bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abusive supervision, co-worker abuse and work outcomes: procedural justice as a mediator
Authors: Ramdeo Shalini , Singh Riann
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Based on the social exchange theory and the reactance theory, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of workplace abuse from two sources. The study explores the linkage between abusive supervision and co-worker abuse on the targeted employee’s organizational commitment, organizational citizenship behavior and intention to quit as mediated by procedural justice. Furthermore, this study extends understanding workplace abuse consequences by investigating its effects on organizational citizenship behavior directed to individuals and organizational citizenship behavior directed to the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the proposed hypotheses, a cross-sectional research design was used. The sample comprised 500 employees working in various private and public sector organizations in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Using a split-sample approach, mediation analyses were performed on the test and validation samples.

Findings

The research results showed that procedural justice mediated the relationship between abusive supervision and affective and normative commitment, organizational citizenship behavior directed to individuals and intention to quit. Procedural justice was found to mediate the relationship between co-worker abuse and affective and normative commitment, and intention to quit.

Originality/value

This study extends previous academic studies on workplace abuse by comparing the effects of abusive supervision and the lesser researched source of co-worker abuse on the targeted employee’s organizational commitment, organizational citizenship behavior and intention to quit. It also reports on the effects of each source on an employee’s organizational citizenship behavior directed to individuals and organizational citizenship behavior directed to the organization, as there is limited empirical research within the workplace abuse literate on these two dimensions.
Comparison of visual (MUNSELL) and instrumental measures (CIELAB) of coloured textile standard samples
Authors: Roy Choudhury Asim Kumar , Naskar Biswajit
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to compare visual (Munsell) and instrumental (CIELAB) attributes of SCOTDIC colour standards.

Design/methodology/approach

SCOTDIC cotton and polyester standards of defined hue, value and chroma were subjected to spectrophotometric assessment for finding the corresponding instrumental parameters. The visual and instrumental parameters were compared.

Findings

The correlation between SCOTDIC value and CIELAB lightness is quite high. Correlation coefficient between SCOTDIC hue and CIELAB hue angle and the correlation between SCOTDIC chroma and CIELAB chroma were only moderate because the CIELAB chroma varied widely at higher chroma. When the standards of SCOTDIC hues having erratic hue angles at two extremes are excluded, the Correlation coefficients between SCOTDIC hue and CIELAB hue angle become high.

Research limitations/implications

The psychophysical data (visual) are difficult to match with physical data (instrumental).

Originality/value

The object of the present research is to study and compare visual (Munsell) and instrumental (CIELAB) colorimetric parameters. Munsell scale is physically exemplified by SCOTDIC fabric samples available in two sets, namely, cotton and polyester sets.
Collaborative governance in tourism: lessons from Etorkizuna Eraikiz in the Basque Country, Spain
Authors: Barandiarán Xabier , Restrepo Natalia , Luna Álvaro
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine through a case study how the creation of collaborative spaces between local stakeholders can foster decision-making and collective development of projects that improve the governance of tourism destinations and their sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on the analysis of a case study based on the Etorkizuna Eraikiz (Building the Future) programme developed in the Gipuzkoa region located in the Basque Country, Spain. The programme is based on a strategy that seeks to institutionalize a new model of collaborative governance in the long term through the co-design of public policies involving stakeholders of the territory. Through the description and analysis of the results achieved so far, the paper presents the implications of this public programme for the design of policies.

Findings

Etorkizuna Eraikiz emerges as a model to develop an exercise of active experimentation. The analysis of this collaborative governance process has derived in practices and agendas promoted by a variety of agents within the region. The programme has important implications for the formulation of public policies in the field of tourism through the creation of formal interaction spaces and the implementation of projects in support of tourism development (Tourist Eco-tax and information and communication technology tools).

Originality/value

This paper provides a contemporary approach to the practices in governance within the context of tourism. This case study may be of interest to practitioners and researchers to adopt destination governance practices through the creation of collaborative spaces between local stakeholders. These practices can foster decision-making and the collective development of projects that impact and lead to better governance of tourism destinations and their sustainability.
The role of information technology applications in profitability
Authors: Madhukar Vikas , Sharma Deependra
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the role of information technology (IT) applications in the profitability of the Indian travel and tourism industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research was conducted and an in-depth interview technique was applied for the collection of primary data. Traditional travel agents, tour operators, online travel agents and hoteliers in Gurgaon were investigated to explore issues pertaining to the study, and all responses were recorded and later transcribed. The identities of interviewees and their properties are not revealed to preserve confidentiality.

Findings

The analysis reveals that IT plays a significant role in the profitability of the tourism and travel industry. These include competitive pricing attained via dynamic pricing especially in the hotel industry, promotion and improved efficiency in rendering services to tourists and access to tourists virtually anywhere and at any time.

