bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Media Recruitment 3.0
Authors: Aggerholm Helle Kryger , Andersen Sophie Esmann
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Drawing on a unique case of a Web 3.0 recruitment campaign, the purpose of this paper is to explore how a Web 3.0 social media recruitment communication strategy influence, add value to and challenge conventional recruitment communication management.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on a reflexive dialogical research approach, which means that it is methodologically designed as a critical dialogue between on the one hand an empirical case and on the other hand theories on social media and strategic communication.

Findings

The study points toward a fundamental new approach to recruitment communication. The application of a Web 3.0 strategy entails what we term an open source recruitment strategy and a redirection of employee focus from work life to private life. These insights point toward ontologically challenging the basic assumptions of employees, work life and the employing organization.

Research limitations/implications

The paper presents a single-case study, which prepares the ground for larger, longitudinal studies. Such studies may apply a more long-term focus on the implications of applying Web 3.0 recruitment strategies and how they may be integrated into – or how they challenge – overall corporate communication strategies.

Practical implications

A turn toward Web 3.0 in recruitment communication affects the degree of interactional complexity and the level of managerial control. Furthermore, the authors argue that the utilization of a Web 3.0 strategy in recruitment communication put forth precarious dilemmas and challenges of controllability, controversy, ownership and power relations, demanding organizations to cautiously entering the social media 3.0 employment market.

Originality/value

This study indicates how the value and potentials of social media as facilitating participatory processes and community conversations can be strategically used in and fundamentally alter recruitment communication, and hence offers new insights into a paradigmatically new way of understanding what strategic social media recruitment is, can and do.
Leader-member exchange and employee creativity
Authors: Liao Shu-Hsien , Chen Chih-Chiang
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the mediating role of LMX in the relationship between knowledge sharing and employee creativity and the extent to which this mediating role is moderated by transactional psychological contract.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 286 employees working at the theme park in Taiwan and then analyzed using a structuring equation model with SPSS 12.0, LISREL 8.8 and SPSS PROCESS.

Findings

Results suggested that LMX mediated the relationship between knowledge sharing and employee creativity. Also, results suggested that transactional psychological contract moderated this mediating pathway: low transactional psychological contract increases the mediating role of LMX. Furthermore, the study showed that LMX can buffer the negative effects of transactional psychological contract on employee creative performance.

Originality/value

The originality of this study is to explore whether there is a moderated mediation model relationship among research variables and contributed to the LMX literature because there are few studies to discuss how knowledge sharing might stimulate creative outcome through LMX.
Elucidating social networking apps decisions
Authors: Chua Pei Ying , Rezaei Sajad , Gu Man-Li , Oh YokeMoi , Jambulingam Manimekalai
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of behavioural intention and use behaviour towards social networking apps. Exogenous latent constructs, namely, performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influence are the key antecedents proposed based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology to predict the usage intention and behaviour of social networking apps (i.e. endogenous latent constructs). Experience as a moderator is the extended construct to explain social networking apps user’s behavioural intention.

Design/methodology/approach

To target young generation (Millennial), a cross-sectional data collection approach was conducted to collect data from the social networking apps users (i.e. Facebook, WhatsApp, WeChat, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and others) whereby a total of 384 valid questionnaires were obtained from six universities in Malaysia. Statistical analysis using partial least squares path modelling approach and a variance-based structural equation modelling (VB-SEM) techniques is performed to analyse the measurement and structural relationship.

Findings

The findings indicate that performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influence determine behavioural intention, and behavioural intention impacts social networking apps use behaviour. Moreover, the moderation analysis reveals that the relationship between effort expectancy and behavioural intention is moderated by experience, whereas the relationship between social influence and behavioural intention is not moderated by experience.

Originality/value

While the surge of social networking apps has gained tremendous popularity among Millennial as an attractive market segment, previous studies mainly have focussed on intention and behaviour of online users in general. Despite apps and related technologies which have opened a new era of effective communications in marketing, social networking apps usage intention and behaviour focussing on Millennial is not well understood in the current literature. This study contributes and sheds lights on the current issue of social networking apps usage intention and behaviour and looks into a key rising market segment, the Millennial users.
Back to traditional stadium names
Authors: Huth Christopher
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Despite the growing number of corporate-sponsored sport facilities, public resistance to naming rights sometimes arises. In line with other supporter-based financial instruments such as fan bonds or shares, the possibility arises that a sport club’s supporters could invest in the stadium naming rights to secure a traditional name, possibly by initiating a crowdfunding project. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the factors separating potential capital providers from non-participants and to determine which factors influence the investment decision.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used an online questionnaire to evaluate respondents’ willingness to participate in a crowdfunding project. The data were analyzed by logit and probit regressions. The link was posted to selected online fan forums as well as to clubs’ fan group caretakers in Germany. In total, 708 respondents fully completed the questionnaires. Additionally, the authors provided the initial results of a proposal for a hypothetical reward-based crowdfunding project that was also part of the questionnaire.

