bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shoot-to-root translocation of the jasmonate precursor 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (OPDA) coordinates plant growth responses following tissue damage
Authors: Schulze Adina , Zimmer Marlene , Mielke Stefan , Stellmach Hagen , Melnyk Charles W. , Hause Bettina , Gasperini Debora
Published: January 2019

Multicellular organisms rely upon the movement of signaling molecules across cells, tissues and organs to communicate among distal sites. In plants, herbivorous insects, necrotrophic pathogens and mechanical wounding stimulate the activation of the jasmonate (JA) pathway, which in turn triggers the transcriptional changes necessary to protect plants against those challenges, often at the expense of growth. Although previous evidence indicated that JA species can translocate from damaged into distal sites, the identity of the mobile compound(s), the tissues through which they translocate and the consequences of their relocation remain unknown. Here, we demonstrated that endogenous JA species generated after shoot injury translocate to unharmed roots via the phloem vascular tissue in Arabidopsis thaliana. By wounding wild-type shoots of chimeric plants and by quantifying the relocating compounds from their JA-deficient roots, we uncovered that the JA-Ile precursor 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (OPDA) is a mobile JA species. Our data also showed that OPDA is a primary mobile compound relocating to roots where, upon conversion to the bioactive hormone, it induces JA-mediated gene expression and root growth inhibition. Collectively, our findings reveal the existence of long-distance transport of endogenous OPDA which serves as a communication molecule to coordinate shoot-to-root responses, and highlight the importance of a controlled distribution of JA species among organs during plant stress acclimation.
Genome structure predicts modular transcriptome responses to genetic and environmental conditions
Authors: Mark Stephanie , Weiss Joerg , Sharma Eesha , Liu Ting , Wang Wei , Claycomb Julie M. , Cutter Asher D.
Published: January 2019

Understanding the plasticity, robustness, and modularity of transcriptome expression to genetic and environmental conditions is crucial to deciphering how organisms adapt in nature. To test how genome architecture influences transcriptome profiles, we quantified expression responses for distinct temperature-adapted genotypes of the nematodeCaenorhabditis briggsaewhen exposed to chronic temperature stresses throughout development. We found that 56% of the 8795 differentially-expressed genes show genotype-specific changes in expression in response to temperature (genotype-by-environment interactions, GxE). Most genotype-specific responses occur under heat stress, indicating that cold versus heat stress responses involve distinct genomic architectures. The 22 co-expression modules that we identified differ in their enrichment of genes with genetic versus environmental versus interaction effects, as well as their genomic spatial distributions, functional attributes, and rates of molecular evolution at the sequence level. Genes in modules enriched for simple effects of either genotype or temperature alone tend to evolve especially rapidly, consistent with disproportionate influence of adaptation or weaker constraint on these subsets of loci. Chromosome scale heterogeneity in nucleotide polymorphism, however, rather than the scale of individual genes, predominate as the source of genetic differences among expression profiles, and natural selection regimes are largely decoupled between coding sequences and non-coding flanking sequences that containcis-regulatory elements. These results illustrate how the form of transcriptome modularity and genome structure contribute to predictable profiles of evolutionary change.
Evaluating comparative performance of Indian engineering educational institutes based on TQM criteria for internal benchmarking
Authors: Mehta Namish , Diwakar Nilesh , Arya Rajeev
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for designing a multiple performance measurement tool for evaluating, comparing and benchmarking the working of engineering educational institutes in a group based on total quality management (TQM) criteria and performance measurement criterion, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

Proposed framework is based on fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) which takes in to account the fuzziness of human opinion for realistic outcome and generalization of the results. Based on the proposed framework a case study was conducted on engineering institutes of central India for collecting data and analyzing the current practices followed in these institutes. A relationship among TQM implementation criterion was developed, their respective weights derived and then institutes were ranked.

Findings

It was found that the rank of institutions based on both the criterion is same, which indicates that the institutes having better TQM implementation have better performance.

Research limitations/implications

The research in this paper is limited to Indian scenario; studies in other countries and sectors may be conducted to compare the results obtained.

Practical implications

The results will help policy makers in identifying institutions having poor performance in the region.

Originality/value

The paper is navel in its attempt to provide a model based on TQM criteria for evaluating the working of engineering educational institutes in a group in terms of their relative weightage and benchmark.
Is it always this cold? Chilly interpersonal climates as a barrier to the well-being of early-career women faculty in STEM
Authors: Miner Kathi N. , January Samantha C. , Dray Kelly K. , Carter-Sowell Adrienne R.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this project was to examine the extent to which early-career women faculty in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) experience working in a chilly interpersonal climate (as indicated by experiences of ostracism and incivility) and how those experiences relate to work and non-work well-being outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Data came from a sample of 96 early-career STEM faculty (Study 1) and a sample of 68 early-career women STEM faculty (Study 2). Both samples completed online surveys assessing their experiences of working in a chilly interpersonal climate and well-being.

