bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mediating role of organizational commitment between organizational justice and organizational citizenship behavior
Authors: Jehanzeb Khawaja , Mohanty Jagannath
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between organizational justice and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) while considering the mediating effect of organizational commitment and the moderating role of power distance on this association.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a stratified sampling technique the data were collected from the employees working in bank branches located in five metropolitan cities (i.e. Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore, Quetta and Karachi) of Pakistan. A total of 409 responses were received and 379 questionnaires were considered for analysis. To test the hypotheses structural equation modeling technique was applied using AMOS 21.0.

Findings

The results reported an insignificant relationship between organizational justice and OCB, but the relationship between organizational justice and organizational commitment was found to be significant. It has also emerged from the analysis that organizational commitment fully mediates the relationship between organizational justice and OCB. Moreover, power distance was found to moderate the relationship between organizational justice and organizational commitment.

Research limitations/implications

Findings of this study can be useful for banking organizations and policy makers responsible for employee productivity and overall employee well-being, particularly managers working on long-term organizational vision and expect employees to respond pro-socially toward fellow workers and organizational objectives. The study also provides the scope and space for potential scholars and researchers for carrying out further research.

Practical implications

Findings of this study can be useful for banking organizations and policy makers who have long-term vision and expect OCB from its employees to be sustainable in a dynamic market. The study also provides the scope and space for potential scholars and researchers for carrying out further research.

Originality/value

While extensive literature is available on organizational justice and its impact on OCB, very little work seems to have been done to examine the moderating impact of power distance between organizational justice and organizational commitment, particularly in the context of a developing country like Pakistan. Therefore, this work may be considered as original and of significant value in understanding the relationships between the various constructs in the scenario of Pakistan.
Understanding Germany’s response to the 2015 refugee crisis
Authors: Ayoub Maysa Abbas
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the discrepancy between Germany’s immediate positive response to the so-called “Europe 2015's refugee crisis“ and the strict asylum legislation adopted in Germany in the following year.

Design/methodology/approach

The discrepancy is attributed to external and internal forces. The external force is Germany’s obligation to adhere to the Common European Asylum System. The internal force is the role of the different policy actors. The paper focuses on the role of the media as an example of a private policy actor. Through adopting the theory of the social construction of target populations, the paper studies how the media constructs “asylum seekers”, the target of the new asylum legislation. The role of the media is analyzed using the methodology of qualitative content analysis of a selected number of newspaper articles.

Findings

The majority of the studied articles problematized receiving and hosting refugees and focused on the reason behind migration differentiating between asylum seekers fleeing conflict areas and all others who might be abusing the asylum channel. The findings of the content analysis, as such, resonate with the amendments that focused on facilitating the integration of accepted “refugees” but restricted further entry. As such, it could be argued that these findings explain the influence of the media on the amendments and as such provide an explanation to the discrepancy between the initial response and the amendments.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis focused on one newspaper. The findings, as such, are not representative. The aim is only to provide an example of how the German media dealt with the refugee crisis and to suggest using the theory chosen by the paper to analyze the link between asylum legislation and the construction of asylum seekers. To understand how asylum legislation is influenced by how asylum seekers are constructed, more studies are needed. Such studies could analyze the role played by other media outputs and/or the role played by other policy actors in constructing the target of the policy.

Originality/value

The media’s response is based on analyzing a sample of newspaper articles published by a German newspaper following the so-called 2015 refugee crisis. Accordingly, the findings represent an original endeavor to understand how the media reacted to the crisis.
Flaxleaf Fleabane Leaves (Conyza bonariensis), A New Functional Nonconventional Edible Plant?
Authors: Schechtel Suzane Lucas , de Matos Vanessa Cristina Rodrigues , Santos Jânio Sousa , Cruz Thiago Mendanha , Marques Mariza Boscacci , Wen Mingchun , Zhang Liang , Furtado Marianna Miranda , Sant'Ana Anderson S. , Vieira do Carmo Mariana Araújo , Azevedo Luciana , Ribeiro Jéssica Caroline Bigaski , Granato Daniel
Published: November 2019

This work aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, nutritional value, antioxidant, antihemolytic, antihyperglycemic, and antiproliferative activities of flaxleaf fleabane (Conyza bonariensis) leaves. Different concentrations of water and ethanol (0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:0 v/v) were used in the extraction process and results showed that the hydroalcoholic extract (50:50 v/v) presented the highest total phenolics, ortho‐diphenolics, Folin‐Ciocalteu reducing capacity, FRAP, and Fe2+ chelating ability values. Flaxleaf fleabane leaves (FFL) contained 19.6 g/100 g of fibers and 26 g/100 g of proteins. Ellagic acid, procyanidin A2, caffeic, rosmarinic, gallic, and 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acids were the main phenolics. This phenolic‐rich extract inhibited the lipid oxidation of Wistar rat brain (IC50 = 863.0 mg GAE/L), inhibited α‐glucosidase activity (IC50 = 435.4 µg/mL), protected human erythrocytes against mechanical hemolysis at different osmolarity conditions, and showed cytotoxic/antiproliferative effects against human ileocecal adenocarcinoma cells (HCT8; IC50 = 552.6 µg/mL) but no cytotoxicity toward noncancerous human lung fibroblast (IMR90). Overall, FFL showed potential to be explored by food companies to be a source of proteins, natural color substances, and phenolic compounds.

