bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antecedents and outcomes of flow experience of MOOC users
Authors: Mulik Shrikant , Srivastava Manjari , Yajnik Nilay , Taras Vas
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to develop and empirically test a model of relationships between antecedents and outcomes of flow experience of users of massive open online courses (MOOC).

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers surveyed individuals primarily from India, who had enrolled in at least one MOOC offered by MOOC providers such as Coursera, edX and FutureLearn. The data were collected from 310 individuals using an online questionnaire. The partial least squares technique of structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the reliability and validity of the data, and the study’s hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The study found support for identification of telepresence, challenge and skill as antecedents of flow experience. MOOC satisfaction and MOOC usage intention were found to be the outcomes of flow experience, as hypnotized. The study also found the mediating role of MOOC satisfaction in the relationship of flow experience and MOOC usage intention.

Practical implications

The findings indicate that if the MOOC providers can orchestrate flow experience for MOOC users then that will increase the satisfaction of MOOC users, which will lead to increase in MOOC adoption.

Originality/value

The study makes the contribution towards better understanding of flow experience in the context of MOOC usage by identifying both antecedents and outcomes of flow experience. Further, it highlights the influencing role of flow experience on MOOC adoption.
EDP – Portugal’s main energy producer that everyone loved to hate
Authors: Silva Joao Carlos Marques , Azevedo Pereira José
Published: November 2019

Research methodology

This study has used public sources, interview with one of the case protagonists.

Case overview/synopsis

This business case portrays the problems that an energy producing company faced in Portugal, in its transition from being a public company to becoming privatized. The Portuguese Government issued EDP with generous subsidies to guarantee its future profits and privatization success, but a few years later, after EDP was fully privatized, there was great political pressure to downsize such subsidies. The case describes the main steps taken by EDP from its creation and privatization, culminating at the end of 2017, where it was heavily criticized by media and political parties due to a high value of subsidies that had been granted to the company by the Portuguese Government in the past, while it was still a public company, and the renegotiation of those same subsidies after it had been privatized. EDP’s President António Mexia was under police investigation due to having led the renegotiation talks in 2007, and it was feared that EDP’s investors could refrain from investing in the company. Should EDP campaign to clear its good name, or would it be better to let the matter fall with the passing of time? Could the share value be affected? Should EDP prepare itself for loss of revenue due to an eventual downsizing of the subsidies?

Complexity academic level

This study covers energy sector, privatization issues and government support. The relevance of this study is good for use in Business Schools and MBA courses.
The practical relationship between continuous flow and lean construction in SMEs
Authors: Avelar Wallace , Meiriño Marcelo , Tortorella Guilherme Luiz
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the applicability of lean construction (LC) concepts and tools in necessary, but non-value-added activities (NVAA) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). The application of the lean tools in this way facilitates the flow of information and handling material, improving productivity, quality and performance. Finally, practical results motivate a discussion on the real potential of LC principles and on the challenges related to its implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology makes use of direct involvement in the environment under study. Some of the activities performed were the value stream mapping and time and motion studies of the company’s process selected, identification of wastes and the proposition of improvements to be implemented.

Findings

The main findings are related to the benefits of the application of LC not only in value-added activities but in activities that can influence the development and workforce planning, especially for SME businesses. This company should be able to achieve better management decisions and results after implementing the LC principles, overcoming the limited resources.

Originality/value

This proposed method helps in overcoming the lack of systematic procedures, enabling LC in activities that not add value properly. It has the advantage of integrating existing tools and models effectively, which not only improve the shortcomings of the conventional methods but also result in more convenient calculation and application.
Security challenges in tourism oriented economies: lessons from the Caribbean
Authors: Tarlow Peter
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The paper aims to use the Caribbean as a backdrop in understanding the importance of tourism safety, security and surety.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines several Caribbean nations and these forms of tourism security enhance the visitor experience.

Findings

Good tourism security not only enhances the value of the product but also can be a major motivator to increase tourism.

Originality/value

This paper provides an overview on the importance and major security challenges in tourism oriented economies.
Lessons from companies and destinations while leading the way for sustainable development
Authors: Costa Jorge , Montenegro Mónica , Gomes João
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to critically review the contributions made by the authors of the papers selected for this global trends issue and to present the main lessons for tourist organizations and destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis of the papers presented in this global trends issue was performed so as to identify the most relevant contributions made by the authors.

Findings

Despite the questions and uncertainties about the future of travel and tourism, one thing is certain – it is up to us to take a conscious, thoughtful attitude, to fully enjoy destinations while conserving the natural and built heritage for future generations.

Originality/value

A summary of the key ideas in the articles comprising this global trends issue is presented, allowing for the identification of good practices by organizations and destinations.
Emerging RHDV2 suppresses the impact of endemic and novel strains of RHDV on wild rabbit populations
Authors: Ramsey David S. L. , Cox Tarnya , Strive Tanja , Forsyth David M. , Stuart Ivor , Hall Robyn , Elsworth Peter , Campbell Susan
Published: November 2019

Multi‐strain, host‐disease dynamics describe a system where multiple strains of a pathogen compete for susceptible individuals of a single host. The theoretical properties of these systems have been well studied, but there are few empirical studies in wildlife hosts.

