bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three tetracyclic dibenzoazepine derivatives exhibiting different molecular conformations, different patterns of intermolecular hydrogen bonding and different modes of supramolecular aggregation
Authors: Mateus-Ruíz Jeferson B. , Acosta Quintero Lina M. , Palma Alirio , Macías Mario A. , Cobo Justo , Glidewell Christopher
Published: December 2016

The biological potential of compounds of the tricyclic dibenzo[b,e]azepine system has resulted in considerable synthetic efforts to develop efficient methods for the synthesis of new derivatives of this kind. (9RS,15RS)-9-Ethyl-11-methyl-9,13b-dihydrodibenzo[c,f]thiazolo[3,2-a]azepin-3(2H)-one, C19H19NOS, (I), crystallizes as a kryptoracemate with Z′ = 2 in the space group P21, with one molecule each of the (9R,15R) and (9S,15S) configurations in the asymmetric unit, while (9RS,15RS)-9-ethyl-7,12-dimethyl-9,13b-dihydrodibenzo[c,f]thiazolo[3,2-a]azepin-3(2H)-one, C20H21NOS, (II), crystallizes with Z′ = 1 in the space group C2/c. Ethyl (13RS)-2-chloro-13-ethyl-4-oxo-8,13-dihydro-4H-benzo[5,6]azepino[3,2,1-ij]quinoline-5-carboxylate, C22H20ClNO3, (III), exhibits enantiomeric disorder in the space group P\overline{1} such that the reference site is occupied by the 13R and 13S enantiomers, with occupancies of 0.900 (6) and 0.100 (6). In each of the two independent molecules in (I), the five-membered ring adopts an envelope conformation, but the corresponding ring in (II) adopts a half-chair conformation, while the six-membered ring in the major form of (III) adopts a twist-boat conformation. The conformation of the seven-membered ring in each of (I), (II) and the major form of (III) approximates to the twist-boat form. The molecules of compound (I) are linked by two C—H...O hydrogen bonds to form two independent antiparallel C(5) chains, with each type containing only one enantiomer. These chains are linked into sheets by two C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds, in which the two donors are both provided by the (9R,15R) enantiomer and the two acceptor arene rings form part of a molecule of (9S,15S) configuration, precluding any additional crystallographic symmetry. The molecules of compound (II) are linked by inversion-related C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds to form isolated cyclic centrosymmetric dimers. The molecules of compound (III) are linked into cyclic centrosymmetric dimers by C—H...O hydrogen bonds and these dimers are linked into chains by a π–π stacking interaction. Comparisons are made with some related structures.
MPF, a multipurpose figure of merit for phasing procedures
Authors: Burla Maria Cristina , Carrozzini Benedetta , Cascarano Giovanni Luca , Giacovazzo Carmelo , Polidori Giampiero
Published: December 2016

The efficient multipurpose figure of merit MPF has been defined and characterized. It may be very helpful in phasing procedures. Indeed, it might be used for establishing the centric or acentric nature of an unknown structure, for identifying the presence of some pseudotranslational symmetry, for recognizing the correct solution in multisolution approaches and for estimating the quality of structure models as they become available during the phasing process. Thus, phase improvement or deterioration may be monitored and useless models may be discarded to save computing time. It is also shown that MPF may be applied in different phasing approaches, no matter ifab initioor nonab initio.
Ordering of convex polyhedra and the Fedorov algorithm
Authors: Voytekhovsky Yury L.
Published: December 2016

A method of naming any convex polyhedron by a numerical code arising from the adjacency matrix of its edge graph has been previously suggested. A polyhedron can be built using its name. Classes of convexn-acra (i.e.n-vertex polyhedra) are strictly (without overlapping) ordered by their names. In this paper the relationship between the Fedorov algorithm to generate the whole combinatorial variety of convex polyhedra and the above ordering is described. The convexn-acra are weakly ordered by the maximum extra valencies of their vertices. Thus, non-simplen-acra follow the simple ones for anyn.
Exhibition destination attractiveness – organizers' and visitors’ perspectives
Authors: Jin Xin , Weber Karin
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to provide a holistic view of exhibition destination attractiveness by examining perceptions of two of the three key stakeholders (exhibition organizers and visitors) and contrasting them with those of exhibitors.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a mixed method approach, collecting 535 responses from visitors attending nine business-to-business exhibitions in four major cities in China via structured surveys. In addition, eight in-depth interviews with CEOs/owners of leading global and Chinese exhibition companies were conducted.

Findings

The findings revealed that exhibitors may go almost anywhere where there is potential for successful business. In contrast, visitors prefer exhibition destinations with good accessibility to minimize travel time and an attractive leisure environment that offers a degree of enjoyment in addition to taking care of business. A destination’s “economic environment” and “cluster effects” were comparatively less important to them. Organizers were cognizant of these differences, contributing to their reluctance in taking large-scale, branded exhibitions to second-tier destinations, despite considerable efforts by these cities to improve their infrastructure.