Practical Application

Flaxleaf fleabane leaves (FFL) are usually burnt or partially given to cattle, without a proper utilization as a source of nutrients for human nutrition. Here, we studied the nutritional composition, phenolic composition, and toxicological aspects of FFL using different biological protocols. FFL was proven to be a rich source of proteins and dietary fibers and showed antioxidant activity measured by chemical and in vitro biological assays. Additionally, as it did protected human red cells and did not show cytotoxicity, we assume FFL has relative safety to be consumed as a nonconventional edible plant.
Media heterogeneity and post‐earnings announcement drift: evidence from China
Authors: Guo Ye , Huang Mengqi
Published: November 2019

This paper examines how the Chinese stock market acts differently towards state‐controlled and market‐oriented media coverage. Using a setting of post‐earnings announcement drift, we find that information from state‐controlled media enters the stock price in a timelier manner, while the message from market‐oriented media needs more time to get a response from investors. The effect is also influenced by whether the type of news coverage is good or bad. Our findings suggest that the capital market underreacts when good news is reported by the market‐oriented media.
World Trade Center exposure, post‐traumatic stress disorder, and subjective cognitive concerns in a cohort of rescue/recovery workers
Authors: Singh A. , Zeig‐Owens R. , Hall C. B. , Liu Y. , Rabin L. , Schwartz T. , Webber M. P. , Appel D. , Prezant D. J.
Published: November 2019

Objective

To determine whether World Trade Center (WTC)‐exposure intensity and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are associated with subjective cognitive change in rescue/recovery workers.

Method

The population included 7875 rescue/recovery workers who completed a subjective cognition measure, the Cognitive Function Instrument (CFI), between 3/1/2018 and 2/28/2019 during routine monitoring, indicating whether they had experienced cognitive and functional difficulties in the past year. Higher scores indicated greater self‐perceived cognitive change. Probable PTSD, depression, and alcohol abuse were evaluated by validated mental health screeners. Logistic regression assessed the associations of WTC exposure and current PTSD with top‐quartile (≥2) CFI score, and of early post‐9/11 PTSD with top‐quartile CFI in a subpopulation (N = 6440). Models included demographics, smoking, depression, and alcohol abuse as covariates.

Results

Mean age at CFI completion was 56.7 ± 7.7 (range: 36–81). Participants with high‐intensity WTC exposure had an increased likelihood of top‐quartile CFI score (odds ratio[OR] vs. low exposure: 1.32, 95%CI: 1.07–1.64), controlling for covariates. Current and early PTSD were both associated with top‐quartile CFI (OR: 3.25, 95%CI: 2.53–4.19 and OR: 1.56, 95%CI: 1.26–1.93) respectively.

Conclusions

High‐intensity WTC exposure was associated with self‐reported cognitive change 17 years later in rescue/recovery workers, as was PTSD. Highly WTC‐exposed subgroups may benefit from additional cognitive evaluation and monitoring of cognition over time.
Investigating the role of hallucinatory experiences in the transition from suicidal thoughts to attempts
Authors: Hielscher E. , DeVylder J. , Connell M. , Hasking P. , Martin G. , Scott J. G.
Published: November 2019

Objective

Psychotic experiences, including auditory hallucinatory experiences (HEs), are strongly associated with both suicidal thoughts and behaviour. This study examined their role in the ideation‐to‐attempt transition in adolescents, including their direct and indirect effect via potential mediators.

Method

Participants were from an Australian prospective longitudinal cohort of 1669 adolescents (12–17 years); of which a subsample endorsing baseline suicidal ideation (n = 216) was the focus of most analyses. Suicidal thoughts and behaviours were measured using the Self‐Harm Behaviour Questionnaire. The Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children was used to assess auditory HEs. Potential mediators of interest were psychological distress and Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (IPTS) constructs.

Results

Among adolescents reporting suicidal ideation at baseline (n = 216), 6.5% had attempted suicide during follow‐up. The size of auditory HEs’ univariate effect suggests a possible strong relationship with increased risk of incident suicide attempts (OR = 2.40; 95%CI = 0.76–7.56); however, there was inadequate statistical power to produce a precise estimate. When HEs were accompanied by distress there was a nine‐fold increased risk of acting on suicidal thoughts. Distress was independently associated with risk of attempt transition (OR = 4.09), whereas IPTS constructs were poor explanatory variables in most models.