Findings

In Study 1, early-career women STEM faculty reported greater experiences of ostracism and incivility and more negative occupational well-being outcomes associated with these experiences compared to early-career men STEM faculty. In Study 2, early-career women STEM faculty reported more ostracism and incivility from their male colleagues than from their female colleagues. Experiences of ostracism (and, to a lesser extent, incivility) from male colleagues also related to negative occupational and psychological well-being outcomes.

Originality/value

This paper documents that exposure to a chilly interpersonal climate in the form of ostracism and incivility is a potential explanation for the lack and withdrawal of junior women faculty in STEM academic fields.
Internal auditor’s compliance to code of ethics
Authors: Alias Noor Furzanne , Nawawi Anuar , Salin Ahmad Saiful Azlin Puteh
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the professional competency levels acquired by internal auditors in detecting unethical behaviour, to evaluate the position of internal auditors on objectivity and integrity in dealing with unethical behaviour and to examine the extent of their awareness on ethical issues in government-linked companies (GLCs).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via questionnaires that were randomly distributed to the internal auditors of the selected GLS in Malaysia. These questionnaires were constructed from the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Examination Paper and The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Competency Framework.

Findings

This study found that internal auditors of the GLCs had a high level of competency in performing audit engagements and were able to detect unethical practices in the companies. The majority of the internal auditors also had a high level of objectivity and integrity when faced with unethical behaviour during audit engagements.

Research limitations/implications

This study provided strong evidence that the internal auditors of Malaysian GLCs strongly complied with IIA Code of Ethics. Besides, they were also aware of the unethical behaviour which occurred within their organizations. However, this study is limited to the internal auditors in GLCs, while the questions of the survey instrument are restricted to the elements of integrity, objectivity and professional competencies of internal auditors.

Practical implications

This study highlights the level of internal-auditor competency and adherence to the IIA’s International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (ISPPIA) and IIA’s Practice Guide to identify unethical behaviour within the Malaysian GLCs.

Originality/value

This study is original as it focusses on GLCs which did not get much attention from previous researchers, particularly the GLCs that operate in a developing country such as Malaysia.
Fraud in small charities: evidence from England and Wales
Authors: Ohalehi Paschal
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Despite the increasing awareness of fraud in organisations and the potential benefits of strong fraud management through deterrence and prevention in the UK, there remains limited research on fraud in small charities. This paper aims to examine astonishing cases of fraud in small charities whilst raising awareness of the impact of fraud and its wider implication in the charity sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a qualitative approach amongst randomly selected 24 charity trustees with income of £0-250,000 and over £250,000. Recent statistics from fraud survey published in Annual Fraud Indicator by the National Fraud Authority and the United Kingdom Fraud Costs Measurement Committee were presented and the theory of why people commit fraud is described.

Findings

This paper summarises evidence that shows the frequency and severity of fraud in charities, which remains increasingly high. Furthermore, smaller charities are not immune from fraud and suffer losses due to lack of segregation of duties and weak control systems when compared to larger charities with stronger control systems and better governance structure. This paper addresses a very important topic in the charity sector. Whilst fraud and fund misappropriation receive significant media coverage in large charities, smaller charities also suffer losses occasioned by fraud even in large proportion albeit with less reporting in the media.

Practical implications

Charity managers and trustees will benefit from having sufficient knowledge in deterrence and prevention of charity fraud.

Originality/value

This is a novel research as it looks into the nature of fraud in small charities of which there is limited research both in the voluntary and fraud literature.
Role of government’s legal adviser in curbing corruption in Israel
Authors: Primakov Denis
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The status of government’s legal adviser in Israel is complicated and controversial. This status deeply impacts discretion and independence, especially in the role of combating corruption. This article aims to review the status, power and independence of the government’s legal adviser and his/her interaction with other legal institutions dealing with corruption cases.

Design/methodology/approach

The author argues that the period of the 1980s, in Israel, was characterized by prosecution’s activism because of the dramatically increased number of corruption-related cases.

Findings

Prominent government legal advisers formulated approaches to the struggle against political corruption in Israel; upon becoming justices of the supreme court, they successfully transited their prosecution mindset to judicial activism (and not only for corruption-related cases).

Originality/value

This article discovers a linkage between prosecution and judicial positions, not under the Israeli legislation but based on personal willingness to combat corruption.
Adaptive reuse of buildings: the case of Sri Lanka
Authors: De Silva G.D.R. , Perera B.A.K.S. , Rodrigo M.N.N.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Historic buildings can make a significant contribution to the history and culture of a country. Today, land scarcity has led to the demolishing of existing buildings to meet the demand for new constructions. Adaptive reuse of buildings (ARB) while preserving the hidden prestige of historic buildings plays a pivotal role in regenerating the built environment to cater to the demand that exists for new buildings. Sri Lanka has so far not embraced ARB, which can help to preserve the historical and cultural values of the existing building stock in the country. Hence, the study aims to analyze the remedial actions that can overcome the barriers to and challenges of ARB in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a qualitative research approach by using three expert interviews and five case studies. The data collected from the case studies were analyzed using content analysis. As a part of the case studies, semi-structured interviews with 15 professionals who are already practicing ARB were conducted.

