bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-term effect of the New Nordic Renal Diet on phosphorus homoeostasis in chronic kidney disease Stages 3 and 4
Authors: Salomo Louise , Rix Marianne , Kamper Anne-Lise , Thomassen Jesper Q , Sloth Jens J , Astrup Arne
Published: November 2018

Background

The New Nordic Diet is a food concept favouring organically produced food items, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish. We investigated the short-term effects of a modified phosphorus-reduced New Nordic Renal Diet (NNRD) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on important parameters of phosphorus homoeostasis.

Methods

The NNRD contained a total of 850 mg phosphorus/day. A total of 18 patients, CKD Stages 3 and 4 were studied in a randomized crossover trial comparing a 1-week control period of the habitual diet with a 1-week period of the NNRD. Data were obtained at baseline and during 1 week of dietary intervention (habitual diet versus NNRD) by collecting fasting blood samples and 24-h urine collections. The primary outcome was the difference in the change in 24-h urine phosphorus excretion from baseline to Day 7 between the NNRD and habitual diet periods. Secondary outcomes were changes in the fractional excretion of phosphorus, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and plasma phosphate.

Results

As compared with the habitual diet, 24-h urine phosphorus excretion was reduced in the NNRD by 313 mg/day (P < 0.001). The mean baseline phosphorus was 875 ± 346 mg/day and was decreased by 400 ± 256 mg/day in the NNRD and 87 ± 266 mg/day in the habitual diet. The 24-h urine fractional excretion of phosphorus decreased by 11% (P < 0.001) and FGF23 decreased by 30 pg/mL (P = 0.03) with the NNRD compared with the habitual diet. Plasma phosphate did not change.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that dietary phosphorus restriction in the context of the NNRD is feasible and has positive effects on phosphorus homeostasis in CKD patients.
Physician Responses to Enhanced Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Profiles
Authors: Leichtling Gillian , Hildebran Christi , Novak Kevin , Alley Lindsey , Doyle Sheri , Reilly Cynthia , Weiner Scott G
Published: November 2018

Objective

Many states have begun implementing enhancements to PDMP patient profiles such as summaries or graphics to highlight issues of concern and enhance comprehension. The purpose of this study was to examine how physicians respond to sample enhanced PDMP profiles based on patient vignettes.

Design

Brief semistructured interviews with physicians.

Setting

Three national medical conferences for targeted specialties.

Subjects

Ninety-three physicians practicing in primary care, emergency medicine, or pain management.

Methods

We presented participants with one of three patient vignettes with corresponding standard and enhanced PDMP profiles and conducted brief interviews.

Results

Findings indicated that enhanced profiles could increase ease of comprehension, reduce time burden, and aid in communicating with patients about opioid risks. Physicians also expressed concern about liability for prescribing when the enhanced profile indicates risk and cautioned against any implication that risk warnings should override clinical judgment based on the patient’s complete medical history or presenting condition. Physicians emphasized the need for transparency of measures and evidence of validation of risk scores. We found little indication that enhanced profiles would change opioid prescribing decisions, though decisions varied by physician.

Conclusions

Our study underscores the importance of involving prescribers in developing and testing PDMP profile enhancements, as well as providing guidance in the interpretation and clinical use of enhanced profiles. Reduced time burden is an important benefit to consider as the number of states mandating PDMP use increases.
Regional Transfer Multipliers
Authors: Corbi Raphael , Papaioannou Elias , Surico Paolo
Published: November 2018

A series of discontinuities in the allocation mechanism of federal transfers to municipal governments in Brazil allow us to identify the causal effect of public spending on local labour markets, using a “fuzzy” Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD). Our estimates imply a cost per job of about 8,000 US dollars per year and a local income multiplier around two. The effect comes mostly from employment in services and is more pronounced among less financially developed municipalities.
A content analysis of smartphone apps for adolescent smoking cessation
Authors: Robinson Cendrine D , Seaman Elizabeth L , Grenen Emily , Montgomery LaTrice , Yockey R Andrew , Coa Kisha , Prutzman Yvonne , Augustson Erik
Published: November 2018

Adolescent cigarette smokers have an increased risk of sustained smoking into adulthood. Smartphone applications (apps) for smoking cessation are a promising treatment resource. However, research on apps for adolescent smoking cessation is limited. This study compared smoking cessation mobile apps targeting an adolescent audience with popular cessation apps for a general audience. Adolescent and general-audience apps were identified by searching the Google Play and Apple App Stores (November 2016). Two coders assessed each app for adherence to clinical practice guidelines for tobacco and adolescent-specific content (2016–2017) and developed a summary score that summed all adherence and adolescent content criteria. Eight adolescent apps were identified and compared with the top 38 general apps (as ranked by Apple and Google). Both general and adolescent apps commonly had adherence content related to developing a quit plan (general: 73.68 per cent; adolescent: 87.50 per cent) and enhancing motivation by describing the rewards of not smoking (general: 76.32 per cent; adolescent: 62.50 per cent). Adolescent-specific content such as peer influence on smoking was common in adolescent apps but not in general apps (general: 5.26 per cent; adolescent: 62.50 per cent). Adolescent apps had a higher general adherence content summary score [t (44) = 2.55, p = .01] and a higher adolescent content summary score [t (7.81) = 2.47, p = .04] than the general apps. On average, adolescent cessation apps included more adherence content and adolescent-specific content than general apps. Future research is needed to determine the extent to which adolescents engage with the adherence content available in these apps.
CT Imaging of Renovascular Abnormalities
Authors: Dearborn Micheal C. , Lisanti Christopher , Cahanding Nicolas , Schwope Ryan
Published: November 2018