Conclusion

Adolescents with psychological distress and auditory HEs are at high risk of incident suicide attempts. Further investigations on the role of negative/distressing content of hallucinations in the ideation‐to‐attempt transition are warranted.
How to work with children and animals: A guide for school‐based citizen science in wildlife research
Authors: Soanes Kylie , Cranney Kate , Dade Marie C. , Edwards Amy M. , Palavalli‐Nettimi Ravindra , Doherty Tim S.
Published: November 2019

Engaging school students in wildlife research through citizen science projects can be a win–win for scientists and educators. Not only does it provide a way for scientists to gather new data, but it can also contribute to science education and help younger generations become more environmentally aware. However, wildlife research can be challenging in the best of circumstances, and there are few guidelines available to help scientists create successful citizen science projects for school students. This paper explores the opportunities and challenges faced when developing school‐based citizen science projects in wildlife research by synthesising two sources of information. First, we conducted a small, school‐based citizen science project that investigated the effects of supplementary feeding on urban birds as a case study. Second, we reviewed the literature to develop a database of school‐based citizen science projects that address questions in wildlife ecology and conservation. Based on these activities, we present five lessons for scientists considering a school‐based citizen science project. Overall, we found that school‐based citizen science projects must be carefully designed to ensure reliable data are collected, students remain engaged, and the project is achievable under the logistical constraints presented by conducting wildlife research in a school environment. Ultimately, we conclude that school‐based citizen science projects can be a powerful way of collecting wildlife data while also contributing to the education and development of environmentally aware students.
Erythropoietin accelerates the revascularization of transplanted pancreatic islets
Authors: Menger Maximilian M. , Nalbach Lisa , Roma Leticia P. , Körbel Christina , Wrublewsky Selina , Glanemann Matthias , Laschke Matthias W. , Menger Michael D. , Ampofo Emmanuel
Published: November 2019

Background and Purpose

Pancreatic islet transplantation is a promising therapeutic approach for Type 1 diabetes. A major prerequisite for the survival of grafted islets is a rapid revascularization after transplantation. Erythropoietin (EPO), the primary regulator of erythropoiesis, has been shown to promote angiogenesis. Therefore, we investigated in this study whether EPO improves the revascularization of transplanted islets.

Experimental Approach

Islets from FVB/N mice were transplanted into dorsal skinfold chambers of recipient animals, which were daily treated with an intraperitoneal injection of EPO (500 IU·kg−1) or vehicle (control) throughout an observation period of 14 days. In a second set of experiments, animals were only pretreated with EPO over a 6‐day period prior to islet transplantation. The revascularization of the grafts was assessed by repetitive intravital fluorescence microscopy and immunohistochemistry. In addition, a streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mouse model was used to study the effect of EPO‐pretreatment on the endocrine function of the grafts.

Key Results

EPO treatment slightly accelerated the revascularization of the islet grafts. This effect was markedly more pronounced in EPO‐pretreated animals, resulting in significantly higher numbers of engrafted islets and an improved perfusion of endocrine tissue without affecting systemic haematocrit levels when compared with controls. Moreover, EPO‐pretreatment significantly accelerated the recovery of normoglycaemia in diabetic mice after islet transplantation.

Conclusion and Implications

These findings demonstrate that, particularly, short‐term EPO‐pretreatment represents a promising therapeutic approach to improve the outcome of islet transplantation, without an increased risk of thromboembolic events.
Burden of illness in not adequately controlled chronic hypoparathyroidism: Findings from a 13‐country patient and caregiver survey
Authors: Siggelkow Heide , Clarke Bart L. , Germak John , Marelli Claudio , Chen Kristina , Dahl‐Hansen Helen , Glenister Elizabeth , Bent‐Ennakhil Nawal , Judge Davneet , Mycock Katie , Bollerslev Jens
Published: November 2019

Objective

To address knowledge gaps regarding burdens associated with not adequately controlled chronic hypoparathyroidism.

Design

Global patient and caregiver survey.

Study Populations

Patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism not adequately controlled on conventional therapy and their caregivers.

Measurements

Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and health status were evaluated using the 36‐item Short Form version 2 (SF‐36 v2.0) and Five‐Level EuroQoL 5 Dimensions (EQ‐5D‐5L) instruments, respectively. Hypoparathyroidism‐associated symptoms were assessed by a disease‐specific Hypoparathyroidism Symptom Diary and caregiver burden via the Modified Caregiver Strain Index (MCSI).

Results

Data were obtained from 398 patients and 207 caregivers. Patients' self‐rated hypoparathyroidism‐related symptom severity was none (3%), mild (32%), moderate (53%) or severe (12%). Per the Hypoparathyroidism Symptom Diary, patients reported moderate, severe or very severe symptoms of physical fatigue (73%), muscle cramps (55%), heaviness in limbs (55%) and tingling (51%) over a 7‐day recall period. Impacts (rated ‘somewhat’ or ‘very much’) were reported by 84% of patients for ability to exercise, 78% for sleep, 75% for ability to work and 63% for family relationships. Inverse relationships were observed between patient self‐rated overall symptom severity and HRQoL and health status assessment scores—the greater the symptom severity, the lower the SF‐36 and EQ‐5D‐5L scores. Caregiver burden increased with patient self‐rated symptom severity: none, 1.7 MCSI; mild, 5.4 MCSI; moderate, 9.5 MCSI; and severe, 12.5 MCSI.

