bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A structural model assessing key factors affecting women’s entrepreneurial success
Authors: Chatterjee Namrata , Das Niladri , Srivastava Nishit Kumar
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The present study aims to investigate the influence of key factors on the success of women micro-entrepreneurs in select states of India.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study is carried out to understand the influence of the psychological, socio-cultural, skill and resource-related factors on the success of women entrepreneurs. To achieve the set goal, a comprehensive questionnaire is developed for collecting data and is analyzed using thet-test, the chi-square test and structural equation modeling.

Findings

The proposed model is validated using structural equation modeling, and the fitness values indicate that the model is fit to explain the entrepreneurial success of women entrepreneurs in India.

Practical implications

The result advocates that the participation of women entrepreneurs may be increased to not only improve national growth but also empower women in India.

Originality/value

In the context of the women micro-entrepreneurs, no such study covering such a vast area of India has been carried out.
Building the hydrogen economy through niche experimentation and digitalisation
Authors: Walwyn David , Bertoldi Andreas , Gable Christian
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Hydrogen fuel cells could play an important role in meeting the challenges of the Two Degrees Scenario. The purpose of this paper is to review the development of this technology in South Africa with the aim of understanding how the country can transform its existing socio-technical systems and act to support a hydrogen-based technological innovation system (TIS).

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methods approach has been followed in this study. Secondary data analysis was used initially to build a profile of South Africa’s present energy system, followed by a stakeholder survey of the emerging hydrogen economy. Respondents were selected based on a convenience/snowball sampling approach and were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire, covering opportunities for South Africa in the global hydrogen economy; sources of competitive advantage; the present phase of development; the maturity of each function and the main weaknesses within the TIS; and finally the appropriate policy instrument to remedy the weakness and/or maximise opportunities for local companies.

Findings

The research has shown that the hydrogen economy is still at a pre-competitive level and requires ongoing government support to ensure an energy transition is realised. In particular, it is important that niche experimentation, a proven strategy in respect of successful sustainability transitions, is further pursued. Importantly, the net cost of hydrogen-based transportation, which is still several times larger than the cost of transport based on the internal combustion engine (ICE), must be reduced, especially in the key applications of public transport and underground vehicles. Furthermore, the development of digital technologies to manage supply fluctuations in energy grids must be accelerated.

Originality/value

The South Africa economy will be severely affected by the replacement of the ICEs with battery electric vehicles due to the country’s reliance on ICEs for platinum demand. Fuel cells represent a new market for platinum but the hydrogen TIS is still at a vulnerable point in its development; without policy support, it will not contribute to a successful socio-technical transformation, nor provide an alternative outlet for platinum.
Managing care errors in the wards
Authors: Farnese Maria Luisa , Zaghini Francesco , Caruso Rosario , Fida Roberta , Romagnoli Manuel , Sili Alessandro
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The importance of an error management culture (EMC) that integrates error prevention with error management after errors occur has been highlighted in the existing literature. However, few empirical studies currently support the relationship between EMC and errors, while the factors that affect EMC remain underexplored. Drawing on the conceptualisation of organisational cultures, the purpose of this paper is to verify the contribution of authentic leadership in steering EMC, thereby leading to reduced errors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a cross-sectional survey study. The sample included 280 nurses.

Findings

Results of a full structural equation model supported the hypothesised model, showing that authentic leadership is positively associated with EMC, which in turn is negatively associated with the frequency of errors.

Practical implications

These results provide initial evidence for the role of authentic leadership in enhancing EMC and consequently, fostering error reduction in the workplace. The tested model suggests that the adoption of an authentic style can promote policies and practices to proactively manage errors, paving the way to error reduction in the workplace.

Originality/value

This study was one of the first to investigate the relationship between authentic leadership, error culture and errors. Further, it contributes to the existing literature by demonstrating both the importance of cultural orientation in protecting the organisation from error occurrence and the key role of authentic leaders in creating an environment for EMC development, thus permitting the organisation to learn from errors and reduce their negative consequences.
Corporate social responsibility disclosure in small and medium-sized entities and large companies
Authors: Dias António , Rodrigues Lúcia Lima , Craig Russell , Neves Maria Elisabete
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) literature has focused mainly on larger firms. Only recently has discussion of the engagement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in CSR emerged in research studies. Here we contribute to that growing discussion of CSR in SMEs by analyzing the disclosure practices of 57 Portuguese companies of different sizes (small, medium, large).

Design/methodology/approach

We use stakeholder theory to identify the stakeholders that SMEs and large firms prioritize. By means of thematic content analysis and an index of disclosure (calculated according to company type and stakeholder type) we analyze whether business characteristics influence CSR disclose strategies.

Findings

Companies give priority to CSR activities that are directly related to maintaining business and achieving economic results. CSR disclosure practices of SMEs and large companies do not differ significantly. However, larger companies disclose more information on Environment and Society. Companies who are closer to consumers disclose more information on Customers, Community and Society. The act of assuring a CSR report drives system improvements and extended CSR disclosure.

