bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between life-domain interactions and the well-being of internationally mobile employees
Authors: Ballesteros-Leiva Felix , Poilpot-Rocaboy Gwénaëlle , St-Onge Sylvie
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relations between the life-domain interactions (i.e. interactions between the personal and professional lives) of internationally mobile employees (IMEs) and their well-being and to examine whether these links are different for assigned expatriates (AEs) and self-initiated expatriates (SIEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaire data were collected from 284 IMEs including 182 SIEs, and 102 AEs. Two measures of IMEs’ well-being were used: subjective, namely satisfaction with life, and psychological well-being (PWB), which refers to self-acceptance, personal growth, and reaching for life goals. Life-domain interactions were measured from a conflict and an enrichment perspective, each in two directions: Work Life → Personal Life (WL → PL) and Personal Life → Work Life (PL → WL).

Findings

Regression analyses confirm that IMEs’ life-domain conflicts (WL → PL and PL → WL) have an adverse impact on their subjective and PWB, IMEs’ life-domain enrichments account for their subjective well-being over and above what is explained by their life-domain conflicts, the relationship between WL → PL conflicts and subjective well-being is more negative among SIEs than among AEs.

Practical implications

This study underscores the need for both employers and IMEs to take action not only to reduce conflicts but also to promote enrichments between their personal and their professional lives. It is of particular importance to reduce the WL → PL conflict of SIEs, often left to fend for themselves, because it has a significant negative impact on their subjective well-being.

Originality/value

This study innovates in using conservation of resources theory and recent theoretical work linking this theory with the interplay between personal and professional lives to understanding SIEs’ and AEs’ well-being.
Dynamic global careers: a new conceptualization of expatriate career paths
Authors: McNulty Yvonne , Vance Charles M.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Most studies of expatriates have explored global careers as unfolding within assigned or self-initiated expatriation contexts in a predominantly linear fashion. The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize that expatriates’ career progression is facilitated by frequent moves between domains, with an increasing overlap among assigned-expatriate (AE) and self-initiated expatriate (SIE) contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

Underpinned by findings from extant literature, the authors review and integrate studies of expatriation and careers to conceptualize an AE-SIE career continuum.

Findings

The authors debunk the idea that AEs and SIEs are a type of expatriateper se, but instead is indicative only of their career orientation in terms of where they choose to sit on the AE-SIE career continuum at any point in time. Specifically, individuals pursuing global careers in international labor markets include up to eight types of expatriate who retain varying degrees of AE vs SIE characteristics dependent on the point they choose along the continuum.

Practical implications

The tension that dynamic global careers cause for multinational enterprises (MNEs) is not necessarily “bad”, and that by accepting and accommodating changes in career orientation MNEs will be able to make clearer and more consistent global staffing decisions.

Originality/value

The authors provide a new, improved conceptualization of linear and non-linear global careers and of the challenges global career actors face throughout their career development both at home and abroad. They further show that while career orientation explains why expatriates engage in various types of international work experiences, their typology adds explication of the various types of expatriate who pursue global careers.
Ethical leadership, self-efficacy and job satisfaction in China: the moderating role ofguanxi
Authors: Ren Shuang , Chadee Doren
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how employee perceptions of the ethical conduct of their leaders affect their job satisfaction in the context of the workplace in China. The authors posit thatguanxi, which is a complex relational phenomenon deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, may act as a substitute for ethical leadership in the Chinese workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model which explicitly incorporatesguanxias a moderator in explaining the relationship between ethical leadership and job satisfaction is developed. This model is then tested using data from a sample (n=388) of professional employees in nine organisations in Beijing, China.

Findings

The results show that, as expected, self-efficacy positively and strongly mediates the ethical leadership-job satisfaction relationship. However,guanxinegatively moderates the overall effect of ethical leadership on job satisfaction with the effect being larger in Chinese-owned enterprises compared to foreign-owned enterprises. The findings suggest that employee relationship with their leaders may act as a substitute for ethical leadership in the Chinese workplace.

Research limitations/implications

The main question which this research uncovers is whether the Western-based conceptualisation of ethical leadership is applicable in different cultural contexts. The authors’ research shows clearly that in the case of China,guanxiplays a substituting role and reduces the effects of ethical leadership on job satisfaction. Future research could investigate the effects of ethical leadership in different cultural contexts.

Practical implications

The substituting effect ofguanxion the ethical leadership-job satisfaction relationship suggests that Western firms need to consider culture as an integral contextual factor in explaining employee job satisfaction when they operate in a different cultural context.

Originality/value

The explicit consideration ofguanxias an influencing factor of the effects of ethical leadership on job satisfaction in the context of the workplace in China and the testing of this relationship via a moderated-mediation approach is novel.
“Music in Mind” and Manchester Camerata: an exploratory qualitative evaluation of engagement in one care home in Northwest England
Authors: Campbell Sarah , Ponsillo Nick , Budd Paul , Keady John
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the work conducted by Manchester Camerata (an internationally renowned and world-class chamber orchestra) programme for people with dementia in one care home in the north west of England. The study aim was to undertake an exploratory qualitative evaluation of experiences of those taking part in its ten week “Music in Mind” programme, namely care home staff, Manchester Camerata musicians/organisational staff, care home activity workers, the assigned music therapist and visiting family carers.

