bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The associations between audit firm attributes and audit quality-specific indicators
Authors: Alareeni Bahaaeddin Ahmed
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the associations between audit firm attributes (i.e. audit firm size, non-audit services, auditor industry specialization and auditor-client tenure) and specific indicators of audit quality. It also aims to test whether these relationships are moderated by a set of other factors like legal system and US versus non-US settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The method of Hunter et al. (1982) is used as a meta-analysis technique to test the study hypotheses and achieve the study aims. A total of 71 published papers from 1992 to 2017 are included.

Findings

There are significant positive relationships between all audit firm attributes and audit quality. Additionally, the associations between all audit firm attributes and audit quality are moderated by proxies for audit quality. Furthermore, these associations are moderated by other variables, such as US and non-US studies, pre-SOX and post-SOX periods, the legal system, the strength of auditing and reporting standards and country classification (developed or developing country).

Research limitations/implications

The number of studies is insufficient for some variables, and therefore, the results should be interpreted with caution. In addition, the analyzed studies include several proxies, and thus, the number of studies is inadequate for the incorporation of other factors in the meta-analysis (e.g. audit firm experience and audit firm reputation).

Originality/value

This study contributes to audit quality research by providing empirical evidence of the associations between a specific set of audit firm attributes and audit quality using the meta-analysis method. More importantly, the study provides evidence on factors that moderate these associations.
Subjective memory complaints and difficulty performing activities of daily living among older women in Australia
Authors: Cordier Reinie , Chen Yu‐Wei , Clemson Lindy , Byles Julie , Mahoney Natasha
Published: December 2018

Background/aim

Increased age and cognitive decline have been linked to difficulties with activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Cognitive decline can often be signalled by complaints about one's cognition, such as memory. With older Australians living longer, there is an increasing proportion of the population at risk of declined performance in daily tasks. The aim of this study was to identify if subjective memory complaints in later life among older women predict changes in independence in performing ADL and IADL.

Methods

Data were from 3721 women born 1921–1926, who completed Surveys 4–6 of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Memory complaints and difficulties on ADL were measured at each survey, using the Memory Complaint Questionnaire and 16 questions regarding specific ADL. Latent growth modelling examined correlations between initial scores on each measure, changes in measures, and the association between memory complaints and changes in ADL and IADL.

Results

There was a significant association between baseline scores for subjective memory difficulty and baseline ADL and IADL scores. Initial memory difficulty was also associated with increase in ADL and IADL difficulty.

Conclusions

Subjective memory complaints may be a risk factor for decline in performance on ADL. Attention to these concerns may be important in identifying functional decline in older age.
Altered fine motor control and manual dexterity in people with cocaine dependence: An observational study
Authors: Sánchez‐Camarero Carlos , Ortega‐Santiago Ricardo , Arias‐Horcajadas Francisco , Madoz‐Gúrpide Agustín , Miangolarra‐Page Juan Carlos , Palacios‐Ceña Domingo
Published: December 2018

Background/aim

Cocaine consumption may result in irreversible structural changes in the brain. The long‐term effects of cocaine are related to a wide range of deteriorated cognitive functions. This study aimed to examine the fine motor control and hand‐function in cocaine users compared to healthy controls.

Methods

An observational study was conducted. Sociodemographic variables, substance consumption, the Purdue Pegboard and the Jebsen–Taylor Hand‐function Test were evaluated bilaterally in 35 participants who were cocaine users and in 35 healthy participants. Differences between sides (dominant and non‐dominant hands) and groups were analysed with analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

The ANOVA revealed significant differences between groups (P < 0.001) and between sides (dominant and non‐dominant hands) (P = 0.005) for the one‐hand pin placement subtest of the Purdue Pegboard Test. Also, ANOVA tests showed significant differences between sides, but not groups, for the simulated feeding (P < 0.001) and stacking checkers (P < 0.001) Jebsen–Taylor subtests. Cocaine user participants exhibited significantly lower scores in bilateral pin placement and required more time for the Jebsen–Taylor subtests compared to healthy participants.

Conclusions

Cocaine user participants display deficits of fine motor control and some aspects of manual dexterity when compared to healthy controls. These findings show the convenience of incorporating functional rehabilitation by occupational therapists as a key component within the treatment of cocaine users. This study therefore opens a new field of practice for occupational therapy based on the assessment and treatment of motor deficits in the hand and the upper limb of people who consume cocaine.
Long non‐coding RNA TUG1 regulates the migration and invasion of trophoblast‐like cells through sponging miR‐204‐5p
Authors: Yu Yang , Wang Leilei , Gao Man , Guan Hongbo
Published: December 2018

Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal death. Accumulated evidence suggests that many long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are abnormally expressed in placentas from PE patients, and they may play functional roles in the development of PE. The present study aimed to investigate the functional role TUG1 in PE and explore the potential molecular mechanisms. Clinically, the expression of TUG1 in placental tissues from PE and normal controls was determined. In vitro, human trophoblast HTR‐8/SVneo and JAR cells were employed for loss or gain‐of‐function assays. Our results demonstrate that TUG1 was downregulated in PE placental tissues compared with normal controls. Moreover, downregulation of TUG1 inhibited the migration and invasion of trophoblast‐like cells. Bioinformatics analysis and functional assays showed that TUG1 interacted with miR‐204‐5p and negatively regulated the expression and function of miR‐204‐5p in trophoblast cells. Furthermore, TUG1‐mediated migration and invasion of trophoblast cells was regulated by miR‐204‐5p. Together, our results suggested that TUG1 regulates trophoblast migration and invasion partly through sponging miR‐204‐5p, and the TUG1/miR‐204‐5p axis could be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of PE.
Socio‐spatial mobilities and narratives of class identity in Britain
Authors: Miles Andrew , Leguina Adrian
Published: December 2018

In this article we carry out the most comprehensive analysis of social and spatial mobility in the UK to date and the first to directly link different dimensions of mobility to processes of social class formation. Using new analytical techniques in this field, we integrate quantitative and qualitative data from the 1958 Birth Cohort Study, combining text‐mining and correspondence analysis in order to examine the intersection of geographical and social mobility with class identities. This work reflects a revival of interest in the spatialization of class inequalities, which is connected to policy concerns about the regional dimension of Britain’s mobility ‘crisis’ that have intensified in the wake of the ‘Brexit’ vote. We find that the South’s role as an ‘escalator’ region for upward mobility has continued and that the relationship between social and spatial mobility both confirms and qualifies the role of London and the South East in generating inequalities. We show that different migration‐mobility transitions are associated with distinctive and contrasting class identity narratives. Those who move from North to South stand out in particular for the way their ‘class talk’ reveals the social disorientation that attends their success. The contrasting ways in which other groups express their social identities suggests that the interplay of geographical and social mobilities performs a significant role in regional cultural divisions.
Achieving orphan designation for placental insufficiency: annual incidence estimations in Europe
Authors: Spencer R , Rossi C , Lees M , Peebles D , Brocklehurst P , Martin J , Hansson SR , Hecher K , Marsal K , Figueras F , Gratacos E , David AL ,   on behalf of the EVERREST Consortium
Published: December 2018

Objective

To determine whether a novel therapy for placental insufficiency could achieve orphan drug status by estimating the annual incidence of placental insufficiency, defined as an estimated fetal weight below the 10th centile in the presence of abnormal umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry, per 10 000 European Union (EU) population as part of an application for European Medicines Agency (EMA) orphan designation.

Design

Incidence estimation based on literature review and published national and EU statistics.

Setting and population

European Union.

Methods

Data were drawn from published literature, including national and international guidelines, international consensus statements, cohort studies and randomised controlled trials, and published national and EU statistics, including birth rates and stillbirth rates. Rare disease databases were also searched.

Results

The proportion of affected pregnancies was estimated as 3.17% (95% CI 2.93–3.43%), using a weighted average of the results from two cohort studies. Using birth rates from 2012 and adjusting for a pregnancy loss rate of 1/100 gave an estimated annual incidence of 3.33 per 10 000 EU population (95% CI 3.07–3.60 per 10 000 EU population). This fell below the EMA threshold of 5 per 10 000 EU population.

Conclusions

Maternal vascular endothelial growth factor gene therapy for placental insufficiency was granted EMA orphan status in 2015 after we demonstrated that it is a rare, life‐threatening or chronically debilitating and currently untreatable disease. Developers of other potential obstetric therapies should consider applying for orphan designation, which provides financial and regulatory benefits.

Tweetable abstract

Placental insufficiency meets the European Medicines Agency requirements for orphan disease designation.
Availability of less invasive prenatal, perinatal and paediatric autopsy will improve uptake rates: a mixed‐methods study with bereaved parents
Authors: Lewis C , Riddington M , Hill M , Arthurs OJ , Hutchinson JC , Chitty LS , Bevan C , Fisher J , Ward J , Sebire NJ
Published: December 2018

Objective

To investigate whether less invasive methods of autopsy would be acceptable to bereaved parents and likely to increase uptake.

Design

Mixed methods study.

Setting

Bereaved parents recruited prospectively across seven hospitals in England and retrospectively through four parent support organisations.

Sample

Eight hundred and fifty‐nine surveys and 20 interviews with bereaved parents.

Methods

Cross‐sectional survey and qualitative semi‐structured telephone interviews.

Main outcome measures

Likely uptake, preferences, factors impacting decision‐making, views on different autopsy methods.

Results

Overall, 90.5% of participants indicated that they would consent to some form of less invasive autopsy [either minimally invasive autopsy (MIA), non‐invasive autopsy (NIA) or both]; 53.8% would consent to standard autopsy, 74.3% to MIA and 77.3% to NIA. Regarding parental preferences, 45.5% preferred MIA, 30.8% preferred NIA and 14.3% preferred standard autopsy. Participants who indicated they would decline standard autopsy but would consent to a less invasive option were significantly more likely to have a lower educational level (odds ratio 0.49; 95% CI 0.35–0.70; P = 0.000062). Qualitative findings suggest that parents value NIA because of the lack of any incision and MIA is considered a good compromise as it enables tissue sampling while easing the parental burden associated with consenting to standard autopsy.

