bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VPS26C homozygous nonsense variant in two cousins with neurodevelopmental deficits, growth failure, skeletal abnormalities, and distinctive facial features
Authors: Beetz Christian , Ameziane Najim , Kdissa Ameni , Karageorgou Vasiliki , Bauer Peter , Suleiman Jehan , Sutton V. Reid , El‐Hattab Ayman W.
Published: December 2019

In this report, we describe two cousins with cognitive impairment, growth failure, skeletal abnormalities, and distinctive facial features. Genome sequencing failed to identify variants in known disease‐associated genes explaining the phenotype. Extended comprehensive analysis of the two affected cousins' genomes, however, revealed that both share the homozygous nonsense variant c.178G>T (p.Glu60*) in the VPS26C gene. This gene encodes VPS26C, a member of the retriever integral membrane protein recycling pathway. The potential vital biological role of VPS26C, the nature of the variant which is predicted to result in loss‐of‐function, expression studies revealing significant reduction in the mutant transcript, and the co‐segregation of the homozygous variant with the phenotype in two affected individuals all support that VPS26C is a novel gene associated with a previously unrecognized syndrome characterized by neurodevelopmental deficits, growth failure, skeletal abnormalities, and distinctive facial features.
Association between venous thromboembolism and acute pancreatitis: An analysis from the nationwide inpatient sample
Authors: Chung Wei‐Sheng , Lin Cheng‐Li
Published: December 2019

Background and Aims

Acute inflammation of the pancreas may trigger a systemic inflammatory response and initiate coagulation. Few studies have been conducted on the association between venous thromboembolism (VTE) and acute pancreatitis (AP). We investigated the incidence and risk of VTE in patients with AP.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis for the nationwide AP cohort. We identified 91 786 patients with AP and 183 557 controls who were frequency‐matched according to sex, age (5‐y interval), and index year from the National Health Insurance Research Database between 2000 and 2008. The patients and controls were followed until diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), death or the end of 2011.

Results

The nationwide cohort study showed that patients with AP exhibited a higher incidence of VTE (13.1 vs 5.65 per 10 000 person‐y) than did the controls. After covariates were controlled for, the patients with AP had a 1.88‐fold higher risk of VTE than did the controls (adjusted hazard ratios [aHR] = 1.88; 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.68‐2.10). The incidence rates of DVT and PE were higher in the patients with AP than in the controls, irrespective of sex, age or comorbidity. The patients with AP exhibited a 1.86‐fold higher aHR of DVT (95% CI = 1.63‐2.12) and a 1.92‐fold higher aHR of PE (95% CI = 1.59‐2.31) than did the controls.

Conclusion

Patients with AP exhibited a significantly higher risk of VTE than did the controls.
A qualitative study of the perceived effects of alcohol on depressive symptoms among undergraduates who drink to cope with depression
Authors: Couture Marie‐Eve , Pearson Rebecca , Halloran Jacob , Stewart Sherry H.
Published: December 2019

Introduction and Aims

Heavy drinking is prevalent among undergraduate students and is linked with drinking to cope with depression motives for drinking. Drinking to cope with depression remains poorly understood given that alcohol has been shown to have adverse effects on mood when consumed at high doses. Using semi‐structured qualitative interviews, the present study examined the perceived effects of alcohol on depressive symptoms as reported by undergraduate students who endorse high levels of drinking to cope with depression.

Design and Methods

Sixteen undergraduate coping‐with‐depression‐motivated (CWDM) drinkers (nine women, seven men), identified using the Modified Drinking Motives Questionnaire‐Revised [1], reported on their experiences of drinking to cope with depression. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes and subthemes in the data.

Results

Undergraduate students reported several effects of alcohol on affective, cognitive and behavioural depressive symptoms. While most of the perceived alcohol effects they described involved relief from depressive symptoms, some perceived effects involved worsening depressive symptoms.

Discussion and Conclusions

The study generated several hypotheses to explain drinking to cope with depression, some of which might be testable in future experimental work. Overall, findings suggest the mood‐altering effects of alcohol do not fully explain why depression and alcohol use are frequently co‐morbid. Indeed, effects of alcohol on cognitive and behavioural depressive symptoms might be particularly reinforcing for CWDM drinkers. Interventions that target co‐morbid depression and alcohol use might be improved by teaching CWDM drinkers skills to reduce depressive cognitions and to improve interpersonal interactions outside of drinking contexts.
Local human population increase in the non‐breeding areas of long‐distance migrant bird species is only weakly associated with their declines, even for synanthropic species
Authors: Cresswell Will , Kazeh Nanchin Winifred , Patchett Robert
Published: December 2019

Aim

To show how recent declines in populations of long‐distance migrant birds are associated with recent increases in human population growth and agricultural intensification on their tropical non‐breeding grounds, except for synanthropic species, where we expect the reverse.

