bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Labor force participation in Eastern European countries: nonlinear modeling
Authors: Oliskevych Marianna , Lukianenko Iryna
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the behavior peculiarities of the labor force participation in Eastern European countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors provide the analysis of nonlinearity in dynamics of economic active population and perform the econometric analysis using logistic smooth transition autoregressive models that are flexible and capture various kinds of behavior for different modes. The paper investigates labor markets of six Eastern European countries, Hungary, Bulgaria, Poland, Slovakia, Romania and Croatia that are characterized by lower level of labor force participation rate (LFPR) than average level in EU.

Findings

The results of modeling quantitatively characterize smooth changes in the behavior modes of labor force activity for each country and indicate how population economic activity depends on previous labor market states. The estimated slope parameters that determine the smoothness of transition between regimes show that, in all countries, the labor force participation quite quickly reacts to changes that occurred on the labor market in the past. During recession periods, households of European countries that joint EU last decade in order to prevent the depletion of their total income increased labor supply and showed increased activity in job search.

Originality/value

This paper indicates the nonlinearity and asymmetry in LFPR in transition economies, discovers variety of its dynamics in the different regimes and determines the indicators that cause the change of the population economic activity behavior in each country.
Identifying the most important public–private partnership risks in Afghanistan’s infrastructure projects
Authors: Bayat Farhad , Noorzai Esmatullah , Golabchi Mahmood
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the major public–private partnership (PPP) risks in infrastructure projects in Afghanistan and explain the extent to which extent the identified risks can shed light on the PPP implementation study in general.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, 78 risks were identified through considering international laws and regulations, criteria for using PPP in developing and underdeveloped countries, and case studies. Later, 23 of the more important risks were determined, ranked and classified into five main groups.

Findings

Finally, these risks were adapted with some investigations conducted in the PPP field. Although some of the risks identified in this survey are unique to Afghanistan, this research can be used to develop the application of PPP generally.

Originality/value

PPP is one possible solution to finance infrastructure projects. However, there are a lot of risks, which make this method inefficient in Afghanistan. Therefore, identifying the risks of PPP can play an important role in improving the infrastructures of Afghanistan.
Supplier value creation configurations in high-cost countries
Authors: Andersen Poul Houman , Drejer Ina , Østergaard Christian R. , Søberg Peder Veng , Wæhrens Brian Vejrum
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore value creation configurations pursued by suppliers in high-cost countries. The proposed value creation configuration approaches are seen as means for supplier firms to strengthen their competitiveness when faced with increasing global sourcing.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data on supplier firms in Denmark are used in a hierarchical cluster analysis. The identified clusters are interpreted as expressions of different value creation configurations pursued by suppliers with regards to relations with their most important customers.

Findings

Three types of suppliers are identified: detached suppliers, which seek to create customer net benefits through low costs; technology-focused suppliers, which design value creation around benefits linked to being at the technological forefront; and integrated suppliers, which share characteristics with technology-focused suppliers, but also align closely with a relatively broader range of customer activities.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include the specificity of findings from one small, open economy with an extensive supplier base.

Practical implications

For managers in supplier companies, the research suggest value configurations can be used as strategic templates for further specialization and as way to assess and address value creation potential in customer firms.

Originality/value

Previous studies tend to overlook suppliers’ developments of value-creating activities to maintain customer relationships. The paper takes a supplier perspective to deepen the empirically based understanding of value creation configurations followed by high-cost country suppliers in the context of increasing global competition and production relocation. Theoretical implications as well as lessons formanagers in supplier firms of the identification of the different approaches to value creation configurations are presented.
Diminazene aceturate (DIZE) has cellular and in vivo antiarrhythmic effects
Authors: Joviano‐Santos Julliane V. , Santos‐Miranda Artur , Joca Humberto C. , Cruz Jader S. , Ferreira Anderson J.
Published: October 2019

Diminazene aceturate (DIZE) is an anti‐protozoan compound that has been previously reported to increase the activity of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and thus increase Angiotensin‐(1‐7) production, leading to cardioprotection against post‐myocardial infarction dysfunction and structural remodelling. Moreover, DIZE is able to ameliorate morpho‐functional changes after myocardial infarction by enhancing ACE2 activity, thus increasing Angiotensin‐(1‐7) production (a benefic peptide of the renin‐angiotensin system). However, despite the improvement in cardiac function/structure, little is known about DIZE effects on arrhythmia suppression, contraction/excitable aspects of the heart and importantly its mechanisms of action. Thus, our aim was to test the acute effect of DIZE cardioprotection at the specific level of potential antiarrhythmic effects and modulation in excitation‐contraction coupling. For this, we performed in vitro and in vivo techniques for arrhythmia induction followed by an acute administration of DIZE. For the first time, we described that DIZE can reduce arrhythmias which is explained by modulation of cardiomyocyte contraction and excitability. Such effects were independent of Mas receptor and nitric oxide release. Development of a new DIZE‐based approach to ameliorate myocardial contractile and electrophysiological dysfunction requires further investigation; however, DIZE may provide the basis for a future beneficial therapy to post‐myocardial infarction patients.
Why change party finance transparency? Political competition and evidence from the ‘deviant’ case of Norway
Authors: TONHÄUSER VALERIA , STAVENES TORILL
Published: October 2019

