bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CSR as hypocrisy avoidance: a conceptual framework
Authors: Jauernig Johanna , Valentinov Vladislav
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The theoretical understanding of CSR is caught on the horns of the dilemma between the ethical and instrumental approaches. The strategic turn in CSR has brought the dilemma to a new head. The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel argumentative strategy to address the dilemma.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper weaves together the insights from the literatures on sociological institutionalism, organization theory, business ethics and institutional economics to elaborate the distinction between CSR communication and CSR action that is actually undertaken and visible to stakeholders. This distinction is at the core of the “hypocrisy avoidance” approach which puts the above dilemma in a new light.

Findings

According to the “hypocrisy avoidance” approach, the CSR communication constitutes a competitive arena where corporations are looking for reputational gains. Competitive pressures give rise to an inflationary dynamics of the CSR communication which consequently runs up against credibility problems. These problems are addressed by the real CSR policies which legitimate the corporate employment of the CSR communication as an instrument of competition.

Practical implications

The theoretical dilemma between the ethical and instrumental approaches manifests itself in the justification of skepticism toward CSR communication. This skepticism, which may be to the detriment of a corporation’s license to operate, may turn out to be a driving force of CSR action.

Social implications

Despite the charges of corporate hypocrisy, CSR communication may play a role in the alleviation of business-society tensions. This role is however subject to two limitations. First, if CSR communication is used as instrument of competition, it is unlikely to translate into CSR action perfectly. Second, corporations would likely prioritize more visible CSR actions over less visible ones.

Originality/value

The novel implication of the “hypocrisy avoidance” approach is that CSR actions present credible commitments or “hostages” enabling the productive interaction between corporations and their stakeholders. This implication integrates some of the components of the ethical and instrumental approaches, while drawing inspiration from the institutional economics and institutional ethics literatures.
Design and numerical analysis of high-reflective film used in F-P sapphire optical fiber high-temperature sensor
Authors: Lin Qijing , Wu Zirong , Zhao Na , Jiang Zhuangde , Zhang Qidong , Tian Bian , Shi Peng
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The Fabry-Perot sapphire optical fiber sensor is an excellent choice for high-temperature sensing in civil and military fields, such as oil exploitation, engine and turbine. The purpose of this paper is to study the high-reflective film system withstanding high temperature in Fabry-Perot sapphire optical fiber high-temperature sensor. To improve the performance of the sensor and reduce the difficulty of signal acquisition, one of the key ways is to enhance the normalized light intensity of F-P sensor, which can be achieved by coating the high-reflective film system on the fiber end.

Design/methodology/approach

The high-reflective film system can be achieved by a multilayer film with alternating ZrO2and Al2O3film layers whose refractive indexes are different. In addition, the optimum film alternating sequences and the influence of the number of film layers, incident angle and temperature should be obtained by numerical analysis.

Findings

With the increase of the number of film layers, the reflectivity rises gradually and the change trend is more and more gentle. A minimum of the spectral reflectivity will occur at a certain incident angle depending on the design of the periodic multilayer system. Temperature affects the reflectivity of high-reflective film system. The normalized light intensity of the F-P sensor coated with high-reflective film system enhances greatly which is helpful to the signal demodulation. The temperature response of the F-P sensor is mainly determined by the characteristics of the F-P cavity.

Originality/value

Higher reflectivity, lower cost and easy signal acquisition are the most important features of the introduced high-reflective film system for the Fabry-Perot sapphire optical fiber high-temperature sensor.
Millennials and political savvy – the mediating role of political skill linking core self-evaluation, emotional intelligence and knowledge sharing behaviour
Authors: Priyadarshi Pushpendra , Premchandran Rajesh
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Navigating the labyrinthine connections between people, process, technology and infrastructure is a key skill for employees in agile organisations. Political skill is imperative amongst millennials who in a continuously changing environment need to stretch their minds to accumulate and disseminate new knowledge and develop core competencies while responding to new business triggers. The purpose of this paper is to investigate a mediation model in which the effect of emotional intelligence (EI) and core self-evaluation (CSE) on knowledge-sharing intention is mediated by levels of political skill amongst millennials.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses, on mediation, were tested with data collected from prospective employees graduating from a premier management institute in Northern India. Structural equation modelling was used to test hypotheses with bootstrapping to test mediation effects.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that the relationship between EI, CSE and knowledge-sharing intention is mediated by political skill. Theoretical and practical implications and directions for future research are followed.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on knowledge sharing by providing a basis for understanding the mediating mechanism through which EI and CSE influence knowledge sharing. This is the first attempt examining the role of political skill as a mediator in the study of knowledge sharing, a critical lever for agile organisations to flourish. By investigating the underlying mechanisms through which individual differences impact knowledge-sharing behaviour, this study significantly supplements current research on knowledge management.
Microdiversity and temporal dynamics of marine bacterial dimethylsulfoniopropionate genes
Authors: Nowinski Brent , Motard‐Côté Jessie , Landa Marine , Preston Christina M. , Scholin Christopher A. , Birch James M. , Kiene Ronald P. , Moran Mary Ann
Published: February 2019