Location

Breeding populations throughout Europe and North America spending the non‐breeding season throughout Africa, and Central and South America, respectively.

Methods

We mapped 50 species of long‐distance migrant birds from published tagging studies of 126 breeding populations and identified their breeding population trends from 2000 to 2015 from published Country or State census data. We then matched individual bird non‐breeding locations, from each population, to local human population change and crop yield data. We used GLMs to predict whether bird population decline was associated with human population change or crop yield and whether this was dependent on if a species was synanthropic or not, controlling for absolute human population density, breeding and non‐breeding location, migratory distance and phylogeny. We predicted that bird populations that spend the non‐breeding season in areas of recent higher human population increase or agricultural intensification (crop yield) would show greater declines, but that declines would be less for species that frequently utilize anthropogenic habitats such as secondary woodland and farmland.

Results

Bird population change, even for synanthropic species, showed a significant negative relationship with relative human population change and crop yield (but this was weak, <2% and 6% of variance respectively), and this relationship was the same for the Neotropics and Africa, despite African human population change being three times larger.

Main conclusions

The results suggest that local human population change in the non‐breeding area is likely to be only a relatively minor driver of migrant declines, and its effects may be through increases in agricultural intensification reducing carrying capacity, but we currently lack local studies to confirm this.
Strategies to reduce insulin prescribing errors in UK hospitals: results from a national survey
Authors: Bain A. , Hasan S. S. , Kavanagh S. , Babar Z.‐U.‐D.
Published: December 2019

Aim

To describe insulin prescribing practice in National Health Service hospitals in the UK and the current use of interventions and strategies to reduce insulin prescribing errors.

Methods

We sent a cross‐sectional questionnaire to chief pharmacists in all National Health Service hospital trusts in the UK in January 2019. Questions concerned the use and functionality of electronic and paper systems used to prescribe subcutaneous insulin, along with features and interventions designed to reduce insulin prescribing errors.

Results

Ninety‐five hospital trusts responded (54%). Electronic prescribing of insulin was reported in 40% of hospitals, most of which were teaching hospitals in England. We found a wide variation in the functionality of both electronic prescribing and paper‐based systems to enable the safe prescribing of insulin for inpatients. The availability of specialist diabetes pharmacists to support the safe prescribing of insulin was low (29%), but was positively associated with the use of a greater number of insulin prescribing error reduction strategies (P=0.002). The use of specific interventions to improve insulin prescribing quality (e.g. self‐administration policies) varied greatly between respondent hospitals.

Conclusions

There is potential to optimize the functionality of both electronic and paper‐based prescribing systems to improve the safe prescribing of insulin in hospitals in the UK. The wide variation in the use of insulin error reduction strategies may be improved by the availability of specialist diabetes pharmacists who can support the implementation of insulin‐prescribing interventions.
A brown trout (Salmo trutta) population faces devastating consequences due to proliferative kidney disease and temperature increase: A case study from Austria
Authors: Waldner Karoline , Bechter Thomas , Auer Stefan , Borgwardt Florian , El‐Matbouli Mansour , Unfer Günther
Published: December 2019

Proliferative kidney disease (PKD) is an emerging parasitic disease that affects wild and farmed salmonid fishes worldwide. Currently, it is widespread in Europe with records in many countries. This study assessed the status of PKD in the river Wulka, a small Austrian river, which was known to host a vital brown trout population despite having high water temperatures. Contrary to the initial hypothesis that the river was free from PKD, we observed an overall PKD prevalence of 92%. Noninfected fish were restricted to the uppermost river section. Twenty‐two out of 87 PKD‐positive fish of all age classes showed clinical signs, while five individuals exhibited signs of recovering from PKD infection. The severity of clinical signs was significantly dependent on the fish length and age, with smaller or younger individuals being more severely affected. Comparison of data from the earlier fish sampling events with those results from 2017 and 2018, together with the analyses of the pattern of water temperature since 2010, indicates that Wulka's brown trout population might become extinct in the near future.
Attitudes of dental students towards patients with special healthcare needs: Can they be improved?
Authors: Holzinger Anita , Lettner Stefan , Franz Alexander
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Lack of knowledge and skills as well as negative attitudes towards patients with special healthcare needs may adversely affect the services available to this group. In 2010, a line on the treatment of patients with special healthcare needs has been implemented in the dental curriculum at the Medical University of Vienna, including five seminars and a practical course. In this study, we examine to what extent the programme helps improve attitudes towards persons with special healthcare needs and positively impacts the readiness to engage in treating this clientele.

