bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prescribed burning impacts on ecosystem services in the British uplands: A methodological critique of the EMBER project
Authors: Ashby Mark A. , Heinemeyer Andreas
Published: August 2019

Due to its novelty and scale, the EMBER project is a key study within the prescribed burning evidence base. However, it has several significant but overlooked methodological flaws.

In this paper, we outline and discuss these flaws. In doing so, we aim to highlight the current paucity of evidence relating to prescribed burning impacts on ecosystem services within the British uplands.

We show that the results of the EMBER project are currently unreliable because: it used a correlative space‐for‐time approach; treatments were located within geographically separate and environmentally distinct sites; environmental differences between sites and treatments were not accounted for during statistical analysis; and, peat surface temperature results are suggestive of measurement error.

Policy Implications. Given the importance of the EMBER project, our findings suggest that (a) government agencies and policymakers need to re‐examine the strengths and limitations of the prescribed burning evidence base; and, (b) future work needs to control for site‐specific differences so that prescribed burning impacts on ecosystem services can be reliably identified.
Regulation of type III secretion system in Pseudomonas syringae
Authors: Xie Yingpeng , Shao Xiaolong , Deng Xin
Published: August 2019

Pseudomonas syringae is a model phytopathogenic bacterium that uses the type III secretion system (T3SS) to cause lethal diseases in staple crops and thus presents a threat to food security worldwide. Great progress has been made in delineating the biochemical mechanisms and cellular targets of T3SS effectors, but less is known about the signalling pathways and molecular mechanisms of T3SS regulators. In recent years, thanks to the popularity and power of genome‐wide mutant screening and high‐throughput sequencing, new regulatory proteins (such as RhpR, AefR, AlgU and CvsR) and proteases (such as Lon and RhpP) have been identified as T3SS regulators in P. syringae pathovars. The detailed mechanisms of previously illustrated regulators (such as HrpRS, HrpL and HrpGV) have also been further studied. Notably, the two‐component system RhpRS has been determined to play key roles in the modulation of T3SS via direct regulation of hrpRS and other virulence‐related pathways by sensing changes in environmental signals. In addition, secondary messengers (such as c‐di‐GMP and ppGpp) have been shown to fine‐tune the activity of T3SS. Overall, these studies have suggested the existence of a highly intricate regulatory network for T3SS, which controls the pathogenicity of P. syringae. This short review summarizes studies of P. syringae T3SS regulation and the known mechanisms of key regulators.
Comparing Compliance Behaviour of Students and Farmers. An Extra‐laboratory Experiment in the Context of Agri‐environmental Nudges in Germany
Authors: Peth Denise , Mußhoff Oliver
Published: August 2019

Increasing popularity of economic experiments for policy impact analysis has led to an on‐going debate about the suitability of students to substitute professionals as experimental subjects. To date, subject pool effects in agricultural and resource economics experiments have not been sufficiently studied. In order to identify differences and similarities between students and non‐students, we carry out an experiment in the form of a multi‐period business management game that is adapted to an agri‐environmental context. We compare the compliance behaviour of German agricultural students and German farmers with regard to water protection rules and analyse their responses to two different green nudge interventions. The experimental results reveal that the direction of the response to the policy treatments is similar. Even unexpected behaviour could be reproduced by the student sample. Nevertheless, the magnitude of the treatment effects differed between the two samples. This implies that experimenters in the field of agricultural and resource economics could use the subject pool of students to analyse the direction of nudge policies. If predictions should be made about the magnitude effects, we suggest using a professional subject pool.
Physical contact, volatiles, and acoustic signals contribute to monogamy in an invasive aggregating bark beetle
Authors: Liu Zhu‐Dong , Mi Guo‐Bing , Raffa Kenneth F. , Sun Jiang‐Hua
Published: August 2019

The behavioral strategies and mechanisms by which some insects maintain monogamous mating systems are not well understood. We investigated the mating system of the bark beetle Dendroctonus valens, and identified several contributing mechanisms. Field and laboratory observations suggest the adults commonly form permanent bonds during host colonization. Moreover, it showed mated females that remained paired with males produced more offspring than mated females that were alone in galleries. In bioassays, a second female commonly entered a gallery constructed by a prior female. Videos show she commonly reached the location of the first female, but they did not engage in actual fighting. Rather, the second female typically departs to form her own gallery. Acoustic signaling likewise does not appear to influence female‐female encounters, based on controlled muting experiments. Instead, the intruder appears to perceive the resident's presence by physical contact. Both acoustic signals and volatiles released by females during gallery constructing were shown to attract males. After a male joined a female in a gallery, the male‐produced aggressive sounds, which were shown by playback to deter other males from entering the gallery. Unlike female‐female interactions, resident males use their head and rear to push intruders out of galleries. Additionally, volatiles released by males during feeding repelled intruding males, discouraging them from entering the gallery. Males also construct plugs that block the entrance, which may prevent subsequent males and predators from entering the gallery. Thus, D. valens has evolved multifaceted mechanisms contributing to single pairings that confer benefits to both sexes.
Association of the Elderly Dietary Index with cardiovascular disease risk factors in elderly men: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Darooghegi Mofrad Manije , Namazi Nazli , Larijani Bagher , Surkan Pamela J. , Azadbakht Leila
Published: August 2019

Aim

There is limited evidence regarding the association between the Elderly Dietary Index (EDI) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. The aim of the study was to examine how the EDI relates to CVD risk factors in elderly men.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we recruited 362 elderly men aged 60 to 80 years old. Diet was measured with a validated and reliable food frequency questionnaire. The EDI assesses adherence to nutritional recommendations for older adults based on the Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults. The EDI includes meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, olive oil, bread and dairy products. Anthropometric indices, biochemical markers and blood pressure were measured using standard methods. Multivariate logistic regression assessed relationships between tertiles of EDI scores and CVD risk factors.