Conclusion

Less invasive methods of autopsy are acceptable alternatives for bereaved parents, and if offered, are likely to increase uptake and improve parental experience. Further health economic, validation and implementation studies are now required to assess the viability of offering these in routine widespread clinical care.

Tweetable abstract

Mixed methods UK study finds less invasive methods of autopsy are acceptable alternatives for bereaved parents, and if offered, are likely to increase uptake and improve parental experience.
Breastfeeding avoidance following psychological intimate partner violence during pregnancy: a cohort study and multivariate analysis
Authors: Martin‐de‐las‐Heras S , Velasco C , Luna‐del‐Castillo JD , Khan KS
Published: December 2018

Objective

To evaluate if the experience of psychological intimate partner violence (IPV) adversely affects breastfeeding rates.

Design

A cohort study.

Setting

Maternities in 15 public hospitals, drawn using cluster sampling of obstetric services in Andalusia, Spain.

Population

A total of 779 consecutive mothers receiving antenatal care including ultrasound and giving birth during February–June 2010.

Methods

Trained midwives gathered IPV data using the Index of Spouse Abuse validated in the Spanish language (score ranges: 0–100, higher scores reflect more severe IPV; cut‐off: psychological IPV = 25). Sociodemographic data including lack of kin support, and obstetric and neonatal outcomes were collected. Multivariate logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR), with 95% confidence intervals (CI), of the relationship between psychological IPV and breastfeeding, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and obstetric complications.

Main outcome measure

Breastfeeding avoidance defined as lack of breastfeeding or pumping of breast milk to feed the new baby in the immediate post‐partum period.

Results

Response rate was 92.2%. A total of 70% (n = 545) of women initiated breastfeeding. Psychological IPV, reported by 21.0% (n = 151), increased the odds of breastfeeding avoidance (aOR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.2–3.3) adjusting for the presence of obstetric complications (aOR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.0–2.4).

Conclusions

Mothers with psychological IPV avoid breastfeeding. Clinicians should be aware of the risks to infant arising from this deficiency due to IPV in pregnancy.

Tweetable abstract

Psychological intimate partner violence, reported by one in five mothers in this study, on average doubles the avoidance of breastfeeding.
Changes in Fingerprints Depending on Physiological Factors
Authors: Czech Anna , Szabelak Aleksandra , Sowiński Artur
Published: December 2018

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of gender, body mass index, and time on the width of friction ridge impressions in fingerprints and the content of sweat and sebum forming the print. The research showed that the friction ridge impressions of women are significantly wider than those of men, and this tendency persists throughout the existence of the print. The differences may result from the anatomical structure of the skin, as well as from the use of protective products such as creams, which are used more often by women. The width of friction ridge impression is similar in underweight and overweight people, but greater than in those with normal body weight, and the amount of sweat and sebum increases with body weight. The passage of time significantly reduces both the width of the friction ridge impression and the content of sweat and sebum secretions in the print.
Effect of liraglutide on the Janus kinase/signal transducer and transcription activator (JAK/STAT) pathway in diabetic kidney disease in db/db mice and in cultured endothelial cells
Authors: Zitman‐Gal Tali , Einbinder Yael , Ohana Meital , Katzav Aviva , Kartawy Amany , Benchetrit Sydney
Published: December 2018

Background

Emerging evidence demonstrates the involvement of Janus tyrosine kinase/signal transducer and transcription activator (JAK/STAT) proteins in the pathophysiology of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The JAK/STAT pathway is involved in the inflammatory response and endothelial cell dysfunction observed in DKD. The glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) analog liraglutide is an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes because it improves the inflammatory changes observed in experimental models of DKD. This study used db/db mice and endothelial cells (ECs) to determine the effect of diabetic environment on the JAK/STAT pathway and to assess the potential effect of liraglutide (200 μg/kg) in both models.

Methods

Diabetic db/db mice (12 weeks old) were treated with liraglutide for 14 weeks. The kidneys were then perfused with saline and removed for mRNA, protein, and immunohistochemical analyses. Endothelial cells were stimulated advanced glycation end products (AGEs) (200 μg/μL) glucose (200 mg/dL) and liraglutide (100 nM) for 24 hours. Total RNA and protein were extracted and analyzed for expression of JAK/STAT signaling.

Results

Phosphorylated (p‐) STAT3 was significantly upregulated in db/db mice compared with non‐diabetic mice. Liraglutide significantly downregulated p‐STAT3 protein expression in db/db mice. In db/db mice, p‐STAT3 was primarily expressed in the glomeruli, whereas p‐JAK2 was also expressed in kidney tubules. In ECs, liraglutide treatment prevented increased expression of p‐STAT3 and p‐JAK2. Liraglutide inhibited the target gene suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in db/db mice and in cultured EC.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the GLP‐1 analog liraglutide inhibits the JAK/STAT pathway, which participates in intracellular processes in experimental models of diabetes.
Testing the Mantel statistic with a spatially‐constrained permutation procedure
Authors: Crabot Julie , Clappe Sylvie , Dray Stéphane , Datry Thibault
Published: December 2018

Mantel tests are widely used in ecology to assess the significance of the relationship between two distance matrices computed between pairs of samples. However, recent studies demonstrated that the presence of spatial autocorrelation in both distance matrices induced inflations of parameter estimates and type I error rates. These results also hold for partial Mantel test which is supposed to control for the spatial structures.