Practical implications

This study offers practical guidelines for destination administrators and exhibition organizers with regard to evaluating destination resources for long-term exhibition development.

Originality/value

In contrast to prior studies, this research identifies significant differences in perceptions of exhibition destination attractiveness among all three key industry stakeholders. It also presents a persuasive case for the need to clearly differentiate between the attractiveness of a destination for attracting/hosting exhibitions versus conventions, rather than approaching the subject from a more generic meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) segment/business events perspective.
A review of employee innovative behavior in services
Authors: Li Minglong , Hsu Cathy H.C.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This study aims to conduct a comprehensive review of the literature on employee innovative behavior (EIB) in services. Based on the review, the conceptualization and operationalization of EIB are summarized, and the relationships between job characteristics and EIB are revealed.

Design/methodology/approach

Altogether, 143 papers examining EIB in services published in 56 journals, including top management and hospitality journals, during the period of 1995-2014 were reviewed.

Findings

Three approaches to examine EIB in services have been identified. The concept of EIB based on the reviewed papers is summarized. In addition, antecedents and consequences of EIB are reviewed. In particular, the role of job characteristics in EIB is discussed.

Practical implications

This study provides practitioners with a “one-stop” paper to enhance their understanding of the relationship among EIB, job characteristics and other relevant concepts. Implications for hospitality firms on stimulating the innovative behaviors of employees are also provided.

Originality/value

Owing to the particularity and importance of EIB in services, this review summarizes the current knowledge on this concept and its antecedents and provides directions for future research, especially on the relationship between job characteristics and EIB.
An examination of determinants of trade show exhibitors’ behavioral intention
Authors: Lin Yeqiang
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Applying stakeholder theory in the trade show industry, this paper aims to examine the effects of the key stakeholders’ perceptions on trade show exhibitors’ positive behavioral intention.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a 46-item measurement scale on exhibitors’ satisfaction to predict positive behavioral intention. Three dimensions were proposed to account for three key stakeholders in the trade show industry: satisfaction with self-performance, satisfaction with organizers and satisfaction with visitors. Data were collected from 594 exhibitors at three trade shows.

Findings

This study found that satisfaction with self-performance, satisfaction with organizers and satisfaction with visitors are significantly and positively related to exhibitors’ positive behavioral intention. All three dimensions in combination explained approximately two-thirds of the variance in exhibitors’ positive behavioral intention.

Research limitations/implications

This study introduced a new way of predicting exhibitor’s positive behavioral intention. Satisfaction with organizers was found to be the dominant predictor of exhibitors’ positive behavioral intention, which challenges the notion that exhibitors attend trade shows only for sales activities.

Practical implications

Trade show organizers and exhibitors could use the three determinants as a diagnostic tool for future improvement and benchmark their performances across different time periods and/or against their competitors.

Originality/value

Although the three key stakeholder types have been studied previously, the factors that theoretically lead to exhibitors’ positive behavioral intention have not been simultaneously addressed. For the first time, the model proposed in this study showcased the importance of considering all three key stakeholders when studying exhibitors’ positive behavioral intention.
Rating hotel quality for corporate business travel departments
Authors: Guizzardi Andrea , Monti Alice , Ranieri Ercolino
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The present study aims to suggest a new approach to hotel quality rating, specifically designed for the business travel segment, where the evaluation of surveyed consumers (business travelers) does not necessarily reflect the priority of customers (corporate travel departments [CTDs]).

Design/methodology/approach

Preliminarily, the authors defined key areas (domains), exploring what was done by quality certifiers recognized worldwide. Then, each domain quality was considered as a latent variable measured by a set of observable attributes (sub-domains) surveyed by a professional assessor. A continuous, fine-grained, composite indicator (CI) for quality was finally obtained by a weighted average of the domain (latent) quality measures. Weights were endogenously determined by data envelopment analysis.

Findings

The suggested CI shows both the existence of large quality disparities within the same star rating and a relevant bias in the internet reviews. A “soundproofed” room, a front desk open 24 h with sufficient staff and an adequate urban context are necessary features of any business hotel.

Research limitations/implications

Data came from a professional assessor’s database; therefore, the authors could only consider a three-domains measurement model. The database is mainly composed of three- and four-star hotels in Italy; nonetheless, these accommodations are the most widespread in the Italian corporation hotel programs, preserving the practical utility of the results.

Originality/value

This study provides a transparent (replicable) evaluation protocol that is of potential use in the most popular models for quality measurement; any assessor can use it to underline its impartiality to CTD and assessed hotels.
Service quality and brand loyalty
Authors: Hemsley-Brown Jane , Alnawas Ibrahim
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is three-fold: first, to examine the extent to which service quality (SQ) affects the three components of emotional brand attachment (EBA) (brand passion, brand affection and self-brand connection); second, to investigate the extent to which these three components influence brand loyalty; and third, to test the mediation effect of the components of EBA on the SQ–loyalty relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 355 respondents using an online panel in the UK. Smart PLS2.0 was used to analyze the data.

