bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antagonistic interactions subdue inter-species green-beard cooperation in bacteria
Authors: Sathe Santosh , Kümmerli Rolf
Published: February 2020

Cooperation can be favored through the green-beard mechanism, where a set of linked genes encodes both a cooperative trait and a phenotypic marker (green beard), which allows carriers of the trait to selectively direct cooperative acts to other carriers. In theory, the green-beard mechanism should favor cooperation even when interacting partners are totally unrelated at the genome level. Here, we explore such an extreme green-beard scenario between two unrelated bacterial species –Pseudomonas aeruginosaandBurkholderia cenocepacia, which share a cooperative locus encoding the public good pyochelin (a siderophore) and its cognate receptor (green beard) required for iron-pyochelin uptake. We show that pyochelin, when provided in cell-free supernatants, can be mutually exchanged between species and provide fitness benefits under iron limitation. However, in co-culture we observed that these cooperative benefits vanished and communities were dominated byP. aeruginosa, regardless of strain background and species starting frequencies. Our results further suggest thatP. aeruginosaengages in interference competition to suppressB. cenocepacia, indicating that inter-species conflict arising from dissimilarities at the genome level overrule the aligned cooperative interests at the pyochelin locus. Thus, green-beard cooperation is subdued by competition, indicating that inter-specific siderophore cooperation is difficult to evolve and to be maintained.
When technological savviness overcomes cultural differences: millennials in global virtual teams
Authors: Velez-Calle Andres , Mariam Misha , Gonzalez-Perez Maria Alejandra , Jimenez Alfredo , Eisenberg Julia , Santamaria-Alvarez Sandra Milena
Published: February 2020

Purpose

There is a generalized belief that cultural differences can have more negative consequences than benefits within the international business (IB) literature. This study argues that cultural differences are not perceived as constrains in millennial global virtual teams (GVTs). Additionally, using the theory of cooperation and competition and the motivated information processing perspective, the purpose of this paper is to uncover the process by which millennials working in GVTs address various challenges to ensure effective functioning and accomplishment of desired team outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes a data set of 503 project journals from the global enterprise experience, a virtual team competition. It uses qualitative content analysis tools and secondary data sources.

Findings

The authors find that for millennials, cross-cultural issues are not the predominant challenge when working in GVTs, unlike the prevailing understanding in the IB literature. This is because contrary to expectations, cross-cultural problems are often not experienced, while other team phenomena become more relevant, such as interpersonal and task-based issues. In addition, the paper describes how members of GVTs apply distinct challenge reconstruction and solution generation cognitive schemes to deal with both, expected and unexpected challenges.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on virtual teams by identifying how millennials and post-millennials deal with the challenges embedded in the GVT interaction context by simplifying the unfamiliarity associated with the broader context rather than addressing each issue in isolation. Finally, the paper elaborates on factors that highlight the positive outcomes of multicultural teams while making cultural differences less salient in contemporary GVT contexts.
Dimensions and drivers of women's empowerment in rural Nigeria
Authors: Obayelu Oluwakemi Adeola , Chime Amaka Christiana
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The majority of poor women in Africa live in rural areas, and investigating their empowerment status and factors influencing their empowerment is therefore a tool for overcoming poverty. This paper investigated the dimensions and determinants of women's empowerment in rural Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used data from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). Information on women's agencies, resource, income, leadership and time/workload was used to construct women empowerment index (WEI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logit regression model.

Findings

Most of the decisions were made by the women's spouses, while decisions on how to spend her earnings were jointly made with her spouse. A majority of the women did not justify beating nor owned businesses. A larger percentage of rural women were disempowered than men; agency had the highest relative contribution to women's disempowerment; and women in the northern zones of Nigeria were less empowered than their southern counterparts. Husband's education and her age were inversely related to women's empowerments while her education, household size and being the household head were directly related to it.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of empirical studies on multidimensional women's empowerment in rural Nigeria. This study therefore provides a clear understanding of drivers of women's empowerment in rural Nigeria, and its findings are to serve as guiding documents for policymakers in designing gender-responsive interventions programs and implementation of a genuine gender mainstreaming in rural development policy in Nigeria. Further, the findings would contribute to the growing body of knowledge, especially empirical studies, on women's empowerment in Nigeria and the developing world.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at:https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-07-2019-0455
On the problem of oppressive tastes in the public library
Authors: Lawrence E.E.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Contemporary adult readers' advisory aims to adhere to (what I term) a pure preference satisfaction model in which librarians provide nonjudgmental book recommendations that satisfy their patrons' aesthetic tastes rather than improve upon them. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether readers' advisors really ought to treat all such tastes as essentially benign, even when doing so may conflict with core commitments to diversity and social responsibility.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilizes a thought experiment to interrogate our intuitions regarding the practice of recommending recreational materials featuring marginalized protagonists. The author also draws on theoretical insights from feminist aesthetician A.W. Eaton's innovative work on taste in bodies to formulate argumentation addressing the ethical dilemma presented here.