To address the issue of spatial autocorrelation in testing the Mantel statistic, we developed a new procedure based on spatially constrained randomizations using Moran spectral randomization. A simulation study was conducted to assess the performance of this new procedure. Different scenarios were considered by manipulating the number of variables, the number of samples, the regularity of the sampling design and the level of spatial autocorrelation.

As identified by previous studies, we found that Mantel statistic and its associated type I error rate are inflated in simple and partial Mantel tests when both distances matrices are spatially structured. We showed that these biases increased with the number of variables, decreased with the number of samples and were slightly lower for regular than irregular sampling. The new procedure succeeded in correcting the spurious inflations of the parameter estimates and type I error rates in any of the presented scenarios.

Our results suggest that studies from several fields (e.g. genetic or community ecology) could have been overestimating the relationship between two distances matrices when both presented spatial autocorrelation. We proposed an alternative solution applicable in every field to correctly compute Mantel statistic with a fair type I error rate.
A comparison of the new ROTEM®sigma with its predecessor, the ROTEMdelta
Authors: Schenk B. , Görlinger K. , Treml B. , Tauber H. , Fries D. , Niederwanger C. , Oswald E. , Bachler M.
Published: December 2018

Thromboelastometry point‐of‐care coagulation testing facilitates optimised management of bleeding. Previous thromboelastometry systems required the blood sample and liquid reagents to be pipetted in several manual steps by trained personnel. The ROTEMsigma coagulation analyser is a fully automated point‐of‐care device. We aimed to assess the reference ranges of the new device and to compare the results with those of the predecessor device, the ROTEMdelta. We took blood from healthy volunteers and from hyper‐ or hypocoagulable patients; blood samples from healthy volunteers served to determine reference ranges for the most important parameters for the ROTEMsigma: CTEXTEM 48–61 s; A5EXTEM 30–51 mm; MCFEXTEM 54–70 mm; CTINTEM 138–174 s; MCFINTEM 51–67 mm and MCFFIBTEM 5–24 mm. We then used blood samples from patients to compare the results obtained between the old and the new device. We found a strong correlation between the same tests performed on two ROTEMsigma devices and between the ROTEMsigma and the ROTEMdelta with respect to the determination of thromboelastometry parameters of hyper‐ and hypocoagulable patients (all p < 0.001 and R > 0.8). Performance evaluation for the ROTEMsigma device showed very high precision (R > 0.99, p < 0.001). Our reference ranges can serve as an important aid for other hospitals using this new device.
Theatrical Performance and the Archaeological Imagination: A Transformational Journey
Authors: Tobin Daniel Bird , Bird S. Elizabeth
Published: December 2018

What happens when you take archaeological artifacts out of the lab or the museum, and use them to inspire a storytelling performance? How might artifacts inspire theater, and how might theater animate artifacts? Here, in a dialogue between a writer/performer and an anthropologist, we explore these questions, using a recent solo performance piece to think about the possibilities of theater inspired by an “archaeological imagination.”
Dining Across the Decades in Rajasthan, India: A Culminating Feast on a High of Religious Holidays
Authors: Thomas Rosin R.
Published: December 2018

I tell tales of dining and drinking across three decades in Rajasthan, India, evoking memories of challenge and character defining choices. From whom and with whom I dine or drink proves to be an act expressing relative purity (shuddha) and adherence to principle (dharma). Each heartfelt choice leaves he investigators from a foreign land wondering about consequences upon our stature and rapport for subsequent research. Meanwhile the local community and I research a folk system of knowledge and practice in irrigated farming. Farmers are guardians of a legacy reshaping the landscape to harvest rainfall to recharge the aquifer for lift irrigation. Successful in this arid zone, they want to be heard. A celebratory meal culminates our decade‐long endeavor to persuade government administrators, engineers, and hydrologists to listen. In this pluralistic world of multiple castes, classes, and ethnicities, we, prove through our history of dining to be the perfect guests suited for this occasion. The feast is spontaneously arranged, an epiphany arising from our success that day, uniting administrator, researchers, and farmers. So gathered, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Jew, we discover how auspicious (shubh) is this moment, occurring on a high holiday according to the calendars of four separate religions. Everything has fallen into place. To quote a saying I heard in my fieldwork: “Shubh āve hae. The auspicious happens.” The trajectories of our separate pathways in life have joined, making this the most serendipitous of occasions. By turning the gaze from subjects to our joined intimacy of encounters, I have chosen narrative, rather than a conversation among scholars, to emphasize the primary conceptions underlying everyday concerns and aspirations in South Asian society.
New steps in infliximab therapeutic drug monitoring in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Nemoz Benjamin , Ternant David , Bailly Sébastien , Gautier‐Veyret Elodie , Jourdil Jean‐François , Bonaz Bruno , Stanke‐Labesque Françoise
Published: December 2018

Aims

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of infliximab (IFX) appears to be beneficial for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the recommended target concentrations depend partly on the method used to quantify IFX. Since we recently developed a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method to quantify IFX, we aimed to determine IFX trough concentrations (Cmin) associated with biological remission.