Research limitations/implications

We recognize that it is difficult to compare CSR in Small and large enterprises. For this reason, we have developed a methodology based on the most basic aspects of the CSRD, and therefore applicable without distinction to large and small companies.

Practical implications

A framework to evaluate the CSRD of SMEs was developed. We identify CSR indicators divided in five dimensions (customers, employees, environment, community and society) that are applicable to firms of all sizes.

Originality/value

This study extends knowledge of CSR by comparing the disclosure practices of SMEs and large (listed and un-listed) Portuguese companies. This study takes account of the particularities of SMEs and other fundamental business characteristics using a replicable assessment framework.
Accounting for rhinos – the case of South African National Parks (SANParks)
Authors: Ackers Barry
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Biodiversity is required to sustain life on earth, but the rampant growth in the illegal wildlife trade has created a global conservation challenge, where the African continent is one of the primary casualties. This paper aims to explore how South African National Parks (SANParks) (as the custodian of the largest population of rhinos in the wild) accounts to its stakeholders about how it has discharged its biodiversity mandate relating to rhino preservation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper seeks to determine whether the increase in rhino-poaching over the period from 2006 to 2015 is reflected by a concomitant increase in related disclosures in SANParks’ annual reports. It adopts a mixed-methods research approach using both descriptive and inferential statistics, as well as a qualitative analysis of pertinent narrative disclosures describing how SANParks accounts to its stakeholders on the discharge of the rhino-related component of its biodiversity mandate.

Findings

The study finds that SANParks uses its publicly available annual reports to disclose how it has discharged the rhino-related component of its biodiversity mandate. In this regard, it identified a strong positive correlation between incidents of rhino-poaching and annual report disclosures in the period up to 2010. Initially, SANParks disclosed its rhino-poaching-related performance through impression management to bolster its legitimacy, but later focused its reporting on its rhino conservation efforts.

Originality/value

Although the subject of rhino-poaching has been extensively researched, this one of the first papers to explore the phenomenon from a governance and accountability perspective of a state-owned entity (\ SANParks) under the mantle of extinction accounting.
Towards holistic understanding of socially responsible provision of public goods: conceptual foundations
Authors: Vilke Rita
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to explain a conceptual background for an emerging agrarian discourse in corporate social responsibility (CSR) research. Socially responsible provision of public goods is examined by encompassing a shift in paradigms and approaches from the industrial phase of development with economic/profit dimension, emphasized by the theory of public goods, to the post-industrial phase of development with moral dimension, empowered by knowledge-based economy, sustainability and further development of the theory of CSR.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper sets the conceptual foundations for the holistic study of the two confronting conceptions of public goods and CSR by discussing their interconnectivity and distinctions of relevant approaches in the intersecting classical economics and sustainability fields.

Findings

Research results show that provision of public goods is still mainly debated from the classical economic paradigms. Nevertheless, author give promising evidence for the possibility to implement holistic studies on confronting economic and moral dimensions in the field of socially responsible provisions of public goods with use of appropriate theories and approaches from both paradigms depending on the context.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents exceptionally theoretical insights and sophisticated explanations of the background of emerging agrarian discourse in CSR. It gives implications for further research in the field of socially responsible provision of public goods both from theoretical and empirical point of view.

Originality/value

The study proves the enlarged scope of the theory of CSR by conceptualizing the newly emerging discourse in the field, which has been absent from theoretical to empirical CSR research in agriculture.
The Everyday Economy: Framing a New Political Economy for the UK?
Authors: McInroy Neil
Published: November 2018

The piece focuses on how the economics of market liberalism are incapable of addressing social injustice and how we need a fundamental reset to the UK's political economy. The article comments on the ideas contained within The Everyday Economy, a publication by Rachel Reeves MP, and acknowledges the important role that everyday economic sectors (such as retail, care, transport and utilities) play, and the usefulness of these sectors as an entry point to turning back the market liberal tide through more democratic control and new forms of ownership. However, the article highlights how a new economics must go even further in terms of correcting wealth extraction, with a much deeper intentional reform of state institutions. Included within that is the need to embrace new civic activism as a means to advance democratic economic ownership and economic justice, thus sustainably reversing the market liberal hold on our economy.
Learning and development practitioners: identity, profession and future trajectory
Authors: Barratt‐Pugh Llandis , Hodge Steven , Smith Erica
Published: November 2018

The increasing focus on learning and innovation within organisations has significantly changed perceptions and practices of learning. It has also generated an increasingly diverse and growing network of learning and development practitioners (L&D), constructing an emerging identity that is critical to organisational growth. Our study of nearly 800 Australian L&D practitioners explored their working roles, relationships, and development needs, in a contested environment. Our purpose was to explore how L&D practice has changed; if a professional identity for L&D practitioners is emerging; and what development needs L&D practitioners have. The practitioner responses from this study are used to model the emerging themes of L&D practice, substantiate the emergence of a ‘quasi‐professional’ identity, and indicate the imperatives that underpin professional development frameworks. This knowledge provides a foundation for reconceptualising the learning and development practitioner domain.
A call to greater inclusion of gerodontology in the dental curriculum: A narrative review
Authors: Nilsson A , Young L , Croker F
Published: November 2018

Aim

This literature review explores the need for greater prominence of gerodontology in the undergraduate dental curriculum, focusing on the significance of gerodontology for dental students on clinical placements.

