bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a bottom-up understanding of antimicrobial use and resistance on the farm: A knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey across livestock systems in five African countries
Authors: Caudell Mark A , Dorado-Garcia Alejandro , Eckford Suzanne , Byarugaba Denis , Afakye Kofi , Chansa-Kabali Tamara , Kabali Emmanuel , Kiambi Stella , Kimani Tabitha , Mainda Geoffrey , Mangesho Peter , Chimpangu Francis , Dube Kululeko , Kikimoto Bashiru Boi , Koka Eric , Mugara Tendai , Swiswa Samuel
Published: July 2019

The nutritional and economic potentials of livestock systems are compromised by the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. A major driver of resistance is the misuse and abuse of antimicrobial drugs. The likelihood of misuse may be elevated in low- and middle-income countries where limited professional veterinary services and laissez faire access to drugs are assumed to promote non-prudent practices (e.g., self-administration of drugs). The extent of these practices, as well as the knowledge and attitudes motivating them, are largely unknown within most agricultural communities in low- and middle-income countries. The main objective of this study was to document dimensions of knowledge, attitudes and practices related to antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance in livestock systems and identify the livelihood factors associated with these dimensions. A mixed-methods ethnographic approach was used to survey households keeping layers in Ghana (N=110) and Kenya (N=76), pastoralists keeping cattle, sheep, and goats in Tanzania (N=195), and broiler farmers in Zambia (N=198), and Zimbabwe (N=298). Across countries, we find that it is individuals who live or work at the farm who draw upon their knowledge and experiences to make decisions regarding antimicrobial use and related practices. Input from animal health professionals is rare and antimicrobials are sourced at local, privately owned agrovet drug shops. We also find that knowledge, attitudes, and particularly practices significantly varied across countries, with poultry farmers holding more knowledge, desirable attitudes, and prudent practices compared to pastoralists households. Multivariate models showed that variation is related to several factors, including education, disease dynamics on the farm, and sources of animal health information. Study results emphasize that interventions to limit antimicrobial resistance must be founded upon a bottom-up understanding of antimicrobial use at the farm-level given limited input from animal health professionals and under-resourced regulatory capacities within most low- and middle-income countries. Establishing this bottom-up understanding across cultures and production systems will inform the development and implementation of the behavioral change interventions to combat AMR globally.
Association between Japanese community health workers’ willingness to continue service and two categories of motives: altruistic and self-oriented
Authors: Taguchi Atsuko , Murayama Hiroshi , Ono Keiko
Published: July 2019

Background

As population aging progresses, volunteers in health field are expected to play a key role in health promotion and disease prevention, which may improve community residents’ health and well-being and at the same time help curve healthcare cost. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of self-oriented motives and altruistic motives as explanatory factors for Japanese Community Health Workers (CHWs)’ desire to continue their service. Unraveling the relative effects of these two types of motivation on CHW retention may lead to policy and practical implications for recruiting, training, and supporting CHWs in Japan. Haddad (2007) observed that citizens in Japan generally have a sense of governmental and individual responsibility for dealing with social problems. Applying these insights to CHWs, we hypothesize that altruistic motives have more potent influence on volunteers’ willingness to continue to serve than self-oriented motives.

Methods

Three cities in Shiga prefecture, Japan agreed to participate in the study. Anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was mailed to all CHWs who work in the three communities. The survey data were collected in March and April, 2013. A total of 417 questionnaires were mailed to CHWs, of which 346 were completed and returned (response rate 83.0%). Nine questionnaires missing response to the question concerning willingness to continue serving were removed from the analysis. The final analysis used 337 questionnaires (effective response rate 80.8%).

Results

One hundred ninety-nine (59.1%) of the respondents answered the question about willingness to continue CHW affirmatively, and 138 (40.9%) negatively. Controlling for other relevant factors, those with self-oriented motives in serving as CHWs were more likely to state they are willing to continue to serve (OR:1.54, confidence interval 1.00-2.37) than those without such motives. Contrary to our hypothesis, the effect of altruistic motives on respondents’ willingness to continue serving as CHWs was slightly larger than that of self-oriented motives; the odds ratio was 1.56(confidence interval 1.08-2.27).

Conclusion

One practical implication of the research is that learning more about the twin motives, self-oriented and altruistic, of volunteers and tailoring the content of CHW training to address those motives may be beneficial.
Cue-dependent safety and fear learning in a discriminative auditory fear conditioning paradigm in the mouse
Authors: Takemoto Makoto , Song Wen-Jie
Published: July 2019

