bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimentally infection of Cattle with wild types of Peste-des-petits-ruminants Virus – Role in its maintenance and spread
Authors: Couacy-Hymann Emmanuel , Kouadio Valère K. , Koffi Mathurin Y. , Mossoum Arsène , Kouassi Antoinette , Assemian Krou , Godji Privat H.
Published: May 2018

PPR is a common and dreadful disease of sheep and goats in tropical regions caused by PPRV which can infect also cattle without any clinical signs but show a seroconversion. However the epidemiological role of cattle in the maintenance and spread of the disease is not known. For the purpose of the present study, cattle were infected with a wild candidate from each of the four lineages of PPRV and placed in separate boxes. Then naive goats were introduced in each specific box for the 30 days duration of the experiment. The results showed that no clinical signs of PPR were recorded from these infected cattle along with the in-contact goats. The nasal and oral swabs remainend negative. However, animals infected with wild types of PPRV from lineages 1, 3, 4 seroconverted with high percentage inhibition (PI %= values. Only two animals out of three with the Nigeria 75/3 strain of lineage 2 (mild strain) did elicit a production of specific anti-PPR antibodies in those cattle but with PI% values around the threshold of the test. Our findings confirm that cattle are dead end hosts for PPRV and do not play an epidemiological role in the maintenance and spread of PPRV. In a PPR surveillance programme, cattle can serve as indicators of PPRV infection.

Importance

Peste-ds-ptetis-ruminants (PPR) is a major Transboundary Animal disease (TADs) in the tropical regions which is spreading extensively nowadays to southern and northern of Africa, Turkey in Europ and southwest Asia. PPR virus is very close related to Rinderpest virus (RPV) which has been eradicated from the world. Today FAO, WOAH / OIE and the scientific community have elected PPR to be the second animal disease to be eradicated through The PPR Global Eradication Programme (GEP-PPR). Since PPR infects cattle without any clinical signs but they seroconvert, it is important to explore the role of cattle in the maintenance and spread of PPRV to better understand the epidemiology of the disease which wll help in the the GEP-PPR.
Molecular inactivation of exopolysaccharide biosynthesis inPaenibacillus polymyxaDSM 365 for enhanced 2,3-butanediol production
Authors: Okonkwo Christopher Chukwudi , Ujor Victor , Ezeji Thaddeus Chukwuemeka
Published: May 2018

Formation of Exopolysaccharides (EPS) during 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD) fermentation byPaenibacillus polymyxadecreases 2,3-BD yield, increases medium viscosity and impacts 2,3-BD downstream processing. Therefore, additional purification steps are required to rid the fermentation broth of EPS prior to 2,3-BD purification, which adds to the production cost. To eliminate EPS production during 2,3-BD fermentation, we explored a metabolic engineering strategy to disable the EPS production pathway ofP. polymyxa, thereby increasing 2,3-BD yield and productivity. The levansucrase gene which encodes levansucrase, the enzyme responsible for EPS biosynthesis inP. polymyxa, was successfully disrupted. The resultingP. polymyxalevansucrase null mutant showed 34% and 54% increases in growth with 6.4- and 2.4-folds decrease in EPS formation in sucrose and glucose cultures, respectively. The observed decrease in EPS formation by the levansucrase null mutant may account for the 27% and 4% increase in 2,3-BD yield, and 4% and 128% increases in 2,3-BD productivity when grown on sucrose and glucose media, respectively. Genetic stability of the levansucrase null mutant was further evaluated. Interestingly, the levansucrase null mutant remained genetically stable over fifty generations with no observable decrease in growth and 2,3- BD formation with or without antibiotic supplementations. Collectively, our results show thatP. polymyxalevansucrase null mutant has potential for improving 2,3-BD yield, and ultimately, the economics of large-scale microbial 2,3-BD production.
Investigating the efficacy of triple artemisinin-based combination therapies (TACTs) for treatingPlasmodium falciparummalaria patients using mathematical modelling
Authors: Dini Saber , Zaloumis Sophie , Cao Pengxing , Price Ric N , Fowkes Freya J.I. , McCaw James M , Simpson Julie A
Published: May 2018