Abnormalities of the renal vasculature can manifest clinically as renal ischemia, renal insufficiency, and secondary hypertension. It is crucial to inspect the renal vessels not only for intrinsic or direct causes of vascular disease, but also for the enhancement pattern of the renal parenchyma as an indirect sign for vascular compromise. Although atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis is the most common renal vascular disease, fibromuscular dysplasia of the renal artery is the second most common and has characteristic imaging findings. Some vasculitides may affect the renal artery, and these need to be considered when there is abnormal soft tissue surrounding the artery or the kidney has a striated nephrogram. Arteriovenous abnormalities are divided into arteriovenous fistulas and arteriovenous malformations. A prominent renal artery in communication with a renal vein or a tangle of vessels associated with a prominent and early filling renal vein is very suggestive of a renal arteriovenous abnormality. Intraparenchymal renal artery aneurysms are not as common as main renal artery aneurysms, but the former can mimic a tumor, and a high index of suspicion is required to make the correct diagnosis. Many of these pathologies, in addition to renal trauma, can result in reduced perfusion or infarction of part of or all of the kidney.
Vulnerable Plaque
Authors: Khan Mohammed Hasan , Rochlani Yogita , Yandrapalli Srikanth , Aronow Wilbert S. , Frishman William H.
Published: November 2018

Advances in our understanding of the natural history and biology of atherosclerotic vascular disease led to the concept of a vulnerable plaque (VP), which is predisposed toward more rapid progression and acute coronary events. With newer technologies, we now have at our disposal high-quality imaging studies, both invasive and noninvasive, which promise in identifying plaque characteristics that make it more vulnerable. Upcoming trials aim to evaluate the utility of imaging VP in predicting clinical events. We discuss the role of VP imaging in managing atherosclerotic vascular disease.
IQGAP1 Maintains Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Clonogenic Growth and Metastasis
Authors: Li Joey H. , McMillan Ross H. , Begum Asma , Gocke Christian B. , Matsui William
Published: November 2018

Objectives

IQ motif containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) acts as a scaffold for aberrant mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling driven by KRAS mutations in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We determined the role of IQGAP1 in clonogenic growth and metastasis in PDAC.

Methods

We inhibited IQGAP1 expression using shRNA and assessed clonogenic growth, cell migration, and MAPK signaling in vitro and tumor initiation and metastasis in vivo. The efficacy of a peptide mimicking the IQGAP1 WW domain that binds and inhibits ERK1/2 was determined in vitro and in vivo.

Results

IQGAP1 loss inhibited clonogenic growth and migration of KRAS-dependent PDAC cells by disrupting MAPK signaling. In mice, IQGAP1 knockdown decreased tumor-initiating cell frequency and metastasis. WW peptide treatment inhibited clonogenic growth and in vivo tumor growth.

Conclusions

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma clonogenic growth, metastasis, and tumor initiation are dependent on MAPK signaling via IQGAP1. Treatment with a WW peptide disrupts IQGAP1 function and represents a novel targeting strategy for PDAC.
Changing Epidemiology of Liver Involvement in Children With Celiac Disease
Authors: Benelli Elisa , Naviglio Samuele , De Leo Luigina , Stera Giacomo , Giangreco Manuela , Ronfani Luca , Villanacci Vincenzo , Martelossi Stefano , Ventura Alessandro , Not Tarcisio
Published: November 2018

Objectives:

Available data indicate that liver involvement is present in a significant proportion of children with celiac disease (CD) at the diagnosis (elevated transaminases 15%–57%, autoimmune liver disease 1%–2%). We sought to evaluate prevalence, clinical course, and risk factors for liver involvement in a large cohort of children with CD.

Methods:

Children (age 0–18 years) diagnosed with CD from March 2010 to April 2016 were enrolled. Liver involvement was considered to be present when alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were >40 U/L (hypertransaminasemia [HTS]). Patients with HTS were re‐evaluated after at least 12 months of a gluten‐free diet.