Design/methodology/approach

During July-September 2014 a sample of 11 participants was recruited and a total of 19 interviews conducted over ten weeks. All respondents were offered the opportunity to be interviewed more than once. Interview data were supplemented by information gathered at two musicians de-brief sessions and from two activity workers’ diaries. All data was organised using NVivo 10 and thematic analysis applied to the whole data set. People with dementia could not be included in the sample owing to the time limitations on starting and completing the evaluation.

Findings

This analytical process generated three overarching themes: Making it Happen, which referred to the contextual, structural and organisational considerations necessary for setting up the engagement programme; Orchestrating Person-centred Care, which addressed the importance of building relationships through person to person communication; Making Musical Connections, which identified the sensory and embodied qualities of live music and the need to capture in-the-moment experiences.

Originality/value

Whilst each of these theme headings has slightly different meanings and applications to each of the participating stakeholders, the evaluation highlights the potential power of improvised music making to equalise and harmonise the group dynamics by co-creating “in-the-moment” experiences.
Near-reshoring your supplies from China: a good deal for financial motives too
Authors: Fel Fabienne , Griette Eric
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Reshoring, whether concerning back-reshoring or near-reshoring, is a quite recent phenomenon. Despite the economic and political interest of this topic, research questioning determinants and results of reshoring remain rare. The purpose of this paper is to help people to better understand reasons for reshoring.

Design/methodology/approach

To better understand reasons for near-reshoring, the authors conducted a study among 215 French firms in spring 2016, including 197 of them sourcing manufactured goods from China.

Findings

Near-reshoring is a recent but growing phenomenon: almost half of the companies sourcing in China chose over the past few years to near-reshore the supply of certain products initially purchased in China, and 10 per cent plan to do so soon. The authors determine main motives for near-reshoring and show that companies having reshored are very satisfied in terms of product quality, responsiveness between order and delivery, responsiveness between design and production, and in terms of total cost of ownership too.

Originality/value

Despite the economic and political interest of the topic of reshoring, research questioning determinants and results of reshoring remains rare.
Quantification of within‐ and between‐farm dispersal of Culicoides biting midges using an immunomarking technique
Authors: Sanders Christopher J. , Harrup Lara E. , Tugwell Laura A. , Brugman Victor A. , England Marion , Carpenter Simon
Published: February 2017

Culicoides biting midges (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) are vectors of arboviruses that cause significant economic and welfare impact. Local‐scale spread of Culicoides‐borne arboviruses is largely determined by the between‐farm movement of infected Culicoides.

Study of the dispersal behaviour of Culicoides by capture–mark–recapture (CMR) is problematic due to the likelihood of mortality and changes in behaviour upon capture caused by the small size and fragility of these insects, evidenced by low recapture rates. To counter the problem of using CMR with Culicoides, this study utilised an ovalbumin immunomarking technique to quantify the within‐ and between‐farm dispersal of Culicoides in southern England.

Both within‐ and between‐farm dispersal of Culicoides was observed. Of the 9058 Culicoides collected over 22 nights of trapping, 600 ovalbumin‐positive Culicoides, of 12 species including those implicated as arbovirus vectors, were collected with a maximum dispersal distance of 3125 m.

This study provides the first species‐level data on the between‐farm dispersal of potential bluetongue, Schmallenberg and African horse sickness virus vectors in northern Europe. High‐resolution meteorological data determined upwind and downwind flight by Culicoides had occurred. Cumulative collection and meteorological data suggest 15·6% of flights over 1 km were upwind of the treatment area and 84·4% downwind.

Synthesis and applications. The use of immunomarking eliminates the potential adverse effects on survival and behaviour of insect collection prior to marking, substantially improving the resolution and accuracy of estimates of the dispersal potential of small and delicate vector species such as Culicoides. Using this technique, quantification of the range of Culicoides dispersal with regard to meteorological conditions including wind direction will enable improved, data‐driven modelling of the spread of Culicoides‐borne arboviruses and will inform policy response to incursions and outbreaks.
A Computational Framework for Age‐at‐Death Estimation from the Skeleton: Surface and Outline Analysis of 3D Laser Scans of the Adult Pubic Symphysis
Authors: Stoyanova Detelina K. , Algee‐Hewitt Bridget F. B. , Kim Jieun , Slice Dennis E.
Published: February 2017

In forensic anthropology, age‐at‐death estimation typically requires the macroscopic assessment of the skeletal indicator and its association with a phase or score. High subjectivity and error are the recognized disadvantages of this approach, creating a need for alternative tools that enable the objective and mathematically robust assessment of true chronological age. We describe, here, three fully computational, quantitative shape analysis methods and a combinatory approach that make use of three‐dimensional laser scans of the pubic symphysis. We report a novel age‐related shape measure, focusing on the changes observed in the ventral margin curvature, and refine two former methods, whose measures capture the flatness of the symphyseal surface. We show how we can decrease age‐estimation error and improve prior results by combining these outline and surface measures in two multivariate regression models. The presented models produce objective age‐estimates that are comparable to current practices with root‐mean‐square‐errors between 13.7 and 16.5 years.
Naltrexone ameliorates functional network abnormalities in alcohol‐dependent individuals
Authors: Morris Laurel S. , Baek Kwangyeol , Tait Roger , Elliott Rebecca , Ersche Karen D. , Flechais Remy , McGonigle John , Murphy Anna , Nestor Liam J. , Orban Csaba , Passetti Filippo , Paterson Louise M. , Rabiner Ilan , Reed Laurence , Smith Dana , Suckling John , Taylor Eleanor M. , Bullmore Edward T. , Lingford‐Hughes Anne R. , Deakin Bill , Nutt David J. , Sahakian Barbara J. , Robbins Trevor W. , Voon Valerie ,   ICCAM Consortium
Published: February 2017

Naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist, is commonly used as a relapse prevention medication in alcohol and opiate addiction, but its efficacy and the mechanisms underpinning its clinical usefulness are not well characterized. In the current study, we examined the effects of 50‐mg naltrexone compared with placebo on neural network changes associated with substance dependence in 21 alcohol and 36 poly‐drug‐dependent individuals compared with 36 healthy volunteers. Graph theoretic and network‐based statistical analysis of resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data revealed that alcohol‐dependent subjects had reduced functional connectivity of a dispersed network compared with both poly‐drug‐dependent and healthy subjects. Higher local efficiency was observed in both patient groups, indicating clustered and segregated network topology and information processing. Naltrexone normalized heightened local efficiency of the neural network in alcohol‐dependent individuals, to the same levels as healthy volunteers. Naltrexone failed to have an effect on the local efficiency in abstinent poly‐substance‐dependent individuals. Across groups, local efficiency was associated with substance, but no alcohol exposure implicating local efficiency as a potential premorbid risk factor in alcohol use disorders that can be ameliorated by naltrexone. These findings suggest one possible mechanism for the clinical effects of naltrexone, namely, the amelioration of disrupted network topology.
Internet use, online information seeking and knowledge among third molar patients attending public dental services
Authors: Hanna K , Sambrook P , Armfield JM , Brennan DS
Published: February 2017

Background

While Australians are searching the internet for third molar (TM) information, the usefulness of online sources may be questioned due to quality variation. This study explored: (i) internet use, online information‐seeking behaviour among TM patients attending public dental services; and (ii) whether patients’ TM knowledge scores are associated with the level of internet use and eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) scores.

Methods

Baseline survey data from the ‘Engaging Patients in Decision‐Making’ study were used. Variables included: sociodemographics, internet access status, online information‐seeking behaviour, eHEALS, the Control Preferences Scale (CPS) and TM knowledge.

Results

Participants (N = 165) were mainly female (73.8%), aged 19–25 years (42.4%) and had ‘secondary school or less’ education (58.4%). A majority (N = 79, 52.7%) had sought online dental information which was associated with active decisional control preference (odds ratio = 3.1, P = 0.034) and higher educational attainment (odds ratio = 2.7, P = 0.040). TM knowledge scores were not associated with either the level of internet use (F(2,152) = 2.1, P = 0.094, χ2 = 0.0310) or the eHEALS scores (r = 0.147, P = 0.335).

Conclusions

‘The internet‐prepared patient’ phenomena exists among public TM patients and was explained by preference for involvement in decision‐making. However, internet use was not associated with better TM knowledge. Providing TM patients with internet guidance may be an opportunity to improve TM knowledge.
Impact of the invasive ant Wasmannia auropunctata (Formicidae: Myrmicinae) on local ant diversity in southern Cameroon
Authors: Mbenoun Masse Paul S. , Tindo Maurice , Kenne Martin , Tadu Zephirin , Mony Ruth , Djiéto‐Lordon Champlain
Published: February 2017

The little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata Roger, is one of the world's most destructive invasive ants. It has been present in Cameroon for more than four decades, but its impact on local ant diversity is not known. We studied impact of W. auropunctata in three disturbed habitats located in rural and urban areas. We monitored ant diversity in both invaded and noninvaded zones in each area using a combination of three sampling methods: bait, pitfall traps and visual catch in quadrat. We collected 28 species in urban area and 64 in rural area. In invaded zone, W. auropunctata made up 97.72% and 99.96% of all ant fauna and ant species richness decreased to 7 and 2 in urban and rural area, respectively. In accordance with others findings in introduced environments, the presence of W. auropunctata has severely reduced abundance and richness of local ant species in both urban and rural environments in Cameroon. Measures should therefore be put in place to prevent its introduction in natural environment as forest reserves and natural parks.
Does Directors and Officers’ Liability Insurance Induce Bank Risk‐taking? Evidence from Taiwan
Authors: Liao Yi‐Ping , Li Kuei‐Fu
Published: February 2017

This study investigates the effect of directors and officers’ (D&O) insurance on bank risk‐taking. Using data from Taiwan banks, we find that: (i) the level of D&O insurance coverage is positively associated with risk‐taking; and (ii) this positive relationship is less pronounced for banks whose insurers are highly credit‐rated or specialists in the D&O insurance market. Overall, considering the severe consequences of greater bank risk‐taking, our findings highlight the need for regulators to monitor the use of D&O insurance policies by banks.
Thoracoscopic resection of congenital esophageal stenosis
Authors: Saka Ryuta , Okuyama Hiroomi , Sasaki Takashi , Nose Satoko , Oue Takaharu
Published: February 2017

Congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) is rare and usually manifests in infants as dysphagia, failure to thrive, and food impaction. Dilatation is considered to be the first‐line therapy for CES, but the incidence of complications (perforation and mediastinitis) is relatively high. We report two cases of CES treated by thoracoscopic resection without prior dilatation. Both infants recovered without recurrent stenosis and were able to eat solid food soon after surgery. One had postoperative gastroesophageal reflux and eventually required fundoplication. Thoracoscopic resection could be a valid option for CES.
Preparedness of newly qualified doctors in Ireland for prescribing in clinical practice
Authors: Geoghegan Sheena Elizabeth , Clarke Eric , Byrne Dara , Power Dermot , Moneley Daragh , Strawbridge Judith , Williams David James
Published: February 2017

Aim

The aim of the study was to investigate the level of preparedness of newly qualified Irish‐trained doctors for prescribing, and to investigate their attitudes towards prescribing and prescribing education, through a national survey.

Methods

A 29‐item online survey was distributed to 686 newly qualified doctors 1 month prior to the completion of their first year of clinical practice (internship). Only graduates from Irish medical schools were included.

Results

The response rate was 20.4% (n = 140; female : male 56%:44%). The majority of respondents felt confident in prescription writing (89%), medication history taking (81%) and accessing drug information in the hospital setting (80%). Only 58% of respondents felt confident in drug dose calculation, and 35% felt confident in preparing and administering drugs. When asked if their undergraduate medical education had prepared them for prescribing in clinical practice, 28% of respondents agreed. Confidence that their undergraduate education had prepared them was associated with receiving formal training in prescribing skills (P = 0.0045; 27% vs. 0%). Thirty‐seven per cent of respondents agreed that they felt stressed about prescribing medications.

Conclusion

This survey of newly qualified doctors in Ireland found that only 28% of respondents agreed that their undergraduate medical education had prepared them for prescribing, which was comparable to a previous survey of UK medical students and graduates. Investigating confidence and preparedness for prescribing provides important insights for educators. Dedicated teaching of prescribing, with an emphasis on practical training and assessment, may help graduates to feel more prepared for the challenges of prescribing in the clinical setting.
Cobalt(II) Chloride Modifies the Phenotype of Macrophage Activation
Authors: Kumanto Mona , Paukkeri Erja‐Leena , Nieminen Riina , Moilanen Eeva
Published: February 2017

Cobalt (Co) is vital for cells in trace amounts, but excessive exposure to Co is possible due to surgical devices such as artificial metal‐on‐metal joints. Cobalt(II) chloride (CoCl2) has also been shown to imitate hypoxic conditions in cells by stabilizing the transcription factor hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α). The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible immunomodulatory action of CoCl2 by investigating its effects on the expression of inflammatory genes in macrophages. The following factors were assessed: inducible nitric oxidase synthase (iNOS), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate‐oxidase 2 (NOX2), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), arginase‐1 and HIF‐1α. In the absence of exogenous cytokines, CoCl2 enhanced alternative (M2) macrophage activation as demonstrated by increased arginase‐1 expression, but had no direct effect on inflammatory factors associated with classical (M1) activation. Interestingly, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated macrophages, CoCl2 modified the M1‐type activation profile by increasing iNOS expression and nitric oxide production and decreasing NOX2 and IL‐6. Also, CoCl2 increased HIF‐1α levels in unstimulated and LPS‐stimulated cells as expected. In conclusion, we showed that CoCl2 enhanced alternative (M2) activation in resting macrophages. In addition, CoCl2 was found to remodel the classical M1 phenotype of macrophage activation by changing the balance of iNOS, NOX2 and IL‐6.
Decrease in Long‐Chain Acylcarnitine Tissue Content Determines the Duration of and Correlates with the Cardioprotective Effect of Methyl‐GBB
Authors: Kuka Janis , Makrecka‐Kuka Marina , Cirule Helena , Grinberga Solveiga , Sevostjanovs Eduards , Dambrova Maija , Liepinsh Edgars
Published: February 2017