The first line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria is artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), which consists of an artemisinin derivative co-administered with a longer acting partner drug. However, the spread ofPlasmodium falciparumresistant to both artemisinin and its partner drugs poses a major global threat to malaria control activities. Novel strategies are needed to retard and reverse the spread of these resistant parasites. One such strategy is triple artemisinin-based combination therapy (TACT). We developed a mechanistic within-host mathematical model to investigate the efficacy of a TACT (dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine-mefloquine - DHA-PQ-MQ), for use in South-East Asia, where DHA and PQ resistance are now increasingly prevalent. Comprehensive model simulations were used to explore the degree to which the underlying resistance influences the parasitological outcomes. The effect of MQ dosing on the efficacy of TACT was quantified at varying degrees of DHA and PQ resistance. To incorporate interactions between drugs, a novel model is presented for the combined effect of DHA-PQ-MQ, which illustrates how the interactions can influence treatment efficacy. When combined with a standard regimen of DHA and PQ, the administration of three 8.3 mg/kg doses of MQ was sufficient to achieve parasitological efficacy greater than that currently recommended by WHO guidelines.
Conservation and Divergence in the Asexual Sporulation Gene Regulatory Network Across a Genus of Filamentous Fungi
Authors: Wu Ming-Yueh , Mead Matthew E. , Lee Mi-Kyung , Kim Sun-Chang , Rokas Antonis , Yu Jae-Hyuk
Published: May 2018

Asexual sporulation is fundamental to the ecology and lifestyle of filamentous fungi and can facilitate both plant and human infection. InAspergillus, the production of asexual spores is primarily governed by the BrlA→AbaA→WetA regulatory cascade. The final step in this cascade is controlled by the WetA protein and not only governs the morphological differentiation of spores but also the production and deposition of diverse metabolites into spores. While WetA is conserved across the genusAspergillus, the structure and degree of conservation of thewetAgene regulatory network (GRN) remains largely unknown. We carried out comparative transcriptome analyses betweenwetAnull mutant and wild type asexual spores in three representative species spanning the diversity of the genusAspergillus:A. nidulans, A. flavus, andA. fumigatus. We discovered that WetA regulates asexual sporulation in all three species via a negative feedback loop that represses BrlA, the cascade’s first step. Furthermore, ChIP-seq experiments inA. nidulansasexual spores suggest that WetA is a DNA-binding protein that interacts with a novel regulatory motif. Several global regulators known to bridge spore production and the production of secondary metabolites show species-specific regulatory patterns in our data. These results suggest that the BrlA→AbaA→WetA cascade’s regulatory role in cellular and chemical asexual spore development is functionally conserved, but that thewetA-associated GRN has diverged duringAspergillusevolution.
Structure of monomeric full-length ARC sheds light on molecular flexibility, protein interactions, and functional modalities
Authors: Hallin Erik I. , Eriksen Maria S. , Baryshnikov Sergei , Nikolaienko Oleksii , Grødem Sverre , Hosokawa Tomohisa , Hayashi Yasunori , Bramham Clive R. , Kursula Petri
Published: May 2018

The activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (ARC) is critical for long-term synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Acting as a protein interaction hub, ARC regulates diverse signalling events in postsynaptic neurons. A protein interaction site is present in the ARC C-terminal domain (CTD), a bilobar structure homologous to the retroviral Gag capsid domain. However, knowledge of the 3-dimensional structure of full-length ARC is required to elucidate its molecular function. We purified recombinant monomeric full-length ARC and analyzed its structure using small-angle X-ray scattering and synchrotron radiation circular dichroism spectroscopy. In solution, monomeric ARC has a compact, closed structure, in which the oppositely charged N-terminal domain (NTD) and CTD are juxtaposed, and the flexible linker between them is not extended. The modelled structure of ARC is supported by intramolecular live-cell FRET imaging in rat hippocampal slices. Peptides from several postsynaptic proteins, including stargazin, bind to the N-lobe, but not to the C-lobe, of the bilobar CTD. This interaction does not induce large-scale conformational changes in the CTD or flanking unfolded regions. The ARC NTD contains long helices, predicted to form an anti-parallel coiled coil; binding of ARC to phospholipid membranes requires the NTD. Our data support a role for the ARC NTD in oligomerization as well as lipid membrane binding. These findings have important implications for the structural organization of ARC in distinct functional modalities, such as postsynaptic signal transduction and virus-like capsid formation.
Necroptosis and apoptosis contribute to cisplatin and aminoglycoside ototoxicity
Authors: Ruhl Douglas , Du Ting-Ting , Choi Jeong-Hwan , Li Sihan , Reed Robert , Freeman Michael , Hashisaki George , Lukens John R. , Shin Jung-Bum
Published: May 2018

Ototoxic side effects of cisplatin and aminoglycosides have been extensively studied, but no therapy is available to date. Sensory hair cells, upon exposure to cisplatin or aminoglycosides, undergo apoptotic and necrotic cell death. Blocking these cell death pathways has therapeutic potential in theory, but incomplete protection and lack of therapeutic targets in the case of necrosis, has hampered the development of clinically applicable drugs. Over the past decade, a novel form of necrosis, termed necroptosis, was established as an alternative cell death pathway. Necroptosis is distinguished from passive necrotic cell death, in that it follows a cellular program, involving the receptor-interacting protein kinases 1 and 3 (RIPK1 and 3). In this study, we used pharmacological and genetic intervention to test the relative contributions of necroptosis and caspase-8-mediated apoptosis towards cisplatin and aminoglycoside ototoxicity. We find that ex vivo, only apoptosis contributes to cisplatin and aminoglycoside ototoxicity, while in vivo, both necroptosis and apoptosis are involved. Inhibition of necroptosis and apoptosis using pharmacological compounds is thus a viable strategy to ameliorate aminoglycoside and cisplatin ototoxicity.