Results:

CD was diagnosed in 806 patients during the study period; of these, ALT levels were available for 700 patients (86.9%), and were elevated in 27 (3.9%, HTS group); median ALT and aspartate transaminase levels in the HTS group were 57 U/L (interquartile range 49–80 U/L) and 67 U/L (interquartile range 53–85 U/L), respectively. Younger age, malabsorption symptoms, and low hemoglobin or ferritin were significantly more common in the HTS group at univariate analysis. At multivariate analysis, only age ⩽4.27 years correlated with risk of liver involvement (odds ratio 3.73; 95% confidence interval: 1.61–8.66). When retested on a gluten‐free diet, all but 3 patients normalized ALT levels; of these, 1 was diagnosed with sclerosing cholangitis.

Conclusions:

Liver involvement in celiac children is now less frequent than previously reported, possibly due to changing CD epidemiology. Younger age is the only risk factor. Associated autoimmune liver disease is rare.
A Combined Morphologic and Molecular Approach to Retrospectively Identify KRAS-Mutated Mesonephric-like Adenocarcinomas of the Endometrium
Authors: Kolin David L. , Costigan Danielle C. , Dong Fei , Nucci Marisa R. , Howitt Brooke E.
Published: November 2018

An unusual subset of endometrial carcinoma, the mesonephric-like adenocarcinomas, are morphologically and molecularly similar to mesonephric carcinoma, characterized by KRAS mutation and lack of microsatellite instability. They also have a unique immunohistochemical profile and are usually positive for GATA-3, CD10, TTF-1, and negative for ER and PR. This study implemented a combined morphologic and molecular approach to retrospectively identify mesonephric-like carcinomas of the endometrium. KRAS-mutated microsatellite stable (MSS) endometrial carcinomas were identified from a database of 570 endometrial carcinomas that had undergone massively parallel sequencing. MSS tumors with canonical KRAS mutations that lacked features diagnostic of endometrioid carcinoma (including squamous or mucinous differentiation), were re-reviewed for morphologic features of mesonephric-like adenocarcinomas. Ninty-eight of 570 endometrial carcinomas (17%) harbored canonical KRAS mutations. Of the KRAS-mutated cases, 80 (82%) were MSS and 18 (18%) had microsatellite instability. Of the KRAS-mutated MSS cases with morphology review, 39/61 (64%) had squamous and/or mucinous differentiation while 22 (36%) lacked these histotype-defining features. Eight of these 22 had PTEN mutations and lacked morphologic features of mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma, leaving 14 cases with a possible mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma-like molecular profile that underwent detailed morphologic re-review. Ten of 14 had morphology typical of serous (3), carcinosarcoma (4), or endometrioid (3) carcinoma. In 4 cases, there was striking morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular resemblance to mesonephric carcinoma, leading to re-classification as mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma. Two of the 4 cases presented at an advanced stage, and a third case later developed distant metastases. On the basis of this retrospective study, KRAS-mutated mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma represents ∼1% of all endometrial carcinomas. Future prospective recognition of this unusual variant of endometrial carcinoma may be important given its possible aggressive nature.
Utility and Cost Effectiveness of Routine, Histologic Evaluation of the Mastectomy Scar in Two-Stage, Implant-Based Reconstruction during Expander-to-Implant Exchange
Authors: Fishman Jordan E. , Pang John Henry Y. , Dabbs David , De La Cruz Carolyn
Published: November 2018

Background:

Routine histologic analysis of the mastectomy scar is well studied in the delayed breast construction population; no data regarding its utility in the immediate, staged reconstruction cohort have been published.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all of the senior author’s (C.D.C.) patients who underwent immediate, staged reconstruction was performed. The mastectomy scar was analyzed routinely at the time of expander-to-implant exchange. Six hundred forty-seven breasts were identified. The mastectomy scar, time between expander and permanent implant, average patient age, and mastectomy indication were calculated. A cost analysis was completed.

Results:

All scar pathologic results were negative for in-scar recurrence. The majority, 353 breasts, underwent mastectomy for carcinoma, 94 for germline mutations, 15 for high-risk lesions, six for high family risk, and 179 for contralateral symmetry/risk reduction. The average age at mastectomy/expander placement was 47.7 ± 10.3 years, and the average time between expander placement and implant exchange was 254 ± 152 days. The total histologic charge per breast was $602.

Conclusions:

A clinically silent in-scar recurrence is, at most, a rare occurrence. Routine histologic analysis of the mastectomy scar can be safely avoided in the immediate, staged reconstruction cohort.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Generation of Cynomolgus Monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) Embryos with ICSI Based on the MII-Stage Oocytes Acquired by Personalized Superovulation Protocol
Authors: Huang Zhangqiong , Li Yun , Jiang Qinfang , Wang Yixuan , Ma Kaili , Li Qihan
Published: November 2018

