bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motivations for sharing marketer-generated content on social media: a comparison between American and Korean college students
Authors: Lee Mira , Lee Jieun , Quilliam Elizabeth
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study examined both American and Korean consumers’ motivation to share marketer-generated content (MGC) on Facebook and how these motives are related to the frequency of various types of sharing activities and the frequency of sharing various types of MGC.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted in the US and Korea.

Findings

The findings demonstrated that both American and Korean consumers share MGC for several reasons: liking/helping the brand, self-presentation/social interaction, economic rewards, and entertainment. In addition to these four motivations, Korean consumers also share MGC with others to offer information that may be of use to them. These different types of motivations were associated with the frequency of sharing MGC directly from Facebook brand pages, of re-sharing what Facebook friends shared first, of adding comments when sharing, and of sharing different types of MGC differently. We found similarities and differences in the patterns of these relationships between the US and Korea.

Originality/value

Although many studies on electronic word of mouth (eWOM) have examined consumers’ motivations for providing consumer-generated content, research on consumer motivations to forward marketer-generated content is scarce. Additionally, earlier work examined the influences of motivation on sharing in general and on a certain type of MGC. Our findings that focused on various types of motivations to share MGC, and their influences on various types of MGC and specific types of sharing activities can provide a more complete picture than what was previously available in the eWOM literature. Further, by comparing American consumers’ motivations to share MGC on SNSs and their influences on sharing activities with those of Korean consumers, this study contributes to building a body of cross-cultural studies on consumer sharing of MGC.
Incorporating coopetition into the entrepreneurial marketing literature
Authors: Crick James M.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the entrepreneurial marketing literature to account for coopetition (the interplay between cooperation and competition). This paper is also designed to highlight the research gaps surrounding coopetition, so that academics, working at the marketing/entrepreneurship interface, can undertake more investigations linked with this topic.

Design/methodology/approach

The entrepreneurial marketing literature was reviewed to develop a conceptual framework, guided by three research propositions, examining the antecedents and consequences of coopetition, as well as the boundaries of the coopetition–organisational performance relationship.

Findings

Coopetition activities are driven by an organisation-wide coopetition-oriented mindset – the degree to which managers and employees believe in the importance of cooperating with competitors. Also, coopetition can help entrepreneurs access new resources and capabilities from their competitors; however, “too much” coopetition can lead to tensions between such rival firms. Additionally, it is proposed that the relationship between coopetition activities and organisational performance is moderated by competitive intensity (a facet of the competitive business environment). That is, with higher levels of competitive intensity, entrepreneurs are less likely to improve their performance from coopetition activities. That is, the competitive business environment can affect the delicate balance between the forces of cooperativeness and competitiveness.

Originality/value

Entrepreneurial marketing research has concentrated on individualistic perspectives concerning how entrepreneurs operate their businesses. In this viewpoint, the competitive assumptions of the marketing/entrepreneurship interface are extended to account for coopetition. This paper also outlines the areas within the coopetition literature that entrepreneurial marketing scholars should appreciate. Specifically, entrepreneurial marketing scholars are recommended to examine the antecedents and consequences of coopetition, coupled with the moderating role of competitive intensity (a facet of the competitive business environment) in the coopetition–organisational performance relationship. This paper ends with a recommended methodology for academics to test the conceptual framework in future empirical research.
Corporate social responsibility and financial analysts: a review of the literature
Authors: Hinze Anne-Kathrin , Sump Franziska
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematise the current state of research on the association between companies’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement and financial analysts’ company assessment. Additionally, it aims to identify fruitful directions for future research that contribute to a further exploration of the link between CSR and financial analysts.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviews and synthesises existing research on CSR and financial analysts. Based on the research question, “What is the relationship between CSR engagement and financial analysts’ metrics?,” the authors conduct a systematic literature review. The authors search three major databases and use an extensive search term to ensure exhaustive coverage of the field. The paper then systemises the current state of research and identifies knowledge gaps and potential directions for future research.

Findings

The review of existing research shows that several studies confirm a positive link between CSR performance and analyst coverage, suggesting that external monitoring through analysts incentivises companies to enhance their CSR engagement. Further, results indicate that a company’s involvement in “sin” industries is linked to lower analyst coverage. Besides, a higher level of CSR disclosure is positively associated with analyst forecast accuracy, thus indicating that the provision of CSR-related information is linked to an enhanced information environment. High levels of CSR performance are associated with more positive recommendations from analysts. However, recent surveys and interview studies on analysts’ perceptions of CSR fail to uniformly support an increasing interest in CSR.

Research limitations/implications

For a better understanding of the link between CSR engagement and financial analysts, two fruitful directions for future research are observed. First, future research designs should clearly differentiate between CSR disclosure and CSR performance and take account of interdependencies between them. Second, studies should address behavioural insights into how analysts process information and the influence of individual analyst characteristics on the link between CSR engagement and an analyst’s assessment of a company.