Ischaemia in the heart is accompanied by the accumulation of long‐chain acylcarnitines (LCACs) which is one of the multiple factors that contribute to the ischaemia–reperfusion damage development. Long‐term pre‐treatment that decreases carnitine and LCAC contents also reduces ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) damage; however, the duration of the post‐treatment effects is not known. The aim of the study was to assess the post‐treatment effects of the carnitine transport (OCTN2) inhibitor, methyl‐GBB, on LCAC content and the duration of its cardioprotective effect. Male Wistar rats received methyl‐GBB (5 mg/kg for 28 days), and the anti‐infarction effects on Langendorff‐perfused hearts and the acylcarnitine profile in cardiac tissues were measured up to 28 days following the end of the treatment. Methyl‐GBB pre‐treatment for 28 days decreased LCAC heart tissue content by 87%, and the infarct size was decreased by 57%. Fourteen days post‐treatment, the LCAC content was still decreased by 69%, and the infarct size was decreased by 32% compared to Control. A significant Pearson correlation (r = 0.48, p = 0.026) was found between infarct size and LCAC tissue content in the methyl‐GBB‐treated rat hearts. The addition of 2 mM carnitine to isolated heart perfusate significantly diminished the methyl‐GBB‐induced decrease in LCACs and infarct size. In conclusion, the anti‐infarction effect of methyl‐GBB continues for at least 2 weeks post‐treatment. No less than a 70% decrease in LCAC content is required to protect ischaemic heart tissues, and the decrease in LCAC levels defines the duration of the post‐treatment cardioprotective effect of the OCTN2 inhibitor, methyl‐GBB.
A Study of the Portrayal of Bullying in Magazines for Parents: It is Everywhere and it is Growing
Authors: Clarke Juanne N.
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this research is to describe and explain the portrayal of bullying in three parenting magazines from 2000 to 2014. Heightened awareness and recording of the problem of bullying began after the Columbine school shooting in 1999. Recently cyber‐bullying has become a grave concern. This study found that stories focused on parental responsibility. Parents are exhorted to be constantly alert to evidence of a child being involved in bullying and to intervene as soon as possible. Bullying was frequently represented as caused by and causing psychological pathologies in individuals. Theoretical explanations of these findings include intensive parenting, risk society, medicalisation and criminalisation.
Caring or Vulnerable Children? Sibling Relationships When Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Åkerlund Nina
Published: February 2017

Drawing on qualitative interviews with the children about how they and their siblings have responded to intimate partner violence, this paper explores processes of victim positioning. In their narratives, some children positioned themselves in line with notions of vulnerable victims, while others positioned themselves as caregivers or changed their positions vis‐à‐vis their siblings. In their stories, they assigned and assumed positions in interaction with their siblings. Receiving sibling support and care was in the narratives related to the quality of the sibling relationship, the shared experiences of violence and the age order.
Risk and blood‐borne virus testing among men who inject image and performance enhancing drugs, Sydney, Australia
Authors: Rowe Rachel , Berger Israel , Yaseen Bilal , Copeland Jan
Published: February 2017

Introduction and Aims

Needle and syringe program (NSP) workers have highlighted that people who inject image and performance enhancing drugs (IPED) in Australia are a younger and more culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) group compared with other groups who inject drugs. Previous research has found riskier injecting practices and faster Hepatitis C acquisition rates among people who are new to injecting drugs and self‐identify with CALD backgrounds, compared with their Anglo‐Australian counterparts. Given recent indications of increasing IPED prevalence in Australia and elsewhere, this study sought to update knowledge of infection risk among a large group of IPED injectors, as well as explore sub‐group differences.

Design and Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of men who inject IPEDs was conducted from September 2014 to January 2015 at nine NSP sites, across five local health districts in Sydney, Australia.

Results

Six hundred and five people participated. Small proportions reported previous 12month needle or syringe sharing (2.3%), sharing vials (4.6%), injecting psychostimulants (5.1%) or personal needle or syringe reuse (5.2%). Participants from CALD backgrounds were more likely to report sharing needles or syringes (P = 0.004), and participants from Middle Eastern and North African backgrounds were less likely to have ever been tested for blood‐borne viruses, compared with Anglo‐Australian participants (P = 0.04).

Discussion and Conclusions

The findings show that some groups who inject IPEDs may be more vulnerable to blood‐borne virus transmission and/or less likely to know their blood‐borne virus status. From design to delivery, IPED harm minimisation strategies should pay attention to the needs of CALD groups.
Short‐ and long‐term mortality after bariatric surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cardoso Luís , Rodrigues Dírcea , Gomes Leonor , Carrilho Francisco
Published: February 2017

Aims

The objective of this study was to investigate short‐ (≤ 30 days) and long‐term (≥ 2 years) all‐cause mortality after bariatric surgery among adult patients with obesity.

Materials and methods

For short‐term mortality, eligible studies comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting perioperative mortality. For long‐term mortality, eligible studies comprised RCTs and observational studies comparing mortality between obese patients after bariatric surgery and non‐operated controls. Random‐effects models using a Bayesian or frequentist approach were used to pool effect estimates of short‐ and long‐term mortality, respectively.

Results

Short‐term all‐cause mortality based on 38 RCTs involving 4030 patients was 0.18% (95% CI, 0.04%‐0.38%) and was higher for open surgeries (0.31%; 95% CI, 0.03%‐0.97%) and similar in mixed surgeries (0.17%; 95% CI, 0.03%‐0.43%) and restrictive surgeries (0.17%; 95% CI, 0.03%‐0.45%). For long‐term mortality, 12 observational studies involving 27 258 operated patients and 97 154 non‐operated obese controls were included. Of these, 8 studies were eligible for the meta‐analysis, which showed a reduction of 41% in all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.52‐0.67; P < .001). Additionally, operated patients were 0.42 times as likely (95% CI, 0.25‐0.72, P < .001) and 0.47 times as likely (95% CI, 0.36‐0.63, P < .001) as non–operated obese controls to die from cardiovascular diseases and cancer, respectively.

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery is associated with low short‐term mortality and may be associated with long‐term reductions in all‐cause, cardiovascular and cancer‐related mortality.
Dapagliflozin improves insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in a novel transgenic rat model of chronic glucose overproduction and glucose toxicity
Authors: Joannides Christos N. , Mangiafico Salvatore P. , Waters Matthew F. , Lamont Benjamin J. , Andrikopoulos Sofianos
Published: February 2017

Aim

To determine whether the excretion of glucose improves insulin resistance, impaired insulin secretion or both.