We examined the impacts of two novel strains of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) recently introduced into Australia, one inadvertently (RHDV2) and one deliberately for rabbit biocontrol (RHDV‐K5), by analysing long‐term monitoring data for introduced European rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus from 18 sites throughout Australia. We examined population‐level impacts using rabbit spotlight counts pre‐ and post‐arrival of the two strains. We also analysed serological data to determine potential interactions among the introduced and existing field strains of RHDV, as well as a pre‐existing benign strain of calicivirus (RCV‐A1).

Serological analyses suggested that RHDV2 arrived in Australia during spring 2014 and spread rapidly through the Australian rabbit population within 2 years. Following the establishment of RHDV2, rabbit abundance was reduced by an average of 60%, with impacts most pronounced in South and Western Australia. In contrast, the deliberate release of RHDV‐K5 had little impact on rabbit populations.

Although RHDV2 has spread rapidly throughout Australia, our serological analyses do not support the observation that RHDV2 is rapidly replacing existing field strains of RHDV, as was previously reported in Australia and Europe. Nevertheless, RHDV2 has negatively impacted the ability of RHDV and RCV‐A1 to spread within rabbit populations, most likely due to its ability to infect juvenile rabbits, thereby removing them from the pool of susceptible individuals available to be infected by competing strains.

Synthesis and applications. The impact of the release of a novel strain of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV‐K5) for rabbit biocontrol in Australia has been suppressed by the emergence of a competing strain, RHDV2. Hence, the success of further releases of similar RHDV strains for rabbit biocontrol appears doubtful. Despite this, RHDV2 has suppressed rabbit abundances by an average of 60%, with impacts most pronounced in South and Western Australia. Whether the incursion of RHDV2 leads to the competitive exclusion of other endemic RHDV strains remains to be resolved. However, the existence of partial cross‐immunity could allow some level of coexistence between RHDV2 and RHDV strains, at least in the medium term.
Investors' Misweighting of Firm‐Level Information and the Market's Expectations of Earnings
Authors: Keskek Sami , Myers James N. , Myers Linda A.
Published: November 2019

Prior studies use fundamental earnings forecasts to proxy for the market's expectations of earnings because analyst forecasts are biased and are available for only a subset of firms. We find that as a proxy for market expectations, fundamental forecasts contain systematic measurement errors analogous to those in analysts' biased forecasts. Therefore, these forecasts are not representative of investors' beliefs. The systematic measurement errors from using fundamental forecasts to proxy for market expectations occur because investors misweight the information in many firm‐level variables when estimating future earnings, but fundamental forecasts are formed using the historically efficient weights on firm‐level variables. Thus, we develop an alternative ex ante proxy for the market's expectations of future earnings (“the implied market forecast”) using the historical (and inefficient) weights, as reflected in stock returns, that the market places on firm‐level variables. A trading strategy based on the implied market forecast error, which is measured as the difference between the implied market forecast and the fundamental forecast, generates excess returns of approximately 9 percent per year. These returns cannot be explained by investors' reliance on analysts' biased forecasts. Overall, our results reveal that market expectations differ from both fundamental forecasts and analysts' forecasts.
Nociceptive transient receptor potential canonical 7 (TRPC7) mediates aging‐associated tumorigenesis induced by ultraviolet B
Authors: Hsu Wen‐Li , Tsai Ming‐Hsien , Wu Ching‐Ying , Liang Jui‐Lin , Lu Jian‐He , Kahle Jennifer S. , Yu Hsin‐Su , Yen Chia‐Jung , Yen Chen‐Tung , Hsieh Yi‐Chun , Huang Yung‐Yun , Lin Li‐Ching , Tsai Tsung‐Fu , Chen Chu‐Huang , Yoshioka Tohru
Published: November 2019

Aging, cancer, and longevity have been linked to intracellular Ca2+ signaling and nociceptive transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. We found that TRP canonical 7 (TRPC7) is a nociceptive mechanoreceptor and that TRPC7 channels specifically mediate the initiation of ultraviolet B (UVB)‐induced skin aging and tumor development due to p53 gene family mutations. Within 30 min after UVB irradiation, TRPC7 mediated UVB‐induced Ca2+ influx and the subsequent production of reactive oxygen species in skin cells. Notably, this function was unique to TRPC7 and was not observed for other TRP channels. In TRPC7 knockout mice, we did not observe the significant UVB‐associated pathology seen in wild‐type mice, including epidermal thickening, abnormal keratinocyte differentiation, and DNA damage response activation. TRPC7 knockout mice also had significantly fewer UVB‐induced cancerous tumors than did wild‐type mice, and UVB‐induced p53 gene family mutations were prevented in TRPC7 knockout mice. These results indicate that TRPC7 activity is pivotal in the initiation of UVB‐induced skin aging and tumorigenesis and that the reduction in TRPC7 activity suppresses the UVB‐induced aging process and tumor development. Our findings support that TRPC7 is a potential tumor initiator gene and that it causes cell aging and genomic instability, followed by a change in the activity of proto‐oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes to promote tumorigenesis.
Distribution and pest status of the Old World screw‐worm fly, Chrysomya bezziana (Diptera: Calliphoridae), in Papua New Guinea and the threat to Australian livestock and wildlife
Authors: Spradbery J Philip , Sands Don P A , Tozer Robert S
Published: November 2019