Results

The mean age and body mass index of participants were 65.43 ± 5.63 years and 25.34 ± 3.17 kg/m2, respectively. After controlling for potential confounders, the EDI was inversely associated with the risk of obesity and overweight (Odds ratio [OR]: 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.27, 0.89; P = .004) and was associated with a reduced likelihood of elevated low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) concentrations (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.41; P < .001).

Conclusions

Higher EDI was associated with lower risk of overweight and obesity and high LDL‐C concentrations. However, there was no significant association between EDI and other CVD risk factors in elderly men.
Volatile Profiles from Traditional Chinese Oat Meal Varied Significantly from Oat Porridge and Differed with Cultivars and Locations
Authors: Liu Longlong , Kong Weina , He Lu , Wang Yi , Zhang Yiru , Ma Mingchuan , Zhang Lijun , Zhou Jianping , Cui Lin , Han Yuanhuai
Published: August 2019

Volatile profiles of oat‐based foods are mainly analyzed on the oat flakes and porridge as snack or breakfast, whereas the volatile characteristics of the traditional Chinese oat meal (TCOM), a popular main food in some regions of northern China, with special strong aroma, are not known. Here, we compared the volatile profiles from headspace solid phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of oat porridge (OP) and TCOM, which were of different processing and cooking methods, from those of different cultivars, and analyzed the effect of cultivation locations on oat volatile features. Apart from the 35 volatiles shared by OP and TCOM, there were 23 and 24 volatiles specific to OP and TCOM, respectively, with the later showing more toasting and frying‐related volatiles due to the dry frying process of the grains before milling. Principle component analysis of the volatiles of OP and TCOM from 16 cultivars showed that they were clustered into two groups, and four cultivars were clustered together, independent of processing and cooking methods. The oat volatile profiles of cultivars grown in three regions of north China were dependent on the cultivation locations rather than cultivars, regardless of OP or TCOM, with those from Datong of Shanxi Province and Zhangjiakou of Hebei Province clustered together. The location effect could be due to significant less precipitation in the two regions above than the other region Ulanqab of Inner Mongolia.

Practical Application

The volatile compounds in oat are closely related to cultivation regions, which could be applied as a key factor by oat producers for marketing. The four cultivars showed similar and stable volatile profiles, which could be used as reference cultivars for breeding of high‐quality oat with better flavor.
Detection of Spicy Compounds Using the Electronic Tongue
Authors: Paup Victoria D. , Barnett Sasha M. , Diako Charles , Ross Carolyn F.
Published: August 2019

The consumption of spicy food products has increased, resulting in an increased demand for these products. The sensory evaluation of foods containing spicy compounds provides challenges due to their trigeminal innervation and associated sensory fatigue. Thus, for the routine evaluation of spices, a need exists for rapid and objective methods of analysis; the electronic tongue (e‐tongue) provides a potential solution. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of the e‐tongue to distinguish among spicy compounds at varying concentrations. Due to the diversity of spicy compounds, seven spicy compounds were selected: capsaicin, thymol, piperine, zingerone, p‐cymene, menthol, and eugenol. For each of these compounds, a low concentration (1.427 × 10−5 to 0.85 mg/L), medium concentration (2.854 × 10−5 to 1.49 mg/L), and high concentration (0.0133 to 30.5 mg/L) were analyzed by the e‐tongue. For each compound, the e‐tongue discriminated among the concentrations with discrimination indices between 72% to 84%. Based on the responses of the e‐tongue sensors, the samples formed three clusters. Cluster 1 contained menthol, eugenol, and p‐cymene, cluster 2 contained capsaicin and thymol, and cluster 3 contained piperine and zingerone. Same‐different sensory testing was completed on a representative sample from each cluster. Untrained consumers (n = 80) distinguished among the three clusters, verifying the clusters identified by the e‐tongue. These results demonstrated that the e‐tongue could be applicable in product development and the routine evaluation of spicy products.

