bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The value of the certifications of origin: a comparison between the Italian olive oil and wine markets
Authors: Cacchiarelli Luca , Carbone Anna , Laureti Tiziana , Sorrentino Alessandro
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to focus on high segments of the Italian olive oil and wine markets. The main goal is to compare the role and the effectiveness of the certification of origin in the creation of value in the two selected markets. Moreover, the authors investigate how different quality clues in the olive oil and wine sectors are related to prices.

Design/methodology/approach

– To meet the goal the authors estimate two separate hedonic price models where the price of the product is regressed over different quality clues some of which are sector specific and some are common to the two sectors. The models are estimated on data which come from two of the major Italian guides chosen for their well established reputation and for the richness of information.

Findings

– The results indicate that: product origin and the relative certification schemes play a relevant role in the formation of prices in both markets; while the olive oil price seems to be more sensitive to farm location than to the certification of origin, the opposite happens for the wines; the higher segments of the Italian olive oil market is increasingly sophisticated and follows the main tendencies established in the quality wine markets where many quality attributes are intensely active.

Research limitations/implications

– First, it should be kept in mind that results for higher market segment may not hold for different segments where relevant quality clues may be different. Second, reader should be aware that comparability of the two samples is constrained by limited data availability for the olive oil sector compared to the wine sector.

Originality/value

– This study represents one of the first attempts to compare the role of the certification of origin in the creation of value in the Italian agro-food markets.
Young customers’ organoleptic assessment of tomatoes with different geographic origins
Authors: Šebjan Urban , Tominc Polona
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the organoleptic characteristics of cherry tomatoes from three different geographical areas, and to compare the differences/similarities of Slovenian tomatoes which are cultivated by utilising an innovative technology and have altered organoleptic characteristics, with other cherry tomatoes that are available on the Slovenian market and are of different geographical origin (Dutch and Spanish tomatoes). In an experimental study the authors determined the impact of price and organoleptic characteristics as a whole on the choice of tomatoes by young consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

– This experimental study is based on a sample of 27 young consumers, and it examines three hypotheses using three different quantitative methods: one-way ANOVA, χ2 and logistic regression.

Findings

– The authors found that there were statistically significant differences between the perceived organoleptic characteristics of tomatoes grown in three different geographic areas. Young consumers assessed the organoleptic characteristics of the Slovenian tomatoes as the best, followed by the Dutch and Spanish tomatoes. The authors have found that there are statistically significant correlations between the organoleptic characteristics and the price, except for the firmness of tomatoes, which does not significantly affect the price. This cannot be said with regard to price, since there is no statistically significant relationship between this variable and the choice of tomatoes.

Originality/value

– The scientific contribution of this study is reflected in the evaluation and comparison of tomatoes from three different geographical regions, and in linking the perceived organoleptic characteristics of tomatoes with the price, and the final selection of tomatoes by the young consumers.
Effect of food safety training on food handlers’ knowledge and practices
Authors: Nik Husain Nik Rosmawati , Wan Muda Wan Manan , Noor Jamil Noor Izani , Nik Hanafi Nik Nurain , Abdul Rahman Razlina
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– A successful food safety intervention must be based on firm theories and a consideration of all relevant variables. The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent of improvement in food safety knowledge and practices of food handlers in primary school canteens through food safety training.

Design/methodology/approach

– A list of 98 primary schools was randomized into intervention and control groups using a multistage sampling method. The training programme for the intervention group and questionnaires for evaluating knowledge and practices were developed. On-site observations were done to assess hygienic practices during the handling of raw food and cooking equipment. In total, 16 school canteens participated in this study.

Findings

– Knowledge about personal hygiene and related to rules for preparing safe food was significantly improved after the food safety intervention. Some of the improvement was sustained for up to 12 weeks after the intervention. The self-reported practice score of food safety and hygiene in the intervention group was significantly higher at post1 and post2 compared to baseline. A significant within-group and between-group improvement was demonstrated for the observed behaviour of raw food handling and equipment sanitation.

Originality/value

– The originality of this study is to provide a new framework for the design and implementation of food safety intervention in school canteens targeted towards a specific enabling factor for behavioural change. Provision of food safety training grounded by the theory of planned behaviour was associated with significantly improved food safety knowledge and behaviour amongst food handlers.
Understanding consumers’ intention and behaviour towards functionalised food
Authors: La Barbera Francesco , Amato Mario , Sannino Giuliana
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– In recent years, the food industry has developed and brought to the market a number of “functional food” with healthy characteristics. The purpose of this paper is to study and compare the effects of knowledge and food technology neophobia on individuals’ willingness to pay (WTP) for functionalized healthy food.