Practical implications

The findings have direct and indirect implications for different stakeholders – notably, travelers, owners and executives of businesses in the travel industry, as well as for researchers. Executives and owners can discern the critical implications of adopting IT to take their businesses to a new level. They should also be able to appreciate the fact that to remain competitive, practitioners must explore the potential opportunities emerging through IT.

Originality/value

Organizations in this sector are moving from traditional business models to more technologically dependent approaches. In particular, this study shows how the use of IT applications is influencing the profitability of the travel and tourism industry especially in India.
Analysis of attenuation and dispersion of propagating wave due to the coexistence of three fluid phases in the pore volume
Authors: Ahmad Qazi Adnan , Wu Guochen , Zhaoyun Zong , Jianlu Wu , Kun Li , Tianwei Du , Khan Nasir
Published: September 2019

In exploration geophysics, the efforts to extract subsurface information from wave characteristics exceedingly depend on the construction of suitable rock physics model. Analysis of different rock physics models reveals that the strength and magnitude of attenuation and dispersion of propagating wave exceedingly depend on wave‐induced fluid flow at multiple scales. In current work, a comprehensive analysis of wave attenuation and velocity dispersion is carried out at broad frequency range. Our methodology is based on Biot's poroelastic relations, by which variations in wave characteristics associated with wave‐induced fluid flow due to the coexistence of three fluid phases in the pore volume is estimated. In contrast to the results of previous research, our results indicate the occurrence of two‐time pore pressure relaxation phenomenon at the interface between fluids of disparate nature, that is, different bulk modulus, viscosity and density. Also, the obtained results are compatible with numerical results for the same 1D model which are accounted using Biot's poroelastic and quasi‐static equation in frequency domain. Moreover, the effects of change in saturation of three‐phase fluids were also computed which is the key task for geophysicist. The outcomes of our research reveal that pore pressure relaxation phenomenon significantly depends on the saturation of distinct fluids and the order of saturating fluids. It is also concluded that the change in the saturation of three‐phase fluid significantly influences the characteristics of the seismic wave. The analysis of obtained results indicates that our proposed approach is a useful tool for quantification, identification and discrimination of different fluid phases. Moreover, our proposed approach improves the accuracy to predict dispersive behaviour of propagating wave at sub‐seismic and seismic frequencies.
Learning through experimentation in an oligopoly market with asymmetric information
Authors: Ropero Miguel Ángel
Published: September 2019

Unlike previous literature, in which firms compete in the market with the same information, this article analyses a two‐period duopoly game in which only one firm is completely informed about the market conditions, whereas the other firm is unaware of one parameter of the demand curve. In this setting, we describe how the informed firm uses its price set in period 1 in order to reveal or to hide its private information and how the uninformed firm uses its own price in period 1 in order to learn the market conditions when they are not revealed by its rival. Specifically, we obtained the conditions under which the informed firm sets a higher price than its optimum in the first period to hide its private information in certain cases and to reveal that information in others. Likewise, this paper describes the conditions under which the uninformed firm sets a lower price than its optimum in period 1 in order to learn the unknown parameter. We found that the informed firm's cost of revealing its private information to its rival is lower than the uninformed firm's cost of learning the market conditions.
Do educational practitioners invest in specialised discourses of autism? Professional knowledge landscapes of teachers and teaching assistants in mainstream schools
Authors: Conn Carmel
Published: September 2019

A key metaphor used to describe the complexity of what teachers do is that of professional knowledge landscapes. This conveys the idea that effective practice should be explored in relation to how teachers perceive pupils, but also to how teachers see themselves and questions of professional identity. The research reported here was part of a larger study into inclusive pedagogy for autistic pupils. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was applied to transcripts of semi‐structured interviews with mainstream practitioners (n = 8) to identify constructions about practice. Findings show that specialised knowledge about autism was welcomed, but effective practice was seen to be based wholly on ongoing interactions with pupils and did not differ from practices used with other pupils. Findings from this research contest the idea that mainstream practitioners simply fall short in adopting certain practices for autistic pupils and indicate they have practices of their own which are aligned with ideas about inclusive education.
Improvement of the Antioxidant Activity, Water Solubility, and Dispersion Stability of Prickly Pear Cactus Fruit Extracts Using Argon Cold Plasma Treatment
Authors: Kim Su Yeon , Lee Seung Young , Min Sea C.
Published: September 2019

Microwave‐powered cold plasma (CP) treatment was evaluated as a means to increase the antioxidant activity, water solubility, and dispersion stability of prickly pear cactus fruit (Opuntia ficus‐indica (L.) Mill.) extract. The extract (2 g) was treated at various CP generation powers and treatment times at 25 °C to 28 °C. The antioxidant activity of the prickly pear cactus fruit extract increased by 1.8% and 1.7% after CP treatment at 750 W for 40 min and 856 W for 36 min, respectively. Both the water solubility and dispersion stability (delta backscattering) of the extract increased by 2.4% and 0.1%, respectively, following CP treatment at 644 W for 36 min. These results suggest the potential of CP treatment to increase the applicability of the prickly pear cactus fruit extract and possibly other insoluble natural antioxidant compounds in foods by improving their antioxidant activities and solubility in water.