Practical Application

As the e‐tongue differentiated among spicy compounds in an effective manner, it could be used instead of or alongside sensory evaluation when evaluating spicy compounds to reduce sensory fatigue associated with routine testing. Utilizing the e‐tongue for spicy products will be an important area of research as the market for such products continues to grow.
Comparison of Two pH Responsive Color Changing Bio‐Based Films Containing Wasted Fruit Pomace as a Source of Colorants
Authors: Kurek Mia , Hlupić Lucija , Ščetar Mario , Bosiljkov Tomislav , Galić Kata
Published: August 2019

The main objective of this work is to develop and characterize novel bio‐based sensor as intelligent food packaging film to monitor quality changes in fresh chicken meat. Chitosan (CS) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were used as polymer matrices for immobilization of pH sensitive color indicators. Generally considered as a food waste, blueberry (BP) and red grape skin pomace (RP) extracts were used as indicators at total phenolic content (TPC) of 0.06, 0.13, and 0.25 w/v for BP, and 0.006, 0.012, and 0.02 w/v for RP‐based films. Color, mechanical, and intelligent material properties were determined. CS films were more elastic than CMC, while no significant changes in mechanical properties occurred after the addition of both extracts at all concentrations. Notable and eye recognizable color changes in dry films were seen. It was the most significant in the pH range from 4 to 7. For CMC‐based films, color changed from violet to pink for BP extracts and from red to pink for RP extracts. For CS films, the changes were less significant. The color taint and intensity changed toward green in blueberry‐based films and to orange in grape seed extract‐based films. Significant color changes were observed after 46 hr in application tests on fresh chicken meat. This was correlated to pH changes of meat above 6 that was one of the parameters considered as an indication of spoilage.

Practical Application

This work provides interesting data to food industry. It offers an idea and possibility of managing food waste from fruits and vegetables industry that makes problems and costs when needed to be disposed in a proper manner. Moreover, there is the possibility of producing novel kind of food packaging materials that could be used in order to check the end of food shelf‐life in an inexpensive and natural way. Additional value lies in the fact that materials and procedures could be considered as sustainable.
Prolonged Insecticidal Activity of Clove oil‐Loaded Halloysite Nanotubes on Plodia interpunctella Infestation and Application in Industrial‐Scale Food Packaging
Authors: Kim Jungheon , Yoon Chan Suk , Na Ja Hyun , Han Jaejoon
Published: August 2019

Previous study reported the development of insect‐proof halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and food packaging; however, the duration of their insecticidal properties remains unclear. Here, we aimed to (1) demonstrate the duration of repellency of clove bud oil (CO) encapsulated by HNTs for more than 30 days, and (2) manufacture insect‐proof film containing HNTs for commercial use. Also, the release behavior of CO from insect‐resistant HNTs was evaluated and HNTs were applied to food packaging composed of polypropylene and low‐density polyethylene films to prevent Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larva infestation. CO, a natural insecticide, was embedded with HNTs and polyethyleneimine (PEI) via vacuum pulling process to cause a slow and gradual release of CO. The sustained release profile of CO from CO‐containing HNTs with a PEI coating [(HNTs/CO/layer‐by‐layer (LBL)] was verified by gas chromatography analysis. The repellent activity of HNTs/CO/LBL was observed for up to 46 days, whereas CO film and HNTs/CO film exhibited no insecticidal activities during the test period. After 30‐day exposure, the HNTs/CO/LBL film exhibited a 7‐day extension in the penetration test. To evaluate the insecticidal properties of the insect‐proof film (HNTs/CO/LBL scale‐up film) manufactured in an industrial facility, the inhibitory effects of HNTs/CO/LBL scale‐up film on insect infestation was elucidated in both the segregation and combination tests. As a result, HNTs/CO/LBL alone or gravure‐printed film treated with HNTs/CO/LBL were capable of protecting food from insect infestation.

Practical Application

Halloysite nanotubes containing natural insect repellent were applied to industrial production of food packaging. Commercial cornflake cereal packaging using insect‐resistant film successfully inhibited pest infestation. Insect‐proof film produced at an industrial facility can be utilized to protect processed food from insect infestation.
Can emphysema influence size discrepancy between radiologic and pathologic size measurement in subsolid lung adenocarcinomas?
Authors: Lim Jae‐Kwang , Shin Kyung Min , Lee Sang Yub , Lee Hoseok , Hahm Myong Hun , Lee Jaehee , Kim Chang Ho , Cha Seung‐Ick , Jeong Ji Yun
Published: August 2019

Background

To investigate the difference in the measured diameter of subsolid lung adenocarcinomas of thin‐section computed tomography (TSCT) and pathology according to presence of emphysema.

Methods

A total of 268 surgically resected pathologic T1 or T2 adenocarcinomas visualized as subsolid nodules (SSNs) on TSCT were analyzed in 252 patients. Two observers measured the greatest diameters of the whole tumor (WTsize) and solid tumor (STsize) on TSCT in lung windows, classified nodules as part‐solid or nonsolid, and recorded the presence of regional emphysema. Interobserver variability was determined with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). CT measurements were compared to pathologic size (Psize) and invasive size (PIsize) using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

The interobserver agreement between the diameters measured by the two observers was strong for WTsize (ICC = 0.968 [95% confidence interval, 0.960–0.975]) and STsize (ICC = 0.966 [95% CI, 0.950–0.969]). Radiologic WTsize was significantly greater than Psize (P < 0.001), while STsize was less than PIsize. The WTsize of the emphysema group was better correlated with Psize than WTsize of the normal lung group (P = 0.001), while the STsize of the normal lung group was better correlated with PIsize than STsize of the emphysema group. The concordance rate in T staging between CT and pathologic analysis was better correlated in patients with normal lungs than in those with emphysema (P = 0.023).