Discrimination between sensory stimuli associated with safety and threat is crucial for behavioral decisions. Discriminative conditioning paradigms with two acoustic conditioned stimuli (one paired with shock [CS+], the other unpaired with shock [CS−]) have been widely used as an experimental model for fear learning. However, no attention has been paid to the effect of the CS− on safety in the paradigms, because the CS− served as a neutral cue or elevated the freezing level due to fear generalization although less effectively than the CS+. By using a noise and a tone as two acoustic CSs in a discriminative auditory fear conditioning (AFC) paradigm, here we demonstrate that mice learn safety for the CS− while showing fear for the CS+ with opposing emotional behaviors. We found that after learning mice exhibited a significant suppression of context-dependent freezing during the CS−, but not during the CS+, indicating learned safety without fear generalization for the CS−. In contrast, the mice showed an enhanced level of freezing during the CS+ even in a novel spatial context, indicating cued fear for the CS+. Moreover, the CS+ also induced rapid defensive behaviors, whereas the CS− disinhibited normal exploratory behaviors. On the other hand, mice showed no significant suppression of contextual fear during the CS− in a paradigm with a pair of tone CSs at different frequencies, although they clearly discriminated the two tones. These results suggest our AFC paradigm with the noise and tone CSs as a useful experimental model for cue-dependent discriminative learning of safety and threat.
The gender gap in work–life balance satisfaction across occupations
Authors: Dilmaghani Maryam , Tabvuma Vurain
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare the gender gaps in work–life balance satisfaction across occupations. Due to data limitations, the studies of work–life balance satisfaction have generally relied on researcher collected data. As a result, large-scale studies encompassing all occupations in the same social and policy context are rare. In several cycles of the Canadian General Social Survey, the respondents are directly asked about their work–life balance (WLB) satisfaction. The present paper takes advantage of this unique opportunity to compare the gender gap in WLB satisfaction across occupations in Canada.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper pools four cross-sectional datasets (N = 37,335). Multivariate regression analysis is used.

Findings

Women in management and education are found to have a lower WLB satisfaction than their male counterparts. Conversely, and rather surprisingly, a WLB satisfaction advantage is found for women in transport over males in this occupation. Further investigation shows that the female WLB advantage in transport is driven by the relatively low WLB satisfaction of males in this occupation, while the opposite is true for education.

Social implications

The findings are discussed in light of the WLB policies and their increasing gender-blindness.

Originality/value

This paper is the first large-scale study which compares the gender gap in WLB satisfaction across occupations, in a given policy context.
Main functions for building maintenance management: an outline application
Authors: Falorca Jorge Furtado
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an algorithm of procedures intended for use in building maintenance management (BMM), called SIAPME.

Design/methodology/approach

With basis on a literature review, an exploratory practical exercise was carried out, drawing up the SIAPME model and comprising several organisational charts with interconnections.

Findings

This study offers an overview of an alternative set of well-founded and integrated strategies for asset management. Overall, the basic characteristics of the outlined model seem to be in agreement with various existing models.

Research limitations/implications

SIAPME’s ambitious goal is to serve as a well-founded strategic basis for the development of an advanced software solution. However, it still lacks empirical validation, which could be a lengthy process.

Practical implications

This research can provide a valuable input for a more in-depth discussion on the identification and correction of gaps for many systems currently in use. For instance, it is believed that an eventual SIAPME software solution may have potential for full compatibility with building information models, particularly focusing on the life cycle phase of utilisation, operation and building maintenance.

Originality/value

Through SIAPME procedures, a building manager will be allowed to have a very broad perspective of its functions, covering nearly all the fundamental aspects for efficient and integrated maintenance, with optimal control of all players in the process. As a concept idea and by introducing emerging and technological issues, the model can be advantageous for BMM.
The relationship between stress and maturity in knowledge management
Authors: Marques Fernanda Machado Fonseca Ramalho , La Falce Jefferson Lopes , Marques Juliano Martins Ramalho , De Muylder Cristiana Fernandes
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationships among organizational stress, disengagement from knowledge sharing and knowledge management maturity in a public institution of higher education in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive and quantitative means were used; in particular, a questionnaire developed by Batista (2012), the Instrument for Knowledge Management Assessment in the Brazilian Public Administration, a scale developed by Ford and Staples (2008) to measure the disengagement from knowledge sharing and the Occupational Stress Scale, developed by Paschoal and Tamayo (2004) were used to collect data. A multivariate analysis was performed, including the use of structural equation modeling to relate the constructs to each other.

Findings

A positive significance was found in the relationships between organizational stress and disengagement from knowledge sharing and between stress and maturity in knowledge management. This finding supports the suggestion of Fordet al.(2015) that health, a key indicator, is directly related to disengagement from knowledge sharing.

Research limitations/implications

This study adopted a cross-sectional design, so a longitudinal or experimental research may discover other insights.

Originality/value

These results will be interesting to managers because stress management initiatives can help guide or identify opportunities to improve maturity in knowledge management and knowledge sharing.
Engaging consumers in mobile instant messaging: the role of cute branded emoticons
Authors: Lee Crystal T. , Hsieh Sara H.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

With the rapid surge of mobile marketing, an increasing number of brands have launched branded emoticons in an attempt to build brand relationships with consumers. Despite the apparent promise of branded emoticon usage, there is only limited academic research on branded emoticons. This paper aims to build on impression management theory and the conceptualization of cuteness to investigate how the effect of cuteness in branded emoticon design influences perceived playfulness in mobile instant messaging (MIM) interaction and the creation of brand engagement in self-concept.