Significance statement

The clinical application of cisplatin and aminoglycosides is limited due to ototoxic side effects. Here, using pharmaceutical and genetic intervention, we present evidence that two types of programmed cell death, apoptosis and necroptosis, contribute to aminoglycoside and cisplatin ototoxicity. Key molecular factors mediating necroptosis are well characterized and druggable, presenting new avenues for pharmaceutical intervention.
Evolutionary design of regulatory control. I. A robust control theory analysis of tradeoffs
Authors: Frank Steven A.
Published: May 2018

The evolutionary design of regulatory control balances various tradeoffs in performance. Fast reaction to environmental change tends to favor plastic responsiveness at the expense of greater sensitivity to perturbations that degrade homeostatic control. Greater homeostatic stability against unpredictable disturbances tends to reduce performance in tracking environmental change. This article applies the classic principles of engineering control theory to the evolutionary design of regulatory systems. The engineering theory clarifies the conceptual aspects of evolutionary tradeoffs and provides analytic methods for developing specific predictions. On the conceptual side, this article clarifies the meanings ofintegral control, feedback, anddesign, concepts that have been discussed in a confusing way within the biological literature. On the analytic side, this article presents extensive methods and examples to study error-correcting feedback, which is perhaps the single greatest principle of design in both human-engineered and naturally designed systems. The broad framework and associated software code provide a comprehensive how-to guide for making models that focus on functional aspects of regulatory control and for making comparative predictions about regulatory design in response to various kinds of environmental challenge. The second article in this series analyzes how alternative regulatory designs influence the relative levels of genetic variability, stochasticity of trait expression, and heritability of disease.
Single-particle XFEL 3D reconstruction of ribosome-size particles based on Fourier slice matching: requirements to reach subnanometer resolution
Authors: Nakano Miki , Miyashita Osamu , Jonic Slavica , Tokuhisa Atsushi , Tama Florence
Published: May 2018

Three-dimensional (3D) structures of biomolecules provide insight into their functions. Using X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) scattering experiments, it was possible to observe biomolecules that are difficult to crystallize, under conditions that are similar to their natural environment. However, resolving 3D structure from XFEL data is not without its challenges. For example, strong beam intensity is required to obtain sufficient diffraction signal and the beam incidence angles to the molecule need to be estimated for diffraction patterns with significant noise. Therefore, it is important to quantitatively assess how the experimental conditions such as the amount of data and their quality affect the expected resolution of the resulting 3D models. In this study, as an example, the restoration of 3D structure of ribosome from two-dimensional diffraction patterns created by simulation is shown. Tests are performed using the diffraction patterns simulated for different beam intensities and using different numbers of these patterns. Guidelines for selecting parameters for slice-matching 3D reconstruction procedures are established. Also, the minimum requirements for XFEL experimental conditions to obtain diffraction patterns for reconstructing molecular structures to a high-resolution of a few nanometers are discussed.
Dialogics of strategic communication
Authors: Christensen Emma , Christensen Lars Thøger
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how the field of strategic communication is shaped and driven by several different logics that not only simply underpin each other, but also and simultaneously oppose each other and point in many different directions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors address the multiple logics in strategic communication and their interplay by drawing on Edgar Morin’s theory of “dialogics.” According to Morin, complex systems are characterized by multiple logics that are at once complementary, competitive and antagonistic with respect to one another.

Findings

The authors present and discuss five dialogics that challenge conventional notions of managerial control: deliberate vs emergent perspectives on communication strategy; top-down vs participatory approaches; bounded vs unbounded notions of communication; consistency vs inconsistency in organizational messages; and transparency vs opacity in organizational practices.

Originality/value

While the dialogical perspective defies the ideal of strategic communication as a unitary discipline, the authors argue that the field can only develop by acknowledging, embracing and bringing to the fore of analysis principles that are at once complementary, competitive and antagonistic.
Kindles, card catalogs, and the future of libraries: a collaborative digital humanities project
Authors: Neatrour Anna L. , Callaway Elizabeth , Cummings Rebekah
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to determine if the digital humanities technique of topic modeling would reveal interesting patterns in a corpus of library-themed literature focused on the future of libraries and pioneer a collaboration model in librarian-led digital humanities projects. By developing the project, librarians learned how to better support digital humanities by actually doing digital humanities, as well as gaining insight on the variety of approaches taken by researchers and commenters to the idea of the future of libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers collected a corpus of over 150 texts (articles, blog posts, book chapters, websites, etc.) that all addressed the future of the library. They ran several instances of latent Dirichlet allocation style topic modeling on the corpus using the programming language R. Once they produced a run in which the topics were cohesive and discrete, they produced word-clouds of the words associated with each topic, visualized topics through time and examined in detail the top five documents associated with each topic.