Findings

Our reading tastes can, in fact, be oppressive, working to maintain unjust power relations that are often thought to be the product merely of bad beliefs. On the view advanced here, oppressive tastes function as real obstacles to collective self-governance because they systematically distort our judgments of the credibility, empathic accessibility, and fundamental worth of our fellow democratic citizens. Librarians' obligation to protect and promote democracy, therefore, provides practitioners with a crucial justification for recommending diverse books to all readers, even (and perhaps especially) those who actively disprefer them.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates how contemporary work in analytic (and specifically feminist) aesthetics can furnish LIS scholars with the intellectual resources to resolve political problems in the library. The author's analysis also lays the groundwork for further consideration of alternative ideals for readers' advisory that will capitalize on the service's educative and emancipatory potential.
Leadership styles, job satisfaction and organizational commitment among academic staff in public universities
Authors: Mwesigwa Rogers , Tusiime Immaculate , Ssekiziyivu Bob
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between leadership styles and Organizational commitment among academic staff in Ugandan Public Universities, mediated by Job Satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was cross-sectional, quantitative, and used correlation and regression to test the hypothesis. A sample of 353 academic staff was drawn from five public universities in Uganda, of which a response rate of 66 percent was obtained.

Findings

Organizational commitment among academic staff in public universities in Uganda depends on the age of the academic staff, length of service, position level, leadership styles employed, and job satisfaction. Findings further show that job satisfaction partially mediates the relationship between leadership styles and organizational commitment.

Research limitations/implications

Only a single research methodological approach was employed; thus, future research through interviews could be undertaken to triangulate.

Practical implications

In order to boost the organizational commitment among academic staff in Ugandan Public Universities, managers should always endeavor to employ a blend of leadership styles that leads to job satisfaction and can add value to the employee-employer relationship.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge by finding further support on the relationship between leadership styles and organizational commitment among academic staff in Ugandan public universities. It further demonstrates that job satisfaction partially transmits the effect of leadership styles on organizational commitment in public universities in Uganda.
Understanding the ecosystem of microfinance institutions in India
Authors: Purkayastha Debapratim , Tripathy Trilochan , Das Biswajit
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to build upon the various studies conducted on the ecosystem and expands the understanding of the ecosystem of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in India. The discussions in this essay entail a literature review that analyzes the discourse on the ecosystem of MFIs, and based on this an attempt has been made to conceptually design a model for the ecosystem of MFIs in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors design the “Indian microfinance ecosystem model” based on the actors in the broader financial ecosystem (Bloom and Dees, 2008; Ledgerwood and Gibson, 2013) and the capital infrastructure and the context-setting factors of the social entrepreneurship ecosystem (Deeset al., 2008) that best describes the Indian MFI scenarios.

Findings

The ecosystem of MFIs in India is found to be very complicated. The interactions among numerous actors – who are core product or service providers, facilitators, client, beneficiaries, resource providers, competitors, complementary organizations, regulators, opponents and influential bystanders. The authors also observed that the capital infrastructure and context-setting factors such as policy, politics, media, economic and social conditions are equally crucial for the MFIs to survive and flourish. Moreover, the ecosystem is also dynamic and could change with the environmental conditions and entry of new entrants into the ecosystem.

Research limitations/implications

Understanding the ecosystem of MFIs from the strategic perspective would also be of interest to stakeholders such as donors, investors, banks, government and so on. For MFIs, knowing their place in the ecosystem is an essential step in determining their strategy.

Practical implications

Understanding the elements of the ecosystem would help MFIs to assess whether they have achieved the minimum critical environmental conditions in the ecosystem for their business model to succeed.

Social implications

Better understanding of the ecosystem will help create social benefits through better service delivery to the low-income population.

Originality/value

Expands the existing business ecosystem literature by extending it to the social policy, social entrepreneurship and more specifically to the microfinance sector. Fills a void in ecosystem literature by designing a comprehensive ecosystem model of MFIs in India. Understanding the ecosystem would help market system actors and facilitators to understand what they have to do to achieve their objectives of participating in the ecosystem. Knowing their place in the ecosystem is an essential step in determining what they should do and how they should do it. In addition to MFIs, it could have important implications for policymakers, particularly the government, that are trying to achieve financial inclusion.
Team reflections, team mental models and team performance over time
Authors: Kneisel Evi
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Although previous research proved positive impacts of team reflection on team outcomes, especially team performance and innovation, there are only a few insights in to which factors (mediators) account for these positive effects and over what period these effects unfold (temporal effects). To close this gap, this paper aims to investigate the direct effects of team reflection on team performance over time, as well as indirect effects because of the development of similar and accurate team mental models to explain this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Within a longitudinal experimental study on 22 student project teams working on a complex problem-solving task, the effects of repeated team reflection interventions on the development of team performance and team mental models over six measuring times were analysed.

