bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis-associated Thyroid Swelling among Adolescents Presenting with Benign Goiter in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Shan Saira , Aslam Shumaila , Elahi Shan , Rizvi Nayab Batool , Saleem Nazish
Published: November 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to determine frequency of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), by determination of serum TPO-Ab titer in goitrous adolescents attending Centre for Nuclear Medicine (CENUM), Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.

Method

Serum TPO-Ab was determined in 277 local goitrous adolescents (female 194, male 83) with euthyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism. Their mean (±SD) age was 15.8 + ***2.5 years with age range 10 to 19 year. Female and male adolescents were comparable in age, goiter size and serum thyroid hormone levels.

Results

Mean TSH and percentage of TSH levels > 3.0 mIU/L was significantly higher in male adolescents. High serum TPO-Ab titer (> 20.0 IU/ml) or HT was detected in 38 (13.7%) patients. The incidence of HT in female (16.5%) was higher than male adolescents (7.2%) but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.120). Similarly goiter size (palpable or visible) or patient age (below or above 16 year) has no significant effect on HT frequency. However, compared to adolescents with TSH within normal laboratory range those with TSH level above the upper normal limit (4.0 mIU/L) had significantly more frequency of HT (10.4% versus 30.4%; p=0.001).

Conclusion

Thus this study reports 13.7% prevalence of HT-associated goiter among local adolescents presenting with benign goiter, in Lahore Pakistan.
Two polymorphic forms of the oxathiin systemic fungicide active carboxine
Authors: Frampton Christopher S. , Frampton Eleanor S. , Thomson Paul A.
Published: November 2018

Two polymorphic crystal forms of the title compound, C12H13NO2S (systematic name: 6-methyl-N-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1,4-oxathiine-5-carboxamide), were isolated from a truncated, (12 solvent), polymorph screen on pure lyophillized material. Crystals of form 1 were obtained from all solvents included in the screen with the exception of methanol. As isolated from acetonitrile the crystals are triclinic, space group P\overline{1} with Z′ = 2. Crystals of form 2, which were isolated from methanol only are monoclinic, space group I2/a with Z′ = 1. The crystal packing in both structures is dominated by the formation of infinite –NH...O hydrogen-bonded chains through the carboxamide core.
Resolving polymorphs and radiation-driven effects in microcrystals using fixed-target serial synchrotron crystallography
Authors: Ebrahim Ali , Appleby Martin V. , Axford Danny , Beale John , Moreno-Chicano Tadeo , Sherrell Darren A. , Strange Richard W. , Hough Michael A. , Owen Robin L.
Published: November 2018

The ability to determine high-quality, artefact-free structures is a challenge in micro-crystallography, and the rapid onset of radiation damage and requirement for a high-brilliance X-ray beam mean that a multi-crystal approach is essential. However, the combination of crystal-to-crystal variation and X-ray-induced changes can make the formation of a final complete data set challenging; this is particularly true in the case of metalloproteins, where X-ray-induced changes occur rapidly and at the active site. An approach is described that allows the resolution, separation and structure determination of crystal polymorphs, and the tracking of radiation damage in microcrystals. Within the microcrystal population of copper nitrite reductase, two polymorphs with different unit-cell sizes were successfully separated to determine two independent structures, and an X-ray-driven change between these polymorphs was followed. This was achieved through the determination of multiple serial structures from microcrystals using a high-throughput high-speed fixed-target approach coupled with robust data processing.
ICT-based innovation and its competitive outcome: the role of information intensity
Authors: Neirotti Paolo , Pesce Danilo
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Prior research highlights the vital role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for innovation in response to environmental conditions. However, there is a lack of studies that analyse the determinants of ICT investments on the innovation activities of firms in relation with their impacts on the industrial and competitive dynamics using large data sets. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors investigate the effects of ICT investments on the industrial and competitive dynamics for a large and representative panel data set. All the industries are included, and lagged effects of ICT investments are studied. The model is tested on a seven-year panel (2008–2014) of 231 Italian industries using two-stage least squares instrumental-variables estimators with industry time and fixed effects.

Findings

The results indicate that munificent industries and higher ICT spending are interrelated facts, showing that in sectors with more growth opportunities firms invest more in ICT and this leads to higher industry concentration, greater profit dispersion and higher competitive turbulence in the sector. Also, the paper shows that SMEs can rarely take advantage of their ICT-based innovation to start high-growth phenomena.

Practical implications

The results suggest that ICT-based innovation may create competitive advantages that are hard to sustain over the long-term raising important implications for managers involved in ICT-enabled innovations and policy-makers involved in building programs to foster innovation.

Originality/value

Against the backdrop of today’s digital transformation, the paper enriches our understanding on the disruptive effects exerted by the digitalization of the innovation process and provides a base to continue the investigation of industrial changes and competitive dynamics.
Global identity, perceptions of luxury value and consumer purchase intention: a cross-cultural examination
Authors: Yang Jie , Ma Jieqiong , Arnold Mark , Nuttavuthisit Krittinee
Published: November 2018

Purpose

In today’s highly globalized marketplace, it is increasingly important to understand why some consumers prefer luxury goods. This study aims to further explore the relationship between consumers’ global identity, their perceived functional, individual and social value of luxury and their intentions to purchase luxury.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples from two substantially different cultures, the USA and China, were used to explore the proposed relationships in an intercultural context. Established scales were adapted to measure each of the constructs of interest. The final sample includes 295 US and 247 Chinese participants.

