bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brazilian Air Force operations in disaster response – a process analysis
Authors: da Costa Natália de Brito Oliveira Luiz , Fontainha Tharcisio Cotta , Leiras Adriana
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the status of the current Brazilian regulations regarding the Brazilian Air Force (BAF) operations during disaster response compared with the real BAF operations in the landslides that affected the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2011. This analysis reveals the evolutions and challenges that warrant further discussion, even six years after the deadliest disaster in recent Brazilian history.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is structured using a case study method and a process approach. The data gathered from official BAF reports and professionals and BAF regulations are compared using a theoretical reference process model as a guide.

Findings

The spread of documentations and laws that prescribe the BAF operations during disaster response limit the replication of BAF standards in future disasters. Among the 96 processes described in the theoretical reference process model, 12 processes that are identified in the BAF reports and interviews that address the response to the Rio landslides of 2011 remain unaddressed in the BAF regulations. Considering the BAF expertise, three additional processes are suggested for future consideration in the reference process model that guided this research.

Research limitations/implications

This paper does not discuss the collaborative perspective of BAF operations with other military forces and stakeholders in disaster response.

Practical implications

The findings are indications of improvement in BAF regulations.

Originality/value

In addition to providing an analysis of the military force operations in response to a massive disaster, this paper can also serve as a reference for a benchmark discussion of military operations in disaster response.
The impact research of online reviews’ sentiment polarity presentation on consumer purchase decision
Authors: Wang Qi , Wang Lin , Zhang Xiaohang , Mao Yunxia , Wang Peng
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Because online shopping is risky, there is a strong need to develop better presentation of online reviews, which may reduce the perceived risk and create more pleasurable shopping experiences. To test the impact of online reviews’ sentiment polarity presentation, the purpose of this paper is to adopt a scenario experiment to study consumers’ decision-making process under the two scenarios of mixed presentation and classified presentation of online reviews collected from Jingdong.com in China: focusing on the comparative analysis on the differences of the consumers’ perceived risk, purchase intention and purchase delay, and further studying the interaction effect of involvement and online reviews’ sentiment polarity presentation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employed a 2×2 factorial experiment to test the hypothesis. The experimental design is divided into four groups: 2 (online reviews’ sentiment polarity presentation: mixed presentation vs classified presentation) × 2 (involvement: low vs high), each of which contains 90 samples. Through the data analysis, the main effect, mediation effect and moderating effect were examined.

Findings

The results show that compared with mixed presentation, classified presentation can reduce purchase intention and increase purchase delay due to the existence of loss aversion and availability heuristic. Furthermore, the paper also confirms that there is a significant interaction effect between involvement and online reviews’ sentiment polarity presentation.

Originality/value

The existing research pays less attention to the impact of online reviews presentation on consumers’ decision making, especially the lack of discussion on the interaction effect between involvement and online reviews presentation. For this reason, this paper proposes a problem, which concerns whether mixed presentation and classified presentation of online reviews will affect consumers’ decision making differently.
Internationalization and innovation in nascent companies: does gender matter?
Authors: Alves Marlon Fernandes Rodrigues , Galina Simone Vasconcelos Ribeiro , Macini Nayele , Cagica Carvalho Luísa , Costa Teresa
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the competitiveness of women entrepreneurs in terms of internationalization and innovation. Supported by a resource-based framework of early internationalizing firms, the authors investigated multiple conditions for the relationship between internationalization and innovation relative to gender in nascent companies.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, the authors used survey data related to entrepreneurial activity in 50 countries from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. Based on a model of seven factors (internationalization, innovation, gender, skills, opportunity, sector, and country), the authors tested the significance of the relationships between these factors by means of a hierarchical log-linear analysis.

Findings

The results indicate the low competitiveness of women entrepreneurs in general, but outline some singularities, especially between developed and developing countries.

Originality/value

This study offers cross-country empirical evidence of how factors of different levels interact with each other. In this way, the authors shed light on the competitiveness of nascent companies, especially regarding gender differences.
Institutional framework and entrepreneurial failure
Authors: García-Ramos Constantino , Gonzalez-Alvarez Nuria , Nieto Mariano
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the influence of the institutional environment on entrepreneurial failure of certain characteristics, both formal (regulatory complexity and tax pressure) and informal (social capital and fear of failure).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use data drawn from a panel of 37 countries over a period of nine years (2006-2014).

Findings

Results show that the greater the regulatory complexity, the higher the rate of entrepreneurial failure; also that the higher the country’s stock of social capital, the lower the rate of entrepreneurial failure. Finally, the greater the tax pressure, the lower the rate of business failure.

Research limitations/implications

Among the limitations of this paper is the difficulty of directly measuring the variables it analyses, making it necessary to use proxies.

Practical implications

This study has important practical implications for policymakers. First, the study provides important insights on how regulatory complexity positively affects entrepreneurial failure. In other words, the study represents a response to the call for the development of a better regulatory environment since this plays a significant role in entrepreneurial failure. Second, regarding tax pressure, the authors found that the greater the tax pressure, the lower the rate of entrepreneurial failure. In this respect, entrepreneurs, academics and policymakers should be aware of this result. Finally, this study also demonstrates the important role of social capital in preventing entrepreneurial failure.