Materials and methods

Appropriate methods were used to assess insulin sensitivity (euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamp) and insulin secretion (hyperglycaemic clamp) in insulin‐resistant and hyperglycaemic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) transgenic rats after treatment with the sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitor dapagliflozin.

Results

In 14‐week‐old rats with hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, 6 weeks of dapagliflozin treatment resulted in lower weight gain, plasma glucose and insulin levels, and improved glucose tolerance, associated with enhanced insulin sensitivity (rate of glucose disappearance: 51.6 ± 2.3 vs 110.6 ± 3.9 µmol/min/kg; P < .005) and glucose uptake in muscle (0.9 ± 0.1 vs 1.7 ± 0.3 µmol/min/100 g; P < .05) and fat (0.23 ± 0.04 vs 0.55 ± 0.10 µmol/min/100 g, P < .05). Additionally, adipose tissue GLUT4 protein levels were increased (0.78 ± 0.05 vs 1.20 ± 0.09 arbitrary units; P < .05), adipocyte count was higher (221.4 ± 17.7 vs 302.3 ± 21.7 per mm2 fat area; P < .05) and adipocyte size was reduced (4631.8 ± 351.5 vs 3397.6 ± 229.4 µm2, P < .05). There was no improvement, however, in insulin secretion. To determine whether earlier intervention is necessary, 5‐week‐old PEPCK transgenic rats were treated with dapagliflozin for 9 weeks and insulin secretion assessed. Dapagliflozin resulted in improved plasma glucose and insulin levels, and lower weight gain but, again, insulin secretion was not improved.

Conclusions

In this transgenic model of low‐grade chronic hyperglycaemia, SGLT2 inhibitor treatment resulted in reduced blood glucose and insulin levels and enhanced glucose tolerance, associated with improved muscle and fat insulin resistance but not improved insulin secretory function.
Effect of linagliptin on pulse wave velocity in early type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double‐blind, controlled 26‐week trial (RELEASE)
Authors: de Boer Stefanie A. , Heerspink Hiddo J. L. , Juárez Orozco Luis E. , van Roon Arie M. , Kamphuisen Pieter W. , Smit Andries J. , Slart Riemer H. J. A. , Lefrandt Joop D. , Mulder Douwe J.
Published: February 2017

Aims

To evaluate the effects of the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor linagliptin on aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) as a surrogate marker of arterial stiffness and early atherosclerosis in people with early type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A total of 45 people with type 2 diabetes (median [interquartile range] age 63 [54‐66] years, 61% men, mean ± standard deviation glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c] 6.3% ± 0.4% [45 ± 4.6 mmol/mol]), without cardiovascular disease and naïve to antidiabetic treatment, were randomized (1:1) to treatment with linagliptin 5 mg once daily or placebo for 26 weeks in a double‐blind fashion. PWV was assessed at baseline, 4 and 26 weeks of treatment, and again at 30, 4 weeks after treatment. The primary endpoint was between‐group difference in PWV (corrected for systolic blood pressure [SBP]) at week 26. Secondary endpoints included differences in central SBP and augmentation index (AIx).

Results

Compared with placebo, 26 weeks of linagliptin decreased PWV by an average of 0.91 m/s (95% confidence interval −1.76 to −0.06; P = .035). PWV returned to baseline after 4 weeks washout. Differences in central SBP and AIx were not different between linagliptin and placebo. Linagliptin decreased HbA1c (−0.4%; P < .001), fasting plasma glucose (−0.7 mmol/L; P = .002) and triglycerides (−0.49 mmol/L; P = .019) as compared with placebo. The changes in body weight, cholesterol and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

Linagliptin decreased aortic PWV in people with early‐stage type 2 diabetes as compared with placebo after 26 weeks of treatment. These results suggest that linagliptin has a favourable effect on arterial stiffness.
Laser thermal ablation for mesiotemporal epilepsy: Analysis of ablation volumes and trajectories
Authors: Jermakowicz Walter J. , Kanner Andres M. , Sur Samir , Bermudez Christina , D'Haese Pierre‐Francois , Kolcun John Paul G. , Cajigas Iahn , Li Rui , Millan Carlos , Ribot Ramses , Serrano Enrique A. , Velez Naymee , Lowe Merredith R. , Rey Gustavo J. , Jagid Jonathan R.
Published: February 2017

Objective

To identify features of ablations and trajectories that correlate with optimal seizure control and minimize the risk of neurocognitive deficits in patients undergoing laser interstitial thermal therapy (LiTT) for mesiotemporal epilepsy (mTLE).

Methods

Clinical and radiographic data were reviewed from a prospectively maintained database of all patients undergoing LiTT for the treatment of mTLE at the University of Miami Hospital. Standard preoperative and postoperative evaluations, including contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neuropsychological testing, were performed in all patients. Laser trajectory and ablation volumes were computed both by manual tracing of mesiotemporal structures and by nonrigid registration of ablation cavities to a common reference system based on 7T MRI data.