Findings

The findings indicate that the most involved participants who support traditional values in sports are the most willing to participate in a crowdfunding project. Thus, crowdfunding can actually be seen as a supporter-based instrument that is an alternative to existing sport facility naming rights models. However, the analysis also indicates that the sums that can be generated through crowdfunding are limited.

Originality/value

Insight into a relatively new financial instrument is provided, and an alternative approach to sport facility naming rights management is offered. Ultimately, a combination of a crowdfunding project with financing by a certain number of sponsors supporting a traditional name is proposed, which may be a possible future solution that sport facility naming rights management groups can pursue.
Comparing Categorical and Probabilistic Fingerprint Evidence
Authors: Garrett Brandon , Mitchell Gregory , Scurich Nicholas
Published: April 2018

Fingerprint examiners traditionally express conclusions in categorical terms, opining that impressions do or do not originate from the same source. Recently, probabilistic conclusions have been proposed, with examiners estimating the probability of a match between recovered and known prints. This study presented a nationally representative sample of jury‐eligible adults with a hypothetical robbery case in which an examiner opined on the likelihood that a defendant's fingerprints matched latent fingerprints in categorical or probabilistic terms. We studied model language developed by the U.S. Defense Forensic Science Center to summarize results of statistical analysis of the similarity between prints. Participant ratings of the likelihood the defendant left prints at the crime scene and committed the crime were similar when exposed to categorical and strong probabilistic match evidence. Participants reduced these likelihoods when exposed to the weaker probabilistic evidence, but did not otherwise discriminate among the prints assigned different match probabilities.
The Swedish School Attack in Trollhättan
Authors: Erlandsson Åsa , Reid Meloy J.
Published: April 2018

This is a case report of the offender and offense characteristics of a targeted attack on a Swedish school using a sword, with a particular focus upon the offender's history, the relationship between mental disorder and ideology, and whether or not it was an act of terrorism. Findings indicate that the offender had no drug or psychiatric treatment history, but postoffense analysis suggests autism spectrum disorder, depression, and both suicidal ideation and intent. The offender planned and prepared for his attack, and the triggering event appeared to be the loss of a temporary job. He expressed chronic anger concerning immigrants to Sweden and blamed them for his failures. Comparison of the fact pattern to other cases of lone actor terrorism with the Terrorist Radicalization Assessment Protocol (TRAP‐18) empirically demonstrates excellent criterion validity with other lone actor terrorists in Europe and North America—including right wing extremists—and contributes to further understanding of ideologically motivated mass murder.
How supervisory support for career development relates to subordinate work engagement and career outcomes: The moderating role of task proficiency
Authors: Yang Fu , Liu Jun , Huang Xiaoyu , Qian Jing , Wang Ting , Wang Zhen , Yu Huiping
Published: April 2018

Drawing on conservation of resources theory, this research investigates how and when supervisory support for career development relates to subordinate career outcomes. Using data collected from 228 supervisor–subordinate dyads across 3 phases, we proposed and examined a mediated moderation model in which the interaction between supervisory support for career development and task proficiency was mediated by work engagement in predicting career outcomes in terms of career satisfaction and promotability. Results showed that supervisory support for career development was positively related to career satisfaction and promotability. Results also supported the mediated moderation model. We outlined the theoretical contributions for future research and discussed the practical implications.
Detection of individual responses to clopidogrel: Validation of a novel, rapid analysis using thrombelastography 6s
Authors: Olechowski Bartosz , Dalton Richard T. , Khanna Vikram , Ashby Alexander , Vavyla Maria , Mariathas Mark , Harris Scott , Nicholas Zoe , Mahmoudi Michael , Curzen Nick
Published: April 2018

Introduction

There is potential value in testing individual response to P2Y12 inhibitors to predict ischemic and bleeding risk in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. The aims of this study were: (1) to validate the ability of a novel point of care (POC) assay, thrombelastography (TEG) 6s, to detect changes in adenosine diphosphate (ADP)‐induced whole blood clotting in volunteers and patients given clopidogrel using TEG 5000 as a reference and (2) to compare a novel, rapid parameter, area under the curve at 15 minutes (AUC15), with the traditional maximum clot amplitude (MA) in TEG 6s.

Methods

A total of 25 participants were included in whom ADP‐induced clotting was measured at 4 time points: (1) 12 healthy volunteers given 600 mg of clopidogrel; (2) 12 patients with ACS given 600 mg of clopidogrel; (3) 1 healthy volunteer given 600 mg of clopidogrel on 5 separate occasions. All samples were tested using conventional TEG 5000 and the new POC TEG 6S, and a new parameter called AUC15 was compared with MA in TEG 6s.

Results

(1) TEG 5000 and TEG 6s both detected changes in ADP‐induced platelet activation. Bland‐Altman analysis demonstrated a good level of agreement between them. (2) For TEG 6S, correlation between MA and the novel AUC15 was strong for both thrombin and ADP channels (R2 = 0.867, R = .936, P < .001), and the AUC15 result was available on average 13.3 minutes earlier.