Findings

Three key findings emerge: first, compared to staff behavior, physical environment tends to have a stronger and more significant effect on the three elements of EBA. Second, brand passion and self-brand connection fully mediate the SQ–loyalty relationship, whereas brand affection partially mediates the same relationship. Finally, the SQ–EBA–loyalty relationship is significantly stronger for repeat visitors compared to first-time visitors.

Practical implications

Hotel brands need to design their facilities and décor and develop guest experiences based on symbolic values and deep emotional aspects. Offering employees customer care training and adopting a consumer-centric, relational, storytelling approach are particularly important to inspire and captivate hotels’ customers and to build and shape profound and enduring affective ties between the hotel brand and its customers.

Originality/value

The findings offer new insights through examining the symbolic consumption and emotional aspects of a guest’s hotel experience as mediators to the SQ–loyalty relationship. The findings also add to the growing body of knowledge of the antecedents of EBA through identifying physical environment and staff behavior as key determinants of EBA.
The influence of organizational culture on talent management
Authors: Meng Fanxing , Wang Xiaomei , Chen Huajiao , Zhang Jin , Yang Wei , Wang Jin , Zheng Quanquan
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of organizational culture (OC) on talent management (TM) by a case study of a real estate company.

Design/methodology/approach

The method of case study is adopted in the present study.

Findings

The authors present four propositions. The first is OC has an effect on TM. The second is a new conceptual model of TM. The third is a 4-P pattern to identify and develop the talent. The fourth is to adopt both the spiritual and material satisfactions that retain the talent.

Research limitations/implications

The primary limitation of this study is embedded in the case study method, which is not sufficient to represent the totality. The other limitation is that the issue of cohesion and team efficacy of talents is not considered. This study argues the relationship between OC and TM and expands the existing TM and OC theory. The effect of professional idealism is emphasized on in the process of TM. Talent can be retained firmly within the organization through the methods of rebuilding and strengthening OC.

Originality/value

A conceptual model of TM, 4-P pattern of evaluation and the operational mean to retain the talent is introduced.
The adverse effect of materialism on employee engagement in China
Authors: Xie Tian , Shi Ya-nan , Zhou Jing
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of materialism on employee engagement in China. Mediating role of employees’ autonomy need satisfaction in workplace was also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 217 employees from various companies located across 19 provinces and towns in China. These participants completed three self-report scales, including materialistic values, employee engagement and autonomy need satisfaction at work. Pearson correlation analysis, hierarchical regression analysis and structural equation modeling were used to analyze data.

Findings

Results revealed that as hypothesized, autonomy need satisfaction at work fully mediated the effects of materialism on employee engagement.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited by identifying the measure of materialism that is not robust at an organizational and national level. Similarly, lack of existing literature including use of cross-sectional research design around materialism also added to the limitations of this study. Limitations aside, the current study suggests that increasing materialism within Chinese organizations is likely to exert potentially significant adverse effects on employee engagement and, hence, the overall quality of work.

Originality/value

The current study has empirically discovered a possible relationship between materialism and employee engagement, which is rarely examined in previous studies. In addition, the study also proposes a psychological mechanism through which materialistic values can influence employee engagement. The findings are practically important to human resource management practices in China and theoretically important for the exploration of antecedents of employee engagement.
Children’s services in Spain: a study of the organisation and implementation of children’s services in three regions in response to European recommendations
Authors: Moreno Almudena , Lara Montero Alfonso
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to map the current organisation and implementation of children’s services in three regions of Spain, to identify strengths and gaps and to suggest proposals for improvement in line with European recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

Spain features a decentralised approach when it comes to the organisation of children’s services. This means that relevant themes for children’s services refer to decentralised policies, which diverge within the regions in the country and therefore to illustrate this the authors focus on three specific regions. The study used an exploratory case study design and relied on qualitative methods, including the answers to open questionnaires provided by senior civil servants at key regional child welfare agencies, children’s services directors and service providers.

Findings

The main finding from the review of the legislation and the answers to the questionnaires is that public social services still follow an assistance logic rather than a social investment approach in regards to children’s services. Although a significant development of laws and policies has taken place, ensuring the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes and services for children remains a challenge.

Research limitations/implications

The answers provided by the respondents may be subject to limitations imposed by the agencies for which they work. A general disadvantage of qualitative research is the use of subjective criteria to interpret the relevance of the results. The study was further challenged by differences across regions when it comes to their legal and policy frameworks, development of provisions and implementation and outcomes’ evaluation.

Practical implications

The findings could be used to assess the state of play in regards to children’s services across the regions studied and beyond with a focus on children being placed at the centre of public services’ intervention, using a comprehensive approach and promoting critical thinking and reflective practice.