Conclusion

STsize on TSCT was underestimated in patients with emphysema, resulting in higher discordance in T staging between TSCT and pathologic analysis for subsolid lung adenocarcinomas.
Assessment of the accuracy of salivary cotinine readings from NicAlert strips against a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assay in self‐reported non‐smokers who passed carbon monoxide but failed NicAlert validation
Authors: Etter Jean‐François
Published: August 2019

Background and Aims

NicAlert produces semi‐quantitative assessments of cotinine levels in saliva or urine for verification of smoking abstinence. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of NicAlert readings against a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assay in smokers who had passed expired‐air carbon monoxide (CO) verification but failed NicAlert verification.

Design

Comparison of NicAlert readings against readings from a reference assay using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Setting

Geneva, Switzerland.

Participants

Self‐reported non‐smokers (n = 92) who in previous testing had CO of 0–3 parts per million (indicating no recent smoking) and reported not using any nicotine product, but had NicAlert readings ≥ 1 (indicating smoking).

Measurements

NicAlert produces readings of 0, 1 and 2+, which are reported by the manufacturer to correspond to saliva cotinine concentrations of 0–10 ng/ml (indicating not smoking), 10–30 ng/ml and 30+ ng/ml, respectively. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used as the reference.

Findings

For 82 participants with a NicAlert reading of 1, only two of the liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry values were within the purported range of 10–30 ng/ml; 71 were below 4 ng/ml and half the values were below 0.5 ng/ml. Two of the eight participants with NicAlert readings of 2 had laboratory values within the designated range. Neither of the two participants with NicAlert readings of 3 had a cotinine value within the designated range.

Conclusions

In people who had passed carbon monoxide verification, NicAlert readings yielded a very high false‐positive rate in detecting levels of cotinine indicative of smoking.
US–Japan Trade Frictions: The Past, the Present, and Implications for the US–China Trade War
Authors: Urata Shujiro
Published: August 2019

The United States and Japan have been involved in trade frictions over a number of products including textiles, steel, automobiles, semi‐conductors, and agricultural products over the last 50 years. US–Japan trade frictions have taken basically two forms: (i) the United States attempting to restrict Japan's exports to the United States; and (ii) the United States attempting to increase its exports to Japan by “opening” the Japanese market. By putting pressure on Japan to adopt necessary measures, the United States sought to achieve two main objectives: (i) to reduce its trade deficit vis‐à‐vis Japan; and (ii) to protect and/or promote US industries. The United States failed to achieve the first objective, while some success was achieved for the second objective. The United States triggered a trade war against China with the objectives of: (i) reducing the bilateral trade deficit; and (ii) stopping unfair trade practices by Chinese firms such as violations of intellectual property rights and forced technology transfer. Based on the experiences from the US–Japan trade frictions, the United States may achieve some success for the second objective, but not for the first. The chances of achieving the second objective would increase if the United States cooperates with countries such as Japan and the European Union, which are faced with similar problems.
Elephant herbivory of knob‐thorn (Senegalia nigrescens) and ivory palm (Hyphaene petersiana) in Bwabwata National Park, Caprivi, Namibia: The role of ivory palm as a biotic refuge
Authors: Watson Laurence H. , Cameron Michael J. , Iifo Fillemon
Published: August 2019

African elephants have major impacts on vegetation, particularly at high densities. Knob‐thorns (Senegalia nigrescens) are typically ring‐barked by elephant, and high levels of mortality are common at high elephant densities. Our study aimed to test whether ivory palm clusters (Hyphaene petersiana) form a biotic refuge for knob‐thorn against elephant herbivory. We measured the density, damage and mortality of knob‐thorns in sites differing according to ivory palm presence and elephant density, and thus, the probability of knob‐thorn encounter by elephants. The site with palms and low elephant density, had a high density of knob‐thorns, but lower proportions of damaged and dead trees, than sites without palms but with similar or higher elephant density. In the former, knob‐thorns were associated with palm clusters, particularly saplings and young adults. In this site, low proportions of damaged and dead knob‐thorns were recorded in palm clusters, compared with outside clusters, and to those in the other sites. Our study also showed that juvenile palms which protected knob‐thorns, suffered low mortality in contrast to subadult palms. We have no evidence but implicate elephants and suggest that in palm clusters, subadult palms are more accessible to elephants than knob‐thorns because of the different methods of utilisation.
Apolipoprotein A‐IV acts as an endogenous anti‐inflammatory protein and is reduced in treatment‐naïve allergic patients and allergen‐challenged mice
Authors: Roula David , Theiler Anna , Luschnig Petra , Sturm Gunter J. , Tomazic Peter V. , Marsche Gunther , Heinemann Akos , Sturm Eva M.
Published: August 2019

Background

Recent studies pointed to a crucial role for apolipoproteins in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. However, the role of apolipoprotein‐IV (ApoA‐IV) in allergic inflammation has not been addressed thoroughly thus far.

Objective

Here, we explored the anti‐inflammatory effects and underlying signaling pathways of ApoA‐IV on eosinophil effector function in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Migratory responsiveness, Ca2+‐flux and apoptosis of human peripheral blood eosinophils were assessed in vitro. Allergen‐driven airway inflammation was assessed in a mouse model of acute house dust mite‐induced asthma. ApoA‐IV serum levels were determined by ELISA.