Background

As Australia's population ages the number of dentate older people is increasing. An assessment of the dental profession's preparedness, including that of future providers, is needed to ensure that this public health issue is addressed.

Methods

A database search was performed inMEDLINE(Ovid),CINAHLandJCUOneSearch. Of the 41 articles identified, 31 were selected for review using a narrative approach.

Discussion

Of the 31 articles reviewed, 12 were Australian, 9 North American and 5 European. Five overarching themes were identified, including preparedness for residential aged care facilities; barriers to oral health services provision; attitudes to aged care; gerodontology as part of a dental school curriculum and service‐based learning.

Conclusion

There are differences in the gerodontology curricula of dental schools, with a wide variation of clinical exposure to older patients. There is evidence that exposure to gerodontology curriculum prior to treating older people may help dental students feel more prepared for managing patients in aged care. The current marginal status of gerodontology in dental school curricula is in need of review.
Presence of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on home exteriors during the autumn dispersal period: Results generated by citizen scientists
Authors: Hancock Torri J. , Lee Doo‐Hyung , Bergh James Christopher , Morrison William R. , Leskey Tracy C.
Published: November 2018

The invasive brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys (Stål) is a serious nuisance pest in buildings.

To address how H. halys select potential overwintering sites and to predict the risk of home invasion, citizen scientists, primarily from the Mid‐Atlantic region of the U.S.A., were recruited to count the number of H. halys present on the exterior of their homes during the autumn dispersal periods in 2013 and 2014.

Volunteers provided daily count data on numbers present on each exterior aspect of the home during the peak dispersal, as well as their home's location, colour and structural material.

Among volunteers, fewer adults were counted on white homes compared with brown and tan homes in 2013 and with grey homes in both years. Across all homes, greatest numbers were counted on the north and east walls in both years and on homes with wood, cement or stone exteriors.

In addition, significantly more adults were counted on homes in rural landscapes compared with urban areas in both years. Halyomorpha halys were found in greater numbers on darker coloured homes made of natural materials, even though these were less common than other types in the landscape.

Thus, homes located in rural landscapes with these features could be prone to larger nuisance infestations of overwintering H. halys.
Upsloping ST depression: Is it acute ischemia?
Authors: Alam Mahboob , Nikus Kjell , Fiol Miguel , Bayes de Luna Antoni , Birnbaum Yochai
Published: November 2018

We describe a patient with acute coronary syndrome, presenting with upsloping ST depression in leads I, II, V3–V6 and ST elevation in lead aVR. Coronary angiography revealed spontaneous dissection in a big, dominant left circumflex artery. No other lesions identified. During stenting of the dissection site, the distal left circumflex, supplying a large posterior descending artery was occluded, resulting in ST elevation myocardial infarction with ST elevation in lead III and aVF, but not II. This pattern is considered to represent right coronary artery infarction, rather than left circumflex infarction.
Timescales of developmental toxicity impacting on research and needs for intervention
Authors: Grandjean Philippe , Abdennebi‐Najar Latifa , Barouki Robert , Cranor Carl F. , Etzel Ruth A. , Gee David , Heindel Jerrold J. , Hougaard Karin S. , Hunt Patricia , Nawrot Tim S. , Prins Gail S. , Ritz Beate , Soffritti Morando , Sunyer Jordi , Weihe Pal
Published: November 2018

Much progress has happened in understanding developmental vulnerability to preventable environmental hazards. Along with the improved insight, the perspective has widened, and developmental toxicity now involves latent effects that can result in delayed adverse effects in adults or at old age and additional effects that can be transgenerationally transferred to future generations. Although epidemiology and toxicology to an increasing degree are exploring the adverse effects from developmental exposures in human beings, the improved documentation has resulted in little progress in protection, and few environmental chemicals are currently regulated to protect against developmental toxicity, whether it be neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption or other adverse outcome. The desire to obtain a high degree of certainty and verification of the evidence used for decision‐making must be weighed against the costs and necessary duration of research, as well as the long‐term costs to human health because of delayed protection of vulnerable early‐life stages of human development and, possibly, future generations. Although two‐generation toxicology tests may be useful for initial test purposes, other rapidly emerging tools need to be seriously considered from computational chemistry and metabolomics to CLARITY‐BPA‐type designs, big data and population record linkage approaches that will allow efficient generation of new insight; epigenetic mechanisms may necessitate a set of additional regulatory tests to reveal such effects. As reflected by the Prenatal Programming and Toxicity (PPTOX) VI conference, the current scientific understanding and the timescales involved require an intensified approach to protect against preventable adverse health effects that can harm the next generation and generations to come. While further research is needed, the main emphasis should be on research translation and timely public health intervention to avoid serious, irreversible and perhaps transgenerational harm.
Metabolic consequences of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonists vs orchiectomy: a randomized clinical study
Authors: Østergren Peter B. , Kistorp Caroline , Fode Mikkel , Bennedbæk Finn N. , Faber Jens , Sønksen Jens
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To compare the metabolic changes between men with advanced prostate cancer commenced on a gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist and those treated with orchiectomy.