Practical Application

Prickly pear cactus fruit is a functional food with a high antioxidant concentration. This study demonstrated that cold plasma treatment improved the water solubility and dispersion stability of prickly pear cactus fruit extract without altering or improving its antioxidant activity. The obtained results suggested the potential of applying cold plasma technology to improve the applicability of the extract, which is difficult to solubilize in food systems, to various processed foods.
Leveraging whole genome sequencing data for demographic inference with approximate Bayesian computation
Authors: Smith Chris C. R. , Flaxman Samuel M.
Published: September 2019

Accounting for historical demographic features, such as the strength and timing of gene flow and divergence times between closely related lineages, is vital for many inferences in evolutionary biology. Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) is one method commonly used to estimate demographic parameters. However, the DNA sequences used as input for this method, often microsatellites or RADseq loci, usually represent a small fraction of the genome. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) data, on the other hand, have been used less often with ABC, and questions remain about the potential benefit of, and how to best implement, this type of data; we used pseudo‐observed data sets to explore such questions. Specifically, we addressed the potential improvements in parameter estimation accuracy that could be associated with WGS data in multiple contexts; namely, we quantified the effects of (a) more data, (b) haplotype‐based summary statistics, and (c) locus length. Compared with a hypothetical RADseq data set with 2.5 Mbp of data, using a 1 Gbp data set consisting of 100 Kbp sequences led to substantial gains in the accuracy of parameter estimates, which was mostly due to haplotype statistics and increased data. We also quantified the effects of including (a) locus‐specific recombination rates, and (b) background selection information in ABC analyses. Importantly, assuming uniform recombination or ignoring background selection had a negative effect on accuracy in many cases. Software and results from this method validation study should be useful for future demographic history analyses.
Pembrolizumab‐induced interstitial lung disease following thoracic surgery in a patient with non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Fujita Tetsuo , Hayama Nami , Kuroki Tsuguko , Shiraishi Yuka , Amano Hiroyuki , Nakamura Makoto , Hirano Satoshi , Aramaki Nao , Ichinose Shuji , Shimizu Shinichiro , Tabeta Hiroshi , Nakamura Sukeyuki
Published: September 2019

The safety of treatment with immune‐checkpoint inhibitors prior to thoracic surgery in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. Here, we describe the case of a 62‐year‐old woman with NSCLC with programmed death ligand 1 expression on 85% of tumor cells. The patient was initially considered to have unresectable stage IIIB disease and received pembrolizumab monotherapy. After 12 cycles of pembrolizumab, the primary tumor was reduced, but a small lung nodule in another lobe was unchanged. Based on the course of image findings, the nodule was considered to be an old inflammatory change. The clinical stage was changed to stage IB and partial resection was performed. Three days after thoracic surgery, the patient began to complain of coughing and shortness of breath. A CT of the chest revealed ground‐glass opacity in the bilateral lung fields, suggesting interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with pembrolizumab. Corticosteroid therapy was started and a chest X‐ray showed a reduction in the opacity with improved oxygenation. This is the first case of immune‐checkpoint inhibitor‐related ILD triggered by thoracic surgery following long‐term immune‐checkpoint therapy.
Targeted genotyping by sequencing: a new way to genome profile the cat
Authors: Longeri M. , Chiodi A. , Brilli M. , Piazza A. , Lyons L. A. , Sofronidis G. , Cozzi M. C. , Bazzocchi C.
Published: September 2019

Targeted GBS is a recent approach for obtaining an effective characterization for hundreds to thousands of markers. The high throughput of next‐generation sequencing technologies, moreover, allows sample multiplexing. The aims of this study were to (i) define a panel of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the cat, (ii) use GBS for profiling 16 cats, and (iii) evaluate the performance with respect to the inference using standard approaches at different coverage thresholds, thereby providing useful information for designing similar experiments. Probes for sequencing 230 variants were designed based on the Felis_catus_8.0. 8.0 genome. The regions comprised anonymous and non‐anonymous SNPs. Sixteen cat samples were analysed, some of which had already been genotyped in a large group of loci and one having been whole‐genome sequenced in the 99_Lives Cat Genome Sequencing Project. The accuracy of the method was assessed by comparing the GBS results with the genotypes already available. Overall, GBS achieved good performance, with 92–96% correct assignments, depending on the coverage threshold used to define the set of trustable genotypes. Analyses confirmed that (i) the reliability of the inference of each genotype depends on the coverage at that locus and (ii) the fraction of target loci whose genotype can be inferred correctly is a function of the total coverage. GBS proves to be a valid alternative to other methods. Data suggested a depth of less than 11× is required for greater than 95% accuracy. However, sequencing depth must be adapted to the total size of the targets to ensure proper genotype inference.
Review: Non‐Invasive Brain Stimulation in Behavioral Addictions: Insights from Direct Comparisons With Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Gomis‐Vicent Elena , Thoma Volker , Turner John J.D. , Hill Kevin P. , Pascual‐Leone Alvaro
Published: September 2019

Background and Objectives

Treatment models developed for substance use disorders (SUDs) are often applied to behavioral addictions (BAs), even though the correspondence between these forms of addiction is unclear. This is also the case for noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques being investigated as potential treatment interventions for SUDs and BAs. Objectives: to contribute to the development of more effective NIBS protocols for BAs.