The distribution of the Old World screw‐worm fly Chrysomya bezziana Villeneuve and the incidence of traumatic myiases (strikes) in livestock, humans and wild animals in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for the period 1973–1985 is described as a foundation for current considerations of risk to Australia. Field studies indicated myiasis caused by C. bezziana occurred throughout PNG to an altitude of 2590 m. Cattle and sheep were the most commonly recorded hosts. The impact of strikes on individual cattle properties varied from negligible levels to every animal being infested on average each year. The incidence of strikes was apparently related to vegetation cover with fewer strikes in open grassland and more strikes in wooded areas. There was no statistical correlation between rainfall and strike incidence although most properties reported that the number of strikes by C. bezziana was greatest after periods of rain. On a mixed‐breed sheep property in the highlands, Romneys suffered an annual strike rate of 20% compared with 9% in Perendales and 7% in Corriedales. The majority of strikes in sheep were in the vulva and anus region (59% of total). Repeated vulva strike in ewes resulted in reduced fertility such that annual lambing rates were reduced by 66% after three strikes and no lambs were produced after five consecutive strikes. Management practices such as dehorning, castration, tail docking and ear tagging frequently resulted in strikes. Deaths of livestock attributed directly to myiases from C. bezziana infestations were common. The incidence of C. bezziana infestations in wildlife and humans in PNG is documented. The results are discussed in relation to risks of its entry to Australia and potential impact of C. bezziana on the livestock industries and wildlife if C. bezziana was accidentally introduced and became established. The implications of predicted climate change on the potential distribution and hosts in Australia are also examined.
Larger head circumference in Icelandic children 0‐4 years of age compared to the World Health Organization and Swedish growth charts
Authors: Juliusson Petur B. , Dagbjartsson Atli , Roelants Mathieu , Palsson Gestur , Fridjonsdottir Hildigunnur , Einarsdottir Rosa , Thorsson Arni V.
Published: November 2019

Aim

The World Health Organization (WHO) published universal growth standards for children below five year of age in 2006. Traditionally, Swedish growth references have been used to monitor growth of children in Iceland, but it is not yet known how they compare with these reference charts.

Methods

A total of 2128 longitudinal measurements of length or height, 2132 of weight and 2126 of head circumference between birth and four years of age were collected in 1996‐2000 from 199 healthy children (53% boys) recruited at Landspitali University Hospital. Measurements were converted to z‐scores using the WHO growth standards and Swedish growth references for further analysis with mixed‐effects models.

Results

Length or height, weight and in particular head circumference largely exceeded the WHO standards, with average z‐scores that fluctuated between 0.5 and 1.5. Likewise, the proportion of children with az‐score larger than 2 SD increased about 10‐fold. Icelandic children were longer and heavier than their Swedish peers during the first six months of life, but differences were less pronounced thereafter.

Conclusion

The growth of Icelandic children deviated significantly from the WHO growth standards. Although more comparable to the Swedish references, significant differences were found, suggesting that a national growth reference would be more appropriate.
Quercetin inhibits carbapenemase and efflux pump activities among carbapenem‐resistant Gram‐negative bacteria
Authors: Pal Arijit , Tripathi Anusri
Published: November 2019

Rapid dissemination of carbapenem‐resistant Gram‐negative bacteria (CRGNB) is a global threat. Quercetin is known for its antimicrobial activity. In this study, carbapenemase and efflux pump inhibitory activities of quercetin were demonstrated against carbapenem‐resistant Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. Further, molecular docking was performed to elucidate molecular mechanisms of such inhibition. CRGNB, expressing one of the carbapenemases, demonstrated significant inhibition of carbapenemase activity when pre‐incubated with 64 µg/ml quercetin. Moreover, acrB overexpressing enterobacterial isolates exhibited significant inhibition of efflux activity upon quercetin treatment. Molecular docking studies revealed stability of quercetin‐carbapenemase complexes. (i) Virtual superimposition of quercetin onto meropenem, (ii) proximity of quercetin to attacking nucleophile and (iii) involvement of same amino acids that stabilize both meropenem and quercetin – indicated competition between quercetin and meropenem for ligand binding. Although quercetin and PAβN, a standard efflux pump inhibitor, docked at both central cavity and periplasmic drug binding sites of AcrB, they did not virtually superimpose on each other. However, sufficient release of Gibb's free energy and involvement of same set of amino acids in PAβN and quercetin stability predicted quercetin's efflux pump inhibitory potential. Hence, quercetin could be potential adjuvant therapeutics for CRGNB‐mediated infections.
Effects of thiosulfate addition on ammonia and nitrogen removal in biofilters packed with Oyaishi (pumice tuff)
Authors: Yasuda Tomoko , Fukumoto Yasuyuki , Waki Miyoko , Matsumoto Toshimi , Uenishi Hirohide
Published: November 2019

