bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why and when leadership training predicts effectiveness
Authors: Kragt Darja , Guenter Hannes
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to build and test an integrative model of leader identity as an important mechanism explaining why reactions to leadership training associate with leader effectiveness. It is proposed that this mediation relationship is conditional on leadership experience (i.e. time in a formal managerial role), such that it will be weaker for more experienced leaders because they already possess complex leadership-related knowledge and skills.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses were tested using a sample of German managers (n=196) in formal leadership positions (i.e. with direct subordinates) across a range of industries. Data were collected using online questionnaires. The proposed first-stage mediation model was tested using the structural equation approach.

Findings

Leader identity was found to mediate the relationship between reactions to leadership training and leader effectiveness. This mediation was conditional upon leadership experience, such that the indirect effect only held for less, but not for more, experienced leaders.

Research limitations/implications

The findings should be interpreted with caution because all data are self-report and cross-sectional.

Practical implications

Leadership training for senior leaders should qualitatively differ (in terms of content and length) from that for novice leaders.

Originality/value

Leadership training can substantially improve managers’ ability to lead effectively. The present study is the first to establish leader identity as a motivational mechanism that explains this relationship. This is also the first study to test for the role of leadership experience in leader development.
Gyrotactic microorganisms and thermoelectric effects on the dynamics of 29 nm CuO-water nanofluid over an upper horizontal surface of paraboloid of revolution
Authors: Sivaraj R. , Animasaun I.L. , Olabiyi A.S. , Saleem S. , Sandeep N.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into the influence of gyrotactic microorganisms and Hall effect on the boundary layer flow of 29 nm CuO-water mixture on the upper pointed surface of a rocket, over the bonnet of a car and upper pointed surface of an aircraft. This is true since all these objects are examples of an object with variable thickness.

Design/methodology/approach

The simplification of Rosseland approximation (Taylor series expansion of T4 about T∞) is avoided; thus, two different parameters relating to the study of nonlinear thermal radiation are obtained. The governing equation is non-dimensionalized, parameterized and solved numerically.

Findings

Maximum vertical and horizontal velocities of the 29 nm CuO-water nanofluid flow is guaranteed at a small value of Peclet number and large value of buoyancy parameter depending on the temperature difference. When the magnitude of thickness parameter χ is small, cross-flow velocity decreases with the velocity index and the opposite effect is observed when the magnitude of χ is large.

Originality/value

Directly or indirectly, the importance of the fluid flow which contains 29 nm CuO nanoparticle, water, and gyrotactic microorganisms in the presence of Hall current has been pointed out as an open question in the literature due to its relevance in imaging, ophthalmological and translational medicine informatics.
Towards a water balanced utilization through circular economy
Authors: Eneng Rahmi , Lulofs Kris , Asdak Chay
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe and explain the relative water scarcity condition as one of the main problems encountered in Indonesia. It is caused by fierce competition between water users, water over consumption and high water price. The water conflict and increasing phenomena of relative water scarcity result in unequal access to water between the rich and the poor. This research is intended to contribute to a balanced water governance system that secures equal and fair access to water resources for all users.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method approach was used involving interviews with the owners of the established bottled water companies, the community leaders, guard for sluice gate, local NGOs and several government agencies.

Findings

Research results indicate that water policies and implementation are lacking coherency. It is also shown that the complex government structure with responsibilities divided over multiple agencies is responsible for this. The circular economy for water governance system used to find alternative solutions for reducing social conflicts so that the water will be made available to those who have no water access.

Research limitations/implications

This research used only one location with a representative number of interviewees; hence, the findings are not possibly generalizable.

Originality/value

The combination of water legal framework and circular economy concept was used to reduce water scarcity
Local and global organisational dynamics in the field of finance
Authors: Hernandez Javier
Published: April 2018

Purpose

While financial organisations and systems are becoming global, there still seems to be some country-based differences explained mainly by social dynamics of power and distribution of resources. The purpose of this paper is to analyse practices of a wide variety of financial organisations in two very different social environments, namely, the UK and Chile, with special focus on recruitment and promotion procedures and work under the industry.

Design/methodology/approach

From 41 in-depth interviews with practitioners in London, Edinburgh and Santiago de Chile and participant observation of recruitment practices, it was possible to analyse the practices of financial organisations, emphasising on the way they interact with people in global markets and local fields. Interviews and observation were designed to understand organisational procedures in the life course of a set of people working in financial firms and related institutions.

Findings

The paper argues for a field approach since Chile’s peripheral position in global markets and its elite-concentrated local distribution of resources encourage more traditional organisational practices, especially in terms of recruitment, socialisation and staff allocation, while in the UK, organisational processes are more technically designed and competitive, as part of a different field, the one of the main centres of financial activities.

Research limitations/implications

Although organisations are accessed via their workers and not studied directly, the design of the interviews and the findings allow understanding how financial work is structured by organisational procedures.

Practical implications

The paper contributes to highlight the role played by organisational procedures and how policies oriented to decrease inequality should take them into account.

Social implications

It contributes to understanding how inequality is based on organisational practices which are, at the same time, grounded in inequal social structures.

