bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dealing with “enemy-brothers”: Sunni Arab consumers’ animosity toward Iran and Turkey
Authors: Al Ganideh Saeb Farhan , Elahee Mohammad Niamat
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the causes and consequences of animosity that Sunni Arabs may harbor against Iran and Turkey – two regional powers and key players in the Middle East.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Jordanians as proxy for Sunni Arab consumers, data were collected from 218 respondents by means of an intercept survey. A systematic random sampling was used in selecting the respondents. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the role of religious/sectarian commitment (Sunni Islamic), ethnic identification (Arab), nationalism, patriotism and internationalism as potential sources of animosity of Sunni Arabs toward Iran and Turkey.

Findings

The findings show integrative/multiplicative impact of various social attributes on Sunni Arabs’ animosity toward Iran and Turkey and indicate a higher prevalence of animosity toward Iran than toward Turkey among the respondents. The findings also show how animosity decreases the likelihood of buying Iranian and Turkish products by Jordanian consumers.

Research limitations/implications

This paper, while unearthing interesting relationships among five antecedent variables, consumer animosity and purchase intentions, calls for further research to examine how the relationships between feelings of animosity and willingness to purchase products could be moderated by variables such as world-mindedness and foreign travel. Future researchers should also study how consumer animosity can be reduced.

Practical implications

The findings provide insights as to how foreign marketers can adjust their marketing strategies in the lucrative Arab market.

Social implications

The findings call for a more nuanced understanding of the role of religious/sectarian commitment, ethnicity, nationalism, patriotism and internationalism in causing and/or exacerbating animosity and consequently affecting purchase decisions of consumers.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the existing literature by measuring the hitherto unexamined role of intra-religious sectarian feelings in consumer animosity and purchase decisions and by analyzing the mediating role of consumer animosity between the five antecedent variables and willingness to purchase products from “enemy” countries.
Antecedents of green consumption: a scale of measure
Authors: Marde Sinove , Verite-Masserot Claire
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a scale of measure that is based on the antecedents of environmentally friendly consumption, which will measure multifaceted profiles and apply to several product categories over the long term.

Design/methodology/approach

The list of antecedents is derived from the literature and a qualitative study. Exploratory and confirmatory analyses using two samples of respondents are conducted to validate the scale.

Findings

The results suggest the use of a scale with three multi-dimensional facets when examining the antecedents of environmentally friendly consumption. The first facet is called “barriers to purchase” and has a four-dimensional structure; the second facet is called the “relationship with the product” and has a two-dimensional structure; and the third facet is called the “propensity to consume environmentally friendly products” and has a four-dimensional structure.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should seek to test and confirm the version of the global tool of measure proposed in this study.

Practical implications

Firms can use the tool to better understand the reasons to buy or not buy green products. They can now have multifaceted profiles to better comprehend environmentally aware consumption and to adapt their marketing strategies.

Originality/value

The tool of measure proposed here highlights the predictive indicators of green consumption based on its antecedents. Because these antecedents can differ not only in their nature but also in their intensity, combining them to develop a global tool is necessary.
Does “sharing” mean “socially responsible consuming”? Exploration of the relationship between collaborative consumption and socially responsible consumption
Authors: Ertz Myriam , Durif Fabien , Lecompte Agnès , Boivin Caroline
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the extent to which collaborative consumption (CC) enthusiasts are significantly more likely to engage into specific forms of socially responsible consumption (SRC), in contrast to regular consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors administered an online questionnaire survey to a panel of 1,006 consumers. A cluster analysis combined with analyses of variance then determined the extent to which CC enthusiasts were more likely to engage in the focal SRC behaviors as opposed to others.

Findings

CC enthusiasts differ positively from other consumers concerning sustainable transportation, citizen consumption and composting but negatively from other consumers concerning recycling; they do not differ significantly with regard to environmental, animal protection and local consumption.

Originality/value

Conflating CC and SRC remains debatable. This study provides some preliminary evidence about the complex associations that exists between the two constructs.
Pioneering models for information interaction in the context of information seeking and retrieval
Authors: Savolainen Reijo
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the conceptual issues of information behaviour research by reviewing the approaches to information interaction in the context of information seeking and retrieval (IS&R).

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the conceptual analysis focussing on four pioneering models for interactive IS&R proposed by Belkin, Ingwersen and Ingwersen and Järvelin.

Findings

A main characteristic of models for information interaction is the tripartite setting identifying information resources accessible through information systems, intermediary/interface and user. Dialogue is a fundamental constituent of information interaction. Early models proposed by Belkin and Ingwersen focussed on the dialogue occurring in user-intermediary interaction, while more recent frameworks developed by Ingwersen and Järvelin devote more attention to dialogue constitutive of user-information system interaction.

Research limitations/implications

As the study focusses on four models developed within the period of 1984-2005, the findings cannot be generalised to depict the phenomena of information interaction as a whole. Further research is needed to model the specific features of information interaction occurring in the networked information environments in particular.