Findings

By using samples from the USA and China, this study finds that global identity is positively related to purchase intention of luxury products, mediated by perceived functional, individual and social value of luxury.

Originality/value

Drawing insights from self-verification theory, this research provides a three-path framework to expand the knowledge of consumers’ motivation to purchase luxury.
Evidence of leverage effects and volatility spillover among exchange rates of selected emerging and growth leading economies
Authors: Panda Ajaya Kumar , Nanda Swagatika , Singh Vipul Kumar , Kumar Satish
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the evidences of leverage effects on the conditional volatility of exchange rates because of asymmetric innovations and its spillover effects among the exchange rates of selected emerging and growth-leading economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis uses the sign bias test and asymmetric generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) models to capture the leverage effects on conditional volatility of exchange rates and also uses multivariate GARCH (MGARCH) model to address volatility spillovers among the studied exchange rates.

Findings

The study finds substantial impact of asymmetric innovations (news) on the conditional volatility of exchange rates, where Russian Ruble is showing significant leverage effect followed by Indian Rupee. The exchange rates depict significant mean spillover effects, where Rupee, Peso and Ruble are strongly connected; Real, Rupiah and Lira are moderately connected; and Yuan is the least connected exchange rate within the sample. The study also finds the assimilation of information in foreign exchanges and increased spillover effects in the post 2008 periods.

Practical implications

The results probably have the implications for international investment and asset management. Portfolio managers could use this research to optimize their international portfolio. Policymakers such as central banks may find the study useful to monitor and design interventions strategies in foreign exchange markets keeping an eye on the nature of movements among these exchange rates.

Originality/value

This is one of the few empirical research studies that aim to explore the leverage effects on exchange rates and their volatility spillovers among seven emerging and growth-leading economies using advanced econometric methodologies.
Publishing speed and acceptance rates of open access megajournals
Authors: Björk Bo-Christer
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at two particular aspects of open access megajournals, a new type of scholarly journals. Such journals only review for scientific soundness and leave the judgment of scientific impact to the readers. The two leading journals currently each publish more than 20,000 articles per year. The publishing speed of such journals and acceptance rates of such journals are the topics of the study.

Design/methodology/approach

Submission, acceptance and publication dates for a sample of articles in 12 megajournals were manually extracted from the articles. Information about acceptance rates was obtained using web searches of journal home pages, editorials, blogs, etc.

Findings

The time from submission to publication varies a lot, with engineering megajournals publishing much more rapidly. But on average it takes almost half a year to get published, particularly in the high-volume biomedical journals. As some of the journals have grown in publication volume, the average review time has increased by almost two months. Acceptance rates have slightly decreased over the past five years, and are now in the range of 50–55 percent.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical study of how long it takes to get published in megajournals and it highlights a clear increase of around two months in publishing. Currently, the review process in the biomedical megajournals takes as long as in regular more selective journals in the same fields. Possible explanations could be increasing difficulties in finding willing and motivated reviewers and in a higher share of submissions from developing countries.
Money as a social relation beyond the state: a contribution to the institutionalist approach based on the Argentinian trueque
Authors: Saiag Hadrien
Published: November 2018

This paper provides a contribution to the institutionalist approach to money through ethnographic research carried out in two local currency systems in Argentina (known as trueque). It argues that Argentinian local currencies must be considered as monies in their own right even if they differ from state and bank issued currencies, because they can be understood as systems of evaluation and settlement of debts denominated in a specific unit of account (the crédito). Money is said to be an ambivalent social relation because in the two cases studied it mediates very different dynamics, exacerbating inequality in one context and promoting collective emancipation in another. This difference is due to the kind of political communities that the crédito tends to forge. In both Rosario and Poriajhu, the political community is defined by a set of values that legitimizes ongoing monetary practices and institutions rather than the State’s coercion.
Why don't employees use family‐friendly work practices?
Authors: Moore Toni S
Published: November 2018

Despite the growing availability of family‐friendly work practices (FFWPs), employees are sometimes reluctant to use them. One factor reportedly contributing to this is a work culture that discourages people accessing their entitlements. The purpose of the study in this paper was to explore the efficacy of McDonalds’ model that accounts for the gap between the availability and usage of FFWPs. The five dimensions of this model are managerial support, career consequences, organisational time expectations, the gendered nature of policy utilisation, and co‐worker support. The study in this paper was based on interviews with employees at four large Australian organisations. The findings indicated that family‐friendly work culture (FFWC) played a significant role in employees’ reluctance to take up their entitlements. Each of the five cultural dimensions was found to impact employee decisions. An extended framework of nine dimensions of FFWC accounting for the utilisation gap has been created.
Rebound pain following peripheral nerve block anaesthesia in acute ankle fracture surgery: An exploratory pilot study
Authors: Sort Rune , Brorson Stig , Gögenur Ismail , Nielsen Jesper K. , Møller Ann M.
Published: November 2018

Background

Peripheral nerve blocks (PNB) are increasingly used for anaesthesia and postoperative pain control in acute orthopaedic limb surgery but rebound pain upon cessation of PNBs may challenge the benefits on the pain profile. We aimed to explore the pain profile following acute ankle fracture surgery under PNB anaesthesia and investigate if rebound pain could pose a clinical problem.