Originality/value

This study is the first to review the literature on the relationship between CSR and financial analysts. The association between CSR and financial analysts is particularly interesting given the pivotal role financial analysts play as information intermediaries in financial markets. This study delivers an in-depth understanding of existing studies and their theoretical underpinnings. Based on the existing literature, this paper develops innovative directions for future research.
How does environmental performance map into environmental disclosure?
Authors: Tadros Hani , Magnan Michel
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Focusing on a sample of firms from environmentally sensitive industries over several years, this study aims to reexamine the association between environmental disclosure and environmental performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a panel data analysis to examine how the interaction between environmental performance and economic and legitimacy factors influence firms’ environmental disclosures.

Findings

Results suggest that environmental performance moderates the effect of economic and legitimacy incentives on firms’ propensity to provide proprietary environmental disclosure, with both sets of incentives being influential. More specifically, there appears to be a reporting bias based on the firm’s environmental performance whereas the high-performers disclose more environmental information in the three following vehicles: annual report, 10-K and sustainability reports combined. Results also show that economic and legitimacy factors influence the disclosure decisions of the low and high environmental performers differently.

Practical implications

Understanding the determinants of environmental disclosure for high and low environmental performers helps regulators to close the reporting gap between these firms.

Social implications

There is little evidence to suggest that firms with low-environmental performance attempt to use their disclosures to legitimize their environmental operations.

Originality/value

The study examines environmental disclosures of 78 firms over a period of 14 years in annual, 10-K and sustainability reports. The panel data analysis controls for significant cross-sectional and period effects.
An evaluation into the limitations and emerging trends of Six Sigma: an empirical study
Authors: Antony Jiju , Sony Michael , Dempsey Mary , Brennan Attracta , Farrington Thomas , Cudney Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the limitations and emerging trends of Six Sigma through an empirical study. Six Sigma is one of the most powerful business process improvement strategies used by numerous World Class corporations for over three decades. A handful of existing publications address some limitations and potential trends of Six Sigma, yet there are no empirical studies investigating the fundamental limitations and emerging trends of Six Sigma.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed an online survey instrument based on the existing literature addressing the above. In this study, 61 Six Sigma Master Black Belts and Black Belts from large manufacturing companies and 25 academics who are familiar with the Six Sigma topic participated and contributed to the research.

Findings

The study reports the top 5 limitations and emerging trends of Six Sigma from the viewpoints of both academics and experts from large manufacturing companies. These are: integration of Six Sigma with Big Data, use of Six Sigma in small medium and micro enterprises, over emphasis of Six Sigma on variability reduction, poor implementation of Six Sigma and its negative impact on employee satisfaction and non-exploitation of integration of Six Sigma with Industry 4.0.

Practical implications

In order to sustain Six Sigma initiatives, it is imperative that limitations and fundamental gaps are understood, and strategies developed to address them. The authors argue that leading academic scholars have a vital role to play in working with industry practitioners to overcome the limitations and emerging trends addressed above.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study looking into the limitations, research gaps and emerging trends of Six Sigma.
Enhanced antitumour activity of doxorubicin and simvastatin combination loaded nanoemulsion treatment against a Swiss albino mouse model of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma
Authors: Alkreathy Huda Mohammed , Alkhatib Mayson H. , Al Musaddi Safaa Ahmed , Balamash Khadijah Saeed A. , Osman Nadia Nour , Ahmad Aftab
Published: February 2019

Doxorubicin (DOX) is the most commonly used anticancer drug; however, it has limited use because prolonged administration may result in severe cardiotoxicity. Simvastatin (SIM), generally prescribed for hypercholesterolaemia, has also shown salubrious results in the monotherapy or combinational drug therapy of different cancers in various models. Nanoparticle drug delivery systems are a novel way of improving therapeutics and also improving the absorption and specificity of drugs towards tumour cells. In this study, we exploited this technology to increase drug specificity and minimize imminent adverse effects. In this study, the antitumour activity of the combination formulas of DOX and SIM, either loaded in water (DOX‐SIM‐Solution) or nanoemulsions (NEs) (DOX‐SIM‐NE), was evaluated in a Swiss albino mouse model of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma. The anticancer effect was assessed by quantifying the change in body weight, mean survival time, and percent increase in lifespan (%ILS), determining haematological and serum biochemical parameters (liver function test, kidney function test and lipid profile parameters) as well as studying the histopathological alterations in liver tissues. We observed a clear increase in %ILS of the DOX‐SIM‐Solution group (265.30) that was double the %ILS of the DOX‐SIM‐NE group (134.70). However, DOX‐SIM‐NE had a non‐toxic effect on the haematological parameters, whereas DOX‐SIM‐Solution increased the levels of haemoglobin and lymphocytes. Furthermore, the encapsulation of SIM and DOX into NEs improved the levels of all serum biochemical parameters compared to the DOX‐SIM‐Solution. A reduction in the side effects of DOX‐SIM‐NE on the liver was also established using light microscopy, which revealed that the morphologies of the hepatocytes of the mice were less affected by administration of the DOX‐SIM‐NE treatment than with the DOX‐SIM‐Solution treatment. The study showed that incorporating SIM into the DOX‐loaded‐NE formulation remarkably improved its efficiency and simultaneously reduced its adverse effects.
Transcriptomic analysis reveals the relationship of melanization to growth and resistance to gamma radiation in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Schultzhaus Zachary , Chen Amy , Kim Seongwon , Shuryak Igor , Chang Melody , Wang Zheng
Published: February 2019

The pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans produces melanin within its cell wall for infection and resistance against external stresses such as exposure to UV, temperature fluctuations and reactive oxygen species. It has been reported that melanin may also protect cells from ionizing radiation damage, against which C. neoformans is extremely resistant. This has tagged melanin as a potential radioprotective biomaterial. Here, we report the effect of melanin on the transcriptomic response of C. neoformans to gamma radiation. We did not observe a substantial protective effect of melanin against gamma radiation, and the general gene expression patterns in irradiated cells were independent of the presence of melanin. However, melanization itself dramatically altered the C. neoformans transcriptome, primarily by repressing genes involved in respiration and cell growth. We suggest that, in addition to providing a physical and chemical barrier against external stresses, melanin production alters the transcriptional landscape of C. neoformans with the result of increased resistance to uncertain environmental conditions. This observation demonstrates the importance of the melanization process in understanding the stress response of C. neoformans and for understanding fungal physiology.
The CASTRO study: Unsafe sexual behaviors and illicit drug use among gay and bisexual men who use anabolic steroids
Authors: Ip Eric J. , Doroudgar Shadi , Shah‐Manek Bijal , Barnett Mitchell J. , Tenerowicz Michael J. , Ortanez Marvin , Pope Harrison G.
Published: February 2019

Background and Objectives

The majority of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) studies have focused on the general male population. Approximately 15% of gay or bisexual men are seropositive for HIV and many AASs are administered via injection. Thus, AAS use among gay and bisexual men likely poses a greater risk of spreading infectious disease. Gay and bisexual men who use AAS were compared with non‐users regarding self‐reported seropositivity for HIV and hepatitis B and C, sexual behaviors and injection practices, illicit drug and alcohol use, and psychiatric disorders.

Methods

The CASTRO (Castro Anabolic Steroid Research Observation) study was a 108‐item cross‐sectional survey of 153 gay and bisexual men who exercise. Data collection occurred outside four gyms in the San Francisco Castro District.

Results

The lifetime prevalence of AAS use among gay and bisexual men in the study was 21.6%. AAS users and non‐users did not differ in self‐reported seropositivity for HIV or hepatitis B and C, but AAS users reported higher rates of male‐male condomless anal sex in the past year (84.8 vs 60.8%, p < .01) than non‐users. More AAS users used ecstasy and methamphetamines (39.4 vs 16.7%, p < .01 and 18.2 vs 5.0%, p = .01, respectively) than non‐users.

Discussion and Conclusions

Gay and bisexual men who used AAS were more likely to engage in unsafe sexual behaviors and use illicit drugs relative to non‐users. Multiple factors place AAS users at higher risks for spreading infectious diseases.

Scientific Significant

Our study suggests increased infectious disease risk among gay and bisexual men who use AAS. (Am J Addict 2019;XX:1–10)
The efficacy of quantitative fetal fibronectin in predicting spontaneous preterm birth in symptomatic women: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nguyen Anh Duy , Liu Cathy Zhenao , Lehner Christoph , Amoako Akwasi Atakora , Sekar Renuka
Published: February 2019

Background

Recent data suggest that quantitative measurements of fetal fibronectin can be used accurately to predict increased risk of preterm birth.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that the quantification of fetal fibronectin improves diagnostic accuracy in women who present with symptoms suggestive of threatened preterm labour (TPL) using a quantitative fetal fibronectin (qfFN) bedside analyser.

Study design

This was a retrospective cohort study of pregnant women who presented between 22+6 and 32+6 weeks gestation with symptoms of TPL who had qfFN measured using the Rapid fFN Q10 system. The ability to predict spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) within 48 h, 14 days and <34 weeks gestation at qfFN thresholds of 10, 50 and 200 ng/mL was assessed.

Results

The overall rate of sPTB <34 weeks was 4.1% (n = 373). For deliveries within 48 h, within 14 days and <34 weeks, a qfFN threshold of 200 ng/mL had positive predictive values of 26.7%, 42.9% and 46.7%, respectively, when compared to patients with qfFN values of 0–9 ng/mL. The corresponding relative risks were 68.5, 53.8 and 38.0, respectively

Conclusion

Quantitative fetal fibronectin testing with thresholds of 10, 50 and 200 ng/mL allows for more accurate prediction of preterm birth in symptomatic women. This higher degree of discrimination allows for more directed interventions for high‐risk patients and reduces the cost and burden of unnecessary treatment for low‐risk patients.
Trait Self‐Control, Social Cognition Constructs, and Intentions: Correlational Evidence for Mediation and Moderation Effects in Diverse Health Behaviours
Authors: Hagger Martin S. , Hankonen Nelli , Kangro Eva‐Maria , Lintunen Taru , Pagaduan Jeffrey , Polet Juho , Ries Francis , Hamilton Kyra
Published: February 2019

Background

We examined effects of trait self‐control, constructs from social cognition theories, and intentions on health behaviours. Trait self‐control was expected to predict health behaviour indirectly through theory constructs and intentions. Trait self‐control was also predicted to moderate the intention–behaviour relationship.