Design/methodology/approach

– In order to explore these effects in hypothetical vs real settings, an experiment defined by a within-subject design with two treatments (functionalized vs conventional food) on two auction payment conditions (hypothetical vs real) has been conducted. The products chosen for the experiment were two different types of crushed tomatoes: conventional crushed tomatoes (control product) and a crushed tomatoes enriched with lycopene (functionalized product).

Findings

– Results showed that participants stated, on average, a higher WTP for tomatoes enriched with lycopene than for conventional. This positive premium price was not affected by socio-demographic variables, political orientation and tomato-related preferences. As expected, the level of knowledge about lycopene exerted a significant positive effect on premium price in both auctions condition. Also the Healthy choice subscale of the Food Technology Neophobia Scale (FTNS) was a significant predictor of premium price, but only when the auction was hypothetical.

Originality/value

– This paper might shed some light upon the predictive power of the FTNS on individuals’ behavior in a real market setting.
Food markets visitors: a typology proposal
Authors: Crespi-Vallbona Montserrat , Dimitrovski Darko
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Focusing on food markets popularity among tourists, the purpose of this paper is to differentiate clusters of tourists based on their behaviour during their visit of these food halls.

Design/methodology/approach

– Factor-cluster analysis is the segmentation method used to identify food markets groupings related to their motivations, while ANOVA was performed to determine differences between clusters when it comes to perceived authenticity, satisfaction and revisit intention. La Boqueria in Barcelona (Spain) is the paradigmatic food market used to conduct 196 survey respondents based on factor importance.

Findings

– Two homogenous clusters were identified and labelled as apathetic-market visitors and food-market lovers.

Practical implications

– Segmentation proposal provides insights to be taken into account for future Destination Management Organisation’s policies, related to promotional activities and destination branding development. They could create effective tailor-made promotional campaigns and adequate business strategies to further attract more food lovers markets, without removing apathetic-market visitors.

Originality/value

– Fill the gap in the existing knowledge on the tourism interest of local markets in destinations and identify through factor-cluster analysis.
Christensen updates disruption theory
Authors: Denning Stephen
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Recently, observers of the battle between incumbents and challengers have turned the field of disruptive innovation theory into contested territory. What strategies work for defenders and attackers?

Design/methodology/approach

– For an update the author asked the opinion of the world’s foremost authority, Harvard professor Clayton Christensen.

Findings

– According to Christensen, “We discovered that there are three types of innovations, only two of which we had caught in the [original] theory of disruption.

Practical implications

– The only permanent way out of the innovator’s dilemma is to change the game being played and adopt a new corporate focus in which innovation is a necessity, not an option.

Originality/value

– The article updates and broadens disruption theory. Disruption, as Christensen defines it, is a theory of competitive response.
“I felt that I deserved it” – experiences and implications of disability hate crime
Authors: Richardson Lisa , Beadle-Brown Julie , Bradshaw Jill , Guest Colin , Malovic Aida , Himmerich Julian
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to summarise key findings and recommendations from the “Living in Fear” research project focusing on the experiences of people with learning disabilities and autism related to disability hate crime and the experience of the police in dealing with such incidents.

Design/methodology/approach

– Methods included: first, a postal survey with 255 people with learning disabilities or autism (or their carers for people with more severe disabilities), of whom 24 also took part in semi-structured interviews; and second, an electronic survey of the knowledge and experience of 459 police officers or support staff.

Findings

– Just under half of participants had experienced some form of victimisation. The Police reported problems with the definition of disability hate crime and challenges to responding effectively.

Social implications

– A case study from the research highlights some of the key findings and is linked to implications for people with learning disabilities and autism, carers, police and other agencies.

Originality/value

– Previous research has highlighted that victimisation is an issue for this group of people, but has never explored the prevalence and nature of such experiences in a representative sample. Neither has previous research brought together the perspectives of so many different agencies to offer recommendations that go across many sectors. The paper will be of interest to people with disabilities and their carers, professionals in health, social care and the Criminal Justice system.
The Equation of State and the Temperature, Pressure, and Shear Dependence of Viscosity for a Highly Viscous Reference Liquid, Dipentaerythritol Hexaisononanoate
Authors: Bair Scott , Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2016

Measurements are reported for dipentaerythritol hexaisononanoate (DiPEiC9) of pressure–volume–temperature (pVT) response to pressures to 400 MPa and temperatures to 100 °C, and of viscosity at pressures to 700 MPa and temperatures to 90 °C and shear stress to 18 MPa. These data complement the low-shear viscosities published by Harris to pressures to 200 MPa and the compressions by Fandiño et al. to 70 MPa. The improved Yasutomi correlation reproduces all viscosity measurements with accuracy better than the Doolittle free volume and the Bair and Casalini thermodynamic scaling models which require an equation of state (EoS). The interaction parameter for thermodynamic scaling, γ = 3.6, is less than that reported by Harris (γ = 4.2) and the difference is primarily in the choice of EoS. The shear stress at the Newtonian limit, about 6 MPa, is exceptionally large given the high molecular weight of DiPEiC9. The large Newtonian limit is also seen in the oscillatory shear response.
On the Controllability and Observability of Actively Lubricated Journal Bearings With Pads Featuring Different Nozzle-Pivot Configurations
Authors: G. Salazar Jorge , F. Santos Ilmar
Published: March 2016