Conclusions

Thrombelastography 6s is a rapid, easy to use and accurate test of ADP‐induced clotting using TEG 5000 as a reference. A novel parameter, AUC15, is a viable, time‐saving option for this test and has potential value in personalized P2Y12 inhibitor therapy.
Copper‐base Metallurgy in Metal‐Age Bali: Evidence from Gilimanuk, Manikliyu, Pacung, Pangkung Paruk and Sembiran
Authors: Pryce T. O. , Calo A. , Prasetyo B. , Bellwood P. , O’Connor S.
Published: April 2018

The Indonesian Archipelago extends over 5000 km of latitude, from 95°E to 141°E, and hosts some of the world's largest active metal mines. While some fascinating ethnographic and historical sources exist, virtually nothing is known of the country's prehistoric metallurgical traditions. Given Indonesia's scale, this situation cannot be remedied in short order, but with this paper we seek to elucidate some metal production and consumption behaviours on Bali, located around 115°E, during the last centuries of the first millennium bc and the early to middle first millennium ad. The studied early Metal Age assemblage of 27 copper‐base artefacts from the sites of Pacung, Sembiran, Bangkah, Pangkung Paruk, Gilimanuk and Manikliyu includes bangle, bowl, drum, hook, mirror and ornamental typologies, and fragments thereof. Fourteen of the 27 samples were suffering from corrosion, but a strong tendency towards leaded copper alloys (21 of 27) can be distinguished, with some bronzes, a high‐tin bronze and a leaded high‐tin bronze. The high proportion of leaded artefacts mean that lead isotope data cannot be used to identify possible sources of copper, but there is good consistency with Mainland South‐East Asian Iron Age leaded alloy signatures for the bulk of the assemblage, possibly indicating the existence of long‐range (~2000–3000 km one way) exchange systems at the outset of the Island South‐East Asian Metal Age, and perhaps as far as China and India in the case of the mirror and bowl, respectively. Of particular note, the Manikliyu ‘Pejeng’ drum, a stylistically idiosyncratic type known from Bali and Java, and for which there is local production evidence, transpired to be consistent in terms of elemental composition and lead signature with Mainland ‘Dong Son’ drums. This could suggest that Pejeng drums were produced not just from metal imported from the Mainland but with melted down Mainland drums; an intriguing case of local reinterpretation of foreign elite material culture and iconography.
Defining and Characterizing Archaeological Quartzite: Sedimentary and Metamorphic Processes in the Lithic Assemblages of El Habario and El Arteu (Cantabrian Mountains, Northern Spain)
Authors: Prieto A. , Yusta I. , Arrizabalaga A.
Published: April 2018

Quartzite was the second most‐often used lithic raw material in Europe in the Palaeolithic. However, this rock has not been characterized fully from the geo‐archaeological point of view. This study characterizes, defines and determines types of quartzite in northern Spain through a methodology that integrates petrography, digital image processing and X‐ray fluorescence. As a methodological foundation for the characterization of the material, it aims to open the possibility of discovering mechanisms of mobility, selection and management of quartzite by prehistoric societies. The types determined, based on the petrogenesis of the material, enable a better understanding of the archaeological sites of El Arteu and El Habario in the context of northern Spain in the Middle Palaeolithic.
Molecular description of α‐keto‐based inhibitors of cruzain with activity against Chagas disease combining 3D‐QSAR studies and molecular dynamics
Authors: Saraiva Ádria P. B. , Miranda Ricardo M. , Valente Renan P. P. , Araújo Jéssica O. , Souza Rutelene N. B. , Costa Clauber H. S. , Oliveira Amanda R. S. , Almeida Michell O. , Figueiredo Antonio F. , Ferreira João E. V. , Alves Cláudio Nahum , Honorio Kathia M.
Published: April 2018

In this work, a group of α–keto‐based inhibitors of the cruzain enzyme with anti‐chagas activity was selected for a three‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship study (3D‐QSAR) combined with molecular dynamics (MD). Firstly, statistical models based on Partial Least Square (PLS) regression were developed employing comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) descriptors. Validation parameters (q2 and r2)for the models were, respectively, 0.910 and 0.997 (CoMFA) and 0.913 and 0.992 (CoMSIA). In addition, external validation for the models using a test group revealed r2pred = 0.728 (CoMFA) and 0.971 (CoMSIA). The most relevant aspect in this study was the generation of molecular fields in both favorable and unfavorable regions based on the models developed. These fields are important to interpret modifications necessary to enhance the biological activities of the inhibitors. This analysis was restricted considering the inhibitors in a fixed conformation, not interacting with their target, the cruzain enzyme. Then, MD was employed taking into account important variables such as time and temperature. MD helped describe the behavior of the inhibitors and their properties showed similar results as those generated by QSAR‐3D study.
Salbutamol‐induced electrophysiological changes show no correlation with electrophysiological changes during hyperinsulinaemic–hypoglycaemic clamp in young people with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Novodvorsky P. , Bernjak A. , Robinson E. J. , Iqbal A. , Macdonald I. A. , Jacques R. M. , Marques J. L. B. , Sheridan P. J. , Heller S. R.
Published: April 2018

Aims

Hypoglycaemia causes QT‐interval prolongation and appears pro‐arrhythmogenic. Salbutamol, a β2‐adrenoreceptor agonist also causes QT‐interval prolongation. We hypothesized that the magnitude of electrophysiological changes induced by salbutamol and hypoglycaemia might relate to each other and that salbutamol could be used as a non‐invasive screening tool for predicting an individual's electrophysiological response to hypoglycaemia.