Design/methodology/approach

Consumers with usage experience of branded emoticons in MIM apps were recruited to complete an online survey. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

Two facets of cuteness – kindchenschema cuteness and whimsical cuteness – can project a favourable social image to consumers that facilitates playfulness in social interaction and enhances brand engagement in self-concept, which leads to their willingness to purchase the brand and stickiness to the MIM apps.

Originality/value

The popularity of branded emoticons represents a new form of social interaction and an innovative way to build brand relationships. The present study is the first to examine the design aspects of branded emoticons and highlights that the cuteness of a branded emoticon may be a crucial factor in engaging consumers in MIM.
Does risk management committee gender diversity matter? A financial distress perspective
Authors: Jia Jing
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Using 2010 corporate governance principles and recommendations (CGPR) as a natural setting, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between risk management committee (RMC) gender diversity and a firm’s likelihood of financial distress. Empirical evidence regarding whether CGPR (2010) enhances RMC gender diversity (RMCGD) is also provided.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from the annual reports of the top 300 Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) listed companies from 2007 to 2014. To control for potential endogeneity, the association between (RMCGD) and a firm’s likelihood of financial distress was investigated using an instrumental variable approach (panel 2SLS regression). The relationship between CGPR (2010) and RMCGD was explored using panel regression analysis with firm fixed effects.

Findings

RMCGD was found to be associated with a lower probability of financial distress, suggesting that women are better at monitoring and reducing firms’ excessive risk-taking behaviours, which, in turn, decreases firms’ risk of financial distress. The results also indicate that CGPR (2010) is quite effective in enhancing committee gender diversity. In the additional analysis, the results show that RMCGD moderates the negative relationship between risk and likelihood of financial distress. Importantly, the proportion of women with financial experience on RMCs is more effective in reducing the likelihood of financial distress compared to the proportion of men with financial experience on RMCs. These results highlight the benefits of having a gender diverse RMC.

Research limitations/implications

The results were based on the top 300 ASX-listed companies; thus, restricting generalisability. In addition, this study only focussed on listed firms, non-listed firms may add additional insights to the literature.

Practical implications

The results provide new and useful empirical evidence about RMCGD for Australian policymakers. This paper suggests that, in the short-term at least, RMCGD should be encouraged by regulators. Regulators could also recommend that the firms with a non-diverse RMC include women with financial experience on their RMC.

Originality/value

Given that prior studies have indicated that gender diversity is closely related to risk, this study contributes to the previous literature by investigating RMCGD and its effect on the likelihood of financial distress. It is expected that the role of RMC member would be to protect the firm from ultimate failure (likelihood of financial distress), especially during a financial crisis.
Impact of SMEs strategy on loyalty: the hairdresser case
Authors: López-Jáuregui Ángel , Martos-Partal Mercedes , Labeaga Jose María
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This study aims to propose a theoretical framework and provide empirical evidence on the most successful marketing strategies for obtaining behavioural loyalty in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The data are based on 475 telephone surveys conducted among Spanish hairdressers. The authors have used ordinary least squares to estimate the empirical model.

Findings

Pricing, services and communication (Web page and in-store communication) are the main drivers of customer loyalty. SMEs have to be cautious with the use of social networks to avoid damaging loyalty. In addition, those positioned at high-price segments should pay more attention to communication on the Web, and all companies should find a balance between in-store communication and the sale of products for use at home.

Research limitations/implications

Further research should try to replicate the findings with data from consumers and firms.

Practical implications

Service managers need to understand the optimal strategy to succeed in the market. The key insights of this study could also apply to other sectors, such as health, personal care and wellness services.

Originality/value

Previous research focussed mainly on large companies, while the role of loyalty in the success of SMEs has been poorly studied, with focus only on the antecedents and the measurement of loyalty. This study contributes to the previous research by analysing the effect of the strategy (price, range of services, communication, size and location) in the achievement of loyalty in SMEs.
Prediction of heat affected zone and other mechanical properties of welded joints of HSLA A588-B of jet blast deflector
Authors: Waghmare Utkarsh , Dhoble A.S. , Taiwade Ravindra , Verma Jagesvar , Vashishtha Himanshu
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to predict and optimize the width of heat affected zone (HAZ) with better mechanical properties using suitable welding process and parameters for the fabrication of jet blast deflector (JBD) (high strength low alloy material of grade A588-B was used for fabrication) so that the JBD can sustain high exhaust parameters, because there are different welding zones formed due to the rapid cooling of weld metals. Out of the various zones of welding, HAZ remains the weakest zone in the entire weldment.

