bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can rewards incentives of non-state-owned enterprises realize co-win cooperation of workers, enterprises and the society?
Authors: Yang Junqing , Chen Hong
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether rewards incentives of non-state-owned enterprises can settle the matters of motivation lack, strained labor relations and frequent labor-capital conflicts and realize co-win cooperation of workers, enterprises and the society.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the data of 1,617 questionnaires in 257 enterprises, this research reveals the total rewards factors that affect the labor motivation of non-stated-owned enterprises in China and improve labor productivity by adopting the hierarchical linear regression analysis and multi-group path analysis, and establishes a new model of win-win cooperation between labor and capital and the society through the incentive function of these elements by stimulating the enthusiasm of workers, improving labor productivity, increasing profits, expanding capital accumulation and absorbing labor force.

Findings

The authors have discovered that in general the main incentives that stimulate the enthusiasm of employees are the factors of performance and recognition and development and career opportunity in total rewards. The factor of benefits also has a significant incentive effect on employees in the western area of China, migrant workers with lower education and male employees, but negative effect on the post-1990s employees in non-state-owned enterprises. However, the compensation factor should be used with caution when encouraging employees in eastern region and the post-1980s. The total rewards factors of development and career opportunities and the performance and the recognition and benefits should be used to motivate workers to improve labor productivity, increase corporate profits and absorb more labor force, which is a long-term solution to win-win cooperation between labor and capital and social sustainable development. It is an important way to increase profits and absorb more labor force by increasing employee’s human capital investment and improving labor proficiency of employees under age 45. The conclusions provide new effective management methods for non-state-owned enterprises in China.

Practical implications

As a consequence, it will encourage employees to improve labor productivity and increase profits and thus absorb more labor force, if we use these factors of performance and recognition, development and career opportunity and benefits integratedly, we will find a permanent solution that the two sides of the labor and management and the society enjoy a win-win cooperation.

Originality/value

The research will provide theoretical basis for non-state-owned enterprises to apply a new and effective management style so that we can establish a win-win cooperation between the labor and management. What’s more, the research will develop the Dual Economy Theory of Lewis and the employment theory of Keynes and will also provide a theoretical basis for the realization of Taylor’s harmonious industrial relations.
Accountability reporting objectives of Māori organizations
Authors: Craig Russell , Taonui Rawiri , Wild Susan , Rodrigues Lũcia Lima
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the accountability reporting objectives of four Māori-controlled organizations. The examples cited reflect the core values of the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand (Aotearoa) and help demonstrate how these values are manifest in the accountability reporting of Māori-controlled organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Narrative sections of ten annual reports of two small and two large Maori organizations, drawn variously from their financial years ending in the calendar years 2009 to 2014, are read closely. These organizations represent diverse tribal and regional associations in terms of size, scope and structure; and in terms of the business, social and cultural activities they pursue.

Findings

Three core Māori values are identified: spirituality (wairuatanga); intergenerationalism and restoration (whakapapa); and governance, leadership and respect (mana and rangatiratanga). The commitment to these values and the way this commitment is reflected in accountability reports of Maori organizations, is presented.

Originality/value

The examples provided, and the associated discussion, should help inform reporting initiatives of organizations that are seeking better accountability in terms of their long-term engagement with indigenous communities, the environment and broader society.
A study on comparative colour fading in daylight and xenon arc lamp
Authors: Roy Choudhury Asim Kumar , Chatterjee Biswapati
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare light fastness assessments by exposure of fabric dyes with various dyes in daylight and an artificial xenon arc lamp.

Design/methodology/approach

Cotton fabric dyed with 66 reactive, vat, azoic and direct dyes dyed in different depths were exposed to daylight and Xenon arc lamp for assessment of light fastness by standard methods. The light fastness rating and fading hours by the two methods were analysed and compared statistically.

Findings

The correlation between the corresponding light fastness rating (LFR) measured in Xenotest and daylight is quite high (0.93). The logarithmic correlation coefficients between fading hour (FH) and LFR in Xenotest and daylight are 0.95 and 0.88, respectively. For Xenotest, the assessed LFRs are same as those predicted from geometric progression up to LFR of 5.5, and thereafter, the former is higher. On the other hand, in the case of daylight, the assessed LFR is lower. Assessments for three successive seasons showed high repeatability in case of Xenotest and moderate repeatability in case of daylight. Assessments for three successive seasons showed high repeatability in case of Xenotest and moderate repeatability in case of daylight.

Research limitations/implications

The exposure conditions in daylight cannot be controlled or standardised, whereas the exposure in Xenon arc lamp in the accelerated fading instrument can be strictly controlled. These differences in exposure control may affect the repeatability of experimental findings.

Practical implications

Inconsistent ratings may be because of little deterioration of samples during storage, as well as seasonal variation of daylight.

Social implications

There are no direct social implications.

Originality/value

The researches on the comparison of the two light fastness assessment methods have not been reported in any recent publication to the best our knowledge.
Optimal assembling of 3D printed features by modulation of interfacial behaviour
Authors: Favero Justin , Belhabib Sofiane , Guessasma Sofiane , Nouri Hedi
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Assembling items to achieve bigger parts seems to be the solution to counterbalance the dimension limits of 3D printing. This work aims to propose an approach to achieve optimal assembling.