Patients and Methods

Fifty‐eight hormone‐naive men with advanced prostate cancer were randomly assigned (1:1) to either subcapsular orchiectomy or triptorelin 22.5 mg/24 week depot injections. The participants were followed for 48 weeks, with study visits at baseline, 12, 24 and 48 weeks. The primary endpoint was changes in fasting plasma glucose. Secondary endpoints included changes in body composition (i.e. weight, fat mass, visceral adipose tissue [VAT], subcutaneous adipose tissue [SAT], lean body mass [LBM] and android/gynoid fat [AG] ratio) assessed with dual X‐ray absorptiometry, serum lipid profiles, and insulin resistance evaluated during an oral glucose tolerance test. Linear mixed models were used to analyse the between‐group differences.

Results

No treatment differences in the changes in fasting plasma glucose (0.2 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.1, 0.4; P = 0.32) were observed. The orchiectomy group experienced greater increases in total fat mass (+2.06 kg, 95% CI 0.55, 3.56), SAT (+133 cm3, 95% CI 22, 243) and weight (+3.30 kg, 95% CI 0.74, 5.87) at 48 weeks than did the triptorelin group (all P < 0.05), with the increases in fat mass being moderately correlated with increases in insulin resistance (P < 0.001). No differences in changed VAT, LBM or AG ratio were observed between the groups. The pooled analyses, combining data from both groups, showed androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to significantly increase fat mass, SAT, VAT, serum cholesterols (total, high‐density lipoprotein and low‐density lipoprotein) and all measures of insulin resistance over time, while LBM decreased as compared with baseline values (all P < 0.05). These changes were apparent after only 12–24 weeks of ADT.

Conclusions

Androgen deprivation therapy leads to adverse changes in body composition and increased insulin resistance and serum cholesterols, with changes already observed after only 12–24 weeks of treatment. This study further demonstrates that orchiectomy causes greater increases in fat accumulation compared with GnRH agonists and that these increases are associated with an increase in insulin resistance.
Silencing circular RNA UVRAG inhibits bladder cancer growth and metastasis by targeting the microRNA‐223/fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 axis
Authors: Yang Chen , Wu Siqi , Wu Xiaobo , Zhou Xuejian , Jin Shengming , Jiang Haowen
Published: November 2018

Circular RNA UVRAG (circUVRAG), a type of non‐coding RNA, is derived and cyclized by part of the exon from the UVRAG gene. However, the role of circUVRAG in bladder cancer (BLCA) has not been reported. The purpose of the present study was therefore to characterize the role of circUVRAG in BLCA. Bioinformatics analysis showed interactive relationships among circUVRAG, microRNA‐223 (miR‐223), and fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2). Quantitative real‐time PCR was used to detect the expression of circUVRAG in BLCA cell lines. UM‐UC‐3 cells were stably transfected with siRNA against circUVRAG, and cell proliferation and migration ability were tested using the CCK8 assay, clone formation, and Transwell assays in vitro. Tumor xenograft formation and metastasis were determined using nude mice. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to confirm the subcellular localization of circUVRAG, and the luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the relationships among circUVRAG, miR‐223, and FGFR2. Results showed that circUVRAG was upregulated in BLCA cell lines. Downregulation of circUVRAG expression suppressed proliferation and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Downregulation of circUVRAG suppressed FGFR2 expression by “sponging” miR‐223, which was confirmed by rescue experiments and luciferase reporter assay. Overall, the results showed that downregulation of circUVRAG suppressed the aggressive biological phenotype of BLCA. Taken together, silencing circular RNA UVRAG inhibited bladder cancer growth and metastasis by targeting the miR‐223/FGFR2 axis, which may provide a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for the management of BLCA.
Intermittent malfunction and regurgitation of a mitral prosthetic valve due to entrapment by a residual subvalvular apparatus
Authors: Güner Ahmet , Kalçık Macit , Yesin Mahmut , Özkan Mehmet
Published: November 2018

Intermittent malfunction is a rare but potentially serious complication of prosthetic heart valve (PHV) replacement. It may be observed in both mitral and aortic valve prosthesis and may lead to either paroxysmal obstruction or regurgitation, depending on the valve location and on the phase of the cardiac cycle during which the leaflet is entrapped. The most frequently encountered causes of intermittent valve malfunction are pannus formation, prosthetic valve thrombosis, vegetations, and remnants of subvalvular apparatus such as chordae tendineae and suture material. Intermittent severe regurgitation of PHV due to residual chordae tendineae is very rare clinical entity, and transesophageal echocardiography is an indispensable guide in the differential diagnosis. Here, we represent an interesting case of intermittent regurgitation of a mitral prosthetic valve due to entrapment by a residual subvalvular apparatus.
The structure of PghL hydrolase bound to its substrate poly‐γ‐glutamate
Authors: Ramaswamy Sneha , Rasheed Masooma , Morelli Carlo F. , Calvio Cinzia , Sutton Brian J. , Pastore Annalisa
Published: November 2018

