bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blockchain & distributed financial data
Authors: Nikbakht Ehsan , Shahrokhi Manuchehr , Corriette Alford
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the emergence of blockchain to determine its feasibility for electronic transfer payments. An integrated conceptual framework is developed for blockchain electronic transfer. The three “markers” of classic money (store of value, medium of exchange and unit of account and efficiency) are assessed in the case of blockchain technology. A survey is also conducted among the executives of financial vs manufacturing sectors with respect to five major variables for the emerging distributed financial data based on blockchain.

Design/methodology/approach

Conducting a literature review and using prior knowledge from the works of those well-versed and knowledgeable in the field. This research is also supported by collecting and analyzing the results of a behavioral survey of the executives in two different industries.

Findings

Blockchain technology has the potential to have widespread change in how firms operate and implement a new method for electronic payments transfer through cryptocurrencies. Although the community for blockchain technology is deregulated and has drawbacks, it is expected that the limitations will gradually be mitigated through its growth. The results of the behavioral survey show that there are significant differences between the expectations/perceptions of participants in the sectors of finance vs manufacturing. Namely, the knowledge/awareness of participants about blockchain, the value-added convenience for end users, and participants’ willingness to embracing and accepting new applications are significantly different between the two sectors.

Originality/value

The reach and applications for Blockchain are not limited to business or any particular sector. Blockchain technology may contribute to the operations of different types of organizations and industry sectors. Since the perception of participants about blockchain is different between selected industries, this research suggests the need for more education and building awareness among the participants in different sectors of the economy.
P2P lending adoption by SMEs in Indonesia
Authors: Rosavina Monica , Rahadi Raden Aswin , Kitri Mandra Lazuardi , Nuraeni Shimaditya , Mayangsari Lidia
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the adoption of peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms to determine the factors that encourage SMEs to use P2P lending platforms in obtaining loans.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of ten SMEs from a variety of backgrounds was taken in Bandung, Indonesia. Bandung has been awarded the title of “creative city” by UNESCO, as the city allows for the development of the creative economy. This research used a semi-structured interview. Coding method was then used for content analysis to establish which factors emerging from the interview were leading respondents to obtain a loan through the P2P lending platform.

Findings

The findings imply that loan processes, interest rates, loan costs, loan amounts and loan flexibility affect SMEs in obtaining a loan through P2P lending. Moreover, alternative payment schemes in the form of Sharia-based lending and profit-sharing schemes were found. These findings constituted the original findings of this study.

Research limitations/implications

The study offers findings on factors affecting SMEs in using the P2P lending platform as a form of alternative financing. Moreover, the theoretical framework provided can be used as literature in future research. As this study was conducted in Bandung, Indonesia, the findings may not be generalisable to other regions.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few studies that discusses P2P lending in Indonesia as the concept has been in practice only since 2015.
Modeling the effect of electronic banking expansion on profitability using neural networks and system dynamics approach
Authors: Shahabi Vahid , Faezy Razi Farshad
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of electronic banking (e-banking) on the profitability of banks is an important subject. Although there are many studies in this area, the effect of using different e-banking instruments, such as internet banking, telephone banking, ATM and POS, was not investigated comprehensively, using a system dynamics approach. To fill this gap, the present study tried to develop an analytical model with a systematic approach through identifying the effects of different areas of e-banking services in a financial institution.

Design/methodology/approach

The income and cost of each transaction via different e-banking services were identified and the incomes and costs, number of transactions and other model variables were predicted for the next period using a single-layer neural network (perceptron). The proposed model was designed based on the system dynamics approach. Then, rates and auxiliary variables were introduced to the model based on the prediction data. Finally, the model was validated and different scenarios were examined.

Findings

Results showed that increased investment on e-banking can increase online customers, thereby boosting the bank’s incomes through raising transaction fees and acquiring additional resources. On the other hand, the need for physical branches and associated costs reduces with increasing the tendency of traditional customers toward using e-banking services. Simulation results showed that although the expansion of e-banking carries a huge financial burden on the bank, the costs reduce and profitability significantly increases with time.

Originality/value

This study can be used by senior managers of the bank throughout e-banking planning. This is because it systematically addressed the effects of e-banking expansion on different (banking) areas. The present study may also encourage researchers to conduct more extensive studies.
Cultural factors of network inter-firm cooperation
Authors: Popov Evgeny , Stoffers Jol , Simonova Victoria
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to specify cultural properties that influence inter-firm cooperation, advancing a conventional theoretical economic-based framework.

Design/methodology/approach

An evaluation of concepts related to parametric cultural assessment was the theoretical foundation for structural aspects of inter-firm collaboration, documented in an empirical study that investigates cross-cultural analysis. This study was based on research at a cross-national level, allowing cultural disparities to be captured. Therefore, the empirical basis was the sixth World Values Survey, which is the largest cross-national project for assessment of cultural values.

Findings

It was found that cultural properties, as freedom of choice; advancement of norms for equal dissemination of power; low perceived uncertainty; strategic orientation on the future; and spread norms of humanistic orientation would further develop inter-firm cooperation.