Methods

Exploratory, observational study of adults scheduled for acute primary internal fixation of an ankle fracture under ultrasound‐guided popliteal sciatic and saphenous ropivacaine block anaesthesia. Postoperatively, patients regularly registered pain scores while receiving a fixed analgesics regimen and patient controlled morphine on‐demand. We analysed morphine consumption and depicted the detailed pain profiles as graphs allowing for visual analysis of pain courses, including rebound pain. Secondly, we compared the area under the curve and peak pain between relevant age‐subgroups.

Results

We included 21 patients aged 20‐83. Depicted pain profiles reveal that PNB supplied effective and long lasting postoperative pain control, but cessation of the PNB led to intense rises in pain scores with six out of nine 20‐60‐year‐olds reaching severe pain levels. The rebound was less pronounced in patients >60 years old, but nearly all reached moderate pain levels. Morphine consumption rates were high during the rebound.

Conclusions

This study thoroughly analyses the post‐PNB pain profile and suggests rebound pain is a clinically relevant and problematic issue with the potential to outweigh the PNB benefits, especially for younger patients. The conclusions are tentative, and a randomised study is pending.
Supervised exercise training with multimodal pre‐habilitation leads to earlier functional recovery following colorectal cancer resection
Authors: Awasthi Rashami , Minnella Enrico M. , Ferreira Vanessa , Ramanakumar Agnihotram V. , Scheede‐Bergdahl Celena , Carli Francesco
Published: November 2018

Background

Exercise training is a component of the pre‐habilitation program. While in one previous study the training was home‐based, in a subsequent investigation it was supervised in hospital. The hypothesis of this secondary analysis of the two studies was to determine whether supervised exercise further accelerates the return to baseline walking ability.

Methods

Data from two consecutive randomized control trials (RCT) comparing pre‐habilitation to the rehabilitation of cancer patients scheduled for colorectal surgery were pooled for analysis. The interventions were similar and included home‐based exercise training, nutritional counseling and protein supplementation, and relaxation techniques administered either before surgery (pre‐habilitation) or after surgery (rehabilitation). Patients in the second RCT received additional supervised exercise sessions. Functional capacity was assessed with the 6‐minute walk test (6 MWT) at baseline, before surgery, and at 4 and 8 weeks after surgery. Adjusted logistic regression was used to determine the improvement of the 6‐minute walk distance (6MWD).

Results

Baseline mean 6MWD of 63 patients in the supervised group was 465.1 m (SD, 115), and that of 77 patients in the nonsupervised group was 407.8 m (SD, 109) (P < 0.01). Perioperative supervised exercise training enhanced further functional capacity and muscle strength when compared with the nonsupervised group (P < 0.01). Those receiving exercise supervision had over two times higher chances to return to baseline after surgery. Supervised pre‐habilitation was the best combination (4 weeks OR = 7.71, and at 8 weeks OR = 8.62).

Conclusion

Supervised exercise training leads to meaningful changes in functional capacity thus accelerating the postoperative return to baseline activities.
Whistleblowers Need Not Apply
Authors: Eisenstadt Leora F. , Pacella Jennifer M.
Published: November 2018

Whistleblowers are severely disadvantaged when they apply for jobs. Many whistleblowers experience retaliation twofold—first, at their place of employment after they initially blow the whistle, and, second, on the job market for any subsequent employment. This negative trail follows whistleblowers, labeling them as disloyal, suspicious, and, ultimately, not ideal employees, and, thus, unable to find work. Current federal law largely ignores this problem, and protections for job applicants with whistleblowing histories have been severely lacking in some of the most prominent whistleblowing statutes. This article is the first to examine this glaring lack of legal protection as it pertains specifically to whistleblower job applicants by undertaking a comparative analysis of the retaliation protections available in a number of federal statutes and suggesting statutory reform based on that analysis. Specifically, this article draws comparisons between civil rights statutes, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which each provide expansive protections for job applicants, and the most prominent current federal whistleblowing statutes, the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act, the Dodd‐Frank Act, and the False Claims Act, which lack these protections. We conclude by recommending amendments to these federal whistleblowing statutes, arguing for specific retaliation protections and redress for whistleblowers who are denied a chance to work again because of their past revelations.
Use of acronyms in anaesthetic and associated investigations: appropriate or unnecessary? – the UOAIAAAIAOU Study
Authors: Weale J. , Soysa R. , Yentis S. M.
Published: November 2018

