bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between renewable energy consumption and economic growth
Authors: Can Hamit , Korkmaz Özge
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between renewable energy and economic growth of Bulgaria.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes the relationship between renewable energy and economic growth of Bulgaria for the period 1990-2016, based on annual data, by using the Toda–Yamamoto analysis and Autogressive Distrubuted Lag (ARDL) bound test. This period is characterized by the democratization of the Balkans and several crisis cycles in Bulgaria. Renewable energy consumption (REC, percentage of total final energy consumption), renewable electricity output (REO, percentage of total electricity output) and economic growth (GDP constant 2010 US$) were used. The levels or differences of the variables that are stationary were investigated using the augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF), Philips–Perron (PP) and Kwiatkowski-Philips-Schmidt-Shin (KPSS) unit root tests.

Findings

Three different results were obtained from this study. One showed that renewable energy consumption and renewable electricity output are the causes of economic growth. Another result of this study is that economic growth and renewable electricity output are the causes of renewable energy consumption. The last result is that economic growth and renewable energy consumption are not causes of renewable electricity output. There was no long-term relationship between variables.

Research limitations/implications

The ARDL and Toda–Yamamoto tests were used because of lack of data sets. Thus, it is estimated that there is no long-term relationship.

Originality/value

This study is an original work for Bulgaria, showing the results of the relationship between renewable energy and economic growth. In line with the results of this study, renewable energy projects related to Bulgaria can be predicted.
Organizational communication and job satisfaction: what role do generational differences play?
Authors: Mehra Payal , Nickerson Catherine
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of the generational category that managers in India belong to on their job satisfaction and on their satisfaction with organizational communication; the authors defined organizational communication as the communication that occurs in interactions between employees. The authors wanted to see whether there would be differences between the generations in the attitudes to and expectations of organizational communication, and whether this, in turn, would influence their job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 400 managers working in public and private listed companies in India were surveyed using a questionnaire over the period of a year, from August 2016 to July 2017. This resulted in 334 responses. The questionnaire measured the respondents’ choice and comfort with communication media, their satisfaction with the communication at their workplace and the type of interactions that took place. It also measured the respondents’ job satisfaction. The study was inter-disciplinary in nature, in that it drew on several theories of communication, e.g. accommodation theory and media richness theory, alongside the findings from empirical studies that have looked specifically at intergenerational differences.

Findings

The authors found that organizational communication was positively related to job satisfaction, and also that generational category moderated the relationship between these two factors. In addition, the results show that Gen Y managers in particular were the least satisfied generation at work, and that they frequently used avoidance while communicating with older adults. The conclusion is that job satisfaction may be enhanced, by focusing on the development of a positive communication environment; in addition, employees who belong to different generations may define what constitutes a positive communication environment in very different ways.

Originality/value

Despite receiving some attention in other contexts, such as in the family, the impact of intergenerational differences in the workplace has not been widely investigated. A few studies do exist on the influence of generational differences on work outcomes and on attitudes and behaviors, but much still remains to be done. In addition, while there have been many studies on job satisfaction, as well as on levels of attrition in workplace settings, very few have looked specifically at non-Western contexts such as India. The present study attempts to contribute to this debate, by providing a comparison of the workplace communication preferences and experiences within multi-generational organizations in India.
Difficult bosses: real strategies for surviving
Authors: Pretorius Marius
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The plight of dissatisfied employees has become a recurring theme. A question often asked by management trainees is “How do I handle my difficult boss?” Hence, this paper aims to address the difficult boss problem successfully from the perspective of the subordinate.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptualized legacy framework had been presented to participants and who verified its accuracy by their experiences. They could apply the framework with relative ease. Workshops, interview and online questionnaires informed the development of the framework.

Findings

The framework proposes four legacy effects on subordinates that bosses leave after interaction, namely, tense, dark, false and calm legacies. The legacies assist subordinates in classifying their bosses as either a hammer, flat battery, fire-lighter or dynamo. Once the boss is categorized, strategies to assist subordinates in handling their difficult boss flow from the framework.

Research limitations/implications

While extremely useful for subordinates, bosses are limited in the use of the legacy model as it requires very high trust levels to exist. The nature of the difficult boss problem suggests that such trust does not exist.

Practical implications

Benefits of understanding the legacy framework has two benefits: subordinates can use the legacy tool to classify their bosses and find strategies for how to handle difficult bosses. For bosses, subordinate evaluation of their legacies presents an alternative avenue to seek feedback and improve “self-learning” through reflection.