Methods

Two literature searches using PubMed and Google Scholar were conducted identifying a total of 35 studies. The first search identified 25 studies examining the cognitive and neurophysiological overlap between BAs and SUDs. The second search yielded 10 studies examining the effects of NIBS in BAs.

Results

Impulsivity and cravings show behavioral and neurophysiologic overlaps between BAs and SUDs, however, other outcomes like working‐memory abilities or striatal connectivity, differ between BAs and SUDs. The most‐employed NIBS target in BAs was dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), which was associated with a decrease in cravings, and less frequently with a reduction of addiction severity.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

Direct comparisons between BAs and SUDs revealed discrepancies between behavioral and neurophysiological outcomes, but overall, common and distinctive characteristics underlying each disorder. The lack of complete overlap between BAs and SUDs suggests that investigating the cognitive and neurophysiological features of BAs to create individual NIBS protocols that target risk‐factors associated specifically with BAs, might be more effective than transferring protocols from SUDs to BAs. Individualizing NIBS protocols to target specific risk‐factors associated with each BA might help to improve treatment interventions for BAs. (Am J Addict 2019;00:1–23)
Skin benefits of moisturising body wash formulas for children with atopic dermatitis: A randomised controlled clinical study in China
Authors: Xu Zigang , Liu Xiaoyan , Niu Yueqing , Shen Chunping , Heminger Kate , Moulton Laurie , Yu Amy , Allen Tina , Zhang Lesheng , Yue Feng , Liu Jiquan , Xu Ying , Zhao Helen , Li Lijuan , Cambron Tom , Xu Jian , Smith Ed , Wei Karl
Published: September 2019

Background

It acknowledged that skin care is an important part of atopic dermatitis therapy. However, clinical evidences are limited for the best bathing practices, especially the skin health performance of cleansing products on children's atopic dermatitis skin.

Methods

A randomised controlled clinical study was conducted in China among 4‐ to 18‐year‐old children with mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis to evaluate the skin health effect of three cleansing systems (a mild synthetic bar, an ultra‐mild body wash with lipids, and an ultra‐mild body wash with lipids and zinc pyrithione) by measuring SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), consumption of topical corticosteroid and the characteristics of microbiome.

Results

Increased Staphylococcus aureus abundance and decreased microbial diversity were observed in atopic dermatitis lesion sites compared with healthy control sites. After 4 weeks of treatment, all three treatments showed clinically important improvement from baseline in SCORAD. Four‐week corticosteroid consumption was significantly lower for the two body wash groups than the bar group. A significant decrease in S. aureus abundance and increase in microbial diversity were observed in the lesion sites for the two body wash formulas, while the microbial diversity was statistically insignificant for the mild cleansing bar group. However, there were no incremental benefits provided by the body wash formulas based on the assessment of SCORAD.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated the safety and efficacy of using the investigational body wash formulas with lipids in reducing the needs for corticosteroid and improving the healthy composition of skin microbiome vs. the mild synthetic bar soap.
Performance of basophil activation test and specific IgG4 as diagnostic tools in nonspecific lipid transfer protein allergy: Antwerp‐Barcelona comparison
Authors: Decuyper Ine I. , Pascal Mariona , Van Gasse Athina L. , Mertens Christel , Díaz‐Perales Araceli , Araujo Giovanna , Torradeflot Maria , Rius Josefina , Balsells Sara , Muñoz‐Cano Rosa M. , Bartra Joan , Li Lynne , Sabato Vito , Hagendorens Margo M. , Bridts Chris H. , De Clerck Luc S. , Ebo Didier G. , Faber Margaretha A.
Published: September 2019

Background

Recent studies show that nsLTP sensitization is not limited to the Mediterranean basin and can present diverse clinical phenotypes. It remains challenging to predict clinical outcome when specific IgE antibodies (sIgE) to nsLTPs are present. This study compares both clinical and in vitro allergy characteristics but also diagnostic performance of a basophil activation test (BAT) and sIgG4 in nsLTP‐sensitized patients from Antwerp (ANT, Belgium) and Barcelona (BCN, Spain).

Methods

Adult subjects with positive sIgE rPru p 3 and/or rMal d 3 ≥ 0.10 kUA/L (n = 182) and healthy controls (n = 37) were included. NsLTP‐sensitized individuals were stratified according to clinical symptoms with peach/apple, respectively. BAT rPru p 3 and rMal d 3 were performed and sIgG4 antibodies to both components quantified.