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is an abundant organic sulfur metabolite produced by many phytoplankton species and degraded by bacteria via two distinct pathways with climate‐relevant implications. We assessed the diversity and abundance of bacteria possessing these pathways in the context of phytoplankton community composition over a 3‐week time period spanning September–October, 2014 in Monterey Bay, CA. The dmdA gene from the DMSP demethylation pathway dominated the DMSP gene pool and was harboured mostly by members of the alphaproteobacterial SAR11 clade and secondarily by the Roseobacter group, particularly during the second half of the study. Novel members of the DMSP‐degrading community emerged from dmdA sequences recovered from metagenome assemblies and single‐cell sequencing, including largely uncharacterized gammaproteobacteria and alphaproteobacteria taxa. In the DMSP cleavage pathway, the SAR11 gene dddK was the most abundant early in the study, but was supplanted by dddP over time. SAR11 members, especially those harbouring genes for both DMSP degradation pathways, had a strong positive relationship with the abundance of dinoflagellates, and DMSP‐degrading gammaproteobacteria co‐occurred with haptophytes. This in situ study of the drivers of DMSP fate in a coastal ecosystem demonstrates for the first time correlations between specific groups of bacterial DMSP degraders and phytoplankton taxa.
The Y233 gatekeeper of DmpR modulates effector‐responsive transcriptional control of σ54‐RNA polymerase
Authors: Seibt Henrik , Sauer Uwe H. , Shingler Victoria
Published: February 2019

DmpR is the obligate transcriptional activator of genes involved in (methyl)phenol catabolism by Pseudomonas putida. DmpR belongs to the AAA+ class of mechano‐transcriptional regulators that employ ATP‐hydrolysis to engage and remodel σ54‐RNA polymerase to allow transcriptional initiation. Previous work has established that binding of phenolic effectors by DmpR is a prerequisite to relieve interdomain repression and allow ATP‐binding to trigger transition to its active multimeric conformation, and further that a structured interdomain linker between the effector‐ and ATP‐binding domains is involved in coupling these processes. Here, we present evidence from ATPase and in vivo and in vitro transcription assays that a tyrosine residue of the interdomain linker (Y233) serves as a gatekeeper to constrain ATP‐hydrolysis and aromatic effector‐responsive transcriptional activation by DmpR. An alanine substitution of Y233A results in both increased ATPase activity and enhanced sensitivity to aromatic effectors. We propose a model in which effector‐binding relocates Y233 to synchronize signal‐reception with multimerisation to provide physiologically appropriate sensitivity of the transcriptional response. Given that Y233 counterparts are present in many ligand‐responsive mechano‐transcriptional regulators, the model is likely to be pertinent for numerous members of this family and has implications for development of enhanced sensitivity of biosensor used to detect pollutants.
Biochemical characteristics, virulence traits and antifungal resistance of two major yeast species isolated from kefir: Kluyveromyces marxianus and Saccharomyces unisporus
Authors: Lim Hyun‐Woo , Kim Dong‐Hyeon , Jeong Dana , Kang Il‐Byeong , Kim Hyunsook , Seo Kun‐Ho
Published: February 2019

Kefir yeasts were investigated for their possible virulence using an in vitro system. Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) cluster analysis of 46 biochemical traits showed that all kefir isolates formed clusters distinct from Candida albicans. No isolate showed N‐acetylglucosaminidase activity, which is involved in resistance against host immune systems. All Kluyveromyces marxianus isolates formed pseudohyphae and grew at 42 °C, whereas Saccharomyces unisporus isolates did not. None of the kefir yeasts had proteolytic or haemolytic activities. All K. marxianus isolates were susceptible to fluconazole, whereas S. unisporus isolates were classified as resistant.
Physicochemical changes during the creaming reaction in acid curd fresh cheese: Water mobility and forced synaeresis
Authors: Dang Bich Phuong , Wolfschoon Pombo Alan F , Kulozik Ulrich
Published: February 2019

Water mobility changes during a structure building reaction of full‐fat cream cheese were studied by applying low‐resolution nuclear magnetic resonance. A significant decrease in mobility (T2 relaxation times from 148 to 116 ms) was found in the mobile water phase during texture building. Furthermore, the results were compared to forced synaeresis of the same cheese, which was determined by applying a multistep centrifugation method. The plotted forced synaeresis results displayed the inverse shape of the structure building reaction: ~14.6% at the beginning (0 min), ~7.4% at peak (47 min) of the reaction and ended with ~9.9% (126 min).
How and when workplace ostracism influences task performance: Through the lens of conservation of resource theory
Authors: Xia Aijing , Wang Bin , Song Baihe , Zhang Wei , Qian Jing
Published: February 2019

Drawing upon the conservation of resource (COR) theory, this study examines how workplace ostracism negatively affects task performance by reducing workers' physical strength and emotional energy; it also captures the moderating role of spousal support in the relationship between ostracism, physical strength, and emotional energy. Using matched data from 117 supervisors and 523 of their immediate employees, results indicated that workplace ostracism negatively related to physical strength and emotional energy, which, in turn, decreased task performance. Additionally, spousal support mitigated the harmful impact of workplace ostracism on individual emotional energy, whereas its buffering effect on physical strength was not significant. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Aroma Profile Characterization of Mahi‐Mahi and Tuna for Determining Spoilage Using Purge and Trap Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Bai Jing , Baker Shirley M. , Goodrich‐Schneider Renee M. , Montazeri Naim , Sarnoski Paul J.
Published: February 2019

Alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, amines, and sulfur compounds are essential aroma compounds related to fish flavor and spoilage. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) is an instrument that is widely used to identify and quantify volatile and semi‐volatile compounds in fish products. In this research, a simple and accurate GC‐MS method was developed to determine the aroma profile of mahi‐mahi and tuna for chemical indicators of spoilage. In the developed GC‐MS method, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) solution was used to extract analytes from homogenized fish samples. The purge and trap system was used for sample introduction, and the GC‐MS with an RTX‐Volatile Amine column was able to separate compounds without a derivatization procedure. The created purge and trap gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (PT‐GC‐MS) method could identify and quantify twenty aroma compounds in mahi‐mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) and 16 volatile compounds in yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) associated with fish spoilage. The amines (dimethylamine, trimethylamine, isobutylamine, 3‐methylbutylamine, and 2‐methylbutanamine), alcohols (2‐ethylhexanol, 1‐penten‐3‐ol and isoamyl alcohol, ethanol), aldehydes (2‐methylbutanal, 3‐methylbutanal, benzaldehyde), ketones (acetone, 2,3‐butanedione, 2‐butanone, acetoin), and dimethyl disulfide strongly statistically correlated with poorer quality tuna and mahi‐mahi and were considered as the key spoilage indicators.

Practical Application

A simplified and rapid purge and trap gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (PT‐GC‐MS) method developed in this research was able to identify and quantify important spoilage compounds in mahi‐mahi and yellowfin tuna. This method is an efficient analytical method for determining volatile profiles of fish samples for industry analytical labs or the government. The identified analytical quality markers can be used to monitor the spoilage level of tuna and mahi‐mahi.
Ethnic differences in prevalence, risk factors, and perinatal outcomes of gestational diabetes mellitus: A comparison between immigrant ethnic Chinese women and Australian‐born Caucasian women in Australia
Authors: Wan Ching S. , Abell Sally , Aroni Rosalie , Nankervis Alison , Boyle Jacqueline , Teede Helena
Published: February 2019

Background

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing worldwide. Ethnic differences in risk factors and perinatal outcomes are clinically important. Chinese women constitute approximately 10% of the world's population, and are an increasing migrant population, yet prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of GDM in this population are insufficiently explored.

Methods

A retrospective study of a large pregnancy dataset comparing GDM prevalence, risk factors, and perinatal outcomes between immigrant ethnic Chinese women and Australian‐born Caucasian women was conducted using logistic regression.

Results

Overall, 73 517 births were extracted from the pregnancy databases of two of Australia's largest maternity services. Chinese women (n = 3419) had a 4‐fold higher risk of GDM than Caucasians (n = 28 594) after adjusting for risk factors of GDM. A past history of GDM (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.24; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.91‐9.42] was the main GDM risk factor in both groups. Other GDM risk factors varied between groups. Perinatal outcomes in Chinese women with and without GDM were similar, except for neonatal hypoglycemia (aOR 2.01; 95% CI 1.14‐3.56]. Caucasian women with GDM had more adverse perinatal outcomes than women without GDM. After adjusting for confounders, Chinese women with GDM had a lower risk of labor induction, large‐for‐gestational‐age babies, neonatal hypoglycemia, respiratory distress, and low Apgar scores than Caucasian women with GDM.

Conclusions

Differences in prevalence, risk profile, and adverse outcomes in GDM were evident between ethnic Chinese and Caucasian women. A precision medicine approach to GDM may be warranted considering ethnicity and individual risk profiles rather than a one‐size‐fits‐all approach.
Improved germination efficiency of Salicornia ramosissima seeds inoculated with Bacillus aryabhattai SP1016‐20
Authors: Figueira Carolina , Ferreira Maria J. , Silva Helena , Cunha Angela
Published: February 2019

Saline agriculture and the crop cultivation of halophytes represent an alternative for the reclamation of salinized soils and for the management of irrigation water. Halotolerant plant growth promoting bacteria with biocontrol effect, as an alternative to commercial fungicides, may contribute to improve crop productivity while mitigating saline stress effects. The objective of this work was to isolate autochthonous rhizobacteria with biocontrol features, to be used as germination enhancers and plant‐growth promoting agents in the crop cultivation of Salicornia ramosissima. A set of isolates obtained from the rhizosphere of S. ramosissima was characterised in terms of Gram, motility, salt tolerance and biocontrol traits (hydrogen cyanide production, antifungal activity and production of extracellular lipases and proteases). One Gram‐positive motile isolate that tested positive for all biocontrol traits was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Bacillus aryabhattai. The inoculation of S. ramosissima seeds with B. aryabhattai SP1016‐20 reduced the negative effect of salinity on the germination efficiency. At the highest tested salinity (30 g/L NaCl) the final germination efficiency of inoculated seeds doubled in relation to non‐inoculated controls. Although the mechanisms involved in the biocontrol effect were not defined in the current work, the results highlight the potential of Bacillus aryabhattai SP1016‐20 as a plant‐growth promoting agent for the crop cultivation of Salicornia and contribute to the strengthening of the scientific basis of biosaline agriculture and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria‐assisted crop cultivation of halophytes in saline soils and estuarine sediments.
Elimination of senescent osteoclast progenitors has no effect on the age‐associated loss of bone mass in mice
Authors: Kim Ha‐Neui , Chang Jianhui , Iyer Srividhya , Han Li , Campisi Judith , Manolagas Stavros C. , Zhou Daohong , Almeida Maria
Published: February 2019