Practical implications

The current study specifies a systematic and practical definition of attributes in the culture of inter-firm collaboration. Advantages of such advanced frameworks are more sustainable collaboration models, decreased expenses of inter-firm coordination methods and possibilities for establishing network knowledge among collaborating firms – a necessity for competitive advantage in today’s global economy.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous research has been undertaken that specifies cultural properties influencing inter-firm cooperation, advancing a conventional theoretical economic-based framework.
Reconciliation of deterministic and knowledge management approaches for a better understanding of SFA’s impact on salespersons’ performance
Authors: Jridi Kaouther , Chaabouni Amel , Triki Abdelfattah
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to reconcile the deterministic and the knowledge management approaches to investigate a framework that provides an explanation of the sales force automation (SFA) practices’ impact on salespersons’ performance through the organizational absorptive capacity in the African pharmaceutical industry.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory study was conducted to understand SFA uses in the pharmaceutical industry; then a total of 186 medical representatives were sampled and partial least squares analysis was performed.

Findings

The results identified the positive impact of organizational absorptive capacity on SFA use. In addition, the use of the SFA positively influenced the salespersons’ performance. Finally, age plays a positive moderating role in the relationships between use of SFA as a tool for internal coordination between actors and salespersons’ performance.

Practical implications

This research could be useful for managers of pharmaceutical laboratories to SFA use as a tool of coordination between the actors, as a tool of management of the customer relationship and as a tool of management knowledge.

Originality/value

In contrast with the existing studies dealing with deterministic approach when studying the use of SFA, this study exploited the reconciliation between deterministic and knowledge management approaches to propose a conceptual framework dealing with the relationship between the SFA use, the organizational absorptive capacity and the salespersons’ performance in the pharmaceutical industry. This research proposed and tested a framework adapted to the African context.
Trust as an organizational knowledge sharing enabler – validation of the impersonal trust scale
Authors: Vanhala Mika
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Contemporary organizations face challenges when they have an increasing need for trust, and yet there are decreasing opportunities for the development of interpersonal trust. Thus, the organizations cannot rely only on that and there is a need for complementary forms of organizational trust. Vanhala et al. (2011) developed the scale for measuring impersonal trust. The purpose of this study is to validate the scale in terms of discriminant and nomological validity as well as to test generalizability.

Design/methodology/approach

The validities and generalizability is tested on two samples from two industries in Finland: a forest company (411 respondents) and ICT company (304 respondents). Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling are used.

Findings

The scale represents both discriminant and nomological validity. Furthermore, the scale is generalizable in different industries.

Research limitations/implications

A more holistic approach to organizational trust is proposed, and the scale for the impersonal element of the organizational trust is validated.

Practical implications

This paper validates the scale for the less studied impersonal element of organizational trust. To manage and develop organizational trust, all of its dimensions should be measured. The scale validated allows the measurement of the impersonal dimension, and the more refined measure also makes it possible to focus development efforts on certain operational areas.

Originality/value

The scale validated represents a step forward toward the reliable measurement of organizational trust. To the best of the researcher’s knowledge, this is the first study to show that previously developed scale is valid and generalizable.
Downregulation of integrin‐αvβ6 on keratinocytes in the scar of lichen planopilaris and folliculitis decalvans: Relevance for the disappearance of epidermal Langerhans cells
Authors: Kinoshita Manao , Ogawa Youichi , Yamamoto Saori , Simada Shinji , Harada Kazutoshi , Kawamura Tatsuyoshi
Published: June 2019

Primary cicatricial alopecia (PCA) is a group of poorly understood mechanisms in which the destruction of hair follicles leads to permanent hair loss. Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a type of lymphocytic PCA and it has been known for epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) to disappear in the scar of LPP. We also found that epidermal LC also disappeared in the scar of folliculitis decalvans (FD), a type of neutrophilic PCA. Of note was that epidermal LC did not disappear in the scar of discoid lupus erythematosus, another type of lymphocytic PCA, suggesting that LC disappearance in the scar was not always a common feature of PCA. We found that the expression of integrin (ITG)‐αvβ6 in scar epidermis was significantly diminished in LPP and FD, but not in other PCA and disorders accompanied with scar formation. We also found that exogenous interleukin‐1β and α‐interferon downregulated ITG‐αvβ6 expression in normal human epidermal keratinocytes. These data suggest that downregulation of ITG‐αvβ6 may be one of the causes of LC disappearance in the scar of LPP and FD.
Source wavelet correction for practical Marchenko imaging: A sub‐salt field‐data example from the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Mildner Constantin , Broggini Filippo , da Costa Filho Carlos Alberto , Robertsson Johan O.A.
Published: June 2019

Imaging a target zone below a salt body can be challenging because large velocity contrasts in the overburden between the salt and surrounding sediments generate internal multiples, which interfere with primary reflections from the target level in the imaging process. This can lead to an erroneous interpretation of reflections in the sub‐salt area if multiples are misinterpreted as primaries. The Marchenko redatuming method may enable imaging of the sub‐salt target area where the effect of the multiply‐scattering overburden is removed. This is achieved by creating a redatumed reflection response where virtual sources and receivers are located below the overburden using a macromodel of the velocity field and the surface reflection data. The accuracy of the redatumed data and the associated internal multiple removal, however, depends on the accurate knowledge of the source wavelet of the acquired reflection data. For the first time, we propose a method which can accurately and reliably correct the amplitudes of the reflection response in field data as required by the Marchenko method. Our method operates by iteratively and automatically updating the source function so as to cancel the most artefact energy in the focusing functions, which are also generated by the Marchenko method.