Originality/value

The legacy matrix was shown to be applicable to all bosses at all levels in virtually all organizations. The value of the framework was also observed at the informal level.
Innovative propensity with a fuzzy multicriteria approach
Authors: Cobo Angel , Rocha Eliana Rocio , Villamizar Marco Antonio
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Although R&D plays a crucial role in innovativeness and R&D expenditures is the most widely used tool to measure the level of innovativeness of companies, other variables and inputs may be equally interesting. The purpose of this paper is to define an innovative propensity index (IPI) which considers these variables and allows the identification of those companies which have a higher propensity to implement different types of innovativeness.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking into account, the different criteria that may be considered in an IPI and that the perception of the relative importance of each criterion is subjective, the use of an innovativeness multicriteria decision methodology has been considered appropriate. In particular, an IPI is built from the weighting of the criteria through FAHP methodology. Data mining techniques are subsequently used to establish a non-supervised ranking (clustering) of a sample of firms, considering their IPI values.

Findings

The application of an IPI to a sample of 1,639 companies operating in different industrial sectors has helped us to find out that this index is useful for identifying those companies which really show an increased innovative capacity. A comparative analysis by sectors has shown that although there are companies from all sectors with a high innovative propensity, the proportion increases in more technological sectors. Moreover, it has been observed that in companies with higher net personnel expenses and high productivity level the innovative propensity is also higher.

Originality/value

The criteria used to build the index affects innovativeness individually, but the value of the analysis lies in its multicriteria approach and use of fuzzy logic. The validation of the index in a wide sample of firms is another outstanding aspect of the analysis.
Effects of Y2O3-LaF3on the low temperature sintering and thermal conductivity of AlN ceramics
Authors: Jiang Hai , Lu YiYing , Ding Liwen , Lu Wenzhong , Fan Guifen , Shi Yusheng
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramics are suitable substrate and package materials for high-power integrated circuits.

Design/methodology/approach

Dense AlN ceramics with Y2O3and LaF3as sintering additives are prepared. The effects of these additives on the density, phase composition, microstructure and thermal conductivity of AlN ceramics are investigated.

Findings

Results show that 2 Wt.% Y2O3-doped additive is insufficient for the samples to achieve the full densification sintered at 1,700°C. When LaF3is added with Y2O3, the samples are perfectly densified at the same sintering condition. The relative density and thermal conductivity of the samples are 97.8-99.07 per cent and 169.104-200.010 W·m-1·K-1, respectively. The density of the samples and their microstructure, especially the content and distribution of secondary phases, is necessary to control the thermal conductivity of AlN ceramics.

Originality/value

Y2O3and LaF3additives can effectively promote densification and enhance the thermal conductivity of AlN ceramics in a low sintering temperature, and the AlN ceramics added with Y2O3-LaF3might have potential applications in package materials for high-power integrated circuits.
Corporate social responsibility, financial performance and risk in Indonesian natural resources industry
Authors: Devie Devie , Liman Lovina Pristya , Tarigan Josua , Jie Ferry
Published: January 2019

Purpose

With an attempt to give a deeper explanation regarding the manifestation of socially and environmentally responsible cultures among Indonesian natural resources industry, this paper aims to highlight the empirical confirmation on the correlation of corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporate financial performance (CFP) and risk. Likewise, corporate risk’s role as a mediating variable in the indirect effect of CSR on CFP is also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Kinder, Lydenberg and Domini’s (KLD) measurement approach is used as a basis to assess social responsibility activities as it gives more social rating transparency. CFP captures both accounting- and market-based measurements, whereas volatility of stock return is adopted as a proxy of firm risk. Partial least squares analysis is conducted on 40 Indonesian listed firms in natural resources sector, with observation years from 2008 to 2016.

Findings

It is revealed that CSR positively affects CFP, although the correlation is stronger in the long run. Significant negative influence to risk is also discovered. However, risk has a significant adverse correlation with CFP when two years’ lagged value is used. Hence, CSR affects CFP through risk in the long-term, both directly and indirectly.

Practical implications

The empirical result suggests that CSR serves as a tool in managing the risk of enterprises and performance, especially in the long-term. Accordingly, firms should incorporate CSR as a strategic investment and manage a strong relationship with stakeholders.

Originality/value

This report expands further prior works and contributes to CSR and financial management literature by discovering the true nature of CSR effects as an investment in the future. This is the first study which tests and proves that CSR in Indonesian natural resources industry plays a significant role as a strategic risk management instrument that leads to a sustainable and long-lasting financial performance.
Meet in the Middle: Terrorism and Centrist Party Vote Shares in Legislative Elections
Authors: Hunter Lance Y. , Robbins Joseph W. , Ginn Martha H. , Hutton Aaron
Published: January 2019

Scholars have found that terrorism can influence political behavior in democracies by affecting citizens’ emotions such as anxiety and fear. However, researchers have yet to examine how terrorism affects vote choice cross‐nationally. The few studies that have investigated terrorism's effect on vote choice have only examined single states through case study analysis. While informative, researchers lack an understanding regarding how terrorism influences vote choice cross‐nationally based on the nature of terrorist attacks and the ideology of political parties. Thus, using a unique dataset that incorporates political party ideology, this study examines the effect the number and severity of terrorist attacks have on vote choice in legislative elections in 56 democracies from multiple regions and levels of development from 1975 to 2014. Preliminary results indicate that terrorist attacks are critical events that significantly affect vote choice in the democratic states included in this analysis.
Retrospective study of the efficacy and toxicity of lobaplatin‐etoposide chemotherapy in small cell lung cancer
Authors: Gu Liyan , Zhong Diansheng , Yu Tao , Tang Ping , Meng Fanlu , Qin Qiong
Published: January 2019