Findings

When making the ARB decision, key drivers and parameters of ARB have to be considered. ARB has socio-cultural, environmental and economic benefits. Sri Lanka as a developing country will definitely face barriers and challenges when adopting ARB. These barriers/challenges could be categorized as social; environmental; economic; legal-regulatory; and physical-technical-other barriers/challenges. The economic barrier, “Higher opportunity costs,” and the legal barrier, “Health and safety requirements,” stipulated by the authorities were common to all five case studies.

Originality/value

The study identifies the actions that can overcome ARB barriers and challenges present in Sri Lanka to reap maximum socio-cultural, environmental and economic benefits.
Can BRICS and ASEAN-5 emerging economies benefit from bank diversification?
Authors: Moudud-Ul-Huq Syed
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically investigate the impact of bank diversification on performance and risk-taking behavior. The analysis uses an unbalanced panel data set covering the period between 2007 and 2015 for a total of 1,397 banks from ASEAN-5 and BRICS economies.

Design/methodology/approach

Dynamic panel generalized method of moments (GMM) has been used primarily to examine the relationship between bank diversification on performance and risk-taking and later, validate the core results by incorporating two-stage least squares (2SLS).

Findings

Similar to the results of previous studies based on the developed economy, this study also confirms the hypothesis of the portfolio diversification. The key robust result is that the benefits from revenue and assets diversification are heterogeneous and the BRICS banks achieve higher benefit from using both diversification strategies. On the other hand, ASEAN-5 banks fail to show the significant advantage from assets diversification. Among the diverse sources of income, interest is not a major determinant of efficiency and bank’s stability, while ASEAN-5 banks should foster commission and others income as mechanisms for diversification benefit in the region.

Originality/value

A few studies are available in the current literature which examines the impact of revenue and assets diversification on either bank performance or risk-taking in the developed economy’s context. However, very few studies are found that examine the relationship between bank diversification, performance and risk-taking together. Moreover, to the best of the author’s knowledge, there is a dearth of literature on this topic that built on the comparative analysis between two regions, i.e. ASEAN-5 and BRICS. As a result, the empirical results of this research provide useful information to the stakeholders so that they can enhance bank diversification strategy and implement them successfully by considering the other factors.
MiFID II key concerns
Authors: Yeoh Peter
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss key concerns surrounding the recent implementation of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MIFID II). It focuses on the UK regime. The insights derived are envisaged to be helpful guides for participants and regulators in financial markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used the legal-economics perspective. It relied on primary data from statutes and regulations and secondary data from the public domain to analyze the phenomenon. The analytical framework comprised the following sections: Introduction, MiFID I review, MiFID II scope, MiFID II key concerns and concluding remarks.

Findings

Only half of the EU Member States including the UK managed to transpose MiFID II within the 3rd January 2018 effective date. At this early stage of implementation, various teething problems were encountered. These pertained to costs and charges reporting, firm governance, product governance, transaction reporting, best execution and research. Owing to the sheer scale and complexity of MIFID II, most entities barely coped with their reporting obligations. Noting the situation, the Financial Conduct Authority assured firms taking all sufficient steps that they would be treated fairly.

Research limitations/implications

The paper was not sufficiently empirical. However, the study benefited reasonably from triangulation of data and perspectives to provide good insights on the implementation effects of the complex and voluminous EU rules for governing financial markets with global implications.

Practical implications

Investors could gain from the enhanced transparency and best execution rules. Investment banks could gain from the emerging resilient, integrated and efficient financial markets. Regulators with better access to more and higher quality reporting could intervene more effectively when required.

Originality/value

This paper assembled and critically analyzed currently available research insights in these areas so as to provide useful guidance to those needing to work and comply with MiFID II rules and academics teaching financial services law.
The influence of symbiotic bacteria on reproductive strategies and wing polyphenism in pea aphids responding to stress
Authors: Reyes Miguel L. , Laughton Alice M. , Parker Benjamin J. , Wichmann Hannah , Fan Maretta , Sok Daniel , Hrček Jan , Acevedo Tarik , Gerardo Nicole M.
Published: January 2019

Environmental stressors can be key drivers of phenotypes, including reproductive strategies and morphological traits. The response to stress may be altered by the presence of microbial associates. For example, in aphids, facultative (secondary) bacterial symbionts can provide protection against natural enemies and stress induced by elevated temperatures. Furthermore, aphids exhibit phenotypic plasticity, producing winged (rather than wingless) progeny that may be better able to escape danger, and the combination of these factors improves the response to stress. How symbionts and phenotypic plasticity, both of which shape aphids’ stress response, influence one another, and together influence host fitness, remains unclear.