Originality/value

The study pioneers by providing an in-depth analysis of the ways in which pioneering researchers have conceptualised the phenomena of interaction in the context of IS&R. The findings contribute to the elaboration of the conceptual space of information behaviour research.
Towards reliable prediction of academic performance of architecture students using data mining techniques
Authors: Aluko Ralph Olusola , Daniel Emmanuel Itodo , Shamsideen Oshodi Olalekan , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Abisuga Abiodun Olatunji
Published: April 2018

Purpose

In recent years, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of applicants seeking placements in undergraduate architecture programs. It is important during the selection phase of admission at universities to identify new intakes who possess the capability to succeed. Admission variable (i.e. prior academic achievement) is one of the most important criteria considered during the selection process. This paper aims to investigates the efficacy of using data mining techniques to predict the academic performance of architecture students based on information contained in prior academic achievement.

Design/methodology/approach

The input variables, i.e. prior academic achievement, were extracted from students’ academic records. Logistic regression and support vector machine (SVM) are the data mining techniques adopted in this study. The collected data were divided into two parts. The first part was used for training the model, while the other part was used to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the developed models.

Findings

The results revealed that SVM model outperformed the logistic regression model in terms of accuracy. Taken together, it is evident that prior academic achievement is a good predictor of academic performance of architecture students.

Research limitations/implications

Although the factors affecting academic performance of students are numerous, the present study focuses on the effect of prior academic achievement on academic performance of architecture students.

Originality/value

The developed SVM model can be used as a decision-making tool for selecting new intakes into the architecture program at Nigerian universities.
An exploration of an entrepreneur’s open innovation mindset in an emerging country
Authors: Gomezel Alenka Slavec , Rangus Kaja
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to connect open innovation and entrepreneurship literature by focusing on the influence of entrepreneurs’ open innovation mindset and alertness on a firm’s financial performance in a country that has recently transitioned from socialism into capitalism.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a sample of 188 entrepreneurs who answered a survey about their personality characteristics in Time 1. In time 2, the authors collected firm-related data from a national database on firms’ financial statements.

Findings

The results show that an individual’s level of open innovation mindset has a positive impact on entrepreneurial alertness. The results also show an important and previously under-investigated relationship between entrepreneurial alertness and firm financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study spurs research in the field of open innovation on the individual level of the entrepreneurs who have considerable influence on small firms’ results, and draws attention into the under-investigated innovation and entrepreneurship agenda in a small and transitioning country.

Practical implications

Open innovation starts with an open innovation mindset of entrepreneurs, so entrepreneurs are those who set the open innovation path of firms.

Originality/value

While open innovation triggered interest among business practitioners and management innovation scholars, it remained focused on management topics connected to a broad strategic setting of a firm. However, research related to entrepreneurial companies which benefit significantly from external sources of innovation has received scarce attention, and open innovation on the entrepreneur’s individual level even less so.
Transformational leadership, organizational commitment, emotional intelligence and job autonomy
Authors: Jain Priyanka , Duggal Taranjeet
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the mediating role of job autonomy ( JA) in the relationship between transformational leadership (TL) and organizational commitment (OC) and the moderating effect of emotional intelligence (EI) on the relationship between JA and OC.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study were obtained from the respondents of information technology industries across India by using convenience sampling.

Findings

The study reveals that TL positively influences employees’ OC via JA. Results further indicated that EI as the moderator strengthens the relationship between TL and OC mediated by JA.

Practical implications

The study recommends that leaders with high level of TL style should appeal to the emotions of their employees for significantly influencing their OC.

Originality/value

This paper extends upon prior research that has identified a relationship between TL and OC; this study proposes and analyzes a comprehensive and theoretically grounded structure of TL, JA, EI and employees’ OC, highlighting its theoretical and practical implications.
Contribution of barriers to dietary intake in female patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Mahdavi Reza , Halali Faranak , Asghari Jafarabadi Mohammad , Mobasseri Majid
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Dietary adherence may potentially affect dietary intake. Besides, type 2 diabetes and obesity are closely inter-related. This paper aims to investigate the associations between barriers to dietary adherence and dietary intake among overweight/obese female patients with type 2 diabetes.

Design/methodology/approach

In this cross-sectional study, 122 female patients with type 2 diabetes from Tabriz, Iran were recruited. All of them had received dietary recommendations from either a nutritionist or a physician. Weight, height and waist circumference were measured using standard methods. A 24-h dietary recall and food records assessed energy and macronutrient intake.

Findings

The mean BMI of the participants was 32.2 ± 4.3 kg/m2, and the mean daily total energy intake was 1909.5 (218.7) kcal. To assess the associations between barriers to dietary adherence and dietary intake, analysis of variance was used. Analysis revealed significant positive associations between energy intake and the barrier factors situational barriers/difficulty resisting temptation [B (SE) = 42.11 (20.50),p= 0.042], difficulty with meals and snacks plan [B (SE) = 36.13 (12.78),p= 0.005] and small portion sizes [B (SE) = 25.35 (13.58),p= 0.029].