Originality/value

Very few studies have compared, from an in-depth and qualitative perspective, the way organisational procedures are constituted in two very different countries. It covers a wide variety of organisations types and financial products and services. It also tries to make a contribution bridging the current economic sociology literature and organisational studies. Very few articles have also performed systematic fieldwork in two very different countries.
Nephropreventing effect of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α in a rat model of ischaemic/reperfusion acute kidney injury
Authors: Wang Huiling , Liu Nanmei , Li Rui , Tian Jun , Hu Weifeng , Zhang Jinyuan
Published: April 2018

Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs in 5% of hospitalized patients and in 50% of sepsis patients with acute renal dysfunction. However, there have been no safe and effective therapeutic strategies. The hypoxia condition is closely related to renal injury and function under AKI. As hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) is critical for the cellular response to hypoxia, we investigated the protective effect of HIF‐1α in a rat AKI model. We found that HIF‐1α injection improved the survival of rat with AKI, and the level of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was also increased. Our data showed that HIF‐1α treatment significantly alleviated ischaemic/reperfusion injury to kidney tubules and nephrocytes. We also found the downstream factors, such as EPOR, VEGF, and PHD3, were also upregulated by HIF‐1α. Finally, it was observed that HIF‐1α treatment also increased the percentage of adult resident progenitor cells (ARPC) in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, HIF‐1α plays a protective role in the ischaemic AKI model through stimulating the proliferation of ARPC, and our study provided a potential therapeutic strategy for AKI.
Narratives of illness and offending: mentally disordered offenders’ views on their offending
Authors: Dixon Jeremy
Published: April 2018

Narratives have been used in both the sociology of health and illness and in criminology to examine how groups of people present themselves in moral terms. This article focuses on the narratives of offenders with mental health problems in England subject to section 37/41 of the Mental Health Act 1983 to examine how they justified offending prior to admission. Participants presented illness in a variety of different ways indicating a range of moral positions towards offending. In line with previous research a first group used mental illness to excuse offending and saw themselves as achieving moral reform through treatment. A second group also used illness to excuse offending, but did so inconsistently, seeking to mitigate responsibility whilst distancing themselves from treatment obligations. A third group portrayed themselves as dishonourable both due to their category of offence and the type of illness experienced. A final group rejected both labels of illness and offending, seeking to portray themselves as consistently moral.
Disability differentials in educational attainment in England: primary and secondary effects
Authors: Chatzitheochari Stella , Platt Lucinda
Published: April 2018

Childhood disability has been largely overlooked in social stratification and life course research. As a result, we know remarkably little about mechanisms behind well‐documented disability differentials in educational outcomes. This study investigates educational transitions of disabled youth using data from the Longitudinal Study of Young People in England. We draw on social stratification literature on primary and secondary effects as well as that on stigma and labelling in order to explain disabled young people's educational outcomes. We find that disability differentials in transition rates to full‐time academic upper secondary education and to university are largely the result of primary effects, reflected in differences in school performance between disabled and non‐disabled young people. However, we also find evidence for secondary effects, with similarly achieving disabled young people less likely to pursue full‐time academic upper secondary education compared to their non‐disabled peers. We examine the extent to which these effects can be explained by disabled youth's suppressed educational expectations as well as their experiences of being bullied at school, which we link to the stigma experienced by disabled young people and their families. We find that educational expectations play an important role at crucial transitions in the English school system, while the effect of bullying is considerably smaller. By drawing attention to different social processes contributing to disability differentials in attainment, our study moves beyond medical models that implicitly assume a naturalized association of disability with poor educational outcomes, and demonstrates the parallels of disability with other ascriptive inequalities.
Labour Demand in the Post‐apartheid South African Wine Industry
Authors: Conradie Beatrice , Piesse Jenifer , Thirtle Colin , Vink Nick
Published: April 2018

In 2013 the minimum agricultural wage in South Africa was increased by an unprecedented 51%. We use data on 77 Western Cape Province wine grape farms from 2005–2015 to estimate the impacts on employment. Previous post‐apartheid labour market reforms increased minimum wages substantially, but re‐entry to global markets after sanctions were lifted increased demand and this preserved jobs in the wine sector. However, by 2005 this demand growth had largely ceased. The long‐run wage elasticity for permanent employees was found to be −0.4, but for casual workers the figure was −4.7, so the 51% wage increase is likely to decimate casual employment in the future. Thus, the poorest and most vulnerable casual workers lose most in terms of jobs, incomes and secure livelihoods, whereas 80% of full‐time staff benefit from the higher minimum wages. Thus, the minimum wage change is likely to increase the gap between privileged permanent staff and casual workers. This result is not surprising in view of the long‐standing interdependence between farmers and their permanent workers in wine grape production.
Interpolymeric Complexes Formed Between Whey Proteins and Biopolymers: Delivery Systems of Bioactive Ingredients
Authors: Santos Monique Barreto , da Costa Naiara Rocha , Garcia‐Rojas Edwin Elard
Published: April 2018