Conclusion

Patients with not adequately controlled hypoparathyroidism reported substantial symptoms and impacts. Greater patient symptom severity was associated with decreased patient HRQoL and health status assessments and increased caregiver burden.
Gender differences in poaching attitudes: Insights from communities in Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe living near the great Limpopo
Authors: Sundström Aksel , Linell Amanda , Ntuli Herbert , Sjöstedt Martin , Gore Meredith L.
Published: November 2019

To what extent and how do men and women differ in their attitudes about poaching? Although research suggests that women can be more concerned about environmental degradation than men, inquiries about communities in protected areas are ambiguous: women are disproportionately affected by anti‐poaching laws and can have greater motivations to violate rules. We conducted a large‐scale survey in communities within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park in Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe and explored attitudes regarding; concern about resources, rule compliance, poaching, and anti‐poaching activities. Although women's attitudes generally are not divergent from men's, we find some differences among nonelectrified households and those with a dependence on resources; these women are less likely to condemn commercial poaching and less willing to engage in anti‐poaching activities. Men in poorer households are more likely to know a poacher. We identify a need of further understanding the causes behind gender differences in conservation attitudes.
Elevational contrast in predation and parasitism risk to caterpillars in a tropical rainforest
Authors: Libra Martin , Tulai Salape , Novotny Vojtech , Hrcek Jan
Published: November 2019

Invertebrate predators and parasitoids are among the most important natural enemies of insect herbivores. Yet, the strength of natural enemy pressure along an altitudinal gradient and interactions between the groups of natural enemies (such as predation on parasitized prey) are not well known. Various methods are used to reveal the mortality factors of herbivores. Predation pressure is usually assessed through exposure of artificial prey. However, this method cannot provide information about the attacks of parasitoids, or their eventual interactions with predators. Furthermore, artificial or dead prey might not attract predators because they do not show expected host behavior, and this method mostly cannot distinguish between predation and scavenging. For the first time in a tropical rainforest, we quantified elevational contrast in mortality factors using exposure of live caterpillars. We exposed a total of 800 live caterpillars of Talanga excelsalis moresbyensis Strand (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on saplings of Ficus copiosa Steud. (Moraceae) at two elevations in primary tropical rain forest in Papua New Guinea (200 and 1 200 m a.s.l.). We exposed the caterpillars in two treatments: exposed to and protected from invertebrate predators and parasitoids. Disappearance of caterpillars was significantly higher in the exposed treatment. Furthermore, caterpillar disappearance was significantly higher in lowlands than in highlands (43 vs. 12%). We consider the vast majority of the disappearance to be due to predation, as migration of the caterpillars from the focal trees was not observed (except one caterpillar). This estimate of invertebrate predation rate corresponds with studies which used artificial caterpillar models. No significant difference in parasitism rate between the two elevations was observed (12 vs. 13%). The combination of the disappearance and parasitism rate patterns means that larval parasitoids face stronger pressure from invertebrate predators through higher predation of their hosts in the lowlands than in the highlands.
Strangulating obstruction of the small intestine by a fibrous band originating on the nephrosplenic ligament
Authors: Gandini M. , Labate F. , Rosso A. , Giusto G.
Published: November 2019

During a laparotomy for colic signs in a 2‐year‐old male Thoroughbred, a portion of approximately 7 m of the jejunum was found entrapped in a fibrous band originating from the nephrosplenic ligament. The entrapped jejunum was necrotic and was removed. Two months after the first surgery, a laparoscopy was performed to close the nephrosplenic space and it was possible to identify several fibrous bands bridging from the renal capsule to the splenic capsule and a fibrotic plate over the spleen. This is the first report of a strangulating obstruction of the jejunum in the nephrosplenic space and of fibrous bands bridging from the nephrosplenic ligament to the spleen. The fibrous bands were likely due to inflammation caused by previous, multiple left dorsal displacements of the bowel, which resolved spontaneously.
Inter‐user and intra‐user variation of two tonometers in horses
Authors: Lewin Andrew C. , Liu Chin‐Chi , Camacho‐Luna Pilar , Alling Christopher , Carter Renee T.
Published: November 2019

Background

It is currently unknown which of the two devices most commonly used in equine ophthalmology for intraocular pressure (IOP) estimation demonstrates the lowest inter‐user and intra‐user variation.

Objectives

To assess the inter‐user and intra‐user variation of two tonometers in sedated and unsedated horses.

Study design

Randomised masked cross‐over trial.

Methods

Four examiners used the rebound (ICare®TonoVet) and applanation (TonoPen®) tonometers to measure the intraocular pressure (IOP) in triplicate in 10 normal horses before and after sedation with xylazine. For inter‐user variation, coefficient of variation (CV) values were calculated from the mean of each examiner for each condition combination. For intra‐user variation, CV values were calculated from the individual measurements of each examiner for each condition combination. CV values were also assessed in relation to other variables using ANOVA.

Results

The rebound tonometer was found to have lower inter‐user (15.4% vs 21.7%,P = .01) and intra‐user (9.1% vs 16.1%,P < .0001) variation in unsedated horses and lower intra‐user (8.4% vs 14.7%,P < .0001) variation in sedated horses than the applanation tonometer. Both instruments had similar inter‐user variation in sedated horses. For the rebound tonometer, sedation did not affect inter‐user or intra‐user variation, but for the applanation tonometer inter‐user variation was lowest while horses were sedated (16.0% vs 21.7%,P = .03). No other variable assessed was found to have an effect on IOP.