Ammonia removal is achieved partly by absorption and nitrification in biofilters, resulting in the accumulation of nitrogen and the necessity of treating the effluent water. We investigated the effects of thiosulfate addition to a biofilter containing pumice tuff for ammonia and nitrogen removal in a laboratory‐scale experiment. The addition of thiosulfate to the circulating water led to a decreased nitrate and nitrite along with an increase of sulfate. The inorganic nitrogen in the circulating water decreased by up to 44% with thiosulfate addition compared to without thiosulfate. Batch experiments revealed that denitrification activity decreased exponentially along with increases in dissolved oxygen; however, approximately 30% of denitrification activity was maintained at dissolved oxygen concentration of 3.3 mg/L. Metabarcoding of 16S rRNA genes indicated that the genus Thiobacillus had a relative abundance of 0.002%–0.016% of total bacteria in the biofilter packing material. The circulating water pH was decreased below 5 with sulfur oxidation, and ammonium was accumulated without pH control resulting in a decrease in the relative abundance of the family Nitrosomonadaceae. Its relative abundance increased with control of pH to near neutral, indicating that ammonia‐oxidizing activity could be maintained by adjusting pH. Thiosulfate addition could stimulate nitrogen removal by sulfur‐dependent denitrification in biofiltration systems.
Analysis of results from 21 years of milking system inspections in Japanese dairy farms
Authors: Enokidani Masafumi , Shinozuka Yasunori , Kawai Kazuhiro
Published: November 2019

To prevent mastitis caused by inappropriate milking systems, inspection of the system, and maintenance of optimal function are crucial. This study aimed to clarify the problems with milking systems in Japan by analyzing the results of milking system inspections over the past 21 years. A total of 190 dairy farms (358 systems; 153 high‐line systems, 205 low‐line systems) were inspected for the checkpoints of problems originating from installation (PI) or problems originating from insufficient maintenance (PIM). Results were divided into initial and periodic inspections, then analyzed by year of inspection or years elapsed since equipment installation. With increasing years, inadequacy of milk piping and regulator maintenance tended to increase for high‐line systems. On the other hand, defects in milking units tended to increase for low‐line systems. This difference was attributed to the structures of these milking systems. The present study revealed potential problem areas in high‐ and low‐line milking systems from recent years. To maintain normal functioning in milking systems, the frequency and content of inspections as currently being conducted need to be reviewed.
Indigenous Bioregionalisms (Love Mother Earth) Relationship, Creation, Ethics, Love
Authors: ross annie
Published: November 2019

Indigenous Bioregionalisms (Love Mother Earth) are identities, methods, and philosophies defining our relationships between beloved Home Land Place and all Living Beings (written here as Home/Land/Place). Indigenous Bioregionalisms actively creates, maintains, and ensures the continuance and thrive‐ance of all Beings. It proposes a way to understand Indigenous belonging to and with Home/Land/Place—the expansive physical, natural, and SuperNatural source of life, transformance, and regeneration—of every Being.
Rosiglitazone ameliorates tissue plasminogen activator‐induced brain hemorrhage after stroke
Authors: Li Yan , Zhu Zi‐Yu , Lu Bing‐Wei , Huang Ting‐Ting , Zhang Yue‐Man , Zhou Na‐Ying , Xuan Wei , Chen Zeng‐Ai , Wen Da‐Xiang , Yu Wei‐Feng , Li Pei‐Ying
Published: November 2019

Objective

Delayed thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) may exacerbate blood‐brain barrier (BBB) breakdown after ischemic stroke and lead to catastrophic hemorrhagic transformation (HT). Rosiglitazone(RSG), a widely used antidiabetic drug that activates peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ), has been shown to protect against cerebral ischemia through promoting poststroke microglial polarization toward the beneficial anti‐inflammatory phenotype. However, whether RSG can alleviate HT after delayed tPA treatment remains unknown. In this study, we sort to examine the role of RSG on tPA‐induced HT after stroke.

Methods and results

We used the murine suture middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) models of stroke followed by delayed administration of tPA (10 mg/kg, 2 hours after suture occlusion) to investigate the therapeutic potential of RSG against tPA‐induced HT. When RSG(6 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered 1 hour before MCAO in tPA‐treated MCAO mice, HT in the ischemic territory was significantly attenuated 1 day after stroke. In the tPA‐treated MCAO mice, we found RSG significantly mitigated BBB disruption and hemorrhage development compared to tPA‐alone‐treated stroke mice. Using flow cytometry and immunostaining, we confirmed that the expression of CD206 was significantly upregulated while the expression of iNOS was down‐regulated in microglia of the RSG‐treated mice. We further found that the expression of Arg‐1 was also upregulated in those tPA and RSG‐treated stroke mice and the protection against tPA‐induced HT and BBB disruption in these mice were abolished in the presence of PPAR‐γ antagonist GW9662 (4 mg/kg, 1 hour before dMCAO through intraperitoneal injection).

Conclusions

RSG treatment protects against BBB damage and ameliorates HT in delayed tPA‐treated stroke mice by activating PPAR‐γ and favoring microglial polarization toward anti‐inflammatory phenotype.
Independent parameters of left atrium function in hypertensive heart disease
Authors: Salas Pacheco José Luis , Sánchez Oscar Lomelí
Published: November 2019

Background

The left atrium reservoir function has an important role in the global cardiac performance and is determined by multiple cardiac and extra‐cardiac factors. A new parameter is introduced, the independent strain, which quantifies left atrium reservoir phase deformation during isovolumetric relaxation.

Aims

Is evaluated whether independent strain can identify intrinsic atrial myocardial damage in hypertension.