Findings

Results show that team reflections caused significant increases in team performance and team mental models over time. Results also provide evidence that team mental models’ quality mediates the effects of team reflections on team performance.

Research limitations/implications

The results are interesting for both research fields, team reflection and team mental models, as the findings indicate the merits of recurrent reflection for improving team mental models’ quality.

Practical implications

For organisational practice, the question of how reflection processes can be deliberately triggered in teams and effectively integrated into the daily routine should be considered.

Originality/value

The findings accentuate the role of team reflections for improving team performance team mental models over time. By continuous reflecting teams increase awareness and insights into effective team processes and strategies (i.e. shared and accurate team mental models), which lead to better performance.
The implementation of dynamic capabilities for small and medium-sized enterprises in creating innovation
Authors: Hermawati Adya , Gunawan Eden
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the adaptation process of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to volatile environment supported with learning, knowledge and innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used an inductive approach to analyse qualitative data obtained from an SME operating in the international market. Various data collection methods, including interview, focus group discussion and observation, were used to allow the researchers to undertake triangulation.

Findings

This study demonstrates that managers should be eager to adjust their innovation to a changing environment and continually update pre-determined plans. Learning is an ongoing process required for innovation, requiring up-to-date support from knowledge produced via learning. For this reason, learning is required in all dynamic capability processes.

Research limitations/implications

The single case study design offers deep and detailed insights regarding the process of how firms create innovation based on learning in an uncertain environment. Future research could investigate whether the findings of this study are generalisable using a large number of subjects and a cross-sectional method.

Originality/value

This study offers insight to relatively empirical evidence on how firms respond and adjust to volatile environment using an integrative perspective covering learning, knowledge and innovation. In addition, this offers insight regarding how knowledge can be developed based on learning from the environment and converted into innovation through dynamic capabilities.
Clinical significance of serum levels of anti‐transcriptional intermediary factor 1‐γ antibody in patients with dermatomyositis
Authors: Ikeda Nobuaki , Yamaguchi Yukie , Kanaoka Miwa , Ototake Yasushi , Akita Asami , Watanabe Tomoya , Aihara Michiko
Published: February 2020

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by skin eruptions and myositis. Anti‐transcriptional intermediary factor 1‐γ antibody (anti‐TIF1‐γ Ab) is one of the most frequently detected myositis‐specific autoantibodies and adults positive for anti‐TIF1‐γ have markedly higher rates of malignancy. Our aim was to determine the clinical associations of anti‐TIF1‐γ levels in 31 Japanese adult DM patients positive for anti‐TIF1‐γ. We determined associations between the anti‐TIF1‐γ index and patient characteristics and disease severities. Sixteen patients with anti‐TIF1‐γ Ab had concomitant malignancies. A mild positive correlation was found between the levels of serum creatine phosphokinase at the first visit and anti‐TIF1‐γ levels. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the anti‐TIF1‐γ Ab index between patients with and without malignancy. Dysphagia tended to be observed in patients with malignancy. On sequential analysis, anti‐TIF1‐γ levels in patients without malignancy were lower or turned negative after treatment for DM. Ab titers tended to be sustained in patients with stage IV malignancies. Interestingly, a re‐increase in the Ab titer was observed on recurrence of malignancy or increase in DM activity. Four patients were completely cured of their malignancies, and anti‐TIF1‐γ levels in three patients turned negative with the loss of DM activity. These data suggest that higher anti‐TIF1‐γ titers may not directly indicate the presence of malignancy. Nevertheless, longitudinal changes in the anti‐TIF1‐γ index in individual patients may partially reflect activities of both DM and malignancy.
Effects of soil water conditions on seedling regeneration in Myricaria laxiflora remnant populations
Authors: Guan Shoupeng , Chen Fangqing , Lv Kun , Zhou Jumei , Huang Yongwen
Published: February 2020

Remnant populations of Myricaria laxiflora are degrading due to difficulties in regeneration. To uncover the critical factors that hinder the regeneration of M. laxiflora populations, the present study examined seed persistence, seed germination and seedling survival and growth under different soil water contents and groundwater levels. Results revealed that seed viability significantly decreased with prolonged storage time. The germination rate of seeds stored for 15 days was 10.9%, which was 79.8% lower than unstored seeds. The viability of seeds was also significantly influenced by soil water content. The germination rate under the 0 g g−1 soil water content treatment was 105.3% higher than 0.10 g g−1 soil water content. Groundwater level significantly affected seed germination and seedling growth. The suitable groundwater level for seed germination and seedling growth was between −10 and −15 cm, at which, the germination rate, seedling survival rate and seedling biomass reached their highest values. Compared to the 0 and −20 cm groundwater levels, the −10 cm level resulted in a 16.8% and 166.7% higher germination rate, 14.1% and 9.2% higher seedling survival rate and 116.7% and 82.0% higher aboveground biomass, respectively. The longest main roots were observed at the −15 cm groundwater level. Therefore, it was concluded that changes in soil water content and groundwater level affect the regeneration of remnant M. laxiflora populations.
Epidemiology of fibrostenosing inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Mak Joyce Wing Yan , Ng Siew Chien
Published: February 2020