The fundamental properties of an actively lubricated bearing (ALB) from a control viewpoint are investigated, i.e., the stability, controllability and observability. The ALB involves the addition of an oil injection system to the standard tilting-pad journal bearing (TPJB) to introduce constantly and/or actively high pressurized oil into the rotor-pad gap through, commonly, a single radial nozzle. For the work goal, a four degrees-of-freedom (DOFs) ALB system linking the mechanical with the hydraulic dynamics is presented and studied, comprising: (i) the vertical journal movement, (ii) the pad tilt angle, (iii) the vertical pad movement—due to the pivot flexibility, and (iv) the controllable force as the hydraulic DOF. The test rig consists of a rigid rotor supported by a single rocker-pivoted rigid pad. A thorough parametric study is carried out by investigating the effects of: (a) nozzle-pivot offset, (b) pivot flexibility, and (c) bearing loading on these control basics in order to determine the pad with the best control characteristics. Different nozzle-pivot offsets can be set by varying the positioning of either the injection nozzle or the pivot line. The influence of the pivot compliance on the bearing dynamics is assessed by benchmarking the results obtained with the flexible pivot against the rigid pivot. Three different bearing loads are studied. According to the results, the proposed configurations, especially the offset-pivot pad with slight offsets, improve the bearing control characteristics by introducing an extra mechanism to access the system states. The loading condition modifies the stability, controllability, and observability, while the pivot flexibility highly affects the ALB dynamics.
A New Approach for Fatigue Damage Modeling of Subsurface-Initiated Spalling in Large Rolling Contacts
Authors: Walvekar Aditya A. , Paulson Neil , Sadeghi Farshid , Weinzapfel Nick , Correns Martin , Dinkel Markus
Published: March 2016

Large bearings employed in wind turbine applications have half-contact widths that are usually greater than 1 mm. Previous numerical models developed to investigate rolling contact fatigue (RCF) require significant computational effort to study large rolling contacts. This work presents a new computationally efficient approach to investigate RCF life scatter and spall formation in large bearings. The modeling approach incorporates damage mechanics constitutive relations in the finite element (FE) model to capture fatigue damage. It utilizes Voronoi tessellation to account for variability occurring due to the randomness in the material microstructure. However, to make the model computationally efficient, a Delaunay triangle mesh was used in the FE model to compute stresses during a rolling contact pass. The stresses were then mapped onto the Voronoi domain to evaluate the fatigue damage that leads to the formation of surface spall. The Delaunay triangle mesh was dynamically refined around the damaged elements to capture the stress concentration accurately. The new approach was validated against previous numerical model for small rolling contacts. The scatter in the RCF lives and the progression of fatigue spalling for large bearings obtained from the model show good agreement with experimental results available in the open literature. The ratio of L10 lives for different sized bearings computed from the model correlates well with the formula derived from the basic life rating for radial roller bearing as per ISO 281. The model was then extended to study the effect of initial internal voids on RCF life. It was found that for the same initial void density, the L10 life decreases with the increase in the bearing size.
Development of a Methodology for Engine Performance Investigation Through Double Crankshaft Speed Measurement
Authors: Ponti Fabrizio , Ravaglioli Vittorio , De Cesare Matteo
Published: March 2016

Optimal combustion control has become a key factor in modern automotive applications to guarantee low engine out emissions and good driveability. To meet these goals, the engine management system has to guarantee an accurate control of torque delivered by the engine and optimal combustion phasing. Both quantities can be calculated through a proper processing of in-cylinder pressure signal. However, in-cylinder pressure on-board installation is still uncommon, mainly due to problems related to pressure sensors' reliability and cost. Consequently, the increasing request for combustion control optimization spawned a great amount of research in the development of remote combustion sensing methodologies, i.e., algorithms that allow extracting useful information about combustion effectiveness via low-cost sensors, such as crankshaft speed, accelerometers, or microphones. Based on the simultaneous acquisition of two crankshaft speed signals, this paper analyses the information that can be extracted about crankshaft's torsional behavior through a proper processing of the acquired signals. In particular, the correlations existing between such information and indicated quantities (torque delivered by the engine and combustion phasing) have been analyzed. In order to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio, each speed measurement has been performed at an end of the crankshaft, i.e., in correspondence of the flywheel and the distribution wheel. The presented approach has been applied to a light-duty L4 diesel engine mounted in a test cell. Nevertheless, the methodology is general, and it can be applied to engines with a different number of cylinders, both compression ignition (CI) and spark ignition (SI).
Bactericidal activity of biomimetic diamond nanocone surfaces
Authors: Fisher Leanne E. , Yang Yang , Yuen Muk-Fung , Zhang Wenjun , Nobbs Angela H. , Su Bo
Published: March 2016