The use of cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) has facilitated the establishment of gene-modified animal models, and the appropriate number of high-quality mature oocytes (MII-stage oocytes) are crucial in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) of cynomolgus macaques. In this study we performed 3 different superovulation protocols on 24 female cynomolgus monkeys aimed to improve the proportion of MII-stage oocyte retrieval. The results suggested some differences in the proportion of MII-stage oocytes between the personalized superovulation protocol and the superovulation protocols I and II. Afterwards, we performed Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) on 22 MII-stage oocytes derived from one animal with personalized superovulation protocol, obtained 15 embryos of 2-4-cells, 2 cases of successful pregnancy after transferring to 4 surrogate female, and obtained 3 aborted fetuses. These results suggested that personalized superovulation protocol incorporated the menstrual cycle length of each cynomolgus monkey, and the timing of oocytes retrieval based on the equation: menstrual cycle length/2 ± 1, which increased the rate of MII-stage oocytes acquired and generation of cynomolgus monkeys embryos with ICSI based on these oocytes, and finally could successfully develop into fetus under conditions that effectively guarantee the synchronization of the surrogate mothers.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

The personalized superovulation protocol based on the menstrual cycle length of each cynomolgus monkey can increase the rate of MII-stage oocytes acquired, and finally could successfully develop into fetus under conditions that minimize damage to the surrogate mothers and effectively guarantee the synchronization of the surrogate mothers.
ParB dynamics and the critical role of the CTD in DNA condensation unveiled by combined force-fluorescence measurements
Authors: Madariaga-Marcos Julene , Pastrana Cesar L. , Fisher Gemma L. M. , Dillingham Mark S. , Moreno-Herrero Fernando
Published: November 2018

Bacillus subtilis ParB forms multimeric networks involving non-specific DNA binding leading to DNA condensation. In our previous work (Fisher et al., 2017), we found that an excess of the free C-terminal domain (CTD) of ParB impeded DNA condensation or promoted decondensation of pre-assembled networks. However, interpretation of the molecular basis for this phenomenon was complicated by our inability to uncouple protein binding from DNA condensation. Here, we have combined lateral magnetic tweezers with TIRF microscopy to simultaneously control the restrictive force against condensation and to visualize ParB protein binding by fluorescence. At non-permissive forces for condensation, ParB binds non-specifically and highly dynamically to DNA. Our new approach concluded that the free CTD blocks the formation of ParB networks by heterodimerization with full length DNA-bound ParB. This strongly supports a model in which the CTD acts as a key bridging interface between distal DNA binding loci within ParB networks.

Significance Statement

Using combined Magnetic Tweezers and TIRF microscopy we show that the CTD of ParB blocks ParB network formation by heterodimerization with the full-length protein, which remains bound to the DNA.
The mechanism of Ccr4-Not recruitment to specific mRNAs involves sequence-selective tethering by RNA-binding proteins
Authors: Webster Michael W , Stowell James A W , Passmore Lori A
Published: November 2018

The Ccr4-Not complex removes mRNA poly(A) tails to regulate eukaryotic mRNA stability and translation. RNA-binding proteins contribute to specificity but this is not fully understood. Here, we reconstitute accelerated and selective deadenylation of RNAs containing AU-rich elements (AREs) and Pumilio-response elements (PREs). We find that the fission yeast homologues of Tristetraprolin/TTP and Pumilio/Puf (Zfs1 and Puf3) act as molecular tethers: They recruit Ccr4-Not via multiple regions within low-complexity sequences, and bind specific RNA sequences via RNA-binding domains. Using a two-color assay to simultaneously monitor poly(A) tail removal from different RNAs, we demonstrate that Puf3 can distinguish between RNAs of very similar sequence. This is primarily due to differences in the dissociation rate constants. As a result, motif quality is a major determinant of mRNA stability for Puf3 targets in vivo. Together, we provide new insight into the selective deadenylation of specific mRNAs by Ccr4-Not, and the prediction of targeted mRNAs.
Gene knock out of honey bee trypanosomatid parasite, Lotmaria passim, by CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Liu Qiushi , Kadowaki Tatsuhiko
Published: November 2018

Two trypanosomatid species, Lotmaria passim and Crithidia mellificae, have been shown to parasitize honey bees to date. L. passim appears to be more prevalent than C. mellificae and specifically infects the honey bee hindgut. Although the genomic DNA has been sequenced, the effects of infection on honey bee health and colony are poorly understood. To identify the genes that are important for infecting honey bees and to understand their functions, we applied the CRISPR/Cas9 system to establish a method to manipulate L. passim genes. By electroporation of plasmid DNA and subsequent selection by antibiotics, we first established an L. passim clone expressing tdTomato, GFP, or Cas9. We also successfully knocked out the endogenous miltefosine transporter and tyrosine amino transferase genes by replacement with antibiotics (hygromycin) resistant gene using the CRISPR/Cas9-induced homology-directed repair pathway. The L. passim clones expressing fluorescent markers, as well as the simple method for knocking out specific genes, could become useful approaches to understand the underlying mechanisms of honey bee-trypanosomatid parasite interactions.
Genome-wide association study reveals a dynamic role of common genetic variation in infant and early childhood growth
Authors: Helgeland Øyvind , Vaudel Marc , Juliusson Petur B. , Holmen Oddgeir Lingaas , Juodakis Julius , Bacelis Jonas , Jacobsson Bo , Lindekleiv Haakon , Hveem Kristian , Lie Rolv Terje , Knudsen Gun Peggy , Stoltenberg Camilla , Magnus Per , Sagen Jørn V. , Molven Anders , Johansson Stefan , Njølstad Pål R.
Published: November 2018