This article focuses on the development of a key type of regulation ensuring public surveillance of political finance: party finance transparency rules. It makes two contributions to the emerging theory on the evolution of political finance regulation. First, using previous research, it conceptualises the underlying causal mechanisms that explain when and why party finance transparency regulation changes. Second, it presents the first detailed study of party finance transparency reforms in Norway, which is a deviant case for the introduction of such reforms. It is found that, in the absence of major scandals, an intense political discourse on corruption and political competition are sufficient factors to launch transparency reforms. Whether reforms are enacted depends on the interaction of several factors. Parties that predominantly rely on state funding and grassroots support push for and adopt more constraining transparency regulation, while parties that are close to business oppose it. Experience of regulation in similar contexts and intense discourse on corruption – stimulated by domestic or international events – are necessary for the reform to succeed. Norwegian cooperation with the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) further demonstrates that the success of party finance transparency reforms initiated by a foreign actor is a function of the existing tradition of party regulation, the policy position of a governing party and the international reputational costs of non‐compliance.
Unexpected Serotonin Syndrome, Epileptic Seizures, and Cerebral Edema Following 2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐bromophenethylamine Ingestion
Authors: Spoelder Antoinette S. , Louwerens Jan K. G. , Krens Stefanie D. , Jager Nynke , LeCouffe Natalie E. , de Ruijter Wouter , Brunt Tibor M.
Published: October 2019

4‐bromo‐2,5‐dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C‐B) is a designer drug. In Europe, 2C‐B is easily obtained and used for recreational purposes. It is known for its stimulating effects similar to those of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine, although in higher doses it has more hallucinogenic effects. Here, we report a case of 2C‐B ingestion, confirmed by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, in an 18‐year‐old man. The neurological consequences were severe, including the development of serotonin syndrome and severe brain edema. Supportive therapy resulted in a stable condition, although, after several months, the patient still suffered from severe neurological impairment due to the drug‐induced toxicity. This case showed that 2C‐B could not be identified with the drugs of abuse screening routinely used in Dutch hospitals. The use of 2C‐B carries many risks, with potentially profound neurological damage, that both consumers and healthcare physicians are unaware of.
Distal Humerus Morphological Variation and Sex Estimation in Modern Thai Individuals,
Authors: Tallman Sean D. , Blanton Amelia I.
Published: October 2019

Due to differential preservation, it is necessary to develop sex estimation methods on varied anatomical regions, including the distal humerus. Sexually dimorphic differences of the medial epicondyle angle, olecranon fossa shape, trochlear extension, and trochlear constriction have been documented in several non‐Asian groups. This study examines distal humerus morphological variation in 616 modern Thai individuals (f = 198; m = 418) 18–96 years old and tests the methods on a hold‐out sample of 152 individuals (f = 91; m = 61). The results indicate that population‐specific binary probit regression performs the best (74.1–100%), followed by composite scoring (77.0–90.1%), binary logistic regression (63.3–92.2%), and univariate sectioning points (37.7–90.1%). Age minimally effects the expression of the medial epicondyle angle in males, and trait scoring is susceptible to high intra‐ and interobserver error. While demonstrating relatively high sex biases, distal humerus morphology can be used to estimate the sex of Thai individuals when more sexually dimorphic regions are absent.
Chemometric Authentication of Brazilian Coffees Based on Chemical Profiling
Authors: Monteiro Pablo Inocêncio , Santos Jânio Sousa , Rodionova Oxana Ye , Pomerantsev Alexey , Chaves Eduardo Sidinei , Rosso Neiva Deliberali , Granato Daniel
Published: October 2019

In this work, different chemometric tools were compared to classify n = 26 conventional (CONV) and n = 19 organic (ORG) coffees from the main Brazilian producing regions based on the chemical composition, physicochemical properties, and antioxidant activity. Principal component analysis separated ORG and CONV coffees but the distinction among the producing regions of Brazilian coffee was not possible. Partial least squares discriminant analysis classified all ORG and CONV coffees in the external validation. Similarly, linear discriminant analysis was able to discriminate 100% and 81% of ORG and CONV coffees in the external validation, respectively, in which total phenolic content (TPC), ferric reducing antioxidant activity, and caffeic acid were the main discriminant variables. Overall 100% of samples from Paraná, Minas Gerais, and blended samples were correctly classified, where TPC, flavonoids, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, caffeic acid, pH, and soluble solids were the main discriminant variables. Support vector machines classified 95% ORG and 88% CONV, 100% Coffea arabica, and 88% and 78% coffees produced in São Paulo and Minas Gerais. k‐Nearest neighbors was effective in distinguishing 100% CONV, 89% ORG, 100% coffees from São Paulo, and 100% C. arabica coffees. Overall, HPLC data and simple physicochemical parameters allied to chemometrics were effective in authenticating the cultivation system and the botanical origin of Brazilian coffees.