Originality/value

Diet has a key role in type 2 diabetes management. The results highlight the need for the barriers to be addressed in nutritional programs targeted for patients with type 2 diabetes. Thereby, level of adherence to the recommended program, eating habits and diabetes management could improve.
Fuzzy U control chart based on fuzzy rules and evaluating its performance using fuzzy OC curve
Authors: Fadaei Somayeh , Pooya Alireza
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply fuzzy spectrum in order to collect the vague and imprecise data and to employ the fuzzy U control chart in variable sample size using fuzzy rules. This approach is improved and developed by providing some new rules.

Design/methodology/approach

The fuzzy operating characteristic (FOC) curve is applied to investigate the performance of the fuzzy U control chart. The application of FOC presents fuzzy bounds of operating characteristic (OC) curve whose width depends on the ambiguity parameter in control charts.

Findings

To illustrate the efficiency of the proposed approach, a practical example is provided. Comparing performances of control charts indicates that OC curve of the crisp chart has been located between the FOC bounds, near the upper bound; as a result, for the crisp control chart, the probability of the type II error is of significant level. Also, a comparison of the crisp OC curve with OCavg curve and FOCα curve approved that the probability of the type II error for the crisp chart is more than the same amount for the fuzzy chart. Finally, the efficiency of the fuzzy chart is more than the crisp chart, and also it timely gives essential alerts by means of linguistic terms. Consequently, it is more capable of detecting process shifts.

Originality/value

This research develops the fuzzy U control chart with variable sample size whose output is fuzzy. After creating control charts, performance evaluation in the industry is important. The main contribution of this paper is to employs the FOC curve for evaluating the performance of the fuzzy control chart, while in prior studies in this area, the performance of fuzzy control chart has not been evaluated.
Design of PID controller for automatic voltage regulator system using Ant Lion Optimizer
Authors: Pradhan Rosy , Majhi Santosh Kumar , Pati Bibhuti Bhusan
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Now days, various techniques are used for controlling the plants. New ideas are evolving day by day to get better-quality control for various industrial processes to produce high-quality products. Currently, the focus of this research is being emphasized on application of nature-inspired algorithms in control systems. The purpose of this paper is to apply a nature-inspired algorithm called Ant Lion Optimizer (ALO) for the design of proportional-integrator-derivative (PID) controller for an automatic voltage regulator (AVR) system.

Design/methodology/approach

For the design of the PID controller, the ALO algorithm is considered as a designing tool for obtaining the optimal values of the controller parameter. All the simulations are carried out in Simulink/MATLAB environment. A comparative study is carried out with some modern nature-inspired algorithm to describe the advantages of this tuning method.

Findings

The proposed method has superiority value in transient and frequency domain analysis than the other published heuristic optimization algorithms. The presented approach has almost no variation in transient response when varying time constants of the system parameter, such as exciter, generator, amplifier and sensor from −50 per cent to +50 per cent. In addition, the close loop system is robust against any disturbances such as input–output disturbances and parametric uncertainty, as the sensitivity values are nearly equal to one.

Originality/value

The proposed method presents the design and performance analysis of proportional integral derivate (PID) controller for an AVR system using the recently proposed ALO.
Adsorption and kinetics behavior of kiwi juice as a friendly corrosion inhibitor of steel in acidic media
Authors: Khadom Anees , Rashid Khalid
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to study the corrosion inhibition of mild steel in 2.5 M HCl solution by kiwi juice at different temperatures, inhibitor concentration and immersion times.

Design/methodology/approach

Box–Wilson experimental design is used for runs distribution and the corrosion rate values are evaluated by weight loss technique.

Findings

Corrosion rate increased with temperature according to Arrhenius equation, and the inhibitor adsorbed according to Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Second-order polynomial model is used for data fitting. The optimum conditions were estimated with maximum inhibitor efficiency of 96.1 per cent. Fourier transform infrared analysis showed that the peaks correspond to phenols, and quercitine is the main component. Microstructural, hardness and theoretical quantum studies are also performed.

Originality/value

This is one of the first steps in the direction of understanding the corrosion control problems from different views. Kinetics, surface morphology, optimization and mathematical views are taken in to account.
A tracer study in a vertical flow constructed wetland treating septage
Authors: Bui Jason Jie Xiang , Tan Yee Yong , Tang Fu Ee , Ho Carrie
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the hydraulic behaviour of a pilot-scale, two-staged, vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW) for septage treatment, in terms of factors such as hydraulic retention time and hydraulic loading rate and its influence on the treatment dynamics. Because of intermittent feeding mode of VFCW systems and variation in its loading, its hydraulic behaviour is highly variable and need to be understood to optimize its treatment performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Tracer test were carried out using bromide ion with varying hydraulic loading rates (HLR) of 6.82 cm/d, 9.09 cm/d and 11.40 cm/d (i.e. equivalent to 75 L/d, 100L/d and 125 L/d). Tracer data is then analysed using the Residence Time Distribution (RTD) method.

