSE and DSS variables). All data were collected during postoperative nights/days (PON/POD) 1 through 5 and analysed with IBM SPSS software.

Results

Patient assessment, medication administration and laboratory/diagnostic procedures were the top three NCRIs reported between midnight and 6:00 a.m. During PON/POD 1 through 5, the respective mean NSE and DSS scores ranged from 52.9 ± 17.2 to 57.8 ± 13.5 and from 27.0 ± 22.6 to 45.6 ± 16.5. Repeated‐measures ANOVA showed significant changes in DSS scores (p < .05). NSE and DSS were negatively correlated (r = −.44, p < .05), but changes in NSE scores were not significant (p > .05). Finally, of 8 NCRIs, only 1 (postoperative exercises) was significantly related to sleep variables (r > .40, p < .05).

Conclusion and relevance to clinical practice

Frequent NCRIs are a common occurrence in cardiac surgery units of a hospital. Further research is needed to make a definitive conclusion about the impact of NCRIs on sleep/sleep disruptions and daytime sleepiness in adult cardiac surgery. Worldwide, acute and critical‐care nurses are well positioned to lead initiatives aimed at improving sleep and clinical outcomes in cardiac surgery.
LINC00511 interacts with miR‐765 and modulates tongue squamous cell carcinoma progression by targeting LAMC2
Authors: Ding Junhai , Yang Changxi , Yang Sen
Published: January 2018

Background

Aimed at underlying the molecular regulatory mechanism and overall biological functions of LINC00511 in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC).

Methods

The expression level of LINC00511 was examined by QRT‐PCR. In particular, Tca‐8113 cell line was selected for subsequent experiments, in which the expression level of LINC00511 was the most significant. Meanwhile, the effects of LINC00511 on cells proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and invasion of TSCC cells were explored using RNA knockdown tools with CCK‐8, flow cytometry analysis, colony formation, and transwell assay. Further, bioinformatic analysis and the dual‐luciferase reporter assay both were conducted to invalidate the ceRNAs regulatory mechanism of LINC00511 in TSCC.

Results

LINC00511 was obviously upregulated in TSCC tissues and cell lines. Moreover, it was found that LINC00511 served as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) through sponging miR‐765 and ultimately modulated the derepression of laminin subunit gamma 2 (LAMC2). The inhibitory effects of miR‐765 on TSCC cells proliferation, invasion as well as cell cycle distribution can be restored by the ectopic overexpression of LINC00511. Additionally, the restored capacity of LINC00511 promoted the expression of LAMC2, which was a downstream target of miR‐765 and can be negatively regulated by miR‐765.

Conclusions

A novel molecular axis of LINC00511/miR‐765/LAMC2 was investigated to regulate the tumor development of TSCC. LINC00511 promoted the expression of LAMC2 via the ceRNA mechanism of sponging miR‐765. The ceRNA regulatory network provided a novel understanding of TSCC pathogenesis and also shed light on exploiting the new field of lncRNA‐directed therapy against TSCC.
Migrants' minority‐language newspeakerism: The pervasiveness of nation‐state monolingual regimes in transnational contexts
Authors: Sabaté‐Dalmau Maria
Published: January 2018

From a critical sociolinguistics perspective, this paper investigates processes of minority‐language newspeakerism among 23 migrants from heterogeneous socioeconomic and language backgrounds. Informants networked in a cybercafé and a bench in Catalonia, a European society with a majority and a minority language, Spanish and Catalan. Drawing on audio‐recorded interviews, naturally‐occurring interactions and four‐year ethnographic data, I analyze how informants' language practices and ideologies interplay with self‐/other‐ascribed Catalan newspeakerhood. The results show that migrants do not envision themselves as Catalan newspeakers. They employ ethnicist constructions of Catalan as ‘the locals’’ language, and inhabit fluid identities whereby ‘Catalanness’ is vindicated through global Spanish. They invest in Spanish newspeakerhood instead, presenting Spanish as the language of ‘integration’. I conclude that newspeakerism contributes to understanding migrants’ roles in the linguistic conflicts of minority‐language societies; particularly, the ways in which they invest in majority languages, following nation‐state monolingual regimes which pervade as gatekeepers to post‐national citizenship.
Entecavir and tenofovir reduce hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence more effectively than other antivirals
Authors: Cho H. , Ahn H. , Lee D. H. , Lee J.‐H. , Jung Y. J. , Chang Y. , Nam J. Y. , Cho Y. Y. , Lee D. H. , Cho E. J. , Yu S. J. , Lee J. M. , Kim Y. J. , Yoon J.‐H.
Published: January 2018

Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) have been shown to decrease the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence. This study evaluated whether high‐potency NAs (entecavir and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate [TDF]) reduce the risk of tumour recurrence more potently than low‐potency NAs after curative treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related HCC. This study included 607 consecutive HBV‐related HCC patients treated with surgical resection or radiofrequency ablation. The patients were categorized into three groups according to antiviral treatment: group A (no antiviral; n = 261), group B (low‐potency NA; n = 90) and group C (high‐potency NA; n = 256). The primary end‐point was recurrence‐free survival (RFS). During the duration of follow‐up, the median RFS was 29.4, 25.1, and 88.2 months in groups A, B and C, respectively (P < .001, log‐rank test). The multivariate Cox analysis indicated that group C had a significantly longer RFS than both group A (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.39, P < .001) and group B (adjusted HR = 0.47, P < .001). When baseline characteristics were balanced using inverse probability weighting, group C still had a significantly longer RFS than group A (adjusted HR = 0.46, P < .001) and group B (adjusted HR = 0.59, P = .007). Group C had significantly lower risk of viral breakthrough than group B (HR = 0.19, P < .001). Viral breakthrough was an independent risk factor for shorter RFS among groups B and C (adjusted HR = 2.03, P = .007, time‐dependent Cox analysis). Antiviral agents with high genetic barrier to resistance (entecavir and TDF) reduced the risk of HCC recurrence compared with other antivirals and no antiviral treatment, especially in patients with high baseline viral load.
Directly observed therapy of chronic hepatitis C with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir in people who inject drugs at risk of nonadherence to direct‐acting antivirals
Authors: Schütz A. , Moser S. , Schwanke C. , Schubert R. , Luhn J. , Gutic E. , Lang T. , Schleicher M. , Haltmayer H. , Gschwantler M.
Published: January 2018

An important subgroup of people who inject drugs (PWID) receiving opioid agonist therapy (OAT) cannot be treated in the setting of a hepatology centre and would not regularly ingest their medication when handed to them for self‐administration. Our hypothesis was that chronic hepatitis C in these patients could be ideally managed if modern, interferon‐free regimens were administered together with OAT under direct observation of a physician or nurse at a low‐threshold facility. In this open‐label, noninterventional, proof‐of‐concept study (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02638233), 40 PWID at risk of nonadherence to direct‐acting antivirals (DAA) and previously untreated chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection without cirrhosis were treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for 8 weeks. Patients received antiviral treatment together with OAT under direct observation of a physician or nurse at a low‐threshold facility. By following the concept of directly observed therapy, excellent adherence to antiviral therapy was achieved as follows: only 0.16% (95% CI: 0.03‐0.47) of scheduled dates for ingestion of the antiviral therapy in combination with OAT were missed by the 40 patients. The rate of sustained virological response 12 weeks after end of therapy was 100% (95% CI: 91.2‐100.0). Between week 12 and week 24 of follow‐up reinfections were recorded in 2 of 40 patients (5%). Directly observed therapy of chronic hepatitis C is highly effective in PWID at risk of nonadherence to DAA. By this new concept, a group of difficult‐to‐treat patients can be cured, who could not have been treated in settings of studies published so far.
Deep sequencing shows low‐level oncogenic hepatitis B virus variants persists post–liver transplant despite potent anti‐HBV prophylaxis
Authors: Lau K. C. K. , Osiowy C. , Giles E. , Lusina B. , van Marle G. , Burak K. W. , Coffin C. S.
Published: January 2018