Practical Application

Coffee adulteration is a serious problem in the food chain as some fraudsters replace coffee powder by other cheaper products. In the case of organic coffee, this scenario is even worse as still there is not a universal method to differentiate conventionally grown coffee from its organic counterpart. In addition, Brazilian coffee is produced in different regions and the commercial value varies. Therefore, we analyzed some physicochemical, chemical, and antioxidant properties of Brazilian coffees from distinct origins and classified the samples using chemometrics. Our approach seems to be interesting for quality control purposes.
Assessing different anthropometric indices and their optimal cutoffs for prediction of type 2 diabetes and impaired fasting glucose in Asians: The Jinchang Cohort Study
Authors: Ding Jie , Chen Xiaoliang , Bao Kaifang , Yang Jingli , Liu Nian , Huang Wenya , Huang Peiyao , Huang Junjun , Jiang Nan , Cao Jianing , Cheng Ning , Wang Minzhen , Hu Xiaobin , Zheng Shan , Bai Yana
Published: October 2019

Background

To study the association between anthropometric measurements and the risk of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and compare body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) to determine the best indicator and its optimal cutoffs for predicting type 2 diabetes and IFG.

Methods

A Chinese prospective (2011‐2019) cohort named the Jingchang cohort that included 48 001 participants was studied. Using Cox proportional hazard models, hazard ratios (HRs) for incident type 2 diabetes or IFG per 1 SD change in BMI, WC, and WHtR were calculated. Area under the curve (AUC) was compared to identify the best anthropometric variable and its optimal cutoff for predicting diabetes.

Results

The association of BMI, WC, and WHtR with type 2 diabetes or IFG risk was positive in the univariate and multivariable‐adjusted Cox proportional hazard models. Of all three indexes, the AUC of BMI was largest and that of WC was smallest. The derived cutoff values for BMI, WC, and WHtR were 24.6 kg/m2, 89.5 cm, and 0.52 in men and 23.4 kg/m2, 76.5 cm, and 0.47 in women for predicting diabetes, respectively. The derived cutoff values for BMI, WC, and WHtR were 23.4 kg/m2, 87.5 cm, and 0.50 in men and 22.5 kg/m2, 76.5 cm, and 0.47 in women for predicting IFG, respectively. [Correction added on 14 April 2020, after first online publication: ‘0’ has been deleted from ‘WC,0’ in the first sentence.].

Conclusions

Our derived cutoff points were lower than the values specified in the most current Asian diabetes guidelines. We recommend a cutoff point for BMI in Asians of 23 kg/m2 and for WC a cutoff point of 89 cm in men and 77 cm in women to define high‐risk groups for type 2 diabetes; screening should be considered for these populations.
Association between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chinese female never smokers: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Huang Chunyan , Chen Gang , Zhang Mingzhi , Lu Yan , Hua Yujie , Hu Yihe , Jin Jianrong , Zhou Jinyi , Bian Zheng , Guo Yu , Li Liming , Chen Zhengming , Zhang Jun
Published: October 2019

Background

Evidence for the association between environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate this association in female never smokers.

Methods

We analyzed 28 177 female participants of the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) in the Suzhou area, who were never smokers and had no diabetes. ETS exposure was defined as being exposed to other people's tobacco smoke either at home, workplace, or in public places at least 1 d/wk. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to assess the association between ETS exposure and incident T2DM according to the frequency and duration of ETS exposure.

Results

A total of 774 incident cases of T2DM were identified during a median 7.3‐year follow‐up. Compared with no ETS exposure, hazard ratios (95% CIs) for all ETS exposure, daily, and ≥14 h/wk ETS exposure were 1.17 (1.00‐1.37), 1.23 (1.04‐1.46), and 1.25 (1.03‐1.53), respectively. Moreover, a positive dose‐response relationship was observed between ETS exposure level and T2DM (all P <.05 for trend).

Conclusions

This prospective study suggests that ETS exposure increases the risk of T2DM incidence with dose‐response relationship in female never smokers. Thus, reducing ETS exposure may help decrease the burden of T2DM in Chinese females.
Efficacy of endoscopy in assessing the local disease response in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients after treated with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Ng Joyce T. Y. , Yu K. S. , Poon Darren M. C.
Published: October 2019

Aim

The optimal local disease assessment after intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients remains unclear. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy of post‐IMRT endoscopies.

Methods

The medical record of NPC patients with IMRT treatments during 2013 to 2015 was reviewed. Endoscopies and nasopharyngeal biopsies were performed at 6 weeks post‐IMRT. Second biopsies were performed 4 weeks later for patients with abnormal first biopsies. Results of endoscopic assessments were correlated with histology using standard descriptive statistics.

Results

A total of 262 patients were reviewed. Endoscopy showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 71%, 90%, 41% and 97%, respectively. Disease remission at 6 weeks was observed in 234 patients (89.3%). Sixteen patients (6.1%) had ultimate disease remission (late responders) and 12 (4.6%) had persistent local disease.