Whey proteins are obtained from dairy industry waste. Studies involving the analysis of the bioactive compounds in whey show health benefits, as it is an excellent source of indispensable amino acids. Milk whey contains principally β‐lactoglobulin, α‐lactoglobulin, bovine serum albumin, and lactoferrin, proteins with innumerable functional and technological properties. One application of these proteins in food is the formation of interpolymer complexes, along with other proteins or anionic polysaccharides. The formation of complexes occurs mainly through electrostatic interactions between a negatively charged biopolymer and a positively charged biopolymer. This formation is influenced by factors such as pH, ionic strength, and biopolymer ratio. Because they do not use high temperatures and chemical reagents and have additional nutritional and functional value, these complexes have been used as encapsulating agents for bioactive ingredients. Recent studies on their training and applications are addressed in this review to boost new research and applications in the food industry, thus increasing opportunities for utilizing whey proteins.
Yeast Identification During Fermentation of Turkish Gemlik Olives
Authors: Mujdeci Gamze , Arévalo‐Villena María , Ozbas Z. Yesim , Briones Pérez Ana
Published: April 2018

Naturally fermented black table olives of the Gemlik variety are one of the most consumed fermented products in Turkey. The objective of this work was to identify yeast strains isolated during their natural fermentation by using Restriction Fragments Lengths Polymorphism‐Polimerase Chain Reaction (RFLP‐PCR) and DNA sequencing methods. The study also focused on determining the effect of regional differences on yeast microflora of naturally fermented Gemlik olives. A total of 47 yeast strains belonging to 12 different species which had been previously isolated from the natural brine of Akhisar and Iznik‐Gemlik cv. olives were characterized by molecular methods. Forty‐two of the tested strains could be identified by RFLP‐PCR to species level. These yeast species were determined as Candida mycetangi, Candida hellenica, Candida membranaefaciens, Candida famata, Candida pelliculosa, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Zygosaccharomyces mrakii. Five strains were identified by DNA sequencing. These strains belonged to three different species: Aureobasidium pullulans, Kloeckera apiculate, and Cryptococcus saitoi. The most frequent species were C. famata and C. pelliculosa in both regions.

Practical Application

This work studies the yeasts from Turkish table olives which could prove to be of importance to the food industry in that area. On the other hand, it compares identification by molecular and classical biochemical methods and offers an idea about the differences between the ecosystems of Gemlik olives in the Akhisar (AO) and Iznik (IO) regions. The study could be useful in characterizing a very important product and, in this way, could help to promote its marketing.
Metaproteomics of Microbiota in Naturally Fermented Soybean Paste, Da‐jiang
Authors: Zhang Ping , Zhang Pengfei , Xie Mengxi , An Feiyu , Qiu Boshu , Wu Rina
Published: April 2018

Da‐jiang is a typical traditional fermented soybean product in China. At present, the proteins in da‐jiang are needed to be explored. The composition and species of microbial proteins in traditional fermented da‐jiang were analyzed by metaproteomics based on sodium dodecyl sulfonate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The results showed that the number and variety of microbial proteins in the traditional fermented da‐jiang from different regions were different. The production site influences the fermentation in da‐jiang. Then we analyzed the functions of the microbial proteins identified in da‐jiang, and found that they were mainly involved in the process of protein synthesis, glycometabolism and nucleic acid synthesis. In addtion, we compared the proteins composition in different da‐jiang. There are 51 common proteins of naturally fermented da‐jiang, and 25 common microbial sources. The main commonly microbial sources of fungal proteins are Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces; the main commonly microbial sources of bacterial proteins are Enterococcus faecalis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Bacillus subtilis. These common microbes play the predominant role in da‐jiang fermentation. The present results help us to understand the fermentation of da‐jiang and improve the quality and safety of final products in the future.

Practical Application

The study illustrated metaproteome of microbiota in traditional fermented soybean paste, da‐jiang, by sodium dodecyl sulfonate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). A method of extracting metaproteome from microbiota in da‐jiang was attempted. The findings help to understand the fermentation of da‐jiang and improve the quality and safety of da‐jiang in fermented industry.
Response of Formed‐Biofilm of Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Citrobacter freundii to Chlorite‐Based Disinfectants
Authors: Cai Linlin , Wang Huawei , Liang Lijiao , Wang Guangyu , Xu Xinglian , Wang Huhu
Published: April 2018

Bacterial biofilms formed on equipment surfaces are potential sources of cross‐contamination and can be responsible for the spread of bacteria involved in food spoilage, such as some Enterobacteriaceae family members. In this study, the effect of chlorite‐based disinfectants, including sodium hypochlorite (SH), chlorine dioxide (CD), strongly acidic electrolyzed water (StAEW), and neutral electrolyzed water (NEW), on inactivation of mono‐biofilms of Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Citrobacter freundii was evaluated separately. All the strains were enumerated by the viable plate‐count method after disinfection for 30 min. A comparison of the surviving cells after disinfection indicated that E. cloacae biofilms were more resistant to disinfectants than the biofilms of the other two strains, and treatment with all the disinfectants improved sanitizing. SH (200 mg/L) was the most effective in the reduction of cell number in the biofilms of all strains. Considering the safety of use and environmental protection, electrolyzed oxidizing water, especially StAEW, was a good suggestion for the inactivation of cells in K. oxytoca or C. freundii biofilms. These results suggest that the cells in biofilm of E. cloacae, K. oxytoca, and C. freundii were highly sensitive to chlorite‐based disinfectants and provide insights into the efficacy of disinfectants in killing bacteria.