Recent studies suggest that withdrawal of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) prophylaxis may be considered in HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)‐negative liver transplant (LT) recipients with a low risk of disease recurrence. However, the frequency of occult HBV infection (OBI) and HBV variants after LT in the current era of potent NA therapy is unknown. Twelve LT recipients on prophylaxis were tested in matched plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for HBV quasispecies by in‐house nested PCR and next‐generation sequencing of amplicons. HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) was detected in Hirt DNA isolated from PBMCs with cccDNA‐specific primers and confirmed by nucleic acid hybridization and Sanger sequencing. HBV mRNA in PBMC was detected with reverse‐transcriptase nested PCR. In LT recipients on immunosuppressive therapy (10/12 male; median age 57.5 [IQR: 39.8‐66.5]; median follow‐up post‐LT 60 months; 6 pre‐LT hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]), 9 were HBsAg‐. HBV DNA was detected in all plasma and PBMC tested; cccDNA and/or mRNA was detected in the PBMC of 10/12 patients. Significant HBV quasispecies diversity (ie 143‐2212 nonredundant HBV species) was noted in both sites, and single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with cirrhosis and HCC were detected at varying frequencies. In conclusion, OBI and HBV variants associated with severe liver disease persist in LT recipients on prophylaxis. Although HBV control and cccDNA transcriptional silencing may occur despite immunosuppression, complete virological eradication does not occur in LT recipients with a history of HBV‐related end‐stage liver disease.
Treatment of HCV infection in Poland at the beginning of the interferon‐free era—the EpiTer‐2 study
Authors: Flisiak R. , Zarębska‐Michaluk D. , Janczewska E. , Staniaszek A. , Gietka A. , Mazur W. , Tudrujek M. , Tomasiewicz K. , Belica‐Wdowik T. , Baka‐Ćwierz B. , Dybowska D. , Halota W. , Lorenc B. , Sitko M. , Garlicki A. , Berak H. , Horban A. , Orłowska I. , Simon K. , Socha Ł. , Wawrzynowicz‐Syczewska M. , Jaroszewicz J. , Deroń Z. , Czauż‐Andrzejuk A. , Citko J. , Krygier R. , Piekarska A. , Laurans Ł. , Dobracki W. , Białkowska J. , Tronina O. , Pawłowska M.
Published: January 2018

The aim of the EpiTer‐2 study was to analyse patient characteristics and their medication for HCV infection in Poland at the beginning of the interferon‐free era. Analysis of data of HCV infected patients treated during the initial period of availability of interferon‐free regimens in Poland, who started therapy after 1 July 2015 and had available an efficacy evaluation report before 30 June 2017 was undertaken. A total of 2879 patients with chronic hepatitis C were entered, including 46% with liver cirrhosis. The most common was genotype 1b (86.8%). The study population was gender balanced, the majority of patients were overweight or obese and 69% presented comorbidities, with the highest prevalence that for hypertension. More than half of patients were retreated due to failure of previous therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Almost two‐third of patients received current therapy with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir±dasabuvir (OPrD) ±ribavirin. Other patients received mostly sofosbuvir‐based regimens including combination with ledipasvir and pegylated interferon and ribavirin for genotype 3‐infected patients. Efficacy of treatment in the whole study population measured as intent‐to‐treat analysis was 95%. The most frequent regimen, administered for patients infected with genotype 1b, was 12 weeks of OPrD, resulting in an SVR rate of 98%. At least one adverse event was reported in 38% of patients, and the death rate was 0.8%. In conclusion, data from the EpiTer‐2 study confirmed the excellent efficacy and safety profile of the real‐world experience with recently introduced therapeutic options for genotype 1 HCV infection, but demonstrated weakness of the current therapeutic programme regarding genotype 3 infections.
Teacher–Student Relationships and L2 Motivation
Authors: HENRY ALASTAIR , THORSEN CECILIA
Published: January 2018