Conclusion

Endoscopy had high specificity and NPV; therefore, invasive biopsy could be exempted in case of normal endoscopy.
CD4+CADM1+ cell percentage predicts disease progression in HTLV‐1 carriers and indolent adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma
Authors: Makiyama Junya , Kobayashi Seiichiro , Watanabe Eri , Ishigaki Tomohiro , Kawamata Toyotaka , Nakashima Makoto , Yamagishi Makoto , Nakano Kazumi , Tojo Arinobu , Watanabe Toshiki , Uchimaru Kaoru
Published: October 2019

We recently took advantage of the universal expression of cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1) by CD4+ cells infected with HTLV‐1 and the downregulation of CD7 expression that corresponds with the oncogenic stage of HTLV‐1‐infected cells to develop a flow cytometric system using CADM1 versus CD7 plotting of CD4+ cells. We risk‐stratified HTLV‐1 asymptomatic carriers (AC) and indolent adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) cases based on the CADM1+ percentage, in which HTLV‐1‐infected clones are efficiently enriched. AC and indolent ATL cases were initially classified according to their CADM1+ cell percentage. Follow‐up clinical and flow cytometric data were obtained for 71 cases. In G1 (CADM1+ ≤ 10%) and G2 (10% < CADM1+ ≤ 25%) cases, no apparent clinical disease progression was observed. In G3 (25% < CADM1+ ≤ 50%) cases, five out of nine (55.5%) cases progressed from AC to smoldering‐type ATL. In G4 (50% < CADM1+) cases, the cumulative incidence of receiving systemic chemotherapy at 3 years was 28.4%. Our results indicate that the percentage of the CD4+CADM1+ population predicts clinical disease progression: G1 and G2 cases, including AC cases, are stable and considered to be at low risk; G3 cases, including advanced AC cases and smoldering‐type ATL cases based on the Shimoyama criteria, are considered to have intermediate risk; and G4 cases, which are mainly indolent ATL cases, are unstable and at high risk of acute transformation.
Failure analysis of high performance polymers and new generation cubic zirconia used for implant‐supported fixed, cantilevered prostheses
Authors: Yilmaz Burak , Batak Burcu , Seghi Robert R.
Published: October 2019

Background

The load‐to‐failure performance of computer‐assisted design and computer‐assisted manufacturing (CAD‐CAM) high performance polymers (HPP) and new generation cubic zirconia (Zir) material when used with titanium (Ti) bases for implant‐supported fixed prostheses with cantilevers is unknown.

Purpose

To evaluate the load‐to‐failure performance of different CAD‐CAM fabricated HPP and a new generation cubic Zir in a cantilevered situation when used with Ti bases.

Materials and Methods

Five specimens with a Ti base and five specimens without Ti bases were fabricated from seven different CAD‐CAM HPPs (100% PEEK [J and CP], 80% PEEK with 20% filler [BRE], 80% PEKK with 20% filler [PK], ceramic reinforced PEEK [ZZ], interlaced fiberglass and resin [TR], fiber‐composite material [T]). Five specimens with Ti base and two specimens without Ti base were prepared from a new generation cubic Zir (DD) and a 3Y‐TZP Zir (FZR) as the control group (N = 84). All specimens (8 × 7 × 30 mm) were stabilized using a clamp attached to the first 20 mm of each specimen for a 10 mm cantilever. Static loading was applied vertically on the cantilever and the maximum load‐to‐failure values (N) were analyzed using a two‐way ANOVA and t‐test (alpha = .05).

Results

HPP and Zir specimens without Ti bases had significantly higher load‐to‐failure values than Ti based ones in all groups (P < .05). PK with Ti base had significantly lower load‐to‐failure values than other materials (P < .001). FZR showed significantly higher load‐to‐failure values than all HPPs and DD (P < .001).

Conclusions

Load‐to‐failure values of HPPs and Zir were lower when Ti bases were used. New generation cubic Zir and all HPPs had lower load‐to‐failure values than FZR. HPPs performance varied among tested materials. PEKK with Ti base had the lowest load‐to‐failure value.
Does flap opening or not influence the accuracy of semi‐guided implant placement in partially edentulous sites?
Authors: Li Junying , Chen Zhaozhao , Chan Hsun‐Liang , Sinjab Khaled , Yu Haiyang , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: October 2019

Objective

To investigate the effect of open‐flap or flapless approaches on the accuracy of implant placement partially guided by tooth‐supported surgical templates.

Materials and Methods

A total of 36 edentulous sites were selected from seven human cadaver heads. Following the preoperative implant planning using Blue Sky Plan, surgical guides were fabricated by an in‐office desktop 3D printer. All the sites were randomly divided into two groups: flapless approach (n = 18), and open‐flap approach (n = 18). After guided osteotomy preparation with subsequent freehand implant placement, digital intraoral scanning was performed to obtain post‐operative implant positions. Based on the image registration, the deviations between the planned and actual implant position were measured and compared.