Practical Application

The Enterobacteriaceae biofilms formed on equipment surfaces, which can cause cross‐contamination and food spoilage, are greatly challenging bacterial contaminants of food products. Electrolyzed oxidizing water is a novel, environmentally friendly disinfectant that can effectively treat Enterobacteriaceae biofilms. The results of this study may be used to design effective measures to disinfect biofilms on equipment contact surfaces.
Optimization of Extraction of Hypoglycemic Ingredients from Grape Seeds and Evaluation of α‐Glucosidase and α‐Amylase Inhibitory Effects In Vitro
Authors: Kong Fansheng , Qin Yaru , Su Zhipeng , Ning Zhengxiang , Yu Shujuan
Published: April 2018

Grape seeds full with oil and also rich in hypoglycemic ingredients. This study is to improve the comprehensive utilization of grape seeds and the quality of grape seeds oil. Extract water soluble active substances before extracting oil from grape seeds, which show the grape seeds in water soluble extracts containing TP, TC, PC contents, respectively, are 171.1 ± 1.1, 658.8 ± 0.2, 482.3 ± 0.2 (mg GSAE/g). Also we found GSAE samples containing catechin and epicatechin were 44.12 ± 0.21 mg/mL, 111.23 ± 1.29 mg/g, GSAE against α‐glucosidase IC50 was 25.25 ± 0.53 g/mL and GSAE against α‐amylase IC50 was 66.68 ± 1.1 g/mL, both were competitive way, the effects of Inhibitory were obviously better than that of acarbose. In addition, our process guarantee the fat ingredients remained in the grape seeds and not reduce functional components of oil, our study suggests that GSAE can be used to develop functional foods for prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications.

Practical Application

Grape seeds, by‐products of brewing wines, are rich in polyphenol and other ingredients. The optimized extraction, composition of constituents and hypoglycemic activity were investigated in this study. The results showed that grape seeds were rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols and other active substances, inhibited α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase activity, which provide background and practical knowledge for the deep‐processed products of grape seeds with high added value.
Performance of amplicon and shotgun sequencing for accurate biomass estimation in invertebrate community samples
Authors: Bista Iliana , Carvalho Gary R. , Tang Min , Walsh Kerry , Zhou Xin , Hajibabaei Mehrdad , Shokralla Shadi , Seymour Mathew , Bradley David , Liu Shanlin , Christmas Martin , Creer Simon
Published: April 2018

New applications of DNA and RNA sequencing are expanding the field of biodiversity discovery and ecological monitoring, yet questions remain regarding precision and efficiency. Due to primer bias, the ability of metabarcoding to accurately depict biomass of different taxa from bulk communities remains unclear, while PCR‐free whole mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequencing may provide a more reliable alternative. Here, we used a set of documented mock communities comprising 13 species of freshwater macroinvertebrates of estimated individual biomass, to compare the detection efficiency of COI metabarcoding (three different amplicons) and shotgun mitogenome sequencing. Additionally, we used individual COI barcoding and de novo mitochondrial genome sequencing, to provide reference sequences for OTU assignment and metagenome mapping (mitogenome skimming), respectively. We found that, even though both methods occasionally failed to recover very low abundance species, metabarcoding was less consistent, by failing to recover some species with higher abundances, probably due to primer bias. Shotgun sequencing results provided highly significant correlations between read number and biomass in all but one species. Conversely, the read–biomass relationships obtained from metabarcoding varied across amplicons. Specifically, we found significant relationships for eight of 13 (amplicons B1FR‐450 bp, FF130R‐130 bp) or four of 13 (amplicon FFFR, 658 bp) species. Combining the results of all three COI amplicons (multiamplicon approach) improved the read–biomass correlations for some of the species. Overall, mitogenomic sequencing yielded more informative predictions of biomass content from bulk macroinvertebrate communities than metabarcoding. However, for large‐scale ecological studies, metabarcoding currently remains the most commonly used approach for diversity assessment.
Out‐of‐home placement to age 18 years in children exposed to a postpartum mental disorder
Authors: Vigod Simone N. , Laursen Thomas Munk , Ranning Anne , Nordentoft Merete , Munk‐Olsen Trine
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Little is known about risk of custody loss or out‐of‐home placement among children whose mothers experience postpartum mental disorders, and whether this risk differs from that of children whose mothers had earlier onset of their mental disorder.

Methods

National Danish registers comprising 1 868 467 births (1982–2012) were used to determine how the timing of maternal illness onset influences out‐of‐home placement risk up to age 18 years among children exposed to a maternal mental disorder.