Main limitations

No animals with ocular disease were included in this study.

Conclusions

The rebound tonometer may be the preferred instrument to minimise intra‐user and inter‐user variation for IOP measurement in unsedated horses. The rebound tonometer is also likely to be the preferred instrument to minimise intra‐user variation in sedated horses. If the applanation tonometer is used to perform IOP measurement in horses, it is recommended that this is performed while horses are sedated to minimise inter‐user variation for this instrument.
The Janus Kinase inhibitor tofacitinib impacts human dendritic cell differentiation and favours M1 macrophage development
Authors: Stalder Romaine , Zhang Bin , Jean Wrobel Ludovic , Boehncke Wolf‐Henning , Brembilla Nicolo Costantino
Published: November 2019

Several cytokines signalling via Janus Kinase (JAK) proteins have been implicated in the pathogenesis of immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Tofacitinib, a small JAK inhibitor, is approved for the treatment of RA and has demonstrated good efficacy in psoriasis phase III clinical trials. In this work, we analysed the in vitro effects of tofacitinib on the functions of human dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages. When assessing the effects of tofacitinib on monocyte‐derived DCs, we observed reduced differentiation of monocytes into immature DCs, as evidenced by a decreased transcription of CD209 and CD80. Phenotype assessment in the presence of tofacitinib suggested a switch towards a M1‐like macrophage phenotype, as evidenced by the expression of M1 markers such as iNOS, as well as cytokines typically expressed by M1 cells, including IL‐12 and IL‐23. Of note, Arginase1 and CD200R, typically expressed by M2 cells, were absent on tofacitinib‐treated DCs. Furthermore, tofacitinib affected the response of differentiated DCs to maturation stimuli such as LPS and IFNγ, resulting in a partial up‐regulation of IL‐23 and down‐regulation of IL‐12, as assessed by qPCR. When investigating macrophage development, we found that tofacitinib inhibited the ability of monocytes to differentiate and polarize into regulatory M2 macrophages, while rather enhancing the ability to develop into inflammatory M1‐like macrophages, as evidenced by decreased expression of the M2 marker CD200R and enhanced production of IL‐12 and IL‐23. In conclusion, tofacitinib impacts the differentiation of human DCs and macrophages, it particularly favours generation of M1‐like pro‐inflammatory macrophages.
Biological controls over the abundances of terrestrial ammonia oxidizers
Authors: Xiao Rui , Qiu Yunpeng , Tao Jinjin , Zhang Xuelin , Chen Huaihai , Reberg‐Horton S. Chris , Shi Wei , Shew H. David , Zhang Yi , Hu Shuijin
Published: November 2019

Aim

Ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) are the primary agents for nitrification, converting ammonia (NH4+) into nitrate (NO3−) and modulating plant nitrogen (N) utilization and terrestrial N retention. However, there is still lack of a unifying framework describing the patterns of global AOA and AOB distribution. In particular, biotic interactions are rarely integrated into any of the conceptual models.

Location

World‐wide.

Time period

2005–2016.

Major taxa studied

Ammonia‐oxidizing archaea and ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria.

Methods

A meta‐analysis and synthesis were conducted to obtain a general picture of global AOA and AOB distribution and identify the primary driving factors. A microcosm experiment was then conducted to assess effects of relative carbon to nitrogen availability for heterotrophic microbes on AOA and AOB in two distinct soils. A mesocosm experiment was further carried out to characterize the effects of plant roots and their arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on AOA and AOB abundances using hyphae‐ or root‐ingrowth techniques.

Results

Our meta‐analysis showed that soil carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratios explained the most variance in AOA and AOB abundances, although soil pH had a significant effect. Experimental results demonstrated that high cellulose and mineral N inputs increased total microbial biomass and microbial activities, but inhibited AOA and AOB, suggesting microbial inhibition of AOA and AOB. Also, AMF and roots suppressed AOA and AOB, respectively.

Main conclusions

Our study provides convincing evidence illustrating that relative carbon to nitrogen availability can predominantly affect the abundances of AOA and AOB. Our experimental results further validate that biotic competition among plants, heterotrophic microbes and ammonia oxidizers for substrate N is the predominant control upon AOA and AOB abundances. Together, these findings provide new insights into the role of abiotic and biotic factors in modulating terrestrial AOA and AOB abundances and their potential applications for management of nitrification in an increasing reactive N world.
Association of oral health and activities of daily living with cognitive impairment
Authors: Lee Kyeong Hee , Jung Eun Seo , Choi Yoon Young
Published: November 2019

Objectives

This study compared the oral health status between elderly individuals with and without cognitive impairment and explored the association of oral health and activities of daily living (ADL) with cognitive impairment.

Methods

We conducted convenience sampling on patients aged more than 65 years and analysed data from 630 participants. Data were collected and analysed via a survey evaluating general characteristics, oral health behaviour, subjective oral health status, Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14), Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and ADL.