Design/methodology/approach

The present work describes the modeling, simulation, Modeling of three-dimensional plate and mess generation process are carried out using ICEM CFD software. FLUENT 16.0 software is used for ANSYS simulation where various models are used for analysis and results are validated with the experimental outcomes. High strength low alloy plates are welded by using shielded metal arc welding and tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding processes with two different electrodes. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used for metallurgical study. The mechanical properties were evaluated by tensile strength test, vickers microhardness test and impact test. The corrosion resistance was evaluated by performing the potentiodynamic polarization test.

Findings

The present study indicated for better mechanical properties and improved corrosion resistance for TIG welded joints with type 308 L filler.

Practical implications

In aeronautical, defense, space and research organizations.

Originality/value

It can be shown from the scanning electron microscope technique that sound weld joint is produced with very good mechanical properties and joint also showed better corrosion resistance.
Quantifying parasitoid and predator controls on rice hopper eggs using a dynamic stage‐structured model and field data
Authors: Kettle Helen , Sann Christina , Marion Glenn
Published: July 2019

Rice hoppers can cause devastation to rice crops in SE Asia via disease spread and direct feeding. Current regulation is through pesticides; however, a more sustainable approach is to use the natural enemies of the hoppers. Here, we show how the combination of a process‐based model and field data can give insights into natural pest control, beyond those obtained through direct analysis of the field data.

We use a stage‐structured host‐parasitoid model based on time‐delay ordinary differential equations (using the r package “stagePop”; Kettle & Nutter, 2015; Methods in Ecology and Evolution 6:1484–1490) to investigate the interactions of four parasitoid genera and an egg predator on the eggs of two hopper hosts: the brown plant hopper (Nilaparvata lugens (Stål)) and the green leaf hopper (Nephottetix spp.).

Model parameters are derived from 62 (×3) datasets from experiments in the Philippines. In these experiments, hopper eggs on rice plants were exposed in the field for 3 days and then taken back to the laboratory. The number of emerging hopper nymphs and parasitoid adults were then recorded. Single‐host and mixed host experiments were performed.

The field data are not sufficient to fully constrain the model parameters so our results are given in terms of the value of an unknown parameter (γ; the number of hopper eggs killed per successful parasitism) which may be ascertained via future experiments.

Synthesis and applications. Our model experiments suggest that although parasitoids are most likely the main control on hopper egg abundance, and despite the fact that the egg predator also consumes parasitoid eggs, the two‐enemy system (parasitoids and predators) is more effective at hopper egg control than if either enemy is present alone. Our results provide evidence in support of ecological engineering approaches that promote both parasitoids and egg predators.
Caregivers’ perceptions of barriers and supports for children with sensory processing disorders
Authors: Fletcher Tina , Anderson‐Seidens Julie , Wagner Hope , Linyard Martha , Nicolette Elyse
Published: July 2019

Introduction

This study explored caregivers’ perceptions of how children with sensory processing disorders participate in community outings, strategies to support successful outings and if multi‐sensory environments mitigate participation barriers.

Methods

Seven mothers and two grandmothers of children with sensory challenges participated in focus groups. Following focus groups, participants took part in a workshop on sensory processing disorders and behaviour management strategies and experienced a multi‐sensory environment. To ensure trustworthiness, researchers individually coded data, corroborated to develop categories, then recoded until reaching consensus. Three participants reviewed conclusions that the researchers derived from audit trails and focus groups to verify credibility.

Results

When asked about their child’s participation challenges, participants identified sensory processing difficulties, environmental triggers, specific locations visited and how caregivers managed participation challenges. Participants relied on preparation, planning and consistency. Participants had varying exposure to multi‐sensory environments and some were uncertain how they supported participation.

Conclusion

Participants reported positive outcomes resulting from proactive planning to manage behaviour, anticipating environmental triggers and challenges posed by locations they visited, and that their child’s challenges and their own abilities to meet them evolved over time. They speculated multi‐sensory environments could support participation when they were well‐designed.
Child sexual exploitation (CSE): applying a systemic understanding of ‘grooming’ and the LUUUUTT model to aid second order change
Authors: Van de Vijver Kathleen , Harvey Rebecca
Published: July 2019

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) has been acknowledged in the UK as a form of child sexual abuse (Department of Education, 2017). This article presents a composite case study undertaken within family therapy and children’s social work based around some high‐risk CSE cases, using a variety of systemic ideas. The CSE case includes typical risks of abuse and exploitation, and the steps taken to understand and promote safety for the composite young person. The authors explore how CSE sits within the wider contexts of power and abuse in society. The article focuses particularly on first and second order change in CSE interventions, how we can systemically understand ‘grooming’, and how the LUUUUTT model can aid our practice.