Results

Compared to children unexposed to maternal mental illness, risk was higher for children exposed to a maternal mental disorder whose mothers had a first contact for a mental disorder in the 0–12 months of predelivery (8.17/1000 person‐years; aIRR 4.56, 95% CI 4.08–5.09), the first 3 months postpartum (4.60/1000 person‐years; 3.55, 2.95–4.26) and 4–12 months postpartum (6.49/1000 person‐years; 3.93, 3.50–4.41). Risk was even higher for children exposed to a maternal mental disorder when illness onset was more than 1‐year predelivery (9.11/1000 person‐years; 5.48, 5.32–5.66).

Conclusion

Risk of out‐home placement in children exposed to mothers with a new‐onset postpartum mental disorder is almost as high as in children whose mothers have long‐standing illness. A better understanding of the trajectories of these mothers and children is warranted.
The specific social costs of expressive negative symptoms in schizophrenia: reduced smiling predicts interactional outcome
Authors: Riehle M. , Mehl S. , Lincoln T. M.
Published: April 2018

Objective

We tested whether people with schizophrenia and prominent expressive negative symptoms (ENS) show reduced facial expressions in face‐to‐face social interactions and whether this expressive reduction explains negative social evaluations of these persons.

Method

We compared participants with schizophrenia with high ENS (n = 18) with participants with schizophrenia with low ENS (n = 30) and with healthy controls (n = 39). Participants engaged in an affiliative role‐play that was coded for the frequency of positive and negative facial expression and rated for social performance skills and willingness for future interactions with the respective role‐play partner.

Results

Participants with schizophrenia with high ENS showed significantly fewer positive facial expressions than those with low ENS and controls and were also rated significantly lower on social performance skills and willingness for future interactions. Participants with schizophrenia with low ENS did not differ from controls on these measures. The group difference in willingness for future interactions was significantly and independently mediated by the reduced positive facial expressions and social performance skills.

Conclusion

Reduced facial expressiveness in schizophrenia is specifically related to ENS and has negative social consequences. These findings highlight the need to develop aetiological models and targeted interventions for ENS and its social consequences.
Inhibition of alpha7 nicotinic receptors in the ventral hippocampus selectively attenuates reinstatement of morphine‐conditioned place preference and associated changes in AMPA receptor binding
Authors: Wright Victoria L. , Georgiou Polymnia , Bailey Alexis , Heal David J. , Bailey Christopher P. , Wonnacott Susan
Published: April 2018

Recurrent relapse is a major problem in treating opiate addiction. Pavlovian conditioning plays a role in recurrent relapse whereby exposure to cues learned during drug intake can precipitate relapse to drug taking. α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have been implicated in attentional aspects of cognition and mechanisms of learning and memory. In this study we have investigated the role of α7 nAChRs in morphine‐conditioned place preference (morphine‐CPP). CPP provides a model of associative learning that is pertinent to associative aspects of drug dependence. The α7 nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA; 4 mg/kg s.c.) had no effect on the acquisition, maintenance, reconsolidation or extinction of morphine‐CPP but selectively attenuated morphine‐primed reinstatement of CPP, in both mice and rats. Reinstatement of morphine‐CPP in mice was accompanied by a selective increase in [3H]‐AMPA binding (but not in [3H]‐MK801 binding) in the ventral hippocampus that was prevented by prior treatment with MLA. Administration of MLA (6.7 μg) directly into the ventral hippocampus of rats prior to a systemic priming dose of morphine abolished reinstatement of morphine‐CPP, whereas MLA delivered into the dorsal hippocampus or prefrontal cortex was without effect. These results suggest that α7 nAChRs in the ventral hippocampus play a specific role in the retrieval of associative drug memories following a period of extinction, making them potential targets for the prevention of relapse.
Trajectories of alcohol consumption in U.S. military veterans: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study
Authors: Fuehrlein Brian S. , Kachadourian Lorig K. , DeVylder Elizabeth K. , Trevisan Louis A. , Potenza Marc N. , Krystal John H. , Southwick Steven M. , Pietrzak Robert H.
Published: April 2018

Background and Objectives

While alcohol use disorder is prevalent in U.S. veterans, little is known about the nature and determinants of predominant trajectories of alcohol consumption in this population. The objective of the current study was to identify predominant trajectories of alcohol consumption over a 4‐year period, and baseline determinants of these trajectories in veterans.

Methods

Data were analyzed from the National Health and Resilience in Veteran Study, which surveyed a nationally representative sample of 3,157 veterans (Wave 1). Assessments (Waves 2 and 3) were conducted every 2 years thereafter. Alcohol consumption was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test‐Consumption, a brief alcohol screen for identifying problematic drinking based on alcohol consumption. Wave 1 sociodemographic, military, health, and psychosocial variables were examined as possible determinants of trajectories of alcohol consumption.

