bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors that affect the demand of tourism in Mexico: competitive analysis
Authors: Lobo Rodríguez Martha Ofelia , Flores Sánchez Carlos Alberto , Quiroz Félix Jorge , Cruz Estrada Isaac
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Several studies have been made that analyze factors that affect the demand of tourism from several optics. This paper aims to study the factors that determine the demand for tourism in Mexico, through an econometric analysis, by using the Johansen cointegration model (1991) to determine the long-term elasticity between the demand of tourists and the wealth related to its main markets (the USA and Canada) and the relative prices in Mexico and its two main competitors (the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used econometric analysis using Johansen’s cointegration model (1991), using as a dependent variable the demand of tourists from the main countries of origin (the USA and Canada), taking as data the number of tourists by air in the period 1980-2015, according to information from the SIIMT. The independent variables are the relative wealth of the country of origin of the tourists (wealth of the tourist in Mexico concerning the wealth in their country of origin) and the relative prices of the destination country with respect to the country of competition. The source for per capita income and the consumer price index is the World Bank.

Findings

The results obtained in this document show that in the long-term the price is a factor of impact in the purchase decision of both markets analyzed. Presenting an elastic demand to the price, which implies that the market is sensitive to the variations of the price of tourist services, opting for the destination that offers better prices, with a higher sensitivity to the price when compared with Costa Rica. Coinciding with previous studies carried out in other tourist destinations, such as in the work of Patsouratis et al. (2005).

Originality/value

The main contribution of this work is to determine the long-term relationship, through a cointegration analysis of Johansen (1991). A methodology that has not been used to perform a competitive analysis between countries. Additionally, the present work uses variables different from those considered in previous works; the dependent variable is the demand of tourists from the main countries of origin (the USA and Canada) and as dependent variables the relative wealth of the country of origin of the tourists (Wealth of the tourist in Mexico with respect to wealth in their country of origin) and the relative prices of the destination country with respect to the country of competition.
The effects of outward and inward negative emotions on consumers’ desire for revenge and negative word of mouth
Authors: Wen-Hai Chih , Yuan Chien-Yun , Liu Ming-Te , Fang Jiann-Fa
Published: November 2018

Purpose

All previous research seldom considered the proliferation process from the perspective of consumers or from a negative perspective to examine the desire for revenge and negative word of mouth (WOM) caused by deficiencies in innovative products. The purpose of this paper is to investigate consumers’ subsequent behaviors after they have outward and inward negative emotions such as anger and regret. The objective of this study is to explore the different effects of customers’ anger and regret on desire for revenge and negative WOM.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses structural equation modeling to analyze 226 samples.

Findings

The results showed that regret has significant and positive effects on desire for revenge and negative WOM but anger has only a significant and positive effect on desire for revenge. Moreover, desire for revenge has a significant and positive effect on negative WOM. In addition, the desire for revenge plays a crucial mediator between anger and negative WOM as well as regret and negative WOM.

Practical implications

Corporations can use tangled emotions among consumers to predict the development of the desire for revenge and immediately implement remedies for deficiencies to prevent consumers from developing the desire for revenge and spreading negative WOM regarding the corporation or product, or engaging in other revenge behaviors. Corporations can easily detect and prevent the path between anger and revenge behaviors simply based on the desire for revenge. In contrast to the outward negative behavior that is anger, regret is implicit and internal.

Originality/value

This study explored two negative emotions of affect (anger and regret) based on affection and conation/action of the tricomponent attitude model and their different effects on consumers’ revenge behaviors such as desire for revenge and negative WOM. The contributions of this research are to clarify the different relationships between outward negative emotion (anger) and desire for revenge/negative WOM as well as inward negative emotion (regret) and desire for revenge/negative WOM.
Information science’s contributions towards emerging open evaluation practices
Authors: Gaspar Pinto Leonor , Ochôa Paula
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss emerging practices in open evaluation, namely, the concept of co-evaluation and how research on evaluation developed within information science can contribute to enhance stakeholders and citizens’ involvement in open science.

Design/methodology/approach

A meta-evaluative and transdisciplinary approach – directed toward the intersection between information science, evaluation, competences management, sustainability transitions management and participatory methodologies – provided the basis for the identification and subsequent reflection on the levels of stakeholder participation embedded into ISO 16439’s (2014) methods for assessing the impact of libraries and on the domains and competences to be mobilized for (co)evaluation. The contributions of Engaged 2020 Action Catalogue, as well as several taxonomies of evaluator competences and the Council of Europe’s (2016) conceptual model of competences for a democratic culture were particularly relevant for this (re)construction process.

Findings

Two results of the line of research carried out since 2012 at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities of the Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (Portugal) can significantly contribute to improve stakeholders’ participation in Open Science: ISO 16439’s systematization of methods and procedures for assessing the impact of libraries and the (co-)evaluation competency framework.