Practitioner points

It is essential to locate CSE in its wider contexts, including family, organisational and societal contexts

It is essential to understand the traps involved in the grooming process in CSE

The LUUUUTT model (stories Lived, Unknown, Untold, Unheard, Untellable, Told and storyTelling) can be helpful in guiding systemic conversations and disclosures by young people

A more cohesive and coordinated multi‐agency approach to CSE is proposed
Eristalinus arvorum (Fabricius, 1787) (Diptera: Syrphidae) in Human Skull: A New Fly Species of Forensic Importance
Authors: Heo Chong Chin , Rahimi Razuin , Mengual Ximo , M. Isa Mohd. Shahirul , Zainal Syameem , Khofar Putri Nabihah , Nazni Wasi Ahmad
Published: July 2019

A body of an unknown adult female was found within a shallow burial ground in Malaysia whereas the skull was exposed and visible on the ground. During autopsy examination, nine insect larvae were recovered from the interior of the human skull and subsequently preserved in 70% ethanol. The larvae were greyish in appearance, each with a posterior elongated breathing tube. A week after the autopsy, more larvae were collected at the burial site, and some of them were reared into adults. Adult specimens and larvae from the skull and from the burial site were sequenced to obtain DNA barcodes. Results showed all adult flies reared from the burial site, as well as the larvae collected from the skull were identified as Eristalinus arvorum (Fabricius, 1787) (Diptera: Syrphidae). Here, we report the colonization of E. arvorum larvae on a human corpse for the first time.
Evolution and Application of Urban Watershed Management Planning
Authors: Mika Melissa L. , Dymond Randel L. , Aguilar Marcus F. , Hodges Clayton C.
Published: July 2019

The development of Watershed Management Plans (WMPs) in urban areas aids municipalities in allocating resources, engaging the public and stakeholders, addressing water quality regulations, and mitigating issues related to stormwater runoff and flooding. In this study, 124 urban WMPs across the United States were reviewed to characterize historic approaches and identify emerging trends in watershed planning. Planning methods and tools were qualitatively evaluated, followed by statistical analyses of a subset of 63 WMPs to identify relationships between planning factors. Plans developed by a municipality or consultant were associated with more occurrences of hydrologic modeling and site‐specific recommendations, and fewer occurrences of characterizing social watershed factors, than plans authored by agencies, organizations, or universities. WMPs in the past decade exhibited greater frequency in the use of pollutant load models and spatially explicit hydrologic and hydraulic models. Project prioritization was found to increasingly focus on feasibility to implement proposed strategies. More recent plans additionally exhibited greater consideration for water quality, ecological health, and public participation. Innovation in planning methods and consideration of future watershed conditions are primary areas that were found to be deficient in the study WMPs, although analysis methods and tools continue to improve in the wake of advancing technology and data availability.
Enhanced nuclear protein export in premature aging and rescue of the progeria phenotype by modulation of CRM1 activity
Authors: García‐Aguirre Ian , Alamillo‐Iniesta Alma , Rodríguez‐Pérez Ruth , Vélez‐Aguilera Griselda , Amaro‐Encarnación Elianeth , Jiménez‐Gutiérrez Elizabeth , Vásquez‐Limeta Alejandra , Samuel Laredo‐Cisneros Marco , Morales‐Lázaro Sara L. , Tiburcio‐Félix Reynaldo , Ortega Arturo , Magaña Jonathan J , Winder Steve J. , Cisneros Bulmaro
Published: July 2019

The study of Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) has provided important clues to decipher mechanisms underlying aging. Progerin, a mutant lamin A, disrupts nuclear envelope structure/function, with further impairment of multiple processes that culminate in senescence. Here, we demonstrate that the nuclear protein export pathway is exacerbated in HGPS, due to progerin‐driven overexpression of CRM1, thereby disturbing nucleocytoplasmic partitioning of CRM1‐target proteins. Enhanced nuclear export is central in HGPS, since pharmacological inhibition of CRM1 alleviates all aging hallmarks analyzed, including senescent cellular morphology, lamin B1 downregulation, loss of heterochromatin, nuclear morphology defects, and expanded nucleoli. Exogenous overexpression of CRM1 on the other hand recapitulates the HGPS cellular phenotype in normal fibroblasts. CRM1 levels/activity increases with age in fibroblasts from healthy donors, indicating that altered nuclear export is a common hallmark of pathological and physiological aging. Collectively, our findings provide novel insights into HGPS pathophysiology, identifying CRM1 as potential therapeutic target in HGPS.
Histological and immunohistochemical studies of the proximal caecum and caecal tonsils of quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
Authors: Yildiz Mustafa , Aydemir Isil , Kum Sadiye , Eren Ulker
Published: July 2019