Methods

Proposed effects were tested in six datasets for ten health‐related behaviours from studies adopting prospective designs. Participants (N = 3,249) completed measures of constructs from social cognition theories and self‐control at an initial time point and self‐reported their behaviour at follow‐up.

Results

Results revealed indirect effects of self‐control on behaviour through social cognition constructs and intentions for eight behaviours: eating fruit and vegetables, avoiding fast food, dietary restrictions, binge drinking, physical activity, walking, out‐of‐school physical activity, and pre‐drinking. Self‐control moderated the intention–behaviour relationship in four behaviours: dietary restriction, and alcohol‐related behaviours.

Conclusions

Mediation effects suggest that individuals with high self‐control are more likely to hold beliefs and intentions to participate in future health behaviour, and more likely to act. Moderation effects indicate that individuals with high self‐control are more likely to enact healthy intentions and inhibit unhealthy intentions, but findings were restricted to few behaviours. Training self‐control and managing contingencies that derail goal‐directed action may be effective intervention strategies.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide shapes first‐trimester placenta trophoblast, vascular, and immune cell cooperation
Authors: Paparini Daniel E. , Choudhury Ruhul H. , Vota Daiana M. , Karolczak‐Bayatti Magdalena , Finn‐Sell Sarah , Grasso Esteban N. , Hauk Vanesa C. , Ramhorst Rosanna , Pérez Leirós Claudia , Aplin John D.
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose

Extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells are responsible for decidual stromal invasion, vascular transformation, and the recruitment and functional modulation of maternal leukocytes in the first‐trimester pregnant uterus. An early disruption of EVT function leads to placental insufficiency underlying pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a vasodilating and immune modulatory factor synthesized by trophoblast cells. However, its role in first‐trimester placenta has not been explored. Here, we tested the hypothesis that VIP is involved in first‐trimester EVT outgrowth, spiral artery remodelling, balancing angiogenesis, and maintenance of immune homeostasis.

Experimental Approach

First‐trimester placental tissue (five to nine weeks of gestation) was collected, and was used for EVT outgrowth experiments, immunofluorescence, isolation of decidual natural killer (dNK) cells and decidual macrophages (dMA), and functional assays. Peripheral blood monocytes were differentiated with GM‐CSF and used for angiogenesis assays.

Key Results

In decidua basalis, VIP+ EVT were observed sprouting from cell columns and lining spiral arterioles. EVT migrating from placental explants were also VIP+. VIP increased EVT outgrowth and IL‐10 release, whereas it decreased pro‐inflammatory cytokine production in EVT, dNK cells, and dMA. VIP disrupted endothelial cell networks, both directly and indirectly via an effect on macrophages.

Conclusion and Implications

The results suggest that VIP assists the progress of EVT invasion and vessel remodelling in first‐trimester placental bed in an immunologically “silent” milieu. The effects of VIP in the present ex vivo human placental model endorse its potential as a therapeutic candidate for deep placentation disorders.
Subsidence and exhumation of the Mesozoic Qiangtang Basin: Implications for the growth of the Tibetan plateau
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Sinclair Hugh D. , Li Yalin , Wang Chengshan , Persano Cristina , Qian Xinyu , Han Zhongpeng , Yao Xiang , Duan Yaoyao
Published: February 2019

The subsidence and exhumation histories of the Qiangtang Basin and their contributions to the early evolution of the Tibetan plateau are vigorously debated. This paper reconstructs the subsidence history of the Mesozoic Qiangtang Basin with 11 selected composite stratigraphic sections and constrains the first stage of cooling using apatite fission track data. Facies analysis, biostratigraphy, palaeo‐environment interpretation and palaeo‐water depth estimation are integrated to create 11 composite sections through the basin. Backstripped subsidence calculations combined with previous work on sediment provenance and timing of deformation show that the evolution of the Mesozoic Qiangtang Basin can be divided into two stages. From Late Triassic to Early Jurassic times, the North Qiangtang was a retro‐foreland basin. In contrast, the South Qiangtang was a collisional pro‐foreland basin. During Middle Jurassic‐Early Cretaceous times, the North Qiangtang is interpreted as a hinterland basin between the Jinsha orogen and the Central Uplift; the South Qiangtang was controlled by subduction of Meso‐Tethyan Ocean lithosphere and associated dynamic topography combined with loading from the Central Uplift. Detrital apatite fission track ages from Mesozoic sandstones concentrate in late Early to Late Cretaceous (120.9–84.1 Ma) and Paleocene–Eocene (65.4–40.1 Ma). Thermal history modelling results record Early Cretaceous rapid cooling; the termination of subsidence and onset of exhumation of the Mesozoic Qiangtang Basin suggest that the accumulation of crustal thickening in central Tibet probably initiated during Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous times (150–130 Ma), involving underthrusting of both the Lhasa and Songpan–Ganze terranes beneath the Qiangtang terrane or the collision of Amdo terrane.
Tumour necrosis factor α augments the inhibitory effects of CTLA-4-Ig on osteoclast generation from human monocytes via induction of CD80 expression
Authors: Oi K , Tokunaga T , Kuranobu T , Yukawa K , Kohno H , Yoshida Y , Mokuda S , Hirata S , Sugiyama E
Published: February 2019

