bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
National freight demand modelling: a tool for macrologistics management
Authors: Havenga Jan Hendrik , Simpson Zane Paul
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of South Africa’s national freight demand model and related logistics cost models, and to illustrate the application of the modelling outputs to inform macrologistics policy.

Design/methodology/approach

Spatially and sectorally disaggregated supply and demand data are developed using the input-output (I-O) model of the economy as a platform, augmented by actual data. Supply and demand interaction is translated into freight flows via a gravity model. The logistics costs model is a bottom-up aggregation of logistics-related costs for these freight flows.

Findings

South Africa’s logistics costs are higher than in developed countries. Road freight volumes constitute 80 per cent of long-distance corridor freight, while road transport contributes more than 80 per cent to the country’s transport costs. These challenges raise concerns regarding the competitiveness of international trade, as well as the impact of transport externalities. The case studies highlight that domestic logistics costs are the biggest cost contributor to international trade logistics costs and can be reduced through inter alia modal shift. Modal shift can be induced through the internalisation of freight externality costs. Results show that externality cost internalisation can eradicate the societal cost of freight transport in South Africa without increasing macroeconomic freight costs.

Research limitations/implications

Systematic spatially disaggregated commodity-level data are limited. There is however a wealth of supply, demand and freight flow information collected by the public and private sector. Initiatives to create an appreciation of the intrinsic value of such information and to leverage data sources will improve freight demand modelling in emerging economies.

Originality/value

A spatially and sectorally disaggregated national freight demand model, and related logistics costs models, utilising actual and modelled data, balanced via the national I-O model, provides opportunities for increased accuracy of outputs and diverse application possibilities.
Collaboration in urban distribution of online grocery orders
Authors: Zissis Dimitris , Aktas Emel , Bourlakis Michael
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Population growth, urbanisation and the increased use of online shopping are some of the key challenges affecting the traditional logistics model. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the distribution of grocery products ordered online and the subsequent home delivery and click and collect services offered by online retailers to fulfil these orders. These services are unsustainable due to increased operational costs, carbon emissions, traffic and noise. The main objective of the research is to propose sustainable logistics models to reduce economic, environmental and social costs whilst maintaining service levels.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have a mixed methodology based on simulation and mathematical modelling to evaluate the proposed shared logistics model using: primary data from a major UK retailer, secondary data from online retailers and primary data from a consumer survey on preferences for receiving groceries purchased online. Integration of these three data sets serves as input to vehicle routing models that reveal the benefits from collaboration by solving individual distribution problems of two retailers first, followed by the joint distribution problem under single decision maker assumption.

Findings

The benefits from collaboration could be more than 10 per cent in the distance travelled and 16 per cent in the time required to deliver the orders when two online grocery retailers collaborate in distribution activities.

Originality/value

The collaborative model developed for the online grocery market incentivises retailers to switch from current unsustainable logistics models to the proposed collaborative models.
Saving lives: design and implementation of lifeline emergency ad hoc network
Authors: Cheong Se-Hang , Si Yain-Whar , U. Leong-Hou
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a system for automatically forming ad hoc networks using mobile phones and battery-powered wireless routers for emergency situations. The system also provides functions to send emergency messages and identify the location of victims based on the network topology information.

Design/methodology/approach

Optimized link state routing protocol is used to instantly form an ad hoc emergency network based on WiFi signals from mobile phones of the victims, backup battery-powered wireless routers preinstalled in buildings and mobile devices deployed by search and rescue teams. The proposed system is also designed to recover from partial crash of network and nodes lost.

Findings

Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system in terms of battery life, transmission distance and noises.

Originality/value

A novel message routing schedule is proposed for conserving battery life. A novel function to estimate the location of a mobile device which sent an emergency message is proposed in this paper.
A jack-of-all-trades or a master of none: the performance effects of balancing exploration and exploitation within vs across alliance portfolio domains
Authors: Penney Christopher R. , Combs James G. , Gaffney Nolan , Sexton Jennifer C.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Theory predicts that balancing exploratory and exploitative learning (i.e., ambidexterity) across alliance portfolio domains (e.g. value chain function, governance modes) increases firm performance, whereas balance within domains decreases performance. Prior empirical work, however, only assessed balance/imbalance within and across two domains. The purpose of this study is to determine if theory generalizes beyond specific domain combinations. The authors investigated across multiple domains to determine whether alliance portfolios should be imbalanced toward exploration or exploitation within domains or balanced across domains. The authors also extended prior research by exploring whether the direction of imbalance matters. Current theory only advises managers to accept imbalance without helping with the choice between exploration and exploitation.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses are tested using fixed-effects generalized least squares (GLS) regression analysis of a large 13-year panel sample of Fortune 500 firms from 1996 to 2008.

Findings

With respect to the balance between exploration and exploitation within each of the five domains investigated, imbalanced alliance portfolios had higher firm performance. No evidence was found that balance across domains relates to performance. Instead, for four of the five domains, imbalance toward exploration related positively to firm performance.