Fibrostenosis occurs in both Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Up to 21% of patients with CD present with strictures at diagnosis, while the rate of stenosis varies from 1% to 11% in UC. Despite the increasing use of immunomodulators and biologics in treatment, there has been no decrease in the rate of progression from inflammatory to complicated disease phenotypes (either stricturing or penetrating). The presence of stenosis is an independent risk factor for surgery in patients with CD, who are at a risk of postoperative recurrence at a rate of up to 55% at 10 years after surgery. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) strictures are at risk of malignant transformation. Thus, surveillance colonoscopy should be offered to this group of patients. Several risk factors for the development of stricture have been identified. In CD, patients aged less than 40‐years old, with perianal disease at diagnosis, who need steroids at the first flare up or have ileal disease are at the risk of developing strictures; while in UC, patients with extensive colitis and long‐standing disease are at risk. Recently, microbiota signatures have also been identified as markers for stricture development. The presence of Ruminococcus spp. is associated with the development of stricture in pediatric patients with CD. In this review, we highlight the epidemiology, risk factors and natural history of fibrostenosing IBD.
Phenological stages of cultivated northern wild rice according to the BBCH scale
Authors: Duquette Jacques , Kimball Jennifer A.
Published: February 2020

Cultivated northern wild rice (NWR), Zizania palustris L., is an aquatic grass native to North America that is grown in paddies and harvested for its grain. Domestication of the species began in Minnesota in the early 1950s to provide a stable source of the grain for food processors and to utilise marginal agricultural land. The University of Minnesota has been conducting breeding research on NWR since the 1960s. However, a detailed description of the species phenological stages has not been documented, which would help to standardise results across studies, aid in building accurate crop models, and improve the efficacy of time‐sensitive crop management practices. We present here a phenological scale of cultivated NWR based on the widely adopted Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scale, a system for a uniform coding of phenologically similar stages in plant species' (Bleiholder et al., Gesunde Pflanzen, 1989, 41, 381–384; Meier et al., Nachrichtenblatt des Deutschen Pflanzenschutzdienstes (Braunschweig), 1993, 45(2), 37–41). Data were collected in lab, greenhouse, and field settings at the North Central Research and Outreach Center at the University of Minnesota in Grand Rapids, MN. Ten principal and secondary phenological stages are described using the two‐digit BBCH coding system. The description and coding of the scale covers the principal periods from seed storage to seed harvest.
Does prestigious board membership matter? Evidence from New Zealand
Authors: Jahan Mosammet Asma , Lubberink Martien , Van Peursem Karen
Published: February 2020

This study investigates whether ‘prestigious’ multiple board membership is positively associated with firm performance. We employ Resource Dependency theory to explain why performance outcomes may be improved by the presence of ‘prestigious’ multiple directorships. Our analysis relies on extensive hand‐collected data on New Zealand company directorships. The results support the contention that ‘prestigious’ multiple directorships are related to better accounting and market performance. Conclusions reflect upon how Resource Dependency theory informs this phenomenon and how ‘prestigious’ board members may be a valuable resource for firms. We also reveal how these findings expose a new avenue for board governance research.
Using contributing causes of death improves prediction of opioid involvement in unclassified drug overdoses in US death records
Authors: Boslett Andrew J. , Denham Alina , Hill Elaine L.
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims

A substantial share of fatal drug overdoses is missing information on specific drug involvement, leading to under‐reporting of opioid‐related death rates and a misrepresentation of the extent of the opioid epidemic. We aimed to compare methodological approaches to predicting opioid involvement in unclassified drug overdoses in US death records and to estimate the number of fatal opioid overdoses from 1999 to 2016 using the best‐performing method.

Design

This was a secondary data analysis of the universe of drug overdoses in 1999–2016 obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics Detailed Multiple Cause of Death records.

Setting

United States.

Cases

A total of 632 331 drug overdose decedents. Drug overdoses with known drug classification comprised 78.2% of the cases (n = 494 316) and unclassified drug overdoses (ICD‐10 T50.9) comprised 21.8% (n = 138 015).

Measurements

Known opioid involvement was defined using ICD‐10 codes T40.0–40.4 and T40.6, recorded in the set of contributing causes. Opioid involvement in unclassified drug overdoses was predicted using multiple methodological approaches: logistic regression and machine learning techniques, inclusion/exclusion of contributing causes of death and inclusion/exclusion of county‐level characteristics. Having selected the model with the highest predictive ability, we calculated corrected estimates of opioid‐related mortality.

Findings

Logistic regression and random forest models performed similarly. Including contributing causes substantially improved predictive accuracy, while including county characteristics did not. Using a superior prediction model, we found that 71.8% of unclassified drug overdoses in 1999–2016 involved opioids, translating into 99 160 additional opioid‐related deaths, or approximately 28% more than reported. Importantly, there was a striking geographic variation in undercounting of opioid overdoses.