Design/methodology/approach

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene polymer samples were printed using fused deposition modelling (FDM). These samples were assembled and the precise contribution of interfacial shearing and tension was measured using simple tensile experiments.

Findings

The results achieved show the correlation between the printing orientation and the assembling angle. It could be proved that rupture by an interfacial decohesion mechanism of glued parts can be avoided by simple adaptation of the assembling junction.

Practical implications

Design of large parts using FDM is no more a limitation if assembling configurations are adapted based on the knowledge gained about the interfacial phenomena occurring at the junction position.

Originality/value

The unbalanced contribution of shearing and tension at the interface defines new assembling profiles that exclude flat junctions.
Integrated component-support topology optimization for additive manufacturing with post-machining
Authors: Langelaar Matthijs
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to communicate a method to perform simultaneous topology optimization of component and support structures considering typical metal additive manufacturing (AM) restrictions and post-print machining requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated topology optimization is proposed using two density fields: one describing the design and another defining the support layout. Using a simplified AM process model, critical overhang angle restrictions are imposed on the design. Through additional load cases and constraints, sufficient stiffness against subtractive machining loads is enforced. In addition, a way to handle non-design regions in an AM setting is introduced.

Findings

The proposed approach is found to be effective in producing printable optimized geometries with adequate stiffness against machining loads. It is shown that post-machining requirements can affect optimal support structure layout.

Research limitations/implications

This study uses a simplified AM process model based on geometrical characteristics. A challenge remains to integrate more detailed physical AM process models to have direct control of stress, distortion and overheating.

Practical implications

The presented method can accelerate and enhance the design of high performance parts for AM. The consideration of post-print aspects is expected to reduce the need for design adjustments after optimization.

Originality/value

The developed method is the first to combine AM printability and machining loads in a single topology optimization process. The formulation is general and can be applied to a wide range of performance and manufacturability requirements.
Integrative possibilities in Fine Arts doctoral supervision: a four-quadrant model
Authors: Shaw Kylie M. , Holbrook Allyson P.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to respond to the need for a model of doctoral supervision that can capture and represent the focus, range and complexity of instructional intentions, practices and possibilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on the substantive literature on supervision and changing doctoral programs in the Fine Arts and relatively new empirical findings about supervision and learning. The authors posit a holistic model of supervision ranging across micro–macro and product–person dimensions. The model is further explained and illustrated using four supervisor cases in Fine Arts.

Findings

The model offers a heuristic for supervisors to reflect on and identify existing emphases, alignments and integrative possibilities to better understand the complexities of Fine Arts supervisory practices.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of research that addresses how doctoral supervisors perceive and articulate their roles and breadth of responsibilities in light of new programs and changing sectoral expectations.
Four ways mind–body infused coaching approaches sharpen executives’ performance
Authors: Horstmeyer Alison
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to describe mind–body infused coaching and to explain four distinct effects it can have on organizational executives and employees.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of theory and research on mind–body practices, emotional intelligence and work performance was conducted. A case study from the author’s experience also is included.

Findings

Mind–body infused coaching activates employees’ awareness, ignites a strengths-based approach, improves inner workings of the brain, boosts emotional intelligence and promotes curiosity.

Practical implications

HR professionals and managers are encouraged to obtain training in evidence-based mind–body principles to improve and sustain outcomes when coaching organizational executives and employees.

Originality/value

Conventional coaching approaches tend to be highly reductionistic by focusing solely on employees’ personality types, soft skills or achievement of specific goals. This paper discusses a holistic approach to coaching the whole person and outlines four specific benefits that could be anticipated as a result.
Changes in primary care access at community health centers between 2012/2013 and 2016
Authors: Saloner Brendan , Wilk Adam S. , Wissoker Douglas , Candon Molly , Hempstead Katherine , Rhodes Karin V. , Polsky Daniel E. , Kenney Genevieve M.
Published: November 2018

Objective

To compare access at community health centers (CHCs) vs private offices (non‐CHCs) under the Affordable Care Act.

Data Source

Ten state primary care audit conducted in 2012/2013 and 2016.

Study Design

CHCs and non‐CHCs were called. We calculated difference in differences comparing CHCs vs non‐CHCs by caller insurance type.

Principal Findings

In both rounds, Medicaid and uninsured callers had higher appointment rates at CHC than non‐CHCs. CHC appointment rates significantly increased between 2012/2013 and 2016 for both employer‐sponsored and Medicaid callers, with no significant wait time changes. Appointment rates increased (13.5% points, P < 0.001) and wait times decreased (−5.7 days, P = 0.017) at CHCs relative to non‐CHCs for employer‐sponsored insurance.