We demonstrate the method on a synthetic dataset and successfully apply it to a field dataset acquired in a deep‐water salt environment in the Gulf of Mexico. After the successful source wavelet estimation for the field dataset, we create sub‐salt target‐oriented images with Marchenko redatumed data. Marchenko images using the proposed source wavelet estimation show clear improvements, such as increased continuity of reflectors, compared to surface‐based images and to conventional Marchenko images computed without the inverted source wavelet. Our improvements are corroborated by evidence in the literature and our own synthetic results.
Mature naïve B cells are retained in the placental intervillous blood and positively associate with specific chemokines in full‐term healthy pregnancy
Authors: Solders Martin , Lundell Anna‐Carin , Gorchs Laia , Gidlöf Sebastian , Tiblad Eleonor , Kaipe Helen
Published: June 2019

Problem

Circulating B‐cell numbers are lower during pregnancy compared with non‐pregnant women, but the underlying reasons for this are unknown. Pregnancy‐related hormones could influence B‐cell lymphopoiesis in the bone marrow, but B cells may also be recruited to the placenta. To investigate the latter, we examined whether the proportions of total B cells and B cells at different maturational stages in placental intervillous blood (IVB) differ compared with peripheral blood (PB).

Method of study

From 23 paired samples of PB and IVB following full‐term healthy pregnancies, total B cells and immature/transitional, mature/naïve, and memory B cells were identified by flow cytometry. Chemokine levels in blood were analyzed using a Luminex assay. Placental explant‐derived supernatant was assayed for B‐cell chemotactic activity.

Results

The proportions of total B cells and mature/naïve B cells were significantly higher in IVB relative to PB, while the fractions of immature/transitional cells and memory B cells were higher in PB. Multivariate factor analysis demonstrated that a specific chemokine profile in IVB, including CCL20, positively associated with higher proportions of mature/naïve B cells in the intervillous space. All B cells expressed CCR6, the corresponding receptor for CCL20, but the intensity of CCR6 expression was significantly higher in mature/naïve B cells relative to immature/transitional B cells. Migration assays showed that placental explant‐derived supernatants attract B cells.

Conclusion

These results indicate that B cells, and mature/naïve B cells in particular, are retained in the intervillous blood in response to certain chemokines produced by the placenta during late healthy pregnancy.
Gastric bypass surgery in the treatment of gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms
Authors: Holmberg Dag , Santoni Giola , Xie Shaohua , Lagergren Jesper
Published: June 2019

Background

Gastric bypass is considered an effective treatment of co‐existing gastro‐oesophageal reflux (GERD) and obesity. Previous studies have had small sample sizes, short follow‐up or substantial loss to follow‐up.

Aim

To assess the long‐term risk of remaining/recurring reflux symptoms after gastric bypass.

Methods

This was a nationwide cohort study of all adults with preoperative reflux who underwent gastric bypass in Sweden between 2006 and 2015, with complete follow‐up through 2016. The outcome was remaining/recurring reflux symptoms, defined as use of proton pump inhibitors or histamine‐2 receptor antagonists for >6 months after surgery. Cumulative incidence and risk factors of reflux were assessed with multivariable Poisson regression.

Results

Among 2454 participants (81.7% female; mean age: 46.1 years, SD: 9.8 years), who were followed for median 4.6 years (interquartile range: 3.1‐6.3 years), reflux recurred in 48.8% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 46.8‐51.0) of participants within 2 years of gastric bypass and remained stable up to 10 years after surgery (yearly change in incidence rate ratio [IRR] of 1.00; 95% CI, 0.99‐1.02). Risk factors for recurring reflux were high preoperative dose of anti‐reflux medication (IRR 1.77; 95% CI, 1.60‐1.96 compared with low dose), older age (IRR 1.12; 95% CI 1.02‐1.24 comparing age >50 with <40 years), female sex (IRR 1.28; 95% CI, 1.16‐1.42) and comorbidity (IRR 1.26; 95% CI, 1.14‐1.39 comparing Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥2 with 0).

Conclusions

Reflux symptoms decrease rapidly after gastric bypass, but around half of operated patients require continuous anti‐reflux medication. The treatment efficacy of gastric bypass on reflux symptoms might have been overestimated.
Disabled children's evolving digital use practices to support formal learning. A missed opportunity for inclusion
Authors: Cranmer Sue
Published: June 2019