Originality/value

This paper presents the transdisciplinary concept of co-evaluation and examines the current epistemological challenges to science by analyzing the general tendency to openness through the lens of research on evaluation and participatory methods developed within information science.
The contemporary definition of university social responsibility with quantifiable sustainability
Authors: Kouatli Issam
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The university social responsibility (USR) is still in embryonic stage compared to corporate social responsibility (CSR) which is still debatable by researchers. The purpose of this paper is to propose the contemporary dimension (on top of teaching and research dimensions) of USR in most educational institutes. Based on this new definition, a proposal of a mechanism to quantify USR sustainability was presented.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a review of the theme of the CSR with the inter-related recent research on USR with researchers perspectives, characteristics of USR were identified and incorporated in the proposed newly definition of USR. The new definition takes into account the interrelationship of university–corporate communication and create shared value (CSV) principle, as well as the knowledgeability and sustainability.

Findings

Based on the review of most active research in the USR development and the concluded contemporary definition of USR, this paper proposes a new extended version of sustainability suitable for educational institutes, where it is composed of different zones, and each zone was defined in terms of value of sustainability with associated knowledgeability in each zone. The Green Cloud project was taken as a vehicle to demonstrate collaboration between a university and cloud service provider located in Middle East (Dubai). Sustainability quantification was provided with hypothetical numbers to illustrate the technique.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is focused on University-specific social responsibility rather than general CSR. The proposed contemporary definition of the USR is a hybrid of a mutated latest research on CSR as well as cascaded recent development on USR. The view of this new definition can have different arguments depending on the ideology (communitarianism as opposed to individualism) adopted by specific university admiration of the objective of social responsibility which is sometimes driven by the political and strategic views of countries and the regions. However, the proposed sustainability zone-split between the CSV type of projects and the reputation values (described via hypothetical example) can minimize the gap between the two ideologies.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to provide a universally acceptable definition of the USR based on different points of views of researchers and tries to accommodate both ideologies toward social responsibility into one coherent framework. The sustainability Venn diagram was extended and made suitable for educational institutes. This approach facilitates the mechanism of quantifying the value of sustainability of a university or educational institutes. Hypothetical “Green Cloud” project was used as a mechanism to show the quantification process.
How multiteam systems learn
Authors: Sessa Valerie I. , London Manuel , Wanamaker Marlee
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Extending a model of how teams learn, this paper aims to present a model of multiteam system (MTS) learning, comparing similarities and differences between how MTSs learn and how component teams learn. The paper describes the value of adaptive, generative and transformative learning for increasing MTS development over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The model proposes that environmental demands trigger adaptive, generative and transformative MTS learning, which is further increased by the MTS’s readiness to learn. Learning can happen during performance episodes and during hiatus periods between performance episodes.

Findings

Learning triggers coupled with readiness to learn and the cycle and phase of MTS process influence the learning process (adaptive, generative or transformative), which in turn influences the learning outcomes.

Research/limitations implications

The study offers a number of research propositions with the idea that the model and propositions will stimulate research in this area.

Practical implications

This model allows MTS and component team leaders and facilitators to recognize that MTS learning is a process that is needed to help component teams work together and help the MTS as a whole perform in current and future situations, thereby improving MTS effectiveness.

Originality/value

Little attention has been given to the notion that MTSs learn and develop. This manuscript is the first to emphasize that MTSs learn and identify processes that can improve learning. Adaptive, generative and transformative processes describe how MTSs learn and produce changes in MTS structure and actions.
Improving Decision-Making Grid based on interdependence among failures with a case study in the steel industry
Authors: Shahin Arash , Labib Ashraf , Emami Soroosh , Karbasian Mahdi
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Decision-Making Grid (DMG) is used for determining maintenance tactics and is associated with the reliability and risk management of assets. In this grid, decision making is performed based on two indicators of Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and frequency of failures. The purpose of this paper is to improve DMG by recognizing interdependence among failures.

Design/methodology/approach

Fault Tree Analysis and Reliability Block Diagram have been applied for improving DMG. The proposed approach has been examined on eight equipment of the steel making and continuous casting plant of Mobarakeh Steel Company.

Findings

Findings indicate different positions of equipment in the cells of the new grid compared to the basic grid.

Research limitations/implications

DMG is limited to two criteria of frequency of failures and MTTR values. In both basic and new DMGs, cost analysis has not been performed. The application of the proposed approach will help the reliability/maintenance engineers/analysts/managers to allocate more suitable maintenance tactics to equipment. This, in turn, will enhance the equipment life cycle and availability as the main objectives of physical asset management.

Originality/value

A major limitation of basic DMG is that the determined tactic based on these two indicators might not be an appropriate solution in all conditions, particularly when failures are interdependent. This has been resolved in this paper.
Acute Alcohol Intoxication Inhibits Bystander Intervention Behavior for Sexual Aggression Among Men with High Intent to Help
Authors: Leone Ruschelle M. , Parrott Dominic J.
Published: November 2018

Background

Bystander training programs aim to encourage third‐party witnesses to intervene in high‐risk sexual situations; however, these programs rarely focus on training bystanders to effectively intervene when intoxicated. This is not surprising due to the limited evidence on the proximal effects of alcohol on bystander intervention for sexual aggression. To this end, the aim of the present study was to test the effects of men's self‐reported intent to help strangers and acute alcohol intoxication on the likelihood and speed of sexual aggression intervention.