We examined the prevalence of novel acronyms in the titles of anaesthetic and related studies and the response of anaesthetists to them. We separately analysed trainee‐led research projects in the UK supported by the Research and Audit Federation of Trainees (RAFT), and a 10‐year cohort of papers identified using the PubMed literature search tool. We also conducted a survey of 20 anaesthetists within our institution regarding the utility and impact of titles containing acronyms, and their recall of the associated topics. Finally, we developed a scoring system for acronym accuracy and complexity, the ORigin of AcroNym letterinG Used Term AppropriateNess (ORANGUTAN) score, and measured the progression of acronym usage over the 10‐year period studied. Our results show that while acronyms themselves are sometimes considered memorable, they do not aid recall of topics and are, in general, not considered helpful. There has been an increase in the prevalence of acronymic titles over 10 years, and in the complexity of acronyms used, suggesting that there is currently a selective pressure favouring the use of acronyms even if they are of limited benefit.
Elevated fetal haemoglobin levels are associated with decreased incidence of retinopathy in adults with sickle cell disease
Authors: Mian Umar K. , Tang Joyce , Allende Ana P. M. , Heo Moonseong , Bernstein Nicole , Vattappally Leena , Schoenfeld Daniel , Minniti Caterina P.
Published: November 2018

Among the many vascular complications of sickle cell disease (SCD), retinopathy is the most prevalent and represents a leading cause of blindness. Hydroxycarbamide therapy ameliorates many symptoms of SCD, and high fetal haemoglobin (HbF) levels have been shown to protect against the development of retinopathy in children with HbSS. Its effect on adults with SCD, who are at a much higher risk of developing retinopathy, has not been studied. We aimed to investigate the effect of hydroxycarbamide use and HbF level on sickle cell retinopathy development in adults. We performed a retrospective cross‐sectional study and collected demographics, comorbidities, and ocular and haematological data from 300 adult sickle cell subjects examined at the Henkind Eye Institute at Montefiore Medical Center during a 5‐year period, from October 2012 to November 2017. The cohort was comprised mainly of Black and Hispanic subjects with all SCD genotypes, aged 18–71 years. Results show that in HbSS patients treated with hydroxycarbamide, those with retinopathy had significantly lower HbF levels compared to patients without retinopathy (P = 0·018). Our study identified the optimal HbF cut‐off point for retinopathy protection to be 14·87%. Thus, a HbF level of 15% appears to be the threshold above which the odds for developing retinopathy in SS patients are reduced by 50%.
Prognostic impact of trisomy 21 in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Mitsui Takeki , Yokohama Akihiko , Koiso Hiromi , Saito Akio , Toyama Kohtaro , Shimizu Hiroaki , Ishizaki Takuma , Irisawa Hiroyuki , Takizawa Makiko , Saitoh Takayuki , Murayama Kayoko , Matsumoto Morio , Handa Hiroshi , Hirato Junko , Kojima Masaru , Murakami Hirokazu , Tsukamoto Norifumi
Published: November 2018

The chromosomal abnormalities associated with follicular lymphoma (FL) prognosis are not fully elucidated. Here, we evaluated the pattern of chromosomal abnormalities in FL, and clarified the correlations between the cytogenetic features and clinical outcome. Cytogenetic analysis was performed using standard methods of Giemsa‐banding at diagnosis for 201 FL patients admitted to our hospitals between 2001 and 2013. The identified chromosomal abnormalities were: t(14;18)(q32;q21) (59·2%), +X (17·9%), del(6)(q)/‐6 (16·9%), +7 (14·4%), abnormality of 1q12‐21/1q (12·9%), del(13)(q)/‐13 (11·9%), abnormality of 3q27 (10·4%), abnormality of 10q22‐24 (10·0%), +12/dup(12)(q) (10·0%), abnormality of 1p21‐22/1p (9·0%), +18 (9·0%), del(17)(p)/‐17 (5·0%), and a complex karyotype (54·7%). Patients with trisomy 21 had a significantly shorter progression‐free survival (P = 0·00171) and overall survival (OS) (P < 0·001) than those without trisomy 21; additionally, patients with trisomy 21 in the rituximab‐treated cohort also had a significantly shorter OS (P = 0·000428). Multivariate analysis identified trisomy 21 as an independent risk factor in our cohorts with or without t(14;18) (P = 0·015). In conclusion, the presence of trisomy 21 was an independent risk factor for in FL. Chromosomal analysis of FL patients at diagnosis can provide useful information about their expected survival.
Normal fault growth influenced by basement fabrics: The importance of preferential nucleation from pre‐existing structures
Authors: Collanega Luca , Siuda Katherine , A.‐L. Jackson Christopher , Bell Rebecca E. , Coleman Alexander J. , Lenhart Antje , Magee Craig , Breda Anna
Published: November 2018

