bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparedness level of Indian public sector banks for implementation of Basel III
Authors: Boora Krishan , Jangra Kavita
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the preparation level of Indian public sector banks for the implementation of Basel III. It is mandatory for public sector banks in India to make adequate preparations to comply with the Basel III international regulations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a modified questionnaire (Ernst & Young, 2013; AL-Tamimiet al., 2016) to examine the preparedness level of Indian public sector banks for implementing Basel III. Seven hypotheses are developed and tested.

Findings

The results show that Indian public sector banks are positively inclined toward Basel III, and the awareness level of Indian banks’ managers is adequate concerning Basel III. The banks have required resources for the proper implementation of Basel III, which is a prerequisite for its implementation. Banks know about the expected benefits that can be attained from implementing Basel III appropriately and banks are also aware of the high cost attached with Basel III. The capital adequacy ratio of public sector banks is above 11 percent, showing the banks’ readiness for Basel III.

Practical implications

The public sector banks need to concentrate on revising the existing policies to sharpen their risk management practices. Moreover, improving the level of education on Basel III is still required and the results also support the importance of advanced technology and trained human resources at all level as a basic requirement for the implementation of Basel III. It can be achieved by the support of government, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and other concerned agencies. The enforcement of Basel III will also create various challenges for Indian public sector banks, in terms of declining profitability, increasing capital requirements and nonperforming assets. That is why the impact of Basel III norms on Indian public sector banks cannot be undervalued.

Originality/value

The findings would assist the Indian public sector banks to know about their preparedness level for Basel III and what are the necessary actions to encourage Basel III implementation process. The present study would be important for regulators and decision makers in banks, as the main purpose of this study is to increase their awareness of Basel III norms. The result would also help the regulators regarding the corrective measures that should be taken by RBI in order to motivate the banks for enforcing Basel III.
Complexities of learning organizations – addressing key methodological and content issues
Authors: Rupčić Nataša
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight challenges regarding methodological approach in studying learning organizations as well as the following content related issues: knowledge harvesting in project work, role of middle managers in creating energized learning environment, structuring individual activities to promote learning, impact of context-related factors (spaces of performance) and content-related factors (storytelling) on learning in higher education and diverging assessments of learning organizations with regard to hierarchy and organizational size.

Design/methodology/approach

Conclusions and models presented in the paper have been designed based on the systems perspective, critical thinking and critical review of previous contributions.

Findings

Findings refer to suggestions regarding further empirical work based on solid normative contributions in the field of learning organizations in general and its specific topics such as learning in project work, organizational design, role of middle managers, learning organization perceptions and learning challenges in higher education.

Research limitations/implications

Conclusions and models provided in the paper need further empirical testing and validation.

Practical implications

Implications for practitioners have been identified in terms of recommendations regarding possible methodological approaches in further studies of learning organizations, as well as regarding the following areas: knowledge creation cycle, structuring of individual activities to promote learning, role of middle managers in creating energized learning environment, learning challenges in higher education and divergent assessments of learning organizations regarding organizational hierarchy and size.

Originality/value

Contributions from previous authors have been systemically and critically reviewed, adapted models have been provided and suggestions for practitioners in this regard have been offered.
Teamwork attitudes, interest and self-efficacy between online and face-to-face information technology students
Authors: Konak Abdullah , Kulturel-Konak Sadan , Cheung Gordon W.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Challenges of teamwork in online classes may adversely affect students’ future attitudes toward teamwork. Further, there is a concern about whether online programs foster students’ teamwork skills. To answer these questions, the purpose of this paper is to compare online and face-to-face students’ attitudes toward teamwork, interest in learning teamwork skills and teamwork self-efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a conceptual model explaining how students’ background, engagement in learning teamwork, teamwork self-efficacy and interest in learning teamwork affect attitudes toward teamwork and rigorously tested the model for a meaningful comparison between online and face-to-face students. Attitudes toward teamwork, teamwork interest and teamwork self-efficacy of 582 online and face-to-face students who attend the same academic program were compared.

Findings

The results suggest that online students have less positive attitudes towards teamwork compared to face-to-face students although online students have a higher level of teamwork self-efficacy. Therefore, online students’ relative less positive attitudes toward teamwork cannot be explained by the lack of engagement, teamwork skills or interest.

Research limitations/implications

The homogeneity of the sample population is one of the limitations of the paper although it provides the opportunity for a comparative study of online and face-to-face students by controlling the majors.

Practical implications

Instructors should evaluate the appropriateness of team assignments while incorporating teamwork in online classes.

Originality/value

Concerns about online teamwork are discussed but have not been rigorously investigated in the literature. The authors conducted a comprehensive study involving 582 undergraduate students. The findings of this paper suggest that new approaches are needed to incorporate teamwork in online classes. The results also show that importance of building teamwork self-efficacy.
Energetic investment associated with vitellogenesis induces an oxidative cost of reproduction
Authors: Webb Alison C. , Iverson John B. , Knapp Charles R. , DeNardo Dale F. , French Susannah S.
Published: December 2018

Oxidative stress is a potential cost of reproduction, but conclusive evidence for this relationship is lacking. The goal of this study was to serially assess across a seasonal gradient the relationship between reproduction, circulating plasma energy metabolites and oxidative state.