Results

Statistically significant variance differences between the two approaches were found in the global coronal (open‐flap: 0.86 ± 0.23 mm; flapless: 1.3 ± 0.62 mm; P < .001), global apical (open‐flap: 1.38 ± 0.37 mm; flapless: 1.9 ± 0.78 mm; P = .002), and depth (open‐flap: 0.59 ± 0.34 mm; flapless 0.89 ± 0.78 mm; P < .001) deviations. The differences were not significant regarding lateral (coronal and apical) and angular deviations.

Conclusions

In semi‐guided implant surgery, the open‐flap and flapless approaches demonstrate similar lateral and angular deviations. The open‐flap group shows better depth control when manually inserting the implant.
Dyes based on the 2(1H)‐quinolone skeleton as potential colorimetric and fluorescent sensors for cyanide anions
Authors: Kolińska Jolanta , Grzelakowska Aleksandra , Sokołowska Jolanta
Published: October 2019

The sensing properties of dyes based on 2(1H) quinolones containing dicyanoethylene groups towards selected anions such as CN−, F−, I−, Cl−, SCN−, CH3COO−, and were evaluated. The spectroscopic responses of these compounds were investigated in a solution of acetonitrile/water (1:9, v/v) and phosphate buffer at a pH of 7.4. These dyes were found to act as efficient colorimetric and high turn–off fluorescent sensors to cyanide anions. The fluorescence intensity was linearly related to the concentration of CN− from 1 to 10 µmol/L, and the detection limits reached a micromolar level of 6.7, 11.1, 3.8 and 7.2 µmol/L for 1‐4, respectively. The cytotoxic effect of the dyes against human neuroblastoma cells (SH‐SY5Y) was also determined by MTT assay. The examined compounds exhibited slight cytotoxicity against cells under experimental conditions.
Lack of Detection of the Analgesic Properties of PF‐05089771, a Selective Nav1.7 Inhibitor, Using a Battery of Pain Models in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Siebenga Pieter , van Amerongen Guido , Hay Justin L. , McDonnell Aoibhinn , Gorman Donal , Butt Richard , Groeneveld Geert Jan
Published: October 2019

Sodium channel blockers are used for the treatment of pain, but this is limited by the lack of selectivity for different sodium channel subtypes, which can result in central nervous system and cardiovascular side effects. As such, there is special interest in the Nav1.7 subtype, which is expressed predominantly in nociceptive and sympathetic neurons. The aim was to demonstrate analgesic properties of a potent selective Nav1.7 sodium channel blocker, PF‐05089771, alone and concomitantly with pregabalin in healthy subjects using a battery of human evoked pain models. This was a double‐blind, double‐dummy, randomized, placebo‐controlled, five‐period cross‐over study with PF‐05089771 alone and PF‐05089771 concomitantly with pregabalin as treatment arms with pregabalin, ibuprofen, and placebo as control arms (NCT02349607). A battery of human evoked pain models was used to investigate analgesic properties of PF‐05089771. Twenty‐five subjects were enrolled in the study of which 23 subjects completed all five periods. PF‐05089771 alone did not differ from placebo on the primary pain end points. The same holds when comparing PF‐05089771 concomitantly with pregabalin and pregabalin alone. Pregabalin showed significant effects relative to placebo on thermal pain on the normal skin and UVB skin (least squares means with 90% confidence interval: 0.63 (0.32–0.93) and 0.53 (0.11–0.96)), pressure stimulation (1.10 (1.04–1.18)), and cold pressor (1.22 (1.14–1.32)). Ibuprofen demonstrated significant effects on thermal pain UVB skin (1.26 (0.82–1.70)) and pressure stimulation assessment (1.08 (1.01–1.15)), consistent with historical results. This study did not demonstrate analgesic properties of PF‐05089771 alone or concomitantly with pregabalin in a battery of pain models.
Interventional endoscopic ultrasonography in patients with surgically altered anatomy: Techniques and literature review
Authors: Katanuma Akio , Hayashi Tusyoshi , Kin Toshifumi , Toyonaga Haruka , Honta Shunsuke , Chikugo Kouki , Ueki Hidetaro , Ishii Tastuya , Takahashi Kuniyuki
Published: October 2019

There are various reconstruction techniques that are used after upper gastrointestinal surgery. In recent years, opportunities for endoscopic diagnosis and treatment have been increasing in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. With the advent of interventional endoscopic ultrasound (IV‐EUS), various procedures have been developed mainly for patients in whom endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is difficult to carry out. Indications for such procedures are expanding. IV‐EUS for surgically altered anatomy (SAA) includes EUS‐guided fine‐needle aspiration, biliary interventions (e.g. biliary drainage, treatment of bile duct stricture, removal of bile duct stones, and the rendezvous technique), and pancreatic interventions (e.g. rendezvous technique after Whipple surgery). In addition, there have been reports of various EUS‐related procedures using a forward‐viewing curved linear‐array echoendoscope that are carried out for postoperative intestinal tract reconstruction. Although interventional EUS is a useful therapeutic procedure for SAA, there are still no dedicated devices, and standardization of the procedure is warranted.
Physical health assistance in early recovery of psychosis: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: O'Donoghue Brian , Mifsud Nathan G. , Tindall Rachel M. , Foote Lauren , Hartmann Jessica A. , Obst Kate , Simmons Magenta B. , McGorry Patrick D. , Killackey Eoin
Published: October 2019