Originality/value

In line with the findings, this study provides proof of how the institutional framework can have an influence on entrepreneurial failure.
Taking conversations forward: a systemic exercise for teams threatened by service restructures
Authors: Randall‐James James , Head Annabel
Published: June 2017

This paper describes a systemic exercise for clinical staff facing multiple changes to team structure and threats to their sense of belonging. The exercise was adapted from a consultation intervention that addressed a team's resourcefulness in responding to behaviours that challenge in intellectual disabilities (Smyly, 2006). As clinical psychology trainees from outside the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), we aimed to facilitate a context in which staff could share past experiences of collectively overcoming challenges, and in this way nourish a sense of belonging. Through building layers of dialogue, taking the observer perspective and reflection in the context of such threats to personal, professional and team identities, a shared direction may be claimed again.

Practitioner points

Providing space for teams to reflect on past experiences of overcoming challenging situations may empower teams and enhance a sense of belonging during difficult transitions

Moving towards an explorative and interactive space for personal and professional selves, away from problem‐saturated narratives, creates a context for innovation and change

Exercises that develop layers of conversation can scaffold relational risk‐taking, celebrate difference, and guide collaboration towards developing narratives of belonging
Identity, nostalgia and happiness among migrants: The case of the Kōshien High School Baseball Tournament in Japan
Authors: Yamamura Eiji
Published: June 2017

Public broadcasting of all games of high school baseball tournaments attests to their popularity in Japan. The present study uses individual‐level data to test the hypothesis that nostalgia influences the level of happiness of Japanese people. Its key findings were: (i) the number of wins by a prefecture team increased the happiness level of its residents; (ii) this effect applied only to residents of large cities; and (iii) for urban migrants, originally from rural areas, the effect of their home team wins exceeded that of the wins of their host area team. This effect was significant in cases where the host area cultural climate differed from that of the migrant home area. These findings suggest that a scarcity of ‘identity’ goods related to the residential community increases high school baseball influence on happiness. Furthermore, the influence of nostalgia for home on migrants’ happiness is greater than their attachment to their current residential community.
Long‐term risk of infection in patients with Crohn's disease on anti‐TNF treatment: A prospective single‐center cohort study in China
Authors: Li Yue , Shu Hui Jun , Lu Hong , Yang Hong , Li Ji , Tan Bei , Qian Jia Ming
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the long‐term risk of infection in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) on infliximab (IFX) therapy.

METHODS

All CD patients treated with IFX were recruited from January 2008 to December 2015. Their characteristics and infectious events during IFX therapy were prospectively collected, and the risk of infection was evaluated using Cox regression.

RESULTS

Seventy CD patients receiving IFX were consecutively recruited. During a median of 15 months, 15 patients experienced 17 infectious events which occurred within a median of 21 weeks after the initiation of IFX therapy. Of 17 infectious events, eight were viral infections, six were bacterial infections, and the others were fungal infections. IFX was discontinued in 6 (40.0%) out of 15 cases due to infections. Compared with those without infections, patients with infectious events were more likely of Montreal B1 (inflammatory) behavior, with concomitant use of systemic corticosteroids when infliximab was started but less mucosal healing when infections occurred (P < 0.05). By Cox hazard ratio (HR) analysis, patients with B1 behavior had a higher risk of developing infections than those with B3 (fistulizing) behavior (HR 4.897, P = 0.010). Successful corticosteroid withdrawal (HR 0.275, P = 0.035) or mucosal healing (HR 0.155, P = 0.002) were associated with a lower risk of infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Long‐term use of IFX in CD patients has a high risk of infections. Failure in mucosal healing and increased concomitant use of systemic corticosteroids are independent risk factors of infections during IFX therapy.
A free ride? An analysis of the association of casino bus tours and problem gambling among older adults
Authors: van der Maas Mark , Mann Robert E. , Matheson Flora I. , Turner Nigel E. , Hamilton Hayley A. , McCready John
Published: June 2017

Background and aims

Little research has examined the relationship between incentives used by gambling venues to attract customers and the experience of gambling‐related harm. Organized and subsidized bus tours are a common example of such incentives. The aim of this study was to examine whether bus‐tour patronage was associated with increased odds of problem gambling among older adults. This study also compared rates of bus‐tour use by socio‐demographic characteristics and gambling behaviours.

Design

Pearson's χ2 tests and Mann–Whitney U‐tests were applied for bivariate analyses. Multivariate generalized mixed‐effects regression modelling was used to examine the relationship between bus‐tour patronage and problem gambling while controlling for possible confounding factors.

Setting

Seven gambling venues located in Central and Southwestern Ontario, Canada.

Participants

A total of 1978 gambling venue patrons over the age of 55 years.

Measurements

Problem gambling as indicated by the Problem Gambling Severity Index, bus‐tour patronage in the 12 months prior to the survey, spending per gambling visit and past‐month slot machine participation.

