bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurship intention in agricultural sector of young generation in Indonesia
Authors: Ridha Rizki Novanda , Burhanuddin Burhanuddin , Wahyu Budi Priyatna
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss Indonesia as a country having a young generation resource crisis in agricultural sectors, and this crisis contributes more than 32.9 per cent higher unemployment than other sectors. Therefore, creative youths are needed to build the sector through entrepreneurship activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The low condition of youth entrepreneurship intention in agricultural sectors leading the Agriculture Ministry of Indonesia launches an Agricultural Young Entrepreneurship Growing Program 2016 (Program Penumbuhan Wirausaha Muda Pertanian, PWMP 2016). Intention in growing phase is critical to avoid the program failure.

Findings

This research was aimed to analyze entrepreneurship characteristics and factors affecting the intentions. The research was conducted in three cities, Bogor, Lampung and Bandung, with 189 respondents who accepted business support from the PWMP in 2016. The accumulated data were then analyzed using descriptive analysis and structural equation model. Respondents have highly average trends on behavior belief, normative belief, motivation to comply, control belief, control belief power and intention. While, only the evaluation of the consequence to give the medium trend is about 50.26 per cent.

Originality/value

Factor affects to the entrepreneurship intention in agricultural sectors is a subjective norm or external factor, and both the attitude toward behavior and perceived behavioral control factors do not affect entrepreneurship intention in the agricultural sector.
Environmental risk perception and its influence on well-being
Authors: Xu Ge , Feng Xiangnan , Li Yiwei , Chen Xiaohong , Jia Jianmin
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of environmental risk perception on the evaluation of socioeconomic development and subjective well-being in China.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted, and data were collected from 408 participants of four major universities and government organizations in Changsha, China. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the collected data and to test the hypotheses with regard to the relationship among latent variables. Bayesian method was used as the statistical inference procedure.

Findings

Results show that environmental risk perception has a direct negative influence on perceived socioeconomic development and on subjective total well-being (i.e. both hedonic and eudaimonic well-being). The perceived socioeconomic development has a direct positive effect on the subjective total well-being; thus, it plays a partial mediation role between environmental risk perception and subjective total well-being.

Research limitations/implications

Findings suggest that the environment protection act of the government and their contribution to socioeconomic development will significantly affect the total well-being of people. The empirical analysis is based on survey data; thus, this study may suffer the common problems of questionnaire survey.

Social implications

Promoting pro-environment and health behaviors is important in developing a happy society.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates a significant negative effect of environmental risk perception on the total well-being of people according to SEM approach. This study determines two independent paths for government and policy makers to increase the total well-being of people in China, namely, increasing socioeconomic value to people and controlling and reducing environmental threats.
Over, out, but present: recalling former sponsorships
Authors: Edeling Alexander , Hattula Stefan , Bornemann Torsten
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This study aims at developing and testing a conceptual model that shows the antecedents of the recall of a former sponsorship.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary (n = 1,146) and secondary data from German professional soccer build the empirical base for this research. Multilevel logistic regression is used for data analysis.

Findings

The results show that retroactive interferences in the form of replacement sponsors for the same object reduce the recall of a former sponsorship, while the mere passage of time does not have a significant main effect. To counteract such forgetting, the empirical analysis shows that sponsor managers can influence recall of a former sponsorship positively after sponsorship termination by switching to a lower-level sponsorship for the same object or by engaging in subsequent sponsorships with other congruent objects in the same context.

Research limitations/implications

The focus on one type of sponsorship (sport sponsorship) in one country (Germany) is the main limitation of this research.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper should encourage managers to consider the long-term consequences of sponsorship engagements beyond the duration of the sponsorship contract. Managers can influence the recall of a sponsorship not only prior to and during an engagement, but also after the loss of sponsorship rights.

Originality/value

Previous research on former sponsorships has mainly focused on the phenomenon of former sponsor recall per se, without considering the determinants of the construct. This paper contributes to sponsorship literature by showing that the number of replacement sponsorships, a construct unique to the former sponsorship context, dominates the time since sponsorship ending as the main driver of forgetting. Moreover, it provides managers with new post-sponsorship strategies that help maintaining the recall of a former sponsorship at a high level.
Apprehension and interest
Authors: Linnane Esther , Warren Alison
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Role-emerging placements have been used internationally within occupational therapy education but are relatively new to Ireland. At times, there has been a debate in the profession regarding the use of this placement model. This paper aims to generate views from both occupational therapists and occupational therapy students on the use of role-emerging placements in the Republic of Ireland.

Design/methodology/approach

Electronic surveys were administered to occupational therapy students and occupational therapists in Ireland. Quantitative data were analysed using the SPSS Statistics software package and the content of the open question responses were analysed into themes.