Infant and childhood growth are dynamic processes characterized by drastic changes in fat mass and body mass index (BMI) at distinct developmental stages. To elucidate how genetic variation influences these processes, we performed the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) of BMI measurements at 12 time points from birth to eight years of age (9,286 children, 74,105 measurements) in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) with replication in 5,235 children (41,502 measurements). We identified five loci associated with BMI at distinct developmental stages with different patterns of association. Notably, we identified a novel transient effect in the leptin receptor (LEPR) locus, with no effect at birth, increasing effect on BMI in infancy, peaking at 6-12 months (rs2767486, P6m = 2.0 × 10−21, β6m = 0.16) and little effect after age five. A similar transient effect was found near the leptin gene (LEP), peaking at 1.5 years of age (rs10487505, P1.5y = 1.3 × 10−8, β1.5y = 0.079). Both signals are protein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs) for soluble LEPR and LEP in plasma in adults and independent from signals associated with other adult traits mapped to the respective genes, suggesting novel key roles of common variation in the leptin signaling pathway for healthy infant growth. Hence, our longitudinal analysis uncovers a complex and dynamic influence of common variation on BMI during infant and early childhood growth, dominated by the LEP-LEPR axis in infancy.
Clustering-based optimization method of reference set selection for improved CNV callers performance
Authors: Kuśmirek Wiktor , Szmurło Agnieszka , Wiewiórka Marek , Nowak Robert , Gambin Tomasz
Published: November 2018

Background

There are over 25 tools dedicated for the detection of Copy Number Variants (CNVs) using Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) data based on read depth analysis.

The tools reported consist of several steps, including: (i) calculation of read depth for each sequencing target, (ii) normalization, (iii) segmentation and (iv) actual CNV calling. The essential aspect of the entire process is the normalization stage, in which systematic errors and biases are removed and the reference sample set is used to increase the signal-to-noise ratio.

Although some CNV calling tools use dedicated algorithms to obtain the optimal reference sample set, most of the advanced CNV callers do not include this feature.

To our knowledge, this work is the first attempt to assess the impact of reference sample set selection on CNV detection performance.

Methods

We used WES data from the 1000 Genomes project to evaluate the impact of various methods of reference sample set selection on CNV calling performance of three chosen state-of-the-art tools: CODEX, CNVkit and exomeCopy. Two naive solutions (all samples as reference set and random selection) as well as two clustering methods (k-means and k nearest neighbours with a variable number of clusters or group sizes) have been evaluated to discover the best performing sample selection method.

Results and Conclusions

The performed experiments have shown that the appropriate selection of the reference sample set may greatly improve the CNV detection rate. In particular, we found that smart reduction of reference sample size may significantly increase the algorithms’ precision while having negligible negative effect on sensitivity. We observed that a complete CNV calling process with the k-means algorithm as the selection method has significantly better time complexity than kNN-based solution.
The crystal structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis high-temperature requirement A protein reveals an autoregulatory mechanism
Authors: Gupta Arvind Kumar , Behera Debashree , Gopal Balasubramanian
Published: November 2018

The crystal structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis high-temperature requirement A (HtrA) protein was determined at 1.83 Å resolution. This membrane-associated protease is essential for the survival of M. tuberculosis. The crystal structure reveals that interactions between the PDZ domain and the catalytic domain in HtrA lead to an inactive conformation. This finding is consistent with its proposed role as a regulatory protease that is conditionally activated upon appropriate environmental triggers. The structure provides a basis for directed studies to evaluate the role of this essential protein and the regulatory pathways that are influenced by this protease.
Corporate social responsibility in hotels: a stakeholder approach
Authors: Farmaki Anna
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This study aims to examine stakeholder interests in and influence on corporate social responsibility (CSR) implementation in hotels through an instrumental stakeholder theory lens.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews with 54 managers from several sectors of the Cyprus tourism industry were undertaken using purposive sampling.

Findings

There is a dominance of supply-chain stakeholder interests which in turn outline the CSR orientation of hotels, whereas stakeholder influence, largely shaped by the interdependent, multi-faceted nature of the tourism industry, conditions the implementation of CSR in hotels. Interestingly, stakeholder influence on CSR in hotels is not corresponding to stakeholders’ perceived saliency, indicating that stakeholder analysis needs to move beyond the consideration of salient stakeholders’ interests.

Research limitations/implications

Although the focus of this study has been the perceptions of tourism stakeholders in Cyprus, the exploratory approach adopted in the study sets the ground for further research to consider stakeholder issues regarding CSR in hotels from an instrumental perspective. In addition, insights from this study might inform practitioners in similar destinations.