Social implications

The three selected case studies provide additional insight into policy and legal developments, implementation and evaluation of activities and efforts to improve policy and practice in children’s services.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the evaluation of the current situation of children’s services in Spain from a decentralised perspective with the aim to facilitate changes to improve planning, implementation and evaluation of children’s services and secure better outcomes for children.
Are young fathers “hard to reach”? Understanding the importance of relationship building and service sustainability
Authors: Davies Laura
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This paper explores service provision for young fathers through analysis of data from the three-year ESRC funded project Following Young Fathers. The purpose of this paper is to explore the idea that young fathers are a “hard to reach” group. It begins with a discussion of literature and research evidence on this theme. The empirical discussion draws on data collected in interviews and focus groups with practitioners, service managers and those working to develop and deliver family support services.

Design/methodology/approach

The ESRC Following Young Fathers study used qualitative longitudinal methods to research the perspectives of fathers under the age of 25, mapping the availability of services to support them and investigating professional and policy responses to their needs. The strand reported on here focussed on the perspectives of a range of practitioners, service managers and those involved in developing and commissioning services.

Findings

The research findings, and those of other projects discussed in the paper, challenge the idea that young fathers are “hard to reach”, suggesting that we should, conversely, consider that many services are actually hard to access. Thus, increasing young fathers’ engagement requires better understanding of their often complex needs and a reshaping of service design and delivery to account for them. The paper highlights how the configuration, funding and delivery of services can inhibit young fathers’ use of them, and identifies ways in which they could be made more accessible.

Originality/value

The ESRC Following Young Fathers Study filled an important gap in knowledge about the lives of young fathers, developing understandings of their experiences and support needs. The strand reported on here draws on research with practitioners to provide an in-depth discussion of how services currently support young fathers, and how they could be better configured to address their often complex and diverse needs.
Relationship-based early intervention services for children with complex needs: lessons from New Zealand
Authors: Blackburn Carolyn
Published: December 2016

Purpose

A case study is reported of a relationship-based early intervention (EI) service for children with complex needs in New Zealand. The purpose of this paper is to explore parent and professional views and perceptions about the key characteristics of a relationship-based EI service.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study involved interviews and observations with 39 participants (10 children, 11 parents and 18 professionals).

Findings

Parents appreciated the knowledgeable, well-trained professionals who invested time in getting to know (and love) children and families and family practices, worked together in harmony and valued the contribution that parents made to their child’s progress and achievement. Professionals described the key characteristics of the service in terms of the range of therapies offered by the service, the focus on a strengths-based and family-focussed approach, play-based assessments, acceptance and value of family practices (including responsiveness to Maori and bi-culturalism), appropriate and respectful places to meet and greet families and work with children, and recruitment and retention of humble professionals who identified with the ethos of the model. Observable social processes and structures within the delivery of the model include respectful professional interactions and relationships with children and families, integrated professional working, effective and timely communication between professionals and families, pedagogy of listening, waiting and personalisation, engaged families and actively participating children.

Originality/value

This case study emphasises the significance of professional love and relational pedagogy to EI services and the value of this to improving parent-child relationships and children’s long-term outcomes.
Preferences on transformable dresses for sustainability
Authors: Ma Yoon Jin , Koo Helen
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate users’ expectations and preferences for transformable design functions of transformable party dresses to extend the life cycle of the clothing. With transformable design elements added to a party dress, a user can wear her one-event dress more than once, encouraging sustainable consumption. Rather than looking for a new dress, users can wear their party dress with one or even several new looks.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through purposive sampling from female college students who had purchased at least one party dress. The survey questionnaire was self-developed based on the literature review and consisted of items that measured fashion behavior in relation to party dresses; shopping orientations, focusing on confident/appearance and fashion-consciousness, economic/price consciousness and convenience/time-consciousness; perceived importance of design and functional elements in party dresses; perceived reasons for the limited use of party dresses; perceived importance of design elements of transformable dresses; purchase intention for transformable dresses; and demographic characteristics.

Findings

As consumer groups of diverse shopping orientations demonstrated purchase intentions for transformable party dresses, transformable features may become an important component of party dresses. Considering the main reasons for users’ limited use of party dresses, designers need to improve the versatility of the dresses’ design and functional elements, focusing on style and occasion, dress length, size/fit, silhouette and color/pattern, so that users can wear their party dresses more than once and ultimately enhance their sustainable apparel consumption practices.