Material and Methods

Prospective observational study in which echocardiography was done to 50 hypertensive patients and 80 healthy volunteers. Myocardial deformation was evaluated with two‐dimensional speckle tracking and left atrium volumes were calculated whit 3D‐echocardiography.

Results

In hypertensive patients, the indexed left atrium volume was greater than in the control group (34 ± 7.8 vs 24 ± 4.9 mL/m2); strain of pump (−5.7 ± 2.4% vs −17±3.5%) and reservoir phases (34 ± 9% vs 48 ± 10%) were worst. The minimum left atrium volume was higher (26 ± 10 vs 15 ± 8 mL) and left atrium independent strain was lower in hypertensive patients (4.0% vs 6.5%, P = .001). Left atrium independent strain only correlated with minimum left atrium volume (r = −.31, P = .048).

Discussion

The left ventricle longitudinal performance has an important contributing role in the left atrium reservoir function; despite this finding, the independent strain was unrelated to left ventricle longitudinal function.

Conclusion

Independent strain can identify atrial myocyte contractile dysfunction in hypertension given the relative absence of hemodynamic loads during this period. Additionally, quantification of left atrium minimum volume suggests indirectly the presence of atrial myocyte contractile dysfunction.
Personalized medicine: Vinpocetine to reverse effects of GABRB3 mutation
Authors: Billakota Santoshi , Andresen J. Michael , Gay Bryant C. , Stewart Gregory R. , Fedorov Nikolai B. , Gerlach Aaron C. , Devinsky Orrin
Published: November 2019

Objective

To screen a library of potential therapeutic compounds for a woman with Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome due to a Y302C GABRB3 (c.905A>G) mutation.

Methods

We compared the electrophysiological properties of cells with wild‐type or the pathogenic GABRB3 mutation.

Results

Among 1320 compounds, multiple candidates enhanced GABRB3 channel conductance in cell models. Vinpocetine, an alkaloid derived from the periwinkle plant with anti‐inflammatory properties and the ability to modulate sodium and channel channels, was the lead candidate based on efficacy and safety profile. Vinpocetine was administered as a dietary supplement over 6 months, reaching a dosage of 20 mg three times per day, and resulted in a sustained, dose‐dependent reduction in spike‐wave discharge frequency on electroencephalograms. Improved language and behavior were reported by family, and improvements in global impression of change surveys were observed by therapists blinded to intervention.

Significance

Vinpocetine has potential efficacy in treating patients with this mutation and possibly other GABRB3 mutations or other forms of epilepsy. Additional studies on pharmacokinetics, potential drug interactions, and safety are needed.
Advanced social media sentiment analysis for short‐term cryptocurrency price prediction
Authors: Wołk Krzysztof
Published: November 2019

In recent years, the scrutiny of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as legal and regulated components of financial systems has been increasing. Bitcoin is currently one of the largest cryptocurrencies in terms of capital market share. Therefore, this study proposes that sentiment analysis can be used as a computational tool to predict the prices of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for different time intervals. A key characteristic of the cryptocurrency market is that the fluctuation of currency prices depends on people's perceptions and opinions, not institutional money regulation. Therefore, analysing the relationship between social media and web search is crucial for cryptocurrency price prediction. This study uses Twitter and Google Trends to forecast the short‐term prices of the primary cryptocurrencies, as these social media platforms are used to influence purchasing decisions. The study adopts and interpolates a unique multimodel approach to analyse the impact of social media on cryptocurrency prices. Our results prove that people's psychological and behavioural attitudes have a significant impact on the highly speculative cryptocurrency prices.
Restrictive allograft dysfunction after lung transplantation: is there a place for nintedanib?—a case report
Authors: Pluchart Hélène , Chanoine Sébastien , Briault Amandine , Claustre Johanna , Bedouch Pierrick
Published: November 2019

One of the posttransplantation complications is represented by chronic lung allograft dysfunction, which has two main clinical presentations: bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and restrictive allograft syndrome. The latter being challenging because of poor prognosis and only symptomatic treatment, and characterized by fibrotic process. A 63‐year‐old man was right lung‐transplanted in 2009 due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In 2011, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome was diagnosed evolving to restrictive allograft syndrome in 2016. An off‐label treatment by nintedanib (150 mg twice a day) was introduced. Unfortunately, it was stopped 4 months later because of digestive intolerance, without any clinical improvement. Contrary to a previous case reported, our patient did not have any benefit of nintedanib. Antifibrotic agents' effects such as nintedanib on restrictive allograft syndrome should be assessed in further randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled studies.
Conversion of coastal wetlands, riparian wetlands, and peatlands increases greenhouse gas emissions: A global meta‐analysis
Authors: Tan Lishan , Ge Zhenming , Zhou Xuhui , Li Shihua , Li Xiuzhen , Tang Jianwu
Published: November 2019

