bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Work–life balance: how can we help women IT professionals in Morocco?
Authors: Semlali Salma , Hassi Abderrahman 
Published: October 2016

Purpose
The present study aims to understand how Moroccan women working in information technology (IT) perceive the roles they fulfill in both their private and professional lives and assess their Work–life balance (WLB).

Design/methodology/approach
Existing research about WLB in Morocco focuses mainly on the public sector. As the present study is the first of its kind to deal with the private sector and more specifically IT, it is exploratory in nature while adopting a qualitative methodology. Twenty Moroccan women working in IT companies in the city of Casablanca were interviewed. Collected data were analyzed using a content analysis approach.

Findings
It emerged from the data analysis that adhering to the cultural assumption of being the pillar of the household and to the culture of respondents’ organizations seems to be a key factor in employee WLB. Three main recommendations stemmed from the current research, namely, increased maternity leave duration, workplace nurseries and telework, may help IT female employees improve their WLB and well-being.

Research limitations/implications
First, the study participants were selected by one individual, which may create a “sampling bias”, where one specific profile of IT specialist could be selected. Second, only IT workers took part in the study and no IT employers were interviewed, which may yield having only “one side of the story”.

Practical implications
The results that emerged from the current study, particularly the three main recommendations made by the 20 interviewees (increase of maternity leave duration, workplace nurseries and telework) may be used by different IT companies in the hopes of improving female employees’ WLB and well-being. Overall, employers ought to put in place measures and accommodate employees to help them reconcile their work and personal life commitments.

Social implications
It has been documented that lack of WLB can result in increased stress, deleterious effects on psychological and physical well-being and increased family and marital tensions (Burchell et al., 2001; Lewis and Cooper, 1999; Scase and Scales, 1998). Therefore, various stakeholders, in addition to employers, such as the government and IT employees’ families should work collaboratively to implement meaningful WLB arrangements and, in turn, prevent the negative effects of work–life imbalance through, among others, government policy interventions.