The formation of biofilms on implant surfaces and the subsequent development of medical device-associated infections are difficult to resolve and can cause considerable morbidity to the patient. Over the past decade, there has been growing recognition that physical cues, such as surface topography, can regulate biological responses and possess bactericidal activity. In this study, diamond nanocone-patterned surfaces, representing biomimetic analogs of the naturally bactericidal cicada fly wing, were fabricated using microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition, followed by bias-assisted reactive ion etching. Two structurally distinct nanocone surfaces were produced, characterized, and the bactericidal ability examined. The sharp diamond nanocone features were found to have bactericidal capabilities with the surface possessing the more varying cone dimension, nonuniform array, and decreased density, showing enhanced bactericidal ability over the more uniform, highly dense nanocone surface. Future research will focus on using the fabrication process to tailor surface nanotopographies on clinically relevant materials that promote both effective killing of a broader range of microorganisms and the desired mammalian cell response. This study serves to introduce a technology that may launch a new and innovative direction in the design of biomaterials with capacity to reduce the risk of medical device-associated infections.
Identification of Mycobacterial Antigens in Human Urine by Use of Immunoglobulin G Isolated from Sera of Patients with Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Kim Sun Hee , Lee Nan-Ee , Lee Jong Seok , Shin Jeong Hwan , Lee Ju Yeon , Ko Jeong-Heon , Chang Chulhun Ludgerus , Kim Yong-Sam
Published: March 2016

Point-of-care (POC) diagnostic testing of tuberculosis (TB) is a tremendous unmet need. In this study, four urinary mycobacterial antigens were identified through two independent approaches using IgG capture and immunodepletion methods. Among these, ModC was validated by a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method. As expected, the biomarkers elevated the clinical validity of TB diagnosis when combined with preexisting markers.
Incorporating Primary Scientific Literature in Middle and High School Education
Authors: Fankhauser Sarah C. , Lijek Rebeccah S.
Published: March 2016

Primary literature is the most reliable and direct source of scientific information, but most middle school and high school science is taught using secondary and tertiary sources. One reason for this is that primary science articles can be difficult to access and interpret for young students and for their teachers, who may lack exposure to this type of writing. TheJournal of Emerging Investigators(JEI) was created to fill this gap and provide primary research articles that can be accessed and read by students and their teachers.JEIis a non-profit, online, open-access, peer-reviewed science journal dedicated to mentoring and publishing the scientific research of middle and high school students.JEIarticles provide reliable scientific information that is written by students and therefore at a level that their peers can understand. For student-authors who publish inJEI, the review process and the interaction with scientists provide invaluable insight into the scientific process. Moreover, the resulting repository of free, student-written articles allows teachers to incorporate age-appropriate primary literature into the middle and high school science classroom.JEIarticles can be used for teaching specific scientific content or for teaching the process of the scientific method itself. The critical thinking skills that students learn by engaging with the primary literature will be invaluable for the development of a scientifically-literate public.
A Framework for Inclusion and Diversity in Environmental Citizen ScienceReview of:
Citizen Science: Public Participation in Environmental Research;
Janis L. Dickinson and Rick Bonney; (2015). Comstock Publishing Associates, Ithaca, NY. 304 pages.
Authors: Mochnick Jillian
Published: March 2016

Review of: Citizen Science: Public Participation in Environmental Research; Janis L. Dickinson and Rick Bonney; (2015). Comstock Publishing Associates, Ithaca, NY. 304 pages. A review of the new book "Citizen Scienece: Public Participation in Environmental Research" by Janis L. Dickinson, Professor of Natural Resources at Cornell University and Arthur A. Allen Director of Citizen Science at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and Rick Bonney, Director of Program Development and Evaluation at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. These authors amongst many contributors provide the theory, framework, and practice to citizen science projects. This text provides resources to disseminate projects with diverse goals to engage the general public in the scientific process and to study the natural world.
Citizen Science: The Small World Initiative Improved Lecture Grades and California Critical Thinking Skills Test Scores of Nonscience Major Students at Florida Atlantic University
Authors: Caruso Joseph P. , Israel Natalie , Rowland Kimberly , Lovelace Matthew J. , Saunders Mary Jane
Published: March 2016