The proximal caecum in quails consists of lymphoid and non‐lymphoid structures. The caecal tonsils in the proximal part of the caecum are units of gut‐associated lymphoid tissue in poultry. This study aimed to examine the histological characteristics of the proximal caecum, as well as compositions of dendritic cells (DCs) and antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) in the caecal tonsil of quails. Tissue sections were stained with Crossman's triple, periodic acid–Schiff, Gordon and Sweet's silver, Congo red and methyl green‐pyronin dyes, as well as immunohistochemically by the streptavidin–biotin–peroxidase complex method. Caecal lymphoid tissue was located in the lamina propria and submucosa. Germinative centres were observed within the lymphoid tissue. Reticular fibres were mainly distributed in the border area of the germinal centre with only a few fibres scattered in the centre. Plasma cells were observed in the subepithelial region and germinal centres. Eosinophil granulocytes were prevalent in the lymphoid tissue. Additionally, CD83‐immunoreactive DCs and MHC class II immunoreactive APCs were present in the subepithelial area and diffuse lymphoid tissue. While DCs were seen in the germinal centres of tonsillar units, APCs were rarely present in the germinal centres, but they were noticed around the germinal centres. In conclusion, the histological structure of the proximal caecum in quails and the distributions of some immunological cells in the caecal tonsils were revealed. Therefore, the defensive role of the caecal tonsils in the digestive system may be better understood, and comparative studies may be carried out.
The first year of treatment predicts the prognosis of asthma over 25 y—A prospective study
Authors: Kauppinen Ritva , Vilkka Vesa , Sintonen Harri , Hedman Jouni
Published: July 2019

Background

An investigator‐driven, real‐life follow‐up study of adult‐onset steroid‐naïve, newly diagnosed asthma (162 patients) to investigate the treatment results over the 25‐year course of the disease and whether the first treatment year's forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) predicts the long‐term prognosis.

Methods

Eighty‐three per cent of the 133 living patients participated in the 25‐year examinations. At this visit, basic asthma examinations including lung function, as well as questionnaires for health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), GINA and the Asthma Control Test, were used for evaluation. The use of medication and remission was verified.

Results

There was no statistically significant change in mean FEV1% predicted (FEV1%) from baseline to the 25‐year control. The changes in FEV1% during the first year predicted the results at the end of follow‐up. Normal FEV1% at the end of the first year predicted normal FEV1, and below‐normal FEV1% at 1 year predicted below‐normal FEV1% at 25 years. Twenty‐nine patients (26.4%) had discontinued their medication, and six (5.5%) used ICS periodically. Clinical remission was reached by 16.4% of the patients, and 7.6% reached functional remission. The general HRQoL remained unchanged.

Conclusion

In adult‐onset asthma, the level of FEV1 reached during the first treatment year seems to predict the later lung function level. One quarter of the patients discontinued the asthma treatment, but their HRQoL was better than that of those continuing to use ICS. Clinical remission was reached by 16% of the patients, which is in concordance with other studies.
Dupilumab improves health‐related quality of life in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis
Authors: Bachert Claus , Hellings Peter W. , Mullol Joaquim , Hamilos Daniel L. , Gevaert Philippe , Naclerio Robert M. , Joish Vijay N. , Chao Jingdong , Mannent Leda P. , Amin Nikhil , Abbe Adeline , Taniou Christine , Fan Chunpeng , Pirozzi Gianluca , Graham Neil M. H. , Mahajan Puneet , Staudinger Heribert , Khan Asif
Published: July 2019

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) negatively affects health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). In a previously reported randomized clinical trial (NCT01920893), addition of dupilumab to mometasone furoate in patients with CRSwNP refractory to intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) significantly improved endoscopic, radiographic, and clinical endpoints and patient‐reported outcomes. The objective of this analysis was to examine the impact of dupilumab treatment on HRQoL and productivity using secondary outcome data from this trial.

Methods

Following a 4‐week mometasone furoate nasal spray run‐in, patients were randomized to commence subcutaneous dupilumab (600 mg loading dose, then 300 mg once weekly for 15 weeks [n = 30], or matched placebo [n = 30]). Outcomes included scores on the CRS disease severity visual analog scale (VAS), 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), 5‐dimension EuroQoL (EQ‐5D) general health status VAS, and 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) for HRQoL and nasal polyp‐related healthcare resource use questionnaires.

Results

Following 16 weeks of treatment, the proportion of patients with moderate‐to‐severe CRSwNP (VAS > 3‐10) decreased from 86.2% to 21.4% with dupilumab and 88.0% to 84.2% with placebo. Dupilumab (vs placebo) resulted in significantly greater improvement in HRQoL, based on SNOT‐22, SF‐36, and EQ‐5D VAS scores. The dupilumab group had a significantly lower adjusted annualized mean number of sick leave days (0.09, vs 4.18 with placebo, P = .015) and significantly greater improvement (vs placebo) in the SNOT‐22 item “reduced productivity.”