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4-immunoglobulin (CTLA-4-Ig) exerts anti-rheumatic action via negative regulation of the co-stimulation process between antigen-presenting cells and T cells. CTLA-4-Ig also binds to CD80/CD86 on monocytes of osteoclast precursors. However, little is known about the effect of CTLA-4-Ig on osteoclastogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study we evaluated the effects of CTLA-4-Ig on osteoclast generation from human blood monocytes (PBM) and rheumatoid synovial fluid monocytes (RSFM). Highly purified monocytes were cultured with receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in the presence of CTLA-4-Ig. CTLA-4-Ig inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast generation in PBM and RSFM, as determined by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and bone resorption assay using osteo assay surface plates. In addition, CTLA-4-Ig reduced the gene and protein expressions of nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) and cathepsin K during osteoclastogenesis. Furthermore, CTLA-4-Ig significantly inhibited cell proliferation during osteoclastogenesis. Interestingly, the gene expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1, an inducer of apoptosis, was enhanced by CTLA-4-Ig. We next examined the effect of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, a major inflammatory cytokine in rheumatoid synovium, on the expression of CD80 and CD86 by flow cytometric analysis. TNF-α potently induced the surface expression of CD80, which is known to have much higher affinity to CTLA-4-Ig than CD86, and this induction was observed at mRNA levels. Interestingly, freshly prepared rheumatoid synovial monocytes also expressed CD80 as much as TNF-α-treated PBM. Furthermore, TNF-α enhanced CTLA-4-Ig-induced inhibition of osteoclastogenesis and cell proliferation. Taken together, the TNF-α-induced CD80 may augment CTLA-4-Ig-induced inhibition of osteoclastogenesis, suggesting that CTLA-4-Ig potently inhibits osteoclast differentiation and protects bone destruction in rheumatoid inflamed joints.
Skin exposure to the rubber accelerator diphenylguanidine in medical gloves—An experimental study
Authors: Hamnerius Nils , Pontén Ann , Björk Jonas , Persson Christina , Bergendorff Ola
Published: February 2019

Background

Dermatitis caused by occupational contact allergy to rubber additives such as diphenylguanidine (DPG) in medical gloves is a hazard for healthcare workers. Both the duration of exposure to medical gloves and the number of gloves used per day vary. The use of alcoholic skin disinfectants before glove donning is mandatory.

Objectives

To assess whether skin exposure to the rubber accelerator DPG released from glove material is influenced by alcoholic hand disinfectants, time, and pH.

Methods

With the use of ethanol washes, the amount of DPG left on the hands after wearing of gloves for 60 minutes was measured, and comparisons between hands exposed and not exposed to alcoholic disinfectant before glove donning were made. With the use of artificial sweat buffered at pH 4, 5, and 6, DPG release from the insides of gloves at different times was measured.

Results

The use of alcoholic disinfectant prior to polyisoprene glove donning increased the amount of DPG recovered from the hands. Of the DPG released from polyisoprene gloves into artificial sweat, almost 84% was released within 10 minutes. pH did not influence the rate of release.

Conclusions

The use of alcoholic disinfectant increased skin exposure to the rubber accelerator DPG. Even a short duration of use of gloves results in substantial exposure to DPG.
Inhibition of N‐myc expression sensitizes human neuroblastoma IMR‐32 cells expressing caspase‐8 to TRAIL
Authors: Lee Myoung Woo , Kim Dae Seong , Kim Hye Ryung , Park Hyun Jin , Lee Ji Won , Sung Ki Woong , Koo Hong Hoe , Yoo Keon Hee
Published: February 2019

Objectives

This study aims to explore the roles of N‐myc and caspase‐8 in TRAIL‐resistant IMR‐32 cells which exhibit MYCN oncogene amplification and lack caspase‐8 expression.

Materials and methods

We established N‐myc–downregulated IMR‐32 cells using shRNA lentiviral particles targeting N‐myc and examined the effect the N‐myc inhibition on TRAIL susceptibility in human neuroblastoma IMR‐32 cells expressing caspase‐8.

Results

Cisplatin treatment in IMR‐32 cells increased the expression of death receptor 5 (DR5; TRAIL‐R2), but not other receptors, via downregulation of NF‐κB activity. However, the cisplatin‐mediated increase in DR5 failed to induce cell death following TRAIL treatment. Furthermore, interferon (IFN)‐γ pretreatment increased caspase‐8 expression in IMR‐32 cells, but cisplatin failed to trigger TRAIL cytotoxicity. We downregulated N‐myc expression in IMR‐32 cells using N‐myc–targeting shRNA. These cells showed decreased growth rate and Bcl‐2 expression accompanied by a mild collapse in the mitochondrial membrane potential as compared with those treated with scrambled shRNA. TRAIL treatment in N‐myc–negative cells expressing caspase‐8 following IFN‐γ treatment significantly triggered apoptotic cell death. Concurrent treatment with cisplatin enhanced TRAIL‐mediated cytotoxicity, which was abrogated by an additional pretreatment with DR5:Fc chimera protein.