Course-based undergraduate research is known to improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics student achievement. We tested “The Small World Initiative, a Citizen-Science Project to Crowdsource Novel Antibiotic Discovery” to see if it also improved student performance and the critical thinking of non-science majors in Introductory Biology at Florida Atlantic University (a large, public, minority-dominant institution) in academic year 2014–15. California Critical Thinking Skills Test pre- and posttests were offered to both Small World Initiative (SWI) and control lab students for formative amounts of extra credit. SWI lab students earned significantly higher lecture grades than control lab students, had significantly fewer lecture grades of D+ or lower, and had significantly higher critical thinking posttest total scores than control students. Lastly, more SWI students were engaged while taking critical thinking tests. These results support the hypothesis that utilizing independent course-based undergraduate science research improves student achievement even in nonscience students.
The Use of Online Citizen-Science Projects to Provide Experiential Learning Opportunities for Nonmajor Science Students
Authors: Kridelbaugh Donna M.
Published: March 2016

Citizen science is becoming even more accessible to the general public through technological advances in the development of mobile applications, facilitating information dissemination and data collection. With the advent of “big data,” many citizen-science projects designed to help researchers sift through piles of research data now exist entirely online, either in the form of playing a game or via other digital avenues. Recent trends in citizen science have also focused on “crowdsourcing” solutions from the general public to help solve societal issues, often requiring nothing more than brainstorming and a computer to submit ideas. Online citizen science thus provides an excellent platform to expand the accessibility of experiential learning opportunities for a broad range of nonmajor science students at institutions with limited resources (e.g., community colleges). I created an activity for a general microbiology lecture to engage students in hands-on experiences via participation in online citizen-science projects. The objectives of the assignment were for students to: 1) understand that everyone can be a scientist; 2) learn to be creative and innovative in designing solutions to health and science challenges; and 3) further practice science communication skills with a written report. This activity is designed for introductory science courses with nonmajor science students who have limited opportunities to participate in undergraduate research experiences.
A Primer for Citizen Science EngagementReview of:
Be the Change: Saving the World with Citizen Science
; Chandra Clarke; (2013). CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, Seattle, WA. 85 pages.
Authors: Begley Gail S.
Published: March 2016

Review of: Be the Change: Saving the World with Citizen Science; Chandra Clarke; (2013). CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, Seattle, WA. 85 pages.
Perspectives in Marine Citizen Science
Authors: Bear Michael
Published: March 2016

Citizen science can be defined as the process by which any non-scientist collects data or uses the scientific method under the guidance or mentorship of a scientist. This article presents an overview of several marine citizen-science projects as practiced by three non-profit organizations.
Letter to the Editor
Authors: Marshall Pamela A.
Published: March 2016

A letter to the Editor alerting the ASM education community to the passing of Dr. Joseph P. Caruso, influential colleague and co-author of an article included in the scientific citizenship-themed issue of the Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education (JMBE).
Detection of Broadly Neutralizing Activity within the First Months of HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Sanchez-Merino V. , Fabra-Garcia A. , Gonzalez N. , Nicolas D. , Merino-Mansilla A. , Manzardo C. , Ambrosioni J. , Schultz A. , Meyerhans A. , Mascola J. R. , Gatell J. M. , Alcami J. , Miro J. M. , Yuste E.
Published: March 2016

A fraction of HIV-1 patients are able to generate broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) after 2 to 4 years of infection. In rare occasions such antibodies are observed close to the first year of HIV-1 infection but never within the first 6 months. In this study, we analyzed the neutralization breadth of sera from 157 antiretroviral-naive individuals who were infected for less than 1 year. A range of neutralizing activities was observed with a previously described panel of six recombinant viruses from five different subtypes (M. Medina-Ramirez et al., J Virol85:5804–5813, 2011,http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/JVI.02482-10). Some sera were broadly reactive, predominantly targeting envelope epitopes within the V2 glycan-dependent region. The neutralization breadth was positively associated with time postinfection (P= 0.0001), but contrary to what has been reported for chronic infections, no association with the viral load was observed. Notably, five individuals within the first 6 months of infection (two as early as 77 and 96 days postinfection) showed substantial cross-neutralization. This was confirmed with an extended panel of 20 Env pseudoviruses from four different subtypes (two in tier 3, 14 in tier 2, and four in tier 1). Sera from these individuals were capable of neutralizing viruses from four different subtypes with a geometric mean 50% infective dose (ID50) between 100 and 800. These results indicate that induction of cross-neutralizing responses, albeit rare, is achievable even within 6 months of HIV-1 infection. These observations encourage the search for immunogens able to elicit this kind of response in preventive HIV-1 vaccine approaches.