Results

Among 23 patients with at least 1‐year follow‐up, 15 (65%) were free of disabling seizures since the time of their surgery. Sparing of the mesial hippocampal head was significantly correlated with persistent disabling seizures (p = 0.01). A lateral trajectory through the hippocampus showed a trend for poor seizure outcome (p = 0.08). A comparison of baseline and postoperative neurocognitive testing revealed areas of both improvement and worsening, which were not associated with ablation volume or trajectory.

Significance

At 1‐year follow‐up, LiTT appears to be a safe and effective tool for the treatment of mTLE, although a longer follow‐up period is necessary to confirm these observations. Better understanding of the impact of ablation volume and location could potentially fine‐tune this technique to improve seizure‐freedom rates and associated neurologic and cognitive changes.
How fisher‐influenced marine closed areas contribute to ecosystem‐based management: A review and performance indicator scorecard
Authors: Kincaid Kate , Rose George , Devillers Rodolphe
Published: February 2017

A rapid review of the literature on closed areas that recognize key ecosystem‐based management (EBM) principles of fisheries and biodiversity conservation and had fisher involvement was employed to review closed areas worldwide from a fisheries perspective and to develop a scorecard that can assess their efficacy. The review provided 523 abstracts of which 19 areas from various regions worldwide had peer‐reviewed studies that met strict selection criteria. Criteria included fisher involvement, biodiversity conservation and fisheries management objectives. A repeat search without “fisher” and synonyms found, 62,622 papers indicating that most closed area studies had no mention of any fisher involvement. The general success of the areas selected suggests that fisher involvement benefits both biological conservation and fisheries management. Fisheries and biodiversity conservation outcomes were not exclusive to any one type of management closure (e.g. MPA, Fishery Closure). Twenty‐four indicators were selected, designed to provide measurable targets. High scoring indicators included management, planning and socio‐economic indicators such as local support (100%), habitat protection (100%), conservation and fisheries objectives (100%), monitoring (91.7%) and fishers concerns (91.7%). Bio‐ecological‐based indicators scored lower in most cases for all types of areas. Fisheries closures rated as highly as the MPAs with respect to both fisheries and bio‐ecological indicators. The scorecard provided a reasonable means to evaluate management success in the light of often qualitative or missing data. Addressing the interests and utilizing knowledge of those affected by closures and familiar with the area, most often local fishers, is key to achieving management objectives.
Genomic rearrangements induced by unscheduled DNA double strand breaks in somatic mammalian cells
Authors: So Ayeong , Le Guen Tangui , Lopez Bernard S. , Guirouilh‐Barbat Josée
Published: February 2017

DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) are highly toxic lesions that can lead to profound genome rearrangements and/or cell death. They routinely occur in genomes due to endogenous or exogenous stresses. Efficient repair systems, canonical non‐homologous end‐joining and homologous recombination exist in the cell and not only ensure the maintenance of genome integrity but also, via specific programmed DNA double‐strand breaks, permit its diversity and plasticity. However, these repair systems need to be tightly controlled because they can also generate genomic rearrangements. Thus, when DSB repair is not properly regulated, genome integrity is no longer guaranteed. In this review, we will focus on non‐programmed genome rearrangements generated by DSB repair, in somatic cells. We first discuss genome rearrangements induced by homologous recombination and end‐joining. We then discuss recently described rearrangement mechanisms, driven by microhomologies, that do not involve the joining of DNA ends but rather initiate DNA synthesis (microhomology‐mediated break‐induced replication, fork stalling and template switching and microhomology‐mediated template switching). Finally, we discuss chromothripsis, which is the shattering of a localized region of the genome followed by erratic rejoining.
Responses of belowground communities to large aboveground herbivores: Meta‐analysis reveals biome‐dependent patterns and critical research gaps
Authors: Andriuzzi Walter S. , Wall Diana H.
Published: February 2017

The importance of herbivore–plant and soil biota–plant interactions in terrestrial ecosystems is amply recognized, but the effects of aboveground herbivores on soil biota remain challenging to predict. To find global patterns in belowground responses to vertebrate herbivores, we performed a meta‐analysis of studies that had measured abundance or activity of soil organisms inside and outside field exclosures (areas that excluded herbivores). Responses were often controlled by climate, ecosystem type, and dominant herbivore identity. Soil microfauna and especially root‐feeding nematodes were negatively affected by herbivores in subarctic sites. In arid ecosystems, herbivore presence tended to reduce microbial biomass and nitrogen mineralization. Herbivores decreased soil respiration in subarctic ecosystems and increased it in temperate ecosystems, but had no net effect on microbial biomass or nitrogen mineralization in those ecosystems. Responses of soil fauna, microbial biomass, and nitrogen mineralization shifted from neutral to negative with increasing herbivore body size. Responses of animal decomposers tended to switch from negative to positive with increasing precipitation, but also differed among taxa, for instance Oribatida responded negatively to herbivores, whereas Collembola did not. Our findings imply that losses and gains of aboveground herbivores will interact with climate and land use changes, inducing functional shifts in soil communities. To conceptualize the mechanisms behind our findings and link them with previous theoretical frameworks, we propose two complementary approaches to predict soil biological responses to vertebrate herbivores, one focused on an herbivore body size gradient, and the other on a climate severity gradient. Major research gaps were revealed, with tropical biomes, protists, and soil macrofauna being especially overlooked.
Novel foam dressing using negative pressure wound therapy with instillation to remove thick exudate
Authors: Téot Luc , Boissiere Florian , Fluieraru Sergiu
Published: February 2017