Conclusions

N‐myc and caspase‐8 expressions are involved in TRAIL susceptibility in IMR‐32 cells, and the combination of treatment with cisplatin and TRAIL may serve as a promising strategy for the development of therapeutics against neuroblastoma that is controlled by N‐myc and caspase‐8 expression.
Early mitral inflow velocity to left ventricular global strain ratio predicts limited exercise capacity
Authors: Hidaka Takayuki , Masada Kenji , Harada Yu , Susawa Hitoshi , Kinoshita Mirai , Itakura Kiho , Izumi Kanako , Utsunomiya Hiroto , Higashi Yukihito , Kihara Yasuki
Published: February 2019

Background

Estimation of left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP) is the essential part of the echocardiographic workup for exercise intolerance. The ratio of the mitral early filling velocity to the left ventricular global longitudinal strain (E/LVGLS) has emerged as a novel index of LVFP. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between E/LVGLS and exercise capacity.

Methods and results

We retrospectively reviewed 90 patients with exertional dyspnea who underwent echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise test. Patients were classified into three groups according to their percent‐predicted maximal oxygen consumption (ppVo2) (G ≧ 75, ppVo2 > 75%, n = 20; G 50‐75, ppVo2 75‐50%, n = 57; G < 50, ppVo2 < 50%, n = 13). Measurements were (a) the relationship between ppVo2 and E/LVGLS and (b) the efficiency of integrated diastolic assessment using E/LVGLS, left ventricular volume, mitral annular early diastolic velocity (E′), and tricuspid regurgitation to identify the patient with impaired exercise capacity.

Univariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that E/LVGLS had significant correlation with ppVo2 (ρ = 0.52, P < 0.001). The area under the ROC of E/LVGLS for ppVo2 < 50% was 0.86 (95%CI 0.75‐0.97). The DeLong test showed that E/LVGLS was efficient to detect ppVo2 < 50% than E/E′ (P = 0.007). When used in the integrated assessment of LVFP as the alternative for E/E′, E/LVGLS improved risk classification for impaired exercise capacity.

Conclusion

E/LVGLS may be a more efficient index than E/E′ to identify exercise impairment as a single index and as a part of the integrated diastolic assessment.
Diagnostic accuracy of dobutamine stress echocardiography in the detection of cardiac allograft vasculopathy in heart transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis study
Authors: Elkaryoni Ahmed , Abu‐Sheasha Ghada , Altibi Ahmed M. , Hassan Adil , Ellakany Karim , Nanda Navin C.
Published: February 2019

Background

Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is a well‐established imaging modality used to screen patients with mild‐to‐moderate risk for coronary artery disease. In heart transplantation recipients, cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a common and lethal complication. The use of DSE to detect CAV showed promising results initially, but later studies showed limitation in its use to detect CAV. It is unclear if this cohort of patients derives benefit from DSE.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, and Scopus from inception through March 2018 for studies examining the accuracy of DSE in correlation to coronary angiography (CA) or intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to detect CAV. Original studies comparing the ability of DSE to detect CAV in comparison with CA or IVUS were included. Relevant data were extracted and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted to test the overall diagnostic accuracy of DSE for patients with CAV.

Results

Eleven studies (749 participants) met the inclusion criteria. The sensitivity of DSE varied from 1.7% to 93.8%, and specificity, from 54.8% to 98.8%. Pooled sensitivity was 60.2% (95% confidence interval (CI), 33.0%–82.3%) and specificity 85.7% (95% CI, 73.8%–92.7%). DSE had an overall diagnostic odds ratio (OR) of 9.1 (95% CI, 4.6–17.8), positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 4.1 (95% CI, 2.8–6.1), negative likelihood ratio (LR−) of 0.47 (95% CI: 0.23–0.73), and area under curve (AUC) of 0.73 (95% CI, 0.72–0.75). Heterogeneity among studies was not statistically significant (τ2 = 0.32, Cochran's Q = 9.5, P = 0.483).

Conclusion

Dobutamine stress echocardiography has a limited sensitivity to detect early CAV but its specificity is much higher. There remains a need for an alternative noninvasive modality which will have both high sensitivity and high specificity for detecting CAV.
Pericardial thrombus and cardiac tamponade after pericardiocentesis with intact heart walls
Authors: Accadia Maria , Di Maio Marco , Iengo Raffaele , Arnese Mariarosaria , Cocchia Renato , Scotto Di Uccio Fortunato , Tuccillo Andrea , Mercogliano Giuseppe , Tuccillo Bernardino
Published: February 2019