Findings

Occupational therapists (n = 60) and occupational therapy students (n = 45) indicated that there were inconsistent views surrounding role-emerging placements. It is deemed as an effective method for student learning, but apprehension exists around inclusion within occupational therapy programmes in the Republic of Ireland. Preference was indicated towards inclusion of role-emerging placements on a part-time basis within formal occupational therapy education.

Originality/value

Both respondent groups viewed that role-emerging placements can positively influence new areas of occupational therapy practice and concern over the use of the placement model requires further exploration and debate. This study is from an Irish context, although there are similarities with other countries’ use of the placement model. There is a need for research through an in-depth exploration of the learning experience of undertaking role-emerging placements from the students’ perspective and identification of supports required to promote an optimal learning experience.
Expectations of choice: an exploration of how social context informs gendered occupation
Authors: Brennan Gareth James , Gallagher MaryBeth
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Occupational choice describes the process that leads to occupational engagement as a result of intrinsic and extrinsic influences. There has been a considerable amount of research concerning occupational choice, gender and adolescence. However, this has largely focused on the areas of career choice and engagement in risky health behaviours. This paper aims to expand on the literature by providing a broader scope of occupation more aligned with the concept associated with occupational science. Furthering this, the researcher aims to examine the influence of gender as an extrinsic influence on occupational choice. The researcher aims to explore how contextual influences inform gendered occupational choice.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory qualitative approach was used in the current study. Incorporating photographs as a means of elucidating conversation during the interview process, photo-elicitation interview techniques were used as part of the data collection. This involved using a collection of photographs to prompt participants to discuss their interpretations of various occupations. Six adolescent boys and girls aged 11-14 years participated in the study. Participants were recruited from mixed-gendered sports clubs in the West of Ireland. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. An occupational justice perspective was used to interpret the data.

Findings

Responses suggest that gender informs occupational choice through different mechanisms. These included social systems, physical and institutional opportunities as well as expectations participants held of themselves and others they considered to be within their social grouping. Social systems included groups such as friends and family. The ease of access to physical and institutional resources was another factor that informed choice. Participants projected views of expectations they perceived others held for them informed how the participants made their choices. These factors varied across gender. Despite opportunities being available to both sexes, choices were often restricted to particular occupations.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that factors informing the occupational choices of adolescents included a combination of intrinsic factors such as gender and perspectives, as well as external factors including peers, family and opportunities in the local community. Practical applications of this involve acknowledging and further understanding the contextually situated nature of choice to provide more equitable practice. The results of the study may provide more insight into the factors that enable and inhibit occupation. A further understanding of these influences can redirect how we view adolescent occupations in a way that promotes health.
Exploring the relationship between sleep quality, emotional well-being and aggression levels in a European sample
Authors: Freitag Lara , Ireland Jane L. , Niesten Isabella J.M.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Sleep deprivation is well known to negatively affect mood, cognition and behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between sleep quantity, subjective sleep quality and aggression, hostility and well-being levels among adults in a non-clinical population.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 201 participants aged 18 and above from Germany, UK and the Netherlands completed an online survey consisting of a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index along with measures of psychological well-being, implicit and explicit aggression, and intent attributions.

Findings

Sleep disturbances were related to decreased levels of psychological well-being. Subjective poor sleep quality predicted increased hostile attributions. The overall sleep experience, however, was not associated with aggression levels. Nevertheless, both a poor sleep experience and low sleep quality were related to increased reactive aggression, but only in British participants.

Practical implications

The importance of perceived sleep quality rather than sleep quantity in predicting hostile and aggressive behaviours is indicated. The quality of sleep and perception of this quality should be the focus of clinical intervention to limit unwanted behavioural impacts. The importance of accounting for sleep quality perception in intervention that examines attributional biases such as hostility is indicated. Differences across countries should be identified and accommodated for in intervention.

Originality/value

This is the first study to consider a role for sleep quality (including perception) and sleep quantity in relation to aggression and hostility in a cross-country European sample.
The therapeutic alliance in offending behavior change programs: therapist perspectives and practises
Authors: Kozar Christina Julie , Day Andrew
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Offending behavior change programs play an important role in the prevention of criminal behavior, particularly when offered to violent offenders. There is, however, little consensus about how content should be delivered, despite agreement that the development of a strong therapeutic alliance (TA) is an important determinant of outcome. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the TA is formed within correctional programs.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 27 therapists who delivered correctional group treatment explored issues relating to the role of the alliance in offending behavior programs. A grounded theory methodology was employed to develop a conceptual understanding of therapist perspectives and practises.

Findings

Three different modes of practice were identified: “educative” to enforce boundaries of group behavior; “engagement” to promote a collaborative approach; and “therapeutic” to enhance client insight.

Practical implications

Greater awareness of the skills and supports required to successfully develop strong TAs in correctional populations may assist better retention and treatment outcomes in offending behavior programs. The ability to work flexibly between different modes of practise may prove important to rehabilitation efforts.