Conclusions

In adults with CRSwNP refractory to treatment with INCS alone, the addition of dupilumab reduced disease severity, significantly improved HRQoL, and improved productivity.
The long and winding road to pathogen reduction of platelets, red blood cells and whole blood
Authors: Rebulla Paolo
Published: July 2019

Pathogen reduction technologies (PRTs) have been developed to further reduce the current very low risks of acquiring transfusion‐transmitted infections and promptly respond to emerging infectious threats. An entire portfolio of PRTs suitable for all blood components is not available, but the field is steadily progressing. While PRTs for plasma have been used for many years, PRTs for platelets, red blood cells (RBC) and whole blood (WB) were developed more slowly, due to difficulties in preserving cell functions during storage. Two commercial platelet PRTs use ultra violet (UV) A and UVB light in the presence of amotosalen or riboflavin to inactivate pathogens’ nucleic acids, while a third experimental PRT uses UVC light only. Two PRTs for WB and RBC have been tested in experimental clinical trials with storage limited to 21 or 35 days, due to unacceptably high RBC storage lesion beyond these time limits. This review summarizes pre‐clinical investigations and selected outcomes from clinical trials using the above PRTs. Further studies are warranted to decrease cell storage lesions after PRT treatment and to test PRTs in different medical and surgical conditions. Affordability remains a major administrative obstacle to PRT use, particularly so in geographical regions with higher risks of transfusion‐transmissible infections.
Factors influencing long‐term survival rates of implants placed simultaneously with lateral maxillary sinus floor augmentation: A 6‐ to 20‐year retrospective study
Authors: Park Won‐Bae , Kang Kyung Lhi , Han Ji‐Young
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the long‐term influence of residual bone height (RBH), sinus membrane perforation and the presence of voids on the survival of implants placed simultaneously with lateral maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA).

Materials and Methods

A total of 207 patients (613 implants) who underwent MSFA from 1999 to 2003 and followed up until 2018 were included in this study. RBH and marginal bone loss were assessed using a series of panoramic and periapical radiographs. Cumulative survival rates (CSR) with log‐rank tests and hazard ratios of implant failure according to RBH, membrane perforation, and the presence of voids were assessed.

Results

The overall 10‐year and 20‐year CSRs were 95% (95% CI: 84.95%–85.05%) and 85% (95% CI: 84.95%–85.05%), respectively. CSR was significantly higher for implants with ≥3 mm RBH (n = 260, 92.4%) than those with <3 mm RBH (n = 353, 78.8%) (p = .002). CSR of non‐smoking group (n = 312, 90.0%) was higher than that of smoking group (n = 301, 77.1%) (p = .009). There was no significant difference in the hazard ratio of implant failure between the perforated membrane group (n = 245) and the non‐perforated group (n = 368). In two out of 11 patients with voids, the inflammation of peri‐implantitis progressed into voids, resulting in severe bone resorption.

Conclusions

The survival of implants placed in <3 mm of RBH, even though it showed a lower CSR, could be considered acceptable. Neither sinus membrane perforation nor the presence of voids appeared to affect implant survival as long as supportive maintenance therapy with proper oral hygiene was provided.
A Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Model for Targeting Calcitriol‐Conjugated Quantum Dots to Inflammatory Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Forder James , Smith Mallory , Wagner Margot , Schaefer Rachel J. , Gorky Jonathon , van Golen Kenneth L. , Nohe Anja , Dhurjati Prasad
Published: July 2019

Quantum dots (QDs) conjugated with 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) and Mucin‐1 (MUC‐1) antibodies (SM3) have been found to target inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) tumors and reduce proliferation, migration, and differentiation of these tumors in mice. A physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic model has been constructed and optimized to match experimental data for multiple QDs: control QDs, QDs conjugated with calcitriol, and QDs conjugated with both calcitriol and SM3 MUC1 antibodies. The model predicts continuous QD concentration for key tissues in mice distinguished by IBC stage (healthy, early‐stage, and late‐stage). Experimental and clinical efforts in QD treatment of IBC can be augmented by in silico simulations that predict the short‐term and long‐term behavior of QD treatment regimens.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection is associated with less pathologic uncertainty than endoscopic mucosal resection in diagnosing and staging Barrett's‐related neoplasia
Authors: Podboy Alexander , Kolahi Kevin Sohail , Friedland Shai , Louie Christine Y.
Published: July 2019

Background & Aims

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) have demonstrated similar efficacy in removal of neoplastic esophageal lesions. However, significant controversy exists over the preferred resection technique. Our primary aim was to compare the pathologic specimens produced via EMR and ESD and secondarily gauge their effect on clinical decision making and patient outcomes.

Methods

Using a retrospective cohort study design, all esophageal Barrett's‐associated neoplastic lesions resected by a single provider from 2012 to 2017 were reviewed. The pathology was re‐reviewed by two blinded authors for diagnosis, margins, and adverse outcomes and recurrence rates were also collected.

Results

Thirty‐one EMR and 20 ESD cases were identified. Baseline demographics and lesion characteristics were similar. ESD produced more R0 resections and more en bloc resections compared to EMR. EMR produced more equivocal lateral (13/31, 41.9% vs 1/20, 5.0%) and vertical margins (13/31, 41.9% vs. 0/20, 0%, both P < 0.05). This led to an inability to reach a definitive diagnosis in 13/31 EMR vs 0/20 ESD pathology specimens (P = 0.003). Of the 13 EMR specimens with equivocal pathology, 11 were noted to have ‘at least intramucosal adenocarcinoma’. Four of the 11 patients chose to undergo elective esophagectomy with final surgical pathology demonstrating ≤T1a disease in 2, and ≥T1b disease in two.