Land‐use/land‐cover change (LULCC) often results in degradation of natural wetlands and affects the dynamics of greenhouse gases (GHGs). However, the magnitude of changes in GHG emissions from wetlands undergoing various LULCC types remains unclear. We conducted a global meta‐analysis with a database of 209 sites to examine the effects of LULCC types of constructed wetlands (CWs), croplands (CLs), aquaculture ponds (APs), drained wetlands (DWs), and pastures (PASs) on the variability in CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions from the natural coastal wetlands, riparian wetlands, and peatlands. Our results showed that the natural wetlands were net sinks of atmospheric CO2 and net sources of CH4 and N2O, exhibiting the capacity to mitigate greenhouse effects due to negative comprehensive global warming potentials (GWPs; −0.9 to −8.7 t CO2‐eq ha−1 year−1). Relative to the natural wetlands, all LULCC types (except CWs from coastal wetlands) decreased the net CO2 uptake by 69.7%−456.6%, due to a higher increase in ecosystem respiration relative to slight changes in gross primary production. The CWs and APs significantly increased the CH4 emissions compared to those of the coastal wetlands. All LULCC types associated with the riparian wetlands significantly decreased the CH4 emissions. When the peatlands were converted to the PASs, the CH4 emissions significantly increased. The CLs, as well as DWs from peatlands, significantly increased the N2O emissions in the natural wetlands. As a result, all LULCC types (except PASs from riparian wetlands) led to remarkably higher GWPs by 65.4%−2,948.8%, compared to those of the natural wetlands. The variability in GHG fluxes with LULCC was mainly sensitive to changes in soil water content, water table, salinity, soil nitrogen content, soil pH, and bulk density. This study highlights the significant role of LULCC in increasing comprehensive GHG emissions from global natural wetlands, and our results are useful for improving future models and manipulative experiments.
Dirty Body Politics: Habitus, Gendered Embodiment, and the Resistance to Women's Agency in Transforming South African Higher Education
Authors: Idahosa Grace Ese‐osa
Published: November 2019

In discussing the difficulty with transformation, research notes that women and Blacks are excluded and marginalised by the cultures and practices within universities in South Africa. While the literature highlights the invisibility of these minorities in universities, with their bodies only becoming visible as tokens, or when representing minority issues, it is silent on how this plays out in interchanges in the transformation process, the embodiment of gender, and the resistance to women's agency within the field of higher education transformation. Adopting a hermeneutic phenomenological lens and Bourdieu's concept of field and habitus, this study examines ten academics' experiences of having agency to effect transformation. In particular, it explores women's narratives of body‐centered attacks in expressions of resistance to their transformation strategies, revealing the normalisation of the White, male body. This normalisation obscures the gendered processes of transformation and the bodily resistance to women's agency, revealed in tugging, pulling, shutting doors and having metaphorical knives pulled from their backs. The study argues that this not only prevents women from exercising their agency, but also ensures the reproduction of oppressive relations within the university and should be directly addressed in the struggle for transformation.
MicroRNAs and exosomes: key players in HIV pathogenesis
Authors: Sadri Nahand J , Bokharaei‐Salim F , Karimzadeh M , Moghoofei M , Karampoor S , Mirzaei HR , Tabibzadeh A , Jafari A , Ghaderi A , Asemi Z , Mirzaei H , Hamblin MR
Published: November 2019

Objectives

HIV infection is well known to cause impairment of the human immune system, and until recently was a leading cause of death. It has been shown that T lymphocytes are the main targets of HIV. The virus inactivates T lymphocytes by interfering with a wide range of cellular and molecular targets, leading to suppression of the immune system. The objective of this review is to investigate to what extent microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in HIV pathogenesis.

Methods

The scientific literature (Pubmed and Google scholar) for the period 1988–2019 was searched.

Results

Mounting evidence has revealed that miRNAs are involved in viral replication and immune response, whether by direct targeting of viral transcripts or through indirect modulation of virus‐related host pathways. In addition, exosomes have been found to act as nanoscale carriers involved in HIV pathogenesis. These nanovehicles target their cargos (i.e. DNA, RNA, viral proteins and miRNAs) leading to alteration of the behaviour of recipient cells.

Conclusions

miRNAs and exosomes are important players in HIV pathogenesis. Additionally, there are potential diagnostic applications of miRNAs as biomarkers in HIV infection.
Structure evaluation of anode‐supported planar solid oxide fuel cells based on single/double‐sided electrolyte(s) under redox conditions
Authors: Liu Wu , Zheng Jiahong , Wang Yudong , Jiang Congying , Li Dongfeng , Zhong Zheng , Zhai Qijie , Zhou Xiaodong , Guan Wanbing
Published: November 2019

Structure evaluation was comparably studied with the traditional thin anode‐supported solid oxide fuel cells based on single‐sided electrolyte (SSE‐SOFCs) and the thick flat‐tube solid oxide fuel cells based on double‐sided electrolytes (DSE‐SOFCs) under redox conditions. Results showed that the structure of DSE‐SOFCs remained unchanged, especially the electrolyte kept un‐cracked during the redox process, whereas SSE‐SOFC was warped and, in some cases, cracked as the thickness of supported anode was less than 1 mm, which indicated that the DSE‐SOFCs exhibited better redox stability than the SSE‐SOFCs.
Root starches enriched with proteins and phenolics from Pachyrhizus ahipa roots as gluten‐free ingredients for baked goods
Authors: Malgor Martina , Viña Sonia Zulma , Dini Cecilia
Published: November 2019