Originality/value

The findings regarding users’ expectations and preferences for transformable party dresses can help apparel designers and fashion businesses understand potential users when developing transformable dresses and develop strategies to help with sustainable apparel consumption.
Septic Ketoacidosis—A Potentially Lethal Entity with Renal Tubular Epithelial Vacuolization
Authors: Zhou Chong , Byard Roger W.
Published: December 2016

Fatal ketoacidosis due to diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, and starvation may produce characteristic basal vacuolization of renal tubular epithelial cells (RTEC). Septic ketoacidosis has recently been recognized clinically as a distinct condition in which septicemia can lead to elevation of ketones and various anions unrelated to diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, or caloric deprivation. We report four lethal cases with significantly elevated vitreous ketones secondary to sepsis and/or severe localized infection in individuals with no history of diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, or starvation. Three of four cases exhibited typical basal vacuolization of RTEC. We suggest that septic ketoacidosis is an appropriate cause of death in the forensic setting where sepsis or severe localized infection is found with significant ketoacidosis (β‐hydroxybutyrate > 5 mmol/L)—in the absence of diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, starvation, or other states associated with accelerated ketogenesis. The finding of basal vacuolization of RTEC in such cases provides morphological support for the underlying metabolic derangement.
Intracellular metabolite profiling of Saccharomyces cerevisiae evolved under furfural
Authors: Jung Young Hoon , Kim Sooah , Yang Jungwoo , Seo Jin‐Ho , Kim Kyoung Heon
Published: December 2016

Furfural, one of the most common inhibitors in pre‐treatment hydrolysates, reduces the cell growth and ethanol production of yeast. Evolutionary engineering has been used as a selection scheme to obtain yeast strains that exhibit furfural tolerance. However, the response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to furfural at the metabolite level during evolution remains unknown. In this study, evolutionary engineering and metabolomic analyses were applied to determine the effects of furfural on yeasts and their metabolic response to continuous exposure to furfural. After 50 serial transfers of cultures in the presence of furfural, the evolved strains acquired the ability to stably manage its physiological status under the furfural stress. A total of 98 metabolites were identified, and their abundance profiles implied that yeast metabolism was globally regulated. Under the furfural stress, stress‐protective molecules and cofactor‐related mechanisms were mainly induced in the parental strain. However, during evolution under the furfural stress, S. cerevisiae underwent global metabolic allocations to quickly overcome the stress, particularly by maintaining higher levels of metabolites related to energy generation, cofactor regeneration and recovery from cellular damage. Mapping the mechanisms of furfural tolerance conferred by evolutionary engineering in the present study will be led to rational design of metabolically engineered yeasts.
Identification of differentially expressed genes in longissimus muscle of pigs with high and low intramuscular fat content using RNA sequencing
Authors: Lim K. S. , Lee K. T. , Park J. E. , Chung W. H. , Jang G. W. , Choi B. H. , Hong K. C. , Kim T. H.
Published: December 2016

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content in pork is an important element of consumer preference and is positively correlated with meat quality, including tenderness and juiciness. With advances in RNA sequencing technologies, transcriptome‐related differences can be associated with specific traits in animals. The objective of this study was to investigate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) closely related to IMF content in porcine longissimus muscle using RNA sequencing. A total of 107 Berkshire pigs were used for IMF content measurements, and significant differences between extremely high (H, n = 3) and low (L, n = 3) IMF content groups were found (P < 0.0001). From multi‐dimensional scaling analyses, it was observed that the relationships between H and L groups were similar to each other. Here, we identified a total of 134 genes that were differentially expressed between the groups (false discovery rate <0.05; fold change ≥2). Functional analyses with DEGs revealed that lipid metabolism (SCD and FASN) was one of the significant biological processes related to IMF content determination. In addition, we found that DEGs related to muscle regeneration (MYOG and VEGFA) and extracellular matrix (COL1A1, COL1A2, COL5A1, COL14A1 and COL15A1) were changed among individuals with extreme IMF contents. These results will aid in understanding the regulation of IMF content in pigs.
A feasibility study of awake videolaryngoscope‐assisted intubation in patients with periglottic tumour using the channelled King Vision® videolaryngoscope
Authors: Markova L. , Stopar‐Pintaric T. , Luzar T. , Benedik J. , Hodzovic I.
Published: December 2016

Airway management in patients with periglottic tumour is a high‐risk procedure with potentially serious consequences. There is no consensus on how best to secure the airway in this group of patients. We conducted a feasibility study of awake tracheal intubation using a King Vision® videolaryngoscope with a channelled blade in a cohort of 25 patients, with a periglottic tumour requiring diagnostic or radical surgery. We used 10% and 4% lidocaine to topicalise the airway and midazolam and remifentanil for sedation. We recorded the success rate, number of attempts, time to obtain glottic view, time to intubation and complications. Twenty‐three of the 25 patients (92%, 95%CI 75–98%) were intubated with the awake videolaryngoscope‐assisted technique, with 17/23 (74%, 95%CI 54–87%) intubations achieved at the first attempt. Five patients required two and one patient, three attempts at intubation. Two patients (8%, 95%CI 2–25%) could not tolerate the procedure due to inadequate topical anaesthesia. Median (IQR [range]) times to obtain glottic view and to intubate were 19 (17–22 [10–30]) s and 49 (42–71 [33–107]) s, respectively. Traces of blood in the airway were observed in 4/25 (16%, 95%CI 6–35%) patients. Although airway management in this group of patients was expected to be difficult, successful awake intubation with the King Vision videolaryngoscope was achieved in the majority of patients within less than a minute. This study highlights a number of potential advantages of awake videolaryngoscope‐assisted intubation over other awake methods of securing the airway in patients with upper airway obstruction due to periglottic mass.
The Universal Anaesthesia Machine (UAM): assessment of a new anaesthesia workstation built with global health in mind
Authors: de Beer D. A. H. , Nesbitt F. D. , Bell G. T. , Rapuleng A.
Published: December 2016