Here, we examine a study animal ideally suited to test for the oxidative costs of reproduction: the Allen Cays Rock Iguana. Female rock iguanas reproduce at varying frequencies, often skipping years, allowing for a comparison between reproductive and non‐reproductive females during the same narrow, annual breeding season. This feature of iguana life history enabled us to address not just sex and seasonal differences in physiology, but also potential oxidative costs of reproduction in females.

Male and female iguanas were sampled during the early (vitellogenic), late (gravid) and post‐reproductive seasons. Ultrasound examinations were performed on females to quantify reproductive investment, and blood samples were collected for physiology assays, which included reactive oxygen metabolites (d‐ROMs), antioxidants, triglycerides, free glycerol and glucose.

The early reproductive season was characterized by significant increases in reproductive female's triglycerides, free glycerol and oxidative stress compared to late and post‐reproductive periods and non‐reproductive females and males during all sampling periods. Antioxidants were significantly elevated during the early reproductive season for reproductive females, non‐reproductive females and males when compared to late and post‐season. Follicle number in early reproductive females was positively related to d‐ROMs, triglycerides and free glycerol, negatively related to antioxidants and showed no relationship with glucose. Measures of oxidative stress, d‐ROMs and oxidative index were positively correlated with circulating levels of the lipid metabolite free glycerol during the early reproductive period, but this relationship weakened in the late season and disappeared in the post‐season.

Broadly, this study supports the hypothesis that the relationship between reproduction and oxidative stress is driven by energy investment, being greatest during early reproduction when vitellogenesis is occurring.
The Veps Illative: The Applicability of an Abstractive Approach to an Agglutinative Language
Authors: Ainsworth Zeprina‐Jaz
Published: December 2018

Recent years have seen a resurgence of word‐based models of grammatical description in which implicational relations that exist between fully‐inflected wordforms can be exploited by speakers in the production of novel forms. Generally, word‐based models such as ‘Word and Paradigm’ (WP) have focused on describing the inflexional patterns exhibited by languages with more fusional structure, such as Latin, since they diverge most drastically from the ‘morphemic ideal’ in which meaning and form are in a one‐to‐one correspondence. However, consideration of the illative in Veps suggests that languages with more agglutinative inflexional structure (where sub‐word units which ‘encode’ particular functions can usually be clearly identified) are also consistent with a WP, rather than a morphemic or constructive, point of view.
Alive or dead: Validity of the Social Security Administration Death Master File after 2011
Authors: Levin Matthew A. , Lin Hung‐Mo , Prabhakar Gautham , McCormick Patrick J. , Egorova Natalia N.
Published: December 2018

Objective

To determine the reliability of the Social Security Death Master File (DMF) after the November 2011 changes limiting the inclusion of state records.

Data Sources

Secondary data from the DMF, New York State (NYS) and New Jersey (NJ) Vital Statistics (VS), and institutional data warehouse.

Study Design

Retrospective study. Two cohorts: discharge date before November 1, 2011, (pre‐2011) or after (post‐2011). Death in‐hospital used as gold standard. NYS VS used for out‐of‐hospital death. Sensitivity, specificity, Cohen's Kappa, and 1‐year survival calculated.

Data Collection Methods

Patients matched to DMF using Social Security Number, or date of birth and Soundex algorithm. Patients matched to NY and NJ VS using probabilistic linking.

Principal Findings

97 069 patients January 2007‐March 2016: 39 075 pre‐2011; 57 994 post‐2011. 3777 (3.9 percent) died in‐hospital. DMF sensitivity for in‐hospital death 88.9 percent (κ = 0.93) pre‐2011 vs 14.8 percent (κ = 0.25) post‐2011. DMF sensitivity for NY deaths 74.6 percent (κ = 0.71) pre‐2011 vs 26.6 percent (κ = 0.33) post‐2011. DMF sensitivity for NJ deaths 62.6 percent (κ = 0.64) pre‐2011 vs 10.8 percent (κ = 0.15) post‐2011. DMF sensitivity for out‐of‐hospital death 71.4 percent pre‐2011 (κ = 0.58) vs 28.9 percent post‐2011 (κ = 0.34). Post‐2011, 1‐year survival using DMF data was overestimated at 95.8 percent, vs 86.1 percent using NYS VS.

Conclusions

The DMF is no longer a reliable source of death data. Researchers using the DMF may underestimate mortality.
Positive endoscopic and ultrasonographic findings in patients with symptom‐diagnosed functional gastrointestinal disorder: Data from a Chinese cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bai Tao , Wang Wen Feng , Zhang Lei , Wang Huan , Qian Wei , Song Jun , Hou Xiao Hua
Published: December 2018

Objective

Few studies have systematically assessed symptom‐based diagnoses of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) in China. This study aimed to evaluate the positive endoscopic and ultrasonographic findings in patients with symptom‐based FGID.