Results

In BCN, only ratios of sIgG4/sIgE rMal d 3 and BAT rMal d 3 (0.001 µg/mL) can identify clinically relevant Mal d 3 sensitization (sensitivity of 60%‐63% and a specificity of 75%‐67%, respectively). In ANT, only the sIgE/total IgE rPru p 3 ratio shows added value (sensitivity 60% and specificity 83%). Finally, it appears that symptomatic patients in BCN are more sensitive to lower allergen concentrations compared to ANT. In addition, it was shown that ANT patients were more often sensitized to pollen and that specific pollen sources differed between regions.

Conclusions

NsLTP‐related allergy profiles and diagnostic performance differ significantly between regions and are component‐specific, which makes extrapolation of data difficult to do. In addition, it seems that basophil sensitivity might show geographical differences. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings.
Pollen exposure weakens innate defense against respiratory viruses
Authors: Gilles Stefanie , Blume Cornelia , Wimmer Maria , Damialis Athanasios , Meulenbroek Laura , Gökkaya Mehmet , Bergougnan Carolin , Eisenbart Selina , Sundell Nicklas , Lindh Magnus , Andersson Lars‐Magnus , Dahl Åslög , Chaker Adam , Kolek Franziska , Wagner Sabrina , Neumann Avidan U. , Akdis Cezmi A. , Garssen Johan , Westin Johan , van't Land Belinda , Davies Donna E. , Traidl‐Hoffmann Claudia
Published: September 2019

Background

Hundreds of plant species release their pollen into the air every year during early spring. During that period, pollen allergic as well as non‐allergic patients frequently present to doctors with severe respiratory tract infections. Our objective was therefore to assess whether pollen may interfere with antiviral immunity.

Methods

We combined data from real‐life human exposure cohorts, a mouse model and human cell culture to test our hypothesis.

Results

Pollen significantly diminished interferon‐λ and pro‐inflammatory chemokine responses of airway epithelia to rhinovirus and viral mimics and decreased nuclear translocation of interferon regulatory factors. In mice infected with respiratory syncytial virus, co‐exposure to pollen caused attenuated antiviral gene expression and increased pulmonary viral titers. In non‐allergic human volunteers, nasal symptoms were positively correlated with airborne birch pollen abundance, and nasal birch pollen challenge led to downregulation of type I and ‐III interferons in nasal mucosa. In a large patient cohort, numbers of rhinoviruspositive cases were correlated with airborne birch pollen concentrations.

Conclusion

The ability of pollen to suppress innate antiviral immunity, independent of allergy, suggests that high‐risk population groups should avoid extensive outdoor activities when pollen and respiratory virus seasons coincide.
The role of inflammatory parameters (neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte‐to‐eosinophil ratio) in patients with Peyronie's disease
Authors: Özbir S. , Değirmentepe R. B. , Atalay H. A. , Alkan İ. , Çakır S. S. , Ötünçtemur A. , Canat H. L.
Published: September 2019

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate the ability of the systemic inflammatory parameters to predict the discrimination of the phases of Peyronie's disease (PD).

Materials and methods

Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data from 156 patients with PD were analyzed. A complete blood count (CBC) was obtained for every patient, and the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte‐to‐eosinophil ratio (MER) were calculated for every men. Subsequently, patients were divided into two groups based upon the phase of the disease.

Results

The mean age was 51.9 ± 9.6 in all study population. The mean duration between symptom onset and patient evaluation was 4.2 ± 3.2 months in acute phase group, while it was 32.7 ± 31.7 months in chronic phase group (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the groups according to comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, lipid abnormalities, ischemic heart disease, smoking, and alcohol consumption. There was a statistically significant difference in NLR and PLR between two groups (p = 0.008, p = 0.008, respectively). NLR and PLR were significantly correlated with discrimination status in univariate analysis (p = 0.003, p = 0.005, respectively). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that NLR was the only independent risk factor for discrimination of the phases of PD (p < 0.001). The ROC analysis revealed a cutoff value of 1.8 (AUC 0.712, p < 0.001; sensitivity 61.1%; specificity 75.0%) for the NLR.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that NLR could be helpful to differentiate the chronic phase from the acute phase in patients with PD. Therefore, NLR could be used as an objective biomarker to the management of the disease and choosing the appropriate treatment.
Variations in preterm stabilisation practices and caffeine therapy between two European tertiary level neonatal units
Authors: Belkhatir Khadidja , Zivanovic Sanja , Lumgair Heather , Knaack Daniel , Wimberger Ralf , Sallmon Hannes , Roehr Charles C.
Published: September 2019

Aim

To investigate interinstitutional differences in preterm infant stabilisation between two European tertiary neonatal centres with particular focus on intubation timing, surfactant administration, caffeine therapy and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Methods

Retrospective (2012‐2014) study of very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants admitted to John Radcliffe Hospital (UK centre) and Charité Medical Centre (German centre). Timing of intubation, surfactant and caffeine administration and respiratory outcomes were examined.