Methods

We retrospectively measured IFX Cmin in sera from 55 patients with IBD, on IFX maintenance therapy, and for whom demographic, biological and clinical data were collected from medical records. A threshold of IFX Cmin associated with biological remission (defined by C‐reactive protein < 5 mg l–1 and faecal calprotectin <150 μg g–1) was determined using receiver operating characteristics analysis.

Results

IFX Cmin ranged from <1 mg l–1 to 57.2 mg l–1. IFX Cmin were higher (P = 0.038) in patients with biological remission and a cut‐off of IFX Cmin set to 6.2 mg l–1 was associated with biological remission (sensitivity = 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.58–0.75; specificity = 0.61, 95% confidence interval 0.39–0.83).

Conclusion

Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry measurement of IFX Cmin and the determination of a new threshold of IFX Cmin associated with biological remission are new steps towards IFX treatment personalization in patients with IBD.
Salt thickness and composition influence rift structural style, northern North Sea, offshore Norway
Authors: Jackson Christopher A.‐L. , Elliott Gavin M. , Royce‐Rogers Elisabeth , Gawthorpe Robert L. , Aas Tor E.
Published: December 2018

“Salt” giants are typically halite‐dominated, although they invariably contain other evaporite (e.g. anhydrite, bittern salts) and non‐evaporite (e.g. carbonate, clastic) rocks. Rheological differences between these rocks mean they impact or respond to rift‐related, upper crustal deformation in different ways. Our understanding of basin‐scale lithology variations in ancient salt giants, what controls this and how this impacts later rift‐related deformation, is poor, principally due to a lack of subsurface datasets of sufficiently regional extent. Here we use 2D seismic reflection and borehole data from offshore Norway to map compositional variations within the Zechstein Supergroup (ZSG) (Lopingian), relating this to the structural styles developed during Middle Jurassic‐to‐Early Cretaceous rifting. Based on the proportion of halite, we identify and map four intrasalt depositional zones (sensu Clark et al., Journal of the Geological Society, 1998, 155, 663) offshore Norway. We show that, at the basin margins, the ZSG is carbonate‐dominated, whereas towards the basin centre, it becomes increasingly halite‐dominated, a trend observed in the UK sector of the North Sea Basin and in other ancient salt giants. However, we also document abrupt, large magnitude compositional and thickness variations adjacent to large, intra‐basin normal faults; for example, thin, carbonate‐dominated successions occur on fault‐bounded footwall highs, whereas thick, halite‐dominated successions occur only a few kilometres away in adjacent depocentres. It is presently unclear if this variability reflects variations in syn‐depositional relief related to flooding of an underfilled presalt (Early Permian) rift or syn‐depositional (Lopingian) rift‐related faulting. Irrespective of the underlying controls, variations in salt composition and thickness influenced the Middle Jurassic‐to‐Early Cretaceous rift structural style, with diapirism characterising hangingwall basins where autochthonous salt was thick and halite‐rich and salt‐detached normal faulting occurring on the basin margins and on intra‐basin structural highs where the salt was too thin and/or halite‐poor to undergo diapirism. This variability is currently not captured by existing tectono‐stratigraphic models largely based on observations from salt‐free rifts and, we argue, mapping of suprasalt structural styles may provide insights into salt composition and thickness in areas where boreholes are lacking or seismic imaging is poor.
Prevalence of reagent test‐kit use and perceptions of purity among ecstasy users in an electronic dance music scene in New York City
Authors: Palamar Joseph J. , Barratt Monica J.
Published: December 2018

Introduction and Aims

Ecstasy users in the electronic dance music scene are at high risk for using ecstasy adulterated with new psychoactive substances and/or methamphetamine. We examined self‐reported testing of ecstasy among users in this scene.

Design and Methods

We surveyed individuals (aged 18–40 years) entering electronic dance music parties in New York City in 2017. Past‐year ecstasy users (n = 351) were asked if they had tested their ecstasy in the past year. We estimated prevalence and correlates of having tested one's ecstasy.

Results

23.1% reported having tested their ecstasy in the past year. Those with some college (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 0.49, P = 0.014) or a college degree (aPR = 0.41, P = 0.025) were less likely to test their ecstasy than those with a high school diploma or less. Using ecstasy pills (aPR = 1.89, P = 0.036) or crystals (aPR = 1.90, P = 0.006) ≥3 times in the past year was associated with increased likelihood of testing one's ecstasy, and purchasing from an unknown or untrustworthy dealer was associated with decreased likelihood (aPR = 0.63, P = 0.034) of testing one's ecstasy. Half (51.1%) of ecstasy users reported finding out or suspecting their ecstasy had contained a drug other than MDMA. Of these, 49.2% reported finding out their ecstasy contained methamphetamine or speed/amphetamine. Most ecstasy users reported that they would be less likely to use again upon learning their ecstasy contained ‘bath salts’ (54.8%) or methamphetamine (54.3%).