In this study, we investigate how environmental stressors drive shifts in fecundity and winged/wingless offspring production, and how secondary symbionts influence the process. We induced production of winged offspring through distinct environmental stressors, including exposure to aphid alarm pheromone and crowding, and, in one experiment, we assessed whether the aphid response is influenced by host plant.

In the winged morph, energy needed for wing maintenance may lead to trade‐offs with other traits, such as reproduction or symbiont maintenance. Potential trade‐offs between symbiont maintenance and fitness have been proposed but have not been tested. Thus, beyond studying the production of offspring of alternative morphs, we also explore the influence of symbionts across wing/wingless polyphenism as well as symbiont interaction with cross‐generational impacts of environmental stress on reproductive output.

All environmental stressors resulted in increased production of winged offspring and shifts in fecundity rates. Additionally, in some cases, aphid host‐by‐symbiont interactions influenced fecundity. Stress on first‐generation aphids had cross‐generational impacts on second‐generation adults, and the impact on fecundity was further influenced by the presence of secondary symbionts and presence/absence of wings.

Our study suggests a complex interaction between beneficial symbionts and environmental stressors. Winged aphids have the advantage of being able to migrate out of danger with more ease, but energy needed for wing production and maintenance may come with reproductive costs for their mothers and for themselves, where in certain cases, these costs are altered by secondary symbionts.
‘The City of Our Dream’: Owambe Urbanism and Low‐income Women's Resistance in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Ogunyankin Grace Adeniyi
Published: January 2019

Ibadan, Nigeria, has been an outlier in the ranking of world‐class cities. But in the past seven years, amidst the circulating Africa Rising narrative, Ibadan has embarked on what I call an Afropolitan Imagineering project of owambe urbanism. Afropolitan Imagineering refers to the production of new images/narratives of Africa and Africans as world‐class and cosmopolitan. Owambe urbanism is a spatio‐temporal neoliberal project concerning destination, arrival and place‐making, which promises a shared and happy future for all urban dwellers. I argue that this promise of happiness is challenged by low‐income women who are cognizant that a shared and happy future is impossible when little effort is made to address social inequality in the present. They thus refuse to be ‘good’ citizens and invoke an alternative urban futurity through their embodied and imagined resistance.
Clinical outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for laterally spreading tumors involving the dentate line
Authors: Guo Hui Min , Ling Ting Sheng , Wang Lei , Lv Ying , Zhang Xiao Qi , Yang Tian , Xu Gui Fang , Sun Qi , Nie Ling , Zou Xiao Ping
Published: January 2019

Objective

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for laterally spreading tumors (LST) involving the dentate line (LST‐DL) is challenging because of the specific anatomical features of the anorectum. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ESD for LST‐DL.

Methods

Consecutive patients with LST‐DL who had undergone ESD at our hospital between January 2010 and December 2015 were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Rates of en bloc resection, R0 resection, and complications, pathological characteristics, and tumor recurrence were analyzed and compared with those of LST in the rectum not involving the dentate line (LST‐NDL).

Results

Altogether 49 patients with LST‐DL (median age 63 years; 39 women; median lesion size 57 mm; median follow‐up period of 24 months) and 96 patients with LST‐NDL (median age 67 years; 31 women; median lesion size 47 mm; median follow‐up period of 31 months) were enrolled. En bloc resection (93.9% [46/49] vs 94.8% [91/96]) and en bloc R0 resection rates (83.7% [41/49] vs 88.5% [85/96]), respectively, for LST‐DL and LST‐NDL, with no significant differences. However, ESD for LST‐DL had a longer procedure time (77 min vs 54 min, P = 0.02), a greater postprocedural perianal pain rate (28.6% vs 0%, P < 0.001), and more anal strictures (4.1% vs 0%, P = 0.04). The complication rates of perforation, bleeding and fever, recurrence rate, and pathological characteristics did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusions

ESD is a safe and effective therapeutic modality for LST‐DL. However, this procedure should be performed by experienced endoscopists and the difficulty needs to be fully considered.
Simulating the Impacts of Irrigation Levels on Soybean Production in Texas High Plains to Manage Diminishing Groundwater Levels
Authors: Sharda Vaishali , Gowda Prasanna H. , Marek Gary , Kisekka Isaya , Ray Chittaranjan , Adhikari Pradip
Published: January 2019

There is an increasing need to strategize and plan irrigation systems under varied climatic conditions to support efficient irrigation practices while maintaining and improving the sustainability of groundwater systems. This study was undertaken to simulate the growth and production of soybean [Glycine max (L.)] under different irrigation scenarios. The objectives of this study were to calibrate and validate the CROPGRO‐Soybean model under Texas High Plains’ (THP) climatic conditions and to apply the calibrated model to simulate the impacts of different irrigation levels and triggers on soybean production. The methodology involved combining short‐term experimental data with long‐term historical weather data (1951–2012), and use of mechanistic crop growth simulation algorithms to determine optimum irrigation management strategies. Irrigation was scheduled based on five different plant extractable water levels (irrigation threshold [ITHR]) set at 20%, 35%, 50%, 65%, and 80%. The calibrated model was able to satisfactorily reproduce measured leaf area index, biomass, and evapotranspiration for soybean, indicating it can be used for investigating different strategies for irrigating soybean in the THP. Calculations of crop water productivity for biomass and yield along with irrigation water use efficiency indicated soybean can be irrigated at ITHR set at 50% or 65% with minimal yield loss as compared to 80% ITHR, thus conserving water and contributing toward lower groundwater withdrawals. Editor's note: This paper is part of the featured series on Optimizing Ogallala Aquifer Water Use to Sustain Food Systems. See the February 2019 issue for the introduction and background to the series.
Deficit Irrigation Management of Maize in the High Plains Aquifer Region: A Review
Authors: Rudnick D.R. , Irmak S. , West C. , Chávez J.L. , Kisekka I. , Marek T.H. , Schneekloth J.P. , Mitchell McCallister D. , Sharma V. , Djaman K. , Aguilar J. , Schipanski M.E. , Rogers D.H. , Schlegel A.
Published: January 2019

Irrigated agriculture is a major economic contributor of the High Plains Region and it primarily relies on the High Plains Aquifer as a source of water. Over time, areas of the High Plains Aquifer have experienced drawdowns limiting its ability to supply sufficient water to sustain fully irrigated crop production. This among other reasons, including variable climatic factors and differences in state water policy, has resulted in some areas adopting and practicing deficit irrigation management. Considerable research has been conducted across the High Plains Aquifer region to identify locally appropriate deficit irrigation strategies. This review summarizes and discusses research conducted in Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, and Texas, as well as highlights areas for future research. Editor's note: This paper is part of the featured series on Optimizing Ogallala Aquifer Water Use to Sustain Food Systems. See the February 2019 issue for the introduction and background to the series.
Spatial Convergence in Major Dissolved Ion Concentrations and Implications of Headwater Mining for Downstream Water Quality
Authors: Johnson Brent , Smith Elizabeth , Ackerman Jerry W. , Dye Susan , Polinsky Robyn , Somerville Eric , Decker Chris , Little Derek , Pond Gregory J. , D'Amico Ellen
Published: January 2019

Spatial patterns in major dissolved solute concentrations were examined to better understand impact of surface coal mining in headwaters on downstream water chemistry. Sixty sites were sampled seasonally from 2012 to 2014 in an eastern Kentucky watershed. Watershed areas (WA) ranged from 1.6 to 400.5 km2 and were mostly forested (58%–95%), but some drained as much as 31% surface mining. Measures of total dissolved solutes and most component ions were positively correlated with mining. Analytes showed strong convergent spatial patterns with high variability in headwaters (<15 km2 WA) that stabilized downstream (WA > 75 km2), indicating hydrologic mixing primarily controls downstream values. Mean headwater solute concentrations were a good predictor of downstream values, with % differences ranging from 0.55% (Na+) to 28.78% (Mg2+). In a mined scenario where all headwaters had impacts, downstream solute concentrations roughly doubled. Alternatively, if mining impacts to headwaters were minimized, downstream solute concentrations better approximated the 300 μS/cm conductivity criterion deemed protective of aquatic life. Temporal variability also had convergent spatial patterns and mined streams were less variable due to unnaturally stable hydrology. The highly conserved nature of dissolved solutes from mining activities and lack of viable treatment options suggest forested, unmined watersheds would provide dilution that would be protective of downstream aquatic life.
Expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 in human non‐small cell lung cancer and its role as a potential prognostic biomarker
Authors: Zhang Yan Wen , Chen Qian Qian , Cao Jie , Xu Lei Qian , Tang Xin , Wang Juan , Zhang Jing , Dong Li Xia
Published: January 2019

Background

Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) promotes tumor cell proliferation, activates immunosuppressive cells, and supports immune escape. However, its role in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been reported.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time PCR and Western blotting were used to evaluate TNFR2 in three NSCLC cell lines (A549, H1299, H1975) and normal lung epithelial cells (BEAS‐2B). TNFR2 was evaluated in 71 tumor tissues and 25 adjacent normal lung tissues by immunohistochemistry and analyzed with respect to clinical parameters.

Results

The messenger RNA and protein levels of TNFR2 were significantly higher in A549, H1299, and H1975 cells than in BEAS‐2B cells (P < 0.05) and differed significantly between NSCLC tissues and adjacent normal lung tissues by immunohistochemistry (P < 0.0001). TNFR2 is a independent prognostic factor in NSCLC. There have significantly differences in overall survival (OS) (P = 0.006) and disease‐free survival (DFS) (P = 0.000) of NSCLC patients between TNFR2 low expression groups and TNFR2 high expression group.