Originality/value

In encouraging a holistic approach to strategic CSR in hotels, this study contributes a framework of stakeholder roles, emanating from stakeholder responsibility and stakeholder involvement in CSR in the hotel sector that will be of interest to both academics and practitioners.
Effects of individual and job characteristics on hotel contact employees’ work engagement and their performance outcomes
Authors: Grobelna Aleksandra
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of individual and job-related characteristics on employees’ work engagement and its influence on their performance outcomes. This study develops and tests the research model where the impact of positive affectivity, polychronicity and task significance on employees’ work engagement is investigated, and its consequences for employees’ job performance are analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationships between study constructs were tested using the structural equation modeling. Data were collected from 222 hotel contact employees from the Pomeranian Voivodeship, a tourist destination of northern Poland.

Findings

The study findings confirmed that positive affectivity and polychronicity, as personality characteristics and task significance as a job characteristic exert a significant and positive impact on hotel employees’ work engagement, which in turn enhances the level of their job performance. Additionally, polychronicity was significantly related to hotel employees’ job performance. Of all the analyzed predictors, task significance appeared to be the strongest driver of hotel employees’ work engagement. A direct relationship between polychronicity and hotel employees’ job performance was also confirmed by this study.

Practical implications

Hotel organizations are recommended to modify the standards of their recruitment and selection process and incorporate additional techniques to be more successful in hiring employees with an adequate personality profile (high in positive affectivity and polychronic tendency). The recruited suitable candidates should be guided effectively with appropriate human resource management practices, especially those that increase hotel employees’ experience of work meaningfulness. Therefore, they should be constantly assured, through a variety of management actions, about the influence and importance of their roles and the contribution to the service and organizational success.

Originality/value

This study contributes to a better understanding of the relationships between personality and job characteristics among frontline hotel employees, extending the study results to the context of East-Central Europe, where, to the best of the author’s knowledge, studies on simultaneous effects of individual and job-related factors on hotel employees’ work engagement and its behavioral consequences are still limited.
Production models of multiple products using a single machine under quality screening and reworking policies
Authors: Taleizadeh Ata Allah , Yadegari Mahshid , Sana Shib Sankar
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to formulate two multi-product single-machine economic production quantity (EPQ) models by considering imperfect products. Two policies are assumed to deal with imperfect products: selling them at discount and applying a reworking process.

Design/methodology/approach

A screening process is used to identify imperfect items during and after production. Selling the imperfect items at a discount is examined in the first model and the reworking policy in the second model. In both models, demand during the production process is satisfied only by perfect items. Data collected from a case company are used to illustrate the performance of the two models. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis is carried out by varying the most important parameters of the models.

Findings

The case study in this research is used to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed models, i.e. the EPQ model with salvaging and reworking imperfect items. The models are applied to a high-tech un-plasticized polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) doors and windows manufacturer that produces different types of doors and windows. ROGAWIN Co. is a privately owned company that started in 2001 with fully automatic production lines. Finally, the results of applying the different ways of handling the imperfect items are discussed, along with managerial insights.

Originality/value

In real-world production systems, manufacturing imperfect products is unavoidable. That is why, it is important to make a proper decision about imperfect products to reduce overall production costs. Recently, applying a reworking strategy has gained the most interest when it comes to handling this problem. The principal idea of this research is to maximize the total profit of manufacturing systems by optimizing the period length under some capacity constraints. The proposed models were applied to a company of manufacturing UPVC doors and windows.
Exploring crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) and students’ fear of crime at an Australian university campus using prospect and refuge theory
Authors: Cozens Paul , Sun Mu Yao
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Crime and fear of crime in and around the university campus can affect enrolments and retention rates as well as compromising the safety, security and well-being of students and staff. The purpose of this paper is to explore user perceptions of personal safety using the “Prospect and Refuge Model” and crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED).

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a fear of crime survey of 88 students at a university in Western Australia. The respondents were asked to identify on a map, three locations perceived to be “safe” and three locations perceived to be “unsafe”. The six most commonly identified sites were then visually audited to measure the levels of “prospect” and “refuge” and CPTED features at each location.

Findings

The findings indicate the top three “fear spots” were associated with low levels of “prospect” and high levels of “refuge” – and generally, with poor opportunities for natural surveillance and CPTED qualities. The top three “safe spots” had consistently higher levels of “prospect” and lower levels of “refuge” in the site audits and responses to the surveys. Increased opportunities for surveillance were therefore associated with increased levels of personal safety.

Research limitations/implications

The survey is relatively small (88) and a larger study is certainly required to underpin these findings. The methodology is transferable to other universities and facilities seeking to manage crime and fear of crime. The research develops more finely nuanced measures for the concepts of prospect and refuge.

Practical implications

Interestingly, surveillance opportunities and perceptions of personal safety were perceived to be mediated by distance from buildings and by the construction of new buildings and infrastructure being carried out across the campus. This has implications for the construction of new universities and for those which are expanding. Recommendations are provided for new and existing universities and for those undergoing redevelopment.