Both an increase in osteoclast and a decrease in osteoblast numbers contribute to skeletal aging. Markers of cellular senescence, including expression of the cyclin inhibitor p16, increase with aging in several bone cell populations. The elimination of p16‐expressing cells in old mice, using the INK‐ATTAC transgene, increases bone mass indicating that senescent cells contribute to skeletal aging. However, the identity of the senescent cells and the extent to which ablation of p16‐expressing cells may prevent skeletal aging remain unknown. Using mice expressing the p16‐3MR transgene, we examined whether elimination of p16‐expressing cells between 12 and 24 months of age could preserve bone mass; and whether elimination of these cells from 20 to 26 months of age could restore bone mass. The activation of the p16‐3MR transgene by ganciclovir (GCV) greatly diminished p16 levels in the brain, liver, and osteoclast progenitors from the bone marrow. The age‐related increase in osteoclastogenic potential of myeloid cells was also abrogated by GCV. However, GCV did not alter p16 levels in osteocytes—the most abundant cell type in bone—and had no effect on the skeletal aging of p16‐3MR mice. These findings indicate that the p16‐3MR transgene does not eliminate senescent osteocytes but it does eliminate senescent osteoclast progenitors and senescent cells in other tissues, as described previously. Elimination of senescent osteoclast progenitors, in and of itself, has no effect on the age‐related loss of bone mass. Hence, other senescent cell types, such as osteocytes, must be the seminal culprits.
Vertebral heart size in healthy Australian cattle dog
Authors: Luciani Marilia Gabriela , Withoeft Jéssica Aline , Mondardo Cardoso Pissetti Helena , Pasini de Souza Livia , Silvestre Sombrio Marina , Bach Eloisa Carla , Mai Wilfried , Müller Thiago Rinaldi
Published: February 2019

The vertebral heart score or size (VHS) measurement is routinely used to provide a more objective measurement of cardiomegaly in dogs. However, breed or body conformation can influence the VHS. To assess the specific VHS for the Australian Cattle Dog, left‐to‐right lateral, right‐to‐left lateral, dorsoventral and ventrodorsal thoracic radiographs from 20 individuals free from cardiac and pulmonary disease were obtained. The mean VHS was significantly higher in Australian Cattle Dog (10.5 ± 0.4 vertebrae), when compared with the average VHS for 100 normal dogs of different breeds that had been initially published (9.7 ± 0.5 vertebrae). This emphasizes the importance of breed‐specific VHS ranges. In our study group of normal Australian Cattle Dogs, the mean VHS was 10.5 ± 0.5 vertebrae (mean ±SD) on right lateral and 10.3 ± 0.5 vertebrae on left lateral radiographs. The VHS on right lateral views was significantly larger than on left lateral views. The VHS was 10.5 ± 0.6 vertebrae on dorsoventral and 11.1 ± 0.6 vertebrae on ventrodorsal radiographs. The VHS on ventrodorsal views was significantly larger than on dorsoventral views.
Obstetric anal sphincter injuries among women with gestational diabetes and women without gestational diabetes: A NSW population‐based cohort study
Authors: Zeki Reem , Li Zhuoyang , Wang Alex Y. , Homer Caroline S.E. , Oats Jeremy J.N. , Marshall Drew , Sullivan Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2019

Background

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIs) are associated with maternal morbidity; however, it is uncertain whether gestational diabetes (GDM) is an independent risk factor when considering birthweight mode of birth and episiotomy.

Aims

To compare rates of OASIs between women with GDM and women without GDM by mode of birth and birthweight. To investigate the association between episiotomy, mode of birth and the risk of OASIs.

Methods

A population‐based cohort study of women who gave birth vaginally in NSW, from 2007 to 2013. Rates of OASIs were compared between women with and without GDM, stratified by mode of birth, birthweight and a multi‐categorical variable of mode of birth and episiotomy. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

The rate of OASIs was 3.6% (95% CI: 2.6–2.7) vs 2.6% (95% CI: 3.4–2.8; P < 0.001) among women with and without GDM, respectively. Women with GDM and a macrosomic baby (birthweight ≥ 4000 g) had a higher risk of OASIs with forceps (aOR 1.76, 95% CI: 1.08–2.86, P = 0.02) or vacuum (aOR 1.89, 95% CI: 1.17–3.04, P = 0.01), compared with those without GDM. For primiparous women with GDM and all women without GDM, an episiotomy with forceps was associated with lower odds of OASIs than forceps only (primiparous GDM, forceps‐episiotomy aOR 2.49, 95% CI: 2.00–3.11, forceps aOR 5.30, 95% CI: 3.72–7.54), (primiparous without GDM, forceps‐episiotomy aOR 2.71, 95% CI: 2.55–2.89, forceps aOR 5.95, 95% CI: 5.41–6.55) and (multiparous without GDM, forceps‐episiotomy aOR 3.75, 95% CI: 3.12–4.50, forceps aOR 6.20, 95% CI: 4.96–7.74).