Methods

Eighteen individuals with Type 1 diabetes were administered 2.5 mg of nebulized salbutamol. Participants then underwent a hyperinsulinaemic–hypoglycaemic clamp (2.5 mmol/l for 1 h). During both experiments, heart rate and serum potassium (and catecholamines during the clamp) were measured and a high‐resolution electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded at pre‐set time points. Cardiac repolarization was measured by QT‐interval duration adjusted for heart rate (QTc), T‐wave amplitude (Tamp), T‐peak to T‐end interval duration (TpTend) and T‐wave area symmetry (Tsym). The maximum changes vs. baseline in both experiments were assessed for their linear dependence.

Results

Salbutamol administration caused QTc and TpTend prolongation and a decrease in Tamp and Tsym. Hypoglycaemia caused increased plasma catecholamines, hypokalaemia, QTc and TpTend prolongation, and a decrease in Tamp and Tsym. No significant correlations were found between maximum changes in QTc [r = 0.15, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) −0.341 to 0.576; P = 0.553), TpTend (r = 0.075, 95% CI −0.406 to 0.524; P = 0.767), Tsym (r = 0.355, 95% CI −0.132 to 0.706; P = 0.149) or Tamp (r = 0.148, 95% CI −0.347 to 0.572; P = 0.558) in either experiment.

Conclusions

Both hypoglycaemia and salbutamol caused pro‐arrhythmogenic electrophysiological changes in people with Type 1 diabetes but were not related in any given individual. Salbutamol does not appear useful in assessing an individual's electrophysiological response to hypoglycaemia.
Determination of minimal steady‐state plasma level of diazepam causing seizure threshold elevation in rats
Authors: Dhir Ashish , Rogawski Michael A.
Published: April 2018

Objective

Diazepam, administered by the intravenous, oral, or rectal routes, is widely used for the management of acute seizures. Dosage forms for delivery of diazepam by other routes of administration, including intranasal, intramuscular, and transbuccal, are under investigation. In predicting what dosages are necessary to terminate seizures, the minimal exposure required to confer seizure protection must be known. Here we administered diazepam by continuous intravenous infusion to obtain near–steady‐state levels, which allowed an assessment of the minimal levels that elevate seizure threshold.

Methods

The thresholds for various behavioral seizure signs (myoclonic jerk, clonus, and tonus) were determined with the timed intravenous pentylenetetrazol seizure threshold test in rats. Diazepam was administered to freely moving animals by continuous intravenous infusion via an indwelling jugular vein cannula. Blood samples for assay of plasma levels of diazepam and metabolites were recovered via an indwelling cannula in the contralateral jugular vein.

Results

The pharmacokinetic parameters of diazepam following a single 80‐μg/kg intravenous bolus injection were determined using a noncompartmental pharmacokinetic approach. The derived parameters Vd, CL, t1/2α (distribution half‐life) and t1/2β (terminal half‐life) for diazepam were, respectively, 608 mL, 22.1 mL/min, 13.7 minutes, and 76.8 minutes, respectively. Various doses of diazepam were continuously infused without or with an initial loading dose. At the end of the infusions, the thresholds for various behavioral seizure signs were determined. The minimal plasma diazepam concentration associated with threshold elevations was estimated at approximately 70 ng/mL. The active metabolites nordiazepam, oxazepam, and temazepam achieved levels that are expected to make only minor contributions to the threshold elevations.

Significance

Diazepam elevates seizure threshold at steady‐state plasma concentrations lower than previously recognized. The minimally effective plasma concentration provides a reference that may be considered when estimating the diazepam exposure required for acute seizure treatment.
Oral status, cognitive function and dependency among New Zealand nursing home residents
Authors: Thomson William M. , Smith Moira B. , Ferguson Catherine Anna , Kerse Ngaire M. , Peri Kathryn , Gribben Barry
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To investigate clinical oral disease and its association with cognitive function and dependency among older New Zealanders in residential aged care.

Material and methods

National survey of oral health in aged residential care throughout New Zealand. We classified residents into 1 of 3 levels of care: “low dependency care (or assisted living)”; “high dependency care”; or “specialist dementia care/psychogeriatric care.” The Abbreviated Mental Test characterised cognitive function as “unimpaired” (scores of 7‐10), “moderately impaired” (4‐6) or “severely impaired” (0‐3). Intra‐oral examinations were conducted, along with a computer‐assisted personal interview.

Results

Most of the 987 clinically examined participants were either at low or high dependency care level, with another 1 in 6 in psychogeriatric care. Almost half overall had severely impaired cognitive function. Just under half of the sample had 1 or more natural teeth remaining. Negative binomial regression modelling showed that the number of carious teeth was lower among women and higher among those who were older, those with more teeth and in those with severely impaired cognitive function. Oral debris scores (representing plaque biofilm and other soft deposits on teeth) were higher in men, those with more teeth, and in those with severely impaired cognitive function.