Findings

The research project provided an effective way for librarians to gain practical experience in digital humanities and develop a greater understanding of collaborative workflows in digital humanities. By examining a corpus of library-themed literature, the researchers gained new insight into how the profession grapples with the idea of the future and an appreciation for topic modeling as a form of literature review.

Originality/value

Topic modeling a future-themed corpus of library literature is a unique research project and provides a way to support collaboration between library faculty and researchers from outside the library.
The impacts of work-life-balance (WLB) challenges on social sustainability
Authors: Mushfiqur Rahman , Mordi Chima , Oruh Emeka Smart , Nwagbara Uzoechi , Mordi Tonbara , Turner Itari Mabel
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the implications of work-life-balance (WLB) challenges for Nigerian female medical doctors. This study focusses on Nigeria, which its peculiar socio-cultural, institutional and professional realities constitute WLB as well as social sustainability (SS) challenge for female medical doctors.

Design/methodology/approach

Relying on qualitative, interpretivist approach and informed by institutional theory, this study explores how Nigeria’s institutional environment and workplace realities engender WLB challenges, which consequently impact SS for female doctors. In total, 43 semi-structured interviews and focus group session involving eight participants were utilised for empirical analysis.

Findings

The study reveals that factors such as work pressure, cultural expectations, unsupportive relationships, challenging work environment, gender role challenges, lack of voice/participation, and high stress level moderate the ability of female medical doctors to manage WLB and SS. It also identifies that socio-cultural and institutional demands on women show that these challenges, while common to female physicians in other countries, are different and more intense in Nigeria because of their unique professional, socio-cultural and institutional frameworks.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of the WLB and SS requires scholarship to deepen as well as extend knowledge on contextual disparities in understanding these concepts from developing countries perspective, which is understudied.

Originality/value

This study offers fresh insights into the WLB and SS concepts from the non-western context, such as Nigeria, highlighting the previously understudied challenges of WLB and SS and their implications for female doctors.
Post-implementation analysis: dependence and trust in VMI context
Authors: Yalcin Mehmet G. , Özpolat Koray , Schniederjans Dara G.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

More than two decades long technological improvements in information sharing have not yet ensured a flawless execution of vendor managed inventory (VMI) and left interested parties wondering about the reasons of poor results. Although VMI is a collaborative tool, the relational factors in a VMI setting have not received enough attention due to challenges in obtaining relational buyer-supplier data in addition to extant focus on analytical approaches. The purpose of this paper is to investigate post-implementation relational factors in order to extract relevant insights.

Design/methodology/approach

Accounting for the duration of the VMI relationship, the authors focus on two dimensions of VMI often ignored post-implementation: dependence of the buyer on the VMI-supplier and trust of the buyer in the VMI-supplier. Cross-sectional data were collected using a survey collected from distributors mostly in auto and electrical supply industries, which have their inventories managed by manufacturers through VMI arrangements. The sample was obtained from a leading third-party VMI-platform service provider that serves thousands of distributor-manufacturer locations with billions of dollars in sales orders. Multiple ordinary least squares regression has been used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

This paper provides empirical support that in the post-implementation stage, longer VMI relationships are associated with higher distributor dependence on the manufacturer. In addition, too much dependence could actually hurt the distributor’s trust in the manufacturer.

Practical implications

The authors propose that distributors maintain some of the purchasing and inventory management skills in house to limit their dependencies on the manufacturers. Manufacturers should also invest in trust-building activities, such as regular communications with distributors.

Originality/value

This is the first study providing empirical evidence on the positive association between length of VMI relationship and buyer dependence on the supplier, and curvilinear dependence-trust link in a post-implementation VMI context.
Impact of international sports events on the attendance of domestic sports league games using Chinese Super League data
Authors: Feng Yan , Lu Jia , Yoon Yeujun
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Experiences of high quality games between top-class sports teams could influence sports fans’ decision to attend the domestic sports games. For example, soccer fans who watched the World Cup games between the best national teams are likely to be disappointed with the performance of their domestic league teams after the World Cup event, while more people might be attracted to watch a soccer game because of their increased interest in soccer games. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the international sports event (i.e. the World Cup) influences the demand of the domestic sports league games in the non-hosting country.

Design/methodology/approach

To test these antithetical hypotheses, the authors collect the Chinese Super League game-level data from 2004 to 2011. For analysis, the authors propose two empirical models rigorously developed based on previous sports marketing theories.