The identification of new strategies to fight bacterial infections in view of the spread of multiple resistance to antibiotics has become mandatory. It has been demonstrated that several bacteria develop poly‐γ‐glutamic acid (γ‐PGA) capsules as a protection from external insults and/or host defence systems. Among the pathogens that shield themselves in these capsules are Bacillus anthracis, Francisella tularensis and several Staphylococcus strains. These are important pathogens with a profound influence on human health. The recently characterised γ‐PGA hydrolases, which can dismantle the γ‐PGA‐capsules, are an attractive new direction that can offer real hope for the development of alternatives to antibiotics, particularly in cases of multidrug resistant bacteria. We have characterised in detail the cleaving mechanism and stereospecificity of the enzyme PghL (previously named YndL) from Bacillus subtilis encoded by a gene of phagic origin and dramatically efficient in degrading the long polymeric chains of γ‐PGA. We used X‐ray crystallography to solve the three‐dimensional structures of the enzyme in its zinc‐free, zinc‐bound and complexed forms. The protein crystallised with a γ‐PGA hexapeptide substrate and thus reveals details of the interaction which could explain the stereospecificity observed and give hints on the catalytic mechanism of this class of hydrolytic enzymes.
Influence of pH on the balance between methanogenesis and iron reduction
Authors: Marquart Kyle A. , Haller Ben R. , Paper Janet M. , Flynn Theodore M. , Boyanov Maxim I. , Shodunke Ganiyat , Gura Colleen , Jin Qusheng , Kirk Matthew F.
Published: November 2018

Methanogenesis and iron reduction play major roles in determining global fluxes of greenhouse gases. Despite their importance, environmental factors that influence their interactions are poorly known. Here, we present evidence that pH significantly influences the balance between each reaction in anoxic environments that contain ferric (oxyhydr)oxide minerals. In sediment bioreactors that contained goethite as a source of ferric iron, both iron reduction and methanogenesis occurred but the balance between them varied significantly with pH. Compared to bioreactors receiving acidic media (pH 6), electron donor oxidation was 85% lower for iron reduction and 61% higher for methanogenesis in bioreactors receiving alkaline media (pH 7.5). Thus, methanogenesis displaced iron reduction considerably at alkaline pH. Geochemistry data collected from U.S. aquifers demonstrate that a similar pattern also exists on a broad spatial scale in natural settings. In contrast, in bioreactors that were not augmented with goethite, clay minerals served as the source of ferric iron and the balance between each reaction did not vary significantly with pH. We therefore conclude that pH can regulate the relative contributions of microbial iron reduction and methanogenesis to carbon fluxes from terrestrial environments. We further propose that the availability of ferric (oxyhydr)oxide minerals influences the extent to which the balance between each reaction is sensitive to pH. The results of this study advance our understanding of environmental controls on microbial methane generation and provide a basis for using pH and the occurrence of ferric minerals to refine predictions of greenhouse gas fluxes.
Miami heat: Urban heat islands influence the thermal suitability of habitats for ectotherms
Authors: Battles Andrew C. , Kolbe Jason J.
Published: November 2018

The urban heat island effect, where urban areas exhibit higher temperatures than less‐developed suburban and natural habitats, occurs in cities across the globe and is well understood from a physical perspective and at broad spatial scales. However, very little is known about how thermal variation caused by urbanization influences the ability of organisms to live in cities. Ectotherms are sensitive to environmental changes that affect thermal conditions, and therefore, increased urban temperatures may pose significant challenges to thermoregulation and alter temperature‐dependent activity. To evaluate whether these changes to the thermal environment affect the persistence and dispersal of ectothermic species in urban areas, we studied two species of Anolis lizards (Anolis cristatellus and Anolis sagrei) introduced to Miami‐Dade County, FL, USA, where they occur in both urban and natural habitats. We calculated canopy openness and measured operative temperature (Te), which estimates the distribution of body temperatures in a non‐thermoregulating population, in four urban and four natural sites. We also captured lizards throughout the day and recorded their internal body temperature (Tb). We found that urban areas had more open canopies and higher Te compared to natural habitats. Laboratory trials showed that A. cristatellus preferred lower temperatures than A. sagrei. Urban sites currently occupied by each species appear to lower thermoregulatory costs for both species, but only A. sagreihad field Tb that were more often within their preferred temperature range in urban habitats compared to natural areas. Furthermore, based on available Te within each species' preferred temperature range, urban sites with only A. sagrei appear less suitable for A. cristatellus, whereas natural sites with only A. cristatellus are less suitable for A. sagrei. These results highlight how the thermal properties of urban areas contribute to patterns of persistence and dispersal, particularly relevant for studying species invasions worldwide.
Is a calcium hydroxide liner necessary in the treatment of deep caries lesions? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: da Rosa W. L. O. , Lima V. P. , Moraes R. R. , Piva E. , da Silva A. F.
Published: November 2018