Findings

Regression analyses showed that bus‐tour patronage was associated with higher odds of problem gambling [odds ratio (OR) = 1.71, confidence interval (CI) = 1.06, 2.76] after controlling for several demographic characteristics, type of gambling and gambling expenditures. Bivariate analyses showed past‐year bus‐tour patronage was associated with more frequent slot machine play (χ2 = 48.16, P < 0.001), more past‐year gambling venue visits (P < 0.001) and lower spending on gambling per casino visit (P < 0.001). Compared with non‐patrons, bus tour patrons were more likely to be female (χ2 = 21.92, P < 0.001), born outside Canada (χ2 = 113.18, P < 0.001), above the age of 75 (χ2 = 24.02, P < 0.001) and retired (χ2 = 16.60, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

When adjusting for potential confounders among older adults, using bus tours to access Canadian gambling venues is associated with increased risk of problem gambling. Bus‐tour patrons are more likely to be female, born outside Canada and above the age of 75 years.
Childhood traumatic experiences and the association with marijuana and cocaine use in adolescence through adulthood
Authors: Scheidell Joy D. , Quinn Kelly , McGorray Susan P. , Frueh B. Christopher , Beharie Nisha N. , Cottler Linda B. , Khan Maria R.
Published: June 2017

Background and aims

Examination of longitudinal relationships between childhood traumatic experiences and drug use across the life‐course at the national level, with control of confounding by other forms of trauma, is needed. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of nine typologies of childhood traumas and the cumulative number experienced, correlation between traumas and associations between individual and cumulative number of traumas with drug use during adolescence, emerging adulthood and adulthood.

Design

Secondary data analysis using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health.

Setting

United States.

Participants

A nationally representative sample of individuals in grades 7–12 (aged 11–21 years) during 1994–95, who were re‐interviewed during emerging adulthood (2001–02; aged 18–28) and adulthood (2007–08; aged 24–34). The analytical sample comprised 12 288 participants with data at all three waves.

Measurements

Nine typologies of childhood traumas: neglect; emotional, physical and sexual abuse; parental incarceration and binge drinking; and witnessing, being threatened with and experiencing violence. Indicators of each were summed to measure cumulative dose. Outcomes were marijuana and cocaine use during adolescence, emerging adulthood and adulthood.

Findings

Approximately half experienced at least one childhood trauma; traumas were not highly correlated. We observed a dose–response relationship between the number of traumas and drug use in adolescence [marijuana, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) one trauma versus none = 1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.42, 1.92; two traumas = 2.58, 95% CI = 2.17, 3.06; ≥ four traumas = 6.92, 95% CI = 5.17, 9.26; cocaine, aOR one trauma = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.23, 2.84; two traumas = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.74, 4.51; ≥ four traumas = 9.54, 95% CI = 5.93, 15.38]. Similar dose–response relationships with drug use were observed in emerging adulthood and adulthood. Each individual trauma was associated independently with either marijuana or cocaine use in adolescence, emerging adulthood and/or adulthood.

Conclusions

Childhood trauma is prevalent in the United States, and individual types as well as the total number experienced are associated significantly with marijuana and cocaine use throughout the life‐course.
Novel navigation technique for the endodontic treatment of a molar with pulp canal calcification and apical pathology
Authors: Shi Xilin , Zhao Shiyong , Wang Weidong , Jiang Qianzhou , Yang Xuechao
Published: June 2017

Apical periodontitis, the inflammation of periapical tissue, commonly requires root canal treatment to achieve apical healing. However, if it is accompanied by pulp canal calcification, the treatment becomes complicated, and locating the root canal can be challenging. This case report describes a novel approach for treating a molar with pulp canal calcification and apical pathology. Due to the risk of perforation during treatment, a digitally printed template was used to assist in accurately locating the root canal. After six months, the patient was asymptomatic and the periradicular radiolucency was gradually reducing in size.
Anatomical Evaluation of the Thoracolumbar Nerves Related to the Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Technique in the Dog
Authors: Castañeda‐Herrera F. E. , Buriticá‐Gaviria E. F. , Echeverry‐Bonilla D. F.
Published: June 2017

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) is a fascial plane containing the thoracolumbar nerve branches that innervate the abdominal wall. Limited information is available on the anatomical organization of these nerve branches in the dog, which is of great importance for the success of the TAP block anaesthetic technique. The aim of this study was to describe the origin and conformation of thoracolumbar nerves running through the TAP in 20 hemi‐abdominal walls of 10 adult mongrel dog cadavers with an average body weight of 12.6 kg (range: 9.6‐15.6). The abdominal walls were dissected from superficial to deep direction, the skin and both obliquus externus abdominis and obliquus internus abdominis muscles were dissected and reflected dorsally to expose the transversus abdominis muscle and the thoracolumbar nerve branches located in this plane. The anatomical features of ventral nerve branches were described. The thoracic nerve branches: T7–T12 and costoabdominalis; and the lumbar nerve branches: iliohypogastricus cranialis, iliohypogastricus caudalis, ilioinguinalis and cutaneus femoris lateralis were identified in all the cadavers. Anatomical variations related to the presence or absence within the TAP of the T7, T8 and T9 nerve branches were found. These variations should be taken into account when planning the TAP block technique in dogs.
Is Bipartisanship on National Security Beneficial? Australia's Politics of Defence and Security
Authors: Carr Andrew
Published: June 2017