Discussion and Conclusions

Drug testing appears to help ecstasy users detect adulterants and results can help inform harm reduction efforts. Less frequent users in particular may require education about adulteration and drug‐testing.
Disaster studies inside out
Authors: Gaillard JC
Published: December 2018

Disaster studies is faced with a fascinating anomaly: frequently it claims to be critical and innovative, as suggested by the so‐called vulnerability paradigm that emerged more than 40 years ago, yet often it is perpetuating some of the core and problematic tenets of the hazard paradigm that we were asked to challenge initially. This paper interrogates why such an anomaly persists. In so doing, it employs Antonio Gramsci's concept of hegemony to unpack why disaster studies is still dominated by Western epistemologies and scholars that perpetuate an orientalist view of disasters. Ultimately, it suggests a research agenda for the 40 years to come, which builds on the importance of local researchers analysing local disasters using local epistemologies, especially in the non‐Western world. Such subaltern disaster studies are to be fuelled by increasing consciousness of the need to resist the hegemony of Western scholarship and to relocate disaster studies within the realm of its original political agenda.
Transcriptomic and lipidomic profiling of eicosanoid/docosanoid signalling in affected and non‐affected skin of human atopic dermatitis patients
Authors: Töröcsik Daniel , Weise Christin , Gericke Janine , Szegedi Andrea , Lucas Renata , Mihaly Johanna , Worm Margitta , Rühl Ralph
Published: December 2018

Lipoxygenases (LOX) and cyclooxygenase (COX) are the main enzymes for PUFA metabolism to highly bio‐active prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxanes, lipoxins, resolvins and protectins. LOX and COX pathways are important for the regulation of pro‐inflammatory or pro‐resolving metabolite synthesis and metabolism for various inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD). In this study, we determined PUFAs and PUFA metabolites in serum as well as affected and non‐affected skin samples from AD patients and the dermal expression of various enzymes, binding proteins and receptors involved in these LOX and COX pathways. Decreased EPA and DHA levels in serum and reduced EPA level in affected and non‐affected skin were found; in addition, n3/n6‐PUFA ratios were lower in affected and non‐affected skin and serum. Mono‐hydroxylated PUFA metabolites of AA, EPA, DHA and the sum of AA, EPA and DHA metabolites were increased in affected and non‐affected skin. COX1 and ALOX12B expression, COX and 12/15‐LOX metabolites as well as various lipids, which are known to induce itch (12‐HETE, LTB4, TXB2, PGE2 and PGF2) and the ratio of pro‐inflammatory vs pro‐resolving lipid mediators in non‐affected and affected skin as well as in the serum of AD patients were increased, while n3/n6‐PUFAs and metabolite ratios were lower in non‐affected and affected AD skin. Expression of COX1 and COX‐metabolites was even higher in non‐affected AD skin. To conclude, 12/15‐LOX and COX pathways were mainly upregulated, while n3/n6‐PUFA and metabolite ratios were lower in AD patients skin. All these parameters are a hallmark of a pro‐inflammatory and non‐resolving environment in affected and partly in non‐affected skin of AD patients.
DNA‐analysis to monitor fisheries and aquaculture: Too costly?
Authors: Martinsohn Jann Th. , Raymond Paul , Knott Trey , Glover Kevin A. , Nielsen Einar Eg , Eriksen Lars Bonde , Ogden Rob , Casey John , Guillen Jordi
Published: December 2018

Evidence from DNA‐analysis is commonplace in human criminal investigations, and while it is increasingly being used in wildlife crime, to date, its application to control and enforcement activities in fisheries and aquaculture has only been sporadic. Contemporary DNA‐analysis tools are capable of addressing a broad range of compliance issues, species identification, mislabelling of fish products, determining the origin of catches and the farm of origin of aquaculture escapees. Such applications have the potential to ensure traceability along the fish product supply chain and to combat consumer fraud and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing. Nevertheless, DNA‐analysis is not yet used routinely in investigations into compliance with fisheries and aquaculture legislation. One potential reason for this is that DNA‐analysis techniques may have been regarded as too expensive. However, costs have plummeted over the past decade prompting us to objectively assess whether the costs associated with routine use of DNA‐analysis techniques for fisheries and aquaculture control and enforcement activities do constitute an impediment. Based on a number of recent fisheries and aquaculture compliance investigations that incorporated DNA‐analysis, our results indicate that the use of genetic analysis was justified and worthwhile in all cases examined. We therefore conclude that the costs associated with DNA‐analysis do not represent a barrier to the routine adoption of DNA‐analysis techniques in fisheries and aquaculture compliance investigations. Thus, control and enforcement agencies should be encouraged to use such techniques routinely.
Structural characterization of VapB46 antitoxin from Mycobacterium tuberculosis: insights into VapB46–DNA binding
Authors: Roy Madhurima , Kundu Anirban , Bhunia Anirban , Das Gupta Sujoy , De Soumya , Das Amit Kumar
Published: December 2018