The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to evaluate whether the use of calcium hydroxide (CH) liner improves the clinical success in the treatment of deep caries lesions of primary and permanent teeth. The review was reported in accordance with the PRISMA Statement. Only studies that evaluated deep carious lesions treated with and without a CH liner were included. The required outcomes had to be obtained by clinical, radiographic or laboratory evaluations. Statistical analyses were performed with the RevMan 5.2 program (The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark) for randomized clinical trials with at least 12 months of follow‐up, using fixed‐effect models at a significance level of P < 0.05. The literature search was performed in eight databases: PubMed (MEDLINE), Lilacs, IBECS, BBO, Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO and The Cochrane Library. A total of 17 studies were included (15 in primary teeth, two in permanent teeth). The overall risk difference for CH versus adhesive system in primary teeth was 0.06 [95% CI −0.01 to 0.13], and the overall risk difference for CH versus GIC was 0.10 [95% CI −0.01 to 0.22], with no significant differences between materials. CH liner did not influence the clinical success of treatment for deep caries lesions of primary or permanent teeth. Although the present analysis demonstrated that use of CH liner in deep caries lesions was unnecessary, the evidence was of moderate to very low quality; thus, further well‐designed, randomized and controlled clinical trials are necessary to provide stronger recommendations.
Evaluation of apoptosis/necrosis and cytokine release provoked by three root canal sealers in human polymorphonuclears and monocytes
Authors: Souza G. L. , Rosatto C. M. P. , Silva M. J. B. , Silva M. V. , Rocha Rodrigues D. B. , Moura C. C. G.
Published: November 2018

Aim

To evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity and cytokine release of three fresh root canal sealers and to determine the type of cell death they induce.

Methodology

The sealers tested were Sealer 26 (S26), AH Plus (AHP), and Endosequence BC Sealer (END). Fresh sealers were cultivated in contact with monocytes and polymorphonuclears (PMNs) obtained from the peripheral blood of humans. Cell viability, apoptosis and necrosis were analysed at 4 h (PMNs) or 24 h (monocytes) using Annexin‐V and propidium iodide in a cytometer. The supernatants were used to quantify Interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12 and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in monocytes and IL‐8 in PMNs by ELISA. One‐way ANOVA and the Tukey post‐test were used to compare data for cytotoxicity, and the multiple T‐test was used to determine the differences between sealers in the release of cytokines that were statistically significant.

Results

After 4 h of treatment, S26 was associated with greater cell viability than the other sealers (P < 0.05) in the PMN culture and had similar values of necrosis as END (P > 0.05). After 24 h of treatment, AHP and END had greater monocyte cell viability than S26 (P < 0.05), which had more necrosis (P < 0.05). END had the lowest levels of IL‐12 compared to the other sealers (P < 0.05) and higher levels of IL‐6 compared to S26 (P < 0.05). The tested sealers did not differ in the release of IL‐8, IL‐10, TNF‐α and IL‐4 (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The effect of toxic agents released varied depending on the cell type studied. The composition of the sealers appeared to alter the form of self‐regulation in the production of these cytokines by cells.
In vitro cytotoxicity and ion release of multi‐ion doped hydroxyapatite
Authors: Reger Nimu Chand , Kundu Biswanath , Balla Vamsi Krishna , Bhargava Anil Kumar
Published: November 2018

Multi‐ion doped hydroxyapatite (HA) is gaining more attention due to its potential in enhancing multifunctional biological, structural, and mechanical properties for orthopedic and dental applications. In this study, HA doped with multiple cations (Sr+2, Zn+2, Ag+) and anion (F−) was prepared by high‐energy ball milling. Sintered HA samples were evaluated for their in vitro cytocompatibility, ion release, and bioactivity. The composition of multi‐ion doped HA was optimized using Design of experiments (DOE). Our analysis showed that the contribution of each dopant on cell proliferation changes with culture duration. During first 3 days, F− exhibited strongest influence and during 7‐day proliferation Sr+2 and Ag+ had maximum influence. Binary ion doping found to have strong interaction on cell proliferation, while the ternary and quaternary ion doping did not show any interactions. In general, up to twofold increase in the cell viability was achieved with ternary and quaternary ion doping consisting of Sr+2, Zn+2, Ag+ and F−. Although large number of compositions has been identified to exhibit better in vitro cell viability than pure HA, for enhanced long‐term cytocompatibility the compositions of multi‐ion doped HA would be 2.5Sr‐2.5Zn‐2.5Ag, 2.5Sr‐5Zn‐2.5Ag, and 5Sr‐2.5Zn‐2.5Ag with up to 5 wt% F.
Effect of microbial transglutaminase and setting condition on gel properties of blend fish protein isolate recovered by alkaline solubilisation/isoelectric precipitation
Authors: Abdollahi Mehdi , Rezaei Masoud , Jafarpour Ali , Undeland Ingrid
Published: November 2018