Conclusion

Appointment availability at CHCs improved after ACA implementation, without increased wait times.
Classification of diagnostic subcategories for obesity and diabetes based on eating patterns
Authors: Easton Jonathan F. , Román Sicilia Heriberto , Stephens Christopher R.
Published: November 2018

Aim

To investigate whether eating patterns of specific food groups can be used to predict and classify Mexican adults who have been diagnosed as having obesity, diabetes or both, when compared to those without a diagnosis. Additionally, we aim to show the benefit of data mining techniques in nutritional studies.

Methods

Statistical analysis of self‐reported eating patterns based on designated food groups is conducted. Predictive models for health status based on dietary patterns are built using a naïve Bayes classifier.

Results

Clear patterns emerge in the model building where adults are categorised as having obesity, diabetes or both. The model for diabetics showed the greatest degree of predictability, producing sensitivity results 2.4 times higher than the average, using score decile testing. The models for people with obesity and for those with both obesity and diabetes both reported sensitivity doubling the average. Coverage also showed greatest response for the diabetic model, the first decile containing 24% of all diabetics.

Conclusions

Classifier models using dietary habits as inputs succeed in subcategorising Mexican adults based on health status. Diabetics are associated with a very different, and more appropriate dietary pattern (significantly less sugar consumption) for their condition, relative to the non‐diagnosed group. Adults with obesity are also associated with a very different, but inappropriate (higher overall consumption), dietary pattern. We hypothesise that obesity, unlike diabetes, is not seen as a sufficiently serious condition, leading to an inadequate response to the diagnosis. Furthermore, data mining techniques can provide new results in nutritional studies.
A longitudinal analysis of pain experience and recall in fibromyalgia
Authors: Van Liew Charles , Standridge Karissa , Leon Gabriel , Cronan Terry A.
Published: November 2018

Aim

To evaluate pain experiences and memories in fibromyalgia (FM) patients over time.

Method

Participants included 572 females who were members of a large health maintenance organization who had a diagnosis of FM syndrome (FMS) and met inclusion criteria for the study. Recruitment was for an intervention study that tested the effects of social support and education treatment arms, but there were no treatment effects. Reports of experiential pain (EP), historical peak pain (HPP), and historical valley pain (HVP) for FM were collected. Differences between HPP and EP and EP and HVP (bias) were calculated to determine whether HPP and HVP were distributed evenly around EP over time across participants. Models were performed to assess personal history and psychosocial factors that affect EP, HPP, HVP, and bias.

Results

There was systematic tendency for HPP to be significantly larger than EP relative to EP vs HVP. EP and HPP decreased significantly over time, but not HVP. There were significant predictors of EP, HPP, HVP, and bias, including depression, self‐efficacy, and sleep quality, among others.

Conclusion

The experiences and recollections of pain in FM appear to provide a unique means of understanding the maintenance of chronic pain—including factors that affect this process.
Complex interventions of abdominal aorta and its branches in children with Takayasu arteritis: Clinical experience from a tertiary care center in north‐west India
Authors: Vijayvergiya Rajesh , Jindal Ankur K. , Pilania Rakesh K. , Suri Deepti , Gupta Anju , Sharma Ashish , Sinha Saroj K. , Singhal Manphool , Bahl Ajay , Singh Surjit
Published: November 2018

Aim

To report our experience on complex percutaneous interventions of the abdominal aorta and its branches in six children with Takayasu arteritis (TA).

Methods

A review of records of children with TA, who underwent percutaneous interventions of the abdominal aorta and its major branches.

Results

In this analysis, we included six children with TA who underwent intervention of the abdominal aorta and its major branches. The endovascular interventions were performed mostly for treatment‐resistant renovascular hypertension and mesentery artery ischemia. Mean age (±SD) at time of intervention was 10.6 ± 2.5 years (four boys and two girls). Percutaneous interventions included stenting of abdominal aorta (n = 2), renal arteries (n = 4), mesenteric arteries (n = 2), repeat stenting for renal artery in‐stent restenosis (n = 1), and renal autotransplantation (n = 4). All 13 interventions were successful and enabled us to obtain good control of blood pressure.

Conclusion

We hereby report six children with TA who were successfully managed with complex percutaneous interventions of the abdominal aorta and its major branches. Balloon dilatation and stent placement constitutes the mainstay of management of TA with stenosis of the large vessels.
Musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders among 350 garment workers in Bangladesh: A cross‐sectional pilot study
Authors: Shazzad Md. Nahiduzzamane , Ahmed Shamim , Haq Syed Atiqul , Islam Md. Nazrul , Abu Shahin Md. , Choudhury Minhaj Rahim , Hasan Abu Tahir Muhammad Tanveer , Abdal Syed Jamil , Rasker Johannes Jacobus
Published: November 2018

Objective

To study the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms and disorders among garment workers in Bangladesh, to look for possible relationships between pain location and type of work performed and to estimate the prevalence of rheumatological diagnoses.

Methods

A cross‐sectional pilot study among 350 garment workers using the COPCORD (Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Disorders) methodology. Subjects with musculoskeletal pain were examined by rheumatologists for rheumatological diagnosis. The workers were classified into cutting, sewing, finishing and quality control operators.