Findings

RTD analysis showed that the increase in HLR increases the average hydraulic retention time (HRT). Subsequently, the increase in HLR results in a lower recovery of effluent, resulting in poor productivity in treatment. The study also showed that the removal of nitrogen and organic matter improved with increasing HRT. However, observations show no correlation between HRT and total solids removal.

Originality/value

A performance evaluation method (by tracer) is proposed to understand the hydraulics of flow in constructed wetlands, which has not been widely studied. Additionally, the dynamics of treatment in VFCWs treating septage may also be revealed by the tracer method. The study can be applied to any constructed wetlands designed for treatment of wastewater, septage or sludge.
Interleukin‐33 is expressed in the lesional epidermis in herpes virus infection but not in verruca vulgaris
Authors: Jin Meijuan , Komine Mayumi , Tsuda Hidetoshi , Oshio Tomoyuki , Ohtsuki Mamitaro
Published: April 2018

Interleukin (IL)‐33 is released on cell injury and activates the immune reaction. IL‐33 is involved in antiviral reaction in herpes virus infection, but the source that secretes IL‐33 has not been identified. We speculate that keratinocytes injured in herpes virus infection secrete IL‐33. In order to detect IL‐33 in the lesional epidermis of patients with herpes virus infection, we immunostained several cutaneous herpes virus infection samples with an anti‐IL‐33 antibody, and compared them with cutaneous human papilloma virus (HPV) infection samples. We observed strong nuclear and mild cytoplasmic staining in epidermal keratinocytes of the lesional skin samples with herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus infections. However, staining was not observed in the epidermis of verruca vulgaris (VV) samples. We assumed that the strong immune reaction to herpes virus infection may depend on strong IL‐33 expression in the epidermis, while very weak immune reaction in samples from patients with VV may be due to low or no expression of IL‐33 in the lesional epidermis.
Evidence‐based pathways to intervention for children with language disorders
Authors: Ebbels Susan H. , McCartney Elspeth , Slonims Vicky , Dockrell Julie E. , Norbury Courtenay Frazier
Published: April 2018

Background

Paediatric speech and language therapist (SLT) roles often involve planning individualized intervention for specific children, working collaboratively with families and education staff, providing advice, training and coaching and raising awareness. A tiered approach to service delivery is currently recommended whereby services become increasingly specialized and individualized for children with greater needs.

Aims

To stimulate discussion regarding delivery of SLT services by examining evidence regarding the effectiveness of (1) intervention for children with language disorders at different tiers and (2) SLT roles within these tiers; and to propose an evidence‐based model of SLT service delivery and a flowchart to aid clinical decision‐making.

Methods & Procedures

Meta‐analyses and systematic reviews, together with controlled, peer‐reviewed group studies where recent systematic reviews were not available, of interventions for children with language disorders are discussed, alongside the differing roles SLTs play in these interventions. Gaps in the evidence base are highlighted.

Main Contribution

The service‐delivery model presented resembles the tiered model commonly used in education services, but divides individualized (Tier 3) services into Tier 3A: indirect intervention delivered by non‐SLTs, and Tier 3B: direct intervention by an SLT. We report evidence for intervention effectiveness, which children might best be served by each tier, the role SLTs could take within each tier and the effectiveness of these roles. Regarding universal interventions provided to all children (Tier 1) and those targeted at children with language weaknesses or vulnerabilities (Tier 2), there is growing evidence that approaches led by education services can be effective when staff are highly trained and well supported. There is currently limited evidence regarding additional benefit of SLT‐specific roles at Tiers 1 and 2. With regard to individualized intervention (Tier 3), children with complex or pervasive language disorders can progress following direct individualized intervention (Tier 3B), whereas children with milder or less pervasive difficulties can make progress when intervention is managed by an SLT, but delivered indirectly by others (Tier 3A), provided they are well trained and supported, and closely monitored.

Conclusions & Implications

SLTs have a contribution to make at all tiers, but where prioritization for clinical services is a necessity, we need to establish the relative benefits and cost‐effectiveness at each tier. Good evidence exists for SLTs delivering direct individualized intervention and we should ensure that this is available to children with pervasive and/or complex language disorders. In cases where service models are being provided which lack evidence, we strongly recommend that SLTs investigate the effectiveness of their approaches.
Genome biology of a novel lineage of planctomycetes widespread in anoxic aquatic environments
Authors: Spring Stefan , Bunk Boyke , Spröer Cathrin , Rohde Manfred , Klenk Hans‐Peter
Published: April 2018