Methods

Adult patients with gastrointestinal symptoms but not red flag symptoms who were empirically diagnosed with FGID underwent an upper or lower gastrointestinal endoscopy. An abdominal ultrasonography was also performed to screen for potential organic diseases. Patients’ data were collected and the Rome III questionnaire was used for symptom‐based assessment.

Results

Positive endoscopic and ultrasonographic findings were detected in 31.8%, 26.2% and 9.9% of patients with esophageal, gastroduodenal and intestinal disorders, respectively. Among patients diagnosed with FGID using the questionnaire, the rates of positive endoscopic and ultrasonographic findings were higher in patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms than in those with lower gastrointestinal symptoms. Moreover, patients elder than 34.5 years with upper gastrointestinal symptoms and those elder than 47.5 years with lower gastrointestinal symptoms were more likely to have positive endoscopic and ultrasonographic findings.

Conclusions

The Rome III questionnaire is a valuable diagnostic tool for screening FGID in China. However, the rates of positive endoscopic and ultrasonographic findings vary depending on the location of symptoms. Endoscopy and ultrasonography have irreplaceable value, especially for investigating upper gastrointestinal symptoms.
Role of metabolic syndrome and its components as mediators of the genetic effect on type 2 diabetes: A family‐based study in China
Authors: Song Jing , Jiang Xia , Juan Juan , Cao Yaying , Chibnik Lori B. , Hofman Albert , Wu Tao , Hu Yonghua
Published: December 2018

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) share a genetic basis with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, whether MetS and its components mediate genetic susceptibility to T2D is not completely understood.

Methods

We assessed the effects of MetS and its components on associations T2D and 18 genome‐wide association studies‐identified variants using a two‐stage strategy based on parametric models involving 7110 Chinese participants (2436 were T2D patients) across 2885 families. Multilevel logistic regression was used to account for the intrafamilial correlation.

Results

Metabolic syndrome significantly mediated the effect of a melatonin receptor 1B (MTNR1B) polymorphism on T2D risk (OR of average causal mediation effect [ORACME] 1.004; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.001‐1.008; P = 0.018). In addition, low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels mediated the genetic effects of MTNR1B (ORACME 1.012; 95% CI 1.007‐1.015; P < 0.001), solute carrier family 30 member 8 (SLC30A8; ORACME 1.001; 95% CI 1.000‐1.007; P < 0.040), B‐cell lymphoma/leukemia 11A (BCL11A; ORACME 1.009; 95% CI 1.007‐1.016; P < 0.001), prospero homeobox 1 (PROX1; ORACME 1.005; 95% CI 1.003‐1.011; P < 0.001) and a disintegrin and metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 9 (ADAMTS9; ORACME 1.006; 95% CI 1.001‐1.009; P = 0.022), whereas increased fasting blood glucose (FBG) significantly mediated the genetic effect of BCL11A (ORACME 1.017; 95% CI 1.003‐1.021; P = 0.012).

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that MetS and two of its components (HDL‐C, FBG) may be involved in mediating the genetic predisposition to T2D, which emphasize the importance of maintaining normal HDL‐C and FBG levels.
Adding Hydrogen to the Isotopic Inventory—Combining δ13C, δ15N and δ2H Stable Isotope Analysis for Palaeodietary Purposes on Archaeological Bone
Authors: van der Sluis L. G. , Reimer P. J. , Ogle N.
Published: December 2018

Few papers using hydrogen stable isotope analysis for human palaeodietary reconstruction purposes have been published and the usefulness of this additional dietary indicator is highlighted here. The hydrogen stable isotope results provide evidence for the continued exploitation of aquatic resources throughout the prehistory of the Limfjord area in Denmark, which is supported by FRUITS estimates using three (CNH) isotopic proxies. While aquatic dietary input has been identified in Mesolithic and Viking Age individuals before, our results show that, in fact, this continued throughout the periods in between (Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Age), albeit on a small scale.
Parental empowerment and child behavioural problems during youth care involvement
Authors: Damen Harm , Veerman Jan W. , Vermulst Ad A. , van Pagée Rozemarijn , Nieuwhoff Rozemarijn , Scholte Ron H.J.
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to examine changes in parental empowerment and child behavioural problems during a period of youth care and how changes are related to the kind of services provided. We compared a preservation service that was family‐centred (FCS) with out‐of‐home services that were primarily child‐centred (CCS). The sample consisted of 621 families who were supported by FCS (n = 434) or CCS (n = 137). Information about parental empowerment and child behavioural problems was gathered at the start and end of youth care. Significant changes during treatment were identified withttests and effect sizes. Significant improvements emerged on all empowerment scales for FCS but only on the behavioural control subscale for CCS. Moreover, significant improvements emerged on all child behavioural scales for both FCS as CCS. Cross‐lagged analysis showed that the kind of service, in favour of FCS, predicted parental empowerment but not child behavioural problems. Parental empowerment and child behavioural problems were negatively related. This paper discusses the potential for parental empowerment and FCS elements in CCS out‐of‐home care and the need for follow‐up research on this subject.
Phylogeny of the family Cladoniaceae (Lecanoromycetes, Ascomycota) based on sequences of multiple loci
Authors: Stenroos Soili , Pino‐Bodas Raquel , Hyvönen Jaakko , Lumbsch Helge Thorsten , Ahti Teuvo
Published: December 2018