Originality/value

A model of the TA based on therapists’ accounts of their practise in correctional programs is presented. It is anticipated that, particularly for novice correctional therapists, exploration of the ways in which the alliance can be established and ruptures responded to will enhance treatment efficacy, particularly in treating violent offenders who can be challenging to engage.
Analysing aggression of social actors in political protests: combining corpus and cognitive approaches to discourse analysis
Authors: Wong May L.-Y.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the newspaper representations of the aggressive behaviour of social actors in political protests and explore the benefits of integrating corpus linguistics and cognitive approaches to a critical discourse analysis in analysing press reports.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses methods from corpus linguistics and theoretical constructs from cognitive linguistics to examine patterns of representation around Occupy Central, a recent political protest in Hong Kong, in two corpora of English-language newspaper articles published in China Daily and the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

Findings

An analysis of the ten most frequent collocates of the word police showed that the China Daily corpus articles typically index the presentation of police as vulnerable yet professional in their handling of violent protesters, whereas in SCMP, police officers are often presented as aggressors. The analysis subsequently considered three discursive strategies, namely structural configuration, framing and identification that are mediated through conceptualisations that representations in text evoke.

Research limitations/implications

In the proposed integrated approach, quantitative investigations of corpus examples could be focussed and contextualised in such a way that particular linguistic instantiations in discourse which are proved statistically salient can be further analysed in relation to conceptual phenomena which serve specific ideological purposes.

Originality/value

Hopefully, the study could serve as the first ever attempt to adopt an integrative analytical framework in the study of aggression and conflict in news discourse.
The bright side of information: ways of mitigating information overload
Authors: Koltay Tibor
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The complex phenomenon of information overload (IO) is one of the pathologies in our present information environment, thus symbolically it signalizes the existence of a dark side of information. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the approaches on mitigating IO. Hence, it is an attempt to display the bright side.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review, the sources of IO are briefly presented, not forgetting about the role of information technology and the influence of the data-intensive world. The main attention is given to the possible ways of mitigating IO.

Findings

It is underlined that there are both technological and social approaches towards easing the symptoms of IO. While reducing IO by increasing search task delegation is a far away goal, solutions emerge when information is properly designed and tools of information architecture are applied to enable findability. A wider range of coping strategies is available when we interact with information. The imperative of being critical against information by exercising critical thinking and critical reading yields results if different, discipline-dependent literacies, first of all information literacy and data literacy are acquired and put into operation, slow principles are followed and personal information management (PIM) tools are applied.

Originality/value

The paper intends to be an add-on to the recent discussions and the evolving body of knowledge about the relationship between IO and information architecture, various literacies and PIM.
Preservation practices of new media artists
Authors: Post Colin
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the preservation practices of new media artists, in particular those working outside of the scope of major collecting institutions, examining how these artists preserve new media artworks in their custody.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds case studies of seven new media artists of differing practices and artistic approaches. For each case study, semi-structured interviews with the artists were conducted in conjunction with visits to the artists’ studios.

Findings

The study finds that new media artists face a number of shared preservation challenges and employ a range of preservation strategies, and that these challenges and strategies differ markedly from that of art museums and cultural heritage institutions.

Research limitations/implications

This study considers preservation practices for new media artists generally. Further research into specific communities of artistic practice could profitably build upon this overall framework.

Practical implications

The findings of this research pose a number of implications for art museums and cultural heritage institutions, suggesting new ways these institutions might consider supporting the preservation of new media artworks before works enter into institutional custody.

Originality/value

The literature on new media art preservation emphasizes the importance of working with artists early in the life cycle of digital artworks. This study advances this by investigating preservation from the perspective of new media artists, deepening the understanding of challenges and potential preservation strategies for these artworks prior to entering or outside of institutional custody.
Measuring goodwill and noncontrolling interest under the new consolidation accounting standards
Authors: Yang James G.S. , Aquilino Frank J.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The accounting standards for consolidated financial statements have been updated recently. The change involves the measurement of goodwill and noncontrolling interest. Under the new accounting standards, goodwill consists of not only the parent company’s portion but also the noncontrolling interest’s share. The noncontrolling interest comprises both the subsidiary’s identifiable net assets and goodwill. In addition, it further changes the treatment of noncontrolling interest from liability to equity. The change indeed has far-reaching consequences on financial statements. This paper formulates an equation to measure goodwill and noncontrolling interest. It also provides some examples for illustrative purposes. The purpose of this paper is to update the financial reporting to the current standards.

Design/methodology/approach

New accounting standards under FASB #141R and 160.

Findings

New accounting standards in measuring goodwill and noncontrolling interest in financial reporting.

Research limitations/implications

The knowledge is useful for accountants and financial analysts.