Results

Most of the workers were aged below 35 years (88%) and females (82.9%) and the majority had only primary education (74.6%). The prevalence of MSK pain within 7 days of the interview was 77.1%, a much higher figure than in the general population. The most affected sites were: shoulder (17.9%), lower back (15.2%), neck (13.8%) and knee (10.8%). Multiple regional pain was the commonest finding in 173 of 350 workers. In this pilot study rheumatoid arthritis was diagnosed in 0.9%, undifferentiated arthritis in 1.1%, nonspecific low back pain in 4.6%, soft tissue rheumatism in 3.7%, osteoarthritis in 0.9% and lumbar spondylosis in 1.1%, figures comparable with those observed in the general population; spondyloarthropathy was seen more often, in 1.42%, possibly explained by the small numbers.

Conclusions

Musculoskeletal pains are common among garment workers of Bangladesh and may cause morbidity, disability, and work loss. Our findings may be important to plan ergonomic measures preventing complaints and may be of interest for international companies ordering garments in Bangladesh.
Development of the Asia Pacific Lupus Collaboration cohort
Authors: Kandane‐Rathnayake Rangi , Golder Vera , Louthrenoo Worawit , Luo Shue‐Fen , Jan Wu Yeong‐Jian , Li Zhanguo , An Yuan , Lateef Aisha , Sockalingam Sargunan , Navarra Sandra V. , Zamora Leonid , Hamijoyo Laniyati , Katsumata Yasuhiro , Harigai Masayoshi , Chan Madelynn , O’Neill Sean , Goldblatt Fiona , Hao Yanjie , Zhang Zhuoli , Al‐Saleh Jamal , Khamashta Munther , Takeuchi Tsutomu , Tanaka Yoshiya , Bae Sang‐Cheol , Lau Chak Sing , Hoi Alberta , Nikpour Mandana , Morand Eric F.
Published: November 2018

Aim

The aim of this manuscript is to describe the development of the Asia Pacific Lupus Collaboration (APLC) cohort.

Method

The APLC cohort is an ongoing, prospective longitudinal cohort. Adult patients who meet either the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Modified Classification Criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) Classification Criteria, and provide informed consent are recruited into the cohort. Patients are routinely followed up at 3‐ to 6‐monthly intervals. Information on demographics, clinical manifestations, treatment, pathology results, outcomes, and patient‐reported quality of life (Short‐form 36 version 2) are collected using a standardized case report form. Each site is responsible for obtaining local ethics and governance approval, patient recruitment, data collection, and data transfer into a centralized APLC database.

Results

The latest APLC cohort comprises 2160 patients with >12 000 visits from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. The APLC has proposed the Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) as a treat‐to‐target (T2T) endpoint, and reported several retrospective and cross‐sectional analyses consistent with the validity of LLDAS. Longitudinal validation of LLDAS as a T2T endpoint is currently underway.

Conclusion

The APLC cohort is one of the largest contemporary SLE patient cohorts in the world. It is the only cohort with substantial representation of Asian patients. This cohort represents a unique resource for future clinical research including evaluation of other endpoints and quality of care.
Randomized trial of acupuncture with antiemetics for reducing postoperative nausea in children
Authors: Martin Christine S. , Deverman Sarah E. , Norvell Daniel C. , Cusick Jordan C. , Kendrick Angela , Koh Jeffrey
Published: November 2018

Background

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is common after tonsillectomy in children. There is evidence that perioperative acupuncture at the pericardium 6 (P6) point is effective for preventing PONV in adults. Our goal was to determine if intraoperative acupuncture at the P6 point, in addition to usual antiemetics, is more effective than antiemetics alone in preventing PONV in children.

Methods

In a randomized double‐blind trial, 161 children age 3 through 9 years undergoing tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy were randomized to either bilateral acupuncture at P6 plus antiemetics (n = 86) or antiemetics only (n = 75). All participants received ondansetron 0.15 mg/kg and dexamethasone 0.25 mg/kg, up to 10 mg. The presence of nausea, retching, emesis and administration of additional antiemetics were recorded during phases I and II of PACU recovery. Follow‐up calls occurred on postoperative day 1 (POD 1).

Result

During phase I and II recovery, the incidence of PONV was significantly less with acupuncture than without (7.0% vs 34.7%, RR: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.09‐0.46; P < 0.001). The difference in PONV was driven by less nausea in the acupuncture group (5.0% vs 24.0%), with no difference in vomiting between the two groups. In the first 24 hours, PONV occurred in 36.1% with acupuncture and 49.3% without; these values did not differ significantly (P = 0.09).

Conclusions

Children receiving acupuncture plus antiemetic therapy had less risk of developing nausea during phase I and II recovery, but there was no difference in PONV on POD 1. Acupuncture may reduce nausea in the PACU, even when combined with antiemetics.
Long‐term mortality and cause of death for patients treated in Intensive Care Units due to poisoning
Authors: Lindqvist Elin , Edman Gunnar , Hollenberg Jacob , Nordberg Per , Forsberg Sune
Published: November 2018

Background

Poisoned patients treated in the Intensive Care Unit are common, representing up to 6% of all ICU admissions. The in‐hospital mortality is generally low but little is known about the long‐term mortality in these patients. The aim of this study was to describe long‐term mortality and cause of death in patients treated in the ICU for poisoning.