Conclusion

TNFR2 is expressed in human NSCLC tissues and cell lines and is related to poor prognosis. TNFR2 may represent a new auxiliary index for patients with NSCLC.
The Monitor Practice Program: implications for dentistry and dental education
Authors: Evans RW
Published: January 2019

The restorative model of care, known colloquially as drilling and filling, has been challenged on the basis of its inappropriateness. The Caries Management System protocol was developed as an evidence‐based strategy for non‐surgical treatment of caries lesions and the Monitor Practice Program was designed to test the hypothesis that use of the protocol would reduce risk of dental caries experience. After 7 years, patients attending intervention practices, compared with those attending control practices, needed: 30%–50% fewer restorative interventions; 55% fewer first time restorative interventions; 32% fewer repeat restorative interventions; and were only 23% as likely to be classified as high risk. The outcome was cost‐effective and patients attending intervention practices highly valued non‐invasive care, and intervention dentists derived professional satisfaction from non‐surgical caries management. The implications of the program are that the general public will likely embrace the benefits of non‐invasive caries management, as will many current and future dental practitioners. This calls for dental practice reform including: the establishment of a clinical discipline in cariology; cariology curriculum development; revised accreditation regulations for cariology programs in dental schools; advanced training in clinical cariology leading to a specialty; support from the dental profession; and public health advocacy.
Combining individual Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibodies MOMP, TARP, CPAF, OMP2, and HSP60 for tubal factor infertility prediction
Authors: van Ess Eleanne F. , Eck-Hauer Anat , Land Jolande A. , Morré Servaas A. , Ouburg Sander
Published: January 2019

Problem

Tubal factor infertility (TFI) is a severe complication of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infections. In fertility workup, chlamydia antibody test (CAT) is used to predict TFI. The predictive value for TFI of most commonly used CAT is moderate.

Method of study

A total of 183 infertile Dutch Caucasian women were included in this study. All underwent tubal patency testing (hysterosalpingography [HSG] or laparoscopy). Cases had TFI, and controls had no TFI (ie normal findings during HSG or laparoscopy). TFI was categorized based on severity (TFI 1‐TFI 4). This study investigated the predictive values of major outer membrane protein (MOMP), translocated actin‐recruiting phosphoprotein (TARP), chlamydial protease‐like activity factor (CPAF), heat shock protein‐60 (HSP60) and outer membrane protein 2 (OMP2) for TFI. A predictive algorithm is developed to detect TFI with a high certainty based on combinations of antibody titres. Serum was tested with the Mikrogen recomLine immunoblot and quantified with the recomScan. A greedy algorithm that explores all possible antibody combinations was developed.

Results

Significant differences in the distributions of antigen titres between cases and controls were observed for CPAF (P = 0.0021), HSP60 (P = 0.0061), MOMP (P = 0.0497) and OMP2 (P = 0.0016). Single antibodies could not discriminate between TFI and controls by themselves. The greedy algorithm performs better in specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), accuracy and clinical utility index than the original Mikrogen algorithm. CPAF combined with HSP60 identified 18.2% of TFI cases with 100% certainty. Most of the TFI 4 cases were identified with cut‐offs of CPAF > 10.7 or OMP2 > 3.9.

Conclusion

This proof‐of‐principle study shows that combinations of antibodies in serum are predictive for TFI. A commercially available test can be adapted to predict TFI with a 100% specificity.
Comparative outcomes in patients with ulcer‐ vs non‐ulcer‐related acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the United Kingdom: a nationwide cohort of 4474 patients
Authors: Sey Michael Sai Lai , Mohammed Seid B. , Brahmania Mayur , Singh Siddharth , Kahan Brennan C. , Jairath Vipul
Published: January 2019

Background

Outcomes after Nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) have historically focused on ulcer‐related causes. Little is known regarding non‐ulcer bleeding, the most common cause of NVUGIB.

Aim

To compare outcomes between ulcer‐ and non‐ulcer‐related NVUGIB and explore whether these could be explained by differences in baseline characteristics, bleeding severity or processes of care.

Methods

Analysis of 4474 patients with NVUGIB from 212 United Kingdom hospitals as part of a nationwide audit. Logistic regression models were used to adjust for baseline characteristics, bleeding severity and processes of care.

Results

1682 patients had ulcer‐related and 2792 patients had non‐ulcer‐related bleeding. Those with ulcer‐related bleeding were older (median age 73 vs 69, P < 0.001), less likely to have been taking a PPI (18% vs 32%, P < 0.001), more likely to have been taking aspirin (40% vs 27%, P < 0.001) and present with shock (43% vs 32%, P < 0.001). Furthermore, those with ulcer‐related bleeding were more likely to receive blood transfusion (66% vs 39%, P < 0.001), PPI infusion (27% vs 5%, P < 0.001) and endoscopic therapy (37% vs 8%, P < 0.001). Overall, ulcer‐related bleeding had higher odds of in‐hospital mortality (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.21‐1.96, P < 0.0001), rebleeding (OR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.73‐2.51, P < 0.0001) and need for surgical/radiologic intervention (OR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.85‐3.77, P < 0.0001). The associations disappeared after adjustment for bleeding severity, whereas adjustment for patient characteristics or process of care factors had no impact.