Background

A retrospective study was conducted to assess the efficacy and toxicity of lobaplatin‐etoposide (EL) chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Methods

The clinical data of 50 patients treated in our department from May 2014 to March 2018 were obtained. Untreated patients with SCLC administered LBP intravenously (IV) at 30 mg/m2 on day 1 and etoposide IV at 100 mg/m2 on days 1, 2, and 3 were enrolled. The treatment was cycled every 21 days.

Results

The median overall and progression‐free survival rates of the 50 patients were 11.67 (range: 7.30–16.04) and 6.8 (range: 5.25–8.35) months, respectively, with an overall response rate of 66% and a disease control rate of 90%. The most frequent drug‐related adverse effects were leukopenia and neutropenia, and no grade 3/4 hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity was observed.

Conclusion

These results indicate that LBP‐containing chemotherapy is effective and tolerable for SCLC in terms of response and survival.
Chronic hepatitis B infection alters peripheral immune response in women with reproductive failure
Authors: Li Longfei , Wang Linlin , Huang Chunyu , Diao Lianghui , Zhang Yongnu , Zhang Xu , Xu Jian , Zeng Yong
Published: January 2019

Problem

Does hepatitis B infection affect peripheral blood immune response in women with reproductive failure?

Method of study

Two hundred and twenty‐seven women, including 10 HBsAg+HBeAg+, 27 HBsAg+HBeAg− hepatitis sero‐positive women, and 190 women without HBV infection, formed the study population. Their peripheral immune responses containing lymphocyte subsets, cytokine production, expression of cell surface markers and intracellular toxicity molecules, and pregnancy outcomes were retrospectively compared.

Results

Comparing with HBsAg+HBeAg− carriers and HBsAg− group, HBsAg+HBeAg+ group had lower rates of CD3+CD4+ helper T cells (31.7% vs 38.0% and 36.8%, P < 0.05, respectively), but higher frequency of CD19+ B cells (17.8% vs 14.0% and 13.2%, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). NK cells in HBsAg+HBeAg+ patients showed lower cytotoxic activity than that in two other groups (P < 0.05). Comparing with HBsAg− patients, HBsAg+HBeAg+ group exhibited decreased expression of the activating receptor NKG2D (56.2% vs 66.1%, P < 0.05), as well as reduced expression of granzyme B (54.8% vs 70.5%, P < 0.05), perforin (49.9% vs 65.0%, P < 0.05), and granulysin (52.0% vs 67.9%, P < 0.01). Generally, a higher clinical pregnancy rate (85.7% vs 56.9%) and higher early miscarriage rate (33.3% vs 20.3%) were noticed in HBsAg+HBeAg+ group than HBsAg− group.

Conclusion

Chronic HBV infection alters peripheral immune responses by upregulating B‐cell frequency, decreasing CD3+CD4+ helper T cells, and decreasing peripheral NK function and toxicity. These may influence pregnancy outcome on HBV‐infected patients, and the pathogenesis of HBV infection on pregnancy outcome deserves to be further studied.
Risk prediction models for major surgery: composing a new tune
Authors: Carlisle J. B.
Published: January 2019

In this paper I explain why I think that most of the models that predict postoperative mortality should not be used when we're talking to patients about postoperative survival. Available models are isolated in time (from survival in the present) and space (from survival outside hospital). We know a lot about survival outside hospitals, with sufficient detail that we can discriminate between a man born in 1975 vs. 1976, or a woman aged 64 years vs. 65 years. We can use survival outside hospitals to inform what we do in hospital. I use my own survival to contrast with the survival of people older or younger than me. I will use my survival to illustrate how I might expect my mortality hazard to temporarily change when I have a scheduled operation (total hip replacement) and when I'm unwell and have an operation (for a fractured femoral neck). People live longer and longer and we operate on people older and older. We are also intervening earlier in progressive diseases, knowing that people are living long enough to experience harm from their progression. There is an evolving conflict between operating on older people and operating on younger people. Who has most to gain from the operation and who has most to gain from peri‐operative critical care? Do we prioritise on reducing death now, in patients with relatively short life expectancies, or do we invest in the long‐term survival of patients with relatively low rates of dying now? This conundrum is not informed by current risk models, with their focus on one to three postoperative months: we need to know survival outside hospital to gauge the value of what we do in hospital.
Pre‐operative cardiac optimisation: a directed review
Authors: Lee L. K. K. , Tsai P. N. W. , Ip K. Y. , Irwin M. G.
Published: January 2019