Originality/value

An alliance portfolio that allows for exploration in some domains and exploitation in other domains appears more difficult to implement than prior theory suggests. Firms benefit mostly from using the alliance portfolio for exploratory learning.
Cost efficiency analysis of scheduled commercial banks: empirical evidence from India
Authors: Bhatia Aparna , Mahendru Megha
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and evaluate cost efficiency (CE) scores of Indian Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) in India over a period of 22 years, i.e. 1991–1992 to 2012–2013.

Design/methodology/approach

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) – a non-parametric approach is used to calculate efficiency scores of banks. Further the efficiency scores are decomposed into technical and allocative efficiency. The differences in the efficiency scores across ownership as well as across reformatory and post-reformatory era are examined by applying Panel Tobit Regression.

Findings

The paper also identifies the reason for cost inefficiency among Indian banks. In addition, the nature of their return to scale of all SCBs has also been evaluated. The results of the paper depict that Indian SCBs have never achieved full CE score of 1 in any of the years of study. The dominant reason identified behind cost inefficiency is allocative inefficiency. Surprisingly, the results also highlight that SCBs exhibit higher CE scores in reformatory era as compared to the post-reformatory era.

Originality/value

With specific reference to India, even lesser literature is found on CE. Indian banking sector has witnessed many changes on account of liberalization, privatization and globalization (LPG). Before banks adapted to the new environment, the global financial crisis acted as a fuel to fire affecting the performance of banks. Thus, a reassessment over a longer period would help to know a wholistic view of the issue of cost inefficiency, which has always been a troubling factor for Indian banks.
Formalizing company KM portrait: pilot study with evidence from Russia
Authors: Gavrilova Tatiana , Alsufyev Artem , Pleshkova Anastasiia
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop the model of knowledge management influence on company performance for further empirical testing of the links between knowledge management practices and processes and organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study establishes a model for comprehensive analysis of knowledge management’s influence on performance and describes the preliminary results gained from the experience of 120 Russian companies. For further testing structural equation modelling and the partial least squares methods are proposed.

Findings

The results of the literature review justify the importance of the study conducting this study in the field of knowledge management and its connection to organizational performance in the developing market of Russia. A theoretical model for future empirical testing is provided and methods suggested for further data analysis and interpretation. The preliminary conclusions are discussed.

Research limitations/implications

The focus on Russian firms limits the generalizability of the results. The non-response bias is also taken into account for further study.

Practical implications

This pilot study outlines the importance of knowledge management practices and processes for firm performance. The preliminary results will be interesting both for researchers and practitioners in the countries with the developing economies. The final results will provide new insights in understanding and formalizing the portrait of a typical Russian company with regards to knowledge management policies.

Originality/value

Few studies have been published on the knowledge management process within the Russian context. This study is expected to encourage future studies in this field. The present paper fills an important gap in the extant literature by conceptualizing the model for knowledge management performance analysis and proposes empirical testing of the relationship between knowledge management and firm performance in the context of a developing country that will be presented later as the direction for future study. This study is one of the first ever to study these relationships within the Russian context.
A look at corporate control: the case of Hertz Global Holdings
Authors: Jones Travis L. , Allen Marcus T.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on issues of corporate control around the announcement of the decision of Hertz Global Holdings to relocate its corporate headquarters from New Jersey to Florida in 2013. The relocation decision and accounting irregularities discovered after the announcement raised interest from activist investors. The firm responded by enacting a “poison pill,” but control was eventually wrestled away and the CEO was replaced. Examining these events gives students insights into corporate control issues facing a major US corporation.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study presents a history of the firm from its founding in 1918 through 2017, with an emphasis on key events from 2012 through 2017. These events include acquisition of a competing firm (Dollar Thrifty), relocation of corporate headquarters, accounting irregularities, restatement of financials, activist investor responses, issuance of a “poison pill,” and turnover in the CEO position.

Findings

The case is intentionally written to “tell the story” of events that relate to issues involving control of the company around the decision to relocate its corporate headquarters. The case highlights potential agency problems between management and shareholders and the market’s response to those problems.

Originality/value

No prior case study considers the topic of corporate control from the perspective of Hertz Global Holdings. This case study can be used by instructors in graduate and undergraduate courses to examine corporate control issues from a “real world” perspective.
The role of customer engagement in the involvement-loyalty link
Authors: Parihar Prateeksha , Dawra Jagrook , Sahay Vinita
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the different dimensions of involvement and customer engagement (CE) and analyze the influence of CE on loyalty in an online retail context. The study also tests the mediation of CE between the facets of involvement and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a survey for data collection from online retail website users and analyzed the data with partial least squares – structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results reveal that the dimensions of involvement drive engagement differently. The risk importance and risk probability do not influence CE whereas the sign, interest, and pleasure are positively associated with CE. Furthermore, CE mediates the link between sign, interest, and pleasure dimensions of involvement and loyalty.

Practical implications

This study provides insights for the managers that the perception of value from a brand starts at its product category level and values like sign, interest, and pleasure can be provided to the customers by not only brand consumption but also by engaging them with the brand.