Method

A national observational study based on three registers: the National Patient Register, the Swedish Intensive Care Register and the Cause of Death Register. All patients ≥19 years admitted to a Swedish Intensive Care Unit between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2011 with an ICD‐10 code for poisoning were included.

Results

A total of 6730 patients were included. The one‐year mortality was 4.5% (n = 303), with an overweight of men among the deceased (59.1%, P = 0.002). Patients aged 19‐39 years had a 48 times increased one‐year mortality compared to the age‐matched general population and 94% of these patients died from suicide and/or accident, of which 70% were from a new poisoning. The two‐year mortality was 7.2%. Women have a slightly higher overall long‐term survival over two years (P< 0.001).

Conclusion

The risk of premature death is markedly increased in younger patients one and two years after an ICU hospitalisation for non‐fatal poisoning compared to the general population. A large majority die due to a new poisoning incident despite a previously known recent severe poisoning.

Editorial comment

Admission to ICU with poisoning, and particularly self‐poisoning, may be associated with long‐term mortaliity. In this study of 6730 patients admitted to a Swedish ICU for poisoning, the in‐hospital mortality was low for that admission, but there is an increased risk of later mortality in young patients one and two years after hospital discharge.
Overexpression of ASIC1A in the nucleus accumbens of rats potentiates cocaine‐seeking behavior
Authors: Gutman Andrea L. , Cosme Caitlin V. , Noterman Maria F. , Worth Wensday R. , Wemmie John A. , LaLumiere Ryan T.
Published: November 2018

Acid‐sensing ion channels (ASICs) are abundantly expressed in the nucleus accumbens core (NAcore), a region of the mesolimbocortical system that has an established role in regulating drug‐seeking behavior. Previous work shows that a single dose of cocaine reduced the AMPA‐to‐NMDA ratio in Asic1a−/− mice, an effect observed after withdrawal in wild‐type mice, whereas ASIC1A overexpression in the NAcore of rats decreases cocaine self‐administration. However, whether ASIC1A overexpression in the NAcore alters measures of drug‐seeking behavior after the self‐administration period is unknown. To examine this issue, the ASIC1A subunit was overexpressed in male Sprague‐Dawley rats by injecting them with adeno‐associated virus, targeted at the NAcore, after completion of 2 weeks of cocaine or food self‐administration. After 21 days of homecage abstinence, rats underwent a cue‐/context‐driven drug/food‐seeking test, followed by extinction training and then drug/food‐primed, cued, and cued + drug/food‐primed reinstatement tests. The results indicate that ASIC1A overexpression in the NAcore enhanced cue‐/context‐driven cocaine seeking, cocaine‐primed reinstatement, and cued + cocaine‐primed reinstatement but had no effect on food‐seeking behavior, indicating a selective effect for ASIC1A in the processes underlying extinction and cocaine‐seeking behavior.
The evolving drug epidemic of prescription opioid injection and its association with HCV transmission among people who inject drugs in Montréal, Canada
Authors: Bruneau Julie , Arruda Nelson , Zang Geng , Jutras‐Aswad Didier , Roy Élise
Published: November 2018

Aims

To examine temporal trends in prescription opioid (PO) injection and to assess its association with hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroconversion among people who inject drugs (PWID).

Design

Prospective cohort study spanning 2004 to 2016.

Setting

Montréal, Canada.

Participants

PWID reporting injection during the past 6 months.

Measurements

PWID were recruited between 2004 and 2016. At each 3–6‐month follow‐up visit, participants completed interview‐administered questionnaires and were tested for HCV‐antibody.

Findings

Among 1524 PWID [83% males, mean age 38 years, standard deviation (SD) = 10, 34% (31–36) prescription opioid (PO) injection past month] included in trends analyses, PO injection use expanded between 2004 and 2009, and plateaued between 2010 and 2016 (trend tests < 0.001 and 0.335, respectively). Of the 432 HCV‐seronegative PWIDs followed at least once (81% males, mean age 34, SD 9.8, 38% injection PO), 153 became HCV‐antibody‐positive during 1230 years of follow‐up, for an incidence of 12.4 per 100 person‐years [95% confidence interval (CI) = 10.6, 14.6]. PO injectors were 3.9 times more likely to seroconvert to HCV, relative to non‐PO injectors. In a multivariate analysis, a stronger association between PO injection and HCV seroconversion was found post‐2009 [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 5.4, 95% CI = 2.7, 10.8] than before (aHR = 1.5, 95% CI = 0.9, 2.4) (P‐value for interaction = 0.001).