Cardiac events remain the leading cause of peri‐operative morbidity and mortality, and patients undergoing major surgery are exposed to significant risks which may be preventable and modifiable. Proper assessment and management of various cardiac conditions in the peri‐operative period by anaesthetists can markedly improve patient safety, especially in high‐risk patient populations. This involves understanding and applying current evidence‐based practice and international guidelines on the main aspects of cardiac optimisation, including management of patients with hypertension, chronic heart failure, valvular heart diseases and cardiac implantable electronic devices. Peri‐operative management of antihypertensive drugs in keeping with the current best evidence is discussed. Pre‐operative cardiac risk assessment and cardiac biomarkers can be used to help predict and quantify peri‐operative adverse cardiac events. There is an increasing need for anaesthetist‐led services, including focused transthoracic echocardiography and management of implantable cardiac electronic devices. Anaesthetists should be encouraged to play a proactive role in pre‐operative risk stratification and make timely multidisciplinary referrals if necessary. A personalised approach to pre‐operative cardiac optimisation enables a safer peri‐operative journey for at‐risk patients undergoing major surgery.
Pre‐optimisation of patients undergoing emergency laparotomy: a review of best practice
Authors: Poulton T. , Murray D. ,   the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) project team
Published: January 2019

Although the concept of pre‐operative optimisation is traditionally applied to elective surgery, there is ample opportunity to apply similar principles to patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. The key challenge is achieving meaningful improvements in a patient's condition without introducing delays to time‐sensitive surgery, which may be required in a matter of hours. Optimisation can be considered in two parts: that of the patient's condition; and that of the care pathway. Optimising the patient's condition is less about improving long‐term pathology, and more about correcting physiological derangement, such as electrolyte and fluid balance, blood loss, prompt treatment of sepsis, and ensuring appropriate continuation of medication in the peri‐operative period. Optimising the care pathway involves ensuring that the system is designed to deliver reliably the appropriate interventions, such as prompt antibiotics, and access to computed tomography scanning and the operating theatre with minimal delay.
Negative pressure wound therapy use in diabetic foot syndrome—from mechanisms of action to clinical practice
Authors: Borys Sebastian , Hohendorff Jerzy , Frankfurter Claudia , Kiec‐Wilk Beata , Malecki Maciej T.
Published: January 2019

Background

Diabetes and its complications constitute a rising medical challenge. Special attention should be given to diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) due to its high rate of associated amputation and mortality. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a frequently used supportive modality in a diabetic foot with ulcerations (DFUs).

Design

Here, we reviewed the current knowledge concerning the tissue and molecular mechanisms of NPWT action with an emphasis on diabetes research followed by a summary of clinical DFU studies and practice guidelines.

Results

Negative pressure wound therapy action results in two types of tissue deformations—macrodeformation, such as wound contraction, and microdeformation occurring at microscopic level. Both of them stimulate a wound healing cascade including tissue granulation promotion, vessel proliferation, neoangiogenesis, epithelialization and excess extracellular fluid removal. On the molecular level, NPWT results in an alteration towards more pro‐angiogenic and anti‐inflammatory conditions. It increases expression of several key growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor 2, while expression of inflammatory cytokinesis reduced. The NPWT application also alters the presence and function of matrix metalloproteinases. Clinical studies in DFU patients showed a superiority of NPWT over standard therapy in terms of efficacy outcomes, primarily wound healing and amputation rate, without a rise in adverse events. International guidelines point to NPWT as an important adjuvant therapy in DFU whose use is expected to increase.

Conclusions

This current knowledge improves our understanding of NPWT action and its tailoring for application in diabetic patients. It may inform the development of new treatments for DFU.
Linking size‐based trophodynamics and morphological traits in marine fishes
Authors: Ríos María F. , Venerus Leonardo A. , Karachle Paraskevi K. , Reid William D. K. , Erzini Karim , Stergiou Konstantinos I. , Galván David E.
Published: January 2019

The rule of thumb in marine trophodynamics indicates that the bigger an organism, the higher its trophic level (TROPH). This generalization leads to the assumption that fishes increase their TROPH with growth. However, a recent review showed that for many species, TROPH does not increase with body size, suggesting that size‐independent feeding is not rare in marine fishes. Here, we assessed some morphological traits of marine fishes that could potentially be used as indicators for the ability to vary TROPH with body size. Stable isotope values of nitrogen were used as a proxy TROPH. The specific objectives were as follows: (a) to evaluate the relationship between the oral gape and the trophodynamic trend and (b) to quantify the relevance of 11 external morphological traits in determining the size‐based trophodynamics. We used random forest models to identify the morphological traits that would help predict which species would have the potential to increase TROPH with growth and which would have not. The selected traits included the pelvic fin relative position, the dorsal fin shape, total length, and relative mouth size. Our results also showed a marked relationship between the rate of increase in the oral gape and TROPH. The analyses presented here provide the first comprehensive and quantitative review aiming at linking the trophodynamics of marine fishes with external morphological traits.
Elastic correction of fatigue crack growth laws
Authors: Antunes Fernando , Prates Pedro , Camas Daniel , Costa Jose
Published: January 2019