Positive relationships with teachers are important for students’ second language motivation. However, little is known about how interpersonal interactions stimulate motivated behavior. Drawing on studies of teacher–student relationships, theories from positive psychology, and the psychology of unconscious self‐regulation, this case study examines moments of teacher–student interaction and explores influences on students’ engagement and motivation. Observations (N= 15) were carried out in 2 classrooms, and interviews with the focal teacher of this study and her students were conducted. Data were analyzed using a grounded theory ethnography approach. Findings indicate that moments of close personal contact and their influences may differ in emerging and mature teacher–student relationships. While in emerging relationships moments of contact can have immediate influences on engagement and motivation, in mature relationships influences on learning behavior may be less pronounced and involve unconscious motivational processes. The study’s methodological limitations are discussed and proposals are made for future ethnographic and experimental work.
The Role of Context in Young Learners’ Processes for Responding to Self‐Assessment Items
Authors: BUTLER YUKO GOTO
Published: January 2018

With use of self‐assessment (SA) of young language learners on the rise, educators of young learners often want to know what SA captures and how best to use it in order to assist their students’ learning. This study focuses on understanding how young learners’ processes for responding to SA items differ by age and by context of implementation (i.e., whether or not the SA items refer to a specific task, an after‐task condition, or are conducted in a decontextualized fashion, a generic condition). The participants were 31 primary school children learning English in Japan. They were divided into 2 age groups (ages 8–9 and 10–12). In both the generic and the after‐task conditions, the children were asked to respond to 9 SA items using a 5‐point Likert scale. The children's processes for responding to SAs were obtained through guided interviews. Analyses based on Higgins, Strauman, and Klein's (1986) model of self‐evaluation processes indicated that, while the children, irrespective of age, drew on a variety of relevant incidents and reference points when responding to SA in the generic condition, they primarily focused on the just‐completed tasks and perceived task requirements as reference points in the after‐task condition.
Evaluating the reliability and construct validity of the Eckardt symptom score as a measure of achalasia severity
Authors: Taft T. H. , Carlson D. A. , Triggs J. , Craft J. , Starkey K. , Yadlapati R. , Gregory D. , Pandolfino J. E.
Published: January 2018

Background

Achalasia is a disease of mechanical esophageal dysfunction characterized by dysphagia, chest pain, regurgitation, and malnutrition. The Eckardt symptom score (ESS) is the gold standard self‐report assessment tool. Current guidelines outline a three‐step approach to patient reported outcomes measure design. Developed prior to these policies, the ESS has not undergone rigorous testing of its reliability and validity.

Methods

Adult achalasia patients retrospectively identified via a patient registry were grouped based on treatment history. Patients were grouped PREPOST (completed ESS, GERDQ, brief esophageal dysphagia questionnaire, NIH PROMIS Global Health, high resolution manometry, timed barium esophagram prior to treatment and after) and POST (completed measures only after treatment). Clinical characteristics, treatment type and date were obtained via medical record. Standardized psychometric analyses for reliability and construct validity were performed.

Key Results

107 patients identified; 83 POST and 24 PREPOST. The ESS has fair internal consistency and split‐half reliability with a single factor structure. Dysphagia accounts for half the variance in ESS, while chest pain and weight loss account for 10% each. Pre‐post‐surgical assessment demonstrates improvements in ESS, except for weight loss. Effect sizes range from 0.24 to 2.53, with greatest change in regurgitation. Validity of the ESS is supported by modest correlations with GERDQ, HRQOL, and physiological data.

Conclusions & Inferences

The ESS demonstrates fair reliability and validity, with a single factor structure mostly explained by dysphagia. Based on psychometric findings, weight loss and chest pain items may be decreasing ESS reliability and validity. Further assessment of the ESS under FDA guidelines is warranted.
On the relationship between fire regime and vegetation structure in the tropics
Authors: Veenendaal Elmar M. , Torello‐Raventos Mireia , Miranda Heloisa S. , Sato Naomi Margarete , Oliveras Imma , van Langevelde Frank , Asner Gregory P. , Lloyd Jon
Published: January 2018

We assessed data from 11 experiments examining the effects of the timing and/or frequency of fire on tropical forest and/or savanna vegetation structure over one decade or more. The initial ‘control treatment’ in many such cases consisted of previously cleared land. This is as opposed to natural vegetation subject to some sort of endogenous fire regime before the imposition of fire treatments.

Effects of fire on fractional foliar cover are up to 10‐fold greater when clearing pre‐treatments are imposed. Moreover, because many of the ‘classic’ fire trials were initialised with applied management questions in mind, most have also used burning regimes much more frequent and/or severe than those occurring in the absence of human activity.