Cladoniaceae is a family of lichenized fungi that belongs to the Lecanorales, Ascomycota. The family is distributed widely, although several genera are restricted to the Southern Hemisphere. The circumscriptions of the genera and species in the family have traditionally been based on thallus morphology, the type of vegetative propagules and the secondary metabolites. However, numerous species are highly variable phenotypically, making their delimitation problematic. In the present study a new phylogeny of Cladoniaceae is constructed using five loci (ITS rDNA, IGS rDNA, RPB2, RPB1, EF‐1a) from a worldwide sample of 643 specimens representing 304 species. Cladoniaceae was resolved as a monophyletic group. The circumscription of the genera and the relationships among them are discussed. Pycnothelia, Carassea and Metus are closely related, forming a sister clade to the larger genus Cladonia. Cladia in its recent wide sense turned out to be paraphyletic, including species that have been recognized in Thysanothecium and Notocladonia. Cladonia was resolved as monophyletic, with C. wainioi as the earliest diverging lineage. Eleven major clades were resolved in Cladonia. No synapomorphies were found for most of them. We propose the new genera Pulchrocladia and Rexia, as segregates of Cladia, five new combinations, and the resurrection of the genus Heterodea.
Surface modification of ultrafine‐grained titanium: Influence on mechanical properties, cytocompatibility, and osseointegration potential
Authors: Pippenger Benjamin E. , Rottmar Markus , Kopf Brigitte S. , Stübinger Stefan , Dalla Torre Florian H. , Berner Simon , Maniura‐Weber Katharina
Published: December 2018

Objective

The main objective of this study was to demonstrate that dental implants made from ultrafine‐grain titanium (UFG‐Ti) can be created that replicate state of the art surfaces of standard coarse‐grain titanium (Ti), showing excellent cytocompatibility and osseointegration potential while also providing improved mechanical properties.

Material and methods

UFG‐Ti was prepared by continuous equal channel angular processing (ECAP), and surfaces were treated by sandblasting and acid etching. Mechanical properties (tensile and fatigue strength), wettability, and roughness parameters were evaluated. Human trabecular bone‐derived osteoblast precursor cells (HBCs) were cultured on all samples to examine cytocompatibility and mineralization after 4 and 28 days, respectively. Biomechanical pull‐out measurements were performed in a rabbit in vivo model 4 weeks after implantation.

Results

Both yield and tensile strength as well as fatigue endurance were higher for UFG‐Ti compared to Ti by 40%, 45%, and 34%, respectively. Fatigue endurance was slightly reduced following surface treatment. Existing surface treatment protocols could be applied to UFG‐Ti and resulted in similar roughness and wettability as for standard Ti. Cell attachment and spreading were comparable on all samples, but mineralization was higher for the surfaces with hydrophilic treatment with no significant difference between UFG‐Ti and Ti. Pull‐out tests revealed that osseointegration of surface‐treated UFG‐Ti was found to be similar to that of surface‐treated Ti.

Conclusion

It could be demonstrated that existing surface treatments for Ti can be translated to UFG‐Ti and, furthermore, that dental implants made from surface‐treated UFG‐Ti exhibit superior mechanical properties while maintaining cytocompatibility and osseointegration potential.
European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA): Contact allergies in relation to body sites in patients with allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Oosterhaven Jart A. F. , Uter Wolfgang , Aberer Werner , Armario‐Hita José C. , Ballmer‐Weber Barbara K. , Bauer Andrea , Czarnecka‐Operacz Magdalena , Elsner Peter , García‐Gavín Juan , Giménez‐Arnau Ana M. , John Swen M. , Kręcisz Beata , Mahler Vera , Rustemeyer Thomas , Sadowska‐Przytocka Anna , Sánchez‐Pérez Javier , Simon Dagmar , Valiukevičienė Skaidra , Weisshaar Elke , Schuttelaar Marie L. A. ,   on behalf of the ESSCA Working Group
Published: December 2018

Background

Analyses of the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA) database have focused primarily on the prevalence of contact allergies to the European baseline series, both overall and in subgroups of patients. However, affected body sites have hitherto not been addressed.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of contact allergies for distinct body sites in patients with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).

Methods

Analysis of data collected by the ESSCA (www.essca‐dc.org) in consecutively patch tested patients, from 2009 to 2014, in eight European countries was performed. Cases were selected on the basis of the presence of minimally one positive patch test reaction to the baseline series, and a final diagnosis of ACD attributed to only one body site.

Results

Six thousand two hundred and fifty‐five cases were analysed. The head and hand were the most common single sites that ACD was attributed to. Differences between countries were seen for several body sites. Nickel, fragrance mix I, cobalt and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone were the most frequent allergens reported for various body sites.