Reactivation of pre‐existing intra‐basement structures can influence the evolution of rift basins, yet the detailed kinematic relationship between these structures and overlying rift‐related faults remains poorly understood. Understanding the kinematic as well as geometric relationship between intra‐basement structures and rift‐related fault networks is important, with the extension direction in many rifted provinces typically thought to lie normal to fault strike. We here investigate this problem using a borehole‐constrained, 3D seismic reflection dataset from the Taranaki Basin, offshore New Zealand. Excellent imaging of intra‐basement structures and a relatively weakly deformed, stratigraphically simple sedimentary cover allow us to: (a) identify a range of interaction styles between intra‐basement structures and overlying, Plio‐Pleistocene rift‐related normal faults; and (b) examine the cover fault kinematics associated with each interaction style. Some of the normal faults parallel and are physically connected to intra‐basement reflections, which are interpreted as mylonitic reverse faults formed during Mesozoic subduction and basement terrane accretion. These geometric relationships indicate pre‐existing intra‐basement structures locally controlled the position and attitude of Plio‐Pleistocene rift‐related normal faults. However, through detailed 3D kinematic analysis of selected normal faults, we show that: (a) normal faults only nucleated above intra‐basement structures that experienced late Miocene compressional reactivation, (b) despite playing an important role during subsequent rifting, intra‐basement structures have not been significantly extensionally reactivated, and (c) preferential nucleation and propagation of normal faults within late Miocene reverse faults and folds appears to be the key genetic relationship between contractionally reactivated intra‐basement structures and rift‐related normal faults. Our analysis shows that km‐scale, intra‐basement structures can control the nucleation and development of newly formed, rift‐related normal faults, most likely due to a local perturbation of the regional stress field. Because of this, simply inverting fault strike for causal extension direction may be incorrect, especially in provinces where pre‐existing, intra‐basement structures occur. We also show that a detailed kinematic analysis is key to deciphering the temporal as well as simply the spatial or geometric relationship between structures developed at multiple structural levels.
Monocytes show immunoregulatory capacity on CD4+ T cells in a humanin-vitromodel of extracorporeal photopheresis
Authors: Wiese F , Reinhardt-Heller K , Volz M , Gille C , Köstlin N , Billing H , Handgretinger R , Holzer U
Published: November 2018

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is a widely used immunomodulatory therapy for the treatment of various T cell-mediated disorders such as cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) or systemic sclerosis. Although clinical benefits of ECP are already well described, the underlying mechanism of action of ECP is not yet fully understood. Knowledge on the fate of CD14+ monocytes in the context of ECP is particularly limited and controversial. Here, we investigated the immunoregulatory function of ECP treated monocytes on T cells in an in-vitro ECP model. We show that ECP-treated monocytes significantly induce proinflammatory T cell types in co-cultured T cells, while anti-inflammatory T cells remain unaffected. Furthermore, we found significantly reduced proliferation rates of T cells after co-culture with ECP-treated monocytes. Both changes in interleukin secretion and proliferation were dependent on cell-contact between monocytes and T cells. Interestingly, blocking interactions of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) to programmed death 1 (PD-1) in the in-vitro model led to a significant recovery of T cell proliferation. These results set the base for further studies on the mechanism of ECP, especially the regulatory role of ECP-treated monocytes.
Dear CEO: Culture Transformation is the Solution, not Training
Authors: Davis Shirley
Published: November 2018

So you had an “unfortunate incident” in the workplace, and management dutifully brought in the trainers and made sure everyone attended the workshop. The question is: What happens after everyone goes back to work?

A few hours of training? A one‐hour focus group? If only it were that simple.
The Incognito Ethnographer: Navigating the Art of “Passing” in Design Research
Authors: Timlin‐Broussard Lydia
Published: November 2018

A look at what it takes to be “invisible” as an ethnographer working with research subjects.

Must we put ourselves aside in order to observe others? Sometimes.
Effect of methacrylated chitosan incorporated in experimental composite and adhesive on mechanical properties and biofilm formation
Authors: Stenhagen Ida S. R. , Rukke Håkon V. , Dragland Inger S. , Kopperud Hilde M.
Published: November 2018

The lifespan of a resin‐based restoration is limited, with the main reason for failure being secondary caries. Biofilm formation at the tooth–material interface is a necessary etiological agent for caries development. Dental materials with antimicrobial properties may reduce formation of biofilm and thus increase the longevity of restorations. This study aimed to investigate the effect of methacrylated chitosan (CH‐MA), incorporated into the polymeric network of an experimental dental composite and adhesive, on biofilm growth of Streptococcus mutans and to assess the mechanical properties of the modified materials. The methacrylation of low‐molecular‐weight chitosan was achieved and biofilm studies confirmed the antibacterial effect of the modified polymer in solution. Methacrylated chitosan was incorporated into an experimental composite and adhesive, and the modified materials reduced the formation of S. mutans biofilm. The incorporation of CH‐MA did not alter the bond strength of the adhesives. However, the amount of CH‐MA in composite that is required to elicit an antibacterial response challenges the mechanical properties of the material. The hardness and flexural strength of the composite decreased with increasing amounts of CH‐MA. However, flexural strength values still met the requirement in the ISO standard.
The Unity We Have Not Found: The Ontology of Relation in Koinonia
Authors: Ahola Miika
Published: November 2018