Results

The path analysis and regression analysis of the association of oral health and ADL with cognitive impairment showed that the OHIP‐14 was not significantly associated with cognitive impairment, whereas the GOHAI and ADL had significant associations with cognitive impairment. A 1‐point increase in the GOHAI was associated with a 0.024‐point increase in the cognitive impairment score, and a 1‐point increase in the ADL was associated with a 0.006‐point decrease in the cognitive impairment score (normal = 0, cognitive impairment = 1).

Conclusions

Poor oral health and ADL were associated with cognitive impairment. Therefore, oral hygiene management is important in maintaining oral health in elderly individuals with cognitive impairment.
Including the patient voice in the development and implementation of patient‐reported outcomes in cancer clinical trials
Authors: Addario Bonnie , Geissler Jan , Horn Marcia K. , Krebs Linda U. , Maskens Deborah , Oliver Kathy , Plate Ananda , Schwartz Erin , Willmarth Nicole
Published: November 2019

Context

Patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) are used in parallel with clinical evidence to inform decisions made by industry, clinicians, regulators, health technology assessment bodies and other health‐care decision‐makers. In addition, PRO data can also guide shared decision making and individual patient choice. Yet, the quality of many PROs in cancer clinical trials is suboptimal and requires improvement to add value to health care and policy decision making.

Objective

To show how the integration of the patient and/or patient advocate at all stages of PRO development can help to realize the full potential of PROs.

Methods

We examined the literature to show that the patient voice is often absent from the planning and implementation of PROs in cancer clinical trials. Good practice examples from the literature were combined with guideline recommendations, training or educational resources, and our own experience to create detailed practical steps for the inclusion of patients and/or patient advocates throughout PRO development.

Results

Patient or patient advocates can play an active role in shaping PROs that are meaningful to the patient. They can contribute to content, choice of medium and implementation in a way that may support PRO completion and minimize missing data. Patients and their advocates can work to ensure PRO findings are disseminated appropriately in a way that is accessible to patients.

Conclusion

This practical guidance aims to optimize PRO development and implementation in clinical trials, resulting in robust, relevant data that reflect the patient experience and that support decisions made by all stakeholders involved in research and health care.
Laser precipitation of PbS quantum dots in glass rods to achieve broadband near‐infrared emission
Authors: Zhao Zhiyong , Park Wonji , Lee Hojeong , Liu Chao , Heo Jong
Published: November 2019

Continuous‐wave laser (λ = 532 nm) was irradiated on Ag+‐exchanged glass surfaces to precipitate PbS quantum dots (QDs) of various diameters. TEM images combined with element mapping results confirmed the formation and size distribution of PbS QDs. Photoluminescence spectra red‐shifted from 1336 nm to 1635 nm with increases in power density and duration of laser irradiation. Three representative irradiation conditions are proposed to realize broadband photoluminescence from one glass rod to cover the 1.3‐1.7 μm communication window.
Soluble dietary fibres from sugarcane bagasse
Authors: Dimopoulou Maria , Kontogiorgos Vassilis
Published: November 2019

Soluble dietary fibres from sugarcane bagasse were extracted under alkaline conditions and characterised. Precipitated fibres were dialysed, and the fibre composition was evaluated before and after the dialysis step. Compositional analysis indicated that the fibres both before and after dialysis consisted of 39% w/w total sugars, 16% w/w protein, 10% w/w Klason lignin and 30% w/w ash. Xylose was the main neutral sugar followed by arabinose with glucose, galactose and uronic acids also present in all samples. The structural properties were also spectroscopically examined, which confirmed the presence of arabinoxylans. Macromolecular characterisation revealed that molecular weight is reduced after dialysis, indicating that a range of dietary fibres with different macromolecular characteristics may be obtained depending on the specific processing steps. The present work shows that soluble arabinoxylans may be obtained from sugarcane agricultural wastes that may be used as a source of novel dietary fibres.
Effect of different treatment methods on protein aggregation characteristics in wheat flour maturation
Authors: Ma Sen , Wang Zhen , Zheng Xueling , Li Li , Li Limin , Wang Na , Wang Xiaoxi
Published: November 2019

The effects of flour treatment methods, including with glucose oxidase (GOX), lipoxygenase (LOX), xylanase and heating for 1 h at 37 °C (HEAT), on protein aggregation during the flour maturation were investigated. GOX has strong oxidising effects; LOX not only oxidises, but also may affect unsaturated fatty acids; xylanase degrades sugar molecules; HEAT can accelerate the thermal motion of molecules. Data analysis after treatment with GOX, LOX, xylanase and HEAT revealed that the glutenin macropolymer content increased by 0.43%, 0.87%, 0.39% and 0.62%, and the median size of the sample (D50) increased by 1.56, 1.64, 0.52 and 0.74 μm, respectively. In addition, the proportion of a random coil and β‐sheet increased and that of α‐helix and β‐turns decreased, while the polymeric protein content increased. This study contributes to our understanding of the protein changes during flour maturation and helps to predict the quality of wheat flour.
Production of reduced‐fat whipped toppings by solid fat‐based W/O/W double emulsions: proof of concept
Authors: Rebry Ferre , Nelis Veronique , Moens Kim , Dewettinck Koen , Van der Meeren Paul
Published: November 2019