Conclusions

Distinct allergen patterns per body site were observed. However, contact allergies were probably not always relevant for the dermatitis that patients presented with. The possibility of linking positive patch test reactions to relevance, along with affected body sites, should be a useful addition to patch test documentation systems.
Concerns and Challenges Developing Mobile Augmented Reality Experiences for Museum Exhibitions
Authors: Marques Diana , Costello Robert
Published: December 2018

There may be valid reasons why some technologies are readily adopted in museum exhibits, such as audio, video and touchscreen interactives, and others are not, e.g., holography and augmented reality; however, unless we collectively and deliberately experiment with, analyze and report our findings, it is likely that concerns with technologies are based on anecdotes and assumptions rather than empirical data and may be misleading and confusing. We examine concerns and the challenges commonly associated with the use of augmented reality in exhibitions and apply a case study from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History to assess the veracity of these with this particular technology. Assumptions around detraction, replacement, gimmickry, and onboarding, for example, were not found to be a valid concern. Augmented reality can have high user experience rewards, yet as with any technology, there are technical and socially relevant challenges that should be considered before adopting augmented reality as a user experience.
Systemic therapies of pityriasis rubra pilaris: a systematic review
Authors: Kromer Christian , Sabat Robert , Celis Daniel , Mössner Rotraut
Published: December 2018

Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a rare papulosquamous disorder. Treatment is challenging; the armamentarium consists of topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, classic systemic treatments such as retinoids or immunosuppressive drugs, and most recently biologicals. However, the relative effectiveness of therapies is unclear. Our objective was to review the published literature on systemic treatment of PRP. A systematic review was conducted on PubMed and the Cochrane Library up to 5 September 2017. Studies evaluating any systemic treatments of PRP (except for historical treatments) were included. Overall, 182 studies met the predefined inclusion criteria, and reported on 475 patients and 652 courses of treatment. 42.0 % (225/514) of all patients treated with retinoids achieved an excellent response (isotretinoin: 61.1 % [102/167], etretinate: 47 % [54/115], and acitretin: 24.7 % [43/174]) compared to an excellent response rate of 33.1 % (53/160) with methotrexate. Therapy with biologicals was successful in 51.0 % of patients (71/133) (ustekinumab: 62.5 % [10/16], infliximab: 57.1 % [28/49], etanercept: 53.3 % [16/30], and adalimumab: 46.4 % [13/28]). This review balances effectiveness, side effects, experience, and drug costs in order to suggest a treatment regimen starting with isotretinoin as first‐line, methotrexate as second‐line and biologicals as third‐line treatment for this difficult‐to‐treat dermatosis.
Why pesticides with mutagenic, carcinogenic and reproductive risks are registered in Brazil
Authors: Rocha Glenda Morais , Grisolia Cesar Koppe
Published: December 2018

Brazil is the biggest market for pesticides in the world. In the registration process, a pesticide must be authorized by the Institute of the Environment, Health Surveillance Agency and Ministry of Agriculture. Evaluations follow a package of toxicological studies submitted by the companies and also based on the Brazilian law regarding pesticides. We confronted data produced by private laboratories, submitted to the Institute of the Environment for registration, with data obtained from scientific databases, corresponding to mutagenicity, carcinogenicity and teratogenicity of pesticides. All studies submitted by the companies were carried out by private laboratories. From 247 pesticide formulations analyzed, none showed positive results for mutagenicity, carcinogenicity or teratogenicity. From 574 articles in the scientific literature, 84% published by public laboratories showed positive results, while 79% of those showing negative results came from private laboratories. There is an ethical concern about a conflict of interest between public/independent laboratories and private laboratories that produce data for registering pesticides. We demonstrated that there is a clear contradiction between public and private laboratories. Brazilian regulatory authorities have approved the registration of pesticides based almost exclusively on the monographs provided by the pesticide industry, because the use of scientific articles or information from the independent literature is strongly belittled by the industry. Pesticide companies argue that scientific articles cannot be trusted. Also, according to the industry, pesticide registration cannot be refused based on results from scientific articles. Thus, the registration of pesticides with mutagenic, carcinogenic and teratogenic risks has been approved in Brazil.
Radical life extension, cybernetic immortality, and techno‐salvation. Really?
Authors: Peters Ted
Published: December 2018

Longevity researchers along with transhumanists lift up before us a prize to be won through scientific and technological victory, namely, prolonged life. Whether via Radical Life Extension in the body or Cybernetic Immortality in disembodied form, human intelligence and consciousness have an unending future, we are promised. Should we trust this techno‐promise? Or, should we trust God's promise of resurrection from the dead? What does it take for us greet the end of life with contentment?
Presystolic wave is associated with carotid intima media thickness
Authors: Kul Selim , Dursun İhsan , Sayın Muhammet Raşit , Şahin Sinan , Turan Turhan , Akyüz Ali Rıza , Korkmaz Levent , Karadeniz Ayşegül , Yılmaz Ahmet Seyda , Durmuş İsmet
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), a direct marker of atherosclerosis, has emerged as a promising means for cardiovascular risk evaluation. Presystolic wave (PSW) is commonly detected by the Doppler interrogation of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). It is thought to be a result of a stiff left ventricle and impaired LV compliance. Herein, we aimed to investigate a possible association between carotid intima media thickness, an atherosclerotic marker, and PSW.