Conclusion

Women with GDM and a macrosomic baby should be counselled about the increased risk of OASIs with both vacuum and forceps. With forceps birth, this risk can be partially mitigated by performing a concomitant episiotomy.
Understanding and provision of preconception care by general practitioners
Authors: Kizirian Nathalie V. , Black Kirsten I. , Musgrave Loretta , Hespe Charlotte , Gordon Adrienne
Published: February 2019

Background

Preconception care (PCC) defines health interventions prior to conception aimed at improving pregnancy and infant outcomes.

Aim

To explore the understanding and provision of PCC by general practitioners (GPs) within the Sydney Local Health District.

Materials and Methods

A questionnaire developed with GPs assessed structure and content of PCC provided, attitudes toward PCC and perceived barriers and facilitators.

Results

One hundred and ten GPs completed the survey: 84% reported that GPs should be the main providers of PCC; however, only 53% were aware of PCC guidelines. Seventy‐five percent of responders initiated PCC discussion with women of reproductive age, 56% provided PCC to women at higher risk of adverse outcomes and 16% waited for the discussion to be initiated by the patient. Smoking, vaccination, alcohol and supplements/medication use were the most discussed PCC components, while serology, full blood count and blood pressure were the most performed assessments. Most respondents stated that PCC is essential for women with pre‐existing diabetes, previous pregnancy complications or chronic illness. However, only 45% stated PCC was essential for women >35 years and 39% for women who were overweight. Importantly, weight and mental health were among the least discussed PCC components.

Conclusion

General practitioners are key providers of PCC; however, only half are aware of PCC guidelines and most do not recognise overweight to be a significant preconception issue. The most common barriers to PCC delivery were time constraints, lack of knowledge and lack of resources for patients. Improved resources and education are required to support adequate PCC provision.
Lack of online video educational resources for open colorectal surgery training
Authors: Celentano Valerio , Pellino Gianluca , Coleman Mark G.
Published: February 2019

Background

Video recordings of open surgical procedures could provide a method for enhancing surgical education, analysing operative performance and presenting cases to a wider audience of surgeons. The aim of this pilot study was to systematically search the World Wide Web to determine the availability of open surgery videos and to evaluate their potential training value in terms of the educational content presented.

Methods

A broad search for open right hemicolectomy videos was performed on the three most used English language internet search engines (Google.com, Bing.com and Yahoo.com). All videos of open right hemicolectomy with an English language title were included. Laparoscopic surgery, single‐incision laparoscopic surgery and robotic‐ and hand‐assisted surgery videos were excluded, as were videos from fee charging websites.

Results

A total of 31 relevant websites were identified and 21 open surgery videos were finally included. The characteristics of the patients were presented only in four (19%) videos. A video commentary was present in 12 cases (57.1%) and this was in English language in 11. The median number of views per month was 84.1.

Conclusions

Open surgery videos have a significantly higher number of views per month compared to laparoscopic surgery videos, but current methodologies used to record and render the surgeon's point of view in open operative surgery remain limited.
Diastolic dysfunction on echocardiography does not predict survival after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent‐shunt in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Armstrong Matthew J. , Gohar Farhan , Dhaliwal Amritpal , Nightingale Peter , Baker Graham , Greaves Daniel , Mangat Kam , Zia Zergum , Karkhanis Salil , Olliff Simon , Mehrzad Homoyon , Steeds Rick P. , Tripathi Dhiraj
Published: February 2019

Background

Cardiac dysfunction is frequently observed in patients with cirrhosis. There remains a paucity of data from routine clinical practice regarding the role of echocardiography in the pre‐assessment of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent‐shunt.

Aim

Our study aimed to investigate if echocardiography parameters predict outcomes after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent‐shunt insertion in cirrhosis.

Methods

Patients who underwent echocardiography and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent‐shunt insertion at the liver unit (Birmingham, UK) between 1999 and 2016 were included. All echocardiography measures (including left ventricle ejection fraction; early maximal ventricular filling/late filling velocity ratio, diastolic dysfunction as per British Society of Echocardiography guidelines) were independently reviewed by a cardiologist. Predictors of 30‐day and overall transplant free‐survival were assessed.

Results

One Hundred and Seventeen patients with cirrhosis (median age 56 years; 54% alcohol; Child‐Pugh B/C 71/14.5%; Model For End‐Stage Liver Disease 12) underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent‐shunt for ascites (n = 78) and variceal haemorrhage (n = 39). Thirty‐day and overall transplant‐free survival was 90% (n = 105) and 31% (n = 36), respectively, over a median 663 (IQR 385‐2368) days follow‐up. Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (P < 0.001) and Child‐Pugh Score (P = 0.002) significantly predicted 30‐day and overall transplant‐free survival. Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease ≥15 implied three‐fold risk of death. Six per cent (n = 7) of patients pre‐transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent‐shunt had a history of ischaemic heart disease and 34% (n = 40) had 1 or more cardiovascular disease risk factors. Fifty per cent (n = 59) had an abnormal echocardiogram and 33% (n = 39) had grade 1‐3 diastolic dysfunction. On univariate analysis none of the echocardiography measures pre‐intervention were related to 30‐day or overall transplant‐free survival post‐transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent‐shunt.