Materials and Methods

In 2017 and 2018, all students who were in their fourth study year participated in the study. Students' attitudes were assessed before the first seminar, after the last seminar and after the practical course. At all three time points, the same fully structured questionnaire was used, including established instruments for the assessment of emotional reactions and the desire for social distance plus ad hoc questions for assessing students' future intention to treat patients with special healthcare needs. The data were analysed by means of linear fixed models.

Results

At the end of the line devoted to patients with special healthcare needs, students tended less to express negative emotions and showed more positive emotional reactions than before the start of the programme. However, students' social acceptance of such patients and their readiness to engage in treating them did not change significantly.

Discussion

While our programme was able to improve students' emotional reactions to people with special healthcare needs, it proved unable to reduce the desire for social distance and to lower the barrier when it comes to treatment. It is planned to further develop our programme which, hopefully, will then succeed in increasing students’ readiness to treat this clientele.

Conclusion

Improving dental students' emotional reactions to patients with special healthcare needs does not necessarily translate into greater readiness to treat this clientele.
Knowledge Acquisition for Innovation: Networks of Top Managers in the European Fashion Industry
Authors: Fliaster Alexander , Sperber Sonja
Published: December 2019

Past research revealed that social networks play a decisive role for the receipt of new knowledge by engineers and middle‐level managers and, thus, essentially contribute to innovation. However, the question of by which network ties top managers – that is, the key organizational decision‐makers – acquire which kind of innovation‐related knowledge resources has not yet been explored systematically. Our paper addresses this research gap by empirically analyzing knowledge ties of top executives in the European fashion and accessories industry. We draw on the concept of relational embeddedness and focus on knowledge providers and knowledge ties of top managers. Based on this theoretical framework, we conducted 22 semi‐structured interviews with top executives from 11 leading European companies within this industry. We present the main results of this explorative study and identify its important implications from both research and managerial perspective.
Survey Response Rates in Family Business Research
Authors: Pielsticker David I. , Hiebl Martin R.W.
Published: December 2019

Although family business survey research is growing in volume and publication in highly regarded management journals, we do not yet have evidence on the usual response rates in this research and on the factors that impact these response rates. This paper addresses these voids and finds that the average response rates of family business survey studies published in seven prominent outlets amount to 21%. We also find that the response rates have declined significantly over time and that the size of the survey population and the establishment of contacts with survey addressees before sending out questionnaires are significantly associated with response rates. Such precontacts and reminders seem less fruitful for family respondents than for non‐family respondents.
Rhetorical Enthymeme: The Forgotten Trope and its Methodological Import
Authors: Heracleous Loizos , Paroutis Sotirios , Lockett Andy
Published: December 2019

Despite growing interest in rhetorical analysis by management scholars, the study of enthymemes or arguments‐in‐use, arguably the mainstay of rhetoric, has been scarce. We argue that enthymeme analysis holds promise in enabling researchers to access agents' shared beliefs, in turn shedding light on organizational processes. We draw from two key studies of enthymeme analysis; one interpretivist and one objectivist, to propose a mixed methods approach that combines the situationally‐specific, grounded insights of the former, with the confirmation, population validity aspects of the latter.
Rattus population genomics across the Haida Gwaii archipelago provides a framework for guiding invasive species management
Authors: Sjodin Bryson M. F. , Irvine Robyn L. , Ford Adam T. , Howald Gregg R. , Russello Michael A.
Published: December 2019

Invasive species have led to precipitous declines in biodiversity, especially in island systems. Brown (Rattus norvegicus) and black rats (R. rattus) are among the most invasive animals on the planet, with eradication being the primary tool for established island populations. The need for increased research for defining eradication units and monitoring outcomes has been highlighted as a means to maximize success. Haida Gwaii is an archipelago ~100 km off the northern coast of British Columbia, Canada, that hosts globally significant breeding populations of seabirds that are at risk due to invasive rats. Here, we paired sampling of brown (n = 287) and black (n = 291) rats across the Haida Gwaii archipelago with genotyping by sequencing (10,770–27,686 SNPs) to investigate patterns of population connectivity and infer levels/direction of gene flow among invasive rat populations in Haida Gwaii. We reconstructed three regional clusters for both species (north, central and south), with proximate populations within regions being largely more related than those that were more distant, consistent with predictions from island biogeography theory. Population assignment of recently detected individuals post‐eradication on Faraday, Murchison and the Bischof Islands revealed all were re‐invaders from Lyell Island, rather than being on‐island survivors. Based on these results, we identified six eradication units constituting single or clusters of islands that would limit the potential for reinvasion, some of which will need to be combined with biosecurity measures. Overall, our results highlight the importance of targeted research prior to conducting eradications and demonstrate a framework for applying population genomics for guiding invasive species management in island systems.
Lamellar energy metabolism and perfusion in the euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp model of equine laminitis
Authors: Stokes Simon M. , Bertin Francois R. , Stefanovski Darko , Belknap James K. , Medina‐Torres Carlos E. , Pollitt Christopher C. , van Eps Andrew W.
Published: December 2019

Background

Hyperinsulinaemia is associated with the development of endocrinopathic laminitis; however, the mechanisms remain unclear.