Aim

Young people with psychotic disorders have poorer physical health compared to their healthy peers, a state compounded by the metabolic side‐effects of antipsychotic medications. To address this, Orygen Youth Health has introduced physical health services including exercise physiologists and dieticians. These services are typically coordinated by the case manager and doctor. It is not yet known whether a treating team member dedicated to physical health will improve engagement, adherence and outcomes with these services. Hence, the protocol is presented here for a trial to evaluate the effect of including a physical health nurse in the care of young people with first‐episode psychosis.

Methods

This will be a single‐blind randomized controlled trial that includes 15‐ to 24‐year‐olds with first‐episode psychosis who have just commenced (within 30 days) antipsychotic medication. The primary outcome will be the event of clinically significant weight gain (≥7% body weight). Participants will be assigned either a physical health nurse in their treating team (in addition to the case manager and doctor) for a 12‐week period, or treatment as usual (case manager and doctor). Research assessments will be conducted at baseline, 12 and 26 weeks. Activity trackers worn by participants for the study's duration will measure sleep and physical activity.

Conclusion

The present study will determine whether a physical health nurse will facilitate participants in attending and engaging in physical health interventions and whether this will be associated with physical health improvements or the prevention of worsening physical health.
Sources de résistance d'Opuntia spp. contre la cochenille à carmin, Dactylopius opuntiae, au Maroc
Authors: Sbaghi M. , Bouharroud R. , Boujghagh M. , Bouhssini M. EL
Published: October 2019

Sources of resistance of Opuntia spp. against the prickly pear cochineal Dactylopius opuntiae, in Morocco

This article describes the screening of 248 genotypes of different species of Opuntia spp. for resistance to Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae). This cactus germplasm came from a collection maintained at the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA), Morocco. The objective of this research was to identify ecotypes or clones resistant to this cochineal in order to reconstitute the cactus orchards that have been totally devastated in several regions of the kingdom. Natural and artificial infestations from surrounding hedgerows were monitored on a one‐hectare plot planted with 744 cactus plants belonging to these 248 genotypes of Opuntia spp. The design of the experiment was a randomized complete block with three replicates. Data on the evolution of the vegetative state of the cactus plants, as well as their level of infestation with the cochineal, was collected regularly. The results show that only seven ecotypes (Marjana, Belara, Karama, Ghalia, Angad, Cherratia and Melk Zhar) proved to be resistant to the soft scale pest, compared to the rest of the 241 clones that were infested. The seven resistant ecotypes have been registered in the national cactus catalogue and a parcel of mother plants with this identified plant material resistant to D. opuntiae was established. These resistant ecotypes will be the subject of later studies of resistance mechansims (antibiosis and antixenosis) for the cochineal and also for research on genetic improvement of the cactus in Morocco.
Hydroxyacetophenone defenses in white spruce against spruce budworm
Authors: Parent Geneviève J. , Méndez‐Espinoza Claudia , Giguère Isabelle , Mageroy Melissa H. , Charest Martin , Bauce Éric , Bohlmann Joerg , MacKay John J.
Published: October 2019

We review a recently discovered white spruce (Picea glauca) chemical defense against spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) involving hydroxyacetophenones. These defense metabolites detected in the foliage accumulate variably as the aglycons, piceol and pungenol, or the corresponding glucosides, picein and pungenin. We summarize current knowledge of the genetic, genomic, molecular, and biochemical underpinnings of this defense and its effects on C. fumiferana. We present an update with new results on the ontogenic variation and the phenological window of this defense, including analysis of transcript responses in P. glauca to C. fumiferana herbivory. We also discuss this chemical defense from an evolutionary and a breeding context.
Range margin populations show high climate adaptation lags in European trees
Authors: Fréjaville Thibaut , Vizcaíno‐Palomar Natalia , Fady Bruno , Kremer Antoine , Benito Garzón Marta
Published: October 2019

How populations of long‐living species respond to climate change depends on phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation processes. Marginal populations are expected to have lags in adaptation (i.e. differences between the climatic optimum that maximizes population fitness and the local climate) because they receive pre‐adapted alleles from core populations preventing them from reaching a local optimum in their climatically marginal habitat. Yet, whether adaptation lags in marginal populations are a common feature across phylogenetically and ecologically different species and how lags can change with climate change remain unexplored. To test for range‐wide patterns of phenotypic variation and adaptation lags of populations to climate, we (a) built model ensembles of tree height accounting for the climate of population origin and the climate of the site for 706 populations monitored in 97 common garden experiments covering the range of six European forest tree species; (b) estimated populations' adaptation lags as the differences between the climatic optimum that maximizes tree height and the climate of the origin of each population; (c) identified adaptation lag patterns for populations coming from the warm/dry and cold/wet margins and from the distribution core of each species range. We found that (a) phenotypic variation is driven by either temperature or precipitation; (b) adaptation lags are consistently higher in climatic margin populations (cold/warm, dry/wet) than in core populations; (c) predictions for future warmer climates suggest adaptation lags would decrease in cold margin populations, slightly increasing tree height, while adaptation lags would increase in core and warm margin populations, sharply decreasing tree height. Our results suggest that warm margin populations are the most vulnerable to climate change, but understanding how these populations can cope with future climates depend on whether other fitness‐related traits could show similar adaptation lag patterns.
Reconstructing the climatic niche breadth of land use for animal production during the African Holocene
Authors: Phelps Leanne N. , Broennimann Olivier , Manning Katie , Timpson Adrian , Jousse Hélène , Mariethoz Gregoire , Fordham Damien A. , Shanahan Timothy M. , Davis Basil A. S. , Guisan Antoine
Published: October 2019