Conclusions

Ventricular, in particular diastolic dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis does not predict survival after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent‐shunt insertion. Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease and Child‐Pugh scores remain the best predictors of survival. Further prospective study is required to clarify the role of routine echocardiography prior to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent‐shunt insertion.
Fermentation quality and aerobic stability of mulberry silage prepared with lactic acid bacteria and propionic acid
Authors: Zhang Ying‐Chao , Li Dong‐Xia , Wang Xue‐Kai , Lin Yan‐Li , Zhang Qing , Chen Xiao‐Yang , Yang Fu‐Yu
Published: February 2019

The objective of this study was to examine the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of mulberry (Morus alba L.) silage prepared with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and propionic acid (PA). The selected LAB strains Lactobacillus (L.) plantarum LC365281 (L1) and L. brevis LC365282 (L2), and commercial inoculant strains L. plantarum Gaofuji (GF) and L. buchneri Fresh (FR), and PA were used as additives for silage preparation. Silage treatments were designed as control, L1, L2, GF, FR, PA, PA + L1, PA + L2, PA + GF, or PA + FR. After 30 days of ensiling, the fermentation quality of silages treated with PA + L1 was improved, with a lower (p < 0.05) pH and NH3‐N content than those of other treatments. During the aerobic exposure, the PA + LAB‐treated silages displayed an aerobic stability with stable pH value and lactic acid content. The results confirm that L. plantarum L1 and PA were the best additive combination for ensiling mulberry.
Dairy cattle behavior classifications based on decision tree learning using 3‐axis neck‐mounted accelerometers
Authors: Tamura Tomoya , Okubo Yuki , Deguchi Yoshitaka , Koshikawa Shizu , Takahashi Masahiro , Chida Yasushi , Okada Keiji
Published: February 2019

Demand has been increasing recently for an automated monitoring system of animal behavior as a tool for the management of livestock animals. This study investigated the association between the behavior of dairy cattle and the acceleration data collected using three‐axis neck‐mounted accelerometers, as well as the feasibility of improving the precision of behavior classifications through machine learning. In total 38 Holstein dairy cows were used, and kept in four different farms. A logger was mounted to each collar to obtain acceleration data for calculating the activity level and variations. At the same time the behavior of the cattle was observed visually. Characteristic acceleration waves were recorded for eating, rumination, and lying, respectively; and the activity level and variations were significantly different among these behaviors (p < 0.01). Decision tree learning was performed on the data set from Farm A and validated its precision; which proved to be 99.2% in cross‐validation, and 100% in test data sets from Farms B to D. This study showed that highly precise classifications for eating, rumination, and lying is possible by using decision tree learning to calculate the activity level and variations of cattle based on the data obtained by three‐axis accelerometers mounted to a collar.
Morphology and microstructure of the tongue of the lesser bamboo rat (Cannomys badius)
Authors: Wannaprasert Thanakul , Phanthuma‐opas Passanun , Jindatip Depicha
Published: February 2019

The first detailed morphological description of the tongue and lingual papillae of the lesser bamboo rat, a fossorial rodent distributed in Indochina, is presented. Twelve tongues were examined by light, stereo‐ and scanning electron microscopy. The elongated tongue possessed an intermolar prominence and terminated in a rounded apex with a median sulcus. The dorsal surface of the tongue bore three types of papillae: filiform, fungiform and vallate, the first two of which were also observed on the ventral lingual surface. The filiform papillae varied in form and arrangement depending on the tongue region, although the majority of them were multifurcate, fork‐like papillae. The fungiform papillae were randomly scattered among the filiform papillae, with the highest density and number of taste pores (up to 12) at the ventral lingual apex. On the posterior tongue, two oval vallate papillae with numerous taste buds on their lateral epithelium were surrounded by a circumferential trench into which the serous von Ebner's glands’ ducts opened. The mucosal surface of the lingual radix was uneven without papillae, but contained mucous openings of Weber's glands. The tongue and lingual papillae of the lesser bamboo rat are similar to those of the large bamboo rat and show structural adaptations to the diet and food manipulation.
Stromal cells negatively regulate primitive haemopoietic progenitor cell activation via a phosphatidylinositol‐anchored cell adhesion/signalling mechanism
Authors: Gordon M. Y. , Lewis J. L. , Marley S. B. , Grand F. H. , Goldman J. M.
Published: February 2019