The Universal Anaesthesia Machine has been developed as a complete anaesthesia workstation for use in low‐ and middle‐income countries, where the provision of safe general anaesthesia is often compromised by unreliable supply of electricity and anaesthetic gases. We performed a functional and clinical assessment of this anaesthetic machine, with particular reference to novel features and functioning in the intended environment. The Universal Anaesthesia Machine was found to be reliable, safe and consistent across a range of tests during targeted functional testing.
Development and external validation of a biopsy‐derived nomogram to predict risk of ipsilateral extraprostatic extension
Authors: Sayyid Rashid , Perlis Nathan , Ahmad Ardalanejaz , Evans Andrew , Toi Ants , Horrigan Michael , Finelli Antonio , Zlotta Alexandre , Kulkarni Girish , Hamilton Robert , Morash Christopher , Fleshner Neil
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To develop and externally validate a nomogram that predicts risk of side‐specific extraprostatic extension (EPE) at time of surgery, using commonly available preoperative markers.

Materials and Methods

A consecutive sample of 753 men treated by radical prostatectomy (RP) at the University Health Network, Toronto, between 2009 and 2015, was used to develop the nomogram. The validation cohort consisted of 311 men treated by RP at Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, between 1992 and 2014. The study outcome was presence of ipsilateral EPE. The association between predictors considered and EPE was tested using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The predictive accuracy of the nomogram was determined using the area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve.

Results

The overall rate of EPE was 19.8% of all lobes in the developmental cohort and 28.9% in the validation cohort. Significant variables in the models were age, prostate‐specific antigen and ipsilateral Gleason score, percentage of positive cores and highest core involvement (all P < 0.05). The nomogram predicting risk of EPE had a predictive accuracy of 0.74 in the external validation cohort.

Conclusion

We developed and externally validated a nomogram that predicts the risk of ipsilateral EPE based on commonly used preoperative markers. This nomogram may be used to assist surgical decision‐making prior to RP.
Increased mitochondrial ROS generation mediates the loss of the anti‐contractile effects of perivascular adipose tissue in high‐fat diet obese mice
Authors: da Costa Rafael Menezes , Fais Rafael S , Dechandt Carlos R P , Louzada‐Junior Paulo , Alberici Luciane C , Lobato Núbia S , Tostes Rita C
Published: December 2016

Background and Purpose

Obesity is associated with structural and functional changes in perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), favouring release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), vasoconstrictor and proinflammatory factors. The cytokine TNF‐α induces vascular dysfunction and is produced by PVAT. We tested the hypothesis that obesity‐associated PVAT dysfunction was mediated by augmented mitochondrial ROS (mROS) generation due to increased TNF‐α production in this tissue.

Experimental Approach

C57Bl/6J and TNF‐α receptor‐deficient mice received control or high fat diet (HFD) for 18 weeks. We used pharmacological tools to determine the participation of mROS in PVAT dysfunction. Superoxide anion (O2.‐) and H2O2 were assayed in PVAT and aortic rings were used to assess vascular function.

Key Results

Aortae from HFD‐fed obese mice displayed increased contractions to phenylephrine and loss of PVAT anti‐contractile effect. Inactivation of O2.‐, dismutation of mitochondria‐derived H2O2, uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation and Rho kinase inhibition, decreased phenylephrine‐induced contractions in aortae with PVAT from HFD‐fed mice. O2.‐ and H2O2 were increased in PVAT from HFD‐fed mice. Mitochondrial respiration analysis revealed decreased O2 consumption rates in PVAT from HFD‐fed mice. TNF‐α inhibition reduced H2O2 levels in PVAT from HFD‐fed mice. PVAT dysfunction, i.e. increased contraction to phenylephrine in PVAT‐intact aortae, was not observed in HFD‐obese mice lacking TNF‐α receptors. Generation of H2O2 was prevented in PVAT from TNF‐α receptor deficient obese mice.