Originality/value

This is among the first studies to have empirically tested the effect of dimensions of involvement on CE and explain the role of engagement as a means for the customers to achieve expected values. It also contributes to the extant CE literature by testing its mediating role between involvement dimensions and loyalty, thus augmenting the studies, which have explored the antecedents and consequences of CE.
Natural Preservatives for Extending the Shelf‐Life of Seafood: A Revisit
Authors: Olatunde Oladipupo Odunayo , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: September 2018

Consumer demand for minimally processed seafood that retains its sensory and nutritional properties after handling and storage is increasing. Nevertheless, quality loss in seafood occurs immediately after death, during processing and storage, and is associated with enzymatic, microbiological, and chemical reactions. To maintain the quality, several synthetic additives (preservatives) are promising for preventing the changes in texture and color, development of unpleasant flavor and rancid odor, and loss of nutrients of seafood during storage at low temperature. However, the use of these preservatives has been linked to potential health hazards. In this regard, natural preservatives with excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties have been extensively searched and implemented as safe alternatives in seafood processing, with the sole purpose of extending shelf‐life. Natural preservatives commonly used include plants extracts, chitosan and chitooligosaccharide, bacteriocins, bioactive peptides, and essential oils, among others. This review provides updated information about the production, mode of action, applications, and limitations of these natural preservatives in seafood preservation.
Using Ethylcellulose to Structure Oil Droplets in Ice Cream Made with High Oleic Sunflower Oil
Authors: Munk Merete B. , Munk Daniel M.E. , Gustavsson Frida , Risbo Jens
Published: September 2018

In order to mimic physical characteristics of solid fat, ethylcellulose (EC) was used as an oleogelator in ice creams made with high oleic sunflower oil (HOSO). The aim was to improve structure of ice cream made with fully liquid vegetable oil by inhibiting droplet coalescence and to enable a colloidal fat network by making the oil droplets solid‐like. Two different methods for incorporating EC into emulsions were developed, both designed to involve high pressure homogenization of ice cream mixes as in traditional ice cream production. Ice creams based on 10% HOSO and 1% EC (cP10 or cP20) were successfully made. Two types of emulsifiers in the ice cream formulations were tested: unsaturated monoglyceride (GMU) or saturated mono‐diglyceride. GMU enhanced fat destabilization of ice cream resulting in coalescence of unstructured HOSO droplets. Presence of EC in HOSO based ice cream inhibited coalescence of oil droplets and the structure of the lipid phase resembled the small, evenly distributed fat globules in the reference ice cream made with saturated coconut fat. The resisting effect toward coalescence increased with higher molecular weight of EC, accordingly oil droplets made with EC cP20 were smaller compared to oil droplets containing EC cP10. EC did not increase the amount of air that was incorporated in ice creams based on HOSO, irrespective of the type of emulsifier. In general the overrun in HOSO‐based ice creams (with and without EC) was considerably lower compared to ice cream made with coconut fat.

Practical Application

Interest for product development of ice cream based on unsaturated liquid oil is increasing. To compensate for the lacking fat crystals that provide structure and stability in traditional ice cream, the liquid oil is transformed into solid‐like material by ethylcellulose (EC). The process of ice cream includes high pressure homogenization, and in order to adapt to this process step, two new methods of incorporation of EC into the oil of ice cream mixes were developed.
Aplysin Protects Against Alcohol‐Induced Liver Injury Via Alleviating Oxidative Damage and Modulating Endogenous Apoptosis‐Related Genes Expression in Rats
Authors: Ge Na , Liang Hui , Zhao Yuan‐yuan , Liu Ying , Gong An‐jing , Zhang Wen‐long
Published: September 2018

We investigated the protective effects and possible mechanisms of Aplysin against alcohol‐induced liver injury. Rats were given daily either alcohol only (alcohol model group; 8 to 12 mL/kg body weight), one of three doses of Aplysin (50, 100, or 150 mg/kg Aplysin) plus alcohol, or volume‐matched saline. After 6 weeks, the effects of Aplysin were assessed in terms of changes in histology, biochemical indices, and DNA oxidative damage. Potential mechanisms were analyzed through measurements of lipid peroxidation, antioxidant defense systems, expression of cytochrome P450 2E1, and expression of apoptosis‐related genes. We found that Aplysin significantly protected the liver against alcohol‐induced oxidative injury, evidenced by improved hepatic histological structure, inhibited alcohol‐induced elevation of serum biochemical indices, attenuated extents of hepatocellular DNA damage. At a mechanistic level, Aplysin alleviated alcohol‐induced oxidative stress as illustrated by the revivification of erythrocyte membrane fluidity, the attenuation of glutathione depletion, the restoration of antioxidase activities, and reduced malondialdehyde overproduction. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of Bax, cytochrome c, and cytochrome P450 2E1 were significantly down‐regulated, whereas those of Bcl‐2 and caspase‐9 and caspase‐3 were markedly up‐regulated. These findings suggest that Aplysin provides significant protection against alcohol‐induced liver injury, possibly through alleviating oxidative damage and modulating endogenous apoptosis‐related genes expression.