Conclusion

Compared to ESD, EMR was associated with greater pathologic uncertainty in Barrett's‐associated neoplasia.
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for myelofibrosis patients aged ≥65 years
Authors: Daghia Giulia , Zabelina Tatjana , Zeck Gaby , von Pein Ute‐Marie , Christopeit Maximilian , Wolschke Christine , Ayuk Francis , Kröger Nicolaus
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Myelofibrosis (MF) is a disease of elderly with median age of 65 years at diagnosis. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) currently is the only potentially curative option, although associated with treatment‐related morbidity and mortality. Development of reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens enabled transplant to be performed successfully in older patients.

Objectives and Methods

To evaluate outcome of transplantation among elderly patients (≥65 years), we conducted retrospective analysis of results in 45 patients transplanted between 2002 and 2018 at the University Medical Center Hamburg. Median age at ASCT was 67 years (r: 65‐74). The majority of patients (n = 43) received busulfan plus fludarabine RIC regimen and were classified as DIPSS intermediate‐2 or high risk at time of transplantation.

Results

After a median follow‐up of 4 years, 6‐year estimated progression‐free survival and overall survival were 60% and 64%, respectively. Cumulative incidence of non‐relapse mortality was 21% at 1 year. Cumulative incidence of relapse at 6 years was 10%. Patients with Sorror score 3 or less had a significant better survival (73% vs 25%, P = .009).

Conclusion

Reduced intensity conditioning regimen followed by ASCT in older patients with myelofibrosis is a curative treatment option. Outcome is more favorable in patients with no or minimal comorbidities.
Structural and functional brain connectomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Preziosa P. , Rocca M. A. , Ramirez G. A. , Bozzolo E. P. , Canti V. , Pagani E. , Valsasina P. , Moiola L. , Rovere‐Querini P. , Manfredi A. A. , Filippi M.
Published: July 2019

Background and purpose

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an immune‐mediated disease that may affect the nervous system. We explored the topographical organization of structural and functional brain connectivity in patients with SLE and its correlation with neuropsychiatric (NP) involvement and autoantibody profiles.

Methods

Graph theoretical analysis was applied to diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and resting‐state functional MRI data from 32 patients with SLE and 32 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Structural and functional connectivity matrices between 116 cortical/subcortical brain regions were estimated using a bivariate correlation analysis, and global and nodal network metrics were calculated.

Results

Structural, but not functional, global network properties (strength, transitivity, global efficiency and path length) were abnormal in patients with SLE versus controls (P < 0.0001), especially in patients with anti‐double‐stranded DNA (ADNA) autoantibodies (P = 0.03). No difference was found according to NP involvement or anti‐phospholipid autoantibody status. Patients with SLE and controls shared identical structural hubs and the majority of functional hubs. In patients with SLE, all structural hubs showed reduced strength and clustering coefficient compared with controls (P from 0.001 to <0.0001), especially in patients with ADNA autoantibodies. Only a few differences in functional hub properties were found between patients with SLE and controls. Structural and functional hub measures did not differ according to NP involvement or anti‐phospholipid autoantibody status. Significant correlations were found between clinical, MRI and network measures (r from −0.56 to 0.60, P from 0.0003 to 0.05).

Conclusions

Abnormalities of global and nodal structural connectivity occur in patients with SLE, especially with ADNA autoantibodies, with a diffuse disruption of structural integrity. Functional network integrity may contribute to preserve clinical functions.
Ecologically Sustainable Exploitation Rates—A multispecies approach for fisheries management
Authors: Säterberg Torbjörn , Casini Michele , Gårdmark Anna
Published: July 2019

Fisheries management is slowly evolving from its traditional single‐species focus to a more holistic ecosystem‐based approach. Yet, limits for exploitation are almost always set based on single‐species models, treating species as isolated entities. This is problematic since the sustainability of a fishery hinges on its effects on the exploited community as a whole. Here, we develop a novel analytical approach of estimating exploitation rates that are sustainable with respect to the state of whole fish communities. Our approach simultaneously addresses species interactions, environmental covariates and natural variability of population sizes, yet it is framed around a simple and accessible objective. We derive Ecologically Sustainable Exploitation Rates, that is exploitation rates associated with a maximum acceptable probability (determined by management) that any interacting species decreases to an unacceptably low population size. Using models fitted to an exploited fish community, we show how accounting for species interactions constrains the possibilities for ecologically sustainable exploitation. The conventional omission of species interactions may thus result in overestimated exploitation limits. Moreover, our application rendered a counterintuitive result: it suggests that the exploitation of one species should increase, as compared to mean historical levels, for the purpose of conservation of the community as a whole. Such insights could impossibly be gained using single‐species approaches, illustrating the need to adopt multispecies models in fisheries management. Analytical derivation of Ecologically Sustainable Exploitation Rates offers a mean to do so.