Conclusion and Implications

TNF‐α‐induced mitochondrial oxidative stress is a key and novel mechanism involved in obesity‐associated PVAT dysfunction. These findings elucidate molecular mechanisms whereby oxidative stress in PVAT could affect vascular function.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Perivascular Adipose Tissue – Potential Pharmacological Targets? To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.20/issuetoc
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery as primary stand‐alone surgery for glaucoma
Authors: Kerr Nathan M , Wang Jing , Barton Keith
Published: December 2016

Recently, many new devices and procedures have been developed to lower intraocular pressure in a less invasive and purportedly safer manner than traditional glaucoma surgery. These new devices might encourage an earlier transition to surgery and reduce the long‐term commitment to topical glaucoma medications with their associated compliance and intolerance issues. Although often seen as an adjunct to cataract surgery, a growing body of evidence suggests that primary minimally invasive glaucoma surgery may be a viable initial treatment option. New studies have shown that primary ab interno trabeculectomy (Trabectome, NeoMedix Inc., Tustin, CA, USA), trabecular micro‐bypass stent insertion (iStent and iStent Inject, Glaukos Corporation, Laguna Hills, CA, USA), canalicular scaffolding (Hydrus, Invantis Inc., Irvine CA, USA), the ab interno gel Implant (XEN, Allergan, Dublin, Ireland) or supraciliary stenting (CyPass Micro‐Stent, Alcon, Fort Worth, TX, USA) may lower the lowering intraocular pressure and/or topical medication burden in phakic or pseudophakic patients with glaucoma. This effect seems to last at least 12 months but reliable cost‐effectiveness and quality of life indicators have not yet been established by investigator‐initiated randomized trials of sufficient size and duration.
Self‐care tools to treat depressive symptoms in patients with age‐related eye disease: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Kamga Hortence , McCusker Jane , Yaffe Mark , Sewitch Maida , Sussman Tamara , Strumpf Erin , Olivier Sébastien , Wittich Walter , Moghadaszadeh Solmaz , Freeman Ellen E
Published: December 2016

Background

Depression is very common in people with age‐related eye disease. Our goal was to determine if self‐care tools plus limited telephone support could reduce depressive symptoms in patients with age‐related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.

Design

A single‐blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at Maisonneuve‐Rosemont Hospital in Montreal, Canada.

Participants

Eighty participants were recruited.

Methods

To be eligible, participants must have had either late stage age‐related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, at least mild depressive symptoms, and visual acuity better than 20/200. Half were randomized to the intervention arm and half to delayed intervention/usual care. The intervention consisted of large print written and audio tools incorporating cognitive‐behavioral principles plus three 10‐minute telephone calls from a lay coach. Eight‐week follow‐up data were collected by telephone.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome was the 8‐week change in depressive symptoms as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9. Secondary outcomes included anxiety, life space and self‐efficacy.

Results

The baseline mean logMAR visual acuity was 0.37 (SD = 0.20), and the baseline mean Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 score was 9.5 (SD = 3.9) indicating moderate depressive symptoms. After adjusting for baseline imbalances in visual acuity, the intervention reduced depressive symptoms by 2.1 points more than usual care (P = 0.040). The intervention was not associated with the secondary outcomes (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Self‐care tools plus telephone coaching led to a modest improvement in depressive symptoms in patients with age‐related eye disease. Additional research on how to maximize their effect is necessary.
Sampling methodology and site selection in the National Eye Health Survey: an Australian population‐based prevalence study
Authors: Foreman Joshua , Keel Stuart , Dunn Ross , van Wijngaarden Peter , Taylor Hugh R , Dirani Mohamed
Published: December 2016

Background

This paper presents the sampling methodology of the National Eye Health Survey that aimed to determine the prevalence of vision impairment and blindness in Australia.

Design

The National Eye Health Survey is a cross‐sectional population‐based survey.

Participants

Indigenous Australians aged 40 years and older and non‐Indigenous Australians aged 50 years and older residing in all levels of geographic remoteness in Australia.

Methods

Using multistage, random‐cluster sampling, 30 geographic areas were selected to provide samples of 3000 non‐Indigenous Australians and 1400 Indigenous Australians. Sampling involved (i) selecting Statistical Area‐ Level 2 sites, stratified by remoteness; (ii) selecting Statistical Area‐ Level 1 sites within Statistical Area‐ Level 2 sites to provide targeted samples; and (iii) grouping of contiguous Statistical Area‐ Level 1 sites or replacing Statistical Area‐ Level 1 sites to provide sufficient samples.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures involved Sites sites selected and participants sampled in the survey.

Results

Thirty sites were generated, including 12 Major City sites, 6 Inner Regional sites, 6 Outer Regional sites, 4 Remote sites and 2 Very Remote sites. Three thousand ninety‐eight non‐Indigenous participants and 1738 Indigenous participants were recruited. Selection of Statistical Area‐ Level 1 site overestimated the number of eligible residents in all sites. About 20% (6/30) of Statistical Area‐ Level 1 sites were situated in non‐residential bushland, and 26.67% (8/30) of Statistical Area‐ Level 1 populations had low eligibility or accessibility, requiring replacement.