Water‐in‐oil‐in‐water (W/O/W) double emulsions present a reduced‐fat alternative to conventional O/W food emulsions, as part of the dispersed oil phase is replaced with water. In this study, the concept of a reduced‐fat whipped topping produced by W/O/W technology was proven. Whipping of a W/O/W emulsion, containing only 20% oil phase and a solid fat content of 78%, produced a superior whipped topping, in terms of firmness and overrun, compared to its whipped O/W emulsion counterparts. The presence of PGPR in the oil phase increased structure formation during whipping, while the additional dispersed‐phase volume resulted in a better air inclusion. Two commercial monoacylglycerols (saturated and unsaturated) were investigated to improve the whipping properties of the produced W/O/W double emulsion. Both increased the susceptibility towards partial coalescence, thereby reducing whipping time and overrun, while increasing firmness of the produced whipped topping. Furthermore, the effect was stronger for the unsaturated than for the saturated monoacylglycerol.
Focal salvage low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy for recurrent prostate cancer based on magnetic resonance imaging/transrectal ultrasound fusion biopsy technique
Authors: Yamada Yasuhiro , Okihara Koji , Masui Koji , Ueno Akihisa , Shiraishi Takumi , Nakamura Yuichi , Saito Yumiko , Fujihara Atsuko , Hongo Fumiya , Yamada Kei , Ukimura Osamu
Published: November 2019

Objective

To examine the effect of permanent salvage brachytherapy in prostate cancer patients suffering recurrence after three‐dimensional conformal external beam radiotherapy.

Methods

The ultra‐focal (target lesion alone), hemi‐lobe (within a hemi‐lobe) or focused whole‐gland (focusing on the lesion, but extending into the whole gland) pattern was selected based on the Gleason score for the targeted biopsy, the numbers of positive cores in the targeted and systematic biopsies, and the locations of the positive cores. Novel dosimetry criteria derived from three‐dimensional cancer mapping, which was based on targeted magnetic resonance imaging/transrectal ultrasound fusion biopsies, were used in these cases.

Results

Permanent salvage brachytherapy was carried out in 13 patients who suffered prostate‐specific antigen failure (prostate‐specific antigen 2.1–6.8 ng/mL; age range 57–75 years; Gleason score ≤7 [n = 10], Gleason score ≥8 [n = 2] and Gleason score not available [n = 1]) since 2012. The targeted biopsy showed a single focus in three patients. The ultra‐focal, hemi‐lobe and focused whole‐gland patterns were chosen in three, five and five patients, respectively. During the follow‐up period (median duration 48 months), prostate‐specific antigen failure occurred in zero of three, one of five and three of five of the patients treated with the ultra‐focal, hemi‐lobe and focused whole‐gland patterns, respectively. The 4‐year biochemical recurrence‐free survival rate was 74%. No grade 3–4 adverse intestinal or urological events occurred.

Conclusions

Targeted fusion biopsy‐based three‐dimensional cancer mapping should be used for permanent salvage brachytherapy treatment planning to reduce the incidence of treatment‐related adverse events while maintaining good oncological outcomes.
Nurse‐led interventions in the interim: waiting on universal health coverage
Authors: Spies L.A. , Nanyonga R.C. , Nakaggwa F.
Published: November 2019

Aim

The aim of the study was to test a nurse‐led intervention to enhance lifestyle modification and improve hypertension outcomes.

Background

Hypertension is the leading modifiable contributor to non‐communicable disease morbidity and mortality affecting more than 25% of adults in Uganda.

Methods

A mixed‐method study was conducted to evaluate nurse‐led interventions for hypertension. Group education and support with text message follow‐up was the bundled interventions implemented in an outpatient clinical setting.

Conclusion and implications

The statistically favourable outcomes of the nurse‐led interventions support a cost‐effective approach to, with policy support, sustainably improve practice outcomes.
Watching the Glass: Policy Hurdles for 21st Century Nurses
Authors: McDonald Tracey
Published: November 2019

Our nursing clinical identity is being neglected as it dwindles into a support role for other clinicians. Underlying this process is a web of policies involving health practitioner licensure and credentialling, standardizing of nursing undergraduate preparation, hospital staffing models and nursing work design, nurse authorization limitations, government funding of nursing services and client access to insurance items and other subsidies in the private nursing market. Constraints placed on clinical nurses working in institutional services result in systematic deskilling and dismissal of the comprehensive knowledge and contribution of nurses. Nurses of the 21st century need to be savvy and earnest in reforming policy if they are to rescue the profession from the relentless contraction of clinical nursing status and profile that is happening worldwide. If a revival of clinical nursing as a professional role by 2030 is the goal, the process of reform needs to start now.
Tropospheric ozone pollution reduces the yield of African crops
Authors: Hayes Felicity , Sharps Katrina , Harmens Harry , Roberts Ieuan , Mills Gina
Published: November 2019