Methods

Participants were 74 men who completed a measure of intent to help (Session 1) and were randomly assigned to consume alcohol or a no‐alcohol control beverage (Session 2). Next, they engaged in a novel laboratory paradigm in which they and 4 other confederates (2 men, 2 women) watched a female confederate, who reported a strong dislike of sexual content in the media, view a sexually explicit film which they could stop at any time. Bystander intervention was operationalized as whether and how quickly participants stopped the film.

Results

Findings indicated that (i) intent to help strangers predicted faster sexual aggression intervention and (ii) intent to help strangers predicted a higher likelihood and faster rate of sexual aggression intervention among sober, but not intoxicated, men. This latter finding suggests that among men who endorsed a high willingness to intervene in sexual aggression, alcohol intoxication decreased intervention behavior.

Conclusions

Results demonstrate that alcohol functions as a barrier to intervention for men who would otherwise intervene. Findings are interpreted using an integrative framework for intoxicated sexual aggression intervention and highlight the need for bystander training programs to incorporate alcohol interventions to reduce heavy drinking and psychoeducation to train bystanders how to intervene when intoxicated.
Neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer: how are we choosing?
Authors: Tinawi Georges , Gunawardene Ashok , Shekouh Ali , Larsen Peter D. , Dennett Elizabeth R.
Published: November 2018

Background

Neoadjuvant therapy has revolutionized the management of rectal cancer; however, there is a need to examine the factors driving neoadjuvant treatment allocation. This study aimed to describe patterns of treatment allocation for patients with rectal cancer at our institution and identify predictors for receiving neoadjuvant therapy, and for choice of short‐ or long‐course therapy.

Methods

A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of 122 patients undergoing surgical resection for rectal cancer with curative intent, between 1 November 2012 and 31 October 2017. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors that determined which patients received neoadjuvant therapy, and whether it was short or long course.

Results

Eighty‐six patients (70%) received neoadjuvant therapy. Independent predictors for receiving neoadjuvant therapy were T3‐4 tumours (P < 0.001), node‐positive disease (P = 0.005) and mid (P = 0.045) or low rectal cancers (P < 0.001). Of those receiving neoadjuvant therapy, 38 (44%) received short course and 48 (56%) received long course. Node‐positive disease was the only predictor for receiving long rather than short‐course neoadjuvant therapy (P = 0.002). Overall, these factors predicted 76% of neoadjuvant treatment allocation. Our predictor model identified important areas of variance in our decision‐making.

Conclusion

Utilizing the identified factors, it appears that consistent decisions regarding neoadjuvant therapy are being made the majority of the time. These decisions are largely driven by T and N stage as well as tumour height. Mesorectal fascia involvement, pre‐treatment carcinoembryonic antigen, age and comorbidity also influenced decision‐making to a lesser and more variable extent.
Comparison of outcomes between hip fracture patients with concurrent upper limb injuries and patients with an isolated hip fracture
Authors: Ng Anthony , Mattin Andrew , Seymour Hannah , McKinnon Elizabeth
Published: November 2018

Background

Concurrent upper limb injuries can occur with hip fractures, and its incidence and effect on outcomes are unclear. The objective of this study was to review the number and types of upper limb injuries sustained by patients with hip fractures, and investigate how acute hospital stay, rehabilitation and patient outcomes are affected.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed on 820 patients with traumatic fracture of the hip over the age of 50. We reviewed the patients with concurrent upper limb injuries and compared patient outcomes – including mortality, acute length of stay in the orthopaedic ward, rehabilitation outcomes and rehabilitation length of stay.

Results

Thirty‐four patients (4.1%) with a hip fracture had a concurrent upper limb injury. Patients with and without concurrent upper limb injuries had similar acute length of stays on the orthopaedic ward (mean 5.2 versus 5.5 days, P = 0.4), and no significant difference in mortality rates at time of discharge (0% versus 3.8%, P = 0.4) and at 30 days (2.9% versus 9.1%, P = 0.2). However, they also required significantly longer rehabilitation (mean 34.6 versus 19.9 days, P = 0.009) even after other demographic factors including upper limb injury, older age and dementia were taken into consideration (multivariate linear model: concurrent upper limb injury, P = 0.0003; older age, P = 0.05; dementia, P = 0.09).

Conclusion

A concurrent upper limb injury is infrequent in the hip fracture population. Overall, these patients were previously higher functioning than the average hip fracture patient and required longer stays in inpatient rehabilitation than patients with isolated hip fractures.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy with right gastric vessels preservation: impact on intraoperative and postoperative outcomes
Authors: Gagnière Johan , Le Roy Bertrand , Veziant Julie , Pereira Bruno , Narayan Raja R. , Pezet Denis , Buc Emmanuel , Dupré Aurélien
Published: November 2018

Background

Sympathetic denervation of the antropyloric area combined with relative devascularization from division of the right gastric vessels (RGV) during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) could predispose to delayed gastric emptying (DGE). Therefore, some authors advocated for RGV preservation (RGVP), where feasibility and utility for the prevention of post‐operative DGE have never been investigated.