Conclusion

Prescription opioid injection increased among people who inject drugs in Montréal, Canada from 2004 to 2009, to reach a plateau between 2010 and 2016. The association between prescription opioid injection and HCV seroconversion was stronger during the second period than the first according to the epidemic phase.
Effects of rumen‐protected methionine on milk production in early lactation dairy cattle fed with a diet containing 14.5% crude protein
Authors: Tamura Tetsuo , Inoue Kazunori , Nishiki Hideto , Sakata Masafumi , Seki Makoto , Koga Teruaki , Ookubo Yoshihiro , Akutsu Kazuhiro , Sato Say , Saitou Kouichi , Shinohara Hikari , Kuraisi Terumi , Kajikawa Hiroshi , Kurihara Mitsunori
Published: November 2018

We evaluated the influence on milk production of feeding early lactation cows a diet that included 14.5% crude protein (CP) and that did not meet methionine (Met) requirements or that met them by supplying rumen‐protected Met (RPMet). Thirty‐nine multiparous Holstein cows were allocated into two groups. For 15 weeks after calving, each group was fed one of the two total mixed rations, Control (n = 20) or Treatment (n = 19). The Treatment group received added RPMet at 0.034% (8 g/day) of the Control diet on dry matter basis. The adequacies of Met for the Control and Treatment groups were 96% and 106%, respectively, and for other amino acids, >110%. The CP level (14.5%) was 1 percentage point lower than that recommended by the Japanese Feeding Standard (2006). No between‐group differences were found in milk yield (40 kg/day), milk composition, plasma profile, rumen fermentation, nitrogen balance, or cow health. Met intake and the amount of rumen‐undegradable feed Met were higher in the Treatment group (p < 0.05). Microbial Met and total metabolizable Met did not differ between groups. Supplying RPMet in a 14.5% CP diet during early lactation did not dramatically affect milk production, because the amount of total metabolizable Met was unchanged.
Effects of simulated microgravity on the expression profiles of RNA during osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Li Liang , Zhang Cui , Chen Jian‐ling , Hong Fan‐fan , Chen Ping , Wang Jin‐fu
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Exposure to microgravity induces many adaptive and pathological changes in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). However, the underlying mechanisms of these changes are poorly understood. We revealed the gene expression patterns of hBMSCs under normal ground (NG) and simulated microgravity (SMG), which showed an interpretation for these changes by gene regulation and signal pathways analysis.

Materials and methods

In this study, hBMSCs were osteogenically induced for 0, 2, 7 and 14 days under normal ground gravity and simulated microgravity, followed by analysis of the differences in transcriptome expression during osteogenic differentiation by RNA sequencing and some experimental verification for these results.

Results

The results indicated that 837, 399 and 894 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in 2, 7 and 14 days samples, respectively, out of which 13 genes were selected for qRT‐PCR analysis to confirm the RNA‐sequencing results. After analysis, we found that proliferation was inhibited in the early stage of induction. In the middle stage, osteogenic differentiation was inhibited, whereas adipogenic differentiation benefited from SMG. Moreover, SMG resulted in the up‐regulation of genes specific for tumorigenesis in the later stage.

Conclusion

Our data revealed that SMG inhibits the proliferation and inhibits the differentiation towards osteoblasts but promotes adipogenesis. SMG also selects highly tumorigenic cells for survival under prolonged SMG.
Recent progress in the emerging role of exosome in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Abudoureyimu Mubalake , Zhou Hao , Zhi Yingru , Wang Ting , Feng Bing , Wang Rui , Chu Xiaoyuan
Published: November 2018

Exosomes are small membrane vesicles 50‐150 nm in diameter released by a variety of cells, which contain miRNAs, mRNAs and proteins with the potential to regulate signalling pathways in recipient cells. Exosomes deliver nucleic acids and proteins to participate in orchestrating cell‐cell communication and microenvironment modulation. In this review, we summarize recent progress in our understanding of the role of exosomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review focuses on recent studies on HCC exosomes, considering biogenesis, cargo and their effects on the development and progression of HCC, including chemoresistance, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, metastasis and immune response. Finally, we discuss the clinical application of exosomes as a therapeutic agent for HCC.
Instantaneous areal population density of entire Atlantic cod and herring spawning groups and group size distribution relative to total spawning population
Authors: Makris Nicholas C. , Godø Olav Rune , Yi Dong Hoon , Macaulay Gavin J. , Jain Ankita D. , Cho Byunggu , Gong Zheng , Jech Josef Michael , Ratilal Purnima
Published: November 2018