Practical implications

Improve the quality of financial statements.

Social implications

Investors will be better informed.

Originality/value

This new accounting standard was not explored before.
Unconjugated interferon‐stimulated gene 15 specifically interacts with the hepatitis C virus NS5A protein via domain I
Authors: Minami Nanae , Abe Takayuki , Deng Lin , Matsui Chieko , Fukuhara Takasuke , Matsuura Yoshiharu , Shoji Ikuo
Published: May 2017

Interferon‐stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), a ubiquitin‐like protein, is induced by type I INF. Although several groups have reported ISGylation of the HCV NS5A protein, it is still unclear whether ISGylation of NS5A has anti‐ or pro‐viral effects in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In the present study, the role of ISGylation‐independent, unconjugated ISG15 in HCV infection was examined. Immunoprecipitation analyses revealed that ISG15 interacts specifically with NS5A domain I. ISG15 mutants lacking the C‐terminal glycine residue that is essential for ISGylation still interacted with NS5A protein. Taken together, these results suggest that unconjugated ISG15 affects the functions of HCV NS5A through protein–protein interaction.
Inositol treatment of anovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta‐analysis of randomised trials
Authors: Pundir J , Psaroudakis D , Savnur P , Bhide P , Sabatini L , Teede H , Coomarasamy A , Thangaratinam S
Published: May 2017

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common cause of anovulation and infertility, and a risk factor for development of metabolic syndrome and endometrial cancer. Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT) that evaluated the effects of inositol as an ovulation induction agent. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and ISI conference proceedings, Register and Meta‐register for RCT and WHO trials’ search portal. We included studies that compared inositol with placebo or other ovulation induction agents. Quality of studies was assessed for risk of bias. Results were pooled using random effects meta‐analysis and findings were reported as relative risk or standardised mean differences. We included ten randomised trials. A total of 362 women were on inositol (257 on myo‐inositol; 105 on di‐chiro‐inositol), 179 were on placebo and 60 were on metformin. Inositol was associated with significantly improved ovulation rate (RR 2.3; 95% CI 1.1–4.7; I2 = 75%) and increased frequency of menstrual cycles (RR 6.8; 95% CI 2.8–16.6; I2 = 0%) compared with placebo. One study reported on clinical pregnancy rate with inositol compared with placebo (RR 3.3; 95% CI 0.4–27.1), and one study compared with metformin (RR 1.5; 95% CI 0.7–3.1). No studies evaluated live birth and miscarriage rates. Inositol appears to regulate menstrual cycles, improve ovulation and induce metabolic changes in polycystic ovary syndrome; however, evidence is lacking for pregnancy, miscarriage or live birth. A further, well‐designed multicentre trial to address this issue to provide robust evidence of benefit is warranted.

Tweetable abstract

Inositols improve menstrual cycles, ovulation and metabolic changes in polycystic ovary syndrome
Characterizing the Performance of Pipe Bombs
Authors: Oxley Jimmie C. , Smith James L. , Bernier Evan T. , Sandstrom Fredrick , Weiss Gregory G. , Recht Gunther W. , Schatzer David
Published: May 2017

Pipe bombs of steel or PVC fragment in reproducible patterns when similarly configured. The power of the explosion correlates with number, mass, and size of the fragments recovered, where a large number of small, low‐mass fragments indicate a high‐power event and vice versa. In discussing performance, describing pipe fragmentation pattern by fragment weight distribution mapping (FWDM) or fragment surface area distribution mapping (FSADM) was useful. When fillers detonated, detonation velocities of ~4.4 mm/μs were measured. In such cases, side walls of the pipe were thrown first; the average fragment velocity was ~1000 km/s. In deflagrations, the end cap was first thrown; fragment velocities were only ~240 km/s. Blast overpressures varied; at 10 feet, 2 × 12 inch steel pipes containing ~550 g of detonable mixture produced overpressures of 5–6 psi; similar nondetonating pipes produced less than 2 psi. Maximum fragment throw distances were 250–300 m, with an average of ~100 m.
Intraobserver Error in Macromorphoscopic Trait Data, ,
Authors: Kamnikar Kelly R. , Plemons Amber M. , Hefner Joseph T.
Published: May 2017

As part of a much larger investigation into the use of macromorphoscopic trait data by forensic anthropologists to estimate ancestry from unidentified skeletal remains, we conducted a fourteen‐year (2002–2016) intraobserver error study. Motivated by the development of a large macromorphoscopic database―which will potentially utilize data collected in 2002―quantification of observer error, the impact of technological improvements in macromorphoscopic trait data collection and observer experience is necessary. To maximize comparisons between the two samples, ten macromorphoscopic traits were assessed. Results revealed three patterns of error relating to observer experience, the introduction of new technologies, and error inherent in the method. Overall, this study found the effect of error on macromorphoscopic trait analysis could be predicted and did not significantly impact their utility.
Evaluation of a targeted prescriber education intervention on emergency department discharge oxycodone prescribing
Authors: Donaldson Síne R , Harding Andrew M , Taylor Simone E , Vally Hassan , Greene Shaun L
Published: May 2017

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on ED discharge opioid analgesic (OA) prescribing.