Method

We prospectively enrolled 282 patients divided into two groups based on the presence of PSW: 221 (89F; mean age: 49.3 ± 11.5 years) had PSW on Doppler examination while 61 patients (32F; mean age: 46.4 ± 10.3 years) did not. Both groups were compared with respect to demographic, clinical properties, and CIMT.

Results

Both groups had comparable age, body mass index, and diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, and family history for coronary heart disease. PSW‐positive group had significantly higher CIMT (PSW‐positive: 0.59 ± 0.22 mm vs PSW‐negative: 0.42 ± 0.11 mm; P < 0.001) than PSW‐negative group. Multivariate analysis showed that the independent predictors of increased CIMT were age (95% CI; 1.044–1.101, P < 0.001), dyslipidemia (95% CI; 0.147–0.664, P = 0.002), and the presence of PSW (95% CI; 2.168–7.836, P < 0.001).Correlation analysis showed that PSW velocity is correlated with increased CIMT in PSW‐positive group (r: 0.418, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Assessment of PSW on TTE is easy and feasible method. Presence of PSW and increased PSW velocity on TTE might provide information that we should be careful in terms of subclinical atherosclerosis.
The inner ear proteome of fish
Authors: Thomas Oliver R. B. , Swearer Stephen E. , Kapp Eugene A. , Peng Po , Tonkin‐Hill Gerry Q. , Papenfuss Anthony , Roberts Anne , Bernard Pascal , Roberts Blaine R.
Published: December 2018

The mechanisms that underpin the formation, growth and composition of otoliths, the biomineralized stones in the inner ear of fish, are largely unknown, as only a few fish inner ear proteins have been reported. Using a partial transcriptome for the inner ear of black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri), in conjunction with proteomic data, we discovered hundreds of previously unknown proteins in the otolith. This allowed us to develop hypotheses to explain the mechanisms of inorganic material supply and daily formation of growth bands. We further identified a likely protein mediator of crystal nucleation and an explanation for the apparent metabolic inertness of the otolith. Due to the formation of both daily and annual increments, otoliths are routinely employed as natural chronometers, being used for age and growth estimation, fisheries stock assessments, and the reconstruction of habitat use, movement, diet and the impacts of climate change. Our findings provide an unprecedented view of otolith molecular machinery, aiding in the interpretation of these essential archived data.
Biological Reduction of Nitrate and Perchlorate in Soil Microcosms: An Electron Donor Comparison of Glycerol, Emulsified Oil, and Mulch Extract
Authors: Sarria Mayra , Gonzales John Michael , Gerrity Daniel , Batista Jacimaria
Published: December 2018

Diverse technologies have been developed and tested for their efficacy in remediating perchlorate‐contaminated surface water, groundwater, and soil. Biological reduction, particularly when coupled with electron donor augmentation, has been shown to be one of the most cost‐effective alternatives. Numerous electron donors have been evaluated in the literature, but few studies have compared standard vs. slow‐release electron donors for sequential nitrate and perchlorate reduction. This study evaluated the efficacy and kinetics of biological reduction in soil microcosms augmented with emulsified oil (EO), glycerol, and mulch extract. Results indicated that EO and glycerol spiked at approximately 100 times stoichiometric excess (i.e., 100x) achieved similar overall reductions and degradation rates for nitrate and perchlorate, although nitrate appeared to exhibit zero order kinetics while perchlorate exhibited first order kinetics. The zero order rate constants for nitrate reduction were 3.32 mg/L d and 2.57 mg/L d for EO and glycerol, respectively. The first order rate constant for perchlorate reduction was 0.36 day−1 for both EO and glycerol. Stable chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentrations also highlighted the slow‐release properties of EO, which would reduce electron donor consumption in comparison to soluble substrates in soil remediation applications. The microcosms augmented with mulch extract failed to demonstrate any nitrate or perchlorate reduction due to the extract's lower COD concentration. Augmentation with compost or additional processing (i.e., concentration) would be necessary to make the extract a viable alternative.
Potential limits of AAV‐based gene therapy with the use of new transgenes expressing factor IX fusion proteins
Authors: Le Quellec Sandra , Dane Allison , Enjolras Nathalie , McIntosh Jenny , Rosales Cecilia , Negrier Claude , Nathwani Amit
Published: December 2018

Introduction

The variety of treatment for haemophilia B (HB) has recently improved with the emergence of both AAV‐based gene therapy and bioengineered human factor IX (hFIX) molecules with prolonged half‐life due to fusion to either albumin (Alb) or immunoglobulin Fc fragment (Fc).

Aim

Adeno‐associated viral vectors (AAV) mediating expression of hFIX‐Alb and hFIX‐Fc fusion proteins was investigated for gene therapy of HB to explore if their extended half‐life translates to higher plasma levels of FIX.