Originality/value
The present study is the first of its kind that looked into the perception of WLB among Moroccan women operating in the IT industry. It offers valuable insights about how to assist female Moroccan IT workers to reconcile their work and personal life commitments.
Impairments in Component Processes of Executive Function and Episodic Memory in Alcoholism, HIV Infection, and HIV Infection with Alcoholism Comorbidity
Authors: Fama Rosemary , Sullivan Edith V. , Sassoon Stephanie A. , Pfefferbaum Adolf , Zahr Natalie M. 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundExecutive functioning and episodic memory impairment occur in HIV infection (HIV) and chronic alcoholism (ALC). Comorbidity of these conditions (HIV + ALC) is prevalent and heightens risk of vulnerability to separate and compounded deficits. Age and disease‐related variables can also serve as mediators of cognitive impairment and should be considered, given the extended longevity of HIV‐infected individuals in this era of improved pharmacological therapy.MethodsHIV, ALC, HIV + ALC, and normal controls (NC) were administered traditional and computerized tests of executive function and episodic memory. Test scores were expressed as age‐ and education‐corrected Z‐scores; selective tests were averaged to compute Executive Function and Episodic Memory Composite scores. Efficiency scores were calculated for tests with accuracy and response times.ResultsHIV, ALC, and HIV + ALC had lower scores than NC on Executive Function and Episodic Memory Composites, with HIV + ALC even lower than ALC and HIV on the Episodic Memory Composite. Impairments in planning and free recall of visuospatial material were observed in ALC, whereas impairments in psychomotor speed, sequencing, narrative free recall, and pattern recognition were observed in HIV. Lower decision‐making efficiency scores than NC occurred in all 3 clinical groups. In ALC, age and lifetime alcohol consumption were each unique predictors of Executive Function and Episodic Memory Composite scores. In HIV + ALC, age was a unique predictor of Episodic Memory Composite score.ConclusionsDisease‐specific and disease‐overlapping patterns of impairment in HIV, ALC, and HIV + ALC have implications regarding brain systems disrupted by each disease and clinical ramifications regarding the complexities and compounded damping of cognitive functioning associated with dual diagnosis that may be exacerbated with aging.
Human leucocyte antigens B*08, DRB1*03 and DRB1*13 are significantly associated with autoimmune liver and biliary diseases in Finnish children
Authors: Ylinen E , Salmela L , Peräsaari J , Jaatinen T , Tenca A , Vapalahti O , Färkkilä M , Jalanko H , Kolho K‐L 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimThe human leucocyte antigen (HLA) allele and haplotype frequencies of the Finnish population are unique because of the restricted and homogenous gene population. There are no published data on HLA genotype associations in paediatric autoimmune liver diseases in Scandinavia. This study characterised the HLA genotypes of children with autoimmune liver or biliary disease in Finland.MethodsThe study cohort comprised 19 paediatric patients (13 female) aged three years to 15 years treated for autoimmune liver or biliary disease at the Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, between 2000 and 2011, and followed up for four years and three months to 14.6 years. We genotyped HLA‐B and HLA‐DRB1 in the children, and the HLA antigen frequencies were compared with 19 807 records from the Finnish Bone Marrow Donor Registry.ResultsAll paediatric patients with autoimmune liver or biliary disease had either autoimmune HLA haplotype B*08;DRB1*03 or DRB1*13. These were significantly more common among patients with autoimmune hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and autoimmune hepatitis/primary sclerosing cholangitis overlap syndrome than the Finnish control population. HLA RB1*04 was not found in the study cohort.ConclusionOur study found that B*08, DRB1*03 and DRB1*13 were significantly associated with autoimmune liver and biliary diseases in Finnish paediatric patients.
Effect of ginseng polysaccharides on the immunity and growth of piglets by dietary supplementation during late pregnancy and lactating sows
Authors: Xi Qian‐yun , Jiang Yong , Zhao Shuai , Zeng Bin , Wang Fei , Wang Li‐Na , Jiang Qing‐Yan , Zhang Yong‐Liang 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThere are many reports that dietary supplementation with plant polysaccharides in pigs might promote their growth, but little is known about the maternal effect of ginseng polysaccharides (GPS) on piglets’ growth by dietary supplementation to pregnant and lactating sows. In the current study, the effects of dietary supplementation with GPS on the immunity of sows and growth of their piglets were investigated. Results showed no significant difference among the four groups in the total number of piglets, live piglets, weak piglets and birth weight of piglets, indicating the GPS‐treatment has no adverse effect on reproduction. Furthermore, the weaning weight of the GPS‐treated groups was higher than that of control group (P < 0.05); among them, the addition of 200 mg/kg dose has the best effect. Interestingly, GPS increased the total immunoglobulin G concentration in milk and serum of sows (P < 0.05). The concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, and interferon‐γ in milk and serum of sows were also increased in the experimental groups relative to the control (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, maternal supplementation of GPS significantly increased IL‐2 and TNF‐α concentration in the piglets’ serum of the experimental groups relative to control (P < 0.05). GPS (200 mg/kg) significantly increased the glutathione peroxidase activity in milk and serum (P < 0.05), while the concentrations of malondialdehyde were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The present results indicated that GPS supplementation during late pregnancy and lactation improved immunity‐related bio‐molecular levels in sow serum and milk, which may be further beneficial to piglet health and growth through biological transmission effects.
Future treatment for Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Kuwabara Satoshi , Misawa Sonoko 
Published: October 2016

AbstractPlasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin were established to be effective treatments for Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) in the 1980s and 1990s, respectively. However, even when treated with the currently best therapy available, the mortality rate is still approximately 5%, and approximately 20% of patients cannot walk unaided 6 months after onset. Therefore, many GBS patients still develop severe weakness and have a long disease course, often with pain and fatigue as a result of persistent axonal loss. A better treatment is required. A clinical trial of a second immunoglobulin is ongoing. Eculizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against complement C5, is a promising novel agent, and phase 1/2 trials are ongoing in Japan (Japanese Eculizumab Trial for GBS) and Scotland (Inhibition of Compliment Activation for GBS). Immunoglobulin G‐degrading enzyme of Streptococcus pyogenes is another promising agent, and a phase 2 trial is planned. Prevention of severe axonal injury with new treatments early in the course of this disease remains a major focus, because axonal degeneration is an important limiting factor in achieving a good outcome.
Feasibility and safety of bowel cleansing using low‐volume polyethylene glycol with ascorbic acid before pediatric colonoscopy: A pilot study
Authors: Tsunoda Tomoyuki , Sogo Tsuyoshi , Iwasawa Kentaro , Umetsu Shuichiro , Oikawa‐Kawamoto Manari , Inui Ayano , Fujisawa Tomoo 
Published: October 2016