Conclusions

Impaired cognitive function is a risk indicator for both dental caries and oral debris in aged residential care.
Clinical outcomes of sorafenib treatment failure for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and candidates for regorafenib treatment in real‐world practice
Authors: Uchikawa Shinsuke , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Aikata Hiroshi , Kodama Kenichiro , Nishida Yuno , Inagaki Yuki , Hatooka Masahiro , Morio Kei , Nakahara Takashi , Murakami Eisuke , Hiramatsu Akira , Tsuge Masataka , Imamura Michio , Kawakami Yoshiiku , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: April 2018

Aim

As second‐line therapy, regorafenib has been shown to provide a survival benefit for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who progress on sorafenib. In this retrospective study, we assessed the clinical outcomes of sorafenib treatment failure with regard to second‐line chemotherapy.

Methods

Patients (n = 160) with advanced HCC, Child–Pugh A liver function and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) 0–1 treated with sorafenib between June 2009 and September 2016 were enrolled. Among 147 patients with progressive disease (PD), we defined those with Child–Pugh A liver function and ECOG PS 0–1 at progression as candidates for second‐line chemotherapy and those who had tolerated sorafenib (≥400 mg/day for ≥20 of the last 28 days of treatment) as candidates eligible for regorafenib treatment.

Results

Among all 160 patients, median overall survival was 10 months, and median progression‐free survival was 3.5 months. Among the 147 patients with PD, 74 (50.3%) were candidates for second‐line chemotherapy, and 45 (30.6%) were eligible for regorafenib treatment. The median post progression survival of the candidates for second‐line chemotherapy (8.8 months) was statistically longer (P = 0.0002) than that of the non‐candidates (3.6 months). Predictive factors for candidates were absence of macroscopic vascular invasion (MVI) (odds ratio [OR], 0.39; P = 0.009) and serum albumin >3.5 g/dL (OR, 3.3; P = 0.005) at sorafenib initiation.

Conclusion

Among patients with PD on sorafenib, approximately 30% were eligible for regorafenib treatment, whereas few patients with MVI or hypoalbuminemia at sorafenib initiation were eligible for regorafenib treatment.
Rheology and bread‐making performance of gluten‐free formulations affected by different levels of sugar beet fibre, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and water
Authors: Djordjević Marijana , Šoronja‐Simović Dragana , Nikolić Ivana , Dokić Ljubica , Djordjević Miljana , Šereš Zita , Šaranović Žana
Published: April 2018

This study investigated the application of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) (2%, 3%, 4%), sugar beet fibre (SBF) (3%, 5%, 7%) and water (210%, 220%, 230%) into maize‐based gluten‐free (GF) formulations and their effects on the GF batter rheology and bread quality. HPMC incorporation in higher amounts reduced the compliance values of GF batter samples and increased the values of dynamic moduli indicating an improvement in the GF batter elastic characteristic. The same course of action with a less pronounced influence on mentioned rheological parameters had SBF addition. GF bread quality evaluation in terms of specific loaf volume and crumb texture (hardness, cohesiveness and springiness) reveals that HPMC and SBF incorporation at higher levels enhanced these quality parameters. The inclusion of HPMC and SBF coupled with adequate water content can improve the nutritional value of GF bread without negative influence on bread quality.
FKBP12.6 protects heart from AngII‐induced hypertrophy through inhibiting Ca2+/calmodulin‐mediated signalling pathways in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Xiao Yun‐Fei , Zeng Zhi‐Xiong , Guan Xiao‐Hui , Wang Ling‐Fang , Wang Chan‐Juan , Shi Huidong , Shou Weinian , Deng Ke‐Yu , Xin Hong‐Bo
Published: April 2018

We previously observed that disruption of FK506‐binding protein 12.6 (FKBP12.6) gene resulted in cardiac hypertrophy in male mice. Studies showed that overexpression of FKBP12.6 attenuated thoracic aortic constriction (TAC)‐induced cardiac hypertrophy in mice, whereas the adenovirus‐mediated overexpression of FKBP12.6 induced hypertrophy and apoptosis in cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes, indicating that the role of FKBP12.6 in cardiac hypertrophy is still controversial. In this study, we aimed to investigate the roles and mechanisms of FKBP12.6 in angiotensin II (AngII)‐induced cardiac hypertrophy using various transgenic mouse models in vivo and in vitro. FKBP12.6 knockout (FKBP12.6−/−) mice and cardiac‐specific FKBP12.6 overexpressing (FKBP12.6 TG) mice were infused with AngII (1500 ng/kg/min) for 14 days subcutaneously by implantation of an osmotic mini‐pump. The results showed that FKBP12.6 deficiency aggravated AngII‐induced cardiac hypertrophy, while cardiac‐specific overexpression of FKBP12.6 prevented hearts from the hypertrophic response to AngII stimulation in mice. Consistent with the results in vivo, overexpression of FKBP12.6 in H9c2 cells significantly repressed the AngII‐induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, seen as reductions in the cell sizes and the expressions of hypertrophic genes. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the protection of FKBP12.6 on AngII‐induced cardiac hypertrophy was involved in reducing the concentration of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), in which the protein significantly inhibited the key Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent signalling pathways such as calcineurin/cardiac form of nuclear factor of activated T cells 4 (NFATc4), calmodulin kinaseII (CaMKII)/MEF‐2, AKT/Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β)/NFATc4 and AKT/mTOR signalling pathways. Our study demonstrated that FKBP12.6 protects heart from AngII‐induced cardiac hypertrophy through inhibiting Ca2+/calmodulin‐mediated signalling pathways.
Trajectories of cognitive development during adolescence among youth at‐risk for schizophrenia
Authors: Dickson Hannah , Cullen Alexis E. , Jones Rebecca , Reichenberg Abraham , Roberts Ruth E. , Hodgins Sheilagh , Morris Robin G. , Laurens Kristin R.
Published: April 2018