Fatigue crack growth (FCG) is usually studied assuming that ΔKis the driving parameter. An effective ΔKis considered in the presence of crack closure. However, after crack opening, there is an elastic regime that does not contribute to FCG. The objective here is to quantify this elastic range of ΔK, ΔKel, for different loading conditions and material properties. The yield stress was found to be the most important material parameter, followed by the hardening exponent. A linear decrease of ΔKelwith ΔKwas found for the 7050‐T6, 6082‐T6, and 6016‐T4 aluminium alloys, while the 304L stainless steel presented a slight increase. On the other hand, the increase ofKmaxwas found to increase the elastic fatigue range. Relatively high values of elastic range were obtained for the plane strain state, compared with the plane stress state.
Efficacy and safety of repeated use of lusutrombopag prior to radiofrequency ablation in patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma and thrombocytopenia
Authors: Ishikawa Toru , Okoshi Marina , Tomiyoshi Kei , Kojima Yuichi , Horigome Ryoko , Imai Michitaka , Nozawa Yujiro , Iwanaga Akito , Sano Tomoe , Honma Terasu , Yoshida Toshiaki
Published: January 2019

Aims

Thrombocytopenia is often associated with chronic liver disease. Lusutrombopag is a small molecule thrombopoietin receptor agonist designed to temporarily increase the platelet count in patients with chronic liver disease for whom elective invasive procedures are planned. In the present study, the efficacy and safety of repeated use of lusutrombopag prior to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma were examined.

Methods

Eight patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who had a platelet count <50 000/μL prior to both initial and repeat RFA at the time of recurrence received lusutrombopag (3 mg/day) orally for 7 days between March 2016 and August 2018. The following were compared: the effect of lusutrombopag to increase the platelet count as determined by the platelet count after the initial and repeated use of lusutrombopag, the rate of avoiding platelet transfusion, and the presence of any complications.

Results

The platelet count increased to 103 100 ± 22 800/μL 14 days after the first treatment and to 110 700 ± 17 800/μL 14 days after the repeated use. None of the patients required platelet transfusion. None of the patients developed clinical symptoms such as thrombosis, fever, rash, portal vein thrombosis, bleeding, or any other serious adverse events.

Conclusions

Repeated use of lusutrombopag increased the platelet count. It did not cause any serious adverse events and led to avoidance of platelet transfusion. Radiofrequency ablation was carried out safely in all patients. Future studies with more cases of repeated use are needed to examine the long‐term efficacy and safety of lusutrombopag.
Mohs micrographic surgery versus wide local excision for melanoma in situ: analysis of a nationwide database
Authors: Phan Kevin , Loya Asad
Published: January 2019

Background

With the rising incidence of melanoma in situ (MIS) or cutaneous melanoma, there is an increasing emphasis on the need to understand optimal treatment strategies. The current standard of surgical care is wide local excision (WLE). Alternative surgical techniques have been proposed including Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). We aimed to compare survival rates following WLE versus MMS surgery for MIS.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry. 24,515 cases of WLE were identified and compared with 4122 cases of MMS surgery for MIS.

Results

There was a significantly higher proportion of elderly patients aged ≥75 years in the MMS group compared to WLE (23.3% vs. 15.3%). The proportion of females was higher for WLE compared to MMS (48.8% vs. 40%). Facial MIS tumors were significantly higher for MMS, as were scalp/neck tumors. After adjustment for confounding factors, there was no significant difference in cancer‐specific survival (HR 0.928, 95% CI 0.596–1.446, P = 0.74) and overall survival (HR 1.006, 95% CI 0.896–1.129, P = 0.924).

Conclusion

Adjusted analyses demonstrated no differences in overall survival or cancer‐specific survival between MIS patients treated with MMS compared with WLE.
Allogeneic keratinocyte for intractable chronic diabetic foot ulcers: A prospective observational study
Authors: Hwang Yeok G. , Lee Jin W. , Park Kwang H. , Han Seung H.
Published: January 2019