IMPORTANCEThere are very few individuals able to mount broadly neutralizing activity (bNA) close to the first year postinfection. It is not known how early in the infection cross-neutralizing responses can be induced. In the present study, we show that bNAbs, despite being rare, can be induced much earlier than previously thought. The identification of HIV-1-infected patients with these activities within the first months of infection and characterization of these responses will help in defining new immunogen designs and neutralization targets for vaccine-mediated induction of bNAbs.
Mutations in the Schmallenberg Virus Gc Glycoprotein Facilitate Cellular Protein Synthesis Shutoff and Restore Pathogenicity of NSs Deletion Mutants in Mice
Authors: Varela Mariana , Pinto Rute Maria , Caporale Marco , Piras Ilaria M. , Taggart Aislynn , Seehusen Frauke , Hahn Kerstin , Janowicz Anna , de Souza William Marciel , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , Shi Xiaohong , Palmarini Massimo
Published: March 2016

Serial passage of viruses in cell culture has been traditionally used to attenuate virulence and identify determinants of viral pathogenesis. In a previous study, we found that a strain of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) serially passaged in tissue culture (termed SBVp32) unexpectedly displayed increased pathogenicity in suckling mice compared to wild-type SBV. In this study, we mapped the determinants of SBVp32 virulence to the viral genome M segment. SBVp32 virulence is associated with the capacity of this virus to reach high titers in the brains of experimentally infected suckling mice. We also found that the Gc glycoprotein, encoded by the M segment of SBVp32, facilitates host cell protein shutoffin vitro. Interestingly, while the M segment of SBVp32 is a virulence factor, we found that the S segment of the same virus confers by itself an attenuated phenotype to wild-type SBV, as it has lost the ability to block the innate immune system of the host. Single mutations present in the Gc glycoprotein of SBVp32 are sufficient to compensate for both the attenuated phenotype of the SBVp32 S segment and the attenuated phenotype of NSs deletion mutants. Our data also indicate that the SBVp32 M segment does not act as an interferon (IFN) antagonist. Therefore, SBV mutants can retain pathogenicity even when they are unable to fully control the production of IFN by infected cells. Overall, this study suggests that the viral glycoprotein of orthobunyaviruses can compensate, at least in part, for the function of NSs. In addition, we also provide evidence that the induction of total cellular protein shutoff by SBV is determined by multiple viral proteins, while the ability to control the production of IFN maps to the NSs protein.

IMPORTANCEThe identification of viral determinants of pathogenesis is key to the development of prophylactic and intervention measures. In this study, we found that the bunyavirus Gc glycoprotein is a virulence factor. Importantly, we show that mutations in the Gc glycoprotein can restore the pathogenicity of attenuated mutants resulting from deletions or mutations in the nonstructural protein NSs. Our findings highlight the fact that careful consideration should be taken when designing live attenuated vaccines based on deletions of nonstructural proteins since single mutations in the viral glycoproteins appear to revert attenuated mutants to virulent phenotypes.
Effect of serotonin modulating pharmacotherapies on body mass index and dysglycaemia among children and adolescents: a systematic review and network meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Al Khalifah Reem A , De Long Nicole E , Florez Ivan D , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Morrison Katherine M
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Serotonin-modulating medications are commonly prescribed for mental health issues. Currently, there is limited consensus on weight gain and dysglycaemia development among children using these medications. The objective of this study is to review and synthesise all the available evidence on serotonin-modulating medications and their effects on body mass index (BMI), weight and glycaemic control.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a systematic review of all randomised controlled trials evaluating the use of serotonin-modulating medications in the treatment of children 2–17 years with mental health conditions. The outcome measures are BMI, weight and dysglycaemia. We will perform literature searches through Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, PsycINFO and grey literature resources. Two reviewers from the team will independently screen titles and abstracts, assess the eligibility of full-text trials, extract information from eligible trials and assess the risk of bias and quality of the evidence. Results of this review will be summarised narratively and quantitatively as appropriate. We will perform a multiple treatment comparison using network meta-analysis to estimate the pooled direct, indirect and network estimate for all serotonin-modulating medications on outcomes if adequate data are available.

Ethics and dissemination

Serotonin-modulating medications are widely prescribed for children with mental health diseases and are also used off-label. This network meta-analysis will be the first to assess serotonin modulating antidepressants and their effects on weight and glycaemic control. We anticipate that our results will help physicians and patients make more informed choices while considering the side effect profile. We will disseminate the results of the systematic review and network meta-analysis through peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42015024367.
ECG risk markers for atrial fibrillation and sudden cardiac death in minimally symptomatic obstructive sleep apnoea: the MOSAIC randomised trial
Authors: Schlatzer Christian , Bratton Daniel J , Craig Sonja E , Kohler Malcolm , Stradling John R
Published: March 2016

Objective

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), atrial fibrillation (AF) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) may occur concomitantly, and are of considerable epidemiological interest, potentially leading to morbidity and mortality. Effective treatment of OSA with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) could prevent progression and/or recurrence of AF and factors leading to SCD. Recently, a randomised controlled trial showed a statistically and clinically significant prolongation of measures of cardiac repolarisation after CPAP withdrawal in symptomatic patients with moderate to severe OSA. Whether or not CPAP therapy improves ECG risk markers of AF and SCD in patients with minimally symptomatic OSA as well, is unknown.