Objectives

Evaluate the effects of hyperinsulinaemia on lamellar energy metabolism and perfusion during laminitis development.

Study design

In vivo experiment.

Methods

Eight Standardbred horses were instrumented with a microdialysis probe in the lamellae of a forelimb. A 24 hours baseline period (BASELINE) was followed by 48 hours of a continuous euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp (EHC) from 24 to 72 hours (CLAMP). Microdialysate was collected every 6 hours and analysed for glucose, lactate and pyruvate concentrations and lactate‐to‐pyruvate ratio (L:P). Microdialysis urea clearance was used to estimate lamellar tissue perfusion. Archived microdialysis samples from six identically instrumented Standardbred horses served as controls (CON). Variables were compared over time and between EHC and CON horses using a mixed‐effects linear regression model.

Results

Glucose concentration decreased during the CLAMP period in CON and EHC horses (P < .001), but there was no difference between CON and EHC (P > .9). Lactate concentration increased during the CLAMP period in CON and EHC horses (P < .001), however, the rate of increase was significantly higher in EHC horses relative to CON (P = .014). There was a relative increase in pyruvate concentration in EHC horses compared with CON during the CLAMP period (P = .03). L:P increased significantly in CON horses during the CLAMP period (P < .001) but not in EHC (P = .1). Urea clearance did not change in CON (P = .9) or EHC (P = .05) during the CLAMP, but did increase in EHC relative to CON (P = .02).

Main limitations

The effects of microdialysis probe implantation on perfusion and metabolism remain unclear. The EHC model may not mimic natural endocrinopathic laminitis.

Conclusions

Laminitis developed without evidence of lamellar hypoperfusion or energy stress. Therapies to improve perfusion are unlikely to affect the initial development of endocrinopathic laminitis.
Revising the WHO classification: female genital tract tumours
Authors: Cree Ian A , White Valerie A , Indave B Iciar , Lokuhetty Dilani
Published: December 2019

The upcoming revision of the World Health Organisation (WHO) classification of tumours of the female genital tract is scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2020. It will feature significant changes compared to earlier editions. In this review, we outline the process of revising this important reference source for those diagnosing tumours or engaged in cancer research and describe the significant changes. The WHO classification of tumours is increasingly evidence‐based, with a clear update cycle, improved quality of illustrations and content, led by an editorial board comprised mainly of pathologists, but increasingly incorporating input from other disciplines. The advent of the new website allows the use of whole‐slide images and hyperlinks to evidence or external bodies that produce guidance on staging or reporting.
The most important discoveries of the past 50 years in gynaecological pathology
Authors: Silverberg Steven G , Gilks C Blake
Published: December 2019

The field of gynaecological pathology has grown from its infancy to a mature subspecialty over the last 50 years. What discoveries have led the way in this evolution? On the basis of personal experience and a survey of expert gynaecological pathologists, the following discoveries have been most impactful: (i) identification of the role of human papillomavirus in the aetiology of carcinoma of the lower genital tract; (ii) the emergence of international classification systems for gynaecological cancers (with cervical adenocarcinoma being the most recent example of this); (iii) the development of reliable immunohistochemistry as a diagnostic adjunct; (iv) discoveries around the aetiology and the relationship between serous carcinoma of the tube/ovary and the endometrium; and (v) identification of the role of oestrogen in the development of endometrial carcinoma and histological recognition of the precursor lesion atypical hyperplasia/endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia, and how recognition of the role of diethylstilboestrol in the aetiology of vaginal clear cell carcinoma led directly to this discovery. The history of each discovery and how it changed diagnostic pathology will be discussed in this review.
Gynaecological malignancies and sentinel lymph node mapping: an update
Authors: Euscher Elizabeth D , Malpica Anais
Published: December 2019