Findings

The findings are surprising compared to previous studies for the hosting countries or countries that performed spectacularly during the World Cup tournaments. The authors find that the international event negatively influences the attendance of domestic games. Specifically, it gives salience to the competitive quality of a match and helps enhance the impact of star players. Furthermore, the authors find evidence of dynamic effects of the international event.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the previous sports literatures by expanding our understanding of the effect of international sports events. Particularly, the results shed light on international events’ impact on the domestic sports league demand in more general conditions based on its influence on people’s behavior, rather than focusing on the effect caused by facility development or dramatic performance during the international event.
Fashion misfit: women’s dissatisfaction and its implications
Authors: Brownbridge Kathryn , Gill Simeon , Grogan Sarah , Kilgariff Sarah , Whalley Amanda
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the link between underdeveloped and ill-informed sizing practices, fit dissatisfaction and the creation of textiles waste. The literature review identifies: issues that limit the effective development and application of sizing systems, the link between the complexities of consumer fit expectations, body image and self-esteem and maps the link between fit dissatisfaction and the creation of textiles waste.

Design/methodology/approach

Data analysis draws from a wider study designed to investigate women’s experiences of dress fit and body image. In total, 20 women aged 18-45 years were audio recorded while they tried on a number of mass-produced dresses, and were asked to select one dress, which they could keep.

Findings

All the dresses were selected except one style, which failed to satisfy any of the women’s fit requirements. The findings clearly demonstrate why this dress was considered to be unsatisfactory as well as the subsequent link between poor fit and body dissatisfaction.

Social implications

Findings support the theory that women identify with their clothes’ size and when this link is disrupted it causes discomfort and body dissatisfaction, which, in turn, contributed to rejection of the garment increasing the potential for the creation of waste.

Originality/value

This study is the first to link unsatisfactory fashion sizing practice with the production of textiles waste. The process of capturing women’s interactions with high street fashion dresses whilst trying them on enabled a detailed analysis that contributes new evidence to the debate around sizing practice, poor fit and its impact on body image and self-esteem.
A Quantum Leap in Energy Efficiency to Put the Sustainable Development Goals in Closer Reach
Authors: Puig Daniel , Farrell Timothy Clifford , Moner‐Girona Magda
Published: May 2018

Targeted improvements in the way energy is transformed, distributed and used can accelerate progress toward achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Compared to a situation in which no indicators are defined and monitored, tracking progress through indicators would make it easier to reap the full developmental benefits associated with improvements in energy efficiency. We call upon G20 leaders to adopt SDG‐specific energy‐efficiency indicators, with a view to ultimately accelerating progress toward achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Synthesis of stabilized hydroxyapatite nanosuspensions for enamel caries remineralization
Authors: Shahmoradi M , Rohanizadeh R , Sonvico F , Ghadiri M , Swain M
Published: May 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a method for synthesizing a stable suspension of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and to test its efficacy for remineralizing carious enamel lesions.

Methods

Hydroxyapatite (HA) particles were synthesized using wet chemistry. Synthesized particles were introduced into a high‐pressure homogenizer (5–10 homogenization passes at 15 000 psi) in the presence of different stabilizers. Size and distribution of the resultant particles were determined using dynamic light scattering (DLS). The morphology and composition of the nanoparticles were determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). Subsequently, artificial lesions were treated with HA nanosuspension plus artificial saliva or a fluoride‐containing artificial saliva only. Visual analysis and quantification of the lesion mineral density before and after remineralization were performed using microcomputed tomography.

Results

DLS and SEM results confirmed the formation of nonagglomerated HA nanoparticles (20–40 nm) following high‐pressure homogenization treatment. Quantitative evaluation of the lesions showed that remineralization of the lesion with hydroxyapatite nanosuspension led to a significantly higher level of mineral gain compared to the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

High‐pressure homogenization is an effective method for facile preparation of a stable suspension of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. Treatment of artificial lesions with nonagglomerated spherical HA nanoparticles improves the remineralization of enamel lesion.
What are the ‘active ingredients’ of interventions targeting the public's engagement with antimicrobial resistance and how might they work?
Authors: McParland Joanna L. , Williams Lynn , Gozdzielewska Lucyna , Young Mairi , Smith Fraser , MacDonald Jennifer , Langdridge Darren , Davis Mark , Price Lesley , Flowers Paul
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Changing public awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a global public health priority. A systematic review of interventions that targeted public AMR awareness and associated behaviour was previously conducted. Here, we focus on identifying the active content of these interventions and explore potential mechanisms of action.

Methods

The project took a novel approach to intervention mapping utilizing the following steps: (1) an exploration of explicit and tacit theory and theoretical constructs within the interventions using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDFv2), (2) retrospective coding of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) using the BCT Taxonomy v1, and (3) an investigation of coherent links between the TDF domains and BCTs across the interventions.