Methods

3 centres taking part in the MOSAIC (Multicentre Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Interventional Cardiovascular) trial randomisd 303 patients with minimally symptomatic OSA to receive either CPAP or standard care for 6 months. Treatment effects of CPAP on P-wave duration, P-wave dispersion, QT interval, QT dispersion, Tpeak-to-Tend (TpTe) and TpTe/QT ratio were analysed.

Results

Participants were primarily men (83%). Mean age was 57.8 (7.2) and mean ODI (Oxygen Desaturation Index) at baseline was 13.1/h (12.3). Full 12-lead ECG data was available in 250 patients. Mean (SD) baseline intervals of P-wave duration, P-wave dispersion, QTcinterval, QT dispersion, TpTe and TpTe/QT ratio in ms were 87.4 (8.3), 42.3 (11.9), 397.8 (22.7), 43.1 (16.7), 73.5 (13.7) and 0.19 (0.0), respectively. No treatment effect of CPAP on risk markers for AF and SCD was found.

Conclusions

There seems to be no effect of CPAP on ECG measures of arrhythmia risk in patients with minimally symptomatic OSA.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN34164388; Post-results.
Information transfer in multidisciplinary operating room teams: a simulation-based observational study
Authors: Cumin David , Skilton Carmen , Weller Jennifer
Published: March 2016

Background

Communication of clinically relevant information between members of the operating room (OR) team is critical for safe patient care. Formal communication processes, such as briefing, sign in and time out, are designed to promote this.

Aims

We investigated patterns of communication of clinically relevant information between OR staff in simulated surgical scenarios, to identify factors associated with effective information sharing. We focused on the influence of precase briefing, sign in and time out, which we defined as formal team communications.

Method

Twenty teams of six participated in two scenarios during a day-long course. Participants each received unique, clinically relevant items of information (information probes) prior to simulations and were tested postscenario on recall of the information in the probe. Using videos of the simulations, we coded each time an information probe was mentioned against a structured framework.

Results

Of the 145 instances where a probe was mentioned at least once, 75 (51.7%) were mentioned during a formal team communication. However, there were 89 instances of a possible 234 (38%) where a probe was never mentioned. Some team members were more likely to mention the information than others. When probes were mentioned during formal team communications, significantly more team members were attentive (1.4 vs 2.3; p<0.001), the information was significantly more likely to be recalled and the team was five times more likely (p=0.01) to recall the information than if the information was only mentioned outside of a formal communication.

Conclusions

While our study supports the value of formal team communications during precase briefing, sign in and time out in the Surgical Safety Checklist, our findings suggest suboptimal transmission of information between team members and unequal contributions of information by different professional groups.
Concussed athletes are more prone to injury both before and after their index concussion: a data base analysis of 699 concussed contact sports athletes
Authors: Burman Erik , Lysholm Jack , Shahim Pashtun , Malm Christer , Tegner Yelverton
Published: March 2016

Background

Ice hockey and football players suffering concussions might have an increased risk for injuries afterwards. We aimed to investigate if concussions predisposed athletes for subsequent sport injuries.

Methods

Patient data were obtained from a data base established at the University Hospital in Umea, Sweden. Athletes who had suffered a concussion were included if they had been aged between 15 and 35 years of age, and played ice hockey, football (soccer), floorball and handball. They were studied in terms of all new or previous injuries during 24 months before and after their concussion. Results were compared with a control group of athletes from the same four sports with an ankle injury.

Results

Athletes with a concussion were more likely to sustain injuries compared with the control group, both before (OR 1.98. 95% CI 1.45 to 2.72) and after the concussion (OR 1.72. 95% CI 1.26 to 2.37). No increase in frequency of injury was found after a concussion compared with before. This was true for athletes in all four sports and for both sexes.