The effect of microbial transglutaminase (M‐TGase) (0–0.6 units g−1 sample) and setting condition (25 °C/180 min, 30 °C/120 min, 35 °C/60 min and 40 °C/30 min) on gel properties of blend protein isolate of gutted kilka and silver carp was studied. The protein isolate provided a good substrate for M‐TGase activity so that a low amount of M‐TGase (0.2 unit g−1 sample) substantially improved textural properties and water holding capacity (WHC) of the gels. Breaking force of the gels was positively affected by M‐TGase up to 0.6 unit g−1 sample, but it negatively affected their WHC. Prior setting at 25–35 °C increased the breaking force of proteins compared to directly heated gel, resulting in maximum breaking force at 35 °C/60 min. However, the setting at 40 °C/30 min caused proteolysis, which was reflected in higher amounts of TCA‐soluble peptides and gel weakening. Denser microstructure and higher myosin heavy chain polymerisation observed in the gels which experienced the setting was well correlated with improvement in textural properties.
Triacylglycerols composition analysis of olive oils by ultra‐performance convergence chromatography combined with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Luo Yinghua , Zhang Yaqiong , Yuan Fanghao , Gao Boyan , Wang Ziyuan , Yu Liangli (Lucy)
Published: November 2018

Triacylglycerols (TAGs) compositions of ten commercial olive oil samples were analysed using an ultra‐performance convergence chromatography (UPC2) combined with a quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (Q‐TOF MS). A total of twenty‐three TAGs were characterised based on their Q‐TOF MS accurate molecular weight and MS2 fragment ion profiles, and seventeen of those were reported in olive oils for the first time. O‐O‐O was the most abundant TAG in all tested olive oil samples, followed by P‐O‐O, O‐O‐S and O‐O‐L. G‐G‐B had the lowest relative concentration in all the TAGs, ranging 0.02–0.08% of the total sample weight. The results from this study are important for further understanding the nutritional value and stability of olive or other edible oils.
Valorisation of tuna viscera by endogenous enzymatic treatment
Authors: Derouiche Ben Maiz Habiba , Guadix Emilia M. , Guadix Antonio , Gargouri Mohamed , Espejo‐Carpio Francisco Javier
Published: November 2018

Fish processing industry generates a considerable amount of by‐products which represent an environmental problem. Only a small portion of these residues is used for the production of low marketable products. Therefore, industrially scalable processes yielding value‐added products would be highly desirable. Different to others studies, this work deals with potential valorisation of bullet tuna (Auxis rochei) viscera using its endogenous enzymes without previous separation stage for the production of bioactive hydrolysates. Functional and bioactive properties of hydrolysates produced at different degree of hydrolysis (DH 3%, 6% and 9%) were evaluated. The endogenous enzyme hydrolysates (EH) obtained by the proposed low cost treatment were compared with hydrolysates produced with a well‐known commercial enzyme: subtilisin. Regarding functional properties, EH presented similar or even better solubility, emulsifying and oil binding capacities than subtilisin hydrolysate (SH). EH also showed very interesting antioxidative properties, particularly metal reducing and radical scavenging activity. Additionally, the ACE inhibitory activity of EH at low degree of hydrolysis was comparable to SH. According to these results, bullet tuna viscera protein can be value‐added by endogenous enzyme hydrolysis.
Population genetics of the ABO locus within the rhesus (Macaca mulatta) and cynomolgus (M. fascicularis) macaque hybrid zone
Authors: Oldt Robert F. , Kanthaswamy Sreetharan , Montes Mae , Schumann Laura , Grijalva Jose , Bunlungsup Srichan , Houghton Paul , Smith David Glenn , Malaivijitnond Suchinda
Published: November 2018

Knowledge of the macaque ABO blood group system has been critical in the development of nonhuman primates (NHPs) as a translational model. Serving not only as a useful homologue of the disease‐linked ABO system in humans, macaque ABO blood groups must be typed in colonies prior to performing experimental procedures requiring blood transfusion or transplantation. While the rates of blood type incompatibility and the distributions of A, B and AB blood groups are known in large samples of rhesus (Macaca mulatta) and cynomolgus (M. fascicularis) macaques, there is a dearth of blood type data from macaque populations occupying the rhesus‐cynomolgus hybrid zone in Southeast Asia. Using molecular phenotyping, we profiled ABO blood group distributions of 232 macaques from 10 populations in the hybrid zone and compared them to pure blood populations of the two species. We found that while these distributions are significantly different in most populations, there was a lack of differentiation between the hybrid and cynomolgus macaques as well as between the Thai and neighbouring populations. This supports a more expansive model of hybridization between rhesus and cynomolgus macaques than often proposed and highlights the increased need for consideration of population genetic structure in biomedical studies that employ macaques as animal models. Additionally, we report an enrichment of indeterminate blood types in the hybrid populations.
Channelling medical truths from Sir William Osler
Authors: Isbister James P.
Published: November 2018

Dr James L. T. Isbister (JLT), a graduate of the University of Adelaide, came to Sydney as a clinical pathologist at Sydney Hospital in 1897 and subsequently was a general practitioner in North Sydney and honorary surgeon and gynaecologist at Royal North Shore Hospital from 1900. He owned the first motor vehicle in North Sydney and he was Mary MacKillops's local doctor during her last years at the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart convent in North Sydney. On a visit to the United Kingdom in 1908, he met Sir William Osler, a meeting that clearly impacted on his thinking that has been channelled down the Isbister medical family for over a century. JLT was a founding member of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons with a grandson, Peter, also becoming a fellow. His son, James, daughter‐in‐law, Clair, and grandson, James, became fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. More recently, his great‐grand daughter is currently an advanced college trainee. In this historical perspective, JLT's grandson confirms that Osler's medical truths have been channelled, added to and practised by JLT and his descendants.
Meningitis in adults: diagnosis and management
Authors: Young Nicholas , Thomas Mark
Published: November 2018

Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency. All clinicians who provide acute medical care require a sound understanding of the priorities of managing a patient with suspected meningitis during the first hour. These include obtaining blood cultures, performing lumbar puncture and initiating appropriate therapy, while avoiding harmful delays such as those that result from not administering treatment until neuroimaging has been performed. Despite the increasing availability of newer diagnostic techniques, the interpretation of cerebrospinal fluid parameters remains a vital skill for clinicians. International and local guidelines differ with regard to initial empirical therapy of bacterial meningitis in adults; the North American guideline recommends ceftriaxone and vancomycin for all patients, while the Australian, UK and European guidelines recommend that vancomycin only be added for patients who are more likely to have pneumococcal meningitis or who have a higher likelihood of being infected with a strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae with reduced susceptibility to ceftriaxone. Patients with risk factors for Listeria meningitis also require an anti‐Listeria agent, such as benzylpenicillin, to be added to this treatment regimen. Dexamethasone should be a routine component of empirical therapy due to its proven role in reducing morbidity and mortality from pneumococcal meningitis.
Simultaneous realization of high transparency and piezoelectricity in low symmetry KNN‐based ceramics
Authors: Zhao Xumei , Chao Xiaolian , Wu Di , Liang Pengfei , Yang Zupei
Published: November 2018

Transparent piezoelectric ceramic, as a lead‐free multifunctional ceramic, is in dire need of development for future high‐tech industries. However, excellent piezoelectricity and high transmittance are usually hard to achieve simultaneously, mainly due to the two mutual restricting factors (phase structure and grain size). In this work, we report that high piezoelectricity and transmittance can be obtained simultaneously in K0.5Na0.5NbO3 ceramics via Sr(Sc0.5Nb0.5)O3 (SSN) modification. The superior piezoelectric performance comes from the retain of orthorhombic phase structure at room temperature (RT); while the high transparency (>70% at 780 nm) can be attributed to the improved relative density and reduced grain size via SSN modification. Remarkably, in the sample with 0.05SSN modification, we realized a comprehensively high transmittance (73% at 780 nm) accompanied by a superior piezoelectric constant (d33 = 101 pC/N), which outperform other reported KNN‐based transparent ceramics to our best knowledge. Our results may provide insight for further developing the transparent piezoelectric ceramics by controlling the grain size and phase structure.
Self‐assembly of α‐MoO3 flower as a highly effective organics adsorbent for water purification
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Li Jing , Liang Jianye , Li Heping , Yan Youwei
Published: November 2018

We report α‐MoO3 flowers as a highly effective organics adsorbent for the first time. With α‐MoO3 microfibers (MFs), α‐MoO3 flowers uniformly self‐assemble on a carbon cloth, serving as a great organics scavenger. They not only provide a high specific surface area but also possess van der Waals force, both of which guarantee a high adsorption efficiency for multiple organics. Nearly 100% of Rhodamine B (RhB), methylene blue (MB), and crystal violet (CV) are rapidly adsorbed while flowing through the designed α‐MoO3 flower‐based filtration device. Even after five recycling times, its high adsorption efficiency toward RhB remains unaffected. The adsorption capacity of α‐MoO3 flowers for RhB, MB, and CV reaches up to 4974, 6217, and 3886 mg/m2, respectively. Additionally, this novel adsorbent can adapt to a wide pH range, maintaining the excellent capacity of 4774 and 4473 mg/m2 toward RhB at pH of 2.0 and 12.0. The α‐MoO3 flowers can also adsorb other organics, including MO, noroxin, and tetracycline hydrochloride. Moreover, the free‐standing α‐MoO3 flowers on a carbon cloth realize the adsorptive filtration for organics removal, which not only require no conditions and no energy consumption but also avoid secondary pollution to the water as compared to the powdery adsorbents.