Anaerobic strains affiliated with a novel order‐level lineage of the Phycisphaerae class were retrieved from the suboxic zone of a hypersaline cyanobacterial mat and anoxic sediments of solar salterns. Genome sequences of five isolates were obtained and compared with metagenome‐assembled genomes representing related uncultured bacteria from various anoxic aquatic environments. Gene content surveys suggest a strictly fermentative saccharolytic metabolism for members of this lineage, which could be confirmed by the phenotypic characterization of isolates. Genetic analyses indicate that the retrieved isolates do not have a canonical origin of DNA replication, but initiate chromosome replication at alternative sites possibly leading to an accelerated evolution. Further potential factors driving evolution and speciation within this clade include genome reduction by metabolic specialization and rearrangements of the genome by mobile genetic elements, which have a high prevalence in strains from hypersaline sediments and mats. Based on genetic and phenotypic data a distinct group of strictly anaerobic heterotrophic planctomycetes within the Phycisphaerae class could be assigned to a novel order that is represented by the proposed genus Sedimentisphaera gen. nov. comprising two novel species, S. salicampi gen. nov., sp. nov. and S. cyanobacteriorum gen. nov., sp. nov.
Who and What Really Count? An Examination of Stakeholder Salience in Not‐for‐Profit Service Delivery Organizations
Authors: Chen Jinhua , Harrison Graeme , Jiao Lu
Published: April 2018

Motivated by the importance of understanding how managers of not‐for‐profit organizations (NFPs) in Australia perceive and prioritize their stakeholders, this study tests and applies Mitchell et al.’s (1997) stakeholder salience framework, enhanced by Neville et al.’s (2011) developments to the framework, in the not‐for‐profit context. The study examines the salience of six key stakeholder groups in NFPs, as perceived by top management, and the relation between three stakeholder attributes of power, legitimacy and urgency, and salience. Data were collected from 260 Australian NFPs in the education and health service areas. It was found that managers in sampled NFPs weighted the three stakeholder attributes differently. In particular, urgency is weighted strongly across all stakeholder groups, a condition that we suggest is a consequence of enhanced immediacy and reach of media to escalate and manage crises in the contemporary environment of the 21st century. The study contributes to the stakeholder salience literature and has important implications for policy making and regulatory reform for NFPs in Australia as well as managerial practices in NFPs.
Caesarean scar pregnancy in the UK: a national cohort study
Authors: Harb HM , Knight M , Bottomley C , Overton C , Tobias A , Gallos ID , Shehmar M , Farquharson R , Horne A , Latthe P , Edi‐Osagie E , MacLean M , Marston E , Zamora J , Dawood F , Small R , Ross J , Bourne T , Coomarasamy A , Jurkovic D
Published: April 2018

Objective

To estimate the incidence of caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) and to describe the management outcomes associated with this condition.

Design

A national cohort study using the UK Early Pregnancy Surveillance Service (UKEPSS).

Setting

86 participating Early Pregnancy Units.

Population

All women diagnosed in the participating units with CSP between November 2013 and January 2015.

Methods

Cohort study of women identified through the UKEPSS monthly mailing system.

Main outcome measures

Incidence, clinical outcomes and complications.

Results

102 cases of CSP were reported, with an estimated incidence of 1.5 per 10 000 (95% CI 1.1–1.9) maternities. Full outcome data were available for 92 women. Management was expectant in 21/92 (23%), medical in 15/92 (16%) and surgical in 56/92 (61%). The success rates of expectant, medical and surgical management were 43% (9/21), 46% (7/15) and 96% (54/56), respectively. The complication rates were 15/21 (71%) with expectant, 9/15 (60%) with medical and 20/56 (36%) with surgical management. Discharge from care (median number of days) was 82 (range 37–174) with expectant, 21 (range 10–31) with medical and 11 (range 4–49) with surgical management.

Conclusions

Surgical management appears to be associated with a high success rate, low complication rate and short post‐treatment follow up.

Tweetable abstract

Surgery for CSP appears to be successful, with low complication rates and short post‐treatment follow up.
Navigating multi‐level natural resource governance: an analytical guide
Authors: Nunan Fiona
Published: April 2018

A plethora of terms are used to describe the form of governance of complex social‐ecological systems, such as multi‐level governance, polycentricity and network governance. This plethora of terms is associated with a diffuse literature from which it can be challenging to identify which variables are important for investigation of the governance system and what questions could be asked. The purpose of this article is to present the development of a guide for the analysis of the complex governance systems of renewable natural resources, informed by a breadth of literature from which key characteristics, challenges and concepts are identified. The guide consists of three dimensions: multiplicities of levels, actors and institutions; the existence, opportunities for, and challenges of, interactions within and between levels (vertical and horizontal interactions); and an assessment of governance performance through application of governance principles. The guide is applied to a case study of mangrove forests in Kenya, to illustrate its utility in generating understanding and identification of challenges and opportunities for more effective multi‐level governance. It is proposed that the guide could be beneficial to researchers and practitioners seeking to develop an understanding of structures, performance and outcomes of multi‐level governance.
Role of fecal microbiota transplantation in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: D'Odorico Irene , Di Bella Stefano , Monticelli Jacopo , Giacobbe Daniele R , Boldock Emma , Luzzati Roberto
Published: April 2018