One of the most widely‐endorsed norms in Australian politics is the requirement for bipartisanship in the management of defence and security policy. This norm is assumed to lead to good policy creation, foster political unity, and protect those who implement national policy (particularly the military). The paper argues that evidence for all three of these claims is overstated. In addition, the effects of the norm are often counter‐productive and even harmful to the conduct and management of Australian policy. The paper concludes by arguing that the norm of bipartisanship for Australian defence and security policy should be abandoned.
Cytomegalovirus DNA is highly prevalent in the blood of patients with asthma and is associated with age and asthma traits
Authors: Kowalski M. L. , Wardzynska A. , Studzinska M. , Pawelczyk M. , Lesnikowski Z. J. , Paradowska E.
Published: June 2017

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG antibodies have been associated with inflammaging and immunosenescence. We aimed to assess the presence of CMV DNA in the blood of adult and elderly patients with bronchial asthma to establish potential association of CMV DNAemia with asthma and asthma characteristics. Eighty‐five elderly asthmatics, 74 younger asthma patients, and 114 age‐matched controls were recruited. The CMV DNA was detected using commercial artus assay in 10.7% of asthma patients, but was negative in all control individuals. The secondary assay identified CMV DNA in 41.5% of asthmatics and 13.3% of control subjects (P < .001). Presence of CMV DNA was associated with an increased risk of asthma and CMV DNA copy numbers correlated with some asthma traits, including respiratory parameters and exhaled breath nitric oxide. We conclude that CMV infection is associated with asthma and may contribute to the pathogenesis of asthmatic inflammation.
A Review of Hemolysis Prediction Models for Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Yu Hai , Engel Sebastian , Janiga Gábor , Thévenin Dominique
Published: June 2017

Flow‐induced hemolysis is a crucial issue for many biomedical applications; in particular, it is an essential issue for the development of blood‐transporting devices such as left ventricular assist devices, and other types of blood pumps. In order to estimate red blood cell (RBC) damage in blood flows, many models have been proposed in the past. Most models have been validated by their respective authors. However, the accuracy and the validity range of these models remains unclear. In this work, the most established hemolysis models compatible with computational fluid dynamics of full‐scale devices are described and assessed by comparing two selected reference experiments: a simple rheometric flow and a more complex hemodialytic flow through a needle. The quantitative comparisons show very large deviations concerning hemolysis predictions, depending on the model and model parameter. In light of the current results, two simple power‐law models deliver the best compromise between computational efficiency and obtained accuracy. Finally, hemolysis has been computed in an axial blood pump. The reconstructed geometry of a HeartMate II shows that hemolysis occurs mainly at the tip and leading edge of the rotor blades, as well as at the leading edge of the diffusor vanes.
Leading to Stimulate Employees' Ideas: A Quantitative Review of Leader–Member Exchange, Employee Voice, Creativity, and Innovative Behavior
Authors: Carnevale Joel B. , Huang Lei , Crede Marcus , Harms Peter , Uhl‐Bien Mary
Published: June 2017

Through social exchange, leaders can offer relational support or resources to facilitate employees' proactive attempts to bring positive change (voice) or novel ideas (creativity) and behaviors (innovative behavior) to their work. We consider these three outcomes under the same nomological network as they all represent employees' idea contribution to the organisation. The present paper thus meta‐analytically reviews the findings of research relating leader–member exchange (LMX) to voice (37 samples), creativity (53 samples), and innovative behavior (29 samples). Results show that LMX positively predicts voice, creativity, and innovative behavior. Moreover, LMX is more strongly related with creativity than with voice or innovative behavior, a significant difference maintained even after controlling for study characteristics that may act as confounding variables. Implications of our findings and directions for future research are also discussed.
Development of clinical paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria in children with aplastic anaemia
Authors: Narita Atsushi , Muramatsu Hideki , Okuno Yusuke , Sekiya Yuko , Suzuki Kyogo , Hamada Motoharu , Kataoka Shinsuke , Ichikawa Daisuke , Taniguchi Rieko , Murakami Norihiro , Kojima Daiei , Nishikawa Eri , Kawashima Nozomu , Nishio Nobuhiro , Hama Asahito , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Kojima Seiji
Published: June 2017