Practical Application

Many natural components derived from alga have been used in the food, cosmetics, and biomedicine industries. Aplysin, a marine bromosesquiterpene, was extracted from the red alga Laurencia tristicha, which could effectively protect against alcohol‐induced liver injury, might be a potential natural sources for preventing alcoholic liver damage.
Cardiovascular, cancer and mortality events after bariatric surgery in people with and without pre‐existing diabetes: A nationwide study
Authors: Dhalwani Nafeesa N. , Zaccardi Francesco , Waheed Hina , Mytton Jemma , Papamargaritis Dimitris , Webb David R. , Evison Felicity , Lilford Richard , Davies Melanie J. , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: September 2018

Background

Bariatric surgery reduces cardiovascular events and mortality risk in obese individuals. However, it is unclear whether diabetes modifies this effect. This study examined mortality, cardiovascular, and cancer risk following bariatric surgery in adults with and without pre‐existing diabetes.

Methods

Using mortality‐linked Hospital Episodes Statistics (2006‐14) from England, the risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, unstable angina, heart failure, and cancer following bariatric surgery was examined; the risk of death in people undergoing surgery was also compared with mortality rates of the general population.

Results

Of the 35 887 people undergoing bariatric surgery, 9175 (25.6%) had pre‐existing diabetes. During a mean follow‐up of 5.3 years, 801 people died, of whom 293 (36.6%) had pre‐existing diabetes. The risk of all‐cause mortality was 26% higher in people with than without diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08‐1.46), whereas the risk of cancer was 21% higher (aHR 1.21; 95% CI 1.14‐1.77). The risk of cardiovascular events was higher for patients with than without diabetes (aHRs [95% CIs] 2.08 [1.42‐3.05], 1.80 [1.29‐2.52], 1.61 [1.18‐2.19], and 1.42 [1.14‐1.77] for myocardial infarction, unstable angina, stroke, and heart failure, respectively). Compared with the general population, the age‐standardized mortality rate ratio was 1.70 (1.52‐1.91) and 1.35 (1.23‐1.48) in people with and without pre‐existing diabetes, respectively.

Conclusions

For patients with pre‐existing diabetes, the risk of death, cardiovascular events, and cancer after bariatric surgery was higher than for those without diabetes, whose mortality risk after surgery remains 35% higher than that of the general population.
A method that accounts for differential detectability in mixed samples of long‐term infections with applications to the case of chronic wasting disease in cervids
Authors: Viljugrein Hildegunn , Hopp Petter , Benestad Sylvie L. , Nilsen Erlend B. , Våge Jørn , Tavornpanich Saraya , Rolandsen Christer M. , Strand Olav , Mysterud Atle
Published: September 2018

Surveillance of wildlife diseases is logistically difficult, and imperfect detection is a recurrent challenge for disease estimation. Using citizen science can increase sample sizes, but it is associated with a cost in terms of the anatomical type and quality of the sample. Additionally, biological tissue samples from remote areas lose quality due to autolysis. These challenges are faced in the case of emerging chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids.

Here, we develop a stochastic scenario tree model of diagnostic sensitivity, allowing for a mixture of tissue sample types (lymph nodes and brain) and qualities while accounting for different detection probabilities during the CWD infection, lasting 2–3 years. We apply the diagnostic sensitivity in a Bayesian framework, enabling estimation of age‐class‐specific true prevalence, including the prevalence in latent, recently infected stages. We provide a simulation framework to estimate the sensitivity of the surveillance system (i.e., the probability of detecting the infection in a given population), when detectability varies among individuals due to different disease progression.

We demonstrate the utility of our framework by applying it to the recent emergence of CWD in a European population of reindeer. We estimated apparent CWD prevalence at 1.2% of adults in the infected population of wild reindeer, while the true prevalence was 1.6%. The sensitivity estimation of the CWD surveillance was performed in an adjacent small (c. 500) and a large (c. 10,000) reindeer population, demonstrating low certainty of CWD absence.

Our method has immediate application to the mandatory testing for CWD in EU countries commencing in 2018. Similar approaches that account for latent stages and a serial disease progression in various tissues with a temporal pattern of diagnostic sensitivity may enhance the estimation of the prevalence of wildlife diseases more generally.
A salicylic acid derivative extends the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans by activating autophagy and the mitochondrial unfolded protein response
Authors: Shamalnasab Mehrnaz , Gravel Simon‐Pierre , St‐Pierre Julie , Breton Lionel , Jäger Sibylle , Aguilaniu Hugo
Published: September 2018