Conclusions

In modeling opioid involvement in unclassified drug overdoses, highest predictive accuracy is achieved using a statistical model—either logistic regression or a random forest ensemble—with decedent characteristics and contributing causes of death as predictors.
Presentation clinical, haematological and immunophenotypic features of 1081 patients with GPI‐deficient (paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria) cells detected by flow cytometry
Authors: Richards Stephen J. , Dickinson Anita J. , Cullen Matthew J. , Griffin Morag , Munir Tahla , McKinley Claire , Mitchell Lindsay D. , Newton Darren J. , Arnold Louise , Hill Anita , Hillmen Peter
Published: February 2020

A retrospective analysis of presentation clinical, laboratory and immunophenotypic features of 1 081 patients with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) clones [glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐deficient blood cells] identified at our hospital by flow cytometry over the past 25 years was undertaken. Three distinct clusters of patients were identified and significant correlations between presentation disease type and PNH clone sizes were evident. Smaller PNH clones predominate in cytopenic and myelodysplastic subtypes; large PNH clones were associated with haemolytic, thrombotic and haemolytic/thrombotic subtypes. Rare cases with an associated chronic myeloproliferative disorder had either large or small PNH clones. Cytopenia was a frequent finding, highlighting bone marrow failure as the major underlying feature associated with the detection of PNH clones in the peripheral blood. Red cell PNH clones showed significant correlations between the presence of type II (partial GPI deficiency) red cells and thrombotic disease. Haemolytic PNH was associated with type III (complete GPI deficiency) red cell populations of >20%. Those with both haemolytic and thrombotic features had major type II and type III red cell populations. Distinct patterns of presentation age decade were evident for clinical subtypes with a peak incidence of haemolytic PNH in the 30–49 year age group and a biphasic age distribution for the cytopenia group.
Mutation topography and risk stratification for de novo acute myeloid leukaemia with normal cytogenetics and no nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) mutation or Fms‐like tyrosine kinase 3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3‐ITD)
Authors: Zhou Ya‐Lan , Wu Li‐Xin , Peter Gale Robert , Wang Zi‐Long , Li Jin‐Lan , Jiang Hao , Jiang Qian , Jiang Bin , Cao Shan‐Bo , Lou Feng , Sun Ying , Wang Cheng‐Cheng , Liu Yan‐Rong , Wang Yu , Chang Ying‐Jun , Xu Lan‐Ping , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Liu Kai‐Yan , Ruan Guo‐Rui , Huang Xiao‐Jun
Published: February 2020

About 25% of patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) have normal cytogenetics and no nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) mutation or Fms‐like tyrosine kinase 3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3‐ITD). The prognosis and best therapy for these patients is controversial. We evaluated 158 newly diagnosed adults with this genotype who achieved histological complete remission within two cycles of induction therapy and were assigned to two post‐remission strategies with and without an allotransplant. Targeted regional sequencing at diagnosis was performed and data were used to estimate their prognosis, including relapse and survival. In multivariable analyses, having wild‐type or mono‐allelic mutated CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein alpha (CEBPA) [hazard ratio (HR) 2·39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·08–5·30; P = 0·032), mutated NRAS (HR 2·67, 95% CI 1·36–5·25; P = 0·004), mutated colony‐stimulating factor 3 receptor (CSF3R) (HR 2·85, 95% CI 1·12–7·27; P = 0·028) and a positive measurable residual disease (MRD)‐test after the second consolidation cycle (HR 2·88, 95% CI 1·32–6·30; P = 0·008) were independently correlated with higher cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR). These variables were also significantly associated with worse survival (HR 3·02, 95% CI 1·17–7·78, P = 0·022; HR 3·62, 95% CI 1·51–8·68, P = 0·004; HR 3·14, 95% CI 1·06–9·31, P = 0·039; HR 4·03, 95% CI 1·64–9·89, P = 0·002; respectively). Patients with ≥1 of these adverse‐risk variables benefitted from a transplant, whereas the others did not. In conclusion, we identified variables associated with CIR and survival in patients with AML and normal cytogenetics without a NPM1 mutation or FLT3‐ITD.
Assessment of 3‐dimensional bone augmentation of severely atrophied maxillary alveolar ridges using patient‐specific poly ether‐ether ketone (PEEK) sheets
Authors: EL Morsy Ola Alaa , Barakat Ahmed , Mekhemer Sameh , Mounir Mohamed
Published: February 2020

Background

This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of virtually designed polyether‐ether ketone (PEEK) sheets to delineate and maintains the three‐dimensional patient's maxillary alveolar ridge.

Materials and methods

Fourteen patients (34 implants) with severely atrophied anterior maxillary alveolar ridges underwent rehabilitation using custom‐made CAD/CAM PEEK sheets acting as a containment system for interpositional mix of particulate autogenous and xenogeneic bone graft, fixed by mono‐cortical screws. Radiographic Assessment included measurements of linear changes in the vertical and horizontal dimensions on cross‐sectional cuts of computed tomography (CBCT) using special software.