Methods

From 2011 to 2014, patients who underwent classic Whipple PD (CWPD, n = 34), standard pylorus‐preserving PD (PPPD, n = 44) or PPPD with RGVP (n = 22) were retrospectively analysed.

Results

RGVP was not possible in 12% of the cases because of an intraoperative injury of the RGV. There was no difference between CWPD, standard PPPD and PPPD with RGVP in terms of intraoperative blood loss, operative time, number of lymph node harvested and resection margins. Post‐operative morbidity and mortality were comparable between the three groups, including rate (27%, 34% and 32%, P = 0.77) and severity of DGE, delay in removing nasogastric tube and use of prokinetics. Hospital stay was similar in all the compared groups.

Conclusion

This is the first study comparing post‐operative outcomes after PPPD with RGVP, standard PPPD and CWPD. Although feasible and safe, RGVP during PPPD appeared to offer no obvious clinical benefit in terms of preventing post‐operative complications, especially DGE.
Strategy for discriminating cholesterol and premalignancy in polypoid lesions of the gallbladder: a single‐centre, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wu Tianchun , Sun Zhongquan , Jiang Yuancong , Yu Jinbei , Chang Chengdong , Dong Xiaogang , Yan Sheng
Published: November 2018

Background

The present study aimed to assess the risk factors of cholesterol and premalignancy in polypoid lesions of the gallbladder (PLGs) and to establish an appropriate treatment strategy.

Methods

Data from patients who underwent cholecystectomy at the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, between January 2011 and July 2017, were collected retrospectively.

Results

A total of 1561 patients were included in the present study. The cohort comprised of 636 (40.7%) males and 925 (59.3%) females, with a mean age of 49.5 (range 16–88) years; 65.6% (1024/1561) demonstrated cholesterol lesions in this cohort, among which cholesterol polyps accounted for 81.0%. Age younger than 50 years and multiple number of polyps were found to be independent predictive variables for cholesterol lesions (odds ratio (OR) 3.461, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.058–5.820, P < 0.001 and OR 3.321, 95% CI 1.988–5.547, P < 0.001, respectively). The presence of polyp growth was associated with premalignancy (OR 5.366, 95% CI 1.466–19.637, P = 0.011), and the presence of clinical symptoms indicated benign non‐cholesterol lesions (OR 0.368, 95% CI 0.153–0.885, P = 0.026).

Conclusion

In the case of patients ≥50 years old with single asymptomatic polyp, cholecystectomy was recommended if the polyp presented growth at a rate above 3–4 mm within 6 months. If not, trimonthly ultrasound follow up was recommended, and clinicians should carefully assess the risk factors for premalignancy in PLGs.
Standard cross‐linking versus photorefractive keratectomy combined with accelerated cross‐linking for keratoconus management: a comparative study
Authors: Iqbal Mohammed , Elmassry Ahmed , Tawfik Ahmed , Elgharieb Mervat , Nagy Khaled , Soliman Ashraf , Saad Hisham , Tawfik Tarek , Ali Osama , Gad Ahmed , El Saman Islam , Radwan Alaa , Elzembely Hosam , Abou Ali Amin , Fawzy Omar
Published: November 2018

Purpose

To compare the safety and efficacy of standard 30 min epithelium‐off cross‐linking (CXL) versus photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) combined with accelerated epithelium‐off cross‐linking (AXL) for the treatment of progressive keratoconus (CXL‐Plus).

Methods

This study was a prospective multicentre comparative clinical study. A total of 125 eyes of 75 patients with grade 1 keratoconus and documented progression were divided into two groups. Group A included 58 eyes treated with standard CXL. Group B included 67 eyes treated with combined PRK and AXL. The recorded data included UDVA, CDVA, subjective and objective refraction, keratometry and pachymetry using corneal topographies preoperatively and postoperatively at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months of follow‐up.

Results

In group A, at 24 months of UDVA and CDVA were improved from 1.12 ± 0.38 and 0.58 ± 0.42 to 0.66 ± 0.20 and 0.20 ± 0.12 (LogMAR±SD). The spherical equivalent was reduced from 4.03 ± 1.18 to 1.78 ± 1.04 D. The cylinder reduction was 0.32 ± 0.19 D. In group B, at 24 months of UDVA and CDVA were improved from 1.26 ± 0.52 and 0.68 ± 0.36 to 0.58 ± 0.28 and 0.20 ± 0.16 (LogMAR ± SD). The spherical equivalent was reduced from 4.23 ± 0.95 to 1.92 ± 0.74 D. The cylinder reduction was ±1.76 D.