Methods

Single‐stranded cross‐packaged AAV2/8 vectors expressing hFIX‐Alb, hFIX‐Fc and hFIX were evaluated in vitro, and in mice.

Results

Both hFIX‐Alb and hFIX‐Fc fusion proteins were synthesized and expressed as single chains of expected size following AAV‐mediated gene transfer in vitro and in vivo. The procoagulant properties of these hFIX‐fusion proteins were comparable to wild‐type hFIX. However, their expression levels were threefold lower than wild‐type hFIX in vivo most likely due to inefficient secretion.

Conclusion

This, the first, evaluation of hFIX‐fusion proteins in the context of AAV gene transfer suggests that the hFIX‐fusion proteins are secreted inefficiently from the liver, thus preventing their optimal use in gene therapy approaches.
Perspectives of South African caregivers in receipt of Child Support Grants: Implications for family strengthening interventions
Authors: Patel Leila , Hochfeld Tessa , Chiba Jenita
Published: December 2018

Cash transfers have delivered measurable benefits for poor and vulnerable children in low‐ and middle‐income countries. However, on its own, a cash transfer is insufficient to promote holistic child well‐being. In the quest for appropriate complementary family support services, known as ‘cash plus’ programing, this qualitative study sought to explore the perspectives of a group of South African caregivers, all of whom were in receipt of a Child Support Grant (CSG), in relation to their own caregiving and family functioning. Critical areas of support to families were identified to further scale up the already positive impacts of the CSG, such as mental health services, social supports for caregivers, decreasing levels of poverty and growing caregiving knowledge and skills. Key conclusions are that improving the quality and integration of public services and developing culturally appropriate and evidence‐based family strengthening programmes are critical to complement and boost the positive impacts of the CSG.
God’s Mission as a Call for Transforming Unity
Authors: Dietrich Stéphanie
Published: December 2018

This article offers a critical reflection on the World Council of Churches Conference on World Mission and Evangelization in 2018 in Arusha, asking for a renewed focus on and discussion of ecumenical and missional theology, especially the relation between unity and diversity among churches and Christians. Based on an outline of the ecumenical discussion on “unity and (reconciled) diversity,” the author asks for a strengthened focus on the unity of the church. She claims that transforming unity is important for the credibility of the church in its communication of the gospel to the world, that transforming unity is a “matter of survival” in times of secularization and in times of religious persecution, and that transforming unity implies a call to diakonia as an unnegotiable part of God’s mission to the world. Concluding, the author asks for further theological discourse on important themes lifted up by the Arusha Conference, like “mission from the margins,” the work of the Holy Spirit (pneumatology), deification/sanctification/theosis, and the relation between unity and diversity in worship and spirituality. Finally, the author underlines that the Arusha Conference was an important reminder of God’s call to the churches for the ongoing mission of transforming unity.
Reflections on Evangelism and Re‐evangelization after Arusha 2018
Authors: Koukoura Dimitra
Published: December 2018

The church is ceaselessly engaged in evangelization and re‐evangelization. Over half of the earth’s population has not yet heard that God took on human flesh and that through death grants life and resurrection to all humanity. They have not known that God is the God of forgiveness, love, justice, and peace. The world around us is threatened by lethal conflicts, violent expatriation, poverty, social injustice, and environmental pollution. In this turbulent world, the word of God should be sowed.

In all Christian traditions, baptized Christians are abandoning their faith, curious for something exotic, or feeling indifference or even animosity toward their Christian faith. In Europe the arrogance of reason (ratio), the persecutions of the atheistic regimes of the past five to seven decades, and the elimination of religion in the individual sphere have finally deleted Christian faith as a potential choice for many young people. Re‐evangelization is thus a common concern.

The task of re‐evangelization is difficult. It requires modern communicative strategies. Above all, those who witness to the gospel need self‐critique – repentance (metanoia) and transformation (transfiguration) – so that the recipients of their message may be also transformed. “First one should be illuminated and then transmit the light to the others; first one should be sanctified and then sanctify others.” Reception, however, is also difficult, as represented by the analogy of the fertile and barren field. However, illuminated people – through their words, deeds, and ethos – radiate the light of divine grace: love, understanding, peace, and meaningful life. This remains the deep‐seated longing of all people, even of Europeans, despite their occasional rebellion, contempt, and indifference to the revealed God.
Therapeutic strategies for skin regeneration based on biomedical substitutes
Authors: Chocarro‐Wrona C. , López‐Ruiz E. , Perán M. , Gálvez‐Martín P. , Marchal J.A.
Published: December 2018

Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering (TE) have experienced significant advances in the development of in vitro engineered skin substitutes, either for replacement of lost tissue in skin injuries or for the generation of in vitro human skin models to research. However, currently available skin substitutes present different limitations such as expensive costs, abnormal skin microstructure and engraftment failure. Given these limitations, new technologies, based on advanced therapies and regenerative medicine, have been applied to develop skin substitutes with several pharmaceutical applications that include injectable cell suspensions, cell‐spray devices, sheets or 3Dscaffolds for skin tissue regeneration and others. Clinical practice for skin injuries has evolved to incorporate these innovative applications to facilitate wound healing, improve the barrier function of the skin, prevent infections, manage pain and even to ameliorate long‐term aesthetic results. In this article, we review current commercially available skin substitutes for clinical use, as well as the latest advances in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications used to design advanced therapies and medical products for wound healing and skin regeneration. We highlight the current progress in clinical trials for wound healing as well as the new technologies that are being developed and hold the potential to generate skin substitutes such as 3D bioprinting‐based strategies.
Antiparasitic Activity of Auranofin against Pathogenic Naegleria fowleri
Authors: Peroutka‐Bigus Nathan , Bellaire Bryan H.
Published: December 2018

We report that the gold containing antirheumatoid drug auranofin is amoebicidal against human pathogenic Naegleria fowleri. Treatment of N. fowleri cultures at biologically relevant concentrations of 0.75–3.0 μg/ml auranofin reduced amoeba counts, metabolic activity, and increased cell permeability. These results suggest that the addition of auranofin may benefit the treatment of N. fowleri‐infected patients afflicted by the rapidly fatal disease primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.
Is the Irish (Republic of) Comprehensive Employment Strategy Fit for Purpose in Promoting the Employment of People with Intellectual Disabilities in the Open Labor Market? A Discussion Using Evidence from the National Intellectual Disability Database
Authors: May‐Simera Charlotte
Published: December 2018

People with intellectual disabilities are largely absent from the labor market. Instead many people with intellectual disabilities attend one or more of the various employment, day, work (occupational) and training services available. This paper considers the impact of adult day service reform along with the new comprehensive employment strategy (CES) might have in improving the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in the open labor market. Day and employment services for people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland are largely organized though the Health Service Executive (HSE), the medical arm of Ireland's service machinery. However, these services have kept Irelands “invisible citizens” segregated, and separate from their communities. Despite identifying this problematic issue, services intended to support people with intellectual disabilities to lead more meaningful and fulfilled lives and be included in their communities have been unsuccessful in achieving this. Although successive governments and have announced to phase out segregated service provision for people with intellectual disabilities so that they can lead integrated lives as part of their communities, trends in the data reveal a growth rather than a decline in specialist, segregated service attendance. The widespread closures of employment services that operated as sheltered workshops, for example, did not lead to an automatic increase in the employment rates as would perhaps be expected. This signals that, despite the promise of better community inclusion through revived policies, as part of the mainstreaming agenda, services still largely operate in separate spheres and people with disabilities continue to lead marginalized lives on the peripheries of society. This research concludes that current disability policies in place to improve the lives of persons with disabilities and increase their participation and inclusion have had limited success. Most people with intellectual disabilities continue to attend adult days services rather than participating in their communities or engaging in meaningful work.
Does interindividual variability of saliva affect the release and metabolization of aroma compounds ex vivo? The particular case of elderly suffering or not from hyposalivation
Authors: Muñoz‐González Carolina , Brulé Marine , Feron Gilles , Canon Francis
Published: December 2018

The aim of this work was to study the effects of interindividual variability of human elderly saliva on aroma release and metabolization by ex vivo approaches. Thirty individuals suffering or not from hyposalivation were selected from a panel formed by 110 elderly people (aged >65 years old) that were matched by age and sex. Then, their stimulated saliva samples were independently incubated in presence of three aroma compounds (ethyl hexanoate, octanal, 2‐nonanone) to perform headspace‐gas chromatography and liquid/liquid extraction‐gas chromatography mass spectrometry analyses. These assays revealed that the extent of saliva effect on the release and metabolization of aroma compounds was highly dependent on the chemical family of the compounds (octanal>ethyl hexanoate>2‐nonanone). Moreover, salivas from the hyposalivator (HPS) group exerted a significant lower release and/or higher metabolization than those of the control group for the three assayed compounds. Regarding the biochemical characterization of the saliva samples, no significant differences were found in the total protein content between the two groups. This does not preclude the involvement of specific proteins on the observed results that need to be clarified in further experiments. Saliva from the HPS group presented a significantly higher total antioxidant capacity than that of the control group, which suggests that this parameter could be related to the metabolization of aroma compounds by saliva. Such effects might alter aroma perception in individuals suffering from hyposalivation.

Practical applications

The world population is getting older so fast that most countries are not prepared to handle this demographic challenge, characterized by an increasing prevalence of noncommunicable chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders) associated to inadequate eating patterns. Thus, supporting a balanced diet is one of the most cost‐effective strategies to maintain a good quality of life. A suitable diet needs to take into account both, specific sensory and nutritional individual needs. However, aging is often accompanied by deterioration in oral health (e.g., low salivary secretions), which could alter the capacities to taste and smell. Results from this work contribute to a better understanding of the role of human saliva in aroma release and metabolization, a first step to comprehend retronasal aroma release and perception. This knowledge will help to propose innovative solutions for the reformulation of food products better adapted to the elderly's needs, thus allowing delayed onset of dependency.