Results

Gestational age, birth weight and five‐minute Apgar scores of VLBW infants from the UK centre (n = 86) were comparable to those from the German centre (n = 96). Significant differences in antenatal steroid therapy, intubation timing and surfactant therapy were noted. Timing of caffeine initiation differed significantly between centres (median 0 [0‐2.5] UK vs. 2 [1.5‐4] days German centre); however, caffeine was discontinued at a similar corrected gestational age of 34.7 weeks. Mechanical ventilation was significantly longer at the UK centre, but there was no difference in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (44% UK vs. 36% German centre) or mortality (15% UK vs. 13% German centre).

Conclusion

Timing of primary intubation and caffeine therapy differed significantly between centres. However, earlier intubation and caffeine administration in the UK centre were not associated with a changed incidence of BPD.
Eucalyptus citriodora leaf extract‐mediated biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles: broad antimicrobial spectrum and mechanisms of action against hospital‐acquired pathogens
Authors: Paosen Supakit , Jindapol Sarunporn , Soontarach Rosesathorn , Voravuthikunchai Supayang Piyawan
Published: September 2019

Pathogen resistance to conventional antibiotics has become a serious clinical and public health problem, making the development of an alternative mean a very urgent issue. Recently, biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was successfully accomplished in the presence of Eucalyptus citriodora leaf extract as a reducing agent. In this study, the antimicrobial mechanisms of AgNPs against important hospital‐acquired pathogens, including Gram‐positive, Gram‐negative bacteria, and fungi were further assessed. The results indicated that AgNPs could enhance a broad antimicrobial spectrum against drug‐resistant organisms, with a range of minimum inhibitory concentration from 0.02 to 0.36 μg/mL. Time‐kill assay showed that AgNPs produced bactericidal effects on the microorganisms. AgNPs could significantly reduce biofilm production in pathogens without affecting growth of the pathogens (p < 0.05). AgNPs inhibited cell viability and biofilm formation in a dose‐dependent manner. Cell membrane damage in microorganisms resulting from effects of AgNPs was observed. A significant increase in per cent uptake of crystal violet was observed in all isolates treated with AgNPs when compared with the control (p < 0.05). Upon treatment with AgNPs, the surface charge of the reference strains and clinical isolates of pathogens moved towards neutral. The alteration of surface potential after exposure to AgNPs could contribute to membrane disruption and cell viability. Scanning electron microscopy further confirmed morphological cell changes and disrupted the cell membrane. Increasing resistance to AgNPs was not induced by stepwise isolation of the bacteria after 45 passages on Luria‐Bertani agar supplemented with AgNPs. Furthermore, AgNPs was not toxic to red blood cells.
Regulation of programmed death‐ligand 1 expression in response to DNA damage in cancer cells: Implications for precision medicine
Authors: Sato Hiro , Jeggo Penny A. , Shibata Atsushi
Published: September 2019

Anti‐programmed death‐1 (PD‐1)/programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) therapy, which is one of the most promising cancer therapies, is licensed for treating various tumors. Programmed death‐ligand 1, which is expressed on the surface of cancer cells, leads to the inhibition of T lymphocyte activation and immune evasion if it binds to the receptor PD‐1 on CTLs. Anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 Abs inhibit interactions between PD‐1 and PD‐L1 to restore antitumor immunity. Although certain patients achieve effective responses to anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 therapy, the efficacy of treatment is highly variable. Clinical trials of anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 therapy combined with radiotherapy/chemotherapy are underway with suggestive evidence of favorable outcome; however, the molecular mechanism is largely unknown. Among several molecular targets that can influence the efficacy of anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 therapy, PD‐L1 expression in tumors is considered to be a critical biomarker because there is a positive correlation between the efficacy of combined treatment protocols and PD‐L1 expression levels. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms underlying the regulation of PD‐L1 expression in cancer cells, particularly the mechanism of PD‐L1 expression following DNA damage, is important. In this review, we consider recent findings on the regulation of PD‐L1 expression in response to DNA damage signaling in cancer cells.
SERCA stimulation: A potential approach in therapeutics
Authors: Rahate Kiran , Bhatt Lokesh Kumar , Prabhavalkar Kedar S.
Published: September 2019

sarco–endoplasmic reticulum Ca‐ATPase (SERCA) is the major transporter present in sarco–endoplasmic reticulum (SR/ER), transporting calcium back into SR/ER from cytosol. The calcium‐sequestering activity of SERCA facilitates relaxation in both cardiac and skeletal tissue. ER stress is one of the etiological factors in various diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes. Disrupted calcium handling can cause ER stress. In the cardiac tissue, impairment of systolic and diastolic function can cause various cardiovascular diseases. SERCA ensures the proper calcium handling in cells and may act as a therapeutic target for the disease associated with dysregulation of calcium ions. This review examines the principle of calcium ion handling through SERCA and its role in various diseases.
Sanguinarine enhances cisplatin sensitivity via glutathione depletion in cisplatin‐resistant ovarian cancer (A2780) cells
Authors: Sarkhosh‐Inanlou Roya , Molaparast Morteza , Mohammadzadeh Adel , Shafiei‐Irannejad Vahid
Published: September 2019