The clinical significance of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) in children with aplastic anaemia (AA) remains unclear. We retrospectively studied 57 children with AA between 1992 and 2010. During the follow‐up, five patients developed clinical PNH, in whom somatic PIGA mutations were detected by targeted sequencing. The 10‐year probability of clinical PNH development was 10·2% (95% confidence interval, 3·6–20·7%). Furthermore, the detection of minor PNH clones by flow cytometry at AA diagnosis was a risk factor for the subsequent development of clinical PNH. These patients with PNH clones at AA diagnosis should undergo periodic monitoring for potential clinical PNH development.
MUC1‐C is a target in lenalidomide resistant multiple myeloma
Authors: Yin Li , Tagde Ashujit , Gali Reddy , Tai Yu‐Tzu , Hideshima Teru , Anderson Kenneth , Avigan David , Kufe Donald
Published: June 2017

Lenalidomide (LEN) acts directly on multiple myeloma (MM) cells by inducing cereblon‐mediated degradation of interferon regulatory factor 4, Ikaros (IKZF)1 and IKZF3, transcription factors that are essential for MM cell survival. The mucin 1 (MUC1) C‐terminal transmembrane subunit (MUC1‐C) oncoprotein is aberrantly expressed by MM cells and protects against reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated MM cell death. The present studies demonstrate that targeting MUC1‐C with GO‐203, a cell‐penetrating peptide inhibitor of MUC1‐C homodimerization, is more than additive with LEN in downregulating the WNT/β‐catenin pathway, suppressing MYC, and inducing late apoptosis/necrosis. We show that the GO‐203/LEN combination acts by synergistically increasing ROS and, in turn, suppressing β‐catenin. LEN resistance has been linked to activation of the WNT/β‐catenin→CD44 pathway. In this regard, our results further demonstrate that targeting MUC1‐C is effective against LEN‐resistant MM cells. Moreover, GO‐203 resensitized LEN‐resistant MM cells to LEN treatment in association with suppression of β‐catenin and CD44. Targeting MUC1‐C also resulted in downregulation of CD44 on the surface of primary MM cells. These findings, and the demonstration that expression of MUC1 and CD44 significantly correlate in microarrays from primary MM cells, provide support for combining GO‐203 with LEN in the treatment of MM and in LEN‐resistance.
Favourable outcomes of poor prognosis diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients treated with dose‐dense Rituximab, high‐dose Methotrexate and six cycles of CHOP‐14 compared to first‐line autologous transplantation
Authors: Strüßmann Tim , Fritsch Kristina , Baumgarten Axel , Fietz Thomas , Engelhardt Monika , Mertelsmann Roland , Ihorst Gabriele , Duyster Justus , Finke Jürgen , Marks Reinhard
Published: June 2017

The optimal therapeutic approach for young diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients with high‐intermediate and high‐risk age‐adjusted international prognostic index (aaIPI) remains unknown. Hereby we report a 10‐year single‐centre study of 63 consecutively treated patients. To optimize outcome, two approaches were carried out: Cohort 1 patients received four cycles R‐CHOP‐21 (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, daunorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone over 21 days) followed by first‐line high‐dose chemotherapy with autologous stem‐cell support (HDCT‐ASCT), resulting in 2‐year progression‐free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of 60·6% and 67·9%. 39·4% of those patients were not transplanted upfront, mainly due to early progressive disease (24·2%). Cohort 2 patients received an early intensified protocol of six cycles of CHOP‐14 (cyclophosphamide, daunorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone over 14 days) with dose‐dense rituximab and high‐dose methotrexate resulting in promising overall response‐ (93·3%) and complete remission (90%) rates and sustained survival (2‐year PFS and OS: 93·3%). In an intention‐to‐treat analysis, 2‐year PFS (60·6% vs. 93·3%, hazard ratio [HR] 7·2, P = 0·009) and OS (69·7% vs. 93·3%, HR 4·95, P = 0·038) differed significantly, in favour of the early intensified protocol (Cohort 2). In a multivariate Cox‐regression model, PFS (HR 8·12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1·83–35·9, P = 0·006) and OS (HR 5·86, 95% CI 1·28–26·8, P = 0·02) remained superior for Cohort 2 when adjusted for aaIPI3 as the most important prognostic factor. Survival of young poor‐prognosis DLBCL patients appears superior after early therapy intensification.
Cell‐of‐origin classification by gene expression and MYC‐rearrangements in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma of children and adolescents
Authors: Szczepanowski Monika , Lange Jonas , Kohler Christian W. , Masque‐Soler Neus , Zimmermann Martin , Aukema Sietse M. , Altenbuchinger Michael , Rehberg Thorsten , Mahn Friederike , Siebert Reiner , Spang Rainer , Burkhardt Birgit , Klapper Wolfram
Published: June 2017

We present the largest series of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in patients younger than 18 years analysed to date by gene expression profiling using Nanostring technology to identify molecular subtypes and fluorescent in situ hybridization for translocations of MYC. We show that the activated B cell‐like subtype of DLBCL is exceedingly rare in children and – in contrast to adults‐ not associated with outcome. Furthermore, we review the current literature and demonstrate that MYC translocations are not more frequent in paediatric compared to adult DLBCL. A prognostic role of MYC in the paediatric age groups seems unlikely.
An examination of the addition of video informed reflective practice to the active support toolkit
Authors: Baker Peter , Appleton Philippa , Williams Rosie
Published: June 2017

Accessible summary

Active support is one of the best ways of getting people with learning disabilities to be busy and to look after themselves.