This paper takes an interdisciplinary approach combining digital education with disability theory to investigate disabled children's digital use practices for formal learning. Evidence suggests that children's lives have been transformed through engagement with digital technologies, eg, computers, laptops and mobile devices. Even so, empirical studies about disabled children's uses of technology remain limited, particularly studies that engage with disabled children's own views in context. In response, an exploratory, participatory research study was designed to gain up‐to‐date insights into how visually impaired children, as an illustrative case, experienced digital technologies for learning within the context of inclusive education policy. Disabled children and teachers were interviewed in mainstream schools in England; results were analysed using social practice theory to identify digital use practices characterised as digital learning and digital accessibility practices alongside children's experiences. Outcomes were mixed. Youngsters saw benefits to using digital technologies, particularly tablets, for learning. Nevertheless, digital accessibility practices were potentially stigmatising and carried an extra task load to overcome barriers that occurred when teachers had not developed inclusive digital pedagogy. The paper discusses the implications of these findings and calls for further research to guide schools to use digital technologies to support inclusion.
Predictive value of left ventricular myocardial strain by four‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography combined with red cell distribution width in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Fang Sihua , Zhang Zhihua , Wang Ying , Jiang Fan , Yang Kai , He Fei , Zhang Chaoxue
Published: June 2019

Objectives

The diagnostic difficulty of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is differentiating it in patients with similar symptoms and signs. This study aimed to assess the potential predictive value of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS), global radial strain (GRS), global circumferential strain (GCS), and global area strain (GAS) measured by four‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (4DSTE) combined with red cell distribution width (RDW) in patients with HFpEF.

Methods

One hundred and sixty‐nine patients with symptoms or signs indicative of chronic heart failure and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 50% and fifty controls with normal LVEF were recruited in this study. Standard echocardiography and 4DSTE examinations were performed. Laboratory examinations including RDW were performed on the same day as the echocardiographic study.

Results

GLS, GCS, GRS, and GAS in the patient cohort were significantly lower, and RDW was significantly higher than those in the control cohort (P < 0.01), and the strain parameters in definite HFpEF patients were also dramatically lower than the rest patients (P < 0.01). The associations of age, gender, NYHA classification, hypertension history, left ventricular end‐diastolic volume index, interventricular septal thickness, and diastolic dysfunction with HFpEF were significantly improved by adding 4DSTE parameters (P < 0.01) and further improved by adding RDW (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

In suspected HFpEF patients, who have symptoms or signs of heart failure, even without other conventional evidence of this diagnosis, GLS, GRS, and GCS have potential independent predictive value, while RDW has independent incremental predictive value for HFpEF.
Right ventricular total isovolumic time: Reference value study
Authors: Tavazzi Guido , Boffi Andrea , Savioli Gabriele , Greco Alessandra , Pavesi Claudia , Klersy Catherine , Guida Stefania , Iotti Giorgio , Mojoli Francesco , Ghio Stefano , Via Gabriele , Barbier Paolo , Raineri Claudia , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria , Price Susanna
Published: June 2019

Background

There is lack of noninvasive indices to detail the right side cardiovascular physiology. Total isovolumic time (tIVT) is a sensitive marker of left ventricular electromechanical efficiency and systolic‐diastolic interaction. The aim of the study was to evaluate normal reference value of the right ventricular tIVT with increasing age.

Methods and results

One hundred and eighty‐one healthy volunteers (51% male) underwent transthoracic echocardiography. The population was divided into four categories according to age: A < 30 years; B 30–39 years; C 40–49 years; and C ≥ 50 years old. tIVT was computed in seconds/minutes as: 60 – (tET + tFT). tET and tFT are the total ejection and filling time adjusted by the heart rate, measured, respectively, from the onset to the end of the right ventricle (RV) forward flow through the pulmonary valve and from the onset of the E‐wave and the end of the A‐wave at the level of the tricuspid valve. The mean RV tIVT was 7 ± 1.1 s/min and increased significantly with age, from a 3.4 to 9.7 s/min(P < 0.0001). Significant correlation was found between tIVT and trans‐tricuspid E/E′ (P < 0.0001; 0.78 (95% CI: 0.715–0.831) while weaker between tIVT and E/A (P = 0.001; −0.283 95% CI: −0.413 to −0.143).

Conclusion

The normal values of RV tIVT increase with age and correlate significantly with Doppler diastolic parameters.
FDA's and EMA's approval of brentuximab vedotin for advanced Hodgkin lymphoma: Another player in the town?
Authors: Milunović Vibor , Mišura Jakobac Karla , Kursar Marin , Mandac Rogulj Inga , Ostojić Kolonić Slobodanka
Published: June 2019

ECHELON‐1 study is a randomized open‐labeled controlled trial investigating whether addition of brentuximab vedotin to chemotherapy offers benefit over the standard chemotherapy regimen in advanced Hodgkin lymphoma. After a median follow‐up of 24.6 months, it has met its primary endpoint the reduction of modified progression‐free survival being 23 percent. However, the beneficial effects have not been seen across all subgroups leading to further questions. The main aim of this review is to tackle these questions to provide the reader with in‐depth insight of pros and cons of this novel, promising but ultimately controversial regimen.
IL6Rα function in myeloid cells modulates the inflammatory response during irritant contact dermatitis
Authors: Frempah Benjamin , Luckett‐Chastain Lerin R. , Gallucci Randle M.
Published: June 2019

Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is characterized by epidermal hyperplasia, infiltration of leucocytes into lesional skin and inflammatory cytokine release. The cellular infiltrate during ICD comprises primarily cells of the myeloid lineage. Our group has previously shown that the cytokine IL‐6 confers a protective effect to lesional skin during ICD. How IL‐6Rα function in myeloid cells is involved in the inflammatory response during ICD is, however, unknown. In the present study, utilizing a chemical model of ICD, it is shown that mice with a myeloid‐specific knockout of the IL‐6Rα (IL‐6RαΔmyeloid) display an exaggerated inflammatory response to benzalkonium chloride (BKC) and Jet propellant‐8 (JP8) fuel, two well‐characterized irritants relative to littermate control. Results from immunohistochemical and flow cytometric analyses revealed that IL‐6RαΔmyeloid mouse skin displayed increased epidermal hyperplasia and inflammatory monocyte influx into lesional skin but lower numbers of resident macrophages relative to littermate controls after irritant exposure. Multiplex immunoassay revealed significantly higher levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1α and TNF‐α, but reduced expression of chemokine proteins including CCL2‐5, CCL7, CCL11, CXCL1 and CXCL10 in IL‐6RαΔmyeloid mouse skin relative to littermate control following irritant exposure. These results highlight a previously unknown role of IL‐6Rα function in myeloid cells in modulating the inflammatory response and myeloid population dynamics during ICD.
Resolving oxidative damage to methionine by an unexpected membrane‐associated stereoselective reductase discovered using chiral fluorescent probes
Authors: Makukhin Nikolai , Havelka Václav , Poláchová Edita , Rampírová Petra , Tarallo Vincenzo , Strisovsky Kvido , Míšek Jiří
Published: June 2019

Nonenzymatic oxidative processes in living organisms are among the inevitable consequences of respiration and environmental conditions. These oxidative processes can lead to the formation of two stereoisomers (R and S) of methionine sulfoxide, and the redox balance between methionine and methionine sulfoxide in proteins has profound implications on their function. Methionine oxidation can be reverted enzymatically by methionine sulfoxide reductases (Msrs). The two enzyme classes known to fulfill this role are MsrA, reducing the (S)‐isomer, and MsrB, reducing the (R)‐isomer of methionine sulfoxide. They are strictly stereoselective and conserved throughout the tree of life. Under stress conditions such as stationary phase and nutrient starvation, Escherichia coli upregulates the expression of MsrA but a similar effect has not been described for MsrB, raising the conundrum of which pathway enables reduction of the (R)‐isomer of methionine sulfoxide in these conditions. Using the recently developed chiral fluorescent probes Sulfox‐1, we show that in stationary phase‐stressed E. coli, MsrA does have a stereocomplementary activity reducing the (R)‐isomer of methionine sulfoxide. However, this activity is not provided by MsrB as expected, but instead by the DMSO reductase complex DmsABC, widely conserved in bacteria. This finding reveals an unexpected diversity in the metabolic enzymes of redox regulation concerning methionine, which should be taken into account in any antibacterial strategies exploiting oxidative stress.

Database

The mass spectrometry proteomics data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium via the PRIDE partner repository with the dataset identifier PXD013610.
Microbiological contamination of cosmetic products – observations from Europe, 2005–2018
Authors: Michalek I.M. , John S.M. , Caetano dos Santos F.L.
Published: June 2019

Background

Although cosmetic products are not expected to be fully aseptic, their potential microbiological contamination might be dangerous, especially for immunocompromised patients. The extent of such contamination of cosmetics in Europe is poorly studied.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to explore whether microbiologically contaminated cosmetic products are available for sale in Europe and what type of contamination was reported.

Methods

We searched the European Union Rapid Information System for dangerous non‐food products (Rapex), a database of non‐compliant products among 31 European countries, to identify microbiologically contaminated cosmetics reported between 2005 and 2018, and present a detailed summary of these notifications.

Results

In the years 2005–2018, 104 reports on microbiologically contaminated cosmetics were identified. Twenty of them were products for children. The majority of the products (65.38%) were produced in Rapex member states. In most cases, contamination was caused by Gram‐negative bacteria (59.62%), mostly Pseudomonas spp. (35.58%) and Enterobacter spp. (11.54%).

Conclusions

Gram‐negative rod‐shaped bacteria are the most common microbiota contaminating cosmetic products in Europe. Most of the reported microbiologically contaminated cosmetics originated from European countries.
Reduced risk of stroke following cholecystectomy: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Wei Cheng‐Yu , Chuang Shu‐Hung , Lin Cheng‐Li , Kung Woon‐Man , Tai Hsu Chih , Tsai Kevin Wen‐Kai , Kao Chia‐Hung , Chen Chien‐Hua , Yeh Yung‐Hsiang , Hsu Chung Y
Published: June 2019

Background and Aim

Gallstones and stroke are common diseases worldwide. The relationship between gallstones and stroke has been documented in the literature. In this work, to characterize the risk of stroke among gallstone patients with and without cholecystectomy, we investigated the effects of cholecystectomy in a nationwide population‐based retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Data were obtained from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. The study comprised 155 356 gallstone patients divided into two groups: those with and without cholecystectomy.