The ability to form persister cells by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a prime cause for the emergence of drug‐resistant strains. A large number of toxin–antitoxin systems in the Mtb genome are postulated to promote bacterial persistence. The largest family of toxin–antitoxin systems encoded in the genome of Mtb is VapBC, with 47 VapBC toxin–antitoxin systems regulated by VapB antitoxins. In this study, we characterized the structure of VapB46 antitoxin and determined its interaction with its cognate DNA sequence. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assay and DNase I footprinting we showed that VapB46 binds to two sites in the upstream promoter–operator region. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)‐based structural studies we found that VapB46 has a well‐folded dimeric N‐terminal domain, which contains a Phd/YefM motif and is involved in DNA binding. The remaining C‐terminal residues are disordered but promote higher order oligomerization of VapB46. We propose a DNA‐binding model in which tetrameric VapB46 binds to the two sites in its promoter–operator region, with each site bound by its dimeric N‐terminal domain.
Climate effects and bottom‐up controls on growth and size‐at‐age of Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) in Alaska (USA)
Authors: Holsman Kirstin K. , Aydin Kerim , Sullivan Jane , Hurst Tom , Kruse Gordon H.
Published: December 2018

Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) are an ecologically, commercially, and culturally important Alaskan groundfish species. Commercial harvest of halibut dates back to the late 19th century and has been managed by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) since 1921. IPHC surveys have revealed declining trends in survey biomass in multiple regions and region‐specific declines in mean size‐at‐age (size‐at‐age) over the past two decades (>50% in some areas). Changes in size‐at‐age can arise from a variety of physical, ecological, sampling, and fishery effects, including size‐dependent fishery or predation mortality, alteration in growth from variability in prey quality or quantity, and changes in temperature‐dependent metabolic demands. Here, we develop and apply a bioenergetics model for halibut using survey‐based diet and temperature data for Alaska to evaluate potential environmental drivers of size‐at‐age. In general, juvenile (<40 cm fork length) foraging rates were highest in the Gulf of Alaska concomitant with higher potential growth and elevated basal metabolic demands during warm summer conditions. In contrast, adult (40–120 cm FL) potential growth was highest in the Eastern Bering Sea, potentially reflecting lower metabolic costs and higher rates of prey consumption in that region. We additionally find evidence for interannual variation in potential growth, with a higher frequency of reduced growth potential in the last decade, particularly in the Eastern Bering Sea in 2015 and 2016 for both juvenile and adult halibut. These results suggest the potential for patterns in size‐at‐age to arise from trophic and environmental constraints that collectively limit growth in some regions and years.
Environmental heterogeneity and dispersal limitation explain different aspects of β‐diversity in Neotropical fish assemblages
Authors: Peláez Oscar , Pavanelli Carla Simone
Published: December 2018

From a metacommunity perspective, patterns of β‐diversity emerge from the interplay between spatial and environmental processes. For obligate aquatic dispersers, river network constraints can be reflected in diversity patterns.

Here, we aimed to determine the effects of environmental heterogeneity and spatial connectivity on β‐diversity components. We sampled fish assemblages in 21 sites across a longitudinal gradient. Beta‐diversity for taxonomic and functional composition among sites was decomposed into its turnover and nestedness components. We investigated whether environment was more important to functional β‐diversity and spatial factors had a higher contribution to dissimilarity in species composition. Further, we tested whether environmentally homogeneous sites with higher spatial connectivity showed lower compositional changes.

We found that spatial factors were more important for taxonomic β‐diversity, whereas environment explained functional dissimilarity among habitats. Although environment and spatial factors contribute to total β‐diversity, they explained different components: while environment explained a higher portion of turnover, spatial factors were related to nestedness. The effects of mere spatial isolation and directional connectivity differed for species and functional β‐diversity and for the components of β‐diversity. Including directionality in spatial connectivity enabled the explanation of a higher proportion of variation of total species β‐diversity and its turnover.

Our results suggest that niche and spatial processes may influence differently taxonomic and functional β‐diversity components. Thus, habitat filtering was the primary mechanism affecting functional diversity and species turnover, whereas spatial connectivity drove species nestedness.
Associations of social frailty with loss of muscle mass and muscle weakness among community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Makizako Hyuma , Kubozono Takuro , Kiyama Ryoji , Takenaka Toshihiro , Kuwahata So , Tabira Takayuki , Kanoya Tsutomu , Horinouchi Kouko , Shimada Hiroyuki , Ohishi Mitsuru
Published: December 2018

Aim

The present cross‐sectional study examined the associations of social frailty status with loss of muscle mass and weakness among community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

Data from 353 older adults (74.8% women) who had participated in a community‐based health check survey (Tarumizu Study) were analyzed. Social frailty was defined using responses to five questions (going out less frequently, rarely visiting friends, feeling unhelpful to friends or family, living alone and not talking with someone every day). Participants with two or more components were considered socially frail. We assessed appendicular skeletal muscle mass using bioelectrical impedance analysis and calculated appendicular skeletal muscle index. Dominant handgrip strength was assessed. Loss of skeletal muscle mass (appendicular skeletal muscle index <7.0 kg/m2 for men, <5.7 kg/m2 for women) and muscle weakness (handgrip strength <26 kg for men, <18 kg for women) were determined based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria.

Results

The prevalence of social frailty was 14.7%. A higher prevalence of muscle weakness and loss of skeletal muscle mass in participants with social frailty was shown than in those without (muscle weakness 44.2% vs 23.6%, P ≤ 0.05; loss of skeletal muscle mass 59.6% vs 46.2%, P = 0.07). Social frailty was independently associated with muscle weakness (odds ratio 2.04, 95% confidence interval 1.06–3.95), but not with loss of skeletal muscle mass (odds ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 0.78–2.76) after adjusting for covariates.

Conclusions

Social frailty status could be associated with muscle weakness, though not a loss of skeletal muscle mass. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 76–80.
Problems, politics, and policy streams in policy implementation
Authors: Fowler Luke
Published: December 2018

We apply Kingdon's multiple streams framework (MSF) to policy implementation to reflect a nested process separate from but interdependent with policymaking. Then, we generate a hypothesis concerning the conditional nature of problems, policies, and politics stream impacts on policy implementation. We test our hypotheses with state‐level implementation of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, using a pooled data set of 10 years of toxic releases data. Findings suggest an important interaction occurs among problems, policies, and politics during the policy implementation process. More specifically, when any of the three is held at median levels, only marginal differences in outputs occur; however, when all three are increased to extreme levels, substantive differences emerge. Conclusions connect policy implementation to larger issues of MSF theoretical development and suggest implications for governance.
Acute liver failure due to severe Herpes simplex viral hepatitis in an elderly woman: A case of initial infection
Authors: Suda Tsuyoshi , Hodo Yuji , Shirota Yukihiro , Ogawa Haruhiko , Sato Katsuaki , Wakabayashi Tokio
Published: December 2018

The high mortality rate due to severe Herpes simplex viral (HSV) hepatitis is associated with the difficulty of its diagnosis. We describe the extremely rapid disease course of a patient who died of severe HSV hepatitis.

A 73‐year‐old woman was admitted for a bronchial asthma attack. Her symptoms improved with steroid treatment, but she developed a sore throat and painful swallowing. On day 12 after admission, she suddenly went into shock. Blood test results showed a significant increase in the liver enzyme levels, with remarkable disseminated intravascular coagulation. She died the same day.

The autopsy revealed extensive coagulative necrosis of the liver. Viral inclusion of type A Cowdry bodies was found in the residual hepatocytes in the hepatic lobule. Immunostaining revealed HSV type 1 positivity. We diagnosed the cause of death as severe HSV hepatitis. On examination of a stored serum sample, the patient tested positive for the HSV immunoglobulin (Ig)‐M antibody, and the HSV RNA level was very high (1 × 109 copies/mL). Remarkably, the HSV IgG test result was negative, and we diagnosed her as having had an initial HSV infection.

Hepatitis due to HSV is very rare in healthy adults; however, there are many reports of immune‐deficient cases. The presence of HSV IgG is decreasing in the elderly population because of the change in living environments/lifestyles. The increasing use of immunosuppressive drugs, such as steroids, for treating diseases in elderly patients could be linked to the increased prevalence of initial HSV infections, resulting in liver injury.
Updates in endourological management of urolithiasis
Authors: Li Joseph KM , Teoh Jeremy YC , Ng Chi‐Fai
Published: December 2018

Urinary stone disease, or urolithiasis, is a very common disease with increasing prevalence and incidence. With the advancement of endoscopic techniques, the treatment outcomes of ureteroscopy (or transureteral lithotripsy) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy are continuously improving. In recent years, there have been many new developments in the field, including new endoscopy design, more effective auxiliary tools, improvement in treatment protocols, introduction of robotic technology, combining both ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery or transureteral lithotripsy‐assisted percutaneous nephrolithotomy), improvement in laser technology, and so on. All these new inputs will further improve the treatment efficacy and safety of the procedures, thus benefiting our patients. In the present review, we briefly go through the main steps of ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy, with a concise description and application of these new advances.
Quand les frontières se brouillent: le télétravail et son incidence sur le fonctionnement familial, dans un exemple australien
Authors: DOCKERY Alfred M. , BAWA Sherry
Published: December 2018

Les auteurs analysent l'effet du télétravail (effectué depuis le domicile) sur le fonctionnement familial en se fondant sur les vagues 2001–2013 d'une enquête australienne auprès des ménages (enquête HILDA), plus précisément sur les réponses fournies par le partenaire du télétravailleur. L'analyse, qui repose sur quarante‐huit modèles multivariés, établit à certains égards l'effet bénéfique du télétravail sur les relations intrafamiliales et le partage des responsabilités en présence d'enfants. Les externalités négatives mises en évidence sont limitées et surviennent surtout lorsque c'est l'homme qui travaille – beaucoup – depuis le domicile. Globalement, l'analyse confirme les résultats des études précédentes selon lesquelles le télétravail faciliterait la conciliation travail‐vie personnelle.