Results

Latent growth mixture modeling revealed that a four‐class model best fit the data: rare drinkers (65.3%), moderate drinkers (30.2%), excessive drinkers (2.6%), and recovering drinkers (1.9%). Lifetime major depressive disorder (MDD) was linked to an excessive drinking trajectory, while fewer medical conditions and lower social support were linked to a moderate drinking trajectory. Having a secure attachment style and greater social support, and absence of lifetime MDD was linked to recovery from excessive drinking.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

Four predominant trajectories of alcohol consumption were identified. Targeting MDD and related interpersonal factors such as attachment style and social support in population‐based prevention and treatment initiatives may help prevent, mitigate, and promote recovery from excessive alcohol consumption in veterans. (Am J Addict 2018;27:383–390)
Diagnosis and management practices for gestational diabetes mellitus in Australia: Cross‐sectional survey of the multidisciplinary team
Authors: Meloncelli Nina , Barnett Adrian , Pelly Fiona , de Jersey Susan
Published: April 2018

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common pregnancy disorders; however, if well managed, women with GDM experience similar pregnancy outcomes to those without. Currently, there is limited evidence on actual management practices across Australia or how multidisciplinary teams interact to optimise care.

Aims

To examine the current screening, diagnostic, task and role perceptions and management practices, as reported by members of the GDM multidisciplinary team.

Methods

A 64‐item electronic survey containing multiple choice, Likert scale and open‐ended questions was developed for this cross‐sectional observational study and advertised through health professional organisations and Queensland Health facilities in May and June, 2017.

Results

The 183 survey respondents included 45 diabetes educators, 43 dietitians, 21 endocrinologists/diabetes specialists, 14 obstetricians and 21 midwives. Although almost 90% reported using updated diagnostic guidelines, less than two‐thirds used GDM management guidelines. While 68% reported using the same blood glucose targets for GDM management, there was variation to what criteria prompted the commencement of medication to control blood glucose levels. There was a good consensus concerning the health professional responsible for tasks such as medical nutrition therapy, gestational weight gain and self‐blood glucose monitoring education and ultrasound use. Other tasks appeared to be the role of almost any member of the GDM multidisciplinary team.

Conclusions

The survey results indicate there is a need for consistent evidence on how to best manage GDM and that role identity, access to specialist knowledge and best practice need to be clearly defined within GDM models of care.
Arrhythmic manifestation of peripartum cardiomyopathy—Case report
Authors: Siedlecki Patryk , Kurpesa Małgorzata , Uznańska‐Loch Barbara , Trzos Ewa , Kasprzak Jarosław Damian
Published: April 2018

We report a case of 26‐year‐old woman, with arrhythmic manifestation of peripartum cardiomyopathy with moderate heart failure. Ventricular arrhythmia recorded in ambulatory Holter ECG (premature ventricular contractions) was most severe during pregnancy, reduced when beta‐blocker therapy was initiated and almost completely resolved after delivery. Then, 1 year after hospitalization in Cardiology Department, recurrence was observed with recorded short episode of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia.
To stent or not to stent: the use of transanastomotic biliary stents in liver transplantation and patient outcomes
Authors: Ong Michelle , Slater Kellee , Hodgkinson Peter , Dunn Nathan , Fawcett Jonathan
Published: April 2018

Background

There is no substantial evidence for the use of biliary stents in bile duct reconstruction during liver transplantation.

Method

A longitudinal, retrospective cohort study was performed to compare biliary complications between stented and non‐stented patients between 2011 and 2015 at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.

Results

We found no significant difference in biliary complications between stented and non‐stented groups. Stented patients were 3.31 times as likely to require subsequent intervention, mainly in the form of stent removal.

Conclusion

These results suggest that there is limited benefit in the placement of endobiliary stents in liver transplantation. Given that this was purely an observational study, causality cannot be proven and a prospective cohort trial would be beneficial in further defining these relationships.
A New 2D Echocardiographic Approach to Evaluate the Membrane and Valve Movement of the Berlin Heart EXCOR VAD Chamber in Pediatric VAD Patients
Authors: Di Molfetta Arianna , Iacobelli Roberta , Ferrari Gianfranco , Filippelli Sergio , Perri Gianluigi , Toscano Alessandra , Adorisio Rachele , Guccione Paolo , Amodeo Antonio
Published: April 2018

The use of Berlin Heart EXCOR VAD (BH) is a validated therapy to bridge pediatric patients to heart transplant. Serial echocardiographic (ECHO) assessment of VAD patients is necessary to support patients’ management. This work aims at developing an innovative strategy to evaluate the BH device functioning by ECHO and its interaction with the native heart in a pediatric population. ECHO evaluation of BH membrane movement, and inflow and outflow valves was performed in 2D, 2D‐color Doppler, M‐mode, and M‐mode color Doppler to assess the functioning of the device by direct positioning of the ECHO probe on the BH cannulas and membranes. Forty Berlin Heart EXCOR VAD were analyzed in 18 patients. Seven BH were placed as RVAD and 33 as LVAD. Results evidenced that 14 (21) inflow (outflow) valves presented a mild regurgitation, while 5 inflow (3 outflow) valves presented a moderate regurgitation. In three cases, we observed severe valve regurgitation with back flow in the left ventricle/right atrium. In both cases, the BH chambers were substituted, but we observed that in one case the regurgitation was due to cannulas compression, while in the other case it was due to valve malfunctioning. The M‐mode and the ECHO of the membranes and valves permitted to appreciate the beat phenomenon to assess if the native heart and the BH are working in opposite or in the same phase. The membrane ECHO permits evaluation of minimal changes in membrane movement to assure the completely empty‐completely fully work modality. Systematic ECHO assessment of BH chamber might support the BH programming and the detection of anomalous VAD‐heart interaction.
Application of Heparin/Collagen‐REDV Selective Active Interface on ePTFE Films to Enhance Endothelialization and Anticoagulation
Authors: Shan Yaping , Jia Bing , Ye Ming , Shen Hua , Chen Weicheng , Zhang Huifeng
Published: April 2018