Results

During the study period (2000–2012), 19 096 (17.8/1000 person‐years) gallstone patients without cholecystectomy and 11 913 (10.6/1000 person‐years) gallstone patients with cholecystectomy had a stroke. Following gallstone removal, the patients exhibited a significant decrease in the risk of overall stroke (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.59–0.61), ischemic stroke (HR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.58–0.61), and hemorrhagic stroke (HR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.53–0.59). Asymptomatic and symptomatic gallstone patients had lower overall stroke risk after cholecystectomy (HR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.62–0.67 and HR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.56–0.59) than did asymptomatic gallstone patients without cholecystectomy.

Conclusions

This population‐based cohort study demonstrated that cholecystectomy is related to reduce the risk of overall stroke, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke. Preventive measures for stroke may be considered for gallstone patients, particularly those presenting risk factor(s) for stroke.
Post‐ischemic salubrinal administration reduces necroptosis in a rat model of global cerebral ischemia
Authors: Font‐Belmonte Enrique , Ugidos Irene F. , Santos‐Galdiano María , González‐Rodríguez Paloma , Anuncibay‐Soto Berta , Pérez‐Rodríguez Diego , Gonzalo‐Orden Jose Manuel , Fernández‐López Arsenio
Published: June 2019

Ischemic stroke is one of the most important causes of death and disability worldwide. Subroutines underlying cell death after stroke are largely unknown despite their importance in the design of novel therapies for this pathology. Necroptosis, a recently described form of regulated cell death, has been related with inflammation and, in some models, with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We hypothesize that alleviation of ER stress following a salubrinal treatment will reduce the ischemic‐dependent necroptosis. To probe the hypothesis, we measured, at 48 and 72 h after transient global cerebral ischemia in rat, in cerebral cortex and cornu ammonis 1, the main hallmarks of necroptosis: mRNA levels and phosphorylation of mixed lineage kinase domain like pseudokinase as well as receptor interacting serine/threonine protein kinase 3, along the years 2017–2018. Selective neuronal loss after 7 days of the ischemic insult, and other markers related with the inflammatory response were also measured. This study shows that necroptosis in cerebral cortex can be detected after 72 h of the insult and seems to be elicited before 48 h of reperfusion. The type of necroptosis here observed seems to be tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 independent. Necroptotic response is less evident in the cornu ammonis 1 hippocampal area than in cerebral cortex. The treatment with salubrinal administered 1 and 24 h after the ischemia, decreased the necroptotic marker levels and reduced the areas of selective neuronal loss, supporting the presence of ischemic‐dependent necroptosis, and the notion that ER stress is involved in the necroptotic response.

image

Open Science: This manuscript was awarded with the Open Materials Badge

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Regulation of subtelomeric fungal secondary metabolite genes by H3K4me3 regulators CclA and KdmB
Authors: Lukito Yonathan , Chujo Tetsuya , Hale Tracy K. , Mace Wade , Johnson Linda J. , Scott Barry
Published: June 2019

Studies on the regulation of fungal secondary metabolism highlight the importance of histone H3K4 methylation regulators Set1, CclA (Ash2) and KdmB (KDM5), but it remains unclear whether these proteins act by direct modulation of H3K4me3 at the target genes. In filamentous fungi, secondary metabolite genes are frequently located near telomeres, a site where H3K4 methylation is thought to have a repressive role. Here we analyzed the role of CclA, KdmB and H3K4me3 in regulating the subtelomeric EAS and LTM cluster genes in Epichloë festucae. Depletion of H3K4me3 correlated with transcriptional activation of these genes in ΔcclA, similarly enrichment of H3K4me3 correlated with transcriptional repression of the genes in ΔkdmB which was accompanied by significant reduction in the levels of the agriculturally undesirable lolitrems. These transcriptional changes could only be explained by the alterations in H3K4me3 and not in the subtelomerically‐important marks H3K9me3/K27me3. However, H3K4me3 changes in both mutants were not confined to these regions but occurred genome‐wide, and at other subtelomeric loci there were inconsistent correlations between H3K4me3 enrichment and gene repression. Our study suggests that CclA and KdmB are crucial regulators of secondary metabolite genes, but these proteins likely act via means independent to, or in conjunction with the H3K4me3 mark.
Higher frequency of false‐positive serum galactomannan tests among older subjects and the association with elevated serum immunoglobulin G levels
Authors: Abe Yoshiaki , Narita Kentaro , Kobayashi Hiroki , Kitadate Akihiro , Takeuchi Masami , Matsue Kosei
Published: June 2019

Background

The incidence of false‐positive serum galactomannan (GM) enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay test results has been scarcely examined among older subjects. Additionally, previous studies have highlighted the influence of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels on GM test results. We hypothesised that age‐related IgG level elevation might also be associated with false‐positive GM test results in older subjects.

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the association between false‐positive GM test results and age or serum IgG levels.

Patients/Methods

We investigated the association between false‐positive serum GM test results and age in 1071 healthy adult subjects. Then, we validated this association and further explored the correlation with serum IgG levels by retrospectively identifying 700 patients with newly diagnosed haematologic disorders without probable or proven invasive aspergillosis.