Results

Of 20 studies included, only four reported an explicit theoretical basis to their intervention. However, TDF analysis revealed that nine of the 14 TDF domains were utilized, most commonly ‘Knowledge’ and ‘Environmental context and resources’. The BCT analysis showed that all interventions contained at least one BCT, and 14 of 93 (15%) BCTs were coded, most commonly ‘Information about health consequences’, ‘Credible source’, and ‘Instruction on how to perform the behaviour’.

Conclusions

We identified nine relevant TDF domains and 14 BCTs used in these interventions. Only 15% of BCTs have been applied in AMR interventions thus providing a clear opportunity for the development of novel interventions in this context. This methodological approach provides a useful way of retrospectively mapping theoretical constructs and BCTs when reviewing studies that provide limited information on theory and intervention content.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Evidence of the effectiveness of interventions that target the public to engage them with AMR is mixed; the public continue to show poor knowledge and misperceptions of AMR.

Little is known about the common, active ingredients of AMR interventions targeting the public and information on explicit theoretical content is sparse.

Information on the components of AMR public health interventions is urgently needed to enable the design of effective interventions to engage the public with AMR stewardship behaviour.

What does this study add?

The analysis shows very few studies reported any explicit theoretical basis to the interventions they described.

Many interventions share common components, including core mechanisms of action and behaviour change techniques.

The analysis suggests components of future interventions to engage the public with AMR.
Motivational and implicit processes contribute to incidental physical activity
Authors: Oliver Stacey , Kemps Eva
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Physical activity can prevent health risks and even a slight increase in physical activity benefits health. This study investigated potential contributing factors to incidental physical activity.

Design

A two‐part correlational study examined whether motivational properties (autonomous and controlled motivation) in interaction with implicit processes (implicit attitudes, attentional, and approach‐avoid biases) contribute to incidental physical activity.

Methods

Participants (N = 103) recorded a 7‐day step count to measure incidental physical activity. Implicit attitudes, attentional, and approach‐avoid biases were measured using the SC‐IAT, dot probe, and manikin tasks, respectively. Autonomous and controlled motivation were measured using the Perceived Locus of Causality Questionnaire.

Results

Implicit attitudes and autonomous and controlled motivation were independently associated with incidental physical activity. Both autonomous and controlled motivation (when controlling for the other motivation‐type) in interaction with approach bias contributed to incidental physical activity levels; motivation was positively associated with step count in participants with high avoid bias scores. Motivation did not interact with attentional bias to contribute to levels of incidental physical activity when controlling for motivation‐type.

Conclusions

Findings showed that elements from self‐determination theory and dual process models relate to incidental physical activity behaviour. Specifically, autonomous motivation and certain implicit processes contributed to incidental physical activity engagement. This study provides an important first step towards understanding the psychological mechanisms that contribute to incidental physical activity.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Motivation and implicit processes individually contribute to incidental physical activity behaviour.

Autonomous motivation, rather than controlled motivation, primarily contributes to physical activity behaviour.

What does this study add?

Motivational and implicit processes together contribute to predicting levels of incidental physical activity.

Both autonomous and controlled motivation contribute to levels of incidental physical activity.

Certain implicit processes also play a role in incidental physical activity engagement.
Optimal human functioning around the world: A new index of eudaimonic well‐being in 166 nations
Authors: Joshanloo Mohsen
Published: May 2018

As more and more people realize that wealth fails to fully capture the essence of human well‐being, interest in non‐monetary measures of well‐being has intensified. Eudaimonic well‐being (EWB; i.e., optimal psychosocial functioning) is a largely overlooked aspect of national well‐being that has never been examined at the global level. This study uses data from nearly 1,800,000 respondents recruited probabilistically from 166 countries between the years of 2005 and 2017 to construct an index of EWB. EWB demonstrates moderate positive associations with other quality‐of‐life indicators (i.e., national life satisfaction, national prosperity, overall quality of life, and gross domestic product), indicating that it captures information not reflected by them. The distribution of EWB at national, regional, and global levels, as well as its global trend, is explored. The study also examines the relationships between EWB and a number of theoretically related individual‐ and country‐level variables. Presented are also the results of multilevel modelling including a wide range of predictors.
Bladder cancer in nonagenarians: a multicentre study of 123 patients
Authors: Eredics Klaus , Bretterbauer Katharina M. , Comploj Evi , Friedl Alexander , Gschliesser Tanja , Lenart Sebastian , Seklehner Stephan , Wimpissinger Florian , Madersbacher Stephan
Published: May 2018

Objective

To investigate the oncological outcome of nonagenarians with bladder cancer, as a substantial rise in bladder cancer in the old‐old age group in the upcoming decades is expected, due to demographic changes and the peak incidence around the age of 85 years. The paucity of data of nonagenarians prompted us to investigate the outcomes of such patients.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective, multicentre study was designed to assess patient demographics, tumour patterns, treatment strategies and outcome in patients aged ≥90 years treated at participating centres. Patients entered either as de novo or as recurrent cancer. The study period ranged from 01.01.2006 to 31.12.2016.