Methods

A brief, one‐on‐one, educational intervention was delivered to ED OA prescribers by an ED clinical champion. The percentage of patients receiving (i) written advice regarding appropriate oxycodone use, (ii) written or verbal advice regarding appropriate post‐discharge follow up and (iii) written general practitioner notification that oxycodone had been prescribed were determined pre‐ and post‐intervention, through review of electronic patient records and structured patient telephone interviews conducted 3–7 days after ED attendance. Secondary outcomes included total amount prescribed and use of non‐OA therapies. ED OA prescribers were surveyed to evaluate perceived effectiveness and intervention acceptability.

Results

A total of 30 ED OA prescribers received the 5‐min intervention. Pre‐ and post‐intervention, 80 and 81 patients were interviewed, respectively. Percentage of patients given written OA information increased from 10% to 22% (P = 0.04) and those receiving follow‐up advice increased from 61 to 94% (P < 0.01). General practitioner notification of OA prescription increased from 15% to 88% (P < 0.01). Risk ratio for achieving all three end‐points was 7.5 (95% confidence interval 1.8–32, P = 0.01). Median total amount of oxycodone prescribed/patient decreased from 100mg to 50mg (P = 0.04). Non‐OA therapies were used by 49% of pre‐intervention and 85% of post‐intervention patients (P = <0.01). All ED OA prescribers agreed the intervention would change their prescribing practices; 70% deemed the intervention appropriate for delivery in their work environment.

Conclusion

A brief, one‐on‐one educational intervention targeting ED OA prescribers was well received by clinicians and associated with improved quality of OA prescribing.
Genome‐wide identification, characterization and evolution of cuticular protein genes in the malaria vector Anopheles sinensis (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Liu Bai‐Qi , Qiao Liang , He Qi‐Yi , Zhou Yong , Ren Shuang , Chen Bin
Published: May 2017

Thirteen cuticular protein (CP) families have been recognized in arthropods. In this study, 250 Anopheles sinensis CP genes were identified and named based on genome and transcriptome sequences. They were classified into 10 families based on motifs and phylogenetic analyses. In 11 other insect species, nine had CP numbers > 150 while Apis mellifera and Tribolium castaneum had CP numbers less than 52. The CPs of eight species occupied > 1.4% of the total genomic gene number, whereas in three species the CPs occupied < 1%. The phylogenies for each CP family in An. sinensis were constructed and discussed. The 250 CPs each had 1–8 exons with 144 CPs (57.6%) having two exons. The intron length ranged from 66–3888 bp with 174 introns (54.0%) being 66–100 bp long. Except for two CPs on two contigs, 248 CPs were mapped onto 28 scaffolds with 136 genes (54.4%) restricted to five scaffolds. A total of 107 CPs were clustered and located at 27 loci. The CPR family had the conserved motif GSYSLVEPDGTVRTV. The RR‐1 subfamily had an additional 21 amino acid (aa) motifs with the YVADENGF sequence that is common in insects. The RR‐2 subfamily had an additional 50 aa motifs with two additional regions RDGDVVKG and G‐x(3)‐VV. A comparison with 115 orthologous counterparts of An. gambiae CPs suggested purifying selection for all of these genes. This study provides basic information useful for further studies on biological functions of An. sinensis CPs as well as for comparative genomics of insect CPs.
Kallistatin reduces vascular senescence and aging by regulating microRNA‐34a‐SIRT1 pathway
Authors: Guo Youming , Li Pengfei , Gao Lin , Zhang Jingmei , Yang Zhirong , Bledsoe Grant , Chang Eugene , Chao Lee , Chao Julie
Published: May 2017