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) prosthetic valves have been widely used in clinical applications in Asian countries. However, these valves still have limits with regard to thrombosis, neointimal hyperplasia, restenosis, and valvar vegetation. The achievement of in situ endothelialization on implant materials is a promising way to overcome those limits. Here, heparin/collagen multilayers were fabricated on ePTFE films via a layer‐by‐layer (LBL) self‐assembly technique, and then, the endothelial cell (EC) adhesive peptide sequence Arg‐Glu‐Asp‐Val (REDV) was immobilized on the multilayers. After modification with the heparin/collagen multilayers with or without REDV peptide, less platelet activation and aggregation were observed, the blood coagulation time was increased, and the hemolysis rate was decreased compared to that on pristine ePTFE films. The REDV‐functionalized ePTFE films positively impacted early EC adhesion, later cell proliferation and cell activity. The EC barrier was confirmed to be successfully achieved on the functionalized ePTFE film surface in vitro. The successful assembly of the REDV‐functionalized heparin/collagen multilayer on ePTFE films improved the blood compatibility, anticoagulant properties, and cell compatibility of the films in vitro, and thus, represents a candidate approach for applications requiring quick in situ endothelialization in vivo.
Randomised clinical trial: gastrointestinal events in arthritis patients treated with celecoxib, ibuprofen or naproxen in the PRECISION trial
Authors: Yeomans N. D. , Graham D. Y. , Husni M. E. , Solomon D. H. , Stevens T. , Vargo J. , Wang Q. , Wisniewski L. M. , Wolski K. E. , Borer J. S. , Libby P. , Lincoff A. M. , Lüscher T. F. , Bao W. , Walker C. , Nissen S. E. ,   the PRECISION investigators
Published: April 2018

Aim

To evaluate GI safety of celecoxib compared with 2 nonselective (ns) NSAIDs, as a secondary objective of a large trial examining multiorgan safety.

Methods

This randomised, double‐blind controlled trial analysed 24 081 patients. Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis patients, needing ongoing NSAID treatment, were randomised to receive celecoxib 100‐200 mg b.d., ibuprofen 600‐800 mg t.d.s. or naproxen 375‐500 mg b.d. plus esomeprazole, and low‐dose aspirin or corticosteroids if already prescribed. Clinically significant GI events (CSGIE—bleeding, obstruction, perforation events from stomach downwards or symptomatic ulcers) and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) were adjudicated blindly.

Results

Mean treatment and follow‐up durations were 20.3 and 34.1 months. While on treatment or 30 days after, CSGIE occurred in 0.34%, 0.74% and 0.66% taking celecoxib, ibuprofen and naproxen. Hazard ratios (HR) were 0.43 (95% CI 0.27‐0.68, P = 0.0003) celecoxib vs ibuprofen and 0.51 (0.32‐0.81, P = 0.004) vs naproxen. There was also less IDA on celecoxib: HR 0.43 (0.27‐0.68, P = 0.0003) vs ibuprofen; 0.40 (0.25‐0.62, P < 0.0001) vs naproxen. Even taken with low‐dose aspirin, fewer CSGIE occurred on celecoxib than ibuprofen (HR 0.52 [0.29‐0.94], P = 0.03), and less IDA vs naproxen (0.42 [0.23‐0.77, P = 0.005]). Corticosteroid use increased total GI events and CSGIE. H. pylori serological status had no influence.

Conclusions

Arthritis patients taking NSAIDs plus esomeprazole have infrequent clinically significant gastrointestinal events. Co‐prescribed with esomeprazole, celecoxib has better overall GI safety than ibuprofen or naproxen at these doses, despite treatment with low‐dose aspirin or corticosteroids.
Natural risk assessment and mitigation of cultural heritage sites in North‐eastern Romania (Valea Oii river basin)
Authors: Nicu Ionut Cristi
Published: April 2018

The number of geomorphological processes increases every year around the world. Irrespective of having natural or anthropic causes (gully erosion, landslides), they irreversibly affect the agricultural lands, lakes and ponds (by increasing the sedimentation rate), and cultural heritage. The main objective of this study is to identify and analyse areas susceptible to landslides and the cultural heritage that is in danger in the Valea Oii catchment, North‐eastern Romania. The development of gullies has been observed for 111 years, first in geomorphological annotations and geographical sketches and second in precise monitoring using the total station and GPS. The average gully head advance is 5.46 m/year for the period 1894–2005. In the case of landslides, the results of monitoring have allowed the implementation of a predictive model relying on the available GIS spatial data. The predictive model was validated by overlaying the existing landslides over the susceptibility map. It can be extremely useful in identifying the areas susceptible to landslides threatening cultural and natural heritage, developing anti‐erosion methods, monitoring and creating a sustainable management plan to protect historical monuments. A significant portion of the latter is included in the Romanian List of Historical Monuments. From 47 registered monuments, 27 are located in areas with high and very high susceptibility to landslides. A series of anti‐erosion measures, involving development projects and re‐greening of sites (planting trees), have already been employed in the case of two of the gullies that are affecting archaeological and palaeontological sites.
The pleiotropic cardiovascular effects of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors
Authors: Avogaro Angelo , Fadini Gian Paolo
Published: April 2018