Good relationships between staff and people with learning disabilities are important.

This study looked at organising staff to be better at supporting the person with a learning disability. We also got them to record on video how they worked with the person. They watched these videos back so they could find out how to improve their support.

The results showed that the staff were better at helping service users do things for themselves and that service users were busier. It is also showed that staff had better relationships with the service users.

Background

This study evaluated a package of Active Support (AS), which included standard training with additional video informed reflective practice.

Materials & Methods

The training package was implemented as part of a service improvement initiative in four residential intellectual disability homes, using a concurrent multiple baseline across environments design. Training consisted of a 1‐day workshop, and follow‐up coaching. Momentary time sampling was used to measure engagement levels and staff assistance. A new observational tool was piloted to code the presence of positive and negative interactions between staff and the people with intellectual disabilities.

Results

Results showed that service user engagement levels and staff assistance increased significantly following the training. There was also a significant increase in positive interactions and a significant decrease in negative interactions between staff and service users.

Conclusion

The implications of these results are discussed.
Mechanotransduction properties of the cytoplasmic tail of PECAM‐1
Authors: Snyder Jessica L. , McBeath Elena , Thomas Tamlyn N. , Chiu Yi Jen , Clark Robert L. , Fujiwara Keigi
Published: June 2017

Background Information

Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) are a well‐known cell system used in the study of mechanobiology. Using cultured ECs, we found that platelet EC adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM‐1, CD31), a cell adhesion protein localised to regions of EC–EC contact, was rapidly tyrosine phosphorylated in ECs exposed to shear or cyclic stretch. Src‐homology 2 domain‐containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2) binds phosphorylated PECAM‐1 and activates the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) signalling cascade, a known flow‐activated signalling pathway.

Results

Although PECAM‐1 tyrosine phosphorylation is characterised in ECs exposed to fluid shear stress, it is less well demonstrated in the cells stretched cyclically. Thus, we first show that PECAM‐1 is tyrosine‐phosphorylated in ECs cyclically stretched. We hypothesise that when an external force is applied to a monolayer of ECs, the force is directly transmitted to PECAM‐1 which is then stretched and phosphorylation sites in its cytoplasmic domain are exposed and phosphorylated. This hypothesis requires the presence of any stretchable structure within the PECAM‐1 cytoplasmic domain. Force spectroscopy measurements were performed with a construct containing cytoplasmic PECAM‐1 domains inserted between I27 motifs, a recombinant string of the structural elements from titin. This strategy allowed us to identify the events in which a single molecule is being pulled and to detect the unravelling of the cytoplasmic domain of PECAM‐1 by force. The response by PECAM‐1 to mechanical loading was heterogeneous but with magnitudes as high as or higher than the naturally force bearing I27 domains.

Conclusions

The PECAM‐1 cytoplasmic domain has a structure that can be unfolded by externally applied force and this unfolding of PECAM‐1 may be necessary for its phosphorylation, the first step of PECAM‐1 mechanosignalling.

Significance

When EC monolayers are mechanically stimulated, the PECAM‐1 found at EC contacts is phosphorylated. We have proposed that under these conditions, the cytoplasmic domain of PECAM‐1 is unfolded, which then exposes a phosphorylation site, allowing it to be accessed. The stretch induced unfolding is essential to this model of PECAM‐1 mechanosignalling. In this study, we investigate whether the cytoplasmic domain of PECAM‐1 has a stretchable structure, and the results are in line with our hypothesis.
Modulation of antitumor immunity contributes to the enhanced therapeutic efficacy of liposomal oxaliplatin in mouse model
Authors: Shimizu Taro , Abu Lila Amr S. , Nishio Miho , Doi Yusuke , Ando Hidenori , Ukawa Masami , Ishima Yu , Ishida Tatsuhiro
Published: June 2017

Immune modulation of the tumor microenvironment has been reported to participate in the therapeutic efficacy of many chemotherapeutic agents. Recently, we reported that liposomal encapsulation of oxaliplatin (l‐OHP) within PEGylated liposomes conferred a superior antitumor efficacy to free l‐OHP in murine colorectal carcinoma‐bearing mice through permitting preferential accumulation of the encapsulated drug within tumor tissue. However, the contribution of the immune‐modulatory properties of liposomal l‐OHP and/or free l‐OHP to the overall antitumor efficacy was not elucidated. In the present study, therefore, we investigated the effect of liposomal encapsulation of l‐OHP within PEGylated liposomes on the antitumor immunity in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice. Liposomal l‐OHP significantly suppressed the growth of tumors implanted in immunocompetent mice, but not in immunodeficient mice. In immunocompetent mice, liposomal l‐OHP increased the tumor MHC‐1 level and preserved antitumor immunity through decreasing the number of immune suppressor cells, including regulatory T cells, myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, and tumor‐associated macrophages, which collectively suppress CD8+ T cell‐mediated tumor cells killing. In contrast, free l‐OHP ruined antitumor immunity. These results suggest that the antitumor efficacy of liposomal l‐OHP is attributed, on the one hand, to its immunomodulatory effect on tumor immune microenvironment that is superior to that of free l‐OHP, and on the other hand, to its direct cytotoxic effect on tumor cells.
Dialogic literary gatherings and out‐of‐home child care: Creation of new meanings through classic literature
Authors: Garcia Yeste Carme , Gairal Casadó Regina , Munté Pascual Ariadna , Plaja Viñas Teresa
Published: June 2017