We have tested the effect of stromal cells on the proliferation in long‐ and short‐term cultures of primitive (Thy‐1+, CD34+, CD33−, CD38−, HLA‐DR−, adherent in vitro and quiescent in vivo) progenitors in normal human bone marrow. These primitive cells produce granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐forming cells (CFU‐GM) that are measured in secondary clonogenic assays. Addition of stromal cells to normal adherent haemopoietic progenitor cells reduced CFU‐GM production by 80% (P =0·0002) after 1 week of incubation. In long‐term culture (LTC), in the presence of stroma, the normal adherent cells did not produce significant numbers of CFU‐GM until 3–4 weeks later which suggests that stromal cells reduce the probability of quiescent cell activation. This effect could not be attributed to soluble inhibitory factors and was specific to stroma grown with, rather than without, methylprednisolone. It was blocked by heparanase (H'ase) II treatment of stromal cells, by phosphatidylinositol‐specific phospholipase C (PI‐PLC) treatment of progenitor cells, by antibody blocking of β31 integrin molecules or by exposure to glucose/N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosamine/α‐methyl‐D‐mannoside, but not by exposure to galactose or fructose. Moreover, these interventions enabled the progenitor cells to respond to stimulatory factors in the culture supernatant. We interpret these results as support for a model involving primitive progenitor cell binding to stroma by PI‐CAM/HS, β1 integrin activation via lectin‐like interactions and the transduction of signals which reduce the ability of primitive cells to respond to ambient stimulators. This model provides a mechanism for the maintenance of the quiescent state of stem cells by adhesion to stromal cells.
Somatic alterations of TP53, ERBB2, PIK3CA and CCND1 are associated with chemosensitivity for breast cancers
Authors: Yang Libo , Ye Feng , Bao Longlong , Zhou Xiaoyan , Wang Zhe , Hu Peizhen , Ouyang Nengtai , Li Xiaojuan , Shi Yi , Chen Gang , Xia Peiyi , Chui Meiying , Li Wencai , Jia Ying , Liu Yueping , Liu Junjun , Ye Junyi , Zhang Zhe , Bu Hong
Published: February 2019

The correlation of genetic alterations with response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has not been fully revealed. In this study, we enrolled 247 breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline‐taxane‐based NAC treatment. A next generation sequencing (NGS) panel containing 36 hotspot breast cancer‐related genes was used in this study. Two different standards for the extent of pathologic complete response (pCR), ypT0/isypN0 and ypT0/is, were used as indicators for NAC treatment. TP53 mutation (n = 149, 60.3%), PIK3CA mutation (n = 109, 44.1%) and MYC amplification (n = 95, 38.5%) were frequently detected in enrolled cases. TP53 mutation (P = 0.019 for ypT0/isypN0 and P = 0.003 for ypT0/is) and ERBB2 amplification (P < 0.001 for both ypT0/isypN0 and ypT0/is) were related to higher pCR rates. PIK3CA mutation (P = 0.040 for ypT0/isypN0) and CCND2 amplification (P = 0.042 for ypT0/is) showed reduced sensitivity to NAC. Patients with MAPK pathway alteration had low pCR rates (P = 0.043 for ypT0/is). Patients with TP53 mutation (−) PIK3CA mutation (−) ERBB2 amplification (+) CCND1 amplification (−), TP53 mutation (+) PIK3CA mutation (−) ERBB2 amplification (+) CCND1 amplification (−) or TP53 mutation (+) PIK3CA mutation (+) ERBB2 amplification (+) CCND1 amplification (−)had significantly higher pCR rates (P < 0.05 for ypT0/isypN0 and ypT0/is) than wild type genotype tumors. Some cancer genetic alterations as well as pathway alterations were associated with chemosensitivity to NAC treatment. Our study may shed light on the molecular characteristics of breast cancer for prediction of NAC expectations when breast cancer is first diagnosed by biopsy.
Isolation, functional characterization, and biological properties of MCh‐AMP1, a novel antifungal peptide from Matricaria chamomilla L.
Authors: Seyedjavadi Sima Sadat , Khani Soghra , Zare‐Zardini Hadi , Halabian Raheleh , Goudarzi Mehdi , Khatami Shohreh , Imani Fooladi Abbas Ali , Amani Jafar , Razzaghi‐Abyaneh Mehdi
Published: February 2019

The antimicrobial activities of natural products have attracted much attention due to the increasing incidence of pathogens that have become resistant to drugs. Thus, it has been attempted to promisingly manage infectious diseases via a new group of therapeutic agents called antimicrobial peptides. In this study, a novel antifungal peptide, MCh‐AMP1, was purified by reverse phase HPLC and sequenced by de novo sequencing and Edman degradation. The antifungal activity, safety, thermal, and pH stability of MCh‐AMP1 were determined. This peptide demonstrated an antifungal activity against the tested Candida and Aspergillus species with MIC values in the range of 3.33–6.66 μM and 6.66–13.32 μM, respectively. Further, physicochemical properties and molecular modeling of MCh‐AMP1 were evaluated. MCh‐AMP1 demonstrated 3.65% hemolytic activity at the concentration of 13.32 μM on human red blood cells and 10% toxicity after 48 hr at the same concentration on HEK293 cell lines. The antifungal activity of MCh‐AMP1 against Candida albicans was stable at a temperature range of 30–50°C and at the pH level of 7–11. The present study indicates that MCh‐AMP1 may be considered as a new antifungal agent with therapeutic potential against major human pathogenic fungi.
Nasal IgE production in allergic rhinitis: Impact of rhinovirus infection
Authors: Hamed Ahmed , Preston DeVon C , Eschenbacher Will , Khokhar Dilawar , Workman Lisa , Steinke John W , Heymann Peter , Lawrence Monica , Soto‐Quiros Manuel , Platts‐Mills Thomas A. E. , Payne Spencer , Borish Larry
Published: February 2019

Background

Rhinovirus (RV) infections exacerbate asthma in part by enhancing an allergic state, and these exacerbations can be mitigated via administration of anti‐IgE.

Objective

We investigated the presence of local IgE production in the nose of allergic and non‐allergic subjects and assessed whether this was enhanced by RV.