Conclusion

Surprisingly, standard CXL showed close results to CXL‐Plus at the 24th follow‐up month. Standard CXL acted as a stabilizing procedure associated with a late myopic component reduction. CXL‐Plus acted as a refractive and stabilizing procedure with an early effect on both the myopic and the astigmatic component but no later improvements. Standard CXL seems to be more powerful than AXL in its long‐term effect. Therefore, in the future, we want to test the combination of PRK with standard CXL.
Use of an alternative method to evaluate erythema severity in a clinical trial: difference in vehicle response with evaluation of baseline and postdose photographs for effect of oxymetazoline cream 1·0% for persistent erythema of rosacea in a phase IV study
Authors: Eichenfield L.F. , Del Rosso J.Q. , Tan J.K.L. , Hebert A.A. , Webster G.F. , Harper J. , Baldwin H.E. , Kircik L.H. , Stein-Gold L. , Kaoukhov A. , Alvandi N.
Published: November 2018

Background

Once-daily topical oxymetazoline cream 1·0% significantly reduced persistent facial erythema of rosacea in trials requiring live, static patient assessments.

Objectives

To evaluate critically the methodology of clinical trials that require live, static patient assessments by determining whether assessment of erythema is different when reference to the baseline photograph is allowed.

Methods

In two identically designed, randomized, phase III trials, adults with persistent facial erythema of rosacea applied oxymetazoline or vehicle once daily. This phase IV study evaluated standardized digital facial photographs from the phase III trials to record ≥ 1-grade Clinician Erythema Assessment (CEA) improvement at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 h postdose.

Results

Among 835 patients (oxymetazoline n =415, vehicle n =420), significantly greater proportions of patients treated with oxymetazoline vs. vehicle achieved ≥ 1-grade CEA improvement. For the comparison between phase IV study results and the original phase III analysis, when reference to baseline photographs was allowed while evaluating post-treatment photographs, the results for oxymetazoline were similar to results of the phase III trials (up to 85.7%), but a significantly lower proportion of vehicle recipients achieved ≥ 1-grade CEA improvement (up to 29.7% [phase 4] vs. 52.3% [phase 3]; P<0.001). In the phase IV study, up to 80·2% of patients treated with oxymetazoline achieved at least moderate erythema improvement vs. up to 22·9% of patients treated with vehicle. The association between patients’ satisfaction with facial skin redness and percentage of erythema improvement was statistically significant.

Conclusions

Assessment of study photographs, with comparison to baseline, confirmed significant erythema reduction with oxymetazoline on the first day of application. Compared with the phase III trial results, significantly fewer vehicle recipients attained ≥ 1-grade CEA improvement, suggesting a mitigated vehicle effect. This methodology may improve the accuracy of clinical trials evaluating erythema severity.
Hydrogen sulfide and hepatic lipid metabolism – a critical pairing for liver health
Authors: Loiselle Julie J , Yang Guangdong , Wu Lingyun
Published: November 2018

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is the most recently recognized gasotransmitter, influencing a wide range of physiological processes. As a critical regulator of metabolism, H2S has been suggested to be involved in the pathology of many diseases, particularly obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Its involvement in liver health has been brought to light more recently, particularly through knockout animal models, which show severe hepatic lipid accumulation upon ablation of H2S metabolic pathways. A complex relationship between H2S and lipid metabolism in the liver is emerging, which has significant implications for liver disease establishment and/or progression, regardless of the disease‐causing agent. In this review, we discuss the critical importance of H2S in hepatic lipid metabolism. We then describe the animal models so far related with H2S and lipid‐associated liver disease, as well as H2S‐based treatments available. Finally, we highlight important considerations for future studies and identify areas in which much still remains to be determined.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Hydrogen Sulfide in Biology & Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.4/issuetoc
Glutathione S‐transferase Pi 1 is a valuable predictor for cancer drug resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ogino Shinpei , Konishi Hirotaka , Ichikawa Daisuke , Matsubara Daiki , Shoda Katsutoshi , Arita Tomohiro , Kosuga Toshiyuki , Komatsu Shuhei , Shiozaki Atsushi , Okamoto Kazuma , Kishimoto Mitsuo , Otsuji Eigo
Published: November 2018

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a lethal malignancy. However, there are few useful markers for diagnosis and treatment. Glutathione S‐transferase Pi 1 (GSTP1) has been reported as a predictor of malignancy or anticancer drug resistance in some cancers. We investigated the association of GSTP1 expression with the malignancy or drug resistance in ESCC cell lines and clinical tissue samples. Proliferation and apoptosis assays regarding GSTP1 expression were examined in ESCC cell lines. Proliferation of GSTP1 knockdown cells was significantly decreased (P < .01), and the frequency of early apoptosis was increased (P < .05). Invasion capacity of GSTP1 knockdown cells was slightly decreased in transwell assay. These results suggest that GSTP1 plays an important role in malignant potential. To examine the effects of GSTP1 on drug resistance, chemosensitivity assay and apoptosis assay under cisplatin exposure were carried out. Viability of GSTP1 knockdown cells treated with cisplatin was lower than that of control cells (P < .01). Moreover, the frequency of early and late apoptosis in GSTP1 knockdown cells was markedly increased over that of control cells by cisplatin exposure (P < .01). In immunohistochemistry assay of resected tissue samples, GSTP1 expression was significantly associated with clinical downstaging (P = .04) in 72 ESCC patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Furthermore, there was a significant association between GSTP1 expression in resected tissue and biopsy samples in 34 ESCC patients without neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P = .02). In summary, GSTP1 was related to malignant potential and may be a predictive marker of drug resistance in ESCC patients.
Effect of implant‐supported mandibular overdentures versus reline on masticatory performance and salivary flow rates in very old adults—A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Maniewicz Sabrina , Duvernay Elena , Srinivasan Murali , Perneger Thomas , Schimmel Martin , Müller Frauke
Published: November 2018