Social implications

Improving students’ perception of personal safety can enhance their performance and retention at university.

Originality/value

No studies have investigated the campus design and layout and students’ perceptions of personal safety in Australia in this way. The approach is more “bottom-up” by first exploring users’ perceptions of “unsafe” locations, then assessing these sites in terms of the presence or absence of measures for CPTED and prospect-refuge.
Foliar phosphorus fractions reveal how tropical plants maintain photosynthetic rates despite low soil phosphorus availability
Authors: Mo Qifeng , Li Zhi’an , Sayer Emma J. , Lambers Hans , Li Yingwen , Zou Bi , Tang Jianwu , Heskel Mary , Ding Yongzhen , Wang Faming
Published: November 2018

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are essential nutrients for plant metabolism, and their availability often limits primary productivity. Whereas the effects of N availability on photosynthetic capacity are well established, we still know relatively little about the effects of P availability at a foliar level, especially in P‐limited tropical forests.

We examined photosynthetic capacity, leaf mass per area (LMA) and foliar P fractions in five woody plant species after 6 years of N and P fertilization in a lowland tropical forest.

Foliar N:P ratios indicated P limitation of the unfertilized plants; accordingly, photosynthetic P‐use efficiency (PPUE) and LMA decreased with P addition, and foliar N and P concentrations increased, whereas N addition had little effect on measured foliar traits. However, P addition enhanced photosynthetic capacity only in one species and not in other four species. We then assessed plant acclimation to low P availability by quantifying four fractions of foliar P representing different functional pools: structural P, metabolic P (including inorganic P), nucleic acid P, and residual P. We found that P addition enhanced the concentrations of metabolic, structural, and nucleic acid P fractions in all species, but the magnitude of the effect was species‐specific.

Our findings indicate that tropical species acclimate to low P availability by altering allocation of foliar P to meet the demand of P for photosynthesis. Importantly, species typical of lowland tropical forests in East Asia maintained their photosynthetic rate under low P availability. We conclude that P limitation of leaf photosynthetic capacity may not be as common as previously assumed due to plant acclimation mechanisms in low‐P tropical forests. Species‐specific strategies to allocate P to different foliar fractions represent a potentially important adaptive mechanism for plants in P‐limited systems.
Soil types select for plants with matching nutrient‐acquisition and ‐use traits in hyperdiverse and severely nutrient‐impoverished campos rupestres and cerrado in Central Brazil
Authors: Abrahão Anna , Costa Patricia de Britto , Lambers Hans , Andrade Sara Adrián L. , Sawaya Alexandra Christine Helena Frankland , Ryan Megan H. , Oliveira Rafael Silva
Published: November 2018

Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the generation of beta‐diversity remains a challenge in ecology. Underground plant adaptations to environmental gradients have received relatively little attention.

We studied plant nutrient‐acquisition strategies and nutrient‐use efficiency at three stages of pedogenesis in infertile soils from campos rupestres and on less infertile soil from cerrado sensu stricto in Brazil. All soils support very high plant diversity with high species turnover between soil types at small spatial scales (metres). We expected that differences in nutrient‐acquisition and ‐use strategies would be associated with this high species turnover. With severely decreasing phosphorus (P) availability, we expected the effectiveness of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbioses for plant P acquisition to decrease, and reliance on nonmycorrhizal strategies (NM) to increase, while maintaining efficient nutrient use.

Concentrations of total soil P and nitrogen (N) were greater in soils in cerrado than in those from campos rupestres, and the more weathered soils from campos rupestres were severely P and N impoverished. The proportion of the root length colonized by AM fungi was 71% in the soils from the cerrado and <1% in the most P‐impoverished soil type from campos rupestres. Conversely, the proportion of species with nonmycorrhizal P‐acquisition strategies such as rhizosheaths was greater in the most P‐impoverished soils. Leaf [P] and [N] were very low and decreased with decreasing soil [P] and [N]. Leaf N:P ratios suggest P limitation of plant productivity in the campos rupestres but N‐P colimitation in the cerrado. Photosynthetic rates decreased with increasing P impoverishment, but photosynthetic P‐use efficiency was very high and photosynthetic N‐use efficiency moderately high on all soils. Most species had very high P‐remobilization efficiency during leaf senescence (>70%), but only moderate N‐remobilization efficiency (~50%).

Synthesis. We observed very high P‐use efficiency and moderately high N‐use efficiency in campos rupestres and cerrado species, consistent with plant productivity being more strongly limited by P than by N. Our findings demonstrate that different soil characteristics (nutrient availability and soil texture) select for species differing in nutrient‐acquisition and ‐use strategies (especially below‐ground traits) which is likely key for the very high species turnover at a very small scale between soil types (i.e., beta‐diversity) in campos rupestres and cerrado.
Investigating fetal growth restriction and perinatal risks in appropriate for gestational age infants: using cohort and within‐sibling analyses
Authors: Cnattingius S , Kramer MS , Norman M , Ludvigsson JF , Fang F , Lu D
Published: November 2018

Objective

Fetal growth restriction refers to fetuses that fail to reach their growth potential. Studies within siblings may be useful to disclose fetal growth restriction in appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants. We analysed associations between birthweight percentiles and perinatal risks in AGA infants, using both population‐based and within‐sibling analyses.