Conclusion

Patients with ulcer‐related NVUGIB bleeding have worse outcomes than those with non‐ulcer‐related NVUGIB bleeding, which is due to more severe bleeding.
The willingness of patients with gastroparesis to take risks with medications
Authors: Navas Christopher M. , Crowell Michael D. , Lacy Brian E.
Published: January 2019

Background

Gastroparesis has a significant negative impact on patients’ quality of life. Only one medication is approved for gastroparesis and it is associated with a significant risk of side effects.

Aim

To assess the willingness of patients to take risks associated with medications to treat gastroparesis symptoms.

Methods

We developed a questionnaire to assess medication risk‐taking behaviour in patients identified as having documented gastroparesis (consistent symptoms, normal upper endoscopy, delayed gastric emptying). The survey assessed demographics, symptoms, medication use, anxiety, depression and impulsivity. A standard reference gamble evaluated respondents’ willingness to take medication risks.

Results

Two hundred seven questionnaires were mailed to patients, 103 questionnaires were completed. Seventy‐six percent were female; the mean age was 48 years; average duration of gastroparesis symptoms was 10 years. Self‐reported symptom severity was severe in 52% and moderate in 32%. Gastroparesis patients reported that they would accept a median 13.4% risk of sudden death to cure their symptoms using a hypothetical medication. Self‐reported gastroparesis symptom severity and Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index scores correlated significantly with increased willingness to take risks associated with medications to treat gastroparesis, while anxiety was negatively associated.

Conclusions

Gastroparesis patients are willing to accept markedly high risks with a hypothetical medication to cure their symptoms. Patients with severe gastroparesis symptoms and higher Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index scores were more willing to take these risks. This study, the first to quantify gastroparesis patients’ willingness to accept medication associated risks, should help clinicians through the complex maze of gastroparesis therapies and their associated risks and benefits.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: review of donor features, procedures and outcomes in 168 clinical studies of faecal microbiota transplantation
Authors: Lai Cheuk Yin , Sung Joanne , Cheng Felix , Tang Whitney , Wong Sunny H. , Chan Paul K.S. , Kamm Michael A. , Sung Joseph J.Y. , Kaplan Gilaad , Chan Francis K.L. , Ng Siew C.
Published: January 2019

Background

Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is effective for Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) refractory to standard treatment and is being studied in other diseases.

Aim

To evaluate donor characteristics, procedures and clinical outcomes of FMT.

Methods

We systematically reviewed FMT studies published up to 29 August 2018 using MEDLINE (R) and EMBASE and identified clinical studies with FMT donor information. We reported data on donor characteristics, screening criteria, administration, clinical outcomes and adverse events.

Results

Among 5267 reports, 239 full‐text articles were screened and 168 articles were included. FMT was performed commonly for CDI (n = 108) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (n = 31). We reported characteristics of 1513 donors [58% male; mean age, 34.3 years; mean body mass index, 21.6]. Donors in Asia were younger than the West (mean age 30.7 vs 32.9, P = 0.00075). Less than 50% of studies screened donors for transmittable pathogens. Final cure rate for CDI was 95.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 93.9%‐97.1%) and final remission rates for ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) were 39.6% (95% CI, 25.4%‐54.6%) and 47.5% (95% CI, 29.4%‐65.8%), respectively. Cure rates in CDI and final remission rates for CD and UC were comparable across all routes of FMT administration. Overall adverse event incidence was <1%, mostly GI‐related. Adverse event rates did not differ significantly between routes of FMT administration or indication.

Conclusions

In a systematic review assessing donor characteristics and FMT efficacy, we observed heterogeneity in donor selection, application and outcomes of FMT. These data can facilitate standardisation of FMT protocols for various diseases.
Patterning emergent marsh vegetation assemblages in coastal Louisiana,USA, with unsupervised artificial neural networks
Authors: Snedden Gregg A.
Published: January 2019

Questions

Are self‐organizing maps (SOMs) useful for patterning coastal wetland vegetation communities? DoSOMs provide robust alternatives to traditional classification methods, particularly when underlying species response functions are unknown or difficult to approximate, or when a need exists to continuously classify new samples obtained under ongoing long‐term ecosystem monitoring programs as they become available?

Location

Coastal Louisiana,USA.

Methods

ASOMwas trained from in‐situ observations of 559 vegetation species relative cover data from 2,526 samples collected over 8 years at 343 locations across coastal Louisiana. Hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to theSOMoutput to delineate vegetation community types, and indicator species analysis was conducted. Salinity and flood duration were compared across the delineated community types.

Results

TheSOMpatterned the 2,526 training samples into 260 output neurons, which were further clustered into eleven community types. Clear gradients in salinity and flood duration existed among the community types, and geographic zonation of the communities was evident across the landscape. At some locations assemblages were temporally stable; at other locations, they varied considerably. Samples not used in training the network were effectively projected onto theSOMand assigned to one of the delineated community types.