Assessment of pelvic, para‐aortic or inguinal lymph nodes (LNs) provides not only important prognostic information, but also determines the need for adjuvant treatment. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has the potential to provide this prognostic information, while reducing morbidity compared with extended LN dissection. This review discusses the clinical and pathological aspects of SLN biopsy in gynaecological cancer.
Luminal A versus luminal B breast cancer: MammaTyper mRNA versus immunohistochemical subtyping with an emphasis on standardised Ki67 labelling‐based or mitotic activity index‐based proliferation assessment
Authors: Finsterbusch Kai , Decker Thomas , van Diest Paul J , Focke Cornelia M
Published: December 2019

Aims

Proliferation assessment by the use of Ki67 is a crucial component in intrinsic subtyping of luminal breast cancers (BCs), but suffers from variability between laboratories, observers, and methods. MammaTyper is a quantitative molecular tool that measures mRNA levels of ERBB2, ESR1, PGR and MKI67 in BC, and interprets the results according to the St Gallen 2013 consensus recommendations. We compared MammaTyper with immunohistochemistry (IHC)‐based subtypes, with a focus on standardised proliferation assessment.

Methods and results

We analysed the agreement in assigning subtypes between MammaTyper and receptor IHC in 101 unifocal luminal HER2‐negative early BCs of no special type. Two Ki67 counting protocols, Ki67‐Global (Ki67‐G) and Ki67‐HotSpot (Ki67‐H), recommended by the International Ki67 in BC Working Group, and the mitotic activity index (MAI) were used for proliferation assessment. The proportions of BCs identified as luminal A and as luminal B were 55% and 45% for MammaTyper, 55% and 45% for IHC + Ki67‐G, 36% and 64% for IHC + Ki67‐H, and 56% and 44% for IHC + MAI. The levels of agreement between MammaTyper‐based and IHC‐based subtyping were 84% (κ = 0.679) for IHC + Ki67‐G, 72% (κ = 0.462) for IHC + Ki67‐H, and 89% (κ = 0.779) for IHC + MAI.

Conclusions

High rates of agreement between mRNA‐based and IHC‐based intrinsic subtyping of luminal HER2‐negative BC can be achieved. However, the agreement between IHC‐based and MammaTyper‐based luminal subtypes depends on the proliferation assessment method, and was highest when the MAI was used. Further comparative clinical studies are needed to determine which method is to be preferred, including analysis of cost‐effectiveness.
miR‐18a promotes Mycobacterial survival in macrophages via inhibiting autophagy by down‐regulation of ATM
Authors: Yuan Qiulu , Chen Haotian , Yang Yuxin , Fu Yurong , Yi Zhengjun
Published: December 2019

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is one of leading causes of global deaths. This study aimed to explore the role of miR‐18a in RAW264.7 cells response to Mtb infection. Exosomes derived from Mtb‐infected cells were isolated and further validated by size, transmission electron microscopy and Western blot. RT‐PCR was utilized to measure miR‐18a expression. Cell viability and ultrastructure were examined by CFU counting, CCK‐8 and electron microscope, respectively. Potential target genes of miR‐18a were predicted with bioinformatics and further confirmed using RT‐PCR, Western blot and laser confocal microscope analysis, respectively. LC3, AMPK and mTOR were measured using Western blot. We found that miR‐18a was induced both in Mtb‐infected RAW264.7 cells and its derived exosomes compared with the controls. In addition, up‐regulation of miR‐18a promoted intracellular Mtb survival, attenuated cell viability and reduced LC3‐II level, while its down‐regulation had the opposite effect. miR‐18a overexpression suppressed level of ATM, one possible target of miR‐18a, while its underexpression enhanced ATM. We also found that inhibition of ATM induced LC3‐II decrease in Mtb‐infected cells and could reverse the increase of LC3‐II caused by inhibition of miR‐18a. Moreover, down‐regulation of miR‐18a increased p‐AMPK level while reduction of ATM could reverse the change. Taken together, our results suggest that miR‐18a is up‐regulated in macrophages response to Mtb infection, and it promotes intracellular Mtb survival through repressing autophagic process by down‐regulation of ATM pathway. This provides new thought for TB pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment.
Susceptibility of betanodavirus in a newly established vertebra‐derived cell line from Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis)
Authors: Jyotsna  , Vijayakumar Parameswaran , Mani Ravi , Raja Sudhakaran , Dhas Tharmathass Stalin
Published: December 2019