Background

Among adults with schizophrenia, evidence suggests that premorbid deficits in different cognitive domains follow distinct developmental courses during childhood and adolescence. The aim of this study was to delineate trajectories of adolescent cognitive functions prospectively among different groups of youth at‐risk for schizophrenia, relative to their typically developing (TD) peers.

Method

Using linear mixed models adjusted for sex, ethnicity, parental occupation and practice effects, cognitive development between ages 9 and 16 years was compared for youth characterised by a triad of well‐replicated developmental antecedents of schizophrenia (ASz; N = 32) and youth with a least one affected relative with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (FHx; N = 29), relative to TD youth (N = 45). Participants completed measures of IQ, scholastic achievement, memory and executive function at three time‐points, separated by approximately 24‐month intervals.

Results

Compared to TD youth, both ASz and FHx youth displayed stable developmental deficits in verbal working memory and inhibition/switching executive functions. ASz youth additionally presented with stable deficits in measures of vocabulary (IQ), word reading, numerical operations, and category fluency executive function, and a slower rate of growth (developmental lag) on spelling from 9 to 16 years than TD peers. Conversely, faster rates of growth relative to TD peers (developmental delay) were observed on visual and verbal memory, and on category fluency executive function (ASz youth only) and on matrix reasoning (IQ) and word reading (FHx youth only).

Conclusions

These differential patterns of deviation from normative adolescent cognitive development among at‐risk youth imply potential for cognitive rehabilitation targeting of specific cognitive deficits at different developmental phases.
Prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus in mainland China: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gao Chenghan , Sun Xin , Lu Li , Liu Fangwei , Yuan Jing
Published: April 2018

Aims/Introduction

Pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of the present study was to estimate the pooled prevalence of GDM in mainland China according to International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria.

Materials and Methods

We carried out a systematic review by searching both English and Chinese literature databases. Random effects models were used to summarize the prevalence of GDM in mainland China. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were carried out to address heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated using Egger's test.

Results

A total of 25 papers were included in the meta‐analysis, involving 79,064 Chinese participants. The total incidence of GDM in mainland China was 14.8% (95% confidence interval 12.8–16.7%). Subgroup analysis showed that the age, bodyweight and family history of diabetes mellitus could significantly increase the incidence of GDM.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this systematic review is the first to estimate the pooled prevalence of GDM among women in mainland China according to International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria. The results of our systematic review suggest a high prevalence of GDM in mainland China, indicating that this country might have the largest number of GDM patients worldwide.
Escherichia coli identification and isolation from traditional cheese produced in Southeastern Serbia
Authors: Mladenović Katarina G. , Muruzović Mirjana Ž. , Žugić Petrović Tanja , Čomić Ljiljana R.
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we investigated the presence of enterobacteria in cheese from Southeastern Serbia which was produced in a traditional way. The samples from different households were collected in spring. Chemical and physical characteristics of samples (water content, fat content, acidity, pH, and sodium chloride content) were examined. In the analyzed samples of cheese, we found one genus of family Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia sp. The genus Escherichia sp. includes only one species, Escherichia coli. We also determined biochemical characteristics, proteolytic and lipolytic activities, the ability to form a biofilm, sensitivity to streptomycin, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline. According to the rapid latex agglutination test, two isolates belong to serotype E. coli O157.

Practical applications

These results contribute to a better understanding of the presence of enterobacteria in unexplored microbiota of cheese from Sokobanja. E. coli is the only member of enterobacteria that appears in the samples collected in spring. Since E. coli is among the indicators of contamination, it does not demonstrate the ability to change the organoleptic properties of cheese. E. coli does not exhibit lipolytic or proteolytic activity, but it demonstrates sensitivity to antibiotics. The bacteria showed no ability to form biofilm. Further research should focus on finding the sources of contamination, as well as on the interaction of E. coli with other members of the cheese microbiota.
Frailty Phenotype and Healthcare Costs and Utilization in Older Women
Authors: Ensrud Kristine E. , Kats Allyson M. , Schousboe John T. , Taylor Brent C. , Cawthon Peggy M. , Hillier Teresa A. , Yaffe Kristine , Cummings Steve R. , Cauley Jane A. , Langsetmo Lisa ,   Study of Osteoporotic Fractures
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To determine the association of the frailty phenotype with subsequent healthcare costs and utilization.