Ahipa is a gluten‐free starchy root, bearing phenolics and a protein content of ~9% db. Ahipa proteins are hydrosoluble, and thus, they are lost during starch extraction. The aim of this work was to recover ahipa proteins by isoelectric point (pI) precipitation to enrich ahipa and cassava starches. Both enriched starches had protein contents of ~2%, and their ATR‐FTIR spectra revealed bands characteristic of ahipa proteins. Enriched starches also contained phenolics in concentrations of 18–20 µg GAE/g. Enrichment lowered the whiteness index, but it remained higher than 90. Protein enrichment did not modify gelatinisation onset and peak temperatures but reduced the gelatinisation enthalpy of ahipa starch. Enriched starches produced less‐rigid buns than the native ones, with smaller and more homogeneously distributed alveoli in the crumb which resulted darker than the crust. Starch slurries acidified to the pI of ahipa proteins led to novel gluten‐free ingredients by an easy, low‐cost process.
Differential effects of direct factor IIa and factor Xa inhibitors in protein C‐deficient plasma detected using thrombin generation and viscoelastometry assays
Authors: Aungraheeta Riyaad , FitzGibbon Lucy , Reilly‐Stitt Christopher , Mumford Andrew D.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Protein C (PC) deficiency results in dysregulated thrombin generation and increases thrombosis risk.

Methods

In order to investigate the potential effects of anticoagulant drugs in PC deficiency, we evaluated the pharmacodynamic effect of selective direct factor (F) IIa inhibitors (dabigatran and argatroban), selective direct FXa inhibitors (rivaroxaban and apixaban) and an indirect FXa/FIIa inhibitor (enoxaparin) in commercial PC‐deficient plasma using thrombin generation and viscoelastometry assays modified to reflect PC anticoagulant activity.

Results

Endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and peak thrombin concentration (PTC) were increased in PC‐deficient plasma but this corrected completely with PC concentrate. Inhibition of FIIa and FXa with the selective inhibitors also corrected the increased ETP and PTC but required high drug concentrations. There was sustained low‐level thrombin generation in PC‐deficient plasma with FXa inhibitors but not with FIIa inhibitors. Adding PC concentrate to PC‐deficient plasma anticoagulated with dabigatran had little additional effect on ETP or PTC. In contrast, addition of even small quantities of PC concentrate to PC‐deficient plasma anticoagulated with rivaroxaban further diminished ETP, primarily by abolishing sustained thrombin generation. In the viscoelastometry assay, the coagulation time was shortened and α‐angle increased in PC‐deficient plasma. These abnormalities reversed with both dabigatran and rivaroxaban.

Conclusion

The selective direct FXa and FIIa inhibitors at high concentrations both counteracted the abnormal thrombin generation and clot formation observed in PC‐deficient plasma, but with qualitative differences in their effects.
To what extent is social security spending associated with enhanced firm‐level performance? A case study of SMEs in Indonesia
Authors: TORM Nina
Published: November 2019

Although the relationship between social protection and enterprise performance is much debated in the literature, evidence is particularly limited in the case of small and medium‐sized enterprises in developing economies. Using census data from 2010 to 2014, this article examines how the provision of social security influenced business performance in Indonesia. The author finds that increased social security spending of 10 per cent is associated with a per‐worker revenue gain of up to 2 per cent. Moreover, profits are not found to decrease with increased social protection coverage, suggesting that increasing worker benefits may be a worthwhile business investment.
Genistein‐3′‐sodium sulphonate protects against lipopolysaccharide‐induced lung vascular endothelial cell apoptosis and acute lung injury via BCL‐2 signalling
Authors: Yi Lei , Chang Mengling , Zhao Quanming , Zhou Zengding , Huang Xiaoqin , Guo Feng , Huan Jingning
Published: November 2019

Under septic conditions, Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced apoptosis of lung vascular endothelial cells (ECs) triggers and aggravates acute lung injury (ALI), which so far has no effective therapeutic options. Genistein‐3′‐sodium sulphonate (GSS) is a derivative of native soy isoflavone, which has neuro‐protective effects through its anti‐apoptotic property. However, whether GSS protects against sepsis‐induced lung vascular endothelial cell apoptosis and ALI has not been determined. In this study, we found that LPS‐induced Myd88/NF‐κB/BCL‐2 signalling pathway activation and subsequent EC apoptosis were effectively down‐regulated by GSS in vitro. Furthermore, GSS not only reversed the sepsis‐induced BCL‐2 changes in expression in mouse lungs but also blocked sepsis‐associated lung vascular barrier disruption and ALI in vivo. Taken together, our results demonstrated that GSS might be a promising candidate for sepsis‐induced ALI via its regulating effects on Myd88/NF‐κB/BCL‐2 signalling in lung ECs.
Traditional Gender Roles and Backlash Against Female Attorneys Expressing Anger in Court
Authors: Salerno Jessica M. , Phalen Hannah J.
Published: November 2019