Results

A total of 123 patients with a mean (range) age of 91 (90–99) years were recruited. The American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification (ASA‐score) distribution was as follows: II, 38%; III, 50%; IV, 12%; and the male to female ratio 2.4:1. The median (range) follow‐up was 8 (1–132) months. In all, 60% of patients had a de novo cancer diagnosis. Histological findings revealed: pTa 39% (n = 48), pT1 28.5% (n = 35), and ≥pT2 33% (n = 40). Overall, 67.5% patients had no recurrence, 25.2% one and 7.5% two or more. pTa tumours (n = 48) recurred in 20 patients (42%), pT1 tumours (n = 35) in 12 (34%), and ≥pT2 tumours (n = 40) in six (15%). The median overall survival (OS) was 30.0 months for patients with pTa tumours, 14.0 months for pT1 tumours, and 6.0 months for ≥pT2 tumours. The overall mortality rate of patients with pTa tumours was 40%, with pT1 tumours at 60%, and ≥pT2 tumours 75%. The ASA‐score also had a strong influence on median OS after stratification by ASA‐score (II, 30 months; III, 12 months; IV, 4 months).

Conclusions

In nonagenarians with bladder tumours, pTa/pT1/≥pT2 stages are almost evenly distributed and two‐thirds of patients had no recurrence after transurethral resection of the bladder. The mean OS was 1.3 years, and 6 months for ≥pT2 tumours. Further case‐series of patients in this specific age‐group are required to identify the best management of this increasing proportion of patients with bladder tumours.
The diagnostic accuracy of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging before biopsy in the detection of prostate cancer
Authors: Otti Vanessa C. , Miller Catherine , Powell Roy J. , Thomas Richard M. , McGrath John S.
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To determine the extent to which clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) can be detected in a routine National Health Service setting in men with no previous biopsy, when multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) is introduced into the diagnostic pathway.

Patients and Methods

In all, 1 090 mpMRIs were performed between July 2013 and April 2016 in biopsy‐naïve men with an abnormal prostate‐specific antigen level and/or digital rectal examination. Data were collected from patient records at the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust. mpMRI Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) scores were compared to transperineal or transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided biopsy findings as the reference standard. csPCa was defined as Gleason score of ≥3+4. The diagnostic accuracy of mpMRI was also assessed.

Results

The mpMRI was interpretable in 1 023 men and 792 underwent biopsy, of which 106 were transperineal. The median number of cores taken in transperineal and TRUS‐guided biopsy were 10 and 6, respectively. The detection rate of csPCa was 37%; csPCa rose from 15% of PI‐RADS 1 and 2 to 86% of PI‐RADS 5. The sensitivity, negative predictive value, specificity, and positive predictive value were 82%, 85%, 59% and 54%, respectively. The study is limited by its retrospective nature and lack of reporting of follow‐up for ‘missed cancers’. Men with low mpMRI PI‐RADS were also less likely to undergo biopsy. Whilst this selection bias may overestimate the detection rate of csPCa, this reflects the shared decisions patients and clinicians make in day‐to‐day practice outside of research centres.

Conclusion

In a routine clinical setting, the higher the mpMRI PI‐RADS, the greater the detection rate of csPCa in biopsy‐naïve men. A normal mpMRI does not exclude csPCa; however, mpMRI may have utility in informing shared‐decision making on whether to proceed to biopsy and subsequent treatment.
Inflammasomes: a novel therapeutic target in pulmonary hypertension?
Authors: Scott Tara Elizabeth , Kemp‐Harper Barbara K , Hobbs Adrian J
Published: May 2018

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare, progressive pulmonary vasculopathy characterized by increased mean pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary vascular remodelling and right ventricular failure. Current treatments are not curative, and new therapeutic strategies are urgently required. Clinical and preclinical evidence has established that inflammation plays a key role in PH pathogenesis, and recently, inflammasomes have been suggested to be central to this process. Inflammasomes are important regulators of inflammation, releasing the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and IL‐18 in response to exogenous pathogen‐ and endogenous damage‐associated molecular patterns. These cytokines are elevated in PH patients, but whether this is a consequence of inflammasome activation remains to be determined. This review will briefly summarize current PH therapies and their pitfalls, introduce inflammasomes and the mechanisms by which they promote inflammation and, finally, highlight the preclinical and clinical evidence for the potential involvement of inflammasomes in PH pathobiology and how they may be targeted therapeutically.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Immune Targets in Hypertension. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.12/issuetoc
The prefrontal cortical endocannabinoid system modulates fear–pain interactions in a subregion‐specific manner
Authors: Rea Kieran , McGowan Fiona , Corcoran Louise , Roche Michelle , Finn David P
Published: May 2018