Research on out‐of‐home child care has revealed that foster care programmes focused on educational attainment and reading have the potential to improve the academic outcomes of children in care. However, no studies have examined which elements of these programmes positively benefit children's emotional well‐being. This article presents evidence of the positive effects of implementing a successful educational action, dialogic literary gatherings, in a children's residential care institution. A qualitative study using a communicative‐oriented methodology was conducted and involved five participant observations and eight daily life stories with children in out‐of‐home care in Catalonia (Spain). The children's reflections demonstrated that reading classic books, such as Dickens' Oliver Twist, deeply influenced their feelings and self‐conceptions and created new and exciting meaning in their lives.
A genetic epidemiology study of congenital adrenal hyperplasia in Italy
Authors: Gialluisi A. , Menabò S. , Baldazzi L. , Casula L. , Meloni A. , Farci M. C. , Mariotti S. , Balestrino L. , Ortolano R. , Murru S. , Carcassi C. , Loche S. , Balsamo A. , Romeo G.
Published: June 2017

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21‐hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD‐CAH) is an autosomal recessive disorder affecting steroidogenesis, due to mutations in CYP21A2 (6p21.3). 21OHD‐CAH neonatal screening is based on 17‐hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) serum levels, showing high type I error rate and low sensitivity to mild CAH forms.

Here, we used an epidemiological approach, which estimates the allelic frequency (q) of an autosomal recessive disorder using the proportion of homozygous patients, the mutational spectrum and the inbreeding coefficient in a sample of affected individuals. We applied this approach to 2 independent Italian cohorts of patients with both clinical and molecular diagnosis of 21OHD‐CAH from mainland Italy (N = 240) and Sardinia (N = 53). We inferred q estimates of 2.87% and 1.83%, corresponding to a prevalence of 1/1214 and 1/2986, respectively. CYP21A2 mutational spectra were quite discrepant between the 2 cohorts, with V281L representing 74% of all the mutations detected in Sardinia vs 37% in mainland Italy.

These findings provide an updated fine‐grained picture of 21OHD‐CAH genetic epidemiology in Italy and suggest the need for a screening approach suitable to the detection of the largest number of clinically significant forms of CAH.
From insinuator to dominator: Foraging switching by an exotic ant
Authors: Yitbarek Senay , Vandermeer John H. , Perfecto Ivette
Published: June 2017

Aim

Understanding the ecological conditions that determine invasive success requires information on the ecological dynamics in both the native and introduced range of exotic species. While numerous studies of the little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata, have focused on the evolutionary aspects of invasiveness, we know little about possible ecological dynamics that might contribute to the remarkable invasiveness of this species.

Location

We investigate the ecological differences in resource discovery and recruitment by W. auropunctata within its native range (Mexico) and introduced range (Puerto Rico).

Methods

We conducted experimental trials on coffee plants by comparing: (1) the rate of resource discovery by W. auropunctata at various distances from main foraging trails; and (2) the recruitment rate between W. auropunctata in the introduced range of Puerto Rico.

Results

Our experiments revealed that W. auropunctata took nearly twice as long to discover baits in Puerto Rico, as compared to Mexico. W. auropunctata was relatively slower at recruiting workers than other dominant ants.

Main conclusion

We conclude that competitive traits such as resource discovery and recruitment are not necessarily indicative of invasive success, but contradict traditional expectations. We propose that W. auropunctata behaves as an insinuator species in Mexico (i.e. workers maintain a low profile), while in Puerto Rico it acts as an aggressive dominator. The switch in foraging strategy might explain the astounding success of this exotic species.
Insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) was effective across a range of dysglycaemia and body mass index categories in the DUAL V randomized trial
Authors: Lingvay Ildiko , Harris Stewart , Jaeckel Elmar , Chandarana Keval , Ranthe Mattis F. , Jódar Esteban
Published: June 2017