Conclusions

TheSOMwas effective in delineating plant communities in the region that were qualitatively similar to those obtained in previous investigations. Being robust to skewed distributions and the presence of outliers,SOMs provide an alternative to traditional distribution‐based statistical approaches. Their ability to efficiently classify new data into existing community types makes their use an ideal approach to classifying samples obtained from ongoing, long‐term ecological monitoring programs.
Open‐label study to evaluate trifluridine/tipiracil safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics in patients with advanced solid tumours and hepatic impairment
Authors: Saif Muhammad Wasif , Rosen Lee , Rudek Michelle A. , Sun Weijing , Shepard Dale R. , Becerra Carlos , Yamashita Fumiaki , Bebeau Paul , Winkler Robert
Published: January 2019

Aims

Trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) prolongs survival in refractory metastatic colorectal cancer, but limited data exist on its use in patients with hepatic impairment. This Phase I, open‐label, nonrandomized study investigated the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of FTD/TPI in patients with advanced solid tumours (except breast cancer) and varying degrees of hepatic impairment, to provide dosing recommendations.

Methods

Patients aged ≥18 years with advanced solid tumours and normal hepatic function, or mild, moderate or severe hepatic impairment according to National Cancer Institute criteria, were planned to be enrolled. Patients received FTD/TPI 35 mg/m2 orally twice daily on days 1–5 and 8–12 of each 28‐day cycle.

Results

Twenty‐four patients were enrolled to the normal hepatic function (n = 8) and mild (n = 10) and moderate (n = 6) hepatic impairment cohorts. Overall, 12 patients (50.0%) had at least 1 adverse event leading to study discontinuation. In the moderate hepatic impairment cohort, 5 of 6 patients experienced grade ≥ 3 elevation in bilirubin. No patients with severe hepatic impairment were enrolled. FTD area under the curve at steady state decreased by 18% and 22% in the mild and moderate cohorts, respectively; however, no clear change was observed in TPI area under the curve.

Conclusions

FTD/TPI can be safely administered in patients with normal hepatic function and mild hepatic impairment, with no initial dose adjustment. FTD/TPI is not recommended for use in patients with moderate hepatic impairment because of findings of grade 3 or 4 increased blood bilirubin. Therefore, FTD/TPI is not recommended for patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment.
Faculty members’ perceptions of online program community and their efforts to sustain it
Authors: Bolliger Doris U. , Shepherd Craig E. , Bryant H. Victoria
Published: January 2019

This study investigated faculty members’ perceptions of program community and what they do to support it in online graduate programs. Researchers developed and administered an online survey to ascertain perceptions of program community among education and engineering faculty members at United States, land‐grant, research‐extensive universities. Three hundred forty‐four faculty members responded. Most participants thought that fostering community beyond courses was important. Faculty members used a variety of strategies to accomplish this task, including social media, synchronous communication and advising, face‐to‐face socials and orientations, and cohort models. Yet, many also relied on classroom strategies. Several participants indicated that they and their students lacked the time, resources or interest to pursue program community and that geographical distance and university reward policies complicated its establishment. Differences via discipline, gender and years of online teaching experience were also reported.
Brain‐derived and circulating vesicle profiles indicate neurovascular unit dysfunction in early Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Gallart‐Palau Xavier , Serra Aida , Hase Yoshiki , Tan Chee Fan , Chen Christopher P. , Kalaria Raj N. , Sze Siu Kwan
Published: January 2019

Vascular factors that reduce blood flow to the brain are involved in apparition and progression of dementia. We hypothesized that cerebral hypoperfusion (CH) might alter the molecular compositions of brain intercellular communication mechanisms while affecting the neurovascular unit in preclinical and clinical human dementias. To test that hypothesis, mice were subjected to bilateral common carotid stenosis (BCAS) and the molecular compositions of brain‐derived and circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) were assessed. Murine brain vesicle profiles were then analyzed in parallel with brain EVs from post‐mortem subjects affected by preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and mixed dementias. Brain EVs were identified with molecular mediators of hypoxia responses, neuroprotection and neurotoxicity in BCAS mice, patterns also partially resembled by subjects with preclinical AD and mixed dementias. Together these findings indicate that brain EVs represent a promising source of therapeutic targets and circulating markers of neurovascular insult in idiopathic dementias. Furthermore, the results obtained generate novel and compelling hypotheses about the molecular involvement of the vascular component in the etiology of human dementias.
Misallocation and aggregate productivity across time and space
Authors: Restuccia Diego
Published: January 2019

Productivity is at the core of the large differences in income per capita across countries. What accounts for international productivity differences? I discuss cross‐country differences in the allocation of inputs across heterogeneous production units—misallocation—as a potential factor in accounting for aggregate productivity. Policies and institutions generating misallocation are prevalent in poor and developing countries and may also be responsible for differences in the selection of operating producers and technology used, contributing substantially to aggregate productivity differences across countries.