Aim

Domestic animals first appeared in the archaeological record in northern Africa c. 9000 years before present and subsequently spread southwards throughout the continent. This geographic expansion is well studied and can broadly be explained in terms of the movement of pastoralist populations due to climate change. However, no studies have explicitly evaluated changes in the climatic niche of these domesticates. A priori, one cannot assume a relationship between the geographic spread of animal production and changes in climatic niche breadth because their relationship is highly variable. Therefore, we investigated Holocene changes in the climatic niche of domestic animals (animal production) and compared these to changes in the climatic niche of hunted terrestrial ungulates.

Location

The African continent.

Time period

9000–500 BP.

Major taxa studied

Domestic animals, hunted (wild) terrestrial ungulates.

Methods

For the first time, we applied methods from environmental niche dynamics to archaeological data to reconstruct and quantify changes in the climatic niche breadth of animal production during the African Holocene. We used faunal remains from archaeological assemblages and associated radiocarbon dates to estimate the proportion of the African climate space used for animal production and hunting at 500‐year intervals.

Results

We found that the climatic niche of domestic species broadened significantly with the geographic spread, most notably during the termination of the African Humid Period, whilst no such broadening occurred for the climatic niche of hunted species.

Main conclusions

Our results provide a quantitative measure of the extent to which humans have constructed and adapted the climatic niche of animal production to manage their domestic animals across increasingly diverse ecological conditions. By incorporating ecological analysis into estimations of past land use, our methods have the potential to improve reconstructions of land use change, and to provide a foundation on which further niche construction hypotheses may be tested.
Using functional and phylogenetic diversity to infer avian community assembly along elevational gradients
Authors: Montaño‐Centellas Flavia A. , McCain Christy , Loiselle Bette A.
Published: October 2019

Aim

We present the first global analysis of elevational gradients in functional and phylogenetic diversity of birds and test for signals of deterministic processes (i.e., environmental filtering and limiting similarity) in community assembly. Further, we examine for latitudinal effects in the strength of these processes.

Location

Forty‐six elevational gradients across the globe.

Time period

Current (between 1924 and 2016).

Major taxa

Birds.

Methods

We systematically selected, compiled and analysed published data on bird diversity along elevational gradients. For each gradient, we calculated functional and phylogenetic diversity across elevations and described the main patterns for each diversity metric. Then, we calculated standardized effect sizes (SES) of each metric and used these SES values to (a) test the signals of deterministic processes shaping assemblages across elevations and (b) to compare changes in within‐mountain diversity, among mountains located at different latitudes.

Results

Birds displayed eight different patterns of functional and phylogenetic diversity across elevations, but no global pattern of increase or decrease was found. There is, however, a consistent global pattern of phylogenetic clustering, with mountain species being more closely related to each other at any given elevation. Latitude had a significant effect on within‐mountain changes in functional and phylogenetic diversity across elevations, with more negative slopes (stronger decline in diversity metrics with increasing elevation) in tropical mountains.

Main conclusions

Our findings challenge the idea that the decline of functional and phylogenetic diversity with elevation is a general pattern, emphasizing the uniqueness of each mountain system. In spite of this great variability, we found a latitudinal effect in the patterns of within‐mountain functional and phylogenetic dispersion of birds after controlling for effects of species richness. Environmental filtering, thus, may act differently in tropical and temperate mountains, and calls for more comparative studies on the mechanisms driving community assembly at different latitudes.
The impact of climate changes on agriculture export trade in Pakistan: Evidence from time‐series analysis
Authors: Khan Yasir , Bin Qiu , Hassan Taimoor
Published: October 2019