A young patient affected by a lung neoplasm, presented at emergency department with cardiac tamponade, underwent pericardiocentesis with a prompt restoration of hemodynamic stability. An hour later, the patient presented again signs of tamponade, without evidence of fluids in the drainage that was left in pericardial space. The echocardiography revealed an intrapericardial thrombus compressing the right chambers. An emergency pericardiotomy was performed and a large thrombus was removed from the pericardial space; cardiac walls were intact. Echocardiography played a pivotal role for the identification of a pericardial thrombus as a complication of pericardiocentesis.
Effects of preparation of clear‐cut forest sites on the soil mycobiota with consequences for Scots pine growth and health
Authors: Kwaśna Hanna , Behnke‐Borowczyk Jolanta , Gornowicz Roman , Łakomy Piotr
Published: February 2019

Fungal abundance and diversity were assessed in two differently managed forest soils. In soil 1, chipped woody debris had been spread on the top soil and mixed with the soil by standard deep ploughing to 50 cm. In soil 2, woody debris was removed and there was no ground preparation. Ten years later, the different methods of management resulted in unexpectedly distinctive habitat heterogeneity with a high variation in structure of the mycobiota communities. Incorporation of woody debris into soil resulted in lower abundance of fungi but greater fungal diversity (which may enhance ecosystem stability) and was beneficial for the growth of Scots pines. Removal of post‐harvest woody debris from the surface of the clear‐cut site with no subsequent ground preparation, compared with incorporating chipped debris and deep ploughing, resulted in the soil of the subsequent 10‐year‐old Scots pine plantation having: (a) 159‐fold greater abundance of fungi, (b) lower fungal diversity, (c) different fungal community composition, (d) higher proportion of mycorrhizal fungi, (e) no root rot pathogens, (f) less tree biomass. The study showed that removal of post‐harvest woody debris and no ground preparation is potentially beneficial for the health of young coniferous trees.
Durable remissions with venetoclax monotherapy in secondary AML refractory to hypomethylating agents and high expression of BCL‐2 and/or BIM
Authors: Huemer Florian , Melchardt Thomas , Jansko Bettina , Wahida Adam , Jilg Stefanie , Jost Philipp J. , Klieser Eckhard , Steiger Katja , Magnes Teresa , Pleyer Lisa , Greil‐Ressler Sigrun , Rass Christof , Greil Richard , Egle Alexander
Published: February 2019

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a disease of the elderly population and survival remains poor after failure of hypomethylating agents (HMA). The BCL‐2 inhibitor venetoclax demonstrated activity as monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy or HMA in AML. In this case series, patients with secondary AML (sAML) not eligible for intensive chemotherapy and refractory to HMA were treated with venetoclax within a named patient program at our tertiary cancer center in Salzburg, Austria. Between April 2017 and September 2018, seven patients with sAML received venetoclax therapy. Two out of seven patients achieved a complete remission upon venetoclax initiation with a PFS of 505 days and 352 days and another patient achieved complete peripheral blood blast clearing within nine days after start of venetoclax. Among the venetoclax responders, primary refractory disease to prior HMA therapy was documented, 2 patients harbored IDH1/IDH2 mutations and one patient had an antecedent myeloproliferative neoplasm. High BCL‐2 and/or BIM expression in myeloblasts was found in venetoclax responders and response was significantly associated with overall survival (responders: 364 days versus non‐responders: 24 days, P = 0.018). Venetoclax monotherapy is safe and is able to induce durable responses in elderly patients with secondary AML after treatment failure with HMA.
Interactions and management for the future of marine aquaculture and capture fisheries
Authors: Clavelle Tyler , Lester Sarah E. , Gentry Rebecca , Froehlich Halley E.
Published: February 2019

Aquaculture surpassed wild fisheries as the largest supplier of fish for human consumption in 2014 and is expected to supply the majority of seafood for future increases in demand. Marine and coastal aquaculture, collectively referred to as mariculture, currently represents just 36% of aquaculture production but is poised to expand in the decades ahead. One of the most commonly cited concerns regarding this likely expansion is ecological and socioeconomic interactions with wild‐capture fisheries. While attention has largely been drawn to high‐profile negative externalities from fed finfish and crustacean mariculture, not all marine‐based practices are equivalent. Empirical evidence for the different interactions between mariculture and wild fisheries is often sparse. While negative consequences can arise, positive synergies can also occur. By considering mariculture development in the context of fisheries interactions, we suggest that it is possible to minimize conflicts and maximize positive connections between the two sectors. We provide the first comprehensive synthesis of the interactions between mariculture and wild fisheries, characterizing the types of interactions, evaluating available empirical evidence and identifying where management (sector‐specific and cooperative) can play an important role. We highlight potential effects of mariculture on the efficiency, sustainability, and equity of seafood production and identify remaining knowledge gaps.
Hyaluronan: molecular size‐dependent signaling and biological functions in inflammation and cancer
Authors: Tavianatou Anastasia G. , Caon Ilaria , Franchi Marco , Piperigkou Zoi , Galesso Devis , Karamanos Nikos K.
Published: February 2019