The wide‐area group behaviour of spawning Atlantic cod and herring is investigated. By a combination of Ocean Acoustic Waveguide Remote Sensing (OAWRS) and conventional sensing methods, first‐look images of the instantaneous population density are obtained of entire Atlantic cod spawning groups, stretching for tens of kilometres in the Nordic Seas. This structural information made it possible to quantify the spawning group size distribution of cod over a roughly 30‐year period from conventional line‐transect data acquired annually by vertical echo sounding in the Nordic Seas. The size distribution is found to be consistent with the log‐normal probability density often found in growth processes that depend on many independent parameters. Nordic Seas cod populations are found to distribute into many vast behavioural groups during spawning with relatively stable mean size despite larger variations in total annual population. When sustained at pre‐industrial levels, the total spawning population is found to greatly exceed the mean spawning group size. As an apparent consequence of this large differential, when the total population, or overall scale, declined to within a standard deviation of this mean cod spawning group quantum, or inner‐group‐behavioural scale, return to pre‐industrial levels required decades. Findings for Atlantic herring are similar, where summing the spawning group populations measured in a single instantaneous OAWRS image per day over the 8‐day peak spawning period enabled accurate enumeration of the entire Georges Bank herring spawning population to within 7% of the independent NOAA estimate for 2006. These results may be relevant to other oceanic fish.
Phylogenetics and diversity analysis of Pennisetum species using Hemarthria EST‐SSR markers
Authors: Zhou Sifan , Wang Chengran , Yin Guohua , Zhang Yu , Shen Xiaoyun , Pennerman Kayla K. , Zhang Jianbo , Yan Haidong , Zhang Chenglin , Zhang Xinquan , Ren Shuping , Guo Tianfeng , Peng Yan , Ma Xiao , Liu Wei , Yan Yanhong , Huang Linkai
Published: November 2018

Expressed sequence tag‐simple sequence repeat (EST‐SSR) markers are widely applied in plant molecular genetics studies due to their abundance in the genome, codominant nature, and high repeatability. To study the genetic diversity of 35 accessions and transferability of EST‐SSR markers in cross‐species applications, 21 primer pairs previously developed in Hemarthria were amplified across Pennisetum species. A total of 148 polymorphisms were generated with an average of 7.05 bands per locus. The mean values of the genetic parameters polymorphism information content, number of bands, effective number of bands, Nei's gene diversity, and Shannon's information index were 0.8430, 2.0000, 1.7640, 0.4247 and 0.6132, respectively. Cluster analysis of 35 accessions divided them into three clusters, which were consistent with dendrograms of 14 species. The among‐population component explained most of the genetic diversity (66%); the remaining variation (34%) occurred within populations. This study will provide more available EST‐SSR markers for Pennisetum species, and facilitate studies on germplasm collection and utilization of Pennisetum species.
Use of cannabis and risk of advanced liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wijarnpreecha Karn , Panjawatanan Panadeekarn , Ungprasert Patompong
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the most common chronic liver diseases. Several risk factors for the progression of liver fibrosis among these patients have been identified. Use of cannabis could be another risk factor, but the results from epidemiological studies remain inconclusive.

Methods

Comprehensive literature review was conducted using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases through December 2017 to identify studies that compared the risk of advanced liver fibrosis among HCV‐infected patients who use and who do not use cannabis. Effect estimates from each study were extracted and combined together using the random‐effect, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird.

Results

A total of three cohort studies with 898 participants met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta‐analysis. The risk of advanced liver fibrosis among HCV‐infected patients who use cannabis was numerically higher than those who do not use cannabis, although the result did not achieve statistical significance (pooled odds ratio, 1.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.78–4.02). The statistical heterogeneity was high with an I2 of 75%.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis showed that the risk of advanced liver fibrosis among HCV‐infected patients who use cannabis was higher than those who do not use cannabis, but the result was not statistically significant. Further studies are required to better characterize the risk.
Aflatoxin M1 occurrence in fluid milk commercialized in Monterrey, Mexico
Authors: Quevedo‐Garza Patricia Amanda , Amador‐Espejo Genaro Gustavo , Cantú‐Martínez Pedro Cesar , Trujillo‐Mesa José Antonio
Published: November 2018

The occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk samples commercialized in the Metropolitan area of Monterrey (Mexico) was evaluated by employing the competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. For this, 84‐fluid milk samples, with diverse origin (80% national production, 20% imported milk) and heat treatments (26% pasteurized and 74% Ultra High Temperature (UHT)‐treated) were collected in different sales points. In all the evaluated samples, the AFM1 was detected, with values oscillating from 0.1 to 1.27 μg/L. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Mexican standards, concerning a maximum limit of 0.5 μg/L, 39% of the analyzed samples were out of the standard limit, with different results depending on the milk origin (46% and 18% for national and imported milks, respectively) and heat treatment applied (45% and 23% for UHT and pasteurized samples, respectively). Based on these results, it is necessary a higher effort to control AFM1 levels in milk consumed in Mexico.

Practical applications

The practical application of this document is to serve as a first approach to know the presence of aflatoxins in milk in northern Mexico, both in domestic and imported products, and under different heat treatments applied and from this, take different measures by authorities and producers with a view to reducing their presence in milk and other dairy products.
Organization Environmental Footprint through Input‐Output Analysis: A Case Study in the Construction Sector
Authors: Martinez Sara , Delgado Maria del Mar , Martinez Marin Ruben , Alvarez Sergio
Published: November 2018