Northern, Southern and Equatorial Africa have been identified as among the regions most at risk from very high ozone concentrations. Whereas we know that many crop cultivars from Europe, north America and Asia are sensitive to ozone, almost nothing is known about the sensitivity of staple food crops in Africa to the pollutant. In this study cultivars of the African staple food crops, Triticum aestivum (wheat), Eleusine coracana (finger millet), Pennisetum glaucum (pearl millet) and Phaseolus vulgaris (bean) were exposed to an episodic ozone regime in solardomes in order to assess whether African crops are sensitive to ozone pollution. Extensive visible leaf injury due to ozone was shown for many cultivars, indicating high sensitivity to ozone. Reductions in total yield and 1,000‐grain weight were found for T. aestivum and P. vulgaris, whereas there was no effect on yield for E. coracana and P. glaucum. There were differences in sensitivity to ozone for different cultivars of an individual crop, indicating that there could be possibilities for either cultivar selection or selective crop breeding to reduce sensitivity of these crops to ozone.
Domain‐scale imaging to dispel the clouds over the thermal depolarization of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3‐based relaxor ferroelectrics
Authors: Yin Jie , Tao Hong , Liu Gang , Wu Jiagang
Published: November 2019

Thermal depolarization temperature, Td, of ferroelectric oxides Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 (BNT), where dielectric and piezoelectric signals exhibit remarkable changes, is providing rich research contents but is not well understood yet. Herein, on the domain‐scale, we give the direct and clear real‐space images of thermal depolarization process on BNT‐based complex oxides. As disclosed by the piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), heating above Td breaks the poling‐induced large‐sized‐oriented domains into smaller sized polar clusters with different orientations, leading to the thermal depolarization phenomenon. Although the poling‐induced domain decays above Td, the broken domains exhibit a rather larger coherence length than that of the incipient labyrinth‐like nano‐domains. During the heating process, BNT possesses a structural transition from the long‐range‐correlated R3c (a−a−a− anti‐phase tilting) to the short‐range‐correlated P4bm (a0a0c+ in‐phase tilting) phase, which should be the fundamental driving force for the fluctuations of poling‐induced large‐sized‐oriented domains. We expect these results will further promote the understanding about the origin of Td in BNT‐based relaxor ferroelectrics, and provide an intuitive method for the characterization of the thermodynamic and kinetic process in this kind of materials.
Lamb wool shedding is a good predictor of ewe wool shedding
Authors: Vargas Jurado Napoleón , Kuehn Larry A. , Lewis Ronald M.
Published: November 2019

Interest in reducing labour costs due to shearing has led to development of breed types that shed their wool naturally. Selection at young ages can facilitate response. Reliability of predictions of adult from lamb wool shedding (WS) is thus key in the design of breeding programmes to increase shedding. Our objectives were to estimate heritabilities and genetic relationships between WS measured once in lambs and repeatedly in ewes and to assess the accuracy of lamb WS EBV to predict ewe WS EBV based on a multi‐trait threshold or a repeatability model. Data were 4,971 lamb and 3,335 ewe WS records on a Romanov, White Dorper and Katahdin composite flock. For the multivariate model, WS heritability ranged from 0.47 ± 0.03 in lambs to 0.59 ± 0.04 at 1 year of age. For the repeatability model, WS in adult ewes was moderately heritable (0.50 ± 0.03) and repeatable (0.60 ± 0.02). Genetic correlations were 0.72 ± 0.04, 0.65 ± 0.05, 0.50 ± 0.09 and 0.51 ± 0.09 between lamb WS and 1st through 4th record, respectively. Given the moderately high heritability and high correlations between WS performance in lambs and ewes, selecting animals early in life would effectively increase WS in crossbred flocks.
Convergent evolution in lemur environmental niches
Authors: Herrera James P.
Published: November 2019

Aim

To test the hypothesis that adaptive convergent evolution of climate niches occurred in multiple independent lemur lineages.

Location

Madagascar.

Taxon

Lemurs.

Methods

I collected climate and altitude data from WorldClim and summarized the niches of almost all living lemurs (83 species) into phylogenetically controlled principal components. To test for convergent evolution, I searched for multiple, similar climate optima using multi‐peak Ornstein–Uhlenbeck models (surface, l1‐ou, bayou). I compared the observed level of climate convergence to that simulated under neutral and single‐optimum models. To test if behavioural or morphological traits were related to climate niches, I used phylogenetic regressions with activity pattern, diet, and body size.

Results

From an ancestral niche with high rainfall and low seasonality, four lemur lineages independently converged on climate niche optima characterized by high temperatures and low rainfall, supporting adaptive evolution in southwest deciduous and arid habitats. The observed level of convergence was more frequent than expected under Brownian motion and single‐optimum simulations, which illustrates that the results are likely not a result of stochastic evolution over long time periods. Nocturnal and cathemeral activity patterns were common among lineages in the arid climate niche.

Conclusion

Lemur climate niche evolution demonstrated that convergence explains the distribution of four independent clades in hot, arid environments of southwest Madagascar. The timing of these convergent shifts coincided with the origination of modern arid‐adapted plant genera, some of which are important lemur food sources. These communities have high endemicity and are especially threatened by habitat loss. Arid environments are arenas in which convergent evolution is predicted to occur frequently.