Kallistatin, an endogenous protein, protects against vascular injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation in hypertensive rats and enhancing the mobility and function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). We aimed to determine the role and mechanism of kallistatin in vascular senescence and aging using cultured EPCs, streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic mice, and Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Human kallistatin significantly decreased TNF‐α‐induced cellular senescence in EPCs, as indicated by reduced senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 expression, and elevated telomerase activity. Kallistatin blocked TNF‐α‐induced superoxide levels, NADPH oxidase activity, and microRNA‐21 (miR‐21) and p16INK4a synthesis. Kallistatin prevented TNF‐α‐mediated inhibition of SIRT1, eNOS, and catalase, and directly stimulated the expression of these antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, kallistatin inhibited miR‐34a synthesis, whereas miR‐34a overexpression abolished kallistatin‐induced antioxidant gene expression and antisenescence activity. Kallistatin via its active site inhibited miR‐34a, and stimulated SIRT1 and eNOS synthesis in EPCs, which was abolished by genistein, indicating an event mediated by tyrosine kinase. Moreover, kallistatin administration attenuated STZ‐induced aortic senescence, oxidative stress, and miR‐34a and miR‐21 synthesis, and increased SIRT1, eNOS, and catalase levels in diabetic mice. Furthermore, kallistatin treatment reduced superoxide formation and prolonged wild‐type C. elegans lifespan under oxidative or heat stress, although kallistatin's protective effect was abolished in miR‐34 or sir‐2.1 (SIRT1 homolog) mutant C. elegans. Kallistatin inhibited miR‐34, but stimulated sir‐2.1 and sod‐3 synthesis in C. elegans. These in vitro and in vivo studies provide significant insights into the role and mechanism of kallistatin in vascular senescence and aging by regulating miR‐34a‐SIRT1 pathway.
Implant dentistry in Australia: the present and future. A survey of Australian dentists and specialists
Authors: Guo YN , Dudley JE , Logan RM , Richards LC
Published: May 2017

Background

In recent years, implant dentistry has become a routine part of many general dental practices in Australia. However, there has been little information regarding its extent and scope. This investigation aimed to address this issue by surveying Australian general dental practitioners (GDP) and relevant specialists regarding their practice of implant dentistry.

Methods

Anonymous electronic surveys were designed online using SurveyMonkey™ and delivered to the following professional bodies: all seven state/territory branches of the Australian Dental Association, the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Periodontists, the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and prosthodontist members of the Australian Prosthodontic Society. The surveys were completed online via SurveyMonkey in 2014.

Results

The response rates were 7.61% (N = 801) for GDP, 41.76% (N = 38) for prosthodontists, 34.16% (N = 55) for periodontists and 34.07% (N = 46) for oral and maxillofacial (OMF) surgeons. Among the respondents, 66.37% (N = 521) of GDP, 86.11% (N = 31) of prosthodontists, 82.98% (N = 39) of periodontists and 97.67% (N = 42) of OMF surgeons indicated that they currently practise implant dentistry. A strong perceived need for further education in this field was also expressed by the respondents.

Conclusions

Implant dentistry presently appears to be practised by a significant proportion of GDP across Australia. This is likely to continue to grow in the future.
Robotic radiosurgery of head and neck paragangliomas: a single institution experience
Authors: Tosun İlker , Atalar Banu , Şahin Bilgehan , Güngör Görkem , Aydin Gökhan , Yapici Bülent , Özyar Enis
Published: May 2017

Aim

CyberKnife® is a robotic stereotactic radiotherapy system. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and the safety of CyberKnife® on treating head and neck paragangliomas and to report our results.

Methods

Between March 2009 and June 2014, 12 patients with head and neck paragangliomas have been referred to our clinic: in three cases had jugular paragangliomas, five cases had carotid body paragangliomas and three cases had tympanic paragangliomas. One patient had bilateral neck paragangliomas (right neck; carotid body paraganglioma, left neck; jugular pargangliomas). All of them received fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy with CyberKnife® up to a total median dose of 24 Gy (reference isodose 67–90%). The median tumor volume was 35.5 cc (range, 5.3—113.8 cc). The median follow up was 30 months (range, 0–66 months). Local tumor control was assessed according to RECIST criteria on follow‐up imaging studies.

Results

There were no acute or late toxicity related with stereotactic radiotherapy after treatment. No local tumor progression was observed on magnetic resonance imaging and none of our patients showed progressive clinical status. Seven tumors shrinked in size (54%). Five tumors (46%) had stable size during follow up. Local control rate was 100%.

Conclusion

Stereotactic radiotherapy is a good alternative to surgery for the treatment of head and neck paragangliomas coming up with a clear benefit of acute and late side effects. CyberKnife® seems to be a safe and efficient system treating head and neck paragangliomas.
Acute toll‐like receptor 4 activation impairs rat renal microvascular autoregulatory behaviour
Authors: Van Beusecum J. P. , Zhang S. , Cook A. K. , Inscho E. W.
Published: May 2017

Aim

Little is known about how toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) influences the renal microvasculature. We hypothesized that acute TLR4 stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) impairs afferent arteriole autoregulatory behaviour, partially through reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Methods

We assessed afferent arteriole autoregulatory behaviour after LPS treatment (1 mg kg−1; i.p.) using the in vitro blood‐perfused juxtamedullary nephron preparation. Autoregulatory behaviour was assessed by measuring diameter responses to stepwise changes in renal perfusion pressure. TLR4 expression was assessed by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis in the renal cortex and vasculature.