The implementation of global sustainability has gained worldwide attention in recent years. The Organization Environmental Footprint, which encompasses 14 impact categories, is a multicriteria measure of the environmental performance of goods and services provided by an organization from a life cycle perspective. In this article, the focus is on quantifying the Organization Environmental Footprint of a construction company in Spain. By applying an environmentally extended input‐output approach, its total footprint and impacts along the supply chain from two consecutive years were calculated. The results show that the environmental impacts from the second year of implementation were significantly higher than those from the first year. The impact category climate change was found to have experienced the greatest increase from one year to the other, with a 31% increase. This work provides an overview of 14 environmental impact categories of the company assessed, as well as recommendations for the implementation of this indicator in companies and public procurement. This approach could pave the way to shape organizations’ action plans and meet the European environmental challenges.
Impact of right heart function on outcome in patients with functional mitral regurgitation and chronic heart failure undergoing percutaneous edge‐to‐edge‐repair
Authors: Osteresch Rico , Diehl Kathrin , Kühl Matthias , Fiehn Eduard , Schmucker Johannes , Backhaus Tina , Fach Andreas , Wienbergen Harm , Hambrecht Rainer
Published: November 2018

Aims

To evaluate the impact of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) on outcome after transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and severe functional mitral regurgitation (FMR).

Methods and Results

One hundred thirty patients (median age 72.7 ± 10.7 years; 63.8% male) at high operative risk (LogEuroSCORE 23.8 ± 13.9%) with FMR and CHF (left ventricular ejection fraction 32 ± 7%) were enrolled and separated into two groups according to the RVD. RVD was assessed by the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) method (A: TAPSE ≤ 16 mm, n = 58; B: TAPSE > 16 mm, n = 72). The rate of successful reduction of mitral regurgitation (MR ≤2+) by TMVR was similar in both groups (94.6% vs 91.2%; P: n.s.) with low in‐hospital major adverse event rates. During a median follow‐up period of 10.5 ± 4 months, the Kaplan‐Meier analysis revealed a significantly higher all‐cause mortality in group A (43.1% vs 23.6%; log‐rank P = 0.039) and a significantly higher rate of hospital readmission due to congestive heart failure (56.9% vs 26.4%; log‐rank P < 0.001). At long‐term follow‐up, 25% of patients in group A remained in NYHA functional class IV (none in group B). Preexisting RVD as assessed by TAPSE and Doppler tissue imaging (DTI‐S‘) was an independent predictor of all‐cause mortality after TMVR (hazard ratio 2.84; 95% confidence interval 1.15‐7.65; P = 0.039; hazard ratio 4.70; 95% confidence interval 1.14‐20.21; P = 0.044, respectively).

Conclusions

Patients with CHF and RVD were with regard to functional capacity less often responder and showed an unfavorable long‐term outcome. Thus, patients with CHF and RVD seem to benefit less frequently from TMVR.
Long‐term care and intrafamily moral hazard: Optimal public policy
Authors: Klimaviciute Justina
Published: November 2018

The paper studies optimal public long‐term care (LTC) policy in the context of intrafamily moral hazard suggested by Pauly. The model considers a representative family consisting of an adult child and her elderly parent who might become dependent, in which case he places a special value on the LTC provided to him by his child. Since the child's caregiving is decreasing in the amount of insurance coverage, the parent prefers to underinsure, which is socially suboptimal. The child's choice of caregiving is also inefficient since she does not internalize its positive effect on the parent. The paper tackles these inefficiencies and shows that intrafamily moral hazard is a sufficient justification for public intervention targeted at insurance. If not necessarily for the introduction of mandatory public insurance, then at least for the taxation or subsidization of private insurance premiums.
Sleep duration in Mexican American children: Do mothers’ and fathers’ parenting and family practices play a role?
Authors: Martinez Suzanna M. , Tschann Jeanne M. , Butte Nancy F. , Gregorich Steve E. , Penilla Carlos , Flores Elena , Pasch Lauri A. , Greenspan Louise C. , Deardorff Julianna
Published: November 2018

This study examined parenting styles, parenting practices and family practices that may be associated with weeknight sleep duration among 8‐ to 10‐year‐old Mexican American (MA) children. This cross‐sectional study of MA children used baseline data from a 2‐year cohort study of mother–child pairs (n = 308) with additional data on fathers (n = 166). Children's weeknight sleep duration was accelerometer estimated and averaged for 2 weeknights. Parents reported on their parenting styles and practices regarding food and family food‐related practices. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to examine sleep duration with parenting styles and practices, and family practices, and adjusting for child gender and body mass index. Model 1 included mothers’ parenting styles and practices; Model 2 included both mothers’ and fathers’ parenting styles and practices. Children's average sleep duration was 9.5 (SD = 0.8) hr. Mothers who used pressure to encourage their children to eat and those who used food to control behavior had children with longer sleep duration (β = 0.21, p < 0.01; β = 0.15, p = 0.03, respectively). Mothers who reported their children ate dinner with the TV on and those who valued eating dinner as a family had children with shorter sleep duration (β = −0.16, p = 0.01; β = −0.18, p = 0.01, respectively). Fathers who restricted the amount of food their children ate had children with shorter sleep duration (β = −0.27, p = 0.01). Mothers’ and fathers’ feeding practices, the child's eating dinner with the TV on, and valuing family dinners, played a role in children's weeknight sleep duration among Mexican American families. Parental feeding practices and family mealtime contexts may have an effect on children's weeknight sleep duration.