Conclusions

This study indicates that athletes sustaining a concussion may have a more aggressive or risk-taking style of play than their counterparts. Our data do not suggest that a concussion injury, per se, leads to subsequent injuries.
Telestroke—the promise and the challenge. Part two—expansion and horizons
Authors: Akbik F , Hirsch J A , Chandra R V , Frei D , Patel A B , Rabinov J D , Rost N , Schwamm L H , Leslie-Mazwi T M
Published: March 2016

Acute ischemic stroke remains a major public health concern, with low national treatment rates for the condition, demonstrating a disconnection between the evidence of treatment benefit and delivery of this treatment. Intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy are both strongly evidence supported and exquisitely time sensitive therapies. The mismatch between the distribution and incidence of stroke presentations and the availability of specialist care significantly affects access to care. Telestroke, the use of telemedicine for stroke, aims to surmount this hurdle by distributing stroke expertise more effectively, through video consultation with and examination of patients in locations removed from specialist care. This is the second of a two part review, and is focused on the challenges telestroke faces for wider adoption. It further details the anticipated evolution of this novel therapeutic platform, and the potential roles it holds in stroke prevention, ambulance based care, rehabilitation, and research.
Patient-initiated appointments compared with standard outpatient care for rheumatoid arthritis: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Fredriksson Cecilia , Ebbevi David , Waldheim Eva , Lindblad Staffan , Ernestam Sofia
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To test the hypothesis that implementing a patient-initiated system of care could improve clinical outcome in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using disease activity guided management.

Methods

An 18-month controlled blinded end point two-centre study with 131 patients with RA randomised to intervention (n=64) or control (n=67). The intervention group participants were guaranteed appointments to a rheumatologist within 10 working days if they subjectively experienced a flare in disease activity. The control group participants were booked in advance according to guidelines. Independent assessments were performed in the two groups at 0, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. Outcome measures included: Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28), a Visual Analogue Scale (satisfaction with care, confidence in care), number of appointments with a rheumatologist.

Results

DAS28 decreased. Median satisfaction and confidence in care were >90 mm on Visual Analog Scale. Median number of appointments was 3. There were no significant differences between the groups among these outcomes. Visits in the intervention group more often resulted in change of treatment than in the control group (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Patient-initiated care was neither better nor inferior to traditional care in terms of outcomes analysed. Patient-initiated appointments can safely be used in everyday outpatient care of RA to empower the patient, if disease activity guided management is applied. Further research should investigate if this intervention can target a subgroup of patients and hence also result in released resources.
Pleiotropic effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid in mouse brain
Authors: Lavandera Jimena , Rodríguez Jorge , Ruspini Silvina , Meiss Roberto , Zuccoli Johanna Romina , Martínez María del Carmen , Gerez Esther , Batlle Alcira , Buzaleh Ana María
Published: March 2016

5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) seems to be responsible for the neuropsychiatric manifestations of acute intermittent porphyria (AIP). Our aim was to study the effect of ALA on the different metabolic pathways in the mouse brain to enhance our knowledge about the action of this heme precursor on the central nervous system. Heme metabolism, the cholinergic system, the defense enzyme system, and nitric oxide metabolism were evaluated in the encephalon of CF-1 mice receiving a single (40 mg/kg body mass) or multiple doses of ALA (40 mg/kg, every 48 h for 14 days). We subsequently found ALA accumulation in the encephalon of the mice. ALA also altered the brain cholinergic system. After one dose of ALA, a decrease in superoxide dismutase activity and a reduction in glutathione levels were detected, whereas malondialdehyde levels and catalase activity were increased. Heme oxygenase was also increased as an antioxidant response to protect the encephalon against injury. All nitric oxide synthase isoforms were induced by ALA, these changes were more significant for the inducible isoform in glial cells. In conclusion, ALA affected several metabolic pathways in mouse encephalon. Data indicate that a rapid response to oxidative stress was developed; however, with long-term intoxication, the redox balance was probably restored, thereby minimizing oxidative damage.
Investigation of insulin-like growth factor-1 gene with egg-laying traits in the Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata)
Authors: Wu X. , Liu X.T. , Lan J.J. , Wan X.P. , Yan M.J. , Lian S.Y. , Li A.
Published: March 2016

Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) is characterized by broodiness, and egg-laying traits in this species should be of primary concern. As a member of the IGF superfamily of proteins, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is an important positive regulator of growth and gonad development in vertebrates. To explore the effect of IGF-1 on the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factors (GH/IGF) axis, we cloned and characterized IGF-1 of Muscovy duck. The expression level of IGF-1 was widely expressed in all the tested tissues, and the highest level was detected in the liver. In laying ducks, IGF-1 expression levels in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovary were very significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that in the tissues of nesting duck, and IGF-1 expression levels in the heart and liver were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that in nesting duck tissues. Furthermore, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (A/G) was found and significantly (P < 0.05) associated with age at first egg and egg number at 300 d. This study provides the first evidence that IGF-1 promote egg-laying traits of Muscovy duck through two axes, involving GH/IGF and hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axes. These findings enrich the information of IGF-1 of Muscovy duck and demonstrate for the first time the ability of IGF-1 to promote reproduction, indicating that IGF-1 could be used as an important marker gene.