Plant extracts containing salicylates are probably the most ancient remedies to reduce fever and ease aches of all kind. Recently, it has been shown that salicylates activate adenosine monophosphate‐activated kinase (AMPK), which is now considered as a promising target to slow down aging and prevent age‐related diseases in humans. Beneficial effects of AMPK activation on lifespan have been discovered in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Indeed, salicylic acid and acetylsalicylic acid extend lifespan in worms by activating AMPK and the forkhead transcription factor DAF‐16/FOXO. Here, we investigated whether another salicylic acid derivative 5‐octanoyl salicylic acid (C8‐SA), developed as a controlled skin exfoliating ingredient, had similar properties using C. elegans as a model. We show that C8‐SA increases lifespan of C. elegans and that a variety of pathways and genes are required for C8‐SA‐mediated lifespan extension. C8‐SA activates AMPK and inhibits TOR both in nematodes and in primary human keratinocytes. We also show that C8‐SA can induce both autophagy and the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmit) in nematodes. This induction of both processes is fully required for lifespan extension in the worm. In addition, we found that the activation of autophagy by C8‐SA fails to occur in worms with compromised UPRmit, suggesting a mechanistic link between these two processes. Mutants that are defective in the mitochondrial unfolded protein response exhibit constitutive high autophagy levels. Taken together, these data therefore suggest that C8‐SA positively impacts longevity in worms through induction of autophagy and the UPRmit.
Morphology of the vaginal complex in the white‐eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris): Gross anatomy and light microscopy
Authors: Schimming Bruno C. , Cesario Maria D. , Matheus Selma M. M.
Published: September 2018

Opossums, the largest marsupials found in Brazil, are animals of great interest due to their commonality in large urban centres and their frequent use as laboratory animals. Thus, this study was designed to describe the vaginal complex in ten female opossums by gross anatomy and light microscopy. The vaginal complex comprises two lateral vaginae, a vaginal cul‐de‐sac and a urogenital sinus. No marked morphological contrast of the vaginal complex was observed in the proestrus and metestrus phases of the females studied. The epithelium lining of cul‐de‐sac was simple columnar and folded. The lateral vagina was lined by a stratified squamous epithelium that was keratinised in its cranial portion and nonkeratinised in the caudal region. The urogenital sinus was also lined by a stratified squamous epithelium. The morphology of vaginal complex of white‐eared opossum is similar to those reported for other marsupials, showing similar histological features.
Genetic polymorphisms, forensic efficiency, and phylogenetic analysis of 15 autosomal STR loci in the Uygur population of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Northwestern China
Authors: Feng Chun‐Mei , Wang Xin , Yu Hao , Wang Xiao‐Long , Zhang Guo‐Hua
Published: September 2018

The genetic polymorphisms of 15 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci were analyzed in 449 individuals of the Uygur population from Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Northwestern China. Phylogenetic analysis was performed among the Ili Uygur population and other relevant populations. The neighbor‐joining tree and multidimensional scaling plot were generated based on the Nei's standard genetic distance. We found a total of 173 alleles with corresponding frequencies ranging from 0.5022 to 0.0011. The combined powers of discrimination and exclusion for the 15 autosomal STR loci were 0.99999999985 and 0.99999880065, respectively. Population comparisons indicated that the Ili Uygur population had a relatively close genetic relationship with the Uygur populations from other regions of China. The pairwise genetic distance and P‐values between Ili Uygur and 10 published populations showed that no statistically significant differences existed between the Ili Uygur population and the Kashi, Kashgar, and Kotan Uygur. Therefore, the Ili Uygur population has its own unique Uygur genetic characteristics that were different from the other ethnic populations of China.
A PEAR1 polymorphism (rs12041331) is associated with risk of coronary artery aneurysm in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Pi Lei , Xu Yufen , Fu Lanyan , Zhang Li , Liu Yunfeng , Zhou Huazhong , Che Di , Gu Xiaoqiong
Published: September 2018

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis that is most seriously complicated by coronary artery aneurysm (CAA). The polymorphisms of platelet endothelial aggregation receptor 1 (PEAR1), notably rs12041331 and rs12566888, were found to be closely related to cardiac disease. However, little is known regarding the connection between PEAR1 and KD. In this study, we genotyped PEAR1 rs12566888 and rs12041331 in 637 healthy infants and 694 KD patients (74 with CAA). Subsequently, odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the strength of their relationships. No significant differences in the frequency of rs12566888 or rs12041331 in PEAR1 were observed between KD and healthy controls. However, regardless of the statistical combination of rs12566888 genotype, the rs12041331 recessive inheritance model was associated with an increased risk of CAA after Bonferroni correction (for rs12041331, AA vs. GG/GA: adjusted OR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.41–4.01, P = 0.009; combination of two recessive genotypes vs. combination of 0–1 recessive genotypes: adjusted OR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.42–4.04, P = 0.009). This study suggests for the first time that PEAR1 polymorphisms did not indicate susceptibility for KD occurrence but the rs12041331 polymorphism was associated with increased risk of CAA formation in KD, and the functions of the gene warrant further research.
Association of polymorphisms in genes coding for antioxidant enzymes and human male infertility
Authors: García Rodríguez Anaís , de la Casa Moises , Johnston Stephen , Gosálvez Jaime , Roy Rosa
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Although oxidative stress is thought to be an important cause of male infertility, primarily due to DNA and cell membrane damage, little is known about the genetic causes underlying suboptimal function of the seminal enzymatic antioxidant system. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of four potentially functional polymorphisms associated with oxidative stress pathway genes (superoxide dismutase—SOD2 lle58Thr and SOD2 rs4880, catalase—CAT C‐262T, glutathione peroxidase 1—GPX1 Pro200Leu) and two null variants of the glutathione S transferase (GSTT and GSTM) genes and infertility risk.