The search for the unity of the church is foundational to the World Council of Churches. This vocation has led the council to form unity statements that describe the motivation, requirements, and goals of unity. Subsequently, many models of unity have been created to meet these requirements. Koinonia ecclesiology provides the possibility to overcome the problems that have hindered these models of unity from becoming a reality. The relational ontology of koinonia has much to offer the churches in their search for visible communion. At its best, koinonia could bring together different facets of the council's work: the doctrinal, the ethical, the diaconal, the liturgical, the structural, and the contextual.
An Instrument of the Ecumenical Movement: The Joint Working Group between the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches
Authors: Mayer Annemarie C.
Published: November 2018

For 53 years of its 70‐year existence, the World Council of Churches (WCC) has had a Joint Working Group (JWG) with the Roman Catholic Church. This article offers a brief overview of various dates, facts, and figures about the JWG before turning to the beginnings of the JWG, explaining how it came about and some crucial turning points and shifts during its history of more than half a century. It focuses on some theological highlights of the work of the JWG and outlines its current work in progress. An issue that arises logically from the existence of the JWG is that of Roman Catholic membership in the WCC. This will be dealt with by examining the steps taken by the JWG to address this question. The article concludes by reflecting on some of the achievements and challenges, underlining what the JWG is and what it is not.
A roadmap for urban evolutionary ecology
Authors: Rivkin L. Ruth , Santangelo James S. , Alberti Marina , Aronson Myla F. J. , de Keyzer Charlotte W. , Diamond Sarah E. , Fortin Marie‐Josée , Frazee Lauren J. , Gorton Amanda J. , Hendry Andrew P. , Liu Yang , Losos Jonathan B. , MacIvor J. Scott , Martin Ryan A. , McDonnell Mark J. , Miles Lindsay S. , Munshi‐South Jason , Ness Robert W. , Newman Amy E. M. , Stothart Mason R. , Theodorou Panagiotis , Thompson Ken A. , Verrelli Brian C. , Whitehead Andrew , Winchell Kristin M. , Johnson Marc T. J.
Published: November 2018

Urban ecosystems are rapidly expanding throughout the world, but how urban growth affects the evolutionary ecology of species living in urban areas remains largely unknown. Urban ecology has advanced our understanding of how the development of cities and towns change environmental conditions and alter ecological processes and patterns. However, despite decades of research in urban ecology, the extent to which urbanization influences evolutionary and eco‐evolutionary change has received little attention. The nascent field of urban evolutionary ecology seeks to understand how urbanization affects the evolution of populations, and how those evolutionary changes in turn influence the ecological dynamics of populations, communities, and ecosystems. Following a brief history of this emerging field, this Perspective article provides a research agenda and roadmap for future research aimed at advancing our understanding of the interplay between ecology and evolution of urban‐dwelling organisms. We identify six key questions that, if addressed, would significantly increase our understanding of how urbanization influences evolutionary processes. These questions consider how urbanization affects nonadaptive evolution, natural selection, and convergent evolution, in addition to the role of urban environmental heterogeneity on species evolution, and the roles of phenotypic plasticity versus adaptation on species’ abundance in cities. Our final question examines the impact of urbanization on evolutionary diversification. For each of these six questions, we suggest avenues for future research that will help advance the field of urban evolutionary ecology. Lastly, we highlight the importance of integrating urban evolutionary ecology into urban planning, conservation practice, pest management, and public engagement.
A novel role of angiotensin II in epidermal cell lineage determination: Angiotensin II promotes the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into keratinocytes through the p38 MAPK, JNK and JAK2 signalling pathways
Authors: Jiang Xiao , Wu Fan , Xu Yuan , Yan Jian‐Xin , Wu Yin‐Di , Li Sheng‐Hong , Liao Xuan , Liang Jun‐Xian , Li Ze‐Hua , Liu Hong‐Wei
Published: November 2018

Background

Recent evidence suggests that angiotensin II (Ang II) plays a role in cutaneous wound healing. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known as a rich source of cells that re‐establish healed skin. However, the potential impact of Ang II on MSC differentiation into keratinocytes is still unknown.

Objective

The present study was conducted to explore the effect of Ang II on the differentiation of bone marrow‐derived MSCs (BM‐MSCs) into keratinocytes.

Methods

Bone marrow‐derived MSCs were isolated from rat bone marrow and cultured. The expression of Ang II type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) receptors was examined by immunofluorescence staining. The differentiation of BM‐MSCs into keratinocytes was investigated by flow cytometry or/and histological observation.