Chronic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a common problem in patients with diabetes and are often difficult to treat. The application of newly developed dressing material in patients with chronic DFUs has been reported to be effective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of allogeneic keratinocyte treatment for chronic DFUs. We performed weekly allogeneic keratinocyte treatment for up to 12 weeks in 71 patients with intractable DFUs. We investigated healing rate, wound‐healing velocity, and time to 50% wound size reduction and analysed factors affecting ulcer healing. Fifty‐six patients (78.8%) had complete wound healing. Forty‐six patients (64.7%) showed complete healing within an average of 6.1 weeks, and 10 patients (14.1%) showed partial healing with an average 35.5% reduction vs initial size at the end of follow up. The 10 patients who showed partial healing continued to receive treatment after the 12‐week study period. The mean time to complete wound healing was 7.8 weeks. Fifteen patients (21.1%) experienced treatment failure because of infection, local necrosis, no change in ulcer size, or osteomyelitis during the follow‐up period. No adverse events were observed. Allogeneic keratinocyte treatment is effective for chronic, difficult‐to‐treat DFUs.
Giant Goblins above the waves at the southern end of the world: The biogeography of the spider family Orsolobidae (Araneae, Dysderoidea)
Authors: Chousou‐Polydouri Natalia , Carmichael Anthea , Szűts Tamás , Saucedo Alma , Gillespie Rosemary , Griswold Charles , Wood Hannah M.
Published: January 2019

Aim

As a continental island, much of the biota of New Zealand was initially thought to have been shaped by vicariance. Recent studies, however, have highlighted the role of dispersal, with some even suggesting that the entire biota is the product of dispersal events following emergence of the islands. This study focuses on the interplay between dispersal and vicariance, specifically asking whether the spider family Orsolobidae has Gondwanan origins on New Zealand.

Location

The spider family Orsolobidae was sampled from all continents where they occur (Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South America), comprising a total of 66 specimens representing the phylogenetic diversity of the family.

Methods

DNA sequences were obtained from six fragments that were subsequently aligned and analysed with MrBayes3.2 and beast 1.8. The phylogeny was calibrated with fossils used as node calibrations, as well as with the substitution rate of Histone H3.

Results

The orsolobid fauna of each land mass except Australia forms a monophyletic group in our analyses. The divergence dating analysis suggests that diversification of Orsolobidae started at a minimum of 80 Ma, while the New Zealand clade dates from a minimum of 40 Ma.

Main conclusions

Thus, while many taxa have colonized the islands by dispersal, certain lineages, including the Orsolobidae, have clearly been capable of persisting through times of reduced land area.
The protective effect of sinapic acid in osteoarthritis: In vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Li Xiaobin , Lin Jian , Ding Xiaoxia , Xuan Jiangwei , Hu Zhichao , Wu Dengying , Zhu Xingyu , Feng Zhenhua , Ni Wenfei , Wu Aimin
Published: January 2019

The anti‐inflammatory effect of sinapic acid (SA) has been reported in several studies. However, whether SA has the same effect on osteoarthritis (OA) has yet to be clearly elucidated. We designed a series of in vitro and in vivo procedures to verify the above conjecture. Compared with controls, SA‐pretreated human chondrocytes showed lower levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β‐induced IL‐6, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nitric oxide (NO) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in vitro. Meanwhile, SA could also reverse the degradation of type II collage and aggrecan, as well as the overproduction of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) and matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)‐5. Furthermore, activation of nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB), which was induced by IL‐1β, was also inhibited by SA through the pathway of nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor‐2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1. In vivo, SA could delay the progress of mice OA models. We propose that SA may be applied as a potential therapeutic drug in OA treatment.
Leadership, Inside and Out: The Tideswell‐AGS‐ADGAP Emerging Leaders in Aging Program
Authors: Chang Anna , Lundebjerg Nancy E. , Abrams Joan , Barnes Deborah E. , Fain Mindy J. , Hall William J. , Johnson Theodore M. , Michael Harper G. , Williams Brie , Ritchie Christine S.
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To optimize health and well‐being for all older people, we must collectively develop leaders to pioneer models of care, educate the healthcare workforce, advance research, and engage the community.

METHODS

The Emerging Leaders in Aging (ELIA) program was created to train a multiprofessional cadre of leaders focused on the health and well‐being of older people. ELIA uses the social change curricular framework and addresses knowledge of self, community, and engagement with change. Program impact measured included scholar satisfaction, confidence related to curricular domains before and after the program, project progress, and scholar productivity.

RESULTS

Four cohorts of 65 scholars in seven health professions from 24 states were selected for the year‐long 55‐hour program. Overall satisfaction from members of the first three cohorts who have completed the program (n = 46) was 4.86 (scale = 1–5), and scholar confidence increased from 5.8 to 8.0 (scale = 1–9) (p < .001). These scholars reported 85 presentations, 63 publications, and 21 awards subsequent to training. All scholars described the importance of a program focused on early and mid‐career leaders in health and aging.