Conclusions

Representative samples of Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians were selected, recruited and tested, providing the first national data on the prevalence of vision impairment and blindness in Australia.
Prenatal diagnosis of idiopathic infantile arterial calcification without fetal hydrops
Authors: Yi Yan , Tong Tong , Liu Tao , Lin Qi , Xiong Yi , Xu Jinfeng
Published: December 2016

Idiopathic infantile arterial calcification (IIAC) is a rare autosomal recessive disease that is characterized by extensive calcification of the internal elastic lamina and intimal proliferation of large‐ and medium‐sized arteries, including the aortic, coronary, pulmonary, and iliac arteries. Most reported cases of IIAC were diagnosed in the neonatal periods. Prenatal diagnosis of this condition is extremely rare and is usually made in the third trimester when fetuses had nonimmune hydrops together with aortic and pulmonary calcification. Early prenatal diagnosis can hardly be made without fetal hydrops in the second trimester. We report a case of IIAC referred to our center because of hyperechogenic tricuspid valve. The prenatal diagnosis was made by echocardiographic detection of diffuse hyperechogenicity of the cardiac valves, annuli, aorta, pulmonary artery, renal artery and common iliac artery without fetal hydrops. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first case of IIAC accurately diagnosed prenatally in the absence of fetal hydrops.
Alamandine abrogates neutrophil degranulation in atherosclerotic mice
Authors: Da Silva Analina R. , Lenglet Sébastien , Carbone Federico , Burger Fabienne , Roth Aline , Liberale Luca , Bonaventura Aldo , Dallegri Franco , Stergiopulos Nikolaos , Santos Robson A. S. , Mach François , Fraga‐Silva Rodrigo A. , Montecucco Fabrizio
Published: December 2016

Background

Neutrophil‐mediated inflammation was recently identified as an active contributor to athero‐progression. Therapeutic strategies inhibiting neutrophil degranulation or recruitment were hypothesized to positively impact on plaque vulnerability. In this study, we investigated whether treatment with the recently discovered agonist of the Mas‐related G‐coupled receptor type D (MrgD) alamandine would impact on neutrophil degranulation in vivo and in vitro.

Materials and methods

Fifteen‐week‐old ApoE−/− mice were fed with a Western‐type diet for an additional 11 weeks. After the first 2 weeks of diet, mice were surgically implanted with a carotid ‘cast’ device that alters the blood shear stress and induces different carotid plaque phenotypes. During the last 4 weeks before euthanasia, mice were randomly assigned to subcutaneously receive vehicle (NaCl 0·15 M) or alamandine (24 μg/kg/h) by micropump. For in vitro experiments, neutrophils were obtained after thioglycollate intraperitoneal injection in ApoE−/− mice.

Results

Treatment with alamandine was well‐tolerated, but failed to affect lipid, macrophage, neutrophil or collagen content within carotid and aortic root plaques. Also, treatment with alamandine did not affect Th‐cell polarization in lymphoid organs. Conversely, alamandine administration was associated with a reduction in serum levels of neutrophil granule enzymes, such as MMP‐9 and MPO as well as MMP‐9 content within aortic root plaques. In vitro, preincubation with alamandine dose‐dependently abrogated PMA‐induced neutrophil degranulation of MMP‐9 and MPO.

Conclusion

These results suggest that treatment with the MrgD agonist alamandine led to a reduced release of neutrophil granule products, potentially interfering with pro‐atherosclerotic neutrophil activation.
Exposure to a pine pathogen enhances growth and disease resistance inPinus radiataseedlings
Authors: Swett C. L. , Gordon T. R.
Published: December 2016

Most studies ofFusarium circinatum, the cause of pitch canker in pines, have focused on its activity as a pathogen. However, recent findings indicate that this fungus can colonize roots ofPinus radiatawithout inducing symptoms. Contrary to expectations, this study revealed that seedlings grown in infested sand grew more rapidly than seedlings not exposed toF. circinatum, based on root and shoot biomass, with modifications to root system architecture, including increased mycorrhizal root development. These effects were dependent on inoculum density and duration following growth in infested rooting medium. Plants exposed toF. circinatumexpressed elevated resistance to stem infections, which significantly decreased the incidence of mortality; as above, effects were dependent on inoculum density. Resistance to stem infections was also enhanced in seedlings that emerged through infested litter, as occurs in native stands. Beneficial to neutral interactions ofF. circinatumwith its host suggest that the life history of this fungus may be more complex than previously recognized, with activities similar to non‐pathogenic endophytes. The potential for non‐lethal infections byF. circinatumto induce resistance in seedlings may influence dynamics of stand establishment. Overall, these results indicate that pathogenic organisms with asymptomatic states may have cryptic ecological functions that extend beyond the impacts of disease.