Methods

Local production of specific IgE was determined by comparing ratios of specific to total IgE concentrations between nasal and serum samples. Our initial studies were performed in subjects presenting to the emergency department for allergic and non‐allergic respiratory complaints. Subsequently, we investigated influences of experimental RV infection on nasal sIgE production in an allergic cohort.

Results

We found evidence of local sIgE production to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in 30.3% and to Blomia tropicalis in 14.6% of allergic subjects. None of the non‐allergic subjects demonstrated local IgE. Subjects with active RV infection were more than twice as likely to have local sIgE (45% vs 14%), and subjects with local sIgE being produced were ~3 times more likely to be having an asthma exacerbation. Experimental RV infection was able to induce local sIgE production.

Conclusion

These studies confirm local IgE production in a large subset of allergic subjects and demonstrate that allergic asthmatics with local IgE are more likely to develop an asthma exacerbation when infected with RV. Our RV challenge studies demonstrate that at least some allergic asthmatics can be induced to secrete locally generated IgE in their nasal airway after RV infection.
Delayed disease progression in HIV-2: the importance of TRIM5α and the retroviral capsid
Authors: Boswell M T , Rowland-Jones S L
Published: February 2019

HIV-2 is thought to have entered the human population in the 1930s through cross-species transmission of SIV from sooty mangabeys in West Africa. Unlike HIV-1, HIV-2 has not led to a global pandemic, and recent data suggest that HIV-2 prevalence is declining in some West African states where it was formerly endemic. Although many early isolates of HIV-2 were derived from patients presenting with AIDS-defining illnesses, it was noted that a much larger proportion of HIV-2-infected subjects behaved as long-term non-progressors (LTNP) than their HIV-1-infected counterparts. Many HIV-2-infected adults are asymptomatic, maintaining an undetectable viral load for over a decade. However, despite lower viral loads, HIV-2 progresses to clinical AIDS without therapeutic intervention in most patients. In addition, successful treatment with anti-retroviral therapy (ART) is more challenging than for HIV-1. HIV-2 is significantly more sensitive to restriction by host restriction factor tripartite motif TRIM5α than HIV-1, and this difference in sensitivity is linked to differences in capsid structure. In this review we discuss the determinants of HIV-2 disease progression and focus on the important interactions between TRIM5α and HIV-2 capsid in long-term viral control.
Parvovirus B19‐induced severe anemia in heart transplant recipients: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Pinto Natalia C. , Newman Clarissa , Gomez Carlos A. , Khush Kiran K. , Moayedi Yasbanoo , Lee Roy , Teuteberg Jeffrey J. , Montoya Jose G.
Published: February 2019

We report a case of a 64‐year‐old woman who developed transfusion‐dependent anemia after cardiac transplantation, the etiology of which was unknown after initial comprehensive evaluation. At the suggestion of the Transplant Infectious Diseases consultant, microbial agents with red blood cell tropism pertinent to this patient such as Parvovirus B 19 (B19V) were investigated. The B19V viral load by PCR in peripheral blood was >100 000 000 copies/ml and after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), her anemia resolved. Here, we summarize the clinical and virologic characteristics, treatment, and outcome of fifteen cases of B19V‐induced anemia in heart transplant recipients. Spontaneous recovery from anemia secondary to B19V has also been reported in some heart transplant recipients, possibly due to an absence of their B19V P‐antigen receptor and/or reduction in their immunosuppression. Therefore, in heart transplant patients, B19V should be suspected early as a cause of severe anemia of unknown etiology. The extent that B19V‐induced anemia is underdiagnosed in heart transplant recipients is unknown.
Transplant community perceptions of the benefits and drawbacks of alternative quality metrics for regulation
Authors: Van Pilsum Rasmussen Sarah E. , Zhou Sheng , Thomas Alvin G. , Segev Dorry L. , Nicholas Lauren H.
Published: February 2019

Background

There is concern that the metrics currently used to regulate transplant centers, one‐year patient and graft survival, may have adverse consequences including decreasing higher risk donor organ acceptance and transplant volume. This raises questions about whether alternative measures would be more appropriate.

Methods

We surveyed American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) and American Society of Transplantation (AST) members (n = 270) to characterize perceptions of several metrics that are used for regulation, are publicly reported, or have been suggested elsewhere, regarding their effectiveness, amenability to risk adjustment, and predicted effects on volume, mortality, and waitlist size.

Results

Respondents rated one‐year patient and graft survival the most effective measure of quality of care (mean scores = 7.44, 7.31, respectively, out of 10) and most amenable to risk adjustment (mean scores = 6.26, 6.13, respectively). Most respondents believed alternative metrics would not impact their center's volume, waitlist size, or one‐year transplant mortality. However, some did predict unintended consequences; for example, some believed using one‐year waitlist mortality, one‐year mortality of patients listed, or one‐year mortality of patients referred for transplant would decrease the number of transplants performed (48.6%, 46.7%, and 48.3% of respondents, respectively).

Discussion

Despite previously published concerns with existing regulatory metrics, most participants did not believe any metrics would outperform one‐year patient and graft survival.
Preoperative treatment of spasticity with botulinum neurotoxin A to reduce pain in cerebral palsy: is it worthwhile?
Authors: Gormley Mark
Published: February 2019

This commentary is on the original article by Will et al. on pages 1074–1079 of this issue.