DISCUSSION

The ELIA program leverages longitudinal, distance mentor communities, and project‐based learning strategies. It has improved confidence and skills in emerging leaders who commit their efforts toward the care of older persons. Programs like ELIA are critical to preparing a healthcare workforce to optimize care for all as our health needs and expectations change with age. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:437–442, 2019.
Venoprotective drugs in pigmented purpuric dermatoses: A case report
Authors: Gupta Aastha , Sardana Kabir , Kishan Gautam Ram
Published: January 2019

Pigmented purpuric dermatoses (PPD) or capillaritis represent a benign condition, presenting with extravasation of erythrocytes in the skin and prominent hemosiderin deposition. The eruption runs a chronic relapsing course and is resistant to therapy. Capillary fragility, cellular immunity, and microvascular inflammation play important roles in the pathogenesis of PPD. Bioflavonoids, currently used as venoprotective agents for the management of chronic venous insufficiency, have been shown to reduce capillary fragility and permeability by inhibiting endothelial cell activation and modulating the leukocyte‐endothelium interaction. We report a case of PPD with dramatic improvement consequent to a therapy with a fixed dose combination containing flavonoids like diosmin, hesperidin, and Euphorbia prostata extract along with calcium dobesilate.
Neurosonography After Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Stroke Treatment
Authors: Ikenberg Benno , Scharsich Benjamin , Mönch Sebastian , Wunderlich Silke , Bernkopf Kathleen , Boeckh‐Behrens Tobias , Friedrich Benjamin , Maegerlein Christian , Poppert Holger , Seifert Christian L.
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Mechanical thrombectomy has been shown to be effective for acute stroke treatment, but lesions of cerebral vessels can develop thereafter. Such lesions of recanalized vessels and altered cerebral hemodynamics after mechanical thrombectomy are poorly investigated. In particular for neurosonography, data are sparse. We aimed to describe hemodynamic changes and incidence of de‐novo stenosis after mechanical thrombectomy with neurosonography.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of patients after successful mechanical thrombectomy for acute stroke therapy who received one neurosonography at baseline and during follow up. Peak systolic velocity (PSV) of all intracranial recanalized and reference vessels was extracted for analysis. Patients with an isolated increase or decrease of PSV (50% or 50 cm/second for anterior and 30% or 30 cm/second for posterior circulation) were identified and characterized.

RESULTS

Eighty‐eight patients (mean age 64.4; 34.1% female) were included in this study. In 9 (10.2%) patients, the vessel occlusion was located in the posterior, and in 79 (89.9%) patients the vessel occlusion was located in the anterior circulation. With predominance to the recanalized vessel, mean PSV decreased at both, the recanalized and the reference vessel during follow up. In 3 (3.4%) patients, an isolated increase of PSV was observed in the recanalized vessel, and in 6 (6.8%) patients an isolated decrease of PSV was observed in the recanalized vessel.

CONCLUSION

Sonographic incidence of de‐novo stenosis following mechanical thrombectomy seems to be low, in line with prior angiographic studies. However, as measured by neurosonography, cerebral hemodynamic in the recanalized vessel is dynamic after thrombectomy. This result is of interest for further prospective analysis.
Pattern of Sedentary Behavior in Different Periods of School Time of Brazilian Adolescents
Authors: da Costa Bruno G. G. , da Silva Kelly S. , Bandeira Alexsandra S. , Martins Cilene R. , Vieira Jéssika A. J. , Petroski Edio L.
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Sedentary behavior (SB) is related to unhealthy outcomes and is performed in many contexts, including school. The aim of this study was to identify sociodemographic, biological, and psychosocial correlates of SB performed at school in a sample of adolescents.

METHODS

Adolescents provided information regarding sex, age, socioeconomic status, and psychosocial variables related to physical activity (self‐efficacy, attitudes, perception of school environment, peer and parental support). Body fat was estimated using skinfolds, and maximum aerobic capacity with a 20 m shuttle run. Adolescents wore accelerometers and SB performed during class time, physical education (PE) classes, and recesses was estimated.

RESULTS

Adolescents (N = 567, 53% female, 12.9 ± 5.3 years old) spent 67% of class time, 41% of PE classes, and 41% of recesses in SB. Girls spent more time in SB, and age was negatively associated with SB. Body fat was positively associated with SB in class time and PE classes. Peer support for physical activity was negatively associated with SB in class time, whereas attitudes related to physical activity were negatively associated with SB during PE classes and recesses.

CONCLUSION

Adolescents spend long periods in SB at school, even during opportunities to be active like PE classes and recesses.
The Patterns of Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity and Physical Education Enjoyment Through a 2‐Year School‐Based Program
Authors: Gråstén Arto , Yli‐Piipari Sami
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

In this study, we examined the development of children's moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and physical education (PE) enjoyment through the Physical Activity as Civil Skill Program 2012‐2014.

METHODS

Participants were 661 (265 intervention, 396 control) elementary school children in central and northeast Finland. The program was implemented across 2 years with 3 measurement phases using self‐reported MVPA and PE enjoyment, and accelerometer‐determined MVPA of a random subsample (N = 76).

RESULTS

The proportion of children meeting the current MVPA guidelines declined from 38% to 22% (intervention) and 14% to 9% (control), whereas PE enjoyment was stable in both groups. Boys were more physically active than girls only within control group children. Teachers' feedback indicated that violence and bullying among intervention students reduced during the program, which can be considered as an additional benefit.