Methods

A case control study was conducted on 313 infertile patients and 80 fertile donors. Each ejaculate was subjected to a seminal analysis that included the classical parameters seminal volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, and sperm morphology, as well as sperm DNA fragmentation (patients only). Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) and PCR multiplex methods were carried out for genotyping.

Results

Statistically significant differences were found between fertile donors and infertile patients for SNP CAT C‐262T; the CC genotype was related with a twofold increased risk of infertility (odds ratio [OR] = 2.262; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.369–3.733; P = 0.001), whereas the CT genotype was associated with a protective effect (OR = 0.401; 95% CI = 0.241–0.667; P = 0.001). Surprisingly, the SOD2 Ile58ssThr SNP was not represented in the sample population, so its frequency in the current population frequenting fertility clinics in Madrid may be very low.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the CAT SNP C‐262T is potentially associated with an increased risk of male infertility.
A study comparing the practice of Australian maternity care providers in relation to maternal immunisation
Authors: Krishnaswamy Sushena , Wallace Euan M. , Buttery Jim , Giles Michelle L.
Published: September 2018

Background

Women's decisions regarding vaccination during pregnancy are heavily influenced by maternity care provider (MCP) recommendations. Understanding why MCPs may not recommend vaccination is central to improving vaccination rates.

Aims

To examine the knowledge, attitudes and practice of Australian MCPs to maternal vaccination.

Methods

We surveyed obstetricians, midwives and general practitioners (GPs) between September and November 2016. Providers were asked about their knowledge and current practice, and about their perceived roles in discussing and administering maternal vaccinations.

Results

Eight hundred and seventy surveys were completed. Each MCP group believed they had the primary responsibility for discussing vaccinations but all groups perceived GPs as primarily responsible for administering vaccines. More midwives had concerns about safety (21/129, 16%) than obstetricians (9/359, 3%) and GPs (7/326, 2%) (P < 0.001). Overall, 83% of MCPs recommended diphtheria‐tetanus‐acellular pertussis vaccination (dTpa) and 78% inactivated influenza vaccination (IIV) according to guidelines, with no differences between groups. Overall 77% provided dTpa onsite (GPs 99%, midwives 70%, obstetricians 60%, P < 0.001) and 71% provided IIV (GPs 99%, midwives 48%, obstetricians 54%, P < 0.001). Factors associated with recommending vaccination in accordance with guidelines and providing vaccination onsite were similar across groups: personal history of vaccination, confidence in vaccine knowledge, and awareness of recommendations for and belief in the safety of maternal dTpa.

Conclusions

Among MCPs, the rates of recommending and providing maternal vaccination were higher than previously reported. Further improvements might be expected with increased awareness of guidelines, further education around vaccine safety, and by changing perceptions of the role of obstetricians and midwives in providing maternal vaccinations.
Review article: drug‐induced liver injury in the context of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease – a physiopathological and clinical integrated view
Authors: Bessone Fernando , Dirchwolf Melisa , Rodil María Agustina , Razori María Valeria , Roma Marcelo G.
Published: September 2018

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease, since it is strongly associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome pandemics. NAFLD may affect drug disposal and has common pathophysiological mechanisms with drug‐induced liver injury (DILI); this may predispose to hepatoxicity induced by certain drugs that share these pathophysiological mechanisms. In addition, drugs may trigger fatty liver and inflammation per se by mimicking NAFLD pathophysiological mechanisms.

Aims

To provide a comprehensive update on (a) potential mechanisms whereby certain drugs can be more hepatotoxic in NAFLD patients, (b) the steatogenic effects of drugs, and (c) the mechanism involved in drug‐induced steatohepatitis (DISH).

Methods

A language‐ and date‐unrestricted Medline literature search was conducted to identify pertinent basic and clinical studies on the topic.

Results

Drugs can induce macrovesicular steatosis by mimicking NAFLD pathogenic factors, including insulin resistance and imbalance between fat gain and loss. Other forms of hepatic fat accumulation exist, such as microvesicular steatosis and phospholipidosis, and are mostly associated with acute mitochondrial dysfunction and defective lipophagy, respectively. Drug‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction is also commonly involved in DISH. Patients with pre‐existing NAFLD may be at higher risk of DILI induced by certain drugs, and polypharmacy in obese individuals to treat their comorbidities may be a contributing factor.