Agriculture is one of the primary contributors to Pakistan's economy. However, over the last few decades, the atmospheric carbon dioxide emission has been amplified to a great extent in Pakistan. This amplification may cause climate change, global warming, and environmental mitigation in Pakistan. This paper empirically investigates the impact of CO2 emissions on the agricultural export trade of Pakistan over the period 1975–2017. Evidence suggests that climate change could be a primary cause for the decline in Pakistan's agriculture export trade; no studies have been carried out for this specific issue, particularly over time. In this paper, the empirical analysis suggests the negative coefficient of agriculture export trade with CO2 emissions subsequently decreases agriculture export trade, which leads to direct impact on Pakistan's economy. Both theoretical and empirical outcomes suggest that the adaptation of clean and green energies and technologies are the key to reduce pollution in Pakistan. Overall, the effects of carbon dioxide emissions on agriculture export trade are stronger in the long‐run dynamics, thus making the finding heterogeneous. Possible initiatives should be taken by the government of Pakistan to improve the agriculture sector and it should also introduce new policies to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide.
Magnification in undergraduate endodontic teaching in the UK and Ireland: a survey of teaching leads in Endodontology
Authors: Brown M. G. , Qualtrough A. J. E. , McLean W.
Published: October 2019

Aim

To investigate the use of magnification in undergraduate endodontic teaching in dental schools within the UK and Ireland and identify factors that may impact on levels of adoption.

Methodology

An electronic questionnaire was distributed to teaching leads in undergraduate endodontics in all UK and Ireland dental schools.

Results

Completed questionnaires were received from 15 of 18 course leads. The study revealed magnification is not universally embedded within the undergraduate curricula, and the majority of schools had no expectation for students to use magnification, although it was encouraged. The study provided insight into teaching staff factors, student factors and institutional factors that impact upon the adoption of magnification in undergraduate endodontic teaching. Although course leads utilized magnification in their own practice, this did not translate into institutional expectation for students to use magnification. Barriers to adoption of such an institutional expectation included cost and lack of staff training.

Conclusions

Magnification has become viewed as an essential part of endodontic practice. The dental operating microscope has the most significant impact on endodontic visualization; however, the use of dental loupes in nonsurgical endodontics could be considered the minimum standard. The pedagogical dilemma faced by dental educators training undergraduates to behave in a manner that they themselves would not, cannot be rationalized on the basis of cost and lack of staff training. It is proposed that although significant, these barriers are not insurmountable and the use of dental loupe should become an expectation in undergraduate training in the UK and Ireland.
A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of metacognitive training for people with schizophrenia applied by mental health nurses: Study protocol
Authors: de Pinho Lara Manuela Guedes , Sequeira Carlos Alberto da Cruz , Sampaio Francisco Miguel Correia , Rocha Nuno Barbosa , Ferre‐Grau Carmen
Published: October 2019

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of the Portuguese version of the metacognitive training (MCT) programme for schizophrenia and its effects on psychotic symptoms, insight into the disorder and functionality.

Design

This is a randomized controlled trial that will be undertaken in six psychiatric institutions in Portugal.

Methods

This study was approved in March 2019. The sample will consist of people with schizophrenia. The evaluation instruments will include sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires, the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales, the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale, the World Health Disability Assessment Schedule, and the Personal and Social Performance Scale, applied to both groups at three different times. In the experimental group, the eight MCT modules will be applied over 4 weeks.

Discussion

It is expected that at the end of the programme, the experimental group will have reduced severity of psychotic symptoms and improved insight into the disease and functionality.

Impact

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that, in most cases, leads to the deterioration of cognitive and social functioning as a result of psychotic symptoms. Metacognitive training for schizophrenia has been used in several countries, but its efficacy remains unclear. It is a type of programme that consists of changing the cognitive infrastructure of delusions.
Interprofessional collaboration during medical emergencies among doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists in the intensive care unit: A phenomenological study protocol
Authors: Lin Yongxing Patrick , Chan Le Yi Cynthia , Chan Ee‐Yuee
Published: October 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of interprofessional collaboration among nurses, doctors, and respiratory therapists during medical emergencies in the intensive care unit.

Design

Descriptive phenomenological study.

Method

Participants will be recruited through purposive sampling with maximum variation across the ICUs in a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Guided by data saturation, data collection will include individual semi‐structured interviews with ICU nurses, physicians, and respiratory therapist who have attended to medical emergencies such as cardiopulmonary arrest or difficult airway management in the ICUs. Interviews will be audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed via Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenology method. Research Ethics Committee approval was sought from the National Healthcare Group, Domain Specific Review Board (April 2019). The study is funded by the National Healthcare Group ‐ Health Outcomes and Medical Education Research Grant (April 2019). The study is expected to be concluded by April 2020.

Discussion

Whilst interprofessional collaboration remains a major interest among nursing research, there is a paucity of evidence surrounding interprofessional collaboration in the specific context of medical emergencies in the ICUs. This is especially crucial as the failure of interprofessional collaboration during medical emergencies can be catastrophic to patient safety. Hence, this study will adopt a qualitative approach to contribute to the evidence base surrounding this lesser known phenomenon. The findings generated from this study will inform future team training initiatives, advance nursing leadership initiatives, and identify barriers and facilitators towards fostering greater interprofessional collaboration during medical emergencies.

Impact

The evidence gained from this study contributes to the limited knowledge base of interprofessional collaboration during medical emergencies. Findings will have vast impact on nursing and interprofessional programs such as crisis leadership and management. The findings could also inform practice frameworks during medical emergencies to support interprofessional collaboration and optimize patient care.