We describe our experience with a novel foam dressing architecture in tandem with negative pressure wound therapy and instillation (NPWTi‐d) for removing viscous wound exudate and infectious materials. A retrospective review was conducted of the outcomes of 21 patients who received NPWTi‐d using a reticulated open cell foam instillation dressing with through holes (ROCF‐CC) designed to facilitate the removal of thick wound exudate and infectious materials. NPWTi‐d with ROCF‐CC was used to treat large complex chronic wounds with viscous wound exudate that contained substantial areas of devitalised tissue. Debridement was performed as appropriate or available. NPWTi‐d with ROCF‐CC assisted in loosening, solubilising and detaching viscous exudate, dry fibrin, wet slough and other infectious materials. Percent surface area of black non‐viable tissue and yellow fibrinous slough was reduced to ≤ 10% in 18/21 (85·7%) and 12/21 (57·1%) wounds, respectively, after an average of 1–3 applications (3–9 days) of NPWTi‐d with ROCF‐CC. Preliminary evidence suggests that adjunctive use of NPWTi‐d with ROCF‐CC may help clean large, complex wounds when complete surgical debridement is not possible or appropriate and/or when areas of slough and non‐viable tissue remain present on the wound surface.
Assessment of the Extravascular Implantable Defibrillator: Feasibility of Substernal Ventricular Pacing
Authors: BROUWER TOM F. , SMEDING LONNEKE , BERGER WOUTER R. , DRIESSEN ANTOINE H. G. , DE GROOT JORIS R. , WILDE ARTHUR A. M. , KNOPS REINOUD E.
Published: February 2017

Substernal Pacing in Humans

Introduction

The objective of this study was to assess feasibility of ventricular pacing and thresholds from within the substernal space to examine a new extravascular ICD configuration with pacing capabilities.

Methods

In patients undergoing midline sternotomy, a duodecapolar diagnostic pacing catheter was positioned in the substernal space anterior to the pericardium, and a cutaneous patch in left lateral position. Different unipolar and bipolar pacing configurations were assessed. Strength‐duration curves were performed to identify the optimal output, starting at 25 mA with a pulse width of 10 milliseconds.

Results

Eight patients with mean age 69 ± 9 years were included. In 5, ventricular capture was achieved in ≥1 configuration. The mean bipolar pacing thresholds at PW 10, 5, 3, 1 milliseconds were 12.4 ± 3.7 mA (5 patients), 13.3 ± 5.8 mA (3 patients), 18.3 ± 5.7 mA (3 patients), and 25 ± 0 mA (2 patients), respectively. The 60‐mm electrode spacing was the most successful bipolar configuration. Unipolar pacing was successful in 3 out of 4 patients with mean thresholds of 10 ± 0 mA at 10 milliseconds (3 patients), 15 ± 0 mA at 5 milliseconds (3 patients), 16.7 ± 2.9 mA at 3 milliseconds (3 patients), and 20 ± 7.1 mA at 1 milliseconds (2 patients).

Conclusion

Ventricular pacing from the substernal space in patients with midline sternotomy is feasible. Closed sternum studies are needed to determine pacing thresholds more accurately.
17β‐Oestradiol promotes differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into dopamine neurons via cross‐talk between insulin‐like growth factors‐1 and oestrogen receptor β
Authors: Li Hong , Ding Chenyue , Ding Zhi‐liang , Ling Mingfa , Wang Ting , Wang Wei , Huang Boxian
Published: February 2017

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can self‐renew and differentiate into all cell lineages. E2 is known to exhibit positive effects on embryo development. Although the importance of E2 in many physiological processes has been reported, to date few researchers have investigated the effects of E2 on hESCs differentiation. We studied the effects of E2 on dopamine (DA) neuron induction of hESCs and its related signalling pathways using the three‐stage protocol. In our study, 0.1 μM E2 were applied to hESCs‐derived human embryoid bodies (hEBs) and effects of E2 on neural cells differentiation were investigated. Protein and mRNA level assay indicated that E2 up‐regulated the expression of insulin‐like growth factors (IGF)‐1, ectoderm, neural precursor cells (NPC) and DA neuron markers, respectively. The population of hESC‐derived NPCs and DA neurons was increased to 92% and 93% to that of DMSO group, respectively. Furthermore, yield of DA neuron‐secreted tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine was also increased. E2‐caused promotion was relieved in single inhibitor (ICI or JB1) group partly, and E2 effects were repressed more stronger in inhibitors combination (ICI plus JB1) group than in single inhibitor group at hEBs, hNPCs and hDA neurons stages. Owing to oestrogen receptors regulate multiple brain functions, when single or two inhibitors were used to treat neural differentiation stage, we found that oestrogen receptor (ER)β but not ERα is strongly repressed at the hNPCs and hDA neurons stage. These findings, for the first time, demonstrate the molecular cascade and related cell biology events involved in E2‐improved hNPC and hDA neuron differentiation through cross‐talk between IGF‐1 and ERβin vitro.