In the present study, a new cell line from the vertebra of mosquitofish Gambusia affinis was successfully established and characterized. The cell line is named as bone Gambusia affinis (BGA) and subcultured for more than 55 passages in Leibovitz's/L15 medium supplemented with 15% FBS at 28°C. The cell line has a modal chromosome number of 48. Molecular characterization of the partial sequence of the coi gene confirmed the origin of the BGA cell line from mosquitofish. These cells exhibited epithelial morphology confirmed by the cytokeratin marker. The BGA cells showed mineralization of their extracellular matrix when stained with alizarin red and von Kossa stain. BGA cells were found to be susceptible to RGNNV and SJNNV strains of betanodavirus (NNV) showing cytopathic effect with multiple vacuolations in the cells. The RT‐PCR confirmed the betanodavirus infections in BGA cells. The SEM micrograph showed the morphological changes observed in the cell during virus infection. The in vivo challenge experiment also showed the viral replicating efficiency in the Gambusia affinis with increasing viral titre. Thus, our present results show that the BGA cell line is a useful tool for isolating betanodavirus and could be used to investigate bone cell differentiation and extracellular matrix mineralization.
Supply versus use designs of environmental extensions in input–output analysis: Conceptual and empirical implications for the case of energy
Authors: Wieland Hanspeter , Giljum Stefan , Eisenmenger Nina , Wiedenhofer Dominik , Bruckner Martin , Schaffartzik Anke , Owen Anne
Published: December 2019

Input–output analysis is one of the central methodological pillars of industrial ecology. However, the literature that discusses different structures of environmental extensions (EEs), that is, the scope of physical flows and their attribution to sectors in the monetary input–output table (MIOT), remains fragmented. This article investigates the conceptual and empirical implications of applying two different but frequently used designs of EEs, using the case of energy accounting, where one represents energy supply while the other energy use in the economy. We derive both extensions from an official energy supply–use dataset and apply them to the same single‐region input–output (SRIO) model of Austria, thereby isolating the effect that stems from the decision for the extension design. We also crosscheck the SRIO results with energy footprints from the global multi‐regional input–output (GMRIO) dataset EXIOBASE. Our results show that the ranking of footprints of final demand categories (e.g., household and export) is sensitive to the extension design and that product‐level results can vary by several orders of magnitude. The GMRIO‐based comparison further reveals that for a few countries the supply‐extension result can be twice the size of the use‐extension footprint (e.g., Australia and Norway). We propose a graph approach to provide a generalized framework to disclosing the design of EEs. We discuss the conceptual differences between the two extension designs by applying analogies to hybrid life‐cycle assessment and conclude that our findings are relevant for monitoring of energy efficiency and emission reduction targets and corporate footprint accounting.
Integrated reporting and cost of capital: The moderating role of cultural dimensions
Authors: Vena Luigi , Sciascia Salvatore , Cortesi Alessandro
Published: December 2019

Since its introduction, integrated reporting (IR) has triggered a rich debate covering several aspects, from the structure and the features of a document to the effects of its publication. Very recently, scholars have examined the negative relationship between IR and the cost of capital for firms, completely missing the opportunity to understand whether this fact is contingent on the cultural context that adopting companies operate in. We fill this gap by resorting to a panel sample of 211 adopters from 31 countries over the period spanning 2009–2017, counting 1,455 observations. Our evidence confirms that adopters, on average, benefit from a 1.4% decrease in the cost of capital. Yet, more importantly, IR effectiveness is exalted in countries with low power distance, strong collectivism values, and high level of masculinity, while uncertainty avoidance, long‐term orientation, and indulgence do not seem to play any moderating role.
Oxytocin receptor gene loss influences expression of the oxytocin gene in C57BL/6J mice in a sex‐ and age‐dependent manner
Authors: Vaidyanathan Radhika , Hammock Elizabeth A. D.
Published: December 2019

Parental care and sensory stimulation are critical environmental factors that influence oxytocin (OXT) and its receptor (OXTR). Because developmental Oxt mRNA expression is enhanced by sensory‐rich early life experience and reduced by sensory deprivation, we predicted that compared to wild‐type (WT) littermates, mice with congenital loss of OXTR (OXTR KO), as a genetically induced deprivation, would show impaired Oxt mRNA expression in the offspring hypothalamus during development. Oxt mRNA levels of male and female OXTR KO mice were not different from WT littermates from postnatal day (P)0 to P6, although, by P8, OXTR KO showed significantly decreased Oxt mRNA expression in the hypothalamus compared to WT littermates. At P14, male and female OXTR KO mice had significantly decreased Oxt mRNA expression specifically in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), but not the supraoptic nucleus (SON), compared to WT littermates. We investigated whether this effect persisted in adulthood (P90) and found a significant genotype by sex interaction where male OXTR KO mice displayed a reduction in Oxt expression specific to the PVN compared to male WT littermates. By contrast, male and female OXTR KO adults had increased Oxt mRNA levels in the SON. These findings suggest that OXTR plays a role in developmental Oxt mRNA expression with sex by genotype interactions apparent at adulthood. We then measured OXT and neural activation in the PVN and SON at P14. We observed more OXT‐immunoreactive cells in the PVN of OXTR KO mice but significantly fewer c‐Fos immunoreactive cells. There were no genotype differences in immunoreactivity for OXT and no c‐Fos activity in the SON at P14. Combined, these data suggest that OXTR WT P14 mice have more PVN activity and are more likely to release OXT than OXTR KO mice. Future experiments are warranted to understand which OXTR‐expressing neural circuits modulate the development of the PVN oxytocin system.
NEW EVIDENCE ON THE HECKMAN CURVE
Authors: Rea David , Burton Tony
Published: December 2019