Results

Baseline arteriole diameter at 100 mmHg averaged 15.2 ± 1.2 μm and 12.2 ± 1.0 μm for control and LPS groups (P < 0.05) respectively. When perfusion pressure was increased in 15 mmHg increments from 65 to 170 mmHg, arteriole diameter in control kidneys decreased significantly to 69 ± 6% of baseline diameter. In the LPS‐treated group, arteriole diameter remained essentially unchanged (103 ± 9% of baseline), indicating impaired autoregulatory behaviour. Pre‐treatment with anti‐TLR4 antibody or the TLR4 antagonist, LPS‐RS, preserved autoregulatory behaviour during LPS treatment. P2 receptor reactivity was normal in control and LPS‐treated rats. Pre‐treatment with Losartan (angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker; (AT1) 2 mg kg−1; i.p.) increased baseline afferent arteriole diameter but did not preserve autoregulatory behaviour in LPS‐treated rats. Acute exposure to Tempol (10−3 mol L−1), a superoxide dismutase mimetic, restored pressure‐mediated vasoconstriction in kidneys from LPS‐treated rats.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that TLR4 activation impairs afferent arteriole autoregulatory behaviour, partially through ROS, but independently of P2 and AT1 receptor activation.
Polymorphism of TLR5 rs5744174 is associated with disease progression in Chinese patients with chronic HBV infection
Authors: Cao Lina , Zhang Tong , Zhu Junping , Li Aixin , Zheng Kai , Zhang Nan , Su Bin , Xia Wei , Wu Hao , Li Ning , He Qiushui
Published: May 2017

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in innate and adaptive immunity, protecting the host from viral pathogens. Studies have implicated that TLR5 is associated with various diseases such as autoimmune and inflammation related diseases. However, little is known about the relationship between TLR5 and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We studied the effect of TLR5 gene polymorphisms on susceptibility to and disease progression of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection in Chinese. Blood samples were taken from 636 patients with CHB, HBV‐related liver cirrhosis (LC) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 273 controls. Polymorphisms of TLR5 (1775A>G rs2072493 and 1846T>C rs5744174) were analyzed by PCR‐based sequencing. No difference in genotypic and allelic frequencies of TLR5 rs2072493 and rs5744174 was observed between patients and controls. Significant difference was found in frequency of TLR5 rs5744174 TT genotype between men with CHB and LC (p = 0.035). Frequency of TT genotype of TLR5 rs5744174 in patients positive for HBeAg was increased from 53.2% in patients with CHB to 74.1% in those with HCC (p = 0.024). Our results indicate that in Chinese genetic variation of TLR5 may be not a determinant of susceptibility to HBV‐related diseases but may play a role in development of HBV‐related severe liver diseases.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 signaling is responsible for cathepsin G‐induced aggregation of breast cancer MCF‐7 cells
Authors: Morimoto‐Kamata Riyo , Yui Satoru
Published: May 2017

Cathepsin G (CG), a neutrophil serine protease, induces cell migration and multicellular aggregation of human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells in a process that is dependent on E‐cadherin and CG enzymatic activity. While these tumor cell aggregates can cause tumor emboli that could represent intravascular growth and extravasation into the surrounding tissues, resulting in metastasis, the molecular mechanism underlying this process remains poorly characterized. In this study, we aimed to identify the signaling pathway that is triggered during CG‐mediated stimulation of cell aggregation. Screening of a library of compounds containing approximately 90 molecular‐targeting drugs revealed that this process was suppressed by the insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) receptor (IGF‐1R)‐specific kinase inhibitor OSI‐906, as well as the multikinase inhibitors axitinib and sunitinib. Antibody array analysis, which is capable of detecting tyrosine phosphorylation of 49 distinct receptor tyrosine kinases, and the results of immunoprecipitation studies indicated that IGF‐1R is phosphorylated in response to CG treatment. Notably, IGF‐1R neutralization via treatment with a specific antibody or silencing of IGF‐1R expression through siRNA transfection suppressed cell aggregation. Furthermore, CG treatment of MCF‐7 cells resulted in increased release of IGF‐1 into the medium for 24 h, while antibody‐mediated IGF‐1 neutralization partially prevented CG‐induced cell aggregation. These results demonstrate that autocrine IGF‐1 signaling is partly responsible for the cell aggregation induced by CG.
Climate change decouples marine and freshwater habitats of a threatened migratory fish
Authors: Lin Hsien‐Yung , Bush Alex , Linke Simon , Possingham Hugh P. , Brown Christopher J.
Published: May 2017

Aim

To assess how climate change may decouple the ecosystems used by a migratory fish, and how decoupling influences priorities for stream restoration.

Location

Australia.