Purpose

To compare the masticatory efficiency (ME), maximum voluntary bite force (MBF), masseter muscle thickness (MMT), and salivary flow rates (SFR) in completely edentulous dependent elders treated either with a conversion of their existing mandibular complete removable dental prostheses (CRDPs) into a two‐implant overdenture (IOD) or a conventional reline of the CRDP.

Material and Methods

Participants were randomly allocated into intervention (IG) and control (CG) groups. The IG received two implants in the mandibular canine regions, and their CRDPs were transformed into IODs. The CG received a conventional reline of their mandibular CRDPs. Outcomes were recorded at each recall visit (baseline, immediately, 3 months, 12 months after intervention, and subsequently on an annual basis). Statistical analyses used mixed linear regression models (level of significance: p < 0.05).

Results

The IG comprised 16 participants (age = 85.0 ± 6.2 years), while the CG comprised 16 (age = 84.8 ± 5.4 years), with a mean follow‐up of 2.7 ± 2.2 years (range: 3 months–7 years). A significant increase of MBF in the IG was observed with an overall gain of 80 N (p < 0.001) compared with the reline group. There were no significant long‐term changes in SFR, MMT, or ME within/between groups.

Conclusion

Since dependent elders with mandibular IODs present a significant gain in MBF, but no relative increase in SFR, MMT, and ME, it seems that this increased capacity of MBF is not exploited by the elders during their habitual chewing.
Widespread introgression in Chinese indigenous chicken breeds from commercial broiler
Authors: Zhang Chunyuan , Lin Deng , Wang Yuzhe , Peng Dezhi , Li Huifang , Fei Jing , Chen Kuanwei , Yang Ning , Hu Xiaoxiang , Zhao Yiqiang , Li Ning
Published: November 2018

Chinese indigenous chickens (CICs) constitute world‐renowned genetic resources due to their excellent traits, including early puberty, good meat quality and strong resistance to disease. Unfortunately, the introduction of a large number of commercial chickens in the past two decades has had an adverse effect on CICs. Using the chicken 60 K single nucleotide polymorphism chip, we assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of 1,187 chickens, representing eight Chinese indigenous chicken breeds, two hybrid chicken breeds, two ancestral chicken breeds, two commercial populations and additional red jungle fowl. By investigating haplotype similarity, we found extensive gene introgression from commercial broiler to almost all CICs. Approximately 15% of the genome, on average, of CICs was introgressed, ranging from 0.64% for Tibetan chicken to 21.52% for Huiyang Bearded chicken. Further analysis revealed signals consistent with positive selection in the introgression loci. For the first time, we systematically mapped and quantified introgression from commercial broiler to CICs at the whole genome level. Our data provided a usable resource for chicken genetic diversity, and our findings indicated a dire need for protecting the genetic resources of CICs.
Tenoscopic‐assisted treatment of a solitary caudodistal tibial osteochondroma
Authors: Agass R. F. , Fraser B. S. L.
Published: November 2018

Solitary osteochondromas are a relatively infrequent cause of lameness in the horse, most commonly occurring in the caudal distal radial metaphysis, with sparse reports in other locations. Their presence adjacent to a synovial sheath frequently results in intra‐thecal tendinous laceration and resultant synovial effusion. Surgical excision in combination with arthroscopic debridement of the tendinous pathology offers the best prognosis for soundness. This report details the successful treatment of a caudodistal tibial osteochondroma using a combination of open surgical excision and tarsal sheath tenoscopy.
How to write a clinical case report
Authors: Morresey P. R.
Published: November 2018

A case report should communicate a novel occurrence, manifestation or management of a case. The goal is to add to the body of knowledge of an existing or newly recognised condition, whether as documentation of a single clinical episode, or as part of a series of clinically similar events.
A Latent Profile Analysis of the Parent–Adolescent Relationship: Assessing Both Parent and Adolescent Outcomes
Authors: Withers Mathew C.
Published: November 2018