Results

The BM‐MSCs constitutively expressed both AT1 and AT2 receptors. The differentiation of BM‐MSCs into keratinocytes was successfully induced. Interestingly, incubation of BM‐MSCs with Ang II further promoted the differentiation of BM‐MSCs into keratinocyte, which was abolished by pretreament with losartan, an AT1 receptor antagonist, but not by PD123319, an AT2 receptor antagonist. Moreover, the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor SB203580, the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125 and the Janus‐activated kinase (JAK)2 inhibitor AG490 suppressed Ang II‐induced differentiation of BM‐MSCs into keratinocytes. The phosphoinositide‐3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor wortmannin and MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 had no effect on BM‐MSC differentiation into keratinocytes.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrated for the first time that Ang II plays a promotive role in the differentiation of BM‐MSC into keratinocytes through the AT1 receptor, and that the p38 MAPK, JNK and JAK2 signalling pathways are involved in this process.
The absence of Rab27a accelerates the degradation of Melanophilin
Authors: Park Jong il , Lee Ji Eun , Myung Cheol hwan , Jo Chan song , Jang Hye Sung , Hwang Jae Sung
Published: November 2018

Melanophilin (Mlph) forms an interaction with Rab27a and the actin‐based motor protein MyosinVa (MyoVa) on mature melanosome membranes and the tripartite complex regulates melanosome transport in melanocytes. In this study, we found that Rab27a siRNA decreased Mlph and Rab27a protein levels, but Mlph mRNA levels were not changed. Other Rab27a siRNA sequences also showed the same results. When Rab27a siRNA was treated with melan‐a melanocytes, Rab27a protein was decreased within 6 hours and Mlph protein was decreased within 24 hours. To determine whether the absence of Rab27a promotes Mlph degradation, we inhibited protein degradation by treatment with proteasome (MG132) and lysosomal enzyme (E64D and Pepstatin A) inhibitors in melan‐a melanocytes. MG132 inhibited the degradation of Mlph, but E64D and Pepstatin A had no effect on Mlph. The absence of Rab27a enhanced ubiquitination of Mlph and induced proteasomal degradation. From these results, we concluded that Mlph interaction with Rab27a is important for Mlph stability and melanosome transport.
Carbon sequestration in riparian forests: A global synthesis and meta‐analysis
Authors: Dybala Kristen E. , Matzek Virginia , Gardali Thomas , Seavy Nathaniel E.
Published: November 2018

Restoration of deforested and degraded landscapes is a globally recognized strategy to sequester carbon, improve ecological integrity, conserve biodiversity, and provide additional benefits to human health and well‐being. Investment in riparian forest restoration has received relatively little attention, in part due to their relatively small spatial extent. Yet, riparian forest restoration may be a particularly valuable strategy because riparian forests have the potential for rapid carbon sequestration, are hotspots of biodiversity, and provide numerous valuable ecosystem services. To inform this strategy, we conducted a global synthesis and meta‐analysis to identify general patterns of carbon stock accumulation in riparian forests. We compiled riparian biomass and soil carbon stock data from 117 publications, reports, and unpublished data sets. We then modeled the change in carbon stock as a function of vegetation age, considering effects of climate and whether or not the riparian forest had been actively planted. On average, our models predicted that the establishment of riparian forest will more than triple the baseline, unforested soil carbon stock, and that riparian forests hold on average 68–158 Mg C/ha in biomass at maturity, with the highest values in relatively warm and wet climates. We also found that actively planting riparian forest substantially jump‐starts the biomass carbon accumulation, with initial growth rates more than double those of naturally regenerating riparian forest. Our results demonstrate that carbon sequestration should be considered a strong co‐benefit of riparian restoration, and that increasing the pace and scale of riparian forest restoration may be a valuable investment providing both immediate carbon sequestration value and long‐term ecosystem service returns.
Acute kidney injury in HIV‐infected patients: a critical review
Authors: Gameiro J , Agapito Fonseca J , Jorge S , Lopes JA
Published: November 2018

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by a rapid decline of renal function associated with worse outcomes. The purpose of the authors is to perform a critical review of the incidence, risk factors, pathogenesis and outcome of AKI in HIV‐infected patients. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients have an increased risk of developing AKI, to which contribute both HIV‐dependent and HIV‐independent factors as well as the nephrotoxicity of drugs used. The increased risk of AKI in HIV‐infected patients and its negative impact on prognosis highlights the need for identification of patients at risk, creation of prevention strategies and management.

HIV‐infected patients have an increased risk of developing AKI, to which both HIV‐dependent and HIV‐independent factors contribute, as well as the nephrotoxicity of drugs used.

The increased risk of AKI in HIV‐infected patients and its negative impact on prognosis highlight the need for identification of patients at risk, creation of prevention strategies and management.
Effects of preparation with the Self‐Adjusting File, TRUShape and XP‐endo Shaper systems, and a supplementary step with XP‐endo Finisher R on filling material removal during retreatment of mandibular molar canals
Authors: Machado A. G. , Guilherme B. P. S. , Provenzano J. C. , Marceliano‐Alves M. F. , Gonçalves L. S. , Siqueira J. F. , Neves M. A. S.
Published: November 2018

Aim

To compare the effects of three instrumentation systems, and a supplementary approach with a finishing instrument, on filling material removal during retreatment of mandibular molar canals.