The Heckman Curve characterizes the rate of return to public investments in human capital as rapidly diminishing with age. For the disadvantaged, it describes investments early in the life course as having significantly higher rates of return compared to later in life. This paper assesses the Heckman Curve using estimates of program benefit cost ratios from the Washington State Institute for Public Policy. We find no support for the claim that social policy programs targeted early in the life course have the largest benefit cost ratios, or that on average the benefits of adult programs are less than the cost of the intervention.
An educational intervention to update health workers about HIV and infant feeding
Authors: Horwood Christiane , Haskins Lyn , Goga Ameena , Doherty Tanya , John Vaughn , Engebretsen Ingunn M.S. , Feucht Ute , Rollins Nigel , Kroon Max , Sanders David , Tylleskar Thorkild
Published: December 2019

Clinical guidelines are used to translate research findings into evidence‐based clinical practice but are frequently not comprehensively adopted by health workers (HWs). HIV and infant feeding guidelines were revised by the World Health Organization to align feeding advice for HIV‐exposed and unexposed infants, and these were adopted in South Africa in 2017. We describe an innovative, team‐based, mentoring programme developed to update HWs on these guidelines. The intervention was underpinned by strong theoretical frameworks and aimed to improve HWs' attitudes, knowledge, confidence, and skills about breastfeeding in the context of HIV. On‐site workshops and clinical mentoring used interactive participatory methods and a simple low‐tech approach, guided by participants' self‐reported knowledge gaps. Workshops were conducted at 24 participating clinics over three sessions, each lasting 1–2 hr. Evaluation data were collected using a self‐administered questionnaire. Of 303 participating HWs, 249/303 (82.2%) attended all workshops. Achieving high workshop attendance was challenging and “catch‐up” sessions were required to achieve good coverage. Common knowledge gaps identified included antiretroviral therapy adherence monitoring during breastfeeding and management of viral load results (173 participants), management of breast conditions (79), and advice about expressing and storing breastmilk (64). Most participants reported all their knowledge gaps were addressed and anticipated that their practice would change.

We describe a feasible, sustainable approach to updating HWs on HIV and infant feeding guidelines and improving skills in breastfeeding counselling in resource‐constrained settings. This approach could be adapted to other topics and, with further evaluation, implemented at scale using existing resources.
Host dispersal shapes the population structure of a tick‐borne bacterial pathogen
Authors: Norte Ana Cláudia , Margos Gabriele , Becker Noémie S. , Albino Ramos Jaime , Núncio Maria Sofia , Fingerle Volker , Araújo Pedro Miguel , Adamík Peter , Alivizatos Haralambos , Barba Emilio , Barrientos Rafael , Cauchard Laure , Csörgő Tibor , Diakou Anastasia , Dingemanse Niels J. , Doligez Blandine , Dubiec Anna , Eeva Tapio , Flaisz Barbara , Grim Tomas , Hau Michaela , Heylen Dieter , Hornok Sándor , Kazantzidis Savas , Kováts David , Krause František , Literak Ivan , Mänd Raivo , Mentesana Lucia , Morinay Jennifer , Mutanen Marko , Neto Júlio Manuel , Nováková Markéta , Sanz Juan José , Pascoal da Silva Luís , Sprong Hein , Tirri Ina‐Sabrina , Török János , Trilar Tomi , Tyller Zdeněk , Visser Marcel E. , Lopes de Carvalho Isabel
Published: December 2019