Hyaluronan (HA) is a linear nonsulfated glycosaminoglycan of the extracellular matrix that plays a pivotal role in a variety of biological processes. High‐molecular weight HA exhibits different biological properties than oligomers and low‐molecular weight HA. Depending on their molecular size, HA fragments can influence cellular behavior in a different mode of action. This phenomenon is attributed to the different manner of interaction with the HA receptors, especially CD44 and RHAMM. Both receptors can trigger signaling cascades that regulate cell functional properties, such as proliferation migration, angiogenesis, and wound healing. HA fragments are able to enhance or attenuate the HA receptor‐mediated signaling pathways, as they compete with the endogenous HA for binding to the receptors. The modulation of these pathways could be crucial for the development of pathological conditions, such as inflammation and cancer. The primary goal of this review is to critically present the importance of HA molecular size on cellular signaling, functional cell properties, and morphology in normal and pathological conditions, including inflammation and cancer. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms could contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
What is the Bootstrap?
Authors: Cochran James J.
Published: February 2019

Bradley Efron was awarded the 2018 International Prize in Statistics for the creation of the “bootstrap”, a method described as “the best statistical pain reliever ever produced”. But what is it, and how does it work? James J. Cochran explains
The Crisis in Yemen: Short of Food, Short of Data?
Authors: Tarran Brian
Published: February 2019

Years of civil war in Yemen have left the country on the brink of famine. A recent analysis suggests that more than half the population is experiencing serious food shortages. But a lack of data may be masking the full extent of this humanitarian disaster.
Deaths Before Data
Authors: Oakford Samuel
Published: February 2019

What is happening in Yemen looks like “famine” as it is commonly understood – children, for instance, are dying of starvation. Yet the difficulty of collecting data means that an official famine, which has a technical definition and a high threshold, may still not be declared. By Samuel Oakford
Defect‐fluorite Gd2Zr2O7 ceramics under helium irradiation: Amorphization, cell volume expansion, and multi‐stage bubble formation
Authors: Huang Zhangyi , Ma Nannan , Qi Jianqi , Guo Xiaofeng , Yang Mao , Tang Zhe , Zhang Yutong , Han Yong , Wu Di , Lu Tiecheng
Published: February 2019

Here, we report a study on the radiation resistance enhancement of Gd2Zr2O7 nanograin ceramics, in which amorphization, cell volume expansion, and multi‐stage helium (He) bubble formation are investigated and discussed. Gd2Zr2O7 ceramics with a series of grain sizes (55‐221 nm) were synthesized and irradiated by 190 keV He ion beam up to a fluence of 5 × 1017 ions/cm2. Both the degree of post irradiation cell volume expansion and the amorphization fraction appear to be size‐dependent. As the average grain size evolves from 55 to 221 nm, the degree of post irradiation cell volume expansion increases from 0.56% to 1.02%, and the amorphization fraction increases from 6.8% to 11.1%. Additionally, the threshold He concentrations (at.%) of bubbles at different formation stages and locations, including (a) bubbles at grain boundary, (b) bubble‐chains, and (c) ribbon‐like bubbles within the grain, are all found to be much higher in the nanograin ceramic (55 nm) compared with that of the submicron sample (221 nm). We conclude that grain boundary plays a critical role in minimizing the structural defects, and inhibiting the multi‐stage He bubble formation process.
A novel octaray multielectrode catheter for high‐resolution atrial mapping: Electrogram characterization and utility for mapping ablation gaps
Authors: Sroubek Jakub , Rottmann Markus , Barkagan Michael , Leshem Eran , Shapira‐Daniels Ayelet , Brem Erez , Fuentes‐Ortega Cesar , Malinaric Jamie , Basu Shubhayu , Bar‐Tal Meir , Anter Elad
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Multielectrode mapping catheters improve the ability to map within the heterogeneous scar. A novel Octaray catheter with eight spines and 48 electrodes may further improve the speed and resolution of atrial mapping. The aims of this study were to (1) establish the Octaray's baseline mapping performance and electrogram (EGM) characteristics in healthy atria and to (2) determine its utility for identifying gaps in a swine model of atrial ablation lines.

Methods and Results

The right atria of eight healthy swine were mapped with Octaray and Pentaray catheters (Biosense Webster, Irvine, CA) before and after the creation of ablation lines with intentional gaps. Baseline mapping characteristics including EGM amplitude, duration, number of EGMs, and mapping time were compared. Postablation maps were created and EGM characteristics of continuous lines and gaps were correlated with pathology. Compared with Pentaray, the Octaray collected more EGMs per map (2178 ± 637 vs 1046 ± 238; P < 0.001) at a shorter mapping duration (3.2 ± 0.79 vs 6.9 ± 2.67 minutes; P < 0.001). In healthy atria, the Octaray recorded lower bipolar voltage amplitude (1.96 ± 1.83 mV vs 2.41 ± 1.92 mV; P < 0.001) while ablation gaps were characterized by higher voltage amplitude (1.24 ± 1.12 mV vs 1.04 ± 1.27 mV; P < 0.001). Ablation gaps were similarly identified by both catheters (P = 1.0). The frequency of “false gaps,” defined as intact ablation lines with increased voltage amplitude was more common with Pentaray (6 vs 2) and resulted from erroneous annotation of far‐field EGMs.

Conclusion

The Octaray increases the mapping speed and density compared with the Pentaray catheter. It is as sensitive for identifying ablation gaps and more specific for mapping intact ablation lines.