Results

Healthy subjects with false‐positive GM test results were significantly older than those without false‐positive results (P < 0.001). Among patients with haematologic disorders, IgG myeloma patients showed significantly higher false‐positive rates (57/125 [45.6%]) than patients with other haematologic disorders (non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: 48/315 [15.2%], myelodysplastic syndrome/aplastic anaemia: 19/141 [13.5%]; both P < 0.001) or other types of myeloma (IgA myeloma: 13/60 [21.7%], light chain myeloma: 9/52 [17.3%]; both P < 0.01). Furthermore, among non‐multiple myeloma patients, advanced age and higher IgG level were also significantly associated with the high frequency of false‐positive GM test results.

Conclusions

False‐positive serum GM test results were frequent among older subjects and patients with elevated serum IgG levels. These results suggested that age‐ and/or disease‐related IgG level elevation could induce this phenomenon.
Acute acalculous cholecystitis due to Fusarium species and review of the literature on fungal cholecystitis
Authors: Szvalb Ariel D. , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P.
Published: June 2019

Fungal cholecystitis is an uncommon entity, and no cases of cholecystitis associated with mould infection have been reported. We present a case of acute Fusarium cholecystitis in a cytopenic patient with leukaemia who had disseminated fusariosis. We also review the published cases of fungal cholecystitis, which is most often caused by Candida species. Although it is rare, fungal cholecystitis should be part of the differential diagnosis of acute cholecystitis in high‐risk patients with predisposing factors for opportunistic fungal infections.
Anesthetic management of acute nasal epistaxis occurring during general anesthesia
Authors: Chandrakantan Arvind , Mohammad Shazia , Adler Adam C.
Published: June 2019

Spontaneous epistaxis under general anesthesia is a rare untoward event. Typically, mild epistaxis occurs from a nasal airway manipulation and usually resolves spontaneously or with external pressure to the affected nares for a short period of time. In case of epistaxis that is difficult to control with pressure or oxymetazoline, thorough evaluation should be considered. We present a case of a 12‐year‐old experiencing spontaneous nasal bleeding upon emergence difficult to control with noninvasive methods and required intervention by otolaryngology.
Effect of NUDT15 on incidence of neutropenia in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Buaboonnam Jassada , Sripatanatadasakul Pariwan , Treesucon Ajjima , Glomglao Waraporn , Siraprapapat Preeyanun , Narkbunnam Nattee , Vathana Nassawee , Takpradit Chayamon , Phuakpet Kamon , Pongtanakul Bunchoo , Tongsai Sasima , Sinlapamongkolkul Phakatip , Sanpakit Kleebsabai
Published: June 2019

Background

6‐Mercaptopurine (6‐MP) is considered the backbone of therapy in the maintenance phase of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Gene polymorphisms involved in thiopurine degradation are predictors of toxicity in patients treated with 6‐MP. We investigated the effects of nucleoside diphosphate linked moiety X (nudix) type motif 15 (NUDT15) polymorphism NUDT15c.415C>T on neutropenia incidence, dose adjustment for 6‐MP, and survival rates in Thai children with ALL.

Methods

Children diagnosed with ALL who received 6‐MP in the maintenance phase of treatment, in 2005–2016, were retrospectively enrolled.

Results

The subjects consisted of 102 patients (median age, 5.2 years; 58 boys). On genetic testing 78, 22, and two patients were normal (CC), heterozygous (CT), and homozygous (TT), respectively. The incidence of neutropenia at 3 months was significantly higher in the CT/TT than CC polymorphism groups (OR, 12; 95%CI: 3.781–38.085, P < 0.001). The mean dose of 6‐MP at 3, 6, and 12 months was significantly lower in the CT/TT versus the CC group (P < 0.001). The 5 year overall survival (OS) rate for CC was 80.4%, and for CT/TT, 95.5% (P = 0.34). The 5 year event‐free survival (EFS) for CC and CT/TT was 75.1% and 85.7%, respectively (P = 0.17). After adjusted risk classification, no significant differences were observed for OS or EFS between the CC and CT/TT groups.

Conclusion

Patients harboring the CT/TT polymorphism of NUDT15 had a significantly higher incidence of neutropenia during the first 3 months of maintenance, resulting in significantly lower doses of 6‐MP.
Relationship between sun safety behaviours and modifiable lifestyle cancer risk factors and vitamin D levels
Authors: Kalia Sunil , Kwong Yue Kay Kali
Published: June 2019

Background

Sun exposure is the most important environmental risk factor for causing skin cancer.

Purpose

This study examines the relationship between sun protection behaviours and modifiable lifestyle risk factors for other cancers as well as vitamin D levels.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data were analysed from two large national health surveys (n = 31, 445 and n = 5604). Sun exposure and protection were characterized by the presence of sunburn, duration of sun exposure, frequency of seeking shade, frequency of wearing a hat and frequency of wearing sunscreen. Using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) software 9.3.1, multivariate logistic regression models were compiled.

Results

Unhealthy behaviour practices were associated with sunburns or infrequent sun protection behaviour, such as cigarette consumption (either current or former smokers), second‐hand smoke exposure, not having a regular doctor, higher level of alcohol consumption, street drug usage and low levels of fruit/vegetable consumption. Approximately one‐quarter of individuals had less than the recommended value of serum vitamin D levels (<50 nmol/L), despite 39.2% of these individuals reporting ≥1 hour of sun exposure.