Trial advocacy education often stresses the importance of attorneys expressing arguments with emotion to signal conviction. Yet, female attorneys must approach this advice with caution given potential backlash for expressing emotions traditionally considered masculine, like anger. Two experiments (Study 1, N = 220; Study 2, N = 273) demonstrated that people most likely to endorse traditional gender roles exhibited bias against female attorneys expressing anger in court. Participants were recruited nationally and randomly assigned to view an attorney delivering a closing statement in court who either (1) was a man or a woman, and (2) used a neutral or angry tone. They reported how hirable and effective they perceived the attorneys to be and completed measures of several individual difference factors that are established predictors of endorsement of traditional gender roles: ambivalent sexism, political conservatism, and age. Participants who were more likely to hold traditional gender values (i.e., more benevolently sexist, more politically conservative, and older) were more likely to favor attorneys who conformed to gender norms (i.e., male attorneys who expressed anger relative to no anger) and less likely to favor attorneys who violated gender norms (i.e., female attorneys who expressed anger relative to no anger). Thus, female attorneys are faced with the challenge of walking the line between exhibiting traditionally masculine behaviors that are valued by the legal system—but not so much so that they suffer backlash for violating gender norms.
Chromosomal inheritance of parental rDNAs distribution pattern detected by FISH in diploid F1 hybrid progeny of Cobitis (Teleostei, Cobitidae) species has non‐Mendelian character
Authors: Grabowska Anna I. , Boroń Alicja , Kirtiklis Lech , Spóz Aneta , Juchno Dorota , Kotusz Jan
Published: November 2019

This study was conducted to describe the major and the minor rDNA chromosome distribution in the spined loach Cobitis taenia (2n = 48) and the Danubian loach Cobitis elongatoides (2n = 50), and their laboratory‐produced diploid reciprocal F1 hybrid progeny. It was tested by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) whether the number of 28s and 5s rDNA sites in the karyotypes of diploid hybrids corresponds to the expectations resulting from Mendelian ratio and if nucleolar organiser regions (NOR)were inherited from both parents or nucleolar dominance can be observed in the induced F1 hybrid progeny. Ten (females) or twelve (males) 28s rDNA loci were located in nine uniarm chromosomes of C. taenia. Two of such loci terminally bounded on one acrocentric chromosome were unique and indicated as specific for this species. Large 5s rDNA clusters were located on two acrocentric chromosomes. In C. elongatoides of both sexes, six NOR sites in terminal regions on six meta‐submetacentric chromosomes and two 5s rDNA sites on large submetacentrics were detected. The F1 hybrid progeny (2n = 49) was characterised by the intermediate karyotype with the sites of ribosome synthesis on chromosomes inherited from both parents without showing nucleolar dominance. 5s rDNA sites were detected on large submetacentric and two acrocentric chromosomes. The observed number of both 28s and 5s rDNAs signals in F1 diploid Cobitis hybrids was disproportionally inherited from the two parental species, showing inconsistency with the Mendelian ratios. The presented rDNA patterns indicate some marker chromosomes that allow the species of the parental male and female to be recognised in hybrid progeny. The 5s rDNA was found to be a particularly effective diagnostic marker of C. elongatoides to partially discern genomic composition of diploid Cobitis hybrids and presumably allopolyploids resulting from their backcrossing with one of the parental species. Thus, the current study provides insight into the extent of rDNA heredity in Cobitis chromosomes and their cytotaxonomic character.
Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection in a country with universal access to direct‐acting antiviral agents: Data for designing a cost‐effective elimination policy in Spain
Authors: Crespo Javier , Cuadrado Antonio , Perelló Christie , Cabezas Joaquin , Llerena Susana , Llorca Javier , Cedillo Sergio , Llop Elba , Escudero María Desamparados , Hernández Conde Marta , Puchades Laura , Redondo Carlos , Fortea José I. , Gil de Miguel Angel , Serra Miguel A. , Lazarus Jeffrey V. , Calleja José Luis
Published: November 2019

Accurate HCV prevalence estimates are necessary for guiding elimination policies. Our aim was to determine the HCV prevalence and assess the cost‐effectiveness of a screen‐and‐treat strategy in the Spanish population. A population‐based, cross‐sectional study (PREVHEP‐ETHON Cohort, Epidemiological sTudy of Hepatic infectiONs; NCT02749864) was performed from July 2015‐April 2017. Participants from three Spanish regions were selected using two‐stage conglomerate sampling, and stratified by age, with randomized subject selection. Anthropometric and demographic data were collected, and blood samples were taken to detect anti‐HCV antibodies/quantify HCV RNA. The cost‐effectiveness of the screening strategies and treatment were analysed using a Markov model. Among 12 246 participants aged 20‐74 (58.4% females), the overall anti‐HCV prevalence was 1.2% (95% CI 1.0‐1.4), whereas the detectable HCV‐RNA prevalence was 0.3% (0.2‐0.4). Infection rates were highest in subjects aged 50‐74 years [anti‐HCV 1.6% (1.3‐1.9), HCV RNA 0.4% (0.3‐0.6]. Among the 147 anti‐HCV + subjects, 38 (25.9%) had active infections while 109 (74.1%) had been cleared of infection; 44 (40.4%) had cleared after antiviral treatment, whereas 65 (59.6%) had cleared spontaneously. Overall, 59.8% of the anti‐HCV + participants were aware of their serological status. Considering a cost of treatment of €7000/patient, implementing screening programmes is cost‐effective across all age cohorts, particularly in patients aged 50‐54 (negative incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio which indicates a cost‐saving strategy). The current HCV burden is lower than previously estimated, with approximately 25% of anti‐HCV + individuals having an active infection. A strategy of screening and treatment at current treatment prices in Spain is cost‐effective across all age cohorts.