Background and AimTo assess the feasibility and safety of same‐day regimen of low‐volume polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid for bowel cleansing before colonoscopy in children.MethodsData on children who received polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid for bowel cleansing in our department were retrospectively analyzed. On the day before the procedure, patients ate a low‐residue diet and received sodium picosulfate in the evening. The following day, patients took polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid in the morning; the procedure was carried out in the afternoon. Dosages of sodium picosulfate and polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid were adjusted based on bodyweight. Bowel cleansing efficacy was rated on a scale of 1–5 by the colonoscopist.ResultsBetween July 2013 and November 2014, polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid was used in 112 cases (96 patients; male : female 73:39; median age 10.9 years, range 4–19 years). Ninety‐one cases (81%) were able to orally ingest the prescribed amount of polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid. Satisfactory bowel cleansing (cleansing grade ≥3) was attained in 87% on intention‐to‐treat analysis and 85% on per‐protocol analysis. Cleansing grade was significantly better in children who ingested polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid within 60 min (P < 0.05). There were no serious adverse events.ConclusionSame‐day regimen of polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid is effective and safe for bowel cleansing in children.
Estimated combined cardiac output and laser therapy for twin–twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Maskatia Shiraz A. , Ruano Rodrigo , Shamshirsaz Alireza A. , Javadian Pouya , Kailin Joshua A. , Belfort Michael A. , Altman Carolyn A. , Ayres Nancy A. 
Published: October 2016

IntroductionTwin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is the major cause for fetal demise in monochorionic diamniotic pregnancies. Estimated combined cardiac output (CCO) has not been studied in this setting. The primary aims of this study were to compare CCO in twin donor and recipient fetuses and assess differences in CCO before and after laser coagulation therapy. A secondary aim was to evaluate the relationship of CCO with perinatal mortality, defined as intrauterine or neonatal mortality (≤30 days of age) in fetuses that underwent laser coagulation therapy.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of fetuses with TTTS who received echocardiograms prior to laser therapy. Prelaser echocardiograms were performed in 66 fetuses, of which 45 (21 donor and 24 recipient) survived to the postlaser echocardiogram.ResultsDonor CCO increased from a mean of 487±137 mL/min/kg prelaser to 592±128 mL/min/kg postlaser (P=.025). There was no significant change in mean recipient CCO from prelaser 551±165 mL/min/kg to postlaser 575±112 mL/min/kg (P=.564). In recipient fetuses, higher prelaser CCO correlated with increasing Quintero stage (P=.010) and perinatal mortality (P=.003). Thirty‐day postnatal outcome data were available for 38 fetuses, of whom 34 (89%) survived. Amongst survivors, 25 (74%) experienced an increase in CCO, while 9 (26%) experienced a decrease in CCO (P=.010). Donor fetuses had higher CCO after laser therapy.ConclusionsHigher prelaser CCO in recipient fetuses may indicate more advanced disease. Fetuses who exhibit a decrease in CCO after therapy laser may be at higher risk for perinatal mortality.
Quantitative and functional analysis of CD69+ T regulatory lymphocytes in patients with periodontal disease
Authors: Vitales‐Noyola Marlen , Martínez‐Martínez Rita , Loyola‐Rodríguez Juan P. , Baranda Lourdes , Niño‐Moreno Perla , González‐Amaro Roberto 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundPeriodontal disease is chronic inflammatory process that affects the attachment structures of the teeth and constitutes a significant cause of tooth loss in adults. Although different bacteria play an important role in the triggering of this condition, the progression and severity of the disease are strongly affected by the host immune response, which is under the control of different immune regulatory mechanisms, including T regulatory (Treg) cells. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and function of CD69+ Treg lymphocytes in patients with chronic periodontal disease.MethodsPeripheral blood samples (n = 33) and gingival tissue (n = 9) were obtained from patients with chronic periodontal disease. Blood samples from 25 healthy individuals were also studied. Levels of CD69+ Treg lymphocytes in peripheral blood and gingival tissue were determined by six‐color multiparametric flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. The immune regulatory function of CD69+ Treg cells was tested by an in vitro assay of inhibition of lymphocyte activation.ResultsPercentages of CD69+ Treg cells were significantly higher in the peripheral blood from patients with active periodontal disease compared to healthy controls, and these percentages inversely correlated with the periodontal attachment loss. Increased numbers of these Treg cells were detected in the gingival tissue from active PD patients compared to their peripheral blood. However, the suppressive function of CD69+ Treg cells was significantly diminished in patients with periodontal disease compared to healthy controls.ConclusionsOur data suggest that CD69+ Treg cells seem to be another important piece in the complex immunopathogenesis of periodontal disease.
Exploring Spatiotemporal Patterns of Phoma Black Stem in Sunflower
Authors: Schwanck André Aguiar , Savary Serge , Willocquet Laetitia 
Published: October 2016