Results

Wound healing was uneventful for all the patients except one patient that showed wound break down 2 weeks postoperatively, which did not affect the outcome of the procedure. CBCT scans were interpreted to compare the quantity of both vertical and horizontal bone preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Statistical analyses demonstrated a significant difference between the results of both time intervals, with a mean vertical and horizontal bone gain was 3.47 mm(±1.46) and 3.42 (±1.1) with a P‐value of (.0001). The customized sheets were removed 6 months postoperative with the successful placement of dental implants.

Conclusion

The virtual planning of three‐dimensional maxillary alveolar ridge augmentation utilizing patient‐specific PEEK sheets deemed successful to restore the deficient ridge and to accommodate suitable size dental implants.
Outpatient (same‐day discharge) versus inpatient parotidectomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Flach Susanne , Hey Shi Ying , Lim Alison , Maniam Pavithran , Li Zhi , Donnan Peter T. , Manickavasagam Jaiganesh
Published: February 2020

Background

Parotidectomy is often performed as an inpatient procedure largely due to drain insertion; however, outpatient parotidectomy has increasingly become an attractive alternative for its shorter hospital stays and greater efficiency in cost‐effectiveness.

Objective of review

To assess the safety and feasibility of outpatient (or same‐day discharge) parotidectomy compared with inpatient parotidectomy.

Type of review

Systematic review of the literature and meta‐analysis, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines.

Methods

Pubmed/Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched for articles published in English between 01/01/1990 and 05/10/2019. The Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale was used for quality assessment and Review Manager 5.3 for meta‐analyses.

Main outcome measures

Primary outcomes assessed were postoperative complications including bleeding/haematoma, surgical site infection, seroma and facial weakness. Secondary outcome was readmission rate.

Results

Out of 445 studies identified, 6 were selected for systematic review. The overall quality of evidence was moderate. A total of 3664 patients were included (1646 in the outpatient group and 2018 in the inpatient group). Comparing the outpatient with inpatient cohorts, there were lower complications in outpatient groups though not statistically significant for haematoma (OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.11‐1.92; P = .28), surgical site infection (OR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.46‐1.69; P = .70), seroma (0.79; 95% CI = 0.21‐3.03; P = .74), facial nerve weakness (OR 0.39; 95% CI = 0.14‐1.08; P = .07) and hospital readmission (OR 0.58; 95% CI = 0.33‐1.04; P = .07).

Conclusions

Outpatient parotidectomy appears to be safe and compares favourably to inpatient procedure in postoperative complication and readmission rates.
Integrating wildlife conservation into ecosystem service payments and carbon offsets: A case study from Costa Rica
Authors: Wolfe Jared D. , Elizondo Pablo
Published: February 2020

Wildlife conservation is challenged by the expensive and cost prohibitive strategy of directly purchasing land to protect habitat at the landscape scale. An alternative mechanism used to protect habitat includes payments for ecosystem‐services (PES), where farmers and landowners are paid to manage their lands for a particular ecological service. Some of these easements are used to conserve a diversity of resources (i.e., water, soil, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity); however, the largest PES easement programs focus on carbon sequestration and are sold on international carbon markets as offsets. Here, we demonstrate that successfully protecting vulnerable habitat for wildlife can be achieved through partnerships with programs that trade in carbon offsets by focusing landowner recruitment activities in areas with ecologically valuable habitat. This collaborative strategy represents a cost effective and efficient model to protect wildlife at landscape scales. As proof of concept, in 2015 we successfully protected and restored habitats used by golden‐winged warblers, a species being considered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for protection under the Endangered Species Act, by partnering with organizations responsible for managing carbon offsets in Costa Rica. Through these partnerships, we successfully protected 790 ha of valuable habitat, within a single year, by recruiting farmers and landowners into an easement program in the heart of the warbler's winter range. We present our efforts as a model for similar collaborative partnerships in the tropics and beyond.
Trapped by habitat choice: Ecological trap emerging from adaptation in an evolutionary experiment
Authors: Mortier Frederik , Bonte Dries
Published: February 2020