Ovarian cancer is considered as one of the most lethal gynecological cancers, and cisplatin‐based therapy has an important role as the first‐line option for chemotherapy. Resistance to chemotherapy is the main obstacle against successful cancer chemotherapy with cisplatin. Therefore, identifying potent compositions and molecules with fewer side‐effects is a big challenge to overcome cisplatin resistance. In this study, we investigated the possible mechanism and potency of sanguinarine, a plant‐derived alkaloid, in human cisplatin‐resistant ovarian cancer (A2780/R) cells. The effect of sanguinarine on cytotoxicity of cisplatin was determined by MTT assay. Apoptosis‐inducing effect of sanguinarine alone and in combination with cisplatin was evaluated by annexin V/PI assay and DAPI staining. Intracellular glutathione (GSH) content was quantitated using GSH assay kit after treatment with sanguinarine. Results indicated that sanguinarine enhances the sensitivity of A2780/R cells to cisplatin. Apoptosis‐inducing effect of cisplatin was also enhanced when combined with sanguinarine. Furthermore, sanguinarine reduced intracellular GSH content in a dose‐dependent but not time‐dependent manner. These findings suggest that sanguinarine could reverse cisplatin resistance in A2780/R cells through GSH reduction. Therefore, sanguinarine can be used as one of the potent adjuvants for ovarian cancer chemotherapy.
Risk indicators for root caries in older adults using long‐term social care facilities in Hong Kong
Authors: Zhang Jingyang , Leung Katherine C. M. , Chu Chun H. , Lo Edward C. M.
Published: September 2019

Objective

To investigate risk indicators associated with root caries among the Hong Kong older adults who attended long‐term care facilities regularly.

Methods

Nonfrail older adults with at least six natural teeth from 10 long‐term social or residential care facilities were examined. The clinical examinations were conducted by two calibrated dentists in the institutions. Portal dental chairs, intra‐oral LED lights, disposable mouth mirrors, periodontal probes and CPI probes were used in the examinations. Negative binomial regression analyses were performed to identify the risk indicators associated with root caries. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were conducted to detect the associations between DF‐root and D‐root, and selected person‐level and tooth surface‐level factors.

Results

A total of 353 older adults (mean age 74.9 years) were examined. The prevalence of DF‐root and D‐root was 43.1% and 30.0%, respectively. The mean DF‐root and D‐root scores were 1.3 and 0.7, respectively. Relative to participants without DF‐root, those with root caries experience were older and had more exposed root surfaces, and a higher proportion were partial denture wearers. There was a positive correlation between the DF‐root score and the age of the participant, and with the numbers of exposed root surfaces, missing teeth and teeth with coronal caries. Higher prevalence of DF‐root was observed among the older participants, and caries experience of root surfaces with greater gingival recession and visible plaque was higher. Lingual root surfaces and roots in the mandibular anterior region had the lowest rates of DF‐root.

Conclusions

People who are older have a higher prevalence and severity of root caries. Coronal caries experience, maxillary teeth, buccal root surfaces, gingival recession and plaque on the root surface are positively associated with root caries in older adults.
Manual Movement in Sign Languages: One Hand Versus Two in Communicating Shapes
Authors: Ferrara Casey , Napoli Donna Jo
Published: September 2019

In sign languages, the task of communicating a shape involves drawing in the air with one moving hand (Method One) or two (Method Two). Since the movement path is iconic, method choice might be based on the shape. In the present studies we aimed to determine whether geometric properties motivate method choice. In a study of 17 deaf signers from six countries, the strongest predictors of method choice were whether the shape has any curved edges (Method One), and whether the shape is symmetrical across the Y‐axis (Method Two), where the default was Method One. In a second study of ASL dictionary entries for which the movement path of the sign is iconic of an entity's shape, the same predictors surfaced. These tendencies are captured in the Lexical Drawing Principle, which is coherent with biological constraints on movement in general. Drawing in the air with two hands, however, is costly, both cognitively and biomechanically. Furthermore, it distinguishes signers from non‐signers, who draw shapes with only one hand. Signers assume this extra cost in the lexicon because of the enhanced iconicity the possibility of two hands offers; they assume it in drawing shapes in the air because they apply the same linguistic principle they use in the lexicon. Additionally, having a choice of methods allows the signer to benefit from over‐specification in providing redundant information about the shape, enhancing comprehensibility and resolving ambiguity.
Thematic analysis of youth mental health providers' perceptions of neuropsychological assessment services
Authors: Delagneau Garance , Bowden Stephen C. , Bryce Shayden , van‐der‐EL Kristi , Hamilton Matthew , Adams Sophie , Burgat Liz , Killackey Eoin , Rickwood Debra , Allott Kelly
Published: September 2019

Aim

A growing number of quantitative studies have investigated the utility of neuropsychological assessment in mental health settings. However, to the best of our knowledge, no previous study has qualitatively explored youth mental health providers' perceptions of neuropsychological assessment services. A more in‐depth understanding of the perceived advantages and barriers associated with neuropsychological assessment in youth mental health settings is critical to better inform policy, practice and service uptake. Thus, the aim of this study was to qualitatively explore clinicians' views about neuropsychological assessments for youth with mental health concerns.