Patients with Type 2 diabetes have an excess risk for cardiovascular disease. One of the several approaches, included in the guidelines for the management of Type 2 diabetes, is based on dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP‐4; also termed CD26) inhibitors, also called gliptins. Gliptins inhibit the degradation of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1): this effect is associated with increased circulating insulin‐to‐glucagon ratio, and a consequent reduction of HbA1c. In addition to incretin hormones, there are several proteins that may be affected by DPP‐4 and its inhibition: among these some are relevant for the cardiovascular system homeostasis such as SDF‐1α and its receptor CXCR4, brain natriuretic peptides, neuropeptide Y and peptide YY. In this review, we will discuss the pathophysiological relevance of gliptin pleiotropism and its translational potential.
Development of Molecular Therapies for Venous Malformations
Authors: Kangas Jaakko , Nätynki Marjut , Eklund Lauri
Published: April 2018

Vascular anomalies are localized defects of morphogenesis that can affect lymphatic and blood vessels. They are generally called birthmarks, typically observed soon after birth and occurring in up to 10% of children. Based on their clinical and histological characteristics, they are classified into vascular tumours and vascular malformations. The most common malformations are venous malformations (VMs) resulting in chronic vascular diseases that can be associated with significant morbidity necessitating often demanding and repeating clinical management. The current treatment is based on surgical resection and sclerotherapy, which can be impossible due to the size or location of lesions or ineffective due to the regrowth of malformed vessels. Therefore, medical therapies for VMs are highly desired. Recent studies have identified genetic defects that result in the constantly active endothelial cell receptor tyrosine kinase TIE2/phosphoinositide 3‐kinase PI3K signalling pathway as a frequent cause for VMs. The first treatment to inhibit this pathway with sirolimus indicated that molecular treatment can be effective against VMs. In addition, certain VM ‘hotspot’ mutations have been previously found in tumours, providing the rationale for the exploration and repurposing of existing and investigational cancer drugs for VMs. Finally, discoveries of molecular and cellular abnormalities that characterize a large proportion of VMs and the generation of pre‐clinical VM mouse models provide the necessary basis for the development of the targeted molecular treatment strategies we discuss in this MiniReview.
The Garment Protection Factor: further advances in labelling sun-protective clothing
Authors: Gefeller O.
Published: April 2018

Linked Article:  Downs and Harrison. Br J Dermatol 2018; 178:958–964.
Interpretability in atopic dermatitis: all about the anchor
Authors: Oosterhaven J.A.F.
Published: April 2018

Linked Article:  Vakharia et al. Br J Dermatol 2018; 178:925–930.
HLA-C*06 and psoriasis: susceptibility, phenotype, course and response to treatment
Authors: Borroni R.G. , Costanzo A.
Published: April 2018

Linked Article: Chen and Tsai. Br J Dermatol 2018; 178:854–862.
The Cochrane Skin Group's COUSIN convened for the second time
Authors: Apfelbacher C.
Published: April 2018

Linked Article: Kottner et al. Br J Dermatol 2018; 178:e279–e285.
Further evidence for T-cell involvement in the pathogenesis of keloids
Authors: Kim J.H.
Published: April 2018

Linked Article: Chen et al. Br J Dermatol 2018; 178:940–950.
The prevalence of psychological comorbidity in people with vitiligo: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Osinubi O. , Grainge M.J. , Hong L. , Ahmed A. , Batchelor J.M. , Grindlay D. , Thompson A.R. , Ratib S.
Published: April 2018

Vitiligo is a long-term condition where pale white patches develop on the skin. It's caused by a lack of melanin, a pigment (colour) in the skin. People of any age, skin type and gender can develop vitiligo and it can affect any area of skin. It is estimated that about 1 in 100 people around the world has vitiligo. The researchers who conducted this study are based in Nigeria and the UK. Our study aimed to find out how commonly psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety occur in people in vitiligo, by looking at all relevant published studies from around the world. After extracting data from 29 studies published in this area we found that people living with vitiligo experience a range of psychological symptoms or disorders. Approximately one in four people with vitiligo appear to have depression and at least one in seven have anxiety. However, they were significantly less likely to show symptoms of depression than people with psoriasis. We also found that there were many tools to measure psychological outcomes (the emotional impact) in skin diseases, and more work needs to be done to develop tools which can be used in people with vitiligo. Our conclusion is that assessment of psychological state during clinical evaluation of vitiligo patients, as suggested by the British Association of Dermatologists’ guidelines, is essential. The same can be said for clinical evaluation of people with other skin conditions.