Conclusions

The relationship between DILI and NAFLD may be reciprocal: drugs can cause NAFLD by acting as steatogenic factors, and pre‐existing NAFLD could be a predisposing condition for certain drugs to cause DILI. Polypharmacy associated with obesity might potentiate the association between this condition and DILI.
Expression of interferon‐stimulated gene 15‐kDa protein, cyclooxygenase (COX) 1, COX‐2, aldo‐keto reductase family 1, member B1, and prostaglandin E synthase in the spleen during early pregnancy in sheep
Authors: Yang Ling , Liu Yong , Lv Wan , Wang Pengda , Wang Bin , Xue Jie , Zhang Leying
Published: September 2018

The spleen is a unique lymphoid organ that plays a key role in immune regulation. Interferon‐tau induces upregulation of interferon‐stimulated gene 15‐kDa protein (ISG15) in the uterus during early pregnancy in sheep. Prostaglandins (PGs) have important effects in both the activation and the inhibition of immune response through an autocrine and paracrine manner. In this study, splenic samples were obtained at Day 16 of the estrous cycle, and Days 13, 16, and 25 of pregnancy from ewes, and the expression of ISG15 and PG synthases, including cyclooxygenase 1 (COX‐1), COX‐2, PGE synthase (PTGES), and PGF synthase (aldo‐keto reductase family 1, member B1, AKR1B1), was detected through quantitative real‐time PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry analysis. Our results showed that there was upregulation of COX‐2 mRNA and protein at Day 25 of pregnancy, and ISG15 mRNA and conjugated proteins, and AKR1B1 mRNA and dimer at Days 16 and 25 of pregnancy. COX‐2 and AKR1B1 proteins were limited to the capsule, trabeculae, and splenic cords. However, the expression of COX‐1 and PTGES was not affected by early pregnancy. In conclusion, ISG15‐conjugated proteins, COX‐2 and AKR1B1 upregulated in maternal spleen during early pregnancy, which may be beneficial for the placentation in sheep.
Tumor suppressive role for kinases phosphorylating p53 in DNA damage‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Yogosawa Satomi , Yoshida Kiyotsugu
Published: September 2018

Tumor suppressor p53 plays an important role in cancer prevention. Under normal conditions, p53 is maintained at a low level. However, in response to various cellular stresses, p53 is stabilized and activated, which, in turn, initiates DNA repair, cell‐cycle arrest, senescence and apoptosis. Post‐translational modifications of p53 including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and acetylation at multiple sites are important to regulate its activation and subsequent transcriptional gene expression. Particularly, phosphorylation of p53 plays a critical role in modulating its activation to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. In this context, previous studies show that several serine/threonine kinases regulate p53 phosphorylation and downstream gene expression. The molecular basis by which p53 and its kinases induce apoptosis for cancer prevention has been extensively studied. However, the relationship between p53 phosphorylation and its kinases and how the activity of kinases is controlled are still largely unclear; hence, they need to be investigated. In this review, we discuss various roles for p53 phosphorylation and its responsible kinases to induce apoptosis and a new therapeutic approach in a broad range of cancers.
Evaluation of a quantitative serum Aspergillus fumigatus‐specific IgM assay for diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Yao Yake , Zhou Hua , Shen Yihong , Yang Qing , Ye Jian , Fu Yiqi , Lu Guohua , Lou Haiyan , Yu Yunsong , Zhou Jianying
Published: September 2018

Background

The early diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) remains challenging. Currently, a new quantitative IgM antibody assay that enveloped purified galactomannan extracted from Aspergillus fumigatus as antigen was commercially available in China, but its diagnostic value remains to be established.

Methods

To evaluate the role of this commercial IgM assay for diagnosis of CPA, a multi‐center prospective study was performed in 12 hospitals in Zhejiang Province, from January 1 to December 31, 2016. Adult inpatients without severe immunocompromised condition and those with persistent clinical symptoms/radiological findings ≥3 months or a consistent appearance in chest CT that was suggestive of CPA were included. The clinical data were compiled using a structured questionnaire.

Results

A total of 87 cases were enrolled, including 43 CPA. The sensitivity ranged from 16.3% to 46.5%, and the specificity from 77.3% to 95.5% when cutoffs were from 50 to 80 arbitrary unit (AU)/mL. The receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.627. When a cutoff of 38.12 AU/mL was applied, the sensitivity and specificity were 69.8% and 56.8%, respectively, which represents the best performance.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this study was the first to evaluate this commercial A. fumigatus‐specific IgM antibody assay in CPA patients in China and indicates that this IgM assay has a limited value and should not be a prior recommendation for CPA diagnosis.
Association of methacholine challenge test with diagnosis of chronic lung allograft dysfunction in lung transplant patients
Authors: Siddiqui Atif S. , Kumar Gagan , Majumdar Tilottama , Graviss Edward A. , Nguyen Duc T. , Goodarzi Ahmad , Kaleekal Thomas
Published: September 2018

Background

Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) is a complication of lung transplantation. We sought to determine whether bronchial hyperresponsiveness detected by the methacholine challenge test (MCT) at 3 months after lung transplant (LT) predicts the development of CLAD.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 140 LT patients between 1/2008 and 6/2014 who underwent MCT at 3 months after LT. Pearson's chi‐squared test and Kruskal‐Wallis test were used to compare categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to evaluate the association between CLAD and MCT.