Conclusion

Modifiable lifestyle risk factors for other cancers are correlated with infrequently practicing sun protection behaviours for skin cancer prevention. Therefore, cancer prevention campaigns can aim to target all these risk factors associated with different cancers. Sun exposure is not a reliable source to obtain recommended vitamin D levels and that other sources (eg. fish, egg yolk, fortified drinks and supplements) are a safer and more reliable option.
On certain two‐signal perspectives of lymphocyte activation and inactivation, thymic G‐quadruplexes, and the role of aggregation in self/not‐self discrimination
Authors: Forsdyke Donald R.
Published: June 2019

Distinctive “two signal” paths in immunology, taken by researchers with different academic backgrounds, seem to have both contained facets of the truth. Having been influenced by education at a medical school where Almroth Wright’s early contributions were not forgotten, the author’s “path less followed” led to views that began to gain recognition late in the twentieth century when the intimate relationship between innate and acquired immunity became more apparent.
IL28B rs12979860 T allele protects against CMV disease in liver transplant recipients in the post‐prophylaxis and late period
Authors: Chmelova Klara , Frankova Sona , Jirsa Milan , Neroldova Magdalena , Sticova Eva , Merta Dusan , Senkerikova Renata , Trunecka Pavel , Spicak Julius , Sperl Jan
Published: June 2019

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease represents a serious complication in liver transplant (OLT) recipients. CMV prophylaxis reduces incidence of CMV disease in the early post‐transplant period (on‐prophylaxis disease, OPD) but may postpone its manifestation after the completion of prophylaxis. Post‐prophylaxis disease (PPD) incidence after prophylaxis cessation may be modified by genetic factors.

Methods

We analyzed impact of IL28B rs1297986 variants on CMV disease incidence in 743 adult OLT recipients receiving universal prophylaxis.

Results

One hundred and forty‐four (19.4%) patients had at least one CMV disease episode. One hundred and two of them (70.8%) had at least one OPD and 36 (25%) patients had PPD, six (4.2%) patients had both. The rate of IL28B T allele carriers was lower in PPD group (38.9%) in comparison with OPD group (66.7%, P = 0.005) and group without CMV disease (61.4%, P = 0.009). The impact of IL28B genotype on the risk of CMV OPD was significant neither in the allelic (TT + CT vs CC, P = 0.32) nor in the recessive model (TT vs CT + CC, P = 0.79). Contrarily, in the PPD group, T allele (TT + CT vs CC) had a protective effect, OR 0.4 (95% CI 0.2‐0.8, P = 0.008). Further risk factors of PPD were age <55 years and valganciclovir prophylaxis, whereas the risk factors of OPD were age <55 years, cyclosporine A therapy and pre‐transplant CMV serostatus (donor +/recipient −).

Conclusions

IL28B rs12979860 T allele carriers had a lower risk of CMV PPD.
Moral Disengagement and Aggression in Fight Sport Athletes
Authors: Güvendi Burcu , Işım Ayşe Türksoy
Published: June 2019

The goal of this study is to investigate the moral disengagement and aggression levels of fight sport athletes according to several independent variables and reveal the relationship among them. The study group consisted of totally 207 fight sport athletes, 88 females and 119 males with age  = 21,99 ± 4,92 and year of sport  = 6,14 ± 5,42. “The Scale of Moral Disengagement in Sport” and “The Questionnaire of Buss-Perry Aggression” were used as data collection tools. Descriptive statistics, t test, ANOVA and Pearson Correlation analysis were used in the analysis of data. While the mean of physical aggression of athletes was found as the highest, verbal aggression had the lowest mean value within the sub-dimensions of aggression, and they stated that they somewhat disagreed with the moral disengagement. It was found that there was a moderate positive significant correlation between moral disengagement and sub-dimensions of anger, hostility, physical and verbal aggressions of aggression scale. Significant difference was observed in the dimension of moral disengagement in accordance with age and year of sport. Physical and verbal aggression scores of males are significantly higher according to gender. The aggression and moral disengagement scores of kickboxers are significantly higher than those of taekwondo athletes in line with the branch. To conclude, it was determined that fight sport athletes did not approve moral disengagement in sport, however, the case of moral disengagement of athletes, who were younger and started the sport recently, was higher and they mostly showed the behaviour of aggression physically.
Plasma Printing of Micronozzles With Complex Shaped Outlets Into Stainless Steel Sheets
Authors: Aizawa Tatsuhiko , Wasa Kenji
Published: June 2019

The plasma printing was developed as a means to fabricate the micronozzle chip with the inner diameter less than 50 μm. The initial two-dimensional micropattern was printed onto the stainless steel substrate surface by the maskless lithography. These printed micropatterns were utilized as a mask to make selective nitriding into the unprinted surface. After removal of printed pattern, the un-nitrided surfaces were chemically etched to leave the nitrided microtexture as a micronozzle chip. High nitrogen supersaturation as well as selective nitrogen diffusion had influence on the spatial resolution in this plasma printing in addition to the digitizing error in the maskless lithography.