Results

Recombinant ApoA‐IV potently inhibited eosinophil responsiveness in vitro as measured by Ca2+‐flux, shape change, integrin (CD11b) expression, and chemotaxis. The underlying molecular mechanism involved the activation of Rev‐ErbA‐α and induced a PI3K/PDK1/PKA‐dependent signaling cascade. Systemic application of ApoA‐IV prevented airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and airway eosinophilia in mice following allergen challenge. ApoA‐IV levels were decreased in serum from allergic patients compared to healthy controls.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that ApoA‐IV is an endogenous anti‐inflammatory protein that potently suppresses effector cell functions in eosinophils. Thus, exogenously applied ApoA‐IV may represent a novel pharmacological approach for the treatment of allergic inflammation and other eosinophil‐driven disorders.
Postwork intimacy
Authors: SHAKUTO SHIORI
Published: August 2019

Marriage among senior citizens is often characterized by an increasing appeal to romantic love and companionship. Japanese retired men in Malaysia tried to transform their marital relations from unions based on a strict division of labor to bonds formed out of a romantic partnership. But the new marital intimacy had hidden costs for wives, as the gendered hierarchy continued to constitute the basic terms of what were considered valuable activities in their overseas retirement. Companionate relationships do not simply erase the previously meaningful hierarchy or gender roles. The forms and expressions of gendered hierarchy also shift as dependency and power may be re‐created in nonfinancial forms. The liberal rhetoric celebrated in the ideals of companionate marriage often masks the reproduction of these regulatory forms. [intimacy, gender, transnational retirement, companionate marriage, active aging, Malaysia, Japan]
Methicillin‐resistant and vancomycin‐intermediate Staphylococcus aureus colonizing patients and intensive care unit environment: virulence profile and genetic variability
Authors: Veloso Jéssica O. , Lamaro‐Cardoso Juliana , Neves Lorrane S. , Borges Lizandra F. A. , Pires Cyndi H. , Lamaro Luana , Guerreiro Tainá C. , Ferreira Evelyn M. A. , André Maria Cláudia P.
Published: August 2019

This study aims to determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus colonizing patients and ICU environment of a teaching hospital, the virulence and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolates, and to evaluate the genetic relationship among them. A total of 536 swabs (134 of patients and 402 of ICU environment) were collected and analyzed to detect S. aureus. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was determined by disk diffusion test, and the detection of the mecA and virulence factors genes was performed by PCR, in addition to SCCmec typing. The genetic similarity of the isolates was determined by PFGE. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 12.7% of the swabs. The prevalence of colonization was 13.4% in patients and 12.4% in the environmental samples. The multidrug resistance was determined in 82.4% of the isolates. The prevalence of methicillin‐resistant S. aureus was 20.6%, with 50.0% classified as SCCmec IV. The intermediate resistance to vancomycin was detected in 5.9% and 4.4% of the isolates obtained from patients and environment, respectively. Identical isolates obtained from different patients and sources were grouped into several clusters. The results showed dissemination of multidrug‐resistant strains between patients and fomites and the persistence of MRSA and VISA isolates in the ICU environment.
Supportive Organizations, Work–Family Enrichment, and Job Burnout in Low and High Humane Orientation Cultures
Authors: Ollier‐Malaterre Ariane , Haar Jarrod M. , Sunyer Albert , Russo Marcello
Published: August 2019

The present study draws on the work–family and cross‐national management literature to examine the relationships between Family‐Supportive Organizational Perceptions (FSOP), work–family enrichment, and job burnout across five countries with different cultural backgrounds: Malaysia, New Zealand, France, Italy, and Spain. Using a combined sample of 980 employees, we find support for a partial mediation model in which FSOP is positively associated with work–family enrichment, which in turn is negatively related to job burnout. Given our focus on support, we test the moderating role of the cultural value humane orientation, that is, the extent to which a society values altruism, kindness, and compassion. The five countries in our sample offer variation in their country‐level scores as determined by the GLOBE study (House et al., 2004). We found that individuals from cultures that scored higher in “as is” humane orientation (i.e., scores for actual practices) experienced lower job burnout when FSOP increased. This pattern was reversed when considering “should be” humane orientation (i.e., scores for ideal values). The implications for the work–family and the cross‐national management literature, and for practice, are discussed.
Randomised clinical trial: a placebo‐controlled study of subcutaneous or intradermal NEXVAX2, an investigational immunomodulatory peptide therapy for coeliac disease
Authors: Truitt Kenneth E. , Daveson A. James M. , Ee Hooi C. , Goel Gautam , MacDougall James , Neff Kristin , Anderson Robert P.
Published: August 2019

Background

Nexvax2 contains three gluten‐derived peptides, intended to tolerize coeliac disease patients to gluten. Sequences cover six epitopes that trigger immune activation in human leucocyte antigen‐DQ2.5‐positive patients, most notably after an initial dose. Patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms with increases in serum interleukin‐2. Consistent with Nexvax2’s induction of non‐responsiveness, reactivity disappears after repeated doses, or is avoided with gradual dose escalation. Early clinical trials used intradermal dosing, but pharmacokinetics and rapid onset of effect suggest that subcutaneous delivery may also be effective.