CONCLUSIONS

It may be that both MVPA and PE enjoyment may require more tailored actions to be increased across a long‐term program. It is important to ensure that school‐based physical activity programs, especially including transition from elementary to middle school level, provide all children positive experiences, and thus, may improve their motivation, and MVPA participation during school days and leisure time.
Barriers to Human Sexuality Education Survey Research Among Vermont Public School Administrators
Authors: Blaisdell Amanda J. , Olsen Larry K.
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Health educators in public high schools can provide educational interventions to reduce teen unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Characteristics of teachers and schools influence their decision to provide condom education. Studies to determine characteristics must be conducted so HIV/sex education can be improved. If schools do not participate in these studies, barriers must be identified so researchers can collect sufficient data to produce information for curriculum reform.

METHODS

A study was conducted to identify teacher characteristics that influence their decision and intention to provide appropriate condom education. Follow‐up e‐mails were sent to administrators who opted out of the study to request more information about their decision to not participate. All responses were submitted via e‐mail correspondence.

RESULTS

Six superintendents and 6 principals provided a reason for their decision to opt out. Superintendents cited being busy with district initiatives, time constraints, and lack of interest in participating in the study as reasons they did not wish to participate. Principals cited competing requests for participation in research, participation in other surveys, and time constraints.

CONCLUSIONS

Securing administrative approval for human sexuality research is challenging. Administrators contend with many priorities, do not wish to overburden teachers, consider participation in voluntary research as a low priority, and may be more likely to respond to telephone requests. Administrators may not want to disclose that human sexuality or HIV education courses may not be taught by certified or qualified health educators.
Insights into the autotransport process of a trimeric autotransporter, Yersinia Adhesin A (YadA)
Authors: Chauhan Nandini , Hatlem Daniel , Orwick‐Rydmark Marcella , Schneider Kenneth , Floetenmeyer Matthias , van Rossum Barth , Leo Jack C. , Linke Dirk
Published: January 2019

Trimeric autotransporter adhesins (TAAs) are a subset of a larger protein family called the type V secretion systems. They are localized on the cell surface of Gram‐negative bacteria, function as mediators of attachment to inorganic surfaces and host cells, and thus include important virulence factors. Yersinia adhesin A (YadA) from Yersinia enterocolitica is a prototypical TAA that is used extensively to study the structure and function of the type Vc secretion system. A solid‐state NMR study of the membrane anchor domain of YadA previously revealed a flexible stretch of small residues, termed the ASSA region, that links the membrane anchor to the stalk domain. In this study, we present evidence that single amino acid proline substitutions produce two different conformers of the membrane anchor domain of YadA; one with the N‐termini facing the extracellular surface, and a second with the N‐termini located in the periplasm. We propose that TAAs adopt a hairpin intermediate during secretion, as has been shown before for other subtypes of the type V secretion system. As the YadA transition state intermediate can be isolated from the outer membrane, future structural studies should be possible to further unravel details of the autotransport process.
Streptococcal dTDP‐L‐rhamnose biosynthesis enzymes: functional characterization and lead compound identification
Authors: van der Beek Samantha L. , Zorzoli Azul , Çanak Ebru , Chapman Robert N. , Lucas Kieron , Meyer Benjamin H. , Evangelopoulos Dimitrios , de Carvalho Luiz Pedro S. , Boons Geert‐Jan , Dorfmueller Helge C. , van Sorge Nina M.
Published: January 2019

Biosynthesis of the nucleotide sugar precursor dTDP‐L‐rhamnose is critical for the viability and virulence of many human pathogenic bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus; GAS), Streptococcus mutans and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Streptococcal pathogens require dTDP‐L‐rhamnose for the production of structurally similar rhamnose polysaccharides in their cell wall. Via heterologous expression in S. mutans, we confirmed that GAS RmlB and RmlC are critical for dTDP‐L‐rhamnose biosynthesis through their action as dTDP‐glucose‐4,6‐dehydratase and dTDP‐4‐keto‐6‐deoxyglucose‐3,5‐epimerase enzymes respectively. Complementation with GAS RmlB and RmlC containing specific point mutations corroborated the conservation of previous identified catalytic residues. Bio‐layer interferometry was used to identify and confirm inhibitory lead compounds that bind to GAS dTDP‐rhamnose biosynthesis enzymes RmlB, RmlC and GacA. One of the identified compounds, Ri03, inhibited growth of GAS, other rhamnose‐dependent streptococcal pathogens as well as M. tuberculosis with an IC50 of 120–410 µM. Importantly, we confirmed that Ri03 inhibited dTDP‐L‐rhamnose formation in a concentration‐dependent manner through a biochemical assay with recombinant rhamnose biosynthesis enzymes. We therefore conclude that inhibitors of dTDP‐L‐rhamnose biosynthesis, such as Ri03, affect streptococcal and mycobacterial viability and can serve as lead compounds for the development of a new class of antibiotics that targets dTDP‐rhamnose biosynthesis in pathogenic bacteria.