AbstractField experiments were conducted over two growing seasons with three sunflower cultivars to explore the spatiotemporal dynamics of phoma black stem epidemics and to test hypotheses pertaining to (i) disease spread from a known inoculum source; (ii) spatial patterns of the disease; (iii) disease spatiotemporal association; and (iv) association between disease intensity and sunflower defoliation. The spatial patterns of disease were random in most of epidemics, and disease gradients were not detected. Our results suggest absence of secondary infections, that is, that the studied phoma black stem epidemics were monocyclic under the experimental conditions reported here. Significant associations between the number of dead leaves per plant and the number of phoma black stem lesions per plant were detected towards the end of epidemics.
Induction of Resistance in Rice Against Magnaporthe Oryzae by Culture Filtrates of Biscogniauxia sp. O821
Authors: Nguyen Quyet Thi , Ueda Kana , Kihara Junichi , Ueno Makoto 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe fungal strain O821 of Biscogniauxia sp. was isolated from wild mushrooms collected in Japan. Here, we demonstrate that a 24‐h pretreatment of rice leaves with an ethyl acetate extract of a culture filtrate from strain O821 (O821‐ECF) reduced the severity of rice blast disease caused by infection with Magnaporthe oryzae. To investigate possible mechanisms of this effect, we examined defence responses in the leaves. O821‐ECF treatment elicited the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and increased transcription of the PBZ1 gene. A time course analysis of H2O2 production indicated an increase with time after O821‐ECF treatment. Expression of the PBZ1 gene similarly peaked at 24 h after O821‐ECF treatment. However, no accumulation of salicylic acid (SA) was observed at 24 h after O821‐ECF treatment. These results suggest that SA‐independent resistance to rice blast is induced by O821‐ECF. Studies of O821‐ECF may contribute to the development of new plant activators for plant diseases such as rice blast disease.
Spatio‐temporal analysis of Nova virus, a divergent hantavirus circulating in the European mole in Belgium
Authors: Laenen Lies , Dellicour Simon , Vergote Valentijn , Nauwelaers Inne , De Coster Sarah , Verbeeck Ina , Vanmechelen Bert , Lemey Philippe , Maes Piet 
Published: October 2016