Methods

A single open‐ended qualitative question, included as part of an anonymous cross‐sectional online survey, was completed by clinicians (N = 206) treating or assessing adolescents and young adults within Australian primary care mental health centres (headspace). Responses were analysed using an inductive approach to thematic analysis.

Results

Five main themes were identified. Clinicians (a) identified barriers to accessing neuropsychological assessments (53%), (b) indicated a range of mixed outcomes following neuropsychological assessment (39%), (c) highlighted a need for neuropsychological assessments (22%), (d) reported a lack of awareness about this resource (10%) and (e) described practice issues associated with neuropsychological services (4%).

Conclusion

This study uncovered perceived factors contributing to reduced access to neuropsychological assessment in Australian youth mental health settings. Given potential adverse outcomes resulting from this clinical service gap, efforts should be made to address factors contributing to poorer access, thereby mitigating the impact of poor access on the management of mental illness in youth. Several strategies, including funding neuropsychological assessments, are discussed.
Cytogenetic landscape in 1012 newly diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Senouci Amel , Smol Thomas , Tricot Sabine , Bakala Jania , Moulessehoul Soraya , Quilichini Benoît , Penther Dominique , Herbaux Charles , Daudignon Agnès
Published: September 2019

Background

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) stratification mainly relies on FISH markers according to Döhner's hierarchical model which includes high‐risk FISH markers, intermediate FISH, or low‐risk FISH. Recently, complex karyotype (CK) has been demonstrated as an independent negative prognostic factor in CLL.

Methods

A series of 1012 untreated CLL patients have been investigated with both FISH and chromosome banding analysis (CBA) on the same pellet obtained from interleukin IL‐2‐CPG DSP30 oligonucleotide‐stimulated cultured cells.

Results

Combining both FISH and CBA has led to refine prognostic categories with identification of 30% of CK in low‐risk and intermediate FISH group. This raises the issue of switching them to a high‐risk group. While this series confirmed the significant association between CK and high‐risk FISH (P = .003), 33% of CK present no ATM or TP53 deletion. Three groups characterized by significant association between FISH markers and CBA have emerged: CK with TP53 loss and monosomy 15; CK with ATM loss and 14q32 translocation; and CK without ATM or TP53 losses but trisomies 12, 18, and 19 or t(14;18)(q32;q21).

Conclusion

We have observed that in addition to FISH analysis, the CBA allows detection of many abnormalities with potential impact on patient follow‐up and treatment, mainly CK.
Estimating the mineral surface area of soils by measured water adsorption. Adjusting for the confounding effect of water adsorption by soil organic carbon
Authors: Kirschbaum Miko U.F. , Giltrap Donna L. , McNally Sam R. , Liáng Lìyǐn L. , Hedley Carolyn B. , Moinet Gabriel Y.K. , Blaschek Michael , Beare Michael H. , Theng Benny K.G. , Hunt John E. , Whitehead David
Published: September 2019

Specific surface area can be a strong predictor of organic carbon (SOC) contents in soils. Specific surface area can be estimated reliably and cost‐effectively from water adsorption by air‐dry soil samples, but SOC itself can also adsorb water. For estimating the mineral component of specific surface area, it is, therefore, necessary to exclude water‐adsorption by SOC. Here, we refer to “apparent specific surface area” for measurements that include water adsorption by both mineral soil and SOC. We used a mathematical approach to estimate water adsorption by SOC so that this component can be subtracted from measurements of apparent specific surface area.

We used a dataset of apparent specific surface area and soil carbon at seven depths from 50 soil cores collected from a research farm in the Manawatu region in New Zealand. Both apparent specific surface area and SOC content decreased with soil depth with very high correlation (r2 = 0.98). We estimated the SOC contribution to apparent specific surface area from the slope of the relationship between changes in apparent specific surface area and SOC content. For our soils, the SOC contribution to apparent specific surface area was estimated as 0.43 ± 0.02 m2 mgC−1. This parameter allows apparent specific surface area measurements to be corrected for the water adsorption by SOC to calculate the functionally relevant mineral specific surface area.

Highlights

Soil surface area can be estimated from the H2O content of air‐dry soil but SOC also adsorbs H2O.

We developed a mathematical approach to estimate water adsorption by SOC.

We estimated the contribution of SOC to apparent specific surface area as 0.43 ± 0.02 m2 mgC−1.

Mineral specific surface area can be inferred by subtracting SOC‐based H2O adsorption.