This study assessed the efficacy of insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) vs insulin glargine U100 (IGlar) across categories of baseline glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c; ≤7.5%, >7.5% to ≤8.5% and >8.5%), body mass index (BMI; <30, ≥30 to <35 and ≥35 kg/m2) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG; <7.2 and ≥7.2 mmol/L) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) uncontrolled on basal insulin, using post hoc analyses of the DUAL V 26‐week trial. With IDegLira, mean HbA1c was reduced across all baseline HbA1c (1.0%‐2.5%), FPG (1.5%‐1.9%) and BMI categories (1.8%‐1.9%), with significantly greater reductions compared with IGlar U100. For all HbA1c, FPG and BMI categories, IDegLira resulted in weight loss and IGlar U100 in weight gain; hypoglycaemia rates were lower for IDegLira vs IGlar U100. More patients achieved HbA1c <7% with IDegLira than IGlar U100 across all HbA1c (59%‐87% vs 31%‐66%), FPG (71%‐74% vs 40%‐51%) and BMI categories (71%‐73% vs 40%‐54%). IDegLira improved glycaemic control and induced weight loss in patients with T2D previously uncontrolled on basal insulin, across the categories of baseline HbA1c, FPG or BMI that were tested.
Implementing the sterile insect technique with RNA interference – a review
Authors: Darrington Michael , Dalmay Tamas , Morrison Neil I. , Chapman Tracey
Published: June 2017

We review RNA interference (RNAi) of insect pests and its potential for implementing sterile insect technique (SIT)‐related control. The molecular mechanisms that support RNAi in pest species are reviewed in detail, drawing on literature from a range of species including Drosophila melanogaster Meigen and Homo sapiens L. The underlying genes that enable RNAi are generally conserved across taxa, although variance exists in both their form and function. RNAi represents a plausible, non‐GM system for targeting populations of insects for control purposes, if RNAi effector molecules can be delivered environmentally (eRNAi). We consider studies of eRNAi from across several insect orders and review to what extent taxonomy, genetics, and differing methods of double‐stranded (ds) RNA synthesis and delivery can influence the efficiency of gene knockdown. Several factors, including the secondary structure of the target mRNA and the specific nucleotide sequence of dsRNA effector molecules, can affect the potency of eRNAi. However, taxonomic relationships between insects cannot be used to reliably forecast the efficiency of an eRNAi response. The mechanisms by which insects acquire dsRNA from their environment require further research, but the evidence to date suggests that endocytosis and transport channels both play key roles. Delivery of RNA molecules packaged in intermediary carriers such as bacteria or nanoparticles may facilitate their entry into and through the gut, and enable the evasion of host defence systems, such as toxic pH, that would otherwise attenuate the potential for RNAi.
Learning climate and feedback as predictors of dental students' self‐determined motivation: The mediating role of basic psychological needs satisfaction
Authors: Orsini C. , Binnie V. , Wilson S. , Villegas M. J.
Published: June 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to test the mediating role of the satisfaction of dental students' basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness on the association between learning climate, feedback and student motivation. The latter was based on the self‐determination theory's concepts of differentiation of autonomous motivation, controlled motivation and amotivation.

Methods

A cross‐sectional correlational study was conducted where 924 students completed self‐reported questionnaires measuring motivation, perception of the learning climate, feedback and basic psychological needs satisfaction. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach's alpha scores and bivariate correlations were computed. Mediation of basic needs on each predictor‐outcome association was tested based on a series of regression analyses. Finally, all variables were integrated into one structural equation model, controlling for the effects of age, gender and year of study.

Results

Cronbach's alpha scores were acceptable (.655 to .905). Correlation analyses showed positive and significant associations between both an autonomy‐supportive learning climate and the quantity and quality of feedback received, and students' autonomous motivation, which decreased and became negative when correlated with controlled motivation and amotivation, respectively. Regression analyses revealed that these associations were indirect and mediated by how these predictors satisfied students' basic psychological needs. These results were corroborated by the structural equation analysis, in which data fit the model well and regression paths were in the expected direction.

Conclusion

An autonomy‐supportive learning climate and the quantity and quality of feedback were positive predictors of students' autonomous motivation and negative predictors of amotivation. However, this was an indirect association mediated by the satisfaction of students' basic psychological needs. Consequently, supporting students' needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness might lead to optimal types of motivation, which has an important influence on dental education.
The role of expectation in multisensory body representation – neural evidence
Authors: Ferri Francesca , Ambrosini Ettore , Pinti Paola , Merla Arcangelo , Costantini Marcello
Published: June 2017

Sensory events contribute to body ownership, the feeling that the body belongs to me. However, the encoding of sensory events is not only reactive, but also proactive in that our brain generates prediction about forthcoming stimuli. In previous studies, we have shown that prediction of sensory events is a sufficient condition to induce the sense of body ownership. In this study, we investigated the underlying neural mechanisms. Participants were seated with their right arm resting upon a table just below another smaller table. Hence, the real hand was hidden from the participant's view and a life‐sized rubber model of a right hand was placed on the small table in front of them. Participants observed a wooden plank while approaching – without touching – the rubber hand. We measured the phenomenology of the illusion by means of questionnaire. Neural activity was recorded by means of near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Results showed higher activation of multisensory parietal cortices in the rubber hand illusion induced by touch expectation. Furthermore, such activity was correlated with the subjective feeling of owning the rubber hand. Our results enrich current models of body ownership suggesting that our multisensory brain regions generate prediction on what could be my body and what could not. This finding might have interesting implications in all those cases in which body representation is altered, anorexia, bulimia nervosa and obesity, among others.