Results

Methacholine challenge test+ was associated with the development of overall CLAD (adjusted hazards ratio [aHR]: 3.47; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.71, 7.03; P = 0.001) and CLAD within 3 years (aHR: 4.98; 95%CI: 1.84, 13.48; P = 0.002). Subgroup analysis showed that MCT (+) is associated with overall CLAD in single lung transplant (SLT) (aHR: 8.18; 95% CI: 2.22, 30.09; P = 0.002), double lung transplant (DLT) (aHR: 3.27; 95% CI: 1.22, 8.78; P = 0.02) and CLAD within 3 years in DLT patients (aHR: 6.76; 95% CI: 1.71, 26.74; P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Methacholine challenge test+ at 3 months after LT is associated with the development of overall CLAD. Positive MCT could predict the development of early CLAD within 3 years in DLT patients.
The developmental and genetic trajectory of coloration in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
Authors: Dick Cynthia , Arendt Jeff , Reznick David N. , Hayashi Cheryl Y.
Published: September 2018

Examining the association between trait variation and development is crucial for understanding the evolution of phenotypic differences. Male guppy ornamental caudal fin coloration is one trait that shows a striking degree of variation within and between guppy populations. Males initially have no caudal fin coloration, then gradually develop it as they reach sexual maturity. For males, there is a trade‐off between female preference for caudal fin coloration and increased visibility to predators. This trade‐off may reach unique endpoints in males from different predation regimes. Caudal fin coloration includes black melanin, orange/yellow pteridines or carotenoids, and shimmering iridescence. This study examined the phenotypic trajectory and genetics associated with color development. We found that black coloration always developed first, followed by orange/yellow, then iridescence. The ordering and timing of color appearance was the same regardless of predation regime. The increased expression of melanin synthesis genes correlated well with the visual appearance of black coloration, but there was no correlation between carotenoids or pteridine synthesis gene expression and the appearance of orange/yellow. The lack of orange/yellow coloration in earlier male caudal fin developmental stages may be due to reduced expression of genes underlying the development of orange/yellow xanthophores.
Evaluation of periodontal ligament cell viability in different storage media based on human PDL cell culture experiments—A systematic review
Authors: Osmanovic Ahmed , Halilovic Sabina , Kurtovic‐Kozaric Amina , Hadziabdic Naida
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims

The best treatment for an avulsed tooth is immediate replantation. If this is not possible, a proper transport medium is required for the maintenance of viability of the periodontal ligament cells (PDL). The aim was to systematically review the efficacy of different storage media used for the survival of PDL cells of avulsed teeth in the in vitro setting.

Methods

The search strategy was based on the MeSH keywords in PubMed/MEDLINE: “Transport media for avulsed teeth,” “Storage media for avulsed teeth,” “Knocked out teeth,” “Tooth avulsion,” “Biological transport of avulsed tooth,” “Cell survival of avulsed tooth,” “Cell viability of avulsed tooth,” “Tooth replantation,” and “Periodontal ligament in avulsed teeth.” The “AND” and “OR” Boolean operators were applied to combine keywords. Each study was evaluated for eight criteria, including use of human PDL, in vitro cell culture models, the number of passages, types of storage media, percentages of surviving PDL cells, pH and osmolality of storage media, and the type of test used to asses PDL viability.

Results

In 15 selected studies, nine storage media (HBSS, tap water, DMEM, milk, saliva, 10% and 20% propolis, Gatorade, and Viaspan) were analyzed at six time points. For storage up to 2 hours, HBSS, DMEM, milk, 10% propolis, 20% propolis, and Viaspan conserved more than 80% of PDL viability. For storage at 24 hours, Viaspan showed best cell survival at 88.4%, followed by DMEM (70.9%) and 10% propolis (68.3%). Milk and HBSS showed similar PDL survival at 24 hours (57.2% and 57.3%, respectively).

Conclusions

Milk remains the most convenient, cheapest, and readily available solution in most situations while also being capable of keeping PDL cells alive. Further studies are required to evaluate the efficacy of more commonly found storage media besides milk.
The evolutionary significance of hippocampal neurogenesis
Authors: França Thiago F. A.
Published: September 2018

Hippocampal neurogenesis (HN) has been implicated in a variety of hippocampus‐dependent behaviors in the laboratory but its evolutionary significance is still debated. Some authors have argued that HN is an adaptation while others argued it is an atavism. However, recent analyses lead to the conclusion that HN likely evolved concurrently with the dentate gyrus itself, both being dependent on a migration of neural stem and progenitor cells out of the periventricular zone that occurs during development. This may render the previous debates obsolete, as selective pressure was likely acting upon the mammalian dentate gyrus itself, with neurogenesis being a mere spandrel in dentate gyrus’ evolution.