Design

Population‐based cohort study.

Setting and sample

Using nation‐wide Swedish registries (1987–2012), we identified 2 134 924 singleton AGA births (10th–90th birthweight percentile for gestational age), of whom 1 377 326 were full siblings.

Methods

Unconditional Poisson regression was used for population analyses, and conditional (matched) Poisson regression for within‐sibling analyses. We estimated associations between birthweight percentiles and stillbirth, neonatal mortality, and morbidity, using incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Stillbirth and neonatal mortality risks declined with increasing birthweight percentiles, but the declines were larger in within‐sibling analyses. Compared with the reference group (40th to <60th percentile), IRRs (95% CIs) of stillbirth for the lowest and highest percentile groups (10th to <25th and 75th–90th percentiles, respectively) were 1.87 (1.72–2.03) to 0.76 (0.68–0.85) in population analysis and 2.60 (2.27–2.98) and 0.43 (0.36–0.50) in within‐sibling analysis. Neonatal morbidity risks in term non‐malformed infants with low birthweight percentiles were generally only increased in within‐sibling analyses.

Conclusion

Using birthweight information from siblings may help to define fetal growth restriction in AGA infants.

Tweetable abstract

Size of siblings helps to detect growth‐restricted infants with seemingly normal birthweights.
Emergency care in Kiribati: A combined medical and nursing model for development
Authors: Tassicker Brady , Tong Tanebu , Ribanti Teitinana , Gittus Angie , Griffiths Bronwen
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To summarise recent developments in emergency care in Kiribati, a developing Pacific Island nation. Multiple donor countries and agencies have partnered in this process. Changes in medical training, staffing models and planned infrastructure developments are all described, with a particular focus on a recent emergency nurse training programme.

Methods

A bespoke nurse education course was developed by external clinical nurse specialists in collaboration with local administrators and clinicians, incorporating WHO Basic Emergency Care course. The nine‐day course was delivered to 18 nurses, over a 3‐week period to accommodate rostering requirements. Pre‐ and post‐course assessment was undertaken.

Results

Quantitative assessment improved from 87.11 ± 7.46 (mean ± SD) to 94.89 ± 5.95 (t = 5.45, P < 0.001). Qualitative scenario‐based assessment confirmed marked improvement.

Conclusions

A multifaceted development strategy has proven essential for progression in emergency care. Nurse education is an essential component of this, and the existing model has potential for other similar nations.
Epigenomic drivers of immune dysfunction in aging
Authors: Keenan Christine R. , Allan Rhys S.
Published: November 2018

Aging inevitably leads to reduced immune function, leaving the elderly more susceptible to infections, less able to respond to pathogen challenges, and less responsive to preventative vaccinations. No cell type is exempt from the ravages of age, and extensive studies have found age‐related alterations in the frequencies and functions of both stem and progenitor cells, as well as effector cells of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. The intrinsic functional reduction in immune competence is also associated with low‐grade chronic inflammation, termed “inflamm‐aging,” which further perpetuates immune dysfunction. While many of these age‐related cellular changes are well characterized, understanding the molecular changes that underpin the functional decline has proven more difficult. Changes in chromatin are increasingly appreciated as a causative mechanism of cellular and organismal aging across species. These changes include increased genomic instability through loss of heterochromatin and increased DNA damage, telomere attrition, and epigenetic alterations. In this review, we discuss the connections between chromatin, immunocompetence, and the loss of function associated with mammalian immune aging. Through understanding the molecular events which underpin the phenotypic changes observed in the aged immune system, it is hoped that the aged immune system can be restored to provide youthful immunity once more.
Closing the gap between camera trap software development and the user community
Authors: Thomson Robert , Potgieter Gail C. , Bahaa‐el‐din Laila
Published: November 2018

Like many technological advances in the modern era, camera traps present both an exciting opportunity and a host of unforeseen challenges. One critical challenge is processing the large numbers of images/videos from camera traps efficiently and accurately such that resultant data can be analysed, stored and shared with others. Recognising this need, several biologist teams have developed software to meet their own project requirements, but no one package has been developed to meet the diverse array of requirements of the global research community. We combined an online user survey (N = 67) and literature review to create a list of 42 desired features in five categories. We tested six freely available specialist camera trap software and three nonspecialist image viewer software packages against these criteria. Users were most interested in data processing efficiency and automation features (37 of 84 requests). Seven user‐requested features were not available in any of the software we tested. Thirty‐two unique requests indicated the importance of software flexibility, contrasting with growing calls for standardization in the literature. We suggest involving the global user community, current software developers and computer scientists in an inclusive, planned approach to addressing arguably the greatest challenge facing camera trap‐based research today.