Methods

Sixty mesial canals from mandibular molars (Vertucci's type IV anatomy) were instrumented, filled and subjected to retreatment. After initial removal of the root canal filling material using the D‐RaCe system, the canals were randomly distributed into three groups (n = 20) according to the instrument system used for preparation: the Self‐Adjusting File (SAF), TRUShape or XP‐endo Shaper. The filling material volume in the apical 5 mm of the canals was assessed by means of micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) before and after retreatment. All specimens with residual filling material were subjected to a supplementary approach with the XP‐endo Finisher R instrument and another micro‐CT scan was taken. Data on the volumes of filling material and incidence of total removal were compared between groups by the general linear model for paired data and the Fisher's exact test. The effects of the refinement step were evaluated by the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test.

Results

The amount of removed material was 92.4%, 96.9% and 96.9% for the SAF, TRUShape and XP‐endo Shaper, respectively. There were no significant differences between them (P > 0.05). Canals were completely cleaned of filling material in 70% of the specimens for XP‐endo Shaper, 55% for SAF and 30% for TRUShape; the difference between XP‐endo Shaper and TRUShape was significant (P = 0.03). The supplementary step with the XP‐endo Finisher R instrument was associated with additional filling material removal of 38% (P < 0.001). Six more canals were rendered free of filling material after using this finishing instrument.

Conclusions

The tested systems were equally effective in removing the mass of filling material from the apical 5 mm of molar canals. The supplementary step with the XP‐endo Finisher R instrument enhanced filling material removal.
Comment on: teaching and learning tips 7: small‐group discussion
Authors: Kaliyadan Feroze
Published: November 2018

See the reply by Burgin et al
Atherosclerosis as a predictor of transient exacerbation of overactive bladder symptoms after robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Koguchi Tomoyuki , Haga Nobuhiro , Matsuoka Kanako , Yabe Michihiro , Hoshi Seiji , Ogawa Soichiro , Kataoka Masao , Akaihata Hidenori , Sato Yuichi , Hata Junya , Ishibashi Kei , Kojima Yoshiyuki
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To assess whether atherosclerosis is involved in the development of overactive bladder and the function of lower urinary tract after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy.

Methods

The present cohort consisted of 80 consecutive participants. The preoperative cardio‐ankle vascular index was used to evaluate the presence of atherosclerosis. The present cohort was split into two groups, the atherosclerotic group, whose cardio‐ankle vascular index was ≥9.0, and the control group, whose index was <9.0. The overactive bladder symptom score and lower urinary tract function were compared for 12 months after surgery.

Results

The total score of the questionnaire was significantly higher at 6 and 9 months after surgery in the atherosclerosis group (P = 0.04, P = 0.03, respectively). Both the urgency and urgency incontinence subscores of the questionnaire showed a parallel tendency to that of the total score after surgery. At 3 months after surgery, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of de novo overactive bladder in the atherosclerosis group (P = 0.04). At 9 and 12 months after surgery, there was a significant decrease of voided volume in the atherosclerotic group (P < 0.01, P = 0.04, respectively).

Conclusions

Atherosclerosis delays the improvement in both overactive bladder symptoms and storage function postoperatively, and it is involved in the transient increase in the prevalence of de novo overactive bladder. Atherosclerosis might be a predictor of the development of overactive bladder after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy.
Frailty is associated with reduced prospect of discharge home after in‐hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Smith Roger J. , Reid David A. , Santamaria John D.
Published: November 2018

Background

Frailty is common among acute hospital patients and might adversely affect recovery from inpatient cardiac arrest.

Aim

To assess the relationship between hospital admission characteristics, including frailty, and discharge outcome after in‐hospital cardiac arrest.

Methods

Prospectively collected data were retrospectively analysed for all separations from a tertiary hospital during 2008–2017 that involved rapid response team attendance for cardiac arrest. Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) and Charlson index of comorbidity were calculated from ‘primary’ and ‘associated’ International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, Australian Modification diagnoses. HFRS ≥5 was taken to signify frailty. Discharge home from hospital and death in hospital were modelled using logistic regression.

Results

There were 388 in‐hospital arrest patients: 91% were aged ≥50 years, 34% were previously discharged in the past 6 months, 66% were unplanned admissions, 63% were non‐cardiology‐cardiothoracic admissions, 45% had a Charlson comorbidity index ≥2 and 19% were identified as frail. Discharge home occurred in 22%, discharge to another hospital 17% and death 62%. Of the frail patients, only 3 (4%) were discharged home, 12 (17%) were discharged to another hospital and 57 (79%) died in hospital. Fewer frail patients were discharged home compared with non‐frail patients (4 vs 26%; odds ratio (OR) 0.13, P = 0.001). On multivariable analysis, patients were less likely to be discharged home if they had frailty (OR 0.24, P = 0.02), age ≥ 50 years (OR 0.36, P = 0.01), non‐cardiology‐cardiothoracic unit admission (OR 0.40, P = 0.001) and unplanned admission (OR 0.57, P = 0.04). Frail patients discharged to another hospital spent a median of 15 days (interquartile range 11–23) in the hospital post‐arrest before leaving to continue inpatient care elsewhere. Frailty was associated with death in hospital on univariate analysis (79 vs 58%; OR 2.80, P = 0.001) but not after controlling for other factors.

Conclusion

Frail patients are unlikely to make a good recovery after in‐hospital arrest. This should be taken into account when planning care with patients and their families.