Methods

We modelled changes in habitat suitability under climate change in both riverine and marine habitats for a threatened diadromous species, the Australian Grayling Prototroctes maraena, using niche models. The loss of riverine habitats for Grayling was compared with or without considering the impact of climate change on adjacent marine habitats. We also asked whether considering marine climate change changed the locations where removing dams had the greatest benefit for Grayling conservation.

Results

Climate change is expected to cause local extinction in both marine and river habitats regardless of whether dams are retained or removed at the trailing edge of the Grayling's range (north‐eastern). Decoupling of habitats was most apparent in the eastern and south‐eastern portion of the Grayling's range, where ocean warming may cause a decline in the suitability of marine habitats for larvae, while many freshwater habitats retained suitable habitat for adults. Removing dams to restore connectivity between ocean and freshwater habitats was predicted to have the greatest benefit for Grayling in southern portions of their range. Under climate change, the priorities for barrier removal gradually shift towards dams at higher elevation because of increasing suitability of freshwater habitats at higher elevations.

Main conclusions

Our study highlights the importance of assessing climate range shifts in multiple ecosystems for migratory species and can help inform priorities for stream restoration under a changing climate.
Motor function domains in alternating hemiplegia of childhood
Authors: Masoud Melanie , Gordon Kelly , Hall Amanda , Jasien Joan , Lardinois Kara , Uchitel Julie , Mclean Melissa , Prange Lyndsey , Wuchich Jeffrey , Mikati Mohamad A
Published: May 2017

Aim

To characterize motor function profiles in alternating hemiplegia of childhood, and to investigate interrelationships between these domains and with age.

Method

We studied a cohort of 23 patients (9 males, 14 females; mean age 9y 4mo, range 4mo–43y) who underwent standardized tests to assess gross motor, upper extremity motor control, motor speech, and dysphagia functions.

Results

Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Gross Motor Function Measure‐88 (GMFM‐88), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), and Revised Melbourne Assessment (MA2) scales manifested predominantly mild impairments; motor speech, moderate to severe; Modified Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (M‐DOSS), mild‐to moderate deficits. GMFCS correlated with GMFM‐88 scores (Pearson's correlation, p=0.002), MACS (p=0.038), and MA2 fluency (p=0.005) and accuracy (p=0.038) scores. GMFCS did not correlate with motor speech (p=0.399), MA2 dexterity (p=0.247), range of motion (p=0.063), or M‐DOSS (p=0.856). Motor speech was more severely impaired than the GMFCS (p<0.013). There was no correlation between any of the assessment tools and age (p=0.210‐0.798).

Interpretation

Our data establish a detailed profile of motor function in alternating hemiplegia of childhood, argue against the presence of worse motor function in older patients, identify tools helpful in evaluating this population, and identify oropharyngeal function as the more severely affected domain, suggesting that brain areas controlling this function are more affected than others.
Preterm sucking behaviour and later neurodevelopment
Authors: Slattery Justine
Published: May 2017

This commentary is on the original article by Wolthuis‐Stigter et al. on pages 871–877 of this issue.
Downregulation of cholesteryl ester transfer protein by glucocorticoids: a randomised study on HDL
Authors: Werumeus Buning Jorien , Dimova Lidya G. , Perton Frank G. , Tietge Uwe J. F. , van Beek André P. , Dullaart Robin P. F.
Published: May 2017

Background

High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is not decreased in hypercortisolism despite high triglycerides, which may be ascribed to effects on the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) pathway. We explored if CETP mRNA expression is modulated by glucocorticoid treatment in vitro. Effects of doubling the hydrocortisone (HCT) replacement dose on plasma CETP activity, and HDL characteristics were tested in patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency.

Materials and methods

Human THP‐1 macrophages were incubated with corticosterone in vitro in the presence or absence of a liver X receptor (LXR) agonist, followed by determination of CETP mRNA levels by quantitative real‐time PCR. In addition, a randomised double‐blind cross‐over study was performed in 47 patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency (university medical setting; 10 weeks exposure to a higher HCT dose (0·4–0·6 mg/kg body weight) vs. 10 weeks of a lower HCT dose (0·2–0·3 mg/kg body weight).

Results

Corticosterone dose dependently decreased CETP mRNA in THP‐1 macrophages. Corticosterone also decreased CETP mRNA expression after LXR pretreatment. In patients, CETP activity decreased with doubling of the HCT dose (P = 0·049), coinciding with an increase in HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein A‐I and the HDL cholesterol/apolipoprotein A‐I ratio (reflecting HDL size; P < 0·01 for each). The increase in the HDL cholesterol/apolipoprotein A‐I ratio was correlated with the decrease in plasma CETP activity (r = −0·442, P = 0·002).

Conclusion

Glucocorticoids downregulate CETP gene expression in a human macrophage cell system. In line, a higher glucocorticoid replacement dose decreases plasma CETP activity in patients, thereby contributing to higher HDL cholesterol and an increase in estimated HDL size.