Using family systems and attachment theory frameworks, this study identified specific dimensions of the parent–adolescent relationship and examined the association between those dimensions and adolescent depression and delinquency, and parental depression 2 years later in a racially and ethnically diverse sample. Parent–adolescent relationships were identified using a person‐centered approach, latent profile analysis, using closeness, communication, conflict, and autonomy as dimensions of the relationship. The latent profile analysis produced a four‐profile solution, which was labeled secure, avoidant, anxious, and detached. Next, parent and adolescent outcomes were examined. Results indicated that adolescents in the detached profile exhibited the highest amount of delinquency, whereas the parents exhibited the lowest amount of depression. Adolescents in the avoidant profile also exhibited high levels of delinquency, and parents in this profile also exhibited the highest amount of depression symptoms. No profile differences were found for adolescent depression symptoms. Implications for family interventions are discussed.
Optimising the ratio of long‐ to short‐chain triglycerides of the lipid phase to enhance physical stability and bioaccessibility of lycopene‐loaded beverage emulsions
Authors: Raikos Vassilios , Hayward Nick , Hayes Helen , Meroni Erika , Ranawana Viren
Published: November 2018

Oil‐in‐water beverage emulsions (pH3.2) with different long‐ to short‐chain triglyceride (LCT to SCT) ratios were used to encapsulate lycopene. Beverages containing 3% w/w oil from carrier lipids were prepared as follows (w/w): 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100 (corn oil:tributyrin). The beverages prepared using a low LCT to SCT ratio (0:100) were physically unstable mainly due to Ostwald ripening phenomena, as indicated by confocal laser microscopy. The oil droplet size was significantly reduced for emulsions formulated with corn oil (2.6 μm) compared with tributyrin (5.4 μm). Lycopene was not bioaccessible in beverages formulated with tributyrin only and bioaccessibility increased significantly with increasing the LCT to SCT ratio. Data indicated that bioaccessibility for lycopene is 2.7% for emulsions with high LCT ratios (>75). Results indicate that the carrier lipid phase of emulsion‐based systems is critical for the formulation of functional drinks for the delivery of lipophilic bioactive compounds.
Crowdfunding mechanism comparison when product quality is uncertain
Authors: Nie Tengfei , Wang Xinxiu , Zhu Yangguang , Du Shaofu
Published: November 2018

Many entrepreneurs have recently employed crowdfunding to raise money. Although there are several crowdfunding mechanisms, there is no clear dominant strategy for the type of mechanisms that should be adopted by the entrepreneur. This paper compares two commonly used mechanisms of crowdfunding by building a two‐person and two‐period model where the entrepreneur first makes the decision then two consumers follow. The all‐or‐nothing () mechanism allows entrepreneurs to set a funding target and keep nothing unless the goal is achieved. In contrast, entrepreneurs under the keep‐it‐all () mechanism must also set a target and keep any funds regardless of whether the goal has been achieved. To compare these two mechanisms, we assume that customers are not sure about the quality of the product, which is very common in reward‐based crowdfunding. Using a unified model, our results show that large or poorly scalable projects are more likely to choose the mechanism.
miR‐129‐2‐3p directly targets SYK gene and associates with the risk of ischaemic stroke in a Chinese population
Authors: Huang Suli , Lv Ziquan , Wen Ying , Wei Yazhen , Zhou Li , Ke Yuebin , Zhang Yanwei , Xu Qianhui , Li Lu , Guo Yinsheng , Li Di , Xie Changhui , Guo Yi , Cheng Jinquan
Published: November 2018

Absstract

Spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) gene has been identified as novel susceptibility locus for ischaemic stroke (IS) previously. However, regulation of SYK gene remains unknown in IS. In this study, we aimed to identify miRNAs that might be involved in the development of IS by targeting SYK gene. miRNAs were firstly screened by bioinformatics predicting tool. The expression levels of SYK gene were detected by qRT‐PCR and western blotting, respectively, after miRNA transfection. Luciferase reporter assay was applied to investigate the direct binding between miRNAs and target gene. miRNA levels were detected by miRNA TaqMan assays in the blood cells of 270 IS patients and 270 control volunteers. Results suggest that SYK gene might be a direct target of miR‐129‐2‐3p. The blood level of miR‐129‐2‐3p was significantly lower in IS patients (P < 0.05), and negatively associated with the risk of IS (adjusted OR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.80‐0.98; P = 0.021) by multivariable logistic regression analysis. The blood levels of SYK gene were significantly higher in IS patients, and miR‐129‐2‐3p expression was negatively correlated with mean platelet volume. In summary, our study suggests that miR‐129‐2‐3p might be involved in the pathogenesis of IS through interrupting SYK expression and the platelet function, and further investigation is needed to explore the underlying mechanism.
MCLPMDA: A novel method for miRNA‐disease association prediction based on matrix completion and label propagation
Authors: Yu Sheng‐Peng , Liang Cheng , Xiao Qiu , Li Guang‐Hui , Ding Ping‐Jian , Luo Jia‐Wei
Published: November 2018