There is increasing evidence of the key role played by altered intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Management strategies involving immune modulation are effective and widely used, but treatment failures and side effects occur. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) provides a novel, perhaps complementary, strategy to restore the normal gut microbiota in patients with IBD. This review summarizes the available efficacy and safety data on the use of FMT in patients with IBD. Several aspects remain to be clarified about the clinical predictors of the response to FMT, its most appropriate route of administration, and the most appropriate quantity and quality of microbiota to be transplanted. Further studies focusing on long‐term outcomes and safety are also warranted.
Mir‐1307 regulates cisplatin resistance by targeting Mdm4 in breast cancer expressing wild type P53
Authors: Wang Xinyan , Zhu Jianwei
Published: April 2018

Background

Many chemotherapy regimens are used to treat breast cancer; however, breast cancer cells often develop drug resistance that usually leads to relapse and poor prognosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non‐coding RNA molecules that post‐transcriptionally regulate gene expression and play crucial roles in diverse biological processes, such as development, differentiation, apoptosis, and proliferation. We investigated the roles of miRNAs in the development of drug resistance in human breast cancer cells.

Methods

MiRNA expression was detected in human breast cancer cell lines MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐468 via real time PCR; 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazoliumbromide, cell viability, colony formation, and luciferase reporter gene assays; Western blot; and immunohistochemistry.

Results

MiR‐1307 was downregulated while MDM4 was upregulated in MCF‐7/cisplatin (CDDP) and MDA‐MB‐468/CDDP cells compared with parental MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐468 cells. in vitro drug sensitivity assay demonstrated that overexpression of miR‐1307 sensitized MCF‐7/CDDP cells to CDDP. Luciferase activity assay with a reporter containing sequences from the 3′ untranslated region of Mdm4 in MCF‐7/CDDP cells suggested that Mdm4 was the direct target gene of miR‐1307. Ectopic miR‐1307 expression reduced the MDM4 protein level and sensitized MCF‐7/CDDP cells to CDDP‐induced apoptosis.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest, for the first time, that miR‐1307 could play a role in the development of CDDP resistance in breast cancer, at least in part by modulating apoptosis by targeting Mdm4.
MicroRNAs in hereditary and sporadic premature aging syndromes and other laminopathies
Authors: Frankel Diane , Delecourt Valérie , Harhouri Karim , De Sandre‐Giovannoli Annachiara , Lévy Nicolas , Kaspi Elise , Roll Patrice
Published: April 2018

Hereditary and sporadic laminopathies are caused by mutations in genes encoding lamins, their partners, or the metalloprotease ZMPSTE24/FACE1. Depending on the clinical phenotype, they are classified as tissue‐specific or systemic diseases. The latter mostly manifest with several accelerated aging features, as in Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) and other progeroid syndromes. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs described as powerful regulators of gene expression, mainly by degrading target mRNAs or by inhibiting their translation. In recent years, the role of these small RNAs has become an object of study in laminopathies using in vitro or in vivo murine models as well as cells/tissues of patients. To date, few miRNAs have been reported to exert protective effects in laminopathies, including miR‐9, which prevents progerin accumulation in HGPS neurons. The recent literature has described the potential implication of several other miRNAs in the pathophysiology of laminopathies, mostly by exerting deleterious effects. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge of the functional relevance and molecular insights of miRNAs in laminopathies. Furthermore, we discuss how these discoveries could help to better understand these diseases at the molecular level and could pave the way toward identifying new potential therapeutic targets and strategies based on miRNA modulation.
Finance and Corporate Innovation: A Survey
Authors: He Jie (Jack) , Tian Xuan
Published: April 2018

Corporate innovation is an increasingly important topic that has attracted great attention from academic researchers in financial economics in recent years. Although the top three finance journals (i.e. the Journal of Finance, the Journal of Financial Economics, and the Review of Financial Studies) together published a total of only five papers on corporate innovation from 2000 to 2008, the number of such papers published by these three journals skyrocketed to 56 from 2009 to the third quarter of 2017. The purpose of this survey is to provide a synthetic and evaluative monograph of academic papers that examine the drivers and financing sources of corporate innovation.
Probabilistic assessment of visual fatigue caused by stereoscopy using dynamic Bayesian networks
Authors: Yuan Zhongyun , Zhuo Kai , Zhang Qiang , Zhao Chun , Sang Shengbo
Published: April 2018

Purpose

In this article, we develop a dynamic Bayesian network (DBN) model to measure 3D visual fatigue. As far as our information goes, this is the first adaptation of a DBN structure‐based probabilistic framework for inferring the 3D viewer's state of visual fatigue.