Design

Prospective cohort study (Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF)).

Setting

Four U.S. sites.

Participants

Community‐dwelling women (mean age 80.2) participating in SOF Year 10 (Y10) examination linked with their Medicare claims data (N=2,150).

Measurements

At Y10, frailty phenotype defined using criteria similar to those used in the Cardiovascular Health Study frailty phenotype and categorized as robust, intermediate stage, or frail. Participant multimorbidity burden ascertained using claims data. Functional limitations assessed by asking about difficulty performing instrumental activities of daily living. Total direct healthcare costs and utilization ascertained during 12 months after Y10.

Results

Mean total annualized cost±standard deviation (2014 dollars) was $3,781±6,920 for robust women, $6,632±12,452 for intermediate stage women, and $10,755 ± 16,589 for frail women. After adjustment for age, site, multimorbidity burden, and cognition, frail women had greater mean total (cost ratio (CR)=1.91, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.59–2.31) and outpatient (CR=1.55, 95% CI=1.36–1.78) costs than robust women and greater odds of hospitalization (odds ratio (OR)=2.05, 95% CI=1.47–2.87) and a skilled nursing facility stay (OR=3.85, 95% CI=1.88–7.88). There were smaller but significant effects of the intermediate stage category on these outcomes. Individual frailty components (shrinking, poor energy, slowness, low physical activity) were also each associated with higher total costs. Functional limitations partially mediated the association between the frailty phenotype and total costs (CR further adjusted for self‐reported limitations=1.32, 95% CI=1.07–1.63 for frail vs robust; CR=1.35, 95% CI=1.18–1.55 for intermediate stage vs robust women).

Conclusion

Intermediate stage and frail older community‐dwelling women had higher subsequent total healthcare costs and utilization after accounting for multimorbidity and functional limitations. Frailty phenotype assessment may improve identification of older adults likely to require costly, extensive care.
Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy Detects Prefrontal Activities During Rorschach Inkblot Method
Authors: Aizawa Naoki , Ishibashi Masahiro , Nakamura Yugo , Uchiumi Chigusa , Makita Kiyoshi , Iwakiri Masahiro
Published: April 2018

The present research investigated activities in the prefrontal cortex while performing the Rorschach inkblot method (RIM) using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy. Participants who had no history of mental illness or external head injury were presented with three International RIM Cards (I, IV, V) for 30 s each and asked to identify what they looked like. In addition, a picture task was conducted, in which simple pictures were used as visual stimuli and participants were asked to say what they were. Results showed significant increase of oxyhemoglobin over time with nearly all measurement channels on the RIM task. The volume changes in oxyhemoglobin during both the middle and late segments of the RIM task were more significant than those of the picture task in almost all channels with the exception of no significant difference in the middle with a few right lateral channels. With regard to deoxyhemoglobin, on the RIM task, a significant decrease was observed with nearly all channels, but only in some of the task segments. These results are then discussed in regards to the function of the prefrontal cortex.
Fragility Assessment Model of Building Structures Using Characteristics of Artificial Aftershock Motions
Authors: Park Sang Wook , Park Hyo Seon , Oh Byung Kwan , Choi Se Woon
Published: April 2018

Any additional loads applied to a damaged structure can aggravate its instability and thus, the impact of successive earthquakes need to be considered. This study proposed a quantitative assessment model for the fragility of a damaged structure subjected to aftershock. Mean period and the strong motion duration were considered as characteristics of earthquake motions. Simulation models of two reinforced concrete structures and one steel structure were selected to examine the applicability of the model. Based on the suggested fragility and residual deformation coefficients, critical earthquake sequences for each structure were identified. The proposed model was efficient in selecting critical earthquake sequences by using the limited number of aftershocks, and these sequences are expected to be useful indicators in the establishment of a retrofit plan according to the predicted structural response and target performance levels.
Small Area Estimation Under Informative Sampling and Not Missing at Random Non-Response
Authors: Sverchkov Michael , Pfeffermann Danny
Published: April 2018

Pfeffermann and Sverchkov considered small area estimation for the case where the selection of the sampled areas is informative in the sense that the area sampling probabilities are related to the true (unknown) area means, and the sampling of units within the selected areas is likewise informative with probabilities that are related to the values of the study variable, in both cases after conditioning on the model covariates. We extend this approach to the practical situation of incomplete response at the unit level, and where the response is not missing at random. The proposed extension consists of first identifying the model holding for the observed responses and using the model for estimating the response probabilities, and then applying the approach of Pfeffermann and Sverchkov to the observed data with the unit sampling probabilities replaced by the products of the sampling probabilities and the estimated response probabilities. A bootstrap procedure for estimating the mean-squared error of the proposed predictors is developed. We illustrate our approach by a simulation study and by application to a real data set. The simulations also illustrate the consequences of not accounting for informative sampling and/or non-response.
“Breast is Best, Donor Next”: Peer Breastmilk Sharing in Contemporary Western Motherhood
Authors: Carter Shannon K. , Reyes‐Foster Beatriz M. , Carter J. Scott
Published: April 2018