Background and Purpose

The emotional processing and coordination of top‐down responses to noxious and conditioned aversive stimuli involves the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Evidence suggests that subregions of the mPFC [infralimbic (IfL), prelimbic (PrL) and anterior cingulate (ACC) cortices] differentially alter the expression of contextually induced fear and nociceptive behaviour. We investigated the role of the endocannabinoid system in the IfL, PrL and ACC in formalin‐evoked nociceptive behaviour, fear‐conditioned analgesia (FCA) and conditioned fear in the presence of nociceptive tone.

Experimental Approach

FCA was modelled in male Lister‐hooded rats by assessing formalin‐evoked nociceptive behaviour in an arena previously paired with footshock. The effects of intra‐mPFC administration of AM251 [cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor antagonist/inverse agonist], URB597 [fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor] or URB597 + AM251 on FCA and freezing behaviour were assessed.

Key Results

AM251 attenuated FCA when injected into the IfL or PrL and reduced contextually induced freezing behaviour when injected intra‐IfL but not intra‐PrL or intra‐ACC. Intra‐ACC administration of AM251 alone or in combination with URB597 had no effect on FCA or freezing. URB597 attenuated FCA and freezing behaviour when injected intra‐IfL, prolonged the expression of FCA when injected intra‐PrL and had no effect on these behaviours when injected intra‐ACC.

Conclusions and Implications

These results suggest important and differing roles for FAAH substrates or CB1 receptors in the PrL, IfL and ACC in the expression of FCA and conditioned fear in the presence of nociceptive tone.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on 8th European Workshop on Cannabinoid Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.10/issuetoc
Therapeutic effects of dietary intervention on neuroinflammation and brain metabolism in a rat model of photothrombotic stroke
Authors: Kurtys Ewelina , Casteels Cindy , Real Caroline C. , Eisel Ulrich L. M. , Verkuyl J. Martin , Broersen Laus M. , Klein Hans C. , Dierckx Rudi A. J. O. , Doorduin Janine , de Vries Erik F. J.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

A possible target for stroke management is modulation of neuroinflammation. Evidence suggests that food components may exert anti‐inflammatory properties and thus may reduce stroke‐induced brain damage.

Aim

To investigate the efficacy of a diet, containing anti‐inflammatory ingredients, as treatment for focal ischemic brain damage induced by photothrombotic stroke in the somatosensory cortex of rats.

Results

Brain lesions were surrounded by strong astrogliosis on both day 7 and day 21 after stroke and were accompanied by a trend toward globally decreased glucose metabolism on day 7. The investigational diet applied 2 weeks before the ischemia did not affect astrocyte activation on day 7, but reduced it at day 21. The investigational diet applied immediately after the ischemia, increased astrocyte activation on day 7 and completely reversed this effect on day 21. Moreover, postischemic intervention increased glucose metabolism in somatosensory cortex ipsilateral to the lesion on day 7.

Conclusion

This study reveals potentially beneficial effects of a diet containing elevated amounts of anti‐inflammatory nutrients on the recovery from ischemic brain damage. Therefore, dietary intervention can be considered as an adjuvant therapy for recovery from this brain pathology.
Patent foramen ovale closure for patients with cryptogenic stroke: A systematic review and comprehensive meta‐analysis of 5 randomized controlled trials and 14 observational studies
Authors: Chen Xi , Chen Shi‐Dong , Dong Yi , Dong Qiang
Published: May 2018

Background

Previous review from randomized controlled trials (RCT) showed that patients with cryptogenic stroke may benefit from patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure. However, the findings from the systematic review were not clear when observational studies were also included.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases. The primary endpoints were recurrent stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). The secondary outcomes were all‐cause death, atrial fibrillation (AF), and hemorrhagic events.

Results

Five randomized trials and fourteen observational studies (6301 participants) were eligible. PFO closure was superior to medical therapy for stroke prevention risk ratios ([RR], 0.38; 95% CI, 0.24‐0.60), but showed increased risk of AF (RR, 4.96; 95% CI, 2.31‐10.7). There was no significant difference in TIA recurrence, death, and hemorrhagic events. Subgroup analyses showed that patients with factors such as substantial residual shunt, the presence of atrial septal aneurysm (ASA), male, and age <45 years had a lower risk of recurrent stroke when PFOs were closed.

Conclusions

In patients with cryptogenic stroke, PFO closure does appeared to be superior to medical therapy in stroke prevention, with an increased incidence of AF. Male, age <45 years, substantial residual shunt, and the history of ASA are the factors that will predict the benefit when PFO is closed.