Methods

Our measurement focuses on the interdependencies between each factor and the phenomena of visual fatigue in stereoscopy. Specifically, the implementation of DBN with using multiple features (e.g. contextual, contactless and contact physiological features) and dynamic factor provides a systematic scheme to evaluate 3D visual fatigue.

Results

In contrast to measurement results between the mean opinion score (MOS) and Bayesian network model (with static Bayesian network and DBN), the visual fatigue in stereoscopy at time slice t is influenced by a dynamic factor (time slice t−1). In the presence of dynamic factors (time slice t−1), our proposed measuring scheme based on DBN is more comprehensive.

Conclusion

(i) We cover more features for inferring the visual fatigue, more reliably and accurately; (ii) at different time slices, the dynamic factor features are significant for inferring the visual fatigue state of stereoscopy.
The first human report of mobile colistin resistance gene, mcr‐1, in Finland
Authors: Gröndahl‐Yli‐Hannuksela Kirsi , Lönnqvist Emilia , Kallonen Teemu , Lindholm Laura , Jalava Jari , Rantakokko‐Jalava Kaisu , Vuopio Jaana
Published: April 2018

Colistin resistance mediated by mobile mcr‐1 gene has raised concern during the last years. After steep increase in mcr‐1 reports, other mcr‐gene variants (mcr‐2 to mcr‐5) have been revealed as well. In 2016, a clinical study was conducted on asymptomatic stool carriage of extended spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae among Finnish adults. All suspected ESBL producing bacterial isolates were first tested by phenotypic ESBL‐confirmation methods, and then further analyzed with whole genome sequencing to identify the resistance genes. We found one study subject carrying a colistin resistant E. coli with a transferrable mcr‐1 gene. This multi‐drug resistant isolate, although initially suspected to be an ESBL producer, did not carry any ESBL genes, but was proven to carry several other resistance genes by using whole genome sequencing. Sequence type was ST93. The mcr‐1 gene was connected to IncX4 plasmid which suggests that the colistin resistance gene locates in the respective plasmid. Here, we report the finding of a mcr‐1 harboring human E. coli isolate from Finland. Clinical antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates are low in Finland, and mobile colistin resistance has not been reported previously. This highlights the importance of AMR surveillance also in populations with low levels of resistance.
Exocellular extract of Fusarium oxysporum, fungus free, is able to permeate and act selectively in skin
Authors: Sibin Melo Katia C. , Correia Marcelo H. , Svidzinski Terezinha I. E. , Hernandes Luzmarina
Published: April 2018

The skin is an important gateway for Fusarium infection in humans. Our hypothesis is that metabolites produced by Fusarium oxysporum should change the barrier structure to permeate the skin. Male Wistar rats received a topical application of a solution (0.05 mg/mL) of Fusarium metabolites. The animals were euthanized 3, 6, 12, 24 h after and the skin was processed for immunostaining by laminin and E‐cadherin to investigate whether the Fusarium metabolites can break the barrier of healthy skin. Other techniques were employed: H&E to study the morphology; metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), TUNEL, and PCNA immunostaining to evaluate the inflammation, cell death, and proliferation, respectively. There was an inflammatory response mainly centered in the dermis. Qualitatively, the skin of the experimental group showed reduced E‐cadherin and laminin immunostaining at 3, 12, and 24 h. Higher intensity staining by TUNEL at 3 h, and PCNA at 6, 12, and 24 h. There was intense MMP‐9 activity at 6, 12, and 24 h. None of analyses revealed any changes in the epidermis. It was concluded that the fraction was able to permeate the skin and act selectively in dermis, inducing inflammatory response, increasing MMP‐9 immunostaining, inducing apoptosis, and reducing E‐cadherin and laminin immunostaining.
Triple negative breast cancer: new therapeutic approaches and BRCA status
Authors: Guney Eskiler Gamze , Cecener Gulsah , Egeli Unal , Tunca Berrin
Published: April 2018

Treatment of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a clinically challenging problem due to intriguing clinical and pathologic features of TNBC and natural or induced resistance to existing therapies. However, a great understanding of features of TNBC particularly associated with BRCA mutations has led to the development of different therapeutic approaches. Besides, identification of TNBC subtypes contribute to investigation of the underlying molecular differences and development of new strategies for the treatment of TNBC patients. In this review, we discussed the definition and characteristic properties of TNBC. We summarized an up‐to‐date description of the reported clinical trials of novel targeted strategies especially PARP inhibitors (PARPi) due to novel and highly potent for the treatment of TNBC. Additionally, we reviewed published studies which investigated the prevalence and types of BRCA1/2 mutation in breast cancer patients to assess and draw attention of association of BRCA status with TNBC. Consequently, the definition subtype of TNBC has important predictive value for the development of new therapeutic agents in the treatment of TNBC. Additionally, the incidence and types of mutations in BRCA‐related pathways may be affected by ethnic origin and contribute to the risk of developing TNBC.
Capnocytophaga canimorsus: a rare case of conservatively treated prosthetic valve endocarditis
Authors: Jalava‐Karvinen Päivi , Grönroos Juha O. , Tuunanen Helena , Kemppainen Jukka , Oksi Jarmo , Hohenthal Ulla
Published: April 2018