Peer breastmilk sharing—the unregulated gifting of human milk for the purpose of feeding a child—is a growing practice in Western societies despite official warnings against it. Milk sharing occurs in a context of breastfeeding promotion, and cultural expectations that mothers take individual responsibility for their children's health, weigh expert recommendations on childrearing, and engage in responsible consumerism to minimize children's toxic exposure. This study analyzes the perspectives of parents who milk‐share within this broader context. Data consist of a survey asking 392 parents who milk‐share to evaluate the healthiness of mothers’ own milk, peer‐shared milk, and formula, and explain their evaluations. Participants rated mothers’ breastmilk as healthiest, followed closely by peer‐shared milk, and infant formula as least healthy. They drew on scientific discourses regarding the health benefits of breastmilk, and natural versus artificial dichotomies to construct formula as unhealthy based on its synthetic makeup. Engaging with scientific and neoliberal motherhood in their constructions, peer‐shared breastmilk emerged as a healthier option than formula when mothers’ own milk was unavailable.
Usefulness of the ARCHITECT Chagas® assay as a single test for the diagnosis of chronic Chagas disease
Authors: Pérez‐Ayala Ana , Fradejas Isabel , Rebollo Lourdes , Lora‐Pablos David , Lizasoain Manuel , Herrero‐Martínez Juan María
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Imported Chagas disease (CD) is an emerging health problem in Europe due to immigration from endemic countries. Although WHO currently recommends two different serological methods to establish diagnosis, new tools like the ARCHITECT Chagas assay have potential for use as a single diagnostic test. Our objective was to determine an optimal signal‐to‐cut‐off (S/CO) value for the ARCHITECT Chagas assay to diagnose CD with a single test.

Methods

A retrospective study conducted at the 12 de Octubre University Hospital (Madrid, Spain). All patients with requests for Chagas screening between January 2014 and August 2017 were consecutively included. All samples were routinely tested with the ARCHITECT assay. Negative samples (S/CO < 0.8) required no further testing. Immunochromatographic testing (ICT) and/or indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) was used to confirm samples with S/CO ≥ 0.8. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis determined the ARCHITECT S/CO value that yielded 100% specificity and positive predictive value. SPSS software, version 22.0 was used for data analysis.

Results

A total of 4153 samples were analysed; 361 (8.69%) gave a reactive ARCHITECT Chagas result. 261/361 (72.3%) were women; median age was 38 years old (2–79). 92.8% were Bolivian. A total of 307 (85.0%) were confirmed as cases of Chagas; 52 (14.4%) were not infected; two (0.6%) were not evaluable. Seroprevalence was 7.39%. An S/CO ≥ 3.80 yielded 100% specificity (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93–1.00) and 100% positive predictive value (95% CI, 0.99–1.00).

Conclusions

Using S/CO ≥ 3.80, the ARCHITECT Chagas could be used as a single test for diagnosis of chronic CD in Bolivian immigrants. Patients with S/CO between 0.80 and 3.80 would require additional testing.
High folate levels are not associated with increased malaria risk but with reduced anaemia rates in the context of high‐dosed folate supplements and intermittent preventive treatment against malaria in pregnancy with sulphadoxine–pyrimethamine in Benin
Authors: Moya‐Alvarez Violeta , Ouédraogo Smaila , Accrombessi Manfred , Cot Michel
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To investigate whether high‐dosed folate supplements might diminish the efficacy of malaria intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulphadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) in a cohort of pregnant women in Benin, where malaria is holoendemic.

Methods

We followed 318 women during the entire pregnancy and analysed haematological and Plasmodium falciparum indicators in the context of an intermittent preventive treatment trial in Benin. During the follow‐up, women received two‐dose IPTp (1500/75 mg of SP per dose) at the maternity clinic and 600 mg of albendazole, 200 mg ferrous sulphate and 5 mg folic acid per day for home treatment.

Results

High folate levels were not associated with increased malaria risk (adjusted OR (aOR) = 0.51 (95% CI: 0.17; 1.56, P‐value = 0.24)), nor with increased P. falciparum density (beta coefficient = −0.26 (95% CI: −0.53; 0.02), P‐value = 0.07) in a randomised trial of IPTp in Benin. On the contrary, higher iron levels were statistically associated with increased odds of a positive blood smear (aOR = 1.7 95% CI (1.2; 2.3), P‐value < 0.001) and P. falciparum parasite density (beta coefficient = 0.2 95% CI (0.1; 0.3), P‐value < 0.001). High folate levels were statistically associated with decreased odds of anaemia (aOR = −0.30 95% CI (0.10; 0.88), P‐value = 0.03).

Conclusions

High folate levels are not associated with increased malarial risk in a prospective longitudinal cohort in the context of both iron and high‐dosed folate supplements and IPTp. They are associated with reduced risk of anaemia, which is particularly important because iron, also given to treat anaemia, might be associated with increased malaria risk.