Aims

To document the relative bioavailability of Nevax2 peptides after subcutaneous and intradermal dosing, and the tolerability and ability of subcutaneous dosing to induce non‐responsiveness to Nexvax2 peptides.

Methods

A randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was conducted to assess plasma pharmacokinetics after subcutaneous and intradermal Nexvax2 dosing in HLA DQ2.5‐positive patients, who had symptoms after an oral gluten challenge. Randomisation was to semi‐weekly Nexvax2 (n = 12) or placebo (n = 2) injections, over a 5‐week subcutaneous dose escalation and 2‐week maintenance period, the latter with four doses of 900 µg, two subcutaneous and two intradermal. Post‐dose circulating peptide and interleukin‐2 levels were assessed. Investigators recorded adverse events experienced by patients.

Results

Subcutaneous dosing resulted in slightly greater exposure. Interleukin‐2 responses were seen with the gluten challenge but not after subcutaneous or intradermal dosing of 900 µg. Adverse events were generally mild and self‐limited.

Conclusions

Subcutaneous and intradermal dosing of Nexvax2 yield similar bioavailability of constituent peptides; subcutaneous dose escalation avoids an immune response to dominant gluten epitopes.
Voluntary immobility and existential security in a changing climate in the Pacific
Authors: Farbotko Carol , McMichael Celia
Published: August 2019

With the expectation of adverse climate change impacts, some (often majority) Indigenous populations of the Pacific are expressing a preference to remain on Indigenous lands for cultural and spiritual reasons. In some cases, Indigenous people express preparedness to die on traditional territory rather than relocate, representing a new type of agency and resistance to dispossession. This is a prominent politics of place of relevance to emerging debates and decision‐making around retreat and relocation. If climate change is experienced by populations as an existential threat to culture, identity and place‐based connections, voluntary immobility can be an important adaptation strategy that helps to strengthen cultural and spiritual resilience among those facing the prospect of a lost homeland. This paper argues that voluntary immobility decisions need ethically robust and culturally appropriate policies and practices, particularly when a site is deemed by external experts to be no longer fit for human settlement. National governments, civil society groups, international organisations and donors will need to: engage in culturally meaningful dialogue with communities about relocation and immobility; respect, protect and fulfil the rights of ‘immobile’ people and those on the move; and confirm that in situ adaptation options have been exhausted.
Difficulty classifications of laparoscopic repeated liver resection in patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kinoshita Masahiko , Kanazawa Akishige , Kodai Shintaro , Shimizu Sadatoshi , Murata Akihiro , Nishio Kohei , Hamano Genya , Shinkawa Hiroji , Tanaka Shogo , Takemura Shigekazu , Tsukamoto Tadashi , Kubo Shoji
Published: August 2019

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the predictive factors and classifications for difficulty of laparoscopic repeated liver resection (LRLR) in patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

Sixty patients who underwent LRLR were included. Potential predictive factors for difficult LRLR included the approach of the previous liver resection (laparoscopic or open), the number of previous liver resections, a history of cholecystectomy in previous liver resection, the operative procedure of previous liver resection, whether the tumor was near the resected site of the previous liver resection, non‐surgical treatments before the present surgery, and the difficulty scoring system for laparoscopic liver resection. The relationship between these factors and perioperative outcomes were evaluated to investigate the predictive factor for difficult LRLR.

Results

Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that an open approach during previous liver resection, two or more previous liver resections, a history of previous liver resection with not less than sectionectomy, tumor near the resected site of the previous liver resection, and intermediate or high difficulty in the difficulty scoring system were independent risk factors for prolonged operative time and/or severe adhesion of LRLR. Three difficulty classifications were then suggested based on the number of these five predictive factors. The difficulty classification reflected operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and incidence of postoperative complication.

Conclusion

The difficulty of LRLR may be predicted by three difficulty classifications using five preoperative predictive factors.
Current understandings of the trajectory and emerging correlates of cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder: An overview of evidence
Authors: Van Rheenen Tamsyn E. , Lewandowski Kathryn E. , Bauer Isabelle E. , Kapczinski Flavio , Miskowiak Kamilla , Burdick Katherine E. , Balanzá‐Martínez Vicent
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Cognitive dysfunction affects a significant proportion of people with bipolar disorder (BD), but the cause, trajectory and correlates of such dysfunction remains unclear. Increased understanding of these factors is required to progress treatment development for this symptom dimension.

Methods

This paper provides a critical overview of the literature concerning the trajectories and emerging correlates of cognitive functioning in BD. It is a narrative review in which we provide a qualitative synthesis of current evidence concerning clinical, molecular, neural and lifestyle correlates of cognitive impairment in BD across the lifespan (in premorbid, prodromal, early onset, post‐onset, elderly cohorts).

Results

There is emerging evidence of empirical links between cognitive impairment and an increased inflammatory state, brain structural abnormalities and reduced neuroprotection in BD. However, evidence regarding the progressive nature of cognitive impairment is mixed, since consensus between different cross‐sectional data is lacking and does not align to the outcomes of the limited longitudinal studies available. Increased recognition of cognitive heterogeneity in BD may help to explain some inconsistencies in the extant literature.

Conclusions

Large, longitudinally focussed studies of cognition and its covariation alongside biological and lifestyle factors are required to better define cognitive trajectories in BD, and eventually pave the way for the application of a precision medicine approach for individual patients in clinical practice.
The impact of SOCS1 mutations in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Mellert Kevin , Martin Melanie , Lennerz Jochen K. , Lüdeke Manuel , Staiger Annette M. , Kreuz Markus , Löffler Markus , Schmitz Norbert , Trümper Lorenz , Feller Alfred C. , Hartmann Sylvia , Hansmann Martin‐Leo , Klapper Wolfram , Stein Harald , Rosenwald Andreas , Ott German , Ziepert Marita , Möller Peter
Published: August 2019

Mutations in SOCS1 are frequent in primary mediastinal B‐cell lymphoma and classical Hodgkin lymphoma. In the latter, SOCS1 mutations affect the length of the encoded protein (major mutations) and are associated with shorter patient survival. Two independent studies examined the prognostic impact of SOCS1 mutations in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and showed differing results. This may be due to the small number of included patients, the heterogeneity of patients’ demographics and the distinct treatment schemes in these studies. To overcome the size limitations of these previous studies, we assessed SOCS1 mutations in the RICOVER‐60 cohort. The cohort uniformly consists of elderly patients (aged 61–80 years) treated with the CHOP‐14 scheme (cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone at 14‐day intervals) with or without an additional rituximab treatment. Patient outcomes were analysed with regard to overall SOCS1 mutation frequency, major and minor mutations and a novel impact‐based classifier – against the treatment modalities. Patients harbouring putative pathogenic SOCS1 mutations showed significant reduced overall survival within the CHOP plus rituximab group. Hence, putative pathogenic SOCS1 mutations seem to efface the beneficial effect of the therapeutic CD20 antibody. Comparing published data of whole exome and transcriptome sequencing of a large DLBCL cohort confirmed that predicted deleterious SOCS1 mutations forecast pre‐eminent survival in early onset DLBCL.
Kaempferol attenuates imiquimod-induced psoriatic skin inflammation in a mouse model
Authors: Liu C , Liu H , Lu C , Deng J , Yan Y , Chen H , Wang Y , Liang C-L , Wei J , Han L , Dai Z
Published: August 2019

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease that mainly affects the skin barrier. Treatment for psoriasis mainly includes conventional immunosuppressive drugs. However, long-term treatment with global immunosuppressive agents may cause a variety of side effects, including nephrotoxicity and infections. Kaempferol, a natural flavonol present in various plants, is known to possess potent anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancerous properties. However, it is unknown whether kaempferol is also anti-psoriatic. Here we established an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriatic mouse model to explore the potential therapeutic effects of kaempferol on psoriatic skin lesions and inflammation. In this study, we demonstrated that treatment with kaempferol protected mice from developing psoriasis-like skin lesions induced by topical administration of IMQ. Kaempferol reduced CD3+ T cell infiltration and gene expression of major proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17A and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, in the psoriatic skin lesion. It also down-regulated proinflammatory nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling in the skin. The therapeutic effects were associated with a significant increase in CD4+forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)+ regulatory T cell (Treg) frequency in the spleen and lymph nodes as well as FoxP3-positive staining in the skin lesion. Conversely, depletion of CD4+CD25+ Tregs reversed the therapeutic effects of kaempferol on the skin lesion. Kaempferol also lowered the percentage of IL-17A+CD4+ T cells in the spleen and lymph nodes of IMQ-induced psoriatic mice. Finally, kaempferol suppressed the proliferation of T cells in vitro and their mTOR signaling. Thus, our findings suggest that kaempferol may be a therapeutic drug for treating human psoriasis in the near future.
Evaluation of FGF‐23 and 25(OH)D3 levels in peri‐implant sulcus fluid in peri‐implant health and diseases
Authors: Acipinar Sukran , Karsiyaka Hendek Meltem , Olgun Ebru , Kisa Ucler
Published: August 2019

Background

There are limited studies to date investigating vitamin D and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐23 in different peri‐implant conditions.

Purpose

To evaluate the peri‐implant sulcus fluid (PISF) FGF‐23 and 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) levels in peri‐implant health and diseases.

Materials and Methods

A total of 90 dental implant sites (peri‐implant healthy group [n = 30], peri‐implant mucositis group [n = 30], and peri‐implantitis group [n = 30]) in 53 participants were included in the study. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), suppuration (S), modified plaque index (mPI), gingival index (GI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), and keratinized mucosa width (KMW) were recorded as clinical parameters, and PISF samples were obtained. FGF‐23 and 25(OH)D3 levels were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in FGF‐23 concentrations among the groups (P > .05). The 25(OH)D3 concentration was significantly lower in peri‐implantitis group compared with the other two groups (P < .05). The mean total amount of FGF‐23 in the peri‐implantitis group was significantly higher than the peri‐implant healthy group whereas 25(OH)D3 total amount was significantly lower in the peri‐implantitis group than the peri‐implant healthy group. The 25(OH)D3 concentration was significantly negatively correlated with CAL, PD, mPI, S, GI, and mSBI and statistically significant relationship was found between FGF‐23 total amount and these clinical parameters (P < .05). There was a negligible positive correlation between 25(OH)D3 and FGF‐23 concentrations (τ = 0.169; P = .018).

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that FGF‐23 and vitamin D seems to affect peri‐implant bone health, and further studies are needed to explain the association between FGF‐23 and 25(OH)D3 in peri‐implant conditions.
Effects of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors on the cardiovascular and renal complications of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chilton Robert J.
Published: August 2019

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT‐2is) have been shown to mitigate the risks of cardiovascular (CV) and renal complications in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and CV risk factors or CV disease (CVD). In CV outcomes trials (CVOTs) of patients with T2D and established CVD or multiple CV risk factors, empagliflozin and canagliflozin were associated with significant reductions in the risks of major adverse CV events (MACE), hospitalization for heart failure (HF) and kidney disease progression. In the DECLARE–TIMI 58 study, in which the majority of patients did not have established CVD, dapagliflozin was associated with significant reductions in the composite end point of CV death or hospitalization for HF and was noninferior to placebo with regard to MACE; although patients had relatively good renal function, dapagliflozin also showed renal benefits similar to those seen with empagliflozin and canagliflozin. This article reviews the increased risk of CVD and renal disease in patients with T2D and discusses the potential mechanisms of the cardioprotective and renoprotective effects of SGLT‐2i therapy. The observed improvements in CV and renal outcomes with SGLT‐2is in CVOTs suggest a class effect in this patient population and have influenced treatment guidelines for the way add‐on therapy to metformin is initiated in patients with T2D and high CV risk. The overall cardioprotective and renoprotective effects of SGLT‐2is in patients with T2D and high CV risk are most likely attributable to multiple mechanisms, including cardiac, haemodynamic, metabolic, anti‐inflammatory and renal effects.
Superior efficacy with a fixed‐ratio combination of insulin degludec and liraglutide (IDegLira) compared with insulin degludec and liraglutide in insulin‐naïve Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes in a phase 3, open‐label, randomized trial
Authors: Kaku Kohei , Araki Eiichi , Tanizawa Yukio , Ross Agner Bue , Nishida Tomoyuki , Ranthe Mattis , Inagaki Nobuya
Published: August 2019

Aims

To investigate the efficacy and safety of insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) compared with its individual components in Japanese people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) uncontrolled on an oral antidiabetic drug (OAD).

Materials and methods

This 52‐week, open‐label, multicentre, treat‐to‐target trial randomized participants (n = 819) 1:1:1 to IDegLira, liraglutide 1.8 mg or degludec, as add‐on to their pre‐trial OAD. The maximum IDegLira dose was 50 dose steps (50 U degludec/1.8 mg liraglutide), there was no maximum dose for degludec, and both were titrated based on individual blood glucose measurements.

Results

After 52 weeks, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) decreased by 26 mmol/mol with IDegLira vs 20 mmol/mol with degludec and liraglutide: estimated treatment differences were −6.91 mmol/mol (95% confidence interval [CI] –8.18; −5.64) and −5.30 mmol/mol (95% CI −6.58; −4.03), confirming non‐inferiority of IDegLira to degludec and superiority of IDegLira to liraglutide (P < .0001 for both [primary endpoint]). Mean body weight changes were 2.9 kg, 4.1 kg and −1.0 kg with IDegLira, degludec and liraglutide, respectively, showing superiority of IDegLira versus degludec (P = .0001), but a significant difference in favour of liraglutide (P < .0001). Rates of severe or blood glucose‐confirmed hypoglycaemia for IDegLira were lower versus degludec (rate ratio 0.48 [95% CI 0.35; 0.68]; P < .0001), but higher versus liraglutide (rate ratio 37.58 [95% CI 19.80; 71.31]; P < .0001). Mean daily total insulin dose was lower with IDegLira (27.7 U) versus degludec (34.8 U; P < .0001). Overall adverse event (AE) rates were similar. In total, 34.9%, 22.9% and 41.8% of IDegLira‐, degludec‐ and liraglutide‐treated participants experienced gastrointestinal AEs.

Conclusion

IDegLira was superior to degludec and liraglutide in terms of HbA1c reduction and superior to degludec in terms of body weight change and rates of hypoglycaemia in Japanese people with T2D.
Performance‐enhanced modified self‐organising map for iris data classification
Authors: Winston J. Jenkin , Hemanth D. Jude
Published: August 2019

Biometric systems are widely used in applications such as forensics and military. Biometric authentication is a challenging and complex task. These biometric systems must be accurate for practical applications. In this era of artificial intelligence, artificial neural network‐based classifiers are widely used in biometric‐based systems. However, most of the artificial neural network‐based classifiers are less accurate and computationally complex. In this work, two modified self‐organising map (SOM) networks are proposed for iris image classification to improve the performance measures. Particle swarm optimization technique is used in the training process of conventional SOM. The experiments are carried out with conventional and modified classifiers. The proposed modified classifiers provide better performance than the conventional SOM classifier.