MiRNAs are a class of small non‐coding RNAs that are involved in the development and progression of various complex diseases. Great efforts have been made to discover potential associations between miRNAs and diseases recently. As experimental methods are in general expensive and time‐consuming, a large number of computational models have been developed to effectively predict reliable disease‐related miRNAs. However, the inherent noise and incompleteness in the existing biological datasets have inevitably limited the prediction accuracy of current computational models. To solve this issue, in this paper, we propose a novel method for miRNA‐disease association prediction based on matrix completion and label propagation. Specifically, our method first reconstructs a new miRNA/disease similarity matrix by matrix completion algorithm based on known experimentally verified miRNA‐disease associations and then utilizes the label propagation algorithm to reliably predict disease‐related miRNAs. As a result, MCLPMDA achieved comparable performance under different evaluation metrics and was capable of discovering greater number of true miRNA‐disease associations. Moreover, case study conducted on Breast Neoplasms further confirmed the prediction reliability of the proposed method. Taken together, the experimental results clearly demonstrated that MCLPMDA can serve as an effective and reliable tool for miRNA‐disease association prediction.
Debating the EU's Raison d'Être: On the Relation between Legitimacy and Justice
Authors: Sangiovanni Andrea
Published: November 2018

Since the eurozone, refugee and Brexit crises, it has become evident that the EU contributes to divergence among member states and inequality within them. It is also evident that the days of permissive consensus, integration by stealth, and trust in promises of peace and prosperity are long gone. Publics across the EU now wonder why the EU ought to garner their respect, and what role, if any, the EU should play in mitigating both cross‐ and intra‐national socioeconomic inequalities. They wonder, that is, what gives the EU legitimacy beyond securing a growth dividend and protecting against another European war, and what criteria of justice we ought to use in assessing the distributional consequences of integration. This contribution articulates a conception of legitimacy that has received very little attention in the literature, namely telic legitimacy, distinguishes it from conventional criteria of ‘input’ and ‘output’ legitimacy, explains its usefulness in addressing the EU's crisis in confidence, and outlines its relation to principles of justice.
Dysregulation of human miRNAs and increased prevalence of HHV miRNAs in obese periodontitis subjects
Authors: Naqvi Afsar R. , Brambila Maria F. , Martínez Gloria , Chapa Gabriela , Nares Salvador
Published: November 2018

Aim

To evaluate human and herpesvirus‐encoded microRNA (miRNA) expression in healthy and diseased gingiva of obese and non‐obese subjects and compare the impact of localized and systemic inflammation on human miRNA profiles.

Material and methods

Healthy and inflamed gingival biopsies were collected from obese and non‐obese subjects. Human and herpesvirus miRNA expression was quantified using quantitative PCR. Predicted targets of dysregulated miRNAs were identified using bioinformatics analysis, validated by dual luciferase assays and their expression assessed in healthy and diseased tissues.

Results

Our results show differential expression of miRNAs in both diseased groups compared to healthy counterparts. MMP‐16 is identified as a novel target of miRNAs altered in disease. Expression analysis of genes predicted as target of differentially expressed miRNAs show significant changes in disease compared with healthy tissues. Finally, quantitation of four herpesvirus‐derived viral miRNAs show that the expression and prevalence of herpesvirus miRNAs in diseased gingiva of obese subjects.

Conclusion

Our findings show that miRNA (both cellular and virus) expression is differentially responsive to local and systemic inflammation. Some of these miRNAs can modulate key cellular genes with direct consequences on inflammatory pathways suggesting their impact on oral tissue transcriptome and functions.
Time between recall visits and residual probing depths predict long‐term stability in patients enrolled in supportive periodontal therapy
Authors: Ramseier Christoph A. , Nydegger Martina , Walter Clemens , Fischer Gabriel , Sculean Anton , Lang Niklaus P. , Salvi Giovanni E.
Published: November 2018

Aim

To relate the time between recall visits and residual periodontal probing depths (PPDs) to periodontal stability in patients enrolled in supportive periodontal therapy (SPT).

Materials and methods

Retrospective data on residual PPDs from 11,842 SPT visits were evaluated in SPT patients at the Medi School of Dental Hygiene (MSDH), Bern, Switzerland, 1985–2011. A residual PPD‐based algorithm was developed to compute SPT intervals with no expected change of residual PPD.

Results

A total of 883 patients aged 43.9 (±13.0) years and 55.4% (n = 489) being females were identified. Linear mixed model analysis yielded highest statistically significant impact on PPD change with time between SPT visits, presence of residual PPD ≥4 mm, and bleeding on probing (p < 0.0001). Patients returning for SPT five times consecutively earlier than computed presented mean % PPDs ≥4 mm of 5.8% (±3.9) compared with patients returning later (19.2%, ±7.6) (p < 0.0001). Additionally, patients attending >50% of their SPT visits earlier versus later demonstrated increased periodontal stability after 5 years (p = 0.0002) and a reduced frequency of tooth loss (0.60, ±0.93 versus 1.45, ±2.07) after 20 years (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

To reach and maintain periodontal stability during SPT, individual quantitative data from comprehensive residual PPD profiles may contribute to the improved planning of SPT intervals.