Birds are hosts for several zoonotic pathogens. Because of their high mobility, especially of longdistance migrants, birds can disperse these pathogens, affecting their distribution and phylogeography. We focused onBorrelia burgdorferisensu lato, which includes the causative agents of Lyme borreliosis, as an example for tick‐borne pathogens, to address the role of birds as propagation hosts of zoonotic agents at a large geographical scale. We collected ticks from passerine birds in 11 European countries.B. burgdorferis.l. prevalence inIxodesspp. was 37% and increased with latitude. The fieldfareTurdus pilarisand the blackbirdT. merulacarried ticks with the highestBorreliaprevalence (92 and 58%, respectively), whereas robinErithacus rubeculaticks were the least infected (3.8%).Borrelia gariniiwas the most prevalent genospecies (61%), followed byB. valaisiana(24%),B. afzelii(9%),B. turdi(5%) andB. lusitaniae(0.5%). A novelBorreliagenospecies “CandidatusBorrelia aligera” was also detected. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis ofB. gariniiisolates together with the global collection ofB. gariniigenotypes obtained from theBorreliaMLSTpublic database revealed that: (a) there was little overlap among genotypes from different continents, (b) there was no geographical structuring within Europe, and (c) there was no evident association pattern detectable amongB. gariniigenotypes from ticks feeding on birds, questing ticks or human isolates. These findings strengthen the hypothesis that the population structure and evolutionary biology of tick‐borne pathogens are shaped by their host associations and the movement patterns of these hosts.
The asymmetric innervation of the circular and longitudinal muscle of the mouse colon differently modulates myogenic slow phasic contractions
Authors: Traserra Sara , Villarte Sonia , Traini Chiara , Palacin Sara , Vergara Patri , Vannucchi Maria Giuliana , Jimenez Marcel
Published: December 2019

Background

Neuromuscular transmission has been extensively studied in the circular layer of the mouse colon where a co‐transmission of purines acting on P2Y1 receptors and NO has been previously described. However, the corresponding mechanisms in the longitudinal layer are less known.

Methods

Electrophysiological and myography techniques were used to evaluate spontaneous phasic contractions (SPC) and neural‐mediated responses in the proximal, mid, and distal colon devoid of CD1 mice. Immunohistochemistry against c‐kit and PDGFRα was performed in each colonic segment.

Key Results

SPC were recorded in both muscle layers at a similar frequency being about four contractions per minute (c.p.m.) in the proximal and distal colon compared to the mid colon (2 c.p.m.). In non‐adrenergic, non‐cholinergic conditions, L‐NNA (1 mmol/L) increased contractility in the circular but not in the longitudinal layer. In the longitudinal muscle, both electrophysiological and mechanical neural‐mediated inhibitory responses were L‐NNA and ODQ (10 µmol/L) sensitive. NaNP (1 µmol/L) caused cessation of SPC and the response was blocked by ODQ. Neither ADPßS (10 µmol/L) nor CYPPA (10 µmol/L), which both targeted the purinergic pathway, altered longitudinal contractions. PDGFRα + cells were located in both muscle layers and were more numerous compared with cKit + cells, which both formed a heterologous cellular network. A decreasing gradient of the PDGFRα labeling was observed along the colon.

Conclusion

An inhibitory neural tone was absent in the longitudinal layer and neuronal inhibitory responses were mainly nitrergic. Despite the presence of PDGFRα + cells, purinergic responses were absent. Post‐junctional pathways located in different cell types might be responsible for neurotransmitter transduction.
Clinical characteristics of boys with comorbid autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Yamawaki Kaori , Ishitsuka Kazue , Suyama Satoshi , Suzumura Shunsuke , Yamashita Hiroshi , Kanba Shigenobu
Published: December 2019

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are frequently comorbid and, as both are defined as neurodevelopmental disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, simultaneous diagnosis is possible. However, despite the frequency of this comorbid state, its endophenotypic features remain unclear. This study thus aimed to describe the behavioral and emotional problems in boys with comorbid ASD and ADHD using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

Methods

In total, 102 boys (age, 6–12 years) diagnosed with one or both disorders were divided into three groups according to their clinical diagnosis: ASD + ADHD (N = 39), ASD (N = 37), and ADHD (N = 25). Symptoms and related behaviors were compared among the groups using parents’ ratings of the autism spectrum quotient, ADHD rating scale‐IV, and SDQ.

Results

In the ASD + ADHD group, the proportion of “clinical‐range” cases was as high as 76.9% for the SDQ total difficulties score (TDS). The ASD + ADHD and ADHD groups had significantly higher TDS as well as behavioral problems and hyperactivity subscale scores than did the ASD group; however, the ASD + ADHD group did not have significantly different scores on any subscale compared with the other two groups. The ASD + ADHD and ASD groups also had significantly lower prosocial behavior scores than the ADHD group.

Conclusions

When using the SDQ as a screening tool for neurodevelopmental disorders, a high TDS, conduct problems, hyperactivity, and low prosocial behavior can be considered characteristic of ASD and ADHD comorbidity in 6‐ to 12‐year‐old boys.
Transcutaneous blood gas monitoring among neonatal intensive care units in Japan
Authors: Ