bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization of breast cancer cell response to metabolic drugs
Authors: Trilla-Fuertes Lucía , Gámez-Pozo Angelo , Arevalillo Jorge M , Díaz-Almirón Mariana , Prado-Vázquez Guillermo , Zapater-Moros Andrea , Navarro Hilario , Aras-López Rosa , Dapía Irene , López-Vacas Rocío , Nanni Paolo , Llorente-Armijo Sara , Arias Pedro , Borobia Alberto M. , Maín Paloma , Feliú Jaime , Espinosa Enrique , Vara Juan Ángel Fresno
Published: September 2017

Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer. We and other authors have previously shown that breast cancer subtypes present metabolism differences. In this study, breast cancer cell lines were treated with metformin and rapamycin. The response was heterogeneous across various breast cancer cells, leading to cell cycle disruption in specific conditions. The molecular effects of these treatments were characterized using sublethal doses, SNP genotyping and mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Protein expression was analyzed using probabilistic graphical models, showing that treatments elicit various responses in some biological processes, providing insights into cell responses to metabolism drugs. Moreover, a flux balance analysis approach using protein expression values was applied, showing that predicted growth rates were comparable with cell viability measurements and suggesting an increase in reactive oxygen species response enzymes due to metformin treatment. In addition, a method to assess flux differences in whole pathways was proposed. Our results show that these various approaches provide complementary information, which can be used to suggest hypotheses about the drugs’ mechanisms of action and the response to drugs that target metabolism.
Detection and genomic characterization of a mammary-like adenocarcinoma
Authors: Grewal Jasleen K. , Eirew Peter , Jones Martin , Chiu Kenrry , Tessier-Cloutier Basile , Karnezis Anthony N. , Karsan Aly , Mungall Andy , Zhou Chen , Yip Stephen , Tinker Anna V. , Laskin Janessa , Marra Marco , Jones Steven J.M.
Published: September 2017

Whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing were performed to identify potential therapeutic strategies in the absence of viable treatment options for a patient initially diagnosed with vulvar adenocarcinoma. Genomic events were prioritized by comparison against variant distributions in the TCGA pan-cancer data set and complemented with detailed transcriptome sequencing and copy-number analysis. These findings were considered against published scientific literature in order to evaluate the functional effects of potentially relevant genomic events. Analysis of the transcriptome against a background of 27 TCGA cancer types led to reclassification of the tumor as a primary HER2+ mammary-like adenocarcinoma of the vulva. This revised diagnosis was subsequently confirmed by follow-up immunohistochemistry for a mammary-like adenocarcinoma. The patient was treated with chemotherapy and targeted therapies for HER2+ breast cancer. The detailed pathology and genomic findings of this case are presented herein.
The challenges of employee resourcing: the perceptions of managers in Nigeria
Authors: Adisa Toyin Ajibade , Osabutey Ellis L.C. , Gbadamosi Gbolahan , Mordi Chima
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The existing literature on the recruitment and selection process in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) context has not sufficiently revealed inherent challenges. The purpose of this paper is to examine managers’ perceptions of employee resourcing in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses qualitative data which were generated from the semi-structured interviews of 61 managers across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.

Findings

The paper finds that in addition to the Federal Character Principle and the Quota System Policy, favouritism, ethnicity, age and gender discrimination, as well as corruption significantly inhibit the recruitment and selection process in Nigeria. Consequently, the ability to hire the best workers to improve competitiveness is also inadvertently hampered.

Practical implications

The paper shows that the institutional and cultural variations in SSA require a nuanced approach in the recruitment and selection process in order to enhance organisational competitiveness.

Originality/value

The institutional and cultural variations in SSA require a nuanced approach in the recruitment and selection process in order to enhanced organisational competitiveness.
Employment goal commitment moderates the impact of job search goal orientation on the job search process
Authors: Kanar Adam
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enhance the understanding of self-regulation during job search by integrating goal-orientation theory with a resource allocation framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The author surveyed job searching new labor market entrants at two time points and hypothesized that the effects of job seekers’ state goal orientations on indicators of self-regulation during the job search process (procrastination, anxiety, and guidance-seeking behaviors) depended on levels of employment goal commitment (EGC).

Findings

Results indicate that for job seekers with higher levels of EGC, a state learning-approach goal orientation (LGO) was beneficial for the job search process and a state performance-approach goal orientation (PGO) was detrimental. For job seekers with lower levels of EGC, a state LGO was detrimental to the search process, while a state PGO was beneficial.

Research limitations/implications

This research extends the understanding of state goal orientation in the context of job search. Future research may replicate these findings with different samples of employed and unemployed job seekers and extend this research with additional conceptualizations of resource limitations.

Practical implications

The present research suggests that the effectiveness of learning-approach goal-orientation training methods in the context of job search must be considered in light of individual differences in resource availability. In particular, individuals with lower resources available for job searching may benefit from interventions focusing on increasing state PGO.

Originality/value

The present results suggest that EGC is an important moderator of the impact of job search goal orientation on indicators of self-regulation during job search, and therefore present important boundary conditions regarding the role of state goal orientation in the job search process.
How close are formal and informal work?
Authors: Shapland Joanna , Heyes Jason
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Recent changes in the UK to the regulation and modes of work in the formal and informal economies are considered. Research in this field has tended to remain in silos (treating formal economy working conditions separately from research on the informal economy). The question is whether the means of work and benefits to the worker for formal and informal work are now as different as the former images of formal and informal economy work imply under a “jobs-for-life” economy. The purpose of this paper is to consider whether the current aim of government regulation of the informal economy – to formalise it – is actually of benefit to workers, as might be supposed.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers recent research findings on the formal and informal economy, using official government statistics for the UK and more detailed European studies on the informal economy.

Findings

This paper argues that formal employment in the UK is becoming more casualised, with less associated benefits to employees. Though it is still of benefit to the state to formalise informal work (to increase tax take), some of the links between formalisation and a good working environment for workers are being broken, which may lead to the informal economy becoming more popular and requiring different priorities in its regulation.

Originality/value

This paper argues that we need to change our assumptions and image of work in the formal economy, compared to that in the informal economy.
Great expectations but little evidence: policing money laundering
Authors: Verhage Antoinette
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to map anti-money laundering policy and its impact on money laundering. The AML system is discussed from the perspective of the compliance officer, who is responsible for translating AML law into practice in Belgian banks.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review, based largely on a PhD study (2009) that involved a survey and interviews. Additionally, 12 compliance officers were interviewed in 2015.

Findings

The global AML system impacts significantly on issues of privacy and due process but has not yet been evaluated. The system’s preventive effect is difficult to measure because of a lack of (cross-border) information. The way in which Risks are currently managed in diverse ways.

Research limitations/implications

Results from the first study in 2009 (based on interviews in 2007-2008) were potentially outdated. This recent update (2015) confirms that compliance officers are still dealing with the same issues.

Practical implications

The study clarifies the ways in which compliance and AML is dealt with and mapped, providing insights into an often closed setting.

Social implications

The battle against money laundering is very costly and intrusive, making the need for stringent evaluation more pressing.

Originality/value

The study is both original and valuable because compliance officers have rarely been the subject of research. The study discloses useful information about their role.
Informal employment in the poor European periphery
Authors: Pfau-Effinger Birgit
Published: September 2017

Purpose

During the transition from socialist to post-socialist regimes, many Central and Eastern Europe societies have developed a broad sector of informal work. This development has caused substantial economic and social problems. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper aims to answer two questions regarding European countries with a relatively weak economy and welfare state: what are the differences in the social characteristics between workers in formal and informal employment? And how might they be explained? According to the main assumption, a key reason why people work in undeclared employment in such countries is that they are in particularly vulnerable positions in the labour market. This paper uses the example of Moldova. The empirical study is based on a unique survey data set from the National Statistical Office of Moldova covering formal and informal employment.

Findings

The findings show that, in informal employment, workers in rural areas, workers with a low level of education, young workers and older workers – in the final years of their careers and after the age of retirement – are over-represented. It seems that a significant reason why these workers are often engaged in informal employment is the lack of alternatives in the labour market, particularly in rural areas, compounded by limited social benefits from unemployment benefits and pensions.

Originality/value

Research about social differences between workers in formal and informal employment in the countries of the European periphery is rare. This paper makes a new contribution to the theoretical debate and research regarding work in informal employment.
Inheritance tax compliance – earmarking with normative value principles
Authors: Stark Jennifer Anna , Kirchler Erich
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship of inheritance tax behavior with normative value principles and factors found relevant for income tax compliance. Also, it examines the influence of affectedness and earmarking on inheritance tax compliance. Furthermore, it compares two countries similar in tax morale, tax culture as well as dominant normative value principles, Austria and Germany, of which one – Germany – levies inheritance taxes and the other – Austria – is debating its reintroduction.

Design/methodology/approach

A two (affected vs nonaffected) by two (Austria vs Germany) by two (inheritance tax vs stock profit tax) by three (no earmarking vs social justice earmarking vs equality of opportunity earmarking) experimental online questionnaire was conducted with 296 Austrians and 230 Germans.

Findings

Normative value principles and other socio-psychological variables play an important role concerning inheritance tax behavior. Affectedness does not influence inheritance tax compliance. Earmarking inheritance tax to projects corresponding to these value principles increases inheritance tax compliance in the Austrian sample and could represent a measure to increase inheritance tax compliance in countries implementing inheritance tax or increasing inheritance tax.

Originality/value

This study draws a comprehensive picture of the socio-psychological variables relevant to inheritance tax behavior and tests the effect of earmarking as a policy measure to increase inheritance tax compliance.
Engendering leadership in the Indian workplace – a framework on cross-level linkages
Authors: Chakravarty Arjya , Bhatnagar Jyotsna
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Gender inequality is a critical economic challenge. A need to conceptualize and understand gender-based issues is of utmost importance to frame policies and processes for healthy workplaces. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This study attempts to capture the nuances of “gender diversity” issues at the Indian workplace from a grounded theory perspective by highlighting the viewpoints of women leaders and their organizations in the Indian context.

Findings

The findings reveal certain important themes. Indian organizations which have eliminated stereotyping and sex typing (stereotypical categorization of people according to conventional perceptions of sex) in roles and have implemented gender neutral policies and processes have become preferred employers and achieved better business results.

Research limitations/implications

The study has proposed a linkage framework (Figure 1) and has suggested ways to understand an organization’s gender imbalance and lack of gender leadership with factors in the micro and macro environment. Organizations may use this model to gain perspective and adapt and invent policies and processes to have more gender diversity at workplace, for sustainable business results. Organizations should deepen their understanding of how “engendering leadership” should be embedded into the macro, micro and meso levels of an organization.

Practical implications

Organizations that have created gender neutralism by procreating a performance and talent-driven culture find themselves creating positive business results. This was made possible by involving all stakeholders in the efforts to remove and negate gender myths and biases. A false sense of complacency, by creating rules and policies which were never implemented in spirit, proved to be detrimental.

Social implications

This research attempts to investigate gender diversity’s coherence with the other features of the broader social context.

Originality/value

To gain perspective of how this phenomenon is manifested in reality in the Indian organizations, the authors conducted a qualitative study to gain deep immersed insights. This research has attempted to contribute and enrich the literature on gender leadership using a grounded theory approach. None of the earlier gender-related studies have applied grounded theory as a methodology.
Letter: bleeding in cirrhotics receiving coronary stenting and antiplatelet therapy – author's reply
Authors: Feagins L. A.
Published: September 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Ponzetto and Figura, and Krill et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14244 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14121.
Impact of implant–abutment connection on osteoimmunological and microbiological parameters in short implants: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Öztürk Veli Özgen , Emingil Gülnur , Bostanci Nagihan , Belibasakis Georgios N.
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The study aimed to determine the levels of soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor‐кB ligand (sRANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) as well as their relative calculated ratio in peri‐implant crevicular fluid (PICF) obtained around two different types of implant–abutment connection on short implants following a 12‐month monitoring period. Moreover, the levels of a number of oral bacterial species were investigated in the corresponding submucosal biofilm samples.

Materials and methods

Thirty short implants were randomly placed in posterior maxillary edentulous sites using a split‐mouth design in 15 periodontally healthy subjects. Tapered interference fit (TIF) and taper‐integrated screwed‐in (TIS) types of implant–abutment connections were selected for investigation. PICF and submucosal biofilm samples were collected 1 month after surgery and repeated 12 months after prosthetic loading. Clinical parameters, including probing depth, dichotomous presence of bleeding on probing, and plaque index, were recorded and digital periapical radiographs were taken at each time point. sRANKL and OPG levels in PICF were analyzed using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Total bacterial levels, as well as levels of Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, Prevotella intermedia, and Streptococcus oralis, were analyzed in the corresponding submucosal biofilm samples using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The total amount of sRANKL in TIF implants was 2.64‐fold lower than that in TIS implants at baseline (P < 0.001), whereas similar levels were found after 12 months (P > 0.05). Accordingly, OPG and RANKL/OPG ratio were similar between the groups at each time point (P > 0.05). Microbiological results were similar in both groups at each time point (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of this longitudinal study suggested that sRANKL and OPG in PICF, as well as microbiological parameters in submucosal biofilms, were similar between TIF and TIS implants, after a 12‐month monitoring period, despite early differences in the former. Therefore, the type of implant–abutment connection does not appear to influence longitudinally the levels of osteoimmunological and microbiological markers in the peri‐implant tissues of short implants.
Indeterminate dendritic cell neoplasm of the skin: A 2‐case report and review of the literature
Authors: Horna Pedro , Shao Haipeng , Idrees Afshan , Glass L Frank , Torres‐Cabala Carlos A
Published: September 2017

Indeterminate dendritic cell neoplasm (IDCN) is an exceedingly rare and mostly cutaneous histiocytosis, frequently associated with other hematopoietic malignancies. We report 2 cases of multilesional cutaneous IDCN. A 55‐year‐old male with no associated malignancy and complete response to ultraviolet phototherapy; and a 72‐year‐old male with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). Both cases showed histiocytoid cytology, positivity for CD1a and no expression of langerin or BRAFV600E. With our patients, the literature describes 79 cases of IDCNs, including 65 (82%) with only skin involvement, 7 cases (9%) with involvement of skin and a second site, 5 cases (6%) involving lymph nodes only, 1 splenic lesion and 1 systemic disease. Seventeen cases (22%) were associated with other hematopoietic malignancies, most commonly CMML (6 cases), follicular lymphoma (4 cases) and acute myeloid leukemia (3 cases). All IDCNs associated with myeloid malignancies were limited to the skin, while most cases associated with lymphoma were limited to lymph nodes. Reported responses of cutaneous lesions to ultraviolet phototherapy are encouraging, while systemic chemotherapy is appropriate for clinically aggressive cases and treatment of associated malignancies. Recognition of the clinico‐morphologic spectrum of IDCNs should prevent misdiagnoses and prompt investigation of possible associated neoplasms.
Exosomes as new players in metabolic organ cross‐talk
Authors: Guay Claudiane , Regazzi Romano
Published: September 2017

Blood glucose homeostasis requires a constant communication between insulin‐secreting and insulin‐sensitive cells. A wide variety of circulating factors, including hormones, cytokines and chemokines work together to orchestrate the systemic response of metabolic organs to changes in the nutritional state. Failure in the coordination between these organs can lead to a rise in blood glucose levels and to the appearance of metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are produced via the endosomal pathway and are released from the cells upon fusion of multivesicular bodies with the plasma membrane. There is emerging evidence indicating that these EVs play a central role in cell‐to‐cell communication. The interest in exosomes exploded when they were found to transport bioactive proteins, messenger RNA (mRNAs) and microRNA (miRNAs) that can be transferred in active form to adjacent cells or to distant organs. In this review, we will first outline the mechanisms governing the biogenesis, the cargo upload and the release of exosomes by donor cells as well as the uptake by recipient cells. We will then summarize the studies that support the novel concept that miRNAs and other exosomal cargo components are new important vehicles for metabolic organ cross‐talk.
Beta‐diversity of central European forests decreases along an elevational gradient due to the variation in local community assembly processes
Authors: Sabatini Francesco Maria , Jiménez‐Alfaro Borja , Burrascano Sabina , Lora Andrea , Chytrý Milan
Published: September 2017

Beta‐diversity has been repeatedly shown to decline with increasing elevation, but the causes of this pattern remain unclear, partly because they are confounded by coincident variation in alpha‐ and gamma‐diversity. We used 8795 forest vegetation‐plot records from the Czech National Phytosociological Database to compare the observed patterns of beta diversity to null‐model expectations (beta‐deviation) controlling for the effects of alpha‐ and gamma‐diversity. We tested whether β‐diversity patterns along a 1200 m elevation gradient exclusively depend on the effect of varying species pool size, or also on the variation of the magnitude of community assembly mechanisms determining the distribution of species across communities (e.g. environmental filtering, dispersal limitation). The null model we used is a novel extension of an existing null‐model designed for presence/absence data and was specifically designed to disrupt the effect of community assembly mechanisms, while retaining some key features of observed communities such as average species richness and species abundance distribution. Analyses were replicated in ten subregions with comparable elevation ranges. Beta‐diversity declined along the elevation gradient due to a decrease in gamma‐diversity, which was steeper than the decrease in alpha‐diversity. This pattern persisted after controlling for alpha‐ and gamma‐diversity variation, and the results were robust when different resampling schemes and diversity metrics were used. We conclude that in temperate forests the pattern of decreasing beta‐diversity with elevation does not exclusively depend on variation in species pool size, as has been hypothesized, but also on variation in community assembly mechanisms. The results were consistent across resampling schemes and diversity measures, thus supporting the use of vegetation‐plot databases for understanding patterns of beta‐diversity at the regional scale.
Multi‐trophic guilds respond differently to changing elevation in a subtropical forest
Authors: Binkenstein Julia , Klein Alexandra‐Maria , Assmann Thorsten , Buscot François , Erfmeier Alexandra , Ma Keping , Pietsch Katherina A. , Schmidt Karsten , Scholten Thomas , Wubet Tesfaye , Bruelheide Helge , Schuldt Andreas , Staab Michael
Published: September 2017

Negative relationships between species richness and elevation are common and attributed to changes in single environmental properties associated to elevation, such as temperature and habitat area. However, research has lacked taxonomic breadth and comprehensive elevation studies that consider multiple groups from different trophic levels are rare. We thus analysed 24 groups of plants, arthropods, and microorganisms grouped into six trophic guilds (predators, detritivores, herbivores, plants, bacteria and fungi) along a relatively short elevational gradient (~600 m) in a subtropical forest in south‐east China. The total species richness of all organisms was not related to elevation, nor was the richness of plants, herbivores or microorganisms. However, species richness and abundance in two major trophic guilds of arthropods changed with elevation, which was mediated by changes in elevation‐associated habitat properties. Specifically, deadwood mass increased with elevation, which increased detritivore richness indirectly via detritivore abundance, thus supporting the ‘more individuals hypothesis’. In contrast, lower predator richness at higher elevations was directly related to lower mean temperatures, which had no effect on abundance. Our study demonstrates that even along relatively short gradients, elevation can have strong direct and abundance‐mediated effects on species richness, but with effects varying from positive to negative signs depending on local resource availability and the characteristics of groups or trophic guilds. If elevation positively influences local environmental properties that benefit a given group, richness can increase towards higher elevations. Thus, the effect of global change in mountainous regions should be evaluated within the local environmental context using multi‐taxon approaches.
Primary cells in BCR/FGFR1‐positive 8p11 myeloproliferative syndrome are sensitive to dovitinib, ponatinib, and dasatinib
Authors: Landberg Niklas , Dreimane Arta , Rissler Marianne , Billström Rolf , Ågerstam Helena
Published: September 2017

Objectives

Translocations involving the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) gene are associated with the 8p11 myeloproliferative syndrome (EMS), a rare neoplasm that following a usually short chronic phase progresses into acute myeloid or lymphoid leukemia. The treatment commonly involves chemotherapy and, if possible, allogeneic stem cell transplantation which is the only therapeutic option for long‐term survival. Given the aggressive course of EMS, we here evaluated tyrosine kinase inhibitors as treatment options to delay disease progression.

Methods

We described a new case of EMS and used chromosome analyses, PCR, and sequencing to investigate the underlying genetic aberrations. The sensitivity to several tyrosine kinase inhibitors was tested in vitro on the EMS cell line KG1 and on primary cells from the newly diagnosed EMS patient.

Results

A translocation involving chromosomes 8 and 22 was detected, and a BCR/FGFR1 fusion gene was confirmed and characterized by sequencing. KG1 cells and primary EMS cells displayed distinct sensitivity to dovitinib, ponatinib, and dasatinib as compared to normal bone marrow control cells.

Conclusions

These results suggest that treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors may be beneficial for patients with EMS during the search for a suitable stem cell donor and for those not eligible for transplantation.
Xk‐related protein 8 regulates myoblast differentiation and survival
Authors: Kim Go‐Woon , Nam Gi‐Hoon , Kim In‐San , Park Seung‐Yoon
Published: September 2017

Xk‐related protein 8 (Xkr8) is a scramblase and responsible for phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure on the cell surface in a caspase‐dependent manner. Although PS exposure is found to be important for myotube formation during myoblast differentiation, the role of Xkr8 during myogenesis has not been elucidated. Here we show that Xkr8 contributes to myoblast differentiation. Xkr8 overexpression induced the formation of large myotubes during early differentiation, but this phenotype was not related to caspase‐dependent cleavage of Xkr8. Furthermore, forced Xkr8 expression accelerated myoblast differentiation and conferred cell‐death resistance after the induction of differentiation. Consistent with these results, Xkr8‐knocked‐down myoblasts exhibited impaired differentiation and more apoptotic cells during differentiation, implying the involvements of Xkr8 in the survival and proliferation of myoblasts. Taken together, the study shows Xkr8 influences myogenesis by acting as a positive regulator of terminal differentiation and myoblast survival.
Large soil organic carbon increase due to improved agronomic management in the North China Plain from 1980s to 2010s
Authors: Han Daorui , Wiesmeier Martin , Conant Richard T. , Kühnel Anna , Sun Zhigang , Kögel‐Knabner Ingrid , Hou Ruixing , Cong Peifei , Liang Rubiao , Ouyang Zhu
Published: September 2017

Agricultural soils are widely recognized to be capable of carbon sequestration that contributes to mitigating CO2 emissions. To better understand soil organic carbon (SOC) stock dynamics and its driving and controlling factors corresponding with a period of rapid agronomic evolution from the 1980s to the 2010s in the North China Plain (NCP), we collected data from two region‐wide soil sampling campaigns (in the 1980s and 2010s) and conducted an analysis of the controlling factors using the random forest model. Between the 1980s and 2010s, environmental (i.e. soil salinity/fertility) and societal (i.e. policy/techniques) factors both contributed to adoption of new management practices (i.e. chemical fertilizer application/mechanization). Results of our work indicate that SOC stocks in the NCP croplands increased significantly, which also closely related to soil total nitrogen changes. Samples collected near the surface (0–20 cm) and deeper (20–40 cm) both increased by an average of 9.4 and 5.1 Mg C ha−1, respectively, which are equivalent to increases of 73% and 56% compared with initial SOC stocks in the 1980s. The annual carbon sequestration amount in surface soils reached 10.9 Tg C year−1, which contributed an estimated 43% of total carbon sequestration in all of China's cropland on just 27% of its area. Successful desalinization and the subsequent increases in carbon (C) inputs, induced by agricultural projects and policies intended to support crop production (i.e. reconstruction of low yield farmland, and agricultural subsidies), combined with improved cultivation practices (i.e. fertilization and straw return) since the early 1980s were the main drivers for the SOC stock increase. This study suggests that rehabilitation of NCP soils to reduce salinity and increase crop yields have also served as a pathway for substantial soil C sequestration.
Prevalence and factors associated with mild cognitive impairment among Chinese older adults with depression
Authors: Li Ning , Chen Gong , Zeng Ping , Pang Jing , Gong Huan , Han Yiwen , Zhang Yan , Zhang Enyi , Zhang Tiemei , Zheng Xiaoying
Published: September 2017

Aim

Depression and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are common among older adults. Most of the existing studies were carried out in developed countries, and evidence from developing countries are lacking. In the present study, using a national sample, we aimed to describe the prevalence of MCI and its associated factors among Chinese older adults with depression.

Method

The present study uses data from a national survey of the 2011 Comprehensive Assessment of Elderly Health, which involved 8113 older adults from eight provinces or municipalities directly under the Central Government of six regions in China. The Geriatric Depression Scale was used to assess depression, and the Mini‐Mental State Examination was used as the measurement of cognitive function.

Results

The results showed that the prevalence of geriatric depression was 15.9%, and 36.4% of those with depression had MCI. Geriatric depression was found to be significantly associated with MCI after controlling for demographics. Among participants with geriatric depression, female sex, older age, rural or suburban residence, poor physical health status, education level of illiterate or elementary school, having no daily physical activity, and living in Central China or West China were associated with an increased risk of MCI.

Conclusions

The present study showed a high prevalence rate of MCI among Chinese older adults with depression. Early screening and treatment for MCI are necessary among people with geriatric depression. Further research and health services innovations are required to address the high prevalence of MCI in this population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 263–268.
Quantity over quality—Findings from a systematic review and environmental scan of patient decision aids on early abortion methods
Authors: Donnelly Kyla Z. , Elwyn Glyn , Thompson Rachel
Published: September 2017

Background

The availability and effectiveness of decision aids (DAs) on early abortion methods remain unknown, despite their potential for supporting women's decision making.

Objective

To describe the availability, impact and quality of DAs on surgical and medical early abortion methods for women seeking induced abortion.

Search strategy

For the systematic review, we searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsycINFO. For the environmental scan, we searched Google and App Stores and consulted key informants.

Inclusion criteria

For the systematic review, we included studies evaluating an early abortion method DA (any format and language) vs a comparison group on women's decision making. DAs must have met the Stacey et al (2014). Cochrane review definition of DAs. For the environmental scan, we included English DAs developed for the US context.

Data extraction and synthesis

We extracted study and DA characteristics, assessed study quality using the Effective Practice and Organization of Care risk of bias tool and assessed DA quality using International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS).

Results

The systematic review identified one study, which found that the DA group had higher knowledge and felt more informed. The evaluated DA met few IPDAS criteria. In contrast, the environmental scan identified 49 DAs created by non‐specialists. On average, these met 28% of IPDAS criteria for Content, 22% for Development and 0% for Effectiveness.

Conclusions

Research evaluating DAs on early abortion methods is lacking, and although many tools are accessible, they demonstrate suboptimal quality. Efforts to revise existing or develop new DAs, support patients to identify high‐quality DAs and facilitate non‐specialist developers' adoption of best practices for DA development are needed.
The Labor‐Market Effects of Occupational Licensing Laws in Nursing
Authors: Law Marc T. , Marks Mindy S.
Published: September 2017

We study the labor‐market impacts of occupational licensing laws on nursing, an economically important occupation. States adopted licensing of registered and practical nurses at different times, which allows us to estimate the effects of licensing on wages and participation for each nursing profession. We find that licensure raised wages by 5 to 10 percent but there is no evidence that it reduced overall participation. Additionally, we show that licensure equalizes wages within the occupation with minority wages rising faster than nonminority wages; however, licensing had a negative but not statistically significant impact on the participation of minorities in nursing.
Photostimulation with subthreshold yellow micropulsed laser for chronic residual subfoveal rhegmatogenous retinal detachment after surgery
Authors: Esposti G. , Esposti P.L. , Fruschelli M. , Hadjistilianou T.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The aim of this pilot study, the first of this kind, was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Subthreshold Yellow Micropulsed Laser (SML) to treat eleven patients with chronic residual subfoveal Retinal Detachment (RD) after surgery to repair Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment (RRD).

Methods

Eleven eyes with residual subfoveal RD after surgery, dating from eight to sixteen months before treatment have been evaluated. Evaluation included visual acuity, Amsler test, ophthalmoscopy, Autofluorescence (AF) and Spectral‐Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD‐OCT).

Results

After treatment we recorded improved visual acuity and Amsler test, disappearance of subfoveal detachment by ophthalmoscopy, reduced retinal pigment epithelial distress by AF and restored macular retinal profile without neuroretinal alterations by SD‐OCT evaluation in nine eyes.

Conclusions

Photostimulation with SML, selective for the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE), is proved to be painless, effective and safe. The possibility to reabsorb subretinal liquid by foveal and parafoveal RPE photostimulation, without neuroretinal damage, opens new prospects for the therapy of this pathology. If further studies confirm the results of the present pilot study, SML treatment can be considered the first and only non invasive option for chronic residual RD after retinal surgery to repair RRD.
Biodegradable implants for sustained drug release: Manufacturing considerations, drug stability, and drug release
Authors: Kompella U.B.
Published: September 2017

Poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) is a biodegradable polymer used in preparing sustained release dosage forms including implants, microparticles, and nanoparticles. Indeed, an intravitreally injectable PLGA implant loaded with dexamethasone, an anti‐inflammatory corticosteroid, has been approved for treating retinal vein occlusion, posterior segment uveitis, and diabetic macular edema. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of implant manufacturing method on release of dexamethasone from PLGA implants. Melt compression and hot‐melt extrusion were the two methods employed for implant manufacturing. Drug release from implants was assessed over 10 weeks in phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4) maintained at 37 degrees Centigrade. Drug stability in PBS was assessed under the same conditions. The results indicated degradation of dexamethasone to over 10 products in PBS. Drug amounts in release medium were corrected for drug degradation, in order to estimate actual drug release. The two manufacturing methods resulted in different drug release profiles.
Directed migration of retinal astrocytes by PDGF signaling
Authors: Tao C. , Zhang X.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Proper patterning of astrocytes is crucial for retinal angiogenesis in both rodents and human. Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) is one of the key regulators of cell migration, but distinctive downstream pathways have been implicated in a variety of cell types. Herein we investigated the detailed mechanism of PDGFA‐directed astrocyte migration in early postnatal mouse retina.

Methods

Transgenic mice with glia‐specific deletion of PDGFRα and multiple potential downstream effectors of PDGF signaling pathway are generated. Perinatal astrocytes and retinal vasculature are evaluated by whole mount IHC.

Results

Astrocyte migration and retinal angiogenesis are severely impaired in knockout mice of PDGFRα. This is phenocopied by mutations in PI3K catalytic subunits p110αβ, as well as in mutations of PI3K binding site in PDGFRα. Rac/Rap mediated cytoskeleton rearrangement is also imperative for the patterning of astrocytic network. On the other hand, disruption of mTOR signaling by knocking out binding partner Raptor or Rictor had no effect on astrocyte motility. PLCγ pathway, which is essential for PDGF chemotaxis in mesenchymal cells, is also dispensable for astrocyte migration.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that PDGFA‐directed astrocyte migration is mediated through PI3K and Rac/Rap signaling, but not PLCγ or Akt/mTOR pathway. These findings add mechanistic insight into cell type‐specific regulation of migration by PDGF.
Mean shape of the human sclera
Authors: Consejo A. , Iskander R.D. , Rozema J.J.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To assess the mean shape of the human sclera

Methods

Three‐dimensional (3D) maps from the left eye of 27 subjects (26 ± 6 y.o.) were acquired using a corneo‐scleral topographer (Eye Surface Profiler). Subjects were asked to open their eyes wide to ensure 360 degrees scleral coverage. For each 3D map, the sclera (maximum diameter 16 mm) and cornea were automatically separated at the level of the limbus, assuming a mean limbal diameter of 12 mm based on recent work. The remaining 3D scleral ring was further fit to a quadratic function, chosen arbitrarily to account for the bulk of surface data. The elevation difference between the original and fit data was calculated. For statistical analysis, sclera was separated in four disjoint quadrants, superior [60,120]˚, inferior [240,300]˚, nasal [150,210]˚ and temporal [330,30]˚.

Results

Along the horizontal meridian, the temporal aspect of the sclera showed less elevation (mean ± SD: −240 ± 90 μm) than the nasal aspect (−60 ± 20 μm), being statistically significant different (paired t‐test, P << 0.001). Along the vertical meridian, the inferior aspect of the sclera (−60 ± 110 μm) showed to be less elevated than the superior aspect (50 ± 100 μm), being statistically significant different (paired t‐test, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

The sclera is circularly asymmetric. The nasal sclera is higher/flatter, and the temporal sclera is lower/steeper. The insertion of the eye muscles on the eyeball could justify these differences. Scleral shape affects all contact lens designs that interact with the corneo‐scleral junction and beyond. Thus, these findings have an important potential impact on contact lens fit.
The feasibility and acceptability of nurse‐led chronic disease management interventions in primary care: An integrative review
Authors: Stephen Catherine , McInnes Susan , Halcomb Elizabeth
Published: September 2017

Aims

To explore the feasibility and acceptability of nurse‐led chronic disease management and lifestyle risk factor reduction interventions in primary care (general practice/family practice).

Background

Growing international evidence suggests that interventions delivered by primary care nurses can assist in modifying lifestyle risk factors and managing chronic disease. To date, there has been limited exploration of the feasibility and acceptability of such interventions.

Design

Integrative review guided by the work of Whittemore and Knafl ().

Data Sources

Database search of CINAHL, Medline and Web of Science was conducted to identify relevant literature published between 2000–2015.

Review Methods

Papers were assessed for methodological quality and data abstracted before thematic analysis was undertaken.

Results

Eleven papers met the inclusion criteria. Analysis uncovered four themes: (1) facilitators of interventions; (2) barriers to interventions; (3) consumer satisfaction; and (4) primary care nurse role.

Conclusion

Literature supports the feasibility and acceptability of nurse‐led interventions in primary care for lifestyle risk factor modification. The ongoing sustainability of these interventions rests largely on organizational factors such as funding, educational pathways and professional support of the primary care nursing role. Further robust research around primary care nurse interventions is required to strengthen the evidence base.
Facial emotion recognition and eye movement behaviour in conduct disorder
Authors: Martin‐Key N.A. , Graf E.W. , Adams W.J. , Fairchild G.
Published: September 2017

Background

Conduct Disorder (CD) is associated with impairments in facial emotion recognition. However, it is unclear whether such deficits are explained by a failure to attend to emotionally informative face regions, such as the eyes, or by problems in the appraisal of emotional cues.

Method

Male and female adolescents with CD and varying levels of callous‐unemotional (CU) traits and age‐ and sex‐matched typically developing (TD) controls (aged 13–18) categorised the emotion of dynamic and morphed static faces. Concurrent eye tracking was used to relate categorisation performance to participants' allocation of overt attention.

Results

Adolescents with CD were worse at emotion recognition than TD controls, with deficits observed across static and dynamic expressions. In addition, the CD group fixated less on the eyes when viewing fearful and sad expressions. Across all participants, higher levels of CU traits were associated with fear recognition deficits and reduced attention to the eyes of surprised faces. Within the CD group, however, higher CU traits were associated with better fear recognition. Overall, males were worse at recognising emotions than females and displayed a reduced tendency to fixate the eyes.

Discussion

Adolescents with CD, and particularly males, showed deficits in emotion recognition and fixated less on the eyes when viewing emotional faces. Individual differences in fixation behaviour predicted modest variations in emotion categorisation. However, group differences in fixation were small and did not explain the much larger group differences in categorisation performance, suggesting that CD‐related deficits in emotion recognition were not mediated by abnormal fixation patterns.
Living with schizophrenia: Health‐related quality of life among primary family caregivers
Authors: Hsiao Chiu‐Yueh , Lee Chun‐Te , Lu Huei‐Lan , Tsai Yun‐Fang
Published: September 2017

Aims and objectives

To examine influencing factors of health‐related quality of life in primary family caregivers of people with schizophrenia receiving inpatient psychiatric rehabilitation services.

Background

Families, particularly primary family caregivers, have become more important than ever in mental health care. Yet, research on health‐related quality of life among primarily family caregivers is limited.

Design

A correlational study design was used.

Methods

A convenience sample of 122 primary family caregivers participated in the study. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, Pearson's product–moment correlation, t test, one‐way analysis of variance and a hierarchical multiple regression analysis.

Results

Primary family caregivers who were parents, older, less educated, and had a lower monthly household income, increased affiliate stigma and decreased quality of family‐centred care experienced poor health‐related quality of life. Particularly, monthly household income, affiliate stigma and quality of family‐centred care appeared to be the most critical determinants of health‐related quality of life.

Conclusions

Efforts to enhance satisfaction of life should focus on reducing affiliate stigma as well as increasing monthly household income and strengthening the quality of family‐centred care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Findings may assist in the development of culturally integrated rehabilitation programmes to decrease affiliate stigma and increase family engagement as a means of promoting quality of life for primary family caregivers living with people who have schizophrenia.