We describe a rare case of prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by the canine bacterium Capnocytophaga canimorsus in a male aged 73 years. The diagnosis of infective endocarditis was unequivocal, as it blood cultures were positive for C. canimorsus and vegetations were detected on transesophageal echocardiography; the modified Duke criteria were fulfilled. PET‐CT showed intense 18F‐FDG uptake of the prosthetic valve area. The patient was treated with antibiotics alone (no surgery), and is now on life‐long suppressive antibiotic therapy. To our knowledge, this is the third reported case of prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by C. canimorsus and the first one to have been treated conservatively.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: endoscopic and histologic placebo rates in induction and maintenance trials of ulcerative colitis
Authors: Ma C. , Guizzetti L. , Panaccione R. , Fedorak R. N. , Pai R. K. , Parker C. E. , Nguyen T. M. , Khanna R. , Vande Casteele N. , D'Haens G. , Sandborn W. J. , Feagan B. G. , Jairath V.
Published: April 2018

Background

Regulatory requirements for claims of mucosal healing in ulcerative colitis (UC) will require demonstration of both endoscopic and histologic healing. Quantifying these rates is essential for future drug development.

Aims

To meta‐analyse endoscopic and histologic placebo response and remission rates in UC randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and identify factors influencing these rates.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to March 2017 for placebo‐controlled trials of pharmacological interventions for UC. Endoscopic and histologic placebo rates were pooled by random effects. Mixed effects univariable and multivariable meta‐regression was used to evaluate the influence of patient, intervention and trial‐related study‐level covariates on these rates.

Results

Fifty‐six induction (placebo n = 4171) and 8 maintenance trials (placebo n = 1011) were included. Pooled placebo endoscopic remission and response rates for induction trials were 23% [95 confidence interval (CI) 19‐28%] and 35% [95% CI 27‐42%] respectively, and 20% [95% CI 16‐24%] for maintenance of remission. The pooled histologic placebo remission rate was 14% [95% CI 8‐22%] for induction trials. High heterogeneity was observed for all outcomes (I2 56.2%‐88.3%). On multivariable meta‐regression, central endoscopy reading was associated with significantly lower endoscopic placebo remission rates (16% vs 25%; OR = 0.52, [95% CI 0.29‐0.92], P = 0.03). On univariable meta‐regression, higher histologic placebo remission was associated with concomitant corticosteroids (OR = 1.17 [95% CI 1.08‐1.26], P < 0.0001, per 10% increase in corticosteroid use).

Conclusions

Placebo endoscopic and histologic rates range from 14% to 35% in UC RCTs but are highly heterogeneous. Outcome standardisation may reduce heterogeneity and is needed in this field.
Using the chronic kidney disease guidelines to evaluate the renal safety of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in hepatitis B patients
Authors: Tsai H. J. , Chuang Y. W. , Lee S. W. , Wu C. Y. , Yeh H. Z. , Lee T. Y.
Published: April 2018

Background

Renal dysfunction remains an issue in tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.

Aim

To evaluate renal safety of TDF according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines.

Methods

We retrospectively recruited CHB patients who received either TDF or entecavir (ETV) monotherapy from January 2008 to August 2015. After excluding confounding conditions, 253 patients who received TDF were randomly matched 1:2 with 506 patients who received ETV through the propensity scores, which consisted of age, gender, cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Renal function deterioration was defined as a drop in GFR category accompanied with a ≥25% eGFR decline. Cumulative incidences of and hazard ratios (HRs) for renal dysfunction were analysed.

Results

The mean eGFR decline was significantly greater in the TDF group over 48 months (TDF vs ETV: 15.73 mL/min/1.73 m2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.76‐17.70 vs 5.96 mL/min/1.73 m2, 95% CI: 4.72‐7.19; P < 0.001). The cumulative incidence of renal function deterioration was significantly higher in the TDF group (TDF vs ETV: 11.1%, 95% CI: 7.4‐14.8 vs 1.7%, 95% CI: 1.0‐2.4; P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, pre‐existing CKD and diabetes, TDF was independently associated with an increased risk of renal function deterioration (HR 5.36, 95% CI: 2.16‐13.35; P < 0.001). Pre‐existing CKD (HR 6.71, 95% CI: 2.25‐17.65), proteinuria (HR 3.39, 95% CI: 1.23‐9.39), and haematuria (HR 4.25, 95% CI: 1.32‐13.68) were also independent factors of renal dysfunction.

Conclusion

By following the KDIGO guidelines, we confirmed that TDF was associated with a higher risk of renal dysfunction as compared to ETV.