Individuals moving in heterogeneous environments can improve their fitness considerably by habitat choice. Induction by past exposure, genetic preference alleles and comparison of local performances can all drive this decision‐making process. Despite the importance of habitat choice mechanisms for eco‐evolutionary dynamics in metapopulations, we lack insights on the connection of their cue with its effect on fitness optimization. We selected a laboratory population of Tetranychus urticae Koch (two‐spotted spider mite) according to three distinct host‐choice selection treatments for ten generations. Additionally, we tested the presence of induced habitat choice mechanisms and quantified the adaptive value of a choice before and after ten generations of artificial selection in order to gather insight on the habitat choice mechanisms at play. Unexpectedly, we observed no evolution of habitat choice in our experimental system: the initial choice of cucumber over tomato remained. However, this choice became maladaptive as tomato ensured a higher fitness at the end of the experiment. Furthermore, a noteworthy proportion of induced habitat choice can modify this ecological trap depending on past environments. Despite abundant theory and applied relevance, we provide the first experimental evidence of an emerging trap. The maladaptive choice also illustrates the constraints habitat choice has in rescuing populations endangered by environmental challenges or in pest control.
Food and temperature stressors have opposing effects in determining flexible migration decisions in brown trout (Salmo trutta)
Authors: Archer Louise C. , Hutton Stephen A. , Harman Luke , McCormick Stephen D. , O’Grady Michael N. , Kerry Joseph P. , Poole W. Russell , Gargan Patrick , McGinnity Philip , Reed Thomas E.
Published: February 2020

With rapid global change, organisms in natural systems are exposed to a multitude of stressors that likely co‐occur, with uncertain impacts. We explored individual and cumulative effects of co‐occurring environmental stressors on the striking, yet poorly understood, phenomenon of facultative migration. We reared offspring of a brown trout population that naturally demonstrates facultative anadromy (sea migration), under different environmental stressor treatments and measured life history responses in terms of migratory tactics and freshwater maturation rates. Juvenile fish were exposed to reduced food availability, temperatures elevated to 1.8°C above natural conditions or both treatments in combination over 18 months of experimental tank rearing. When considered in isolation, reduced food had negative effects on the size, mass and condition of fish across the experiment. We detected variable effects of warm temperatures (negative effects on size and mass, but positive effect on lipids). When combined with food restriction, temperature effects on these traits were less pronounced, implying antagonistic stressor effects on morphological traits. Stressors combined additively, but had opposing effects on life history tactics: migration increased and maturation rates decreased under low food conditions, whereas the opposite occurred in the warm temperature treatment. Not all fish had expressed maturation or migration tactics by the end of the study, and the frequency of these ‘unassigned’ fish was higher in food deprivation treatments, but lower in warm treatments. Fish showing migration tactics were smaller and in poorer condition than fish showing maturation tactics, but were similar in size to unassigned fish. We further detected effects of food restriction on hypo‐osmoregulatory function of migrants that may influence the fitness benefits of the migratory tactic at sea. We also highlight that responses to multiple stressors may vary depending on the response considered. Collectively, our results indicate contrasting effects of environmental stressors on life history trajectories in a facultatively migratory species.
SEZ6L2 knockdown impairs tumour growth by promoting caspase‐dependent apoptosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: An Ning , Zhao Yaqin , Lan Haitao , Zhang Ming , Yin Yuan , Yi Cheng
Published: February 2020

Seizure‐related 6 homolog (mouse)‐like 2 (SEZ6L2) was shown to be involved in transcription of a type 1 transmembrane protein for regulating cell fate. Until now, the expression and function of SEZ6L2 in various cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC), were unclear. In the present study, we determined the expression of SEZ6L2 in a tissue microarray from patients with CRC and then, analysed the correlation between SEZ6L2 expression and the prognosis of the patients. Furthermore, the potential function of SEZ6L2 in CRC was determined using cell counting kit, colony formation assay and xenograft model in vitro and in vivo. Flow cytometry, Western blotting, immunohistochemical staining and a blocking experiment were employed to investigate the underlying mechanism of SEZ6L2 regulating CRC growth. Our results indicated that SEZ6L2 was significantly up‐regulated in tumour tissues of patients with CRC compared with adjacent normal tissues. Up‐regulation of SEZ6L2 was correlated with a poor prognosis in patients with CRC. In vitro experiments suggested that the knockdown of SEZ6L2 inhibits CRC cell growth and colony formation, but it has no significant impact on the invasion. The antitumour effects of shSEZ6L2 were also confirmed by a xenograft model. Investigations of the mechanisms indicated that the knockdown of SEZ6L2 impairs the growth of the CRC cells by inducing caspase‐dependent apoptosis, which was mediated by mitochondria‐related proteins. Furthermore, SEZ6L2 expression was inversely correlated with the expression of cytochrome C in malignant tissues in patients with CRC. Collectively, the present study indicates that SEZ6L2 is a potential prognosis biomarker and therapy target for CRC.
Treatment of periodontitis reduces systemic inflammation in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Preshaw Philip M. , Taylor John J. , Jaedicke Katrin M. , De Jager Marko , Bikker Jan Willem , Selten Wieke , Bissett Susan M. , Whall Kerry M. , van de Merwe Rachel , Areibi Aisha , Jitprasertwong Paiboon , Al‐Shahwani Rana , Weaver Jolanta , Taylor Roy , Wassall Rebecca R.
Published: February 2020

Aims

To assess the impact of periodontal treatment on systemic inflammation in type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

Adults with type 2 diabetes (n = 83) and without diabetes (controls, n = 75) were recruited, and participants with periodontitis received periodontal treatment and 12 months’ follow‐up. Biomarkers for periodontal inflammation (gingival crevicular fluid interleukin‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, interferon‐γ, matrix metalloproteinase‐8, matrix metalloproteinase‐9, adiponectin) and serum markers of inflammation and diabetes control (glycated haemoglobin, high sensitivity C‐reactive protein, interleukin‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, interferon‐γ, leptin, adiponectin) were measured. Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate periodontal treatment effects on oral and systemic inflammation.