AbstractOver the last decade, the recognized host range of hantaviruses has expanded considerably with the discovery of distinct hantaviruses in shrews, moles and bats. Unfortunately, in‐depth studies of these viruses have been limited. Here we describe a comprehensive analysis of the spatial distribution, genetic diversity and evolution of Nova virus, a hantavirus that has the European mole as its natural host. Our analysis demonstrated that Nova virus has a high prevalence and widespread distribution in Belgium. While Nova virus displayed relatively high nucleotide diversity in Belgium, amino acid changes were limited. The nucleocapsid protein was subjected to strong purifying selection, reflecting the strict evolutionary constraints placed upon Nova virus by its host. Spatio‐temporal analysis using Bayesian evolutionary inference techniques demonstrated that Nova virus had efficiently spread in the European mole population in Belgium, forming two distinct clades, representing east and west of Belgium. The influence of landscape barriers, in the form of the main waterways, on the dispersal velocity of Nova virus was assessed using an analytical framework for comparing Bayesian viral phylogenies with environmental landscape data. We demonstrated that waterways did not act as an environmental resistance factor slowing down Nova virus diffusion in the mole population. With this study, we provide information about the spatial diffusion of Nova virus and contribute sequence information that can be applied in further functional studies.
Genomic epidemiology of Cryptococcus yeasts identifies adaptation to environmental niches underpinning infection across an African HIV/AIDS cohort
Authors: Vanhove Mathieu , Beale Mathew A. , Rhodes Johanna , Chanda Duncan , Lakhi Shabir , Kwenda Geoffrey , Molloy Sile , Karunaharan Natasha , Stone Neil , Harrison Thomas S. , Bicanic Tihana , Fisher Matthew C. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractEmerging infections caused by fungi have become a widely recognized global phenomenon and are causing an increasing burden of disease. Genomic techniques are providing new insights into the structure of fungal populations, revealing hitherto undescribed fine‐scale adaptations to environments and hosts that govern their emergence as infections. Cryptococcal meningitis is a neglected tropical disease that is responsible for a large proportion of AIDS‐related deaths across Africa; however, the ecological determinants that underlie a patient's risk of infection remain largely unexplored. Here, we use genome sequencing and ecological genomics to decipher the evolutionary ecology of the aetiological agents of cryptococcal meningitis, Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii, across the central African country of Zambia. We show that the occurrence of these two pathogens is differentially associated with biotic (macroecological) and abiotic (physical) factors across two key African ecoregions, Central Miombo woodlands and Zambezi Mopane woodlands. We show that speciation of Cryptococcus has resulted in adaptation to occupy different ecological niches, with C. neoformans found to occupy Zambezi Mopane woodlands and C. gattii primarily recovered from Central Miombo woodlands. Genome sequencing shows that C. neoformans causes 95% of human infections in this region, of which over three‐quarters belonged to the globalized lineage VNI. We show that VNI infections are largely associated with urbanized populations in Zambia. Conversely, the majority of C. neoformans isolates recovered in the environment belong to the genetically diverse African‐endemic lineage VNB, and we show hitherto unmapped levels of genomic diversity within this lineage. Our results reveal the complex evolutionary ecology that underpins the reservoirs of infection for this, and likely other, deadly pathogenic fungi.
Acaricidal activity of Metarhizium anisopliae isolated from paddocks in the Mexican tropics against two populations of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ ‐SALAS A. , ALONSO‐DÍAZ M. A. , ALONSO‐MORALES R. A. , LEZAMA‐GUTIÉRREZ R. , RODRÍGUEZ‐RODRÍGUEZ J. C. , CERVANTES‐CHÁVEZ J. A. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe acaricidal effects of 55 strains of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin, 1883 (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) isolated from paddocks of cattle farms were evaluated in two Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini 1887) (Ixodida: Ixodidae) populations, of which one was multi‐resistant and one was susceptible to chemical acaricides. Percentage mortality and reproductive efficiency indices in R. microplus were evaluated by adult immersion tests at a dose of 1 × 108 conidia/mL for each fungal strain. Some strains were selected to calculate lethal concentrations to kill 50% (LC50) and 99% (LC99) of engorged ticks. Strains MaV22, MaV26 and MaV55 induced 100% mortality in R. microplus on day 14. Strains MaV05, MaV09 and MaV22 caused mortality of >90% from day 12 onward in both tick populations. The most effective acaricidal fungal strain, MaV55, inhibited egg laying by 54.86 and 55.86% in acaricide‐resistant and ‐susceptible R. microplus populations, respectively. None of the fungal strains had statistically significant effects on larval hatching. In conclusion, nine strains of M. anisopliae demonstrated high acaricidal effects against R. microplus and reduced its egg laying. No differences in acaricidal effects were observed between the two populations of ticks tested.