Once these factors are taken into account, our modelling analysis shows that nonanthropogenic fire regimes serve to reduce canopy vegetative cover to a much lower extent than has previously been argued to be the case.

These results call into question the notion that fire effects on tropical vegetation can be of a sufficient magnitude to maintain open‐type savanna ecosystems under climatic/soil regimes otherwise sufficient to give rise to a more luxurious forest‐type vegetation cover.
Plant evolution: landmarks on the path to terrestrial life
Authors: de Vries Jan , Archibald John M.
Published: January 2018

Contents

Summary
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I.
The singularity of plant terrestrialization
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II.
Adaptation vs exaptation – what shaped the land plant toolkit?
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III.
Trait mosaicism in (higher‐branching) streptophyte algae
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IV.
Conclusions: a streptophyte algal perspective on land plant trait evolution
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Acknowledgements
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ORCID
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References
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Photosynthetic eukaryotes thrive anywhere there is sunlight and water. But while such organisms are exceptionally diverse in form and function, only one phototrophic lineage succeeded in rising above its substrate: the land plants (embryophytes). Molecular phylogenetic data show that land plants evolved from streptophyte algae most closely related to extant Zygnematophyceae, and one of the principal aims of plant evolutionary biology is to uncover the key features of such algae that enabled this important transition. At the present time, however, mosaic and reductive evolution blur our picture of the closest algal ancestors of plants. Here we discuss recent progress and problems in inferring the biology of the algal progenitor of the terrestrial photosynthetic macrobiome.
Experimental investigation of accommodation in eyes fit with multifocal contact lenses using a clinical auto‐refractor
Authors: Altoaimi Basal H. , Kollbaum Pete , Meyer Dawn , Bradley Arthur
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Multifocal or multi‐zone contact lenses are increasingly being fit to young eyes in an attempt to control myopia progression. However, success in achieving this aim may depend on how much the eye accommodates. The purpose of the current work was to evaluate the ability of an open‐field clinical autorefractor to measure on‐axis refractive state and accommodation in eyes fit with multifocal contact lenses (CLs).

Methods

Refractive state was measured with a Grand Seiko WAM‐5500 autorefractor (www.grandseiko.com) and a clinical Shack‐Hartmann Complete Ophthalmic Analysis System (COAS) aberrometer (www.wfsci.com) in subjects fit bilaterally with single vision aspheric contact lenses, centre distance, and centre near zonal multifocal CLs, and an experimental myopia control multi‐zone bifocal CLs (MiSight). Autorefractor measurements were obtained when aligned with the pupil centre, pupil margin, and mid‐periphery. Accuracy of refractive state measurements was evaluated using a fully presbyopic (62‐year‐old) dilated (pupil diameter = 7.1 mm) eye measured through known added spherical powers (trial lenses) of +1.00 D to +6.00 D. Refractive state and accommodation were measured for seven young myopic eyes (23.71 ± 2.87 years) with six target vergences ranging from −0.33 D to −5.00 D.

Results

Irrespective of the CL fitted, measured changes in refractive state of the calibration eye were within ≤0.25 D of the added sphere power and the slope (measured refractive state/trial lens power) was approximately −1.0 D/D for both Shack‐Hartmann (COAS) aberrometer and Grand Seiko instruments. Also, the Grand Seiko data were highly repeatable (mean measurement standard deviation = 0.04 D) as long as measurements occurred at the same pupil location, but exhibited a hyperopic bias that increased to +1.00 D when eyes were fit with CLs containing significant negative spherical aberration. Centre and marginal refractive states could differ by >3.00 D due to the combined spherical aberration contained in the eye plus the different CL designs. Measured refractive states of young accommodating eyes also varied with measurement location in the pupil. The accommodation gains were similar at each pupil location, irrespective of contact lens design.

Conclusions

With consistent sampling at the same pupil location, the open field Grand Seiko clinical autorefractor proved an effective tool for assessing the on‐axis refractive state and accommodative responses of eyes fit with multi‐zone bifocal and multifocal CLs.