Results

Periodontal treatment resulted in significant improvements in clinical status and reductions in gingival crevicular fluid biomarkers from baseline to month 12. Structural equation modelling identified that, at baseline, individuals with diabetes and periodontitis had significantly higher systemic inflammation than non‐diabetic controls with periodontitis (Δ = 0.20, p = .002), with no significant differences between groups for oral inflammation. There was a greater reduction in systemic inflammation following periodontal treatment in individuals with diabetes and periodontitis compared to those with periodontitis but not diabetes (Δ = −0.25, p = .01).

Conclusions

Diabetes and periodontitis together appear to increase systemic inflammation, with evidence of reductions following periodontal treatment.
Rheological characterization of vegetable oil blends: Effect of shear rate, temperature, and short‐term heating
Authors: Hasan Wijdan , Khan Muhammad Nasiruddin
Published: February 2020

Rheological characterization of canola–olive and canola–sesame blends was carried out. The canola–olive and canola–sesame blends were prepared in the vol/vol ratios of 90:10, 70:30, and 50:50. The rheology was studied at shear rates 1–132 s−1 and temperatures 15–65°C (288.15–338.15 K) before and after heating for 5, 10, and 15 min. Viscosity varied linearly with percentage composition of blend. Power law, Sisko, Cross, and Carreau equations for viscosity‐shear relation, and Arrhenius and Williams–Landel–Ferry (WLF) equations for viscosity‐temperature relation were evaluated. The reduced χ2 values for the 70:30 canola–olive blend at 25°C were 7.84 × 10−5, 2.28 × 10−5, 1.26 × 10−6, and 1.23 × 10−6 for Power law, Sisko, Cross, and Carreau equations, respectively. Best fits were produced by Cross and Carreau for viscosity‐shear relation and by WLF equation for viscosity‐temperature relation. Short‐term heating was had no significant effect on the rheological profiles of the pure oils and their blends.

Practical Applications

Rheological characterization of vegetable oil blends could be helpful to engineers and scientists in formulation of vegetable oil blends for edible purposes and in designing the required process equipment. Curve fitting studies in rheology are especially helpful because the fitted equations can be used to solve complex flow problems encountered in engineering. The study could also be of interest to researchers and formulators in the field of biolubricants as well as medicinal oil formulations.
Effect of an end‐of‐life gerontological nursing education programme on the attitudes and knowledge of clinical nurses: A non‐randomised controlled trial
Authors: Okumura‐Hiroshige Akemi , Fukahori Hiroki , Yoshioka Sachiko , Nishiyama Midori , Takamichi Kaori , Kuwata Miyoko
Published: February 2020

Aims

To evaluate how a structured interactive two‐day education programme for clinical nurses on end‐of‐life (EOL) care for older people affects nurses’ attitudes and knowledge.

Design

Non‐randomised controlled trial.

Methods

Nurses were recruited separately for intervention and control groups. The intervention group assisted older patients with EOL care and recruited patients for the programme. To prevent sampling bias, control group nurses were recruited from a facility with numerous EOL care opportunities. The intervention was a two‐day educational programme. Using valid and reliable scales, we evaluated the attitudes (total score range: 26–130) and knowledge (total score range: 0–51) of the intervention group four times (pretraining, post‐training, 3 months, 6 months) and the control group three times (baseline, 3 months, 6 months) between January 2016 and April 2017. Analysis of covariance examined both groups’ score changes at 3 and 6 months while adjusting for confounding factors.

Results

Participants were 338 nurses caring primarily for older people (intervention group: 164; control group: 174); 142 responded at all measurement points. The change in mean value of the attitude scale from baseline to 3 months (differences in the groups’ attitude scores = 7.33; 95% CI = 2.43–12.24; p = .004) and 6 months (differences in groups’ attitude scores = 5.77; 95% CI = 0.17–11.37; p = .044) was greater in the intervention group. Moreover, the mean knowledge scale score change from baseline to 3 months was greater in the intervention group (differences in groups’ knowledge scores = 5.74; 95% CI = 4.07 to 7.39; p < .001). There was no evidence of a change in this score between baseline and 6 months.

Conclusion

The programme improved nurses’ medium‐ to long‐term attitudes and knowledge. Thus, it may help nurses enhance the quality of care they provide.

Implications for practice

A two‐day educational program improves nurses’ medium‐ to long‐term attitudes and knowledge on end‐oflife care. For quality end‐of‐life care for older people, a structured and evidence‐based educational program should be provided to nursing staff.