bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microfactories and the new economies of scale and scope
Authors: Montes Jose Orlando , Olleros F. Xavier
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the microfactory model, the elements that enable it and its implications. The authors argue that microfactories reduce the risks and costs of innovation and that they can move various industries toward more local, adaptive and sustainable business ecosystems.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper explores several processes and practices that are relatively new; hence, it uses online secondary sources (e.g. interviews with CEOs, videos, blogs and trade magazine articles) extensively.

Findings

Given its versatility and high automation levels, the microfactory model can fill the gap between artisanal and mass production processes, boost the rate of innovation, and enable the local on-demand fabrication of customized products.

Practical implications

Currently, manufacturers generally need to make large investments when launching a new product, despite high uncertainty about customer acceptance, thus risking considerable losses. The microfactory model offers a safer alternative by allowing a firm to develop and fabricate new products and test their acceptance in a local market before mass producing them. Microfactories also enable the local on-demand fabrication of highly customized products.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the discussion on the economic advantages and disadvantages of scale and scope, which have been insufficiently explored in the digital domain.
Creation processes for radical manufacturing technology innovations
Authors: Chaoji Pooja , Martinsuo Miia
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper empirically investigates the processes by which manufacturing firms create radical innovations in their core production process, referred to as radical manufacturing technology innovations (RMTI). The purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of the processes and practices manufacturing firms use to create RMTI.

Design/methodology/approach

Creation processes for 23 RMTI projects from diverse industry and technology contexts are explored. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews, and an inductive analysis was carried out to identify similarities and differences in RMTI types and creation processes.

Findings

Three types of RMTI and three alternative RMTI creation processes are revealed and characterized. An integrated view is developed of the activities of the equipment supplier and the manufacturing firm, highlighting their different roles and interaction across the three RMTI creation process types.

Research limitations/implications

The exploratory design limits the depth of the analysis per RMTI project, and the focus is on manufacturing technology innovations in one country. The results extend previous case and context-specific findings on RMTI creation processes and provide novel frameworks for cross-case comparisons.

Practical implications

The manufacturing firms’ proactive role in RMTI creation is defined. A framework is proposed for using different RMTI creation processes for different types of RMTI.

Originality/value

This study addresses recent calls for empirical research on understanding the ways in which process innovations unfold in manufacturing firms. The findings emphasize the role of manufacturing firms as creators of RMTI in addition to their role as innovation adopters and implementers and reveal the suitability of different RMTI creation processes for different RMTI types.
Managing the digital consumer: insights from Brazil and Spain
Authors: Monteiro Thel Augusto , Giuliani Antonio Carlos , Pizzinatto Nadia Kassouff , Larios-Gomez Emigdio
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the concepts attributed to the use of technology in the digital environment and its relations with consumer behavior in Brazil and Spain.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses the concepts that cover the use of technology in the relations between technological changes in e-commerce and consumer buying behavior in a digital world, using the Technical Availability Index (Techqual), by Parasuraman (2000), applied to Brazilian and Spanish consumers.

Findings

Correlations between the concepts attributed to the use of technology by consumers have been identified which, in turn, may allow small- and medium-sized companies to develop strategies to improve engagement with their target audiences.

Research limitations/implications

This study explains how the understanding of these concepts can be continuously improved, proposing a continuous strategic review by the digital companies. The proposed approach to identify and measure assigned concepts can be tested in different performance sectors.

Practical implications

This study is unique in presenting concepts that can allow digital companies new ways of approaching their target audience, relationship with customers and positioning strategies.

Social implications

This research promotes a different look at how consumer behavior is understood, not only by companies, but also by individuals themselves, which may provide a better understanding of their behavior.

Originality/value

This study presents a comparative study among countries that are references in the digital consumer market, and links theory and practice in studies of consumer behavior.
University–industry collaborations: an industry perspective
Authors: Giones Ferran
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The engagement with industry actors is a key element in the transition towards an entrepreneurial university model. The purpose of this paper is to explore the university–industry collaboration (UIC) drivers from the industry side. It analyses how, and to what extent, policy interventions could increase the engagement of industry actors in UICs.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental research design has been used involving a feasibility and pilot study (January to June 2018) with 36 firms, in a non-urban region context, with a satellite university campus. The pilot study explores a randomised control trial (RCT) design, with a training intervention to a randomized group of participants in the pilot study.

Findings

Firms involved in universities’ students (academic forms of UICs) might not necessarily consider the university as a research partner, even in a geographic proximity setting. In addition, there is a potential “dark-side” to proximity, when industry participants build their perceptions using second-hand experiences or indirect information. A training intervention facilitates to overcome pre-existing biases but does not trigger a substantial change in the UIC’s behaviour of the firms in the short-term.

Research limitations/implications

The pilot study provides valuable insights for researchers interested in a larger RCT. It also provides insights for university managers who want to understand the motivations of industry participants in UICs.

Originality/value

The experimental approach of the research generates evidence on the feasibility to intervene in the activation of UICs from an industry perspective, a central aspect in transition towards an entrepreneurial university model.
Linking organizational innovation, firm growth and firm size
Authors: Corsi Christian , Prencipe Antonio , Capriotti Athos
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to study the effect of organizational innovation, in terms of the introduction of both new business practices and new methods of organizing workplaces, on firm growth, along with the moderating role of the firm size in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A panel sample of 4,125 Spanish innovative firms taken from the Technological Innovation Panel for the period 2009 to 2014 was analyzed. Two-Step System-Generalized method of moments approach and instrumental variables approach with two-stage least squares have been used.

Findings

The findings remark the positive effect of organizational innovation on firm growth in case firms introduce both new business practices and new methods of organizing workplaces. Furthermore, the empirical evidences show that the firm size has a role, although partial, in moderating negatively the effect of introducing both new business practices and new methods of organizing workplaces on firm growth.

Originality/value

The study adds some new theoretical insights and empirical evidences into the literature related to the inertia theory in the perspective of the population ecology, incorporating it with the effect of firm size. Furthermore, the study may represent a further part of the complex literature puzzle that links organizational innovation to firm growth, and the inclusion of the moderating role of the firm size will partially provide a deeper understanding of this link.
Supporting older workers to work: a systematic review
Authors: Chen Mego Kuan-Lun , Gardiner Elliroma
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify what work-related factors influence the continued participation of older workers in the workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic quantitative literature review of the workforce participation literature identified 27 publications from 1995 to 2016 that examined the impact of work-related factors on older workers’ intention to continue working.

Findings

Results show that work demands, learning and development opportunities, job autonomy, recognition and respect, mentoring opportunities, supportive organisational climate and social support were significant factors that predicted older workers’ workforce participation decisions. Interestingly, less evidence was found to support flexible work arrangements or salary as inducers of workforce participation. Results also show an overrepresentation of cross-sectional studies involving participants from western countries employed in healthcare and social assistance sectors.

Practical implications

Organisations should adjust their policies and practices to accommodate the needs of older workers, focusing specifically on increasing factors that encourage participation and removing obstacles to participation.

Social implications

Increasing the participation rates of older workers is a key goal for governments and organisations worldwide. This research identifies some specific factors that are likely to encourage continued participation.

Originality/value

A systematic evaluation of the extant research draws new conclusions and insights as to what work factors are more likely to influence the participation decisions of older workers.
‘Me, a teacher?!’ – Professional role identification and role activation of psychology PhD students
Authors: Hillbrink Alessa , Jucks Regina
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Developing professional identities as both researchers and teachers is core to doctoral students’ growth. Given the primacy of research for the university career, this study aimed at answering the following questions: how much do doctoral students identify with the teacher compared to the researcher role? Can the teacher role identity be purposely activated?

Design/methodology/approach

In an experimental study with 167 psychology PhD students, trait role identification was measured using a questionnaire. Afterward, participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions differing in the picture material (research vs teaching pictures vs a mixture of both) provided for creating a collage reflecting their roles. Subsequently, answers to open questions were coded and quantified as indicators of state role identity.

Findings

As a trait, doctoral students identified more strongly with their researcher role than with their teacher role. Teacher role identity as a state was successfully activated when doctoral students engaged with teaching pictures compared to the other conditions.

Practical implications

As the researcher role seems to be the default setting for PhD students, activation of the teacher role has the potential to benefit work satisfaction of PhD students and the quality of their teaching.

Originality/value

Taking both long- and short-term identification processes in PhD students into account is a promising new approach. Besides, quantitative data are added to the field of qualitative insights on PhD students’ professional roles.
“I like […] different time periods:” elementary teachers’ uses of historical fiction
Authors: Brugar Kristy A. , Whitlock Annie McMahon
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how and why teachers use historical fiction in their classroom (e.g. selection and instruction) through the lenses of their pedagogical content knowledge (Shulman, 1986) and pedagogical tools (Grossman et al., 1999).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors explored the following questions: In what ways do elementary school teachers, more specifically fifth grade teachers responsible for early US history as part of their social studies curriculum, use historical fiction in their classrooms? and What factors do elementary school teachers consider when they select historical fiction to use in their classrooms? In order to explore these questions, the authors interviewed eight fifth grade teachers. The authors describe the ways in which these teachers use historical fiction as part of their social studies instruction by employing collective case study (Stake, 1994).

Findings

This study has reified this notion that historical fiction is widely used by fifth grade teachers. The authors identified that these teachers are choosing texts that allow them to integrate their language arts and social studies instruction in effective and engaging ways. Many participants described choosing the texts purposefully to address social studies standards during their language arts time. Despite many of these teachers using prescribed curricula for language arts instruction and following state standards for social studies, the teachers in this study felt free to make curricular decisions related to integration. Most importantly, when given this freedom, they chose to integrate purposefully with quality texts.

Research limitations/implications

The primary limitation of this research study is the small sample size (n=8). However among the eight teacher participants, there are two states are represented, varied teaching contexts (e.g. departmentalized, self-contained classrooms), and many years of classroom social studies teaching experience.

Originality/value

The Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts (CCSS) (Council of Chief State School Officers and the National Governors Association, 2010) have prompted teachers to present both informational text and literature in equal balance in upper elementary grades. Little research has been done in the last decade about the ways in which historical fiction addresses these standards.
Eucalypt forests dominated by epicormic resprouters are resilient to repeated canopy fires
Authors: Collins Luke
Published: June 2019

Wildfire occurrence and severity are projected to increase in response to anthropogenic climate change, leading to fire regimes that may exceed the limits of tolerance for some species. Plants capable of regenerating from aerial shoots following high intensity fires, termed ‘epicormic resprouters’, are assumed to be resilient to changes in fire regimes. However, empirical tests of the response of epicormic resprouters to extreme fire regimes, such as repeated canopy fires at short intervals, are currently lacking.

This study examined the effect of combinations of understorey fire and canopy fire across two successive wildfires (2007, 2013) on the resilience of eucalypts that resprout epicormically. The study took place in a temperate eucalypt forest in south eastern Australia. Measures used to infer community resilience included stem topkill and damage, and seedling recruitment. It was predicted that: (a) stems will exhibit lower resistance (i.e. increased topkill and damage) to canopy fire than understorey fire; (b) recruitment will be higher following canopy fire than understorey fire; (c) prior exposure to canopy fire will reduce stem resistance and recruitment in response to subsequent wildfires; and (d) stem resistance will vary depending on bark traits.

Topkill of saplings and small stems (<30 cm diameter at breast height) was higher in sites that recently (i.e. 2013) experienced canopy fire as opposed to understorey fire. Recent fire severity had no effect on topkill of large trees. Tree species with dense bark on the main stem and larger branches were less prone to topkill or partial stem and branch mortality than species with fibrous bark or exposed branches. Seedling recruitment was greater following canopy fire than understorey fire. Exposure to past canopy fire (i.e. in 2007) did not decrease stem resistance or recruitment.

Synthesis. The results of this study suggest that communities of eucalypts that can resprout epicormically following fire will experience demographic shifts following repeated canopy fires. However, given the high resistance of large trees and rapid post‐fire recovery of the seedbank, ecosystem conversion appears unlikely. The findings support the presumption that forest communities of epicormic resprouters are highly resilient to shifts in fire regimes.
Climatic change only stimulated growth for trees under weak competition in central boreal forests
Authors: Luo Yong , McIntire Eliot J. B. , Boisvenue Céline , Nikiema Paul P. , Chen Han Y. H.
Published: June 2019

Global change ecologists have often used trees under weak competition (e.g. dominant/codominant trees) to examine relationships between climatic change and tree growth. Scaling up these results to a forest relies on the assumption that the climatic change–tree growth relationship is not affected by tree‐level competition.

Using permanent sample plot data from the central Canadian boreal region where warming did not result in water deficit, we tested the above‐mentioned assumption by looking at whether the relationship between climatic change and tree growth varied with tree‐level competition, which was quantified using a modified Hegyi competition index.

We found that tree growth increased over time for trees under weak competition, but decreased for those under strong competition. The divergent temporal trends among trees under different levels of competition led to a non‐significant change in growth for our study plots. Growth increased with regional warming, atmospheric [CO2] and water availability for trees under weak competition, but not for those under strong competition.

Synthesis. Our results suggest that upscaling the growth responses of dominant/codominant trees to climate change to a forest or a region can lead to biased estimates. Tree‐level competition should be taken into account when expressing climatic change and tree growth relationships.
The Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Perceptions of Siblings
Authors: Macedo Costa Teresa , Pereira Ana Paula da Silva
Published: June 2019

This study sets out to understand and analyse the perceptions of six children regarding the Autism Spectrum Disorder of their brother or sister. The present research encompasses a qualitative interview method, from which semi‐structured interviews were carried out to participants ranging in ages from 10 to 12. The results of this study demonstrate that siblings, who have a high degree of knowledge and understanding about Autism Spectrum Disorder, feel less embarrassed and are better able to accept the challenges that this disorder causes. All participants indicate that: they have a solid and close relationship with their siblings, are more tolerant in the face of existing difficulties in their relationship; react negatively to the attitudes of others who are less understanding and tolerant; and are proud of their siblings with Autism Spectrum Disorder, for their progress and accomplishments. However, they continue to be unconditionally protective of their siblings in all situations.
Parent‐Mediated Online Reading intervention for children with Down Syndrome
Authors: Grindle Corinna , Tyler Emily , Murray Clodagh , Hastings Richard P. , Lovell Michael
Published: June 2019

Evidence suggests that reading interventions found to be effective with typically developing children may also be effective with children with developmental disabilities (DD). The Headsprout® Early Reading programme (HER) is an online reading programme accessible at home or at school. Previous research using HER with children with DD has been delivered by trained staff in special school contexts. However, access to trained staff is limited, and many children with DD do not attend special schools. These factors may limit the number of children able to benefit from a potentially effective intervention. Training and involving parents to support their child’s reading may increase the number of children who might benefit, and also reflects current education policy. We examined the feasibility of using HER with five children with Down Syndrome in a six‐month parent mediated intervention. Standardised tests of reading ability carried out pre‐post intervention, showed that skills with phoneme segmentation improved following HER, and word reading age improved on average 13 months (range 6 to 20 months). These data are promising and support a rationale for larger evaluation studies.
Drying Kinetics and Quality of Dehydrated Cranberries Pretreated by Traditional and Innovative Techniques
Authors: Wiktor A. , Nowacka M. , Anuszewska A. , Rybak K. , Dadan M. , Witrowa‐Rajchert D.
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of traditional and combined pretreatment on dehydration kinetics and quality of dried swamp cranberries. Fruits were blanched, cut, or treated by combined technique consisting of blanching and application of pulsed electric field. Afterwards, fruits were subjected for osmotic dehydration (OD; 72 hr) in 61.5% sucrose solution or in ternary solution consisting of 30% sucrose with 0.1% addition of steviol glycosides to ensure similar sweetness of both mixtures. In the case of samples treated by combined method, OD was enhanced during first 30 min by sonication. Partially dehydrated cranberries were air dried at 70 °C. The quality of dehydrated fruits was assessed by the means of phenolics content, anthocyanin content, flavonoid content, vitamin C content, water activity, and color. Blanching decreased drying time by 48% to 50% in comparison to cutting. Utilization of combined method reduced drying time of cranberries up to 55% in comparison to cut samples. Water activity of all samples was below 0.6. Blanched samples or blanched and then treated with pulsed electric field and ultrasound contained more anthocyanins and flavonoids and less sucrose than cut samples.

Practical Application

According to current trends in food and beverage industry, consumers seek for products which does not contain excessive amounts of sugars, salt, or fats. Dried cranberry fruits are rich in bioactive compounds and need to be osmotically dehydrated in sugar solutions to make the taste of the final product acceptable. Osmotic dehydration is also carried out to decrease time of drying, which is one of the most energy intensive processes. Therefore, there is a need to develop a technology with potential to maintain the bioactive compounds, reduce sugar content in comparison to traditionally process fruits, and enhance the kinetics of drying.
Assessment of non‐lobe‐specific lymph node metastasis in clinical stage IA non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhirong , Miao Jinbai , Chen Qirui , Fu Yili , Li Hui , Hu Bin
Published: June 2019

Background

The rationality of selective mediastinal lymph node dissection based on lobe‐specific metastasis is still controversial. The correlation of lymph node metastasis in lobe‐specific lymphatic drainage regions (LSDRs) and non‐LSDRs has not been widely reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the variables affecting nodal metastasis in non‐LSDRs and to further evaluate the rationality of selective lymphadenectomy in clinical stage IA non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods

The clinicopathological information of 316 patients with clinical stage IA NSCLC who underwent lobectomy with systematic lymph node dissection between June 2014 and June 2018 was retrospectively collected for analysis.

Results

The overall lymph node metastasis rate was 19.3%. For 35 patients with positive LSDR lymph nodes, the non‐LSDR lymph node metastasis rate was 31.4%. Only one patient (0.4%) among 281 patients with negative LSDR lymph nodes had nodal spread in non‐LSDRs. Univariate analysis identified that solid consistency, worse differentiation, and positive status in LSDRs were unfavorable predictive variables of lymph node metastasis in non‐LSDRs. Multivariate analysis showed that nodal metastasis in LSDRs was the only independent predictor of nodal involvement in non‐LSDRs (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

For patients with clinical stage IA NSCLC, non‐LSDR lymph node metastasis mainly depends on the involvement of the LSDR lymph node. Our observations may indicate the potential implications for the reasonable management of lymphadenectomy in stage IA NSCLC patients.
Hearths, ovens and fishery: Kharaib al‐Dasht as a case of Late Islamic fishing village (Jazirat Faylaka)
Authors: Mierzejewska Marta
Published: June 2019

Investigations conducted in 2013–2018 by the Kuwaiti‐Polish Archaeological Mission on the northern coast of Jazirat Faylaka revealed remains of a Late Islamic settlement with an extensive fishing infrastructure located both on land and in nearby waters. The present research focused on one element of this infrastructure, namely the concentration of hearths and ovens, unique to this part of the island. In order to identify their function and understand their role, the installations were analysed in terms of their structural features and distribution across the site. It was revealed that the concentration of installations on a limited area resulted largely from the need for efficient fish processing. Furthermore, the abundance of ovens and hearths coupled with the presence of nearby fish traps and the diversity of osteological material found in the context of installations indicates that fish processing capacity at this settlement greatly exceeded the needs of the local population.
Combined effects of arsenic exposure and diabetes on male reproductive functions
Authors: Souza A. C. F. , Bastos D. S. S. , Sertorio M. N. , Santos F. C. , Ervilha L. O. G. , de Oliveira L. L. , Machado‐Neves M.
Published: June 2019

Background

It is known that exposure to either arsenic or hyperglycemia can induce male reproductive damages. However, their combined effects on male reproductive organs are still unclear. Therefore, the present study investigated morphological and functional parameters of the testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa in diabetic rats exposed to arsenate.

Materials and methods

Diabetes was induced in male rats by intraperitoneal streptozotocin injection. While a set of healthy and diabetic animals received saline solution (negative control and diabetes control, respectively), the other set received 10 mg/L sodium arsenate (arsenic control and diabetes + arsenic groups, respectively) for 40 days in drinking water. Testosterone concentration, daily sperm production, sperm counts in the testis and epididymis, and sperm parameters were evaluated in the groups. Moreover, testis and epididymis were subjected to antioxidant enzymes analysis, micromineral determination, and histopathological evaluation.

Results

Arsenate exposure reduced serum testosterone concentration in healthy animals and worsened this reduction in diabetic rats. In addition, the number of spermatozoa in testis and epididymis tissues, as well as the daily sperm production, was decreased in these groups. Sperm parameters such as motility, morphology, and integrity of acrosomal and plasma membranes were impaired in health animals exposed to arsenate. The combination of diabetes and arsenate, in turn, increased only the percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology. Moreover, the proportion of arsenic increased in the testis and epididymis of both groups receiving arsenate. Its bioaccumulation in these organs caused an imbalance in antioxidant enzymes activities and mineral content in healthy animals, enhancing these changes in diabetic rats. Testicular pathologies occurred mainly in animals co‐exposed to diabetes and arsenate.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that arsenate exposure enhances several damages to male reproductive functions in diabetic rats, mainly by impairing testosterone levels and inducing nitrosative stress in testis and epididymis.
Pharmacoepidemiology: Using randomised control trials and observational studies in clinical decision‐making
Authors: Caparrotta Thomas M. , Dear James W. , Colhoun Helen M. , Webb David J.
Published: June 2019

Weighing up sources of evidence is a key skill for clinical decision‐makers. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies each have advantages and disadvantages, and in both cases perceived weaknesses can be improved through modifications of design and analysis. In the field of pharmacoepidemiology, RCTs are the best way to determine whether an intervention modifies an outcome being studied, largely because randomisation reduces bias and confounding. Observational studies are useful to investigate whether benefits/harms of a treatment are seen in day‐to‐day clinical practice in a wider group of patients. Although observational studies, even in a small cohort, can provide very useful clinical evidence, they may also be misleading (as shown by subsequent RCTs), in part because of allocation bias. There is an unmet need for clinicians to become well versed in appraising the study design and statistical analysis of observational pharmacoepidemiology (OP) studies, rather like the medical training already offered for RCT evaluation. This is because OP studies are likely to become more common with the computerisation of healthcare records and increasingly contribute to the evidence base available for clinical decision‐making. However, when the results of an RCT conflict with the results of an OP study, the findings of the RCT should be preferred, especially if its findings have been repeated elsewhere. Conversely, OP studies that align with the findings of RCTs can provide rich and useful information to complement that generated by RCTs.
Constructing a Confidence Interval for the Fraction Who Benefit from Treatment, Using Randomized Trial Data
Authors: Huang Emily J. , Fang Ethan X. , Hanley Daniel F. , Rosenblum Michael
Published: June 2019

The fraction who benefit from treatment is the proportion of patients whose potential outcome under treatment is better than that under control. Inference on this parameter is challenging since it is only partially identifiable, even in our context of a randomized trial. We propose a new method for constructing a confidence interval for the fraction, when the outcome is ordinal or binary. Our confidence interval procedure is pointwise consistent. It does not require any assumptions about the joint distribution of the potential outcomes, although it has the flexibility to incorporate various user-defined assumptions. Our method is based on a stochastic optimization technique involving a second-order, asymptotic approximation that, to the best of our knowledge, has not been applied to biomedical studies. This approximation leads to statistics that are solutions to quadratic programs, which can be computed efficiently using optimization tools. In simulation, our method attains the nominal coverage probability or higher, and can have narrower average width than competitor methods. We apply it to a trial of a new intervention for stroke.
Structural mechanisms underlying activation of TRPV1 channels by pungent compounds in gingers
Authors: Yin Yue , Dong Yawen , Vu Simon , Yang Fan , Yarov‐Yarovoy Vladimir , Tian Yuhua , Zheng Jie
Published: June 2019

Background and Purpose

Like chili peppers, gingers produce pungent stimuli by a group of vanilloid compounds that activate the nociceptive transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) ion channel. How these compounds interact with TRPV1 remains unclear.

Experimental Approach

We used computational structural modelling, functional tests (electrophysiology and calcium imaging), and mutagenesis to investigate the structural mechanisms underlying ligand–channel interactions.

Key Results

The potency of three principal pungent compounds from ginger —shogaol, gingerol, and zingerone—depends on the same two residues in the TRPV1 channel that form a hydrogen bond with the chili pepper pungent compound, capsaicin. Computational modelling revealed binding poses of these ginger compounds similar to those of capsaicin, including a “head‐down tail‐up” orientation, two specific hydrogen bonds, and important contributions of van der Waals interactions by the aliphatic tail. Our study also identified a novel horizontal binding pose of zingerone that allows it to directly interact with the channel pore when bound inside the ligand‐binding pocket. These observations offer a molecular level explanation for how unique structures in the ginger compounds affect their channel activation potency.

Conclusions and Implications

Mechanistic insights into the interactions of ginger compounds and the TRPV1 cation channel should help guide drug discovery efforts to modulate nociception.
The investigation of hyaluronic acid and hyaluronidase‐1 levels as tumour marker in larynx cancer
Authors: İnan Hakkı Caner , Yener Murat , Buyru Nur , Çelebi Asuman , Yilmaz Mehmet , Çomunoğlu Nil
Published: June 2019

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the hyaluronic acid (HA) and hyaluronidase‐1 (HYAL‐1) levels in laryngeal cancer patients.

Study design

Prospective, controlled clinical trial.

Setting

University Medical Center.

Participants

Fifty laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients and 50 volunteers who gave saliva samples investigated prospectively between 2016 and 2017.

Methods

Hyaluronidase‐1 expression was measured by RT‐PCR in normal and tumour tissue samples; hyaluronic acid values of saliva and tumour tissues were measured by ELISA method.

Results

HYAL‐1 expression increased 2.5‐fold in tumour tissues compared to normal tissues, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001).Mean saliva HA levels were 103.93 ± 69.04 ng/mL and 177.29 ± 98.44 ng/mL in the patients and controls’ saliva specimens, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.657). HA levels were higher in tumour tissue samples than saliva samples, but there was not statistically significant difference between saliva and tumour tissue HA levels.

Conclusion

HYAL‐1 expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas is elevated compared to normal tissues of same patients. Targeting this gene and HA catabolism products may use treatment of larynx cancer in the future.
Determining patient attendance, access to interventions and clinical outcomes in a publicly funded obesity programme: Results from the Canberra Obesity Management Service
Authors: Brightman Louise , Huang Hsin‐Chia Carol , Dugdale Paul
Published: June 2019

Multi‐disciplinary specialist services have a crucial role in the management of patients with obesity. As demand for these services increases, so too does the need to monitor individual service performance and compare outcomes across multiple sites. This paper reports on results from the publicly funded Canberra Obesity Management Service. A descriptive observational study was conducted on new patients who attended an initial medical review from July 2016 to June 2017. Baseline characteristics, comorbidities, attendance, service utilization and outcomes were collated until June 2018. Of the 162 patients identified, 64% continued to attend beyond initial medical review. Dietetics was the most commonly accessed allied health service, followed by exercise physiology and psychology. Very low‐energy diet was the most commonly trialled intensive intervention, followed by pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery. Mean baseline weight for those who continued beyond initial medical review was 142.0 kg (SD 26.6 kg), with a mean weight change of −6.2 kg (SD 10.2 kg) and a mean change in percentage body weight of −5% (SD 7%). Clinically significant weight loss was achieved in 36% of these patients, with a further 47% achieving weight stabilization. Mean Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale scores reduced from 8‐6‐8 to 7‐5‐5, and mean Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores decreased from 8/24 to 6/24. Polysomnography referrals were made for 37% of all new patients, 87% of whom were diagnosed with varying degrees of obstructive sleep apnoea. We present these findings in the hope that they may serve as an example for data collection, individual service monitoring and comparison across multiple obesity services.
Urinary volatile organic compound markers and colorectal anastomotic leakage
Authors: Plat V. D. , Bootsma B. T. , Neal M. , Nielsen K. , Sonneveld D. J. A. , Tersteeg J. J. C. , Crolla R. M. P. H. , van Dam D. A. , Cense H. A. , Stockmann H. B. A. C. , Covington J. A. , de Meij T. G. J. , Tuynman J. B. , de Boer N. K. H. , Daams F.
Published: June 2019

Aim

Inflammatory markers such as serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) are used as routine markers to detect anastomotic leakage following colorectal surgery. However, CRP is characterized by a relatively low predictive value, emphasizing the need for the development of novel diagnostic approaches. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gaseous metabolic products deriving from all conceivable bodily excrements and reflect (alterations in) the patient's physical status. Therefore, VOCs are increasingly considered as potential non‐invasive diagnostic biomarkers. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of urinary VOCs for colorectal anastomotic leakage.

Methods

In this explorative multicentre study, urinary VOC profiles of 22 patients with confirmed anastomotic leakage and 27 uneventful control patients following colorectal surgery were analysed by field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS).

Results

Urinary VOCs of patients with anastomotic leakage could be distinguished from those of control patients with high accuracy: area under the receiver operating characteristics curve 0.91 (95% CI 0.81–1.00, P < 0.001), sensitivity 86% and specificity 93%. Serum CRP was significantly increased in patients with a confirmed anastomotic leak but with lower diagnostic accuracy compared to VOC analysis (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve 0.82, 95% CI 0.68–0.95, P < 0.001). Combining VOCs and CRP did not result in a significant improvement of the diagnostic performance compared to VOCs alone.

Conclusion

Analysis by FAIMS allowed for discrimination between urinary VOC profiles of patients with a confirmed anastomotic leak and control patients following colorectal surgery. A superior accuracy compared to CRP and apparently high specificity was observed, underlining the potential as a non‐invasive biomarker for the detection of colorectal anastomotic leakage.
Educational strategy intervention and remote supervision on the post‐discharge management of tuberculosis diagnosed in the hospital: Randomized clinical trial
Authors: Müller Alice Mânica , Osório Cecília Susin , de Figueiredo Raíssa Velasquez , Silva Denise Rossato , Dalcin Paulo de Tarso Roth
Published: June 2019

Introduction

One of the most serious problems in TB control is non‐adherence to treatment leading to the risk of drug resistance and subsequent treatment failure.

Objectives

To assess the impact of an educational strategy intervention and remote supervision on the post‐discharge management of new cases of TB diagnosed in hospital on TB cure rate. Secondarily, to assess the impact of this intervention on default rate.

Methods

Randomized control trial conducted at a general, tertiary care, university affiliated hospital. New cases of TB diagnosed in hospital were included. The primary outcome was cure rate and secondary outcome was default rate. Analysis was carried out by modified intention to treat.

Results

A total of 169 new tuberculosis patients were enrolled. Among them, 80 were assigned to intervention group and 89 to control group. The cure rate was 71.3% in the intervention group and 58.4% in the control group. In the multivariate binary logistic regression model to evaluate the effect of the intervention, controlled by age, sex, current smoking status and directly observed treatment short, intervention was independently associated with cure rate (OR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.24‐0.94; P = 0.033).There was a significant difference in the default rate between the control and intervention groups (18.0% vs 5.0%, respectively, P = 0.039).

Conclusion

An educational strategy intervention and remote supervision on the post‐discharge management of new cases of TB with in‐hospital diagnosis had a positive effect of small magnitude on cure rate. Secondarily, the treatment default rate has been significantly decreased with the intervention.
Triadic interactions support infants’ emerging understanding of intentional actions
Authors: Brandone Amanda C. , Stout Wyntre , Moty Kelsey
Published: June 2019

Infants’ understanding of the intentional nature of human action develops gradually across the first year of life. A key question is what mechanisms drive changes in this foundational social‐cognitive ability. The current studies explored the hypothesis that triadic interactions in which infants coordinate attention between a social partner and an object of mutual interest promote infants’ developing understanding of others as intentional agents. Infants’ spontaneous tendency to participate in triadic engagement was assessed in a semi‐structured play session with a researcher. Intentional action understanding was assessed by evaluating infants’ ability to visually predict the goal of an intentional reaching action. Study 1 (N = 88) revealed that 8‐ to 9‐month‐olds who displayed more bouts of triadic engagement showed better concurrent reasoning about the goal of an intentional reaching action. Study 2 (N = 114) confirmed these findings using a longitudinal design and demonstrated that infants who displayed more bouts of triadic engagement at 6–7 months were better at prospectively reasoning about the goal of an intentional reaching action 3 months later. Cross‐lagged path analyses revealed that intentional action understanding at 6–7 months did not predict later triadic engagement, suggesting that early triadic engagement supports later intentional action processing and not the other way around. Finally, evidence from both studies revealed the unique contribution of triadic over dyadic forms of engagement. These results highlight the importance of social interaction as a developmental mechanism and suggest that infants enrich their understanding of intentionality through triadic interactions with social partners.
Life stage and population density ofPlutella xylostellaaffect the predation behavior ofEuborellia annulipes
Authors: Nunes Gilmar da Silva , Dantas Thais Aparecida Vitoriano , de Souza Mileny dos Santos , do Nascimento Izabela Nunes , de Luna Batista Jacinto , Malaquias José Bruno
Published: June 2019

The diamondback moth (DBM),Plutella xylostella(L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is the main pest of brassica crops worldwide. The ringlegged earwig,Euborellia annulipes(Lucas) (Dermaptera: Anisolabididae), has been reported as a potential predator of lepidopteran larvae, including this pest, and may therefore be used for biological control. Knowledge about predator–prey interactions is important to establish pest management strategies. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of the developmental stage (larva and pupa) and density ofP. xylostellaon the preference and functional response ofE. annulipesadult females. We used choice and no‐choice tests to evaluate the foraging behavior and preference ofE. annulipeson DBM life stages and varied prey density to assess the type of functional response of the ringlegged earwig. Larvae were preferred over pupae, and the predator’s functional response was type II for both prey stages. Our results report the potential ofE. annulipesas a biocontrol agent ofP. xylostella.Understanding their interactions may help in decision‐making and optimization of integrated management strategies.
MiR‐137 inhibits cell proliferation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia by targeting JARID1B
Authors: Huang Yiqun , Zou Yong , Zheng Ruiji , Ma Xudong
Published: June 2019

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the possible functions of interaction between JARID1B and miR‐137 in ALL.

Methods

The levels of H3K4me3 and H3K4me2 and the expression of JARID1B and miR‐137 were analyzed in six ALL cell lines and 30 ALL patients. The effects of miR‐137 and JARID1B on cell proliferation and apoptosis were investigated by silencing or promoting the respective genes. The interaction between miR‐137 and JARID1B was confirmed by double‐luciferase report assay.

Results

The histone H3K4 expressions and miR‐137 expression were lower in 30 ALL patients and in six ALL cell lines, while the expression of JARID1B was elevated. A negative correlation was observed between JARID1B and miR‐137. Over‐expression of miR‐137 led to decreasing cell proliferation and increasing apoptosis in MOLT‐4 and BALL‐1 cells. MiR‐137 inhibitor up‐regulated JARID1B in these two cell lines, while promoted proliferation in BALL‐1 cells only. Dual‐luciferase report assay suggested that JARID1B was a direct target of miR‐137 in ALL cell lines.

Conclusions

The expression of miR‐137 was declined in ALL, and JARID1B was directly repressed by miR‐137. Aberrant JARID1B expression could result in abnormal histone methylation, which might be one cause of ALL.
Reshaping our understanding of species’ roles in landscape‐scale networks
Authors: Hackett Talya D. , Sauve Alix M. C. , Davies Nancy , Montoya Daniel , Tylianakis Jason M. , Memmott Jane
Published: June 2019

In network ecology, landscape‐scale processes are often overlooked, yet there is increasing evidence that species and interactions spill over between habitats, calling for further study of interhabitat dependencies. Here, we investigate how species connect a mosaic of habitats based on the spatial variation of their mutualistic and antagonistic interactions using two multilayer networks, combining pollination, herbivory and parasitism in the UK and New Zealand. Developing novel methods of network analysis for landscape‐scale ecological networks, we discovered that few plant and pollinator species acted as connectors or hubs, both within and among habitats, whereas herbivores and parasitoids typically have more peripheral network roles. Insect species’ roles depend on factors other than just the abundance of taxa in the lower trophic level, exemplified by larger Hymenoptera connecting networks of different habitats and insects relying on different resources across different habitats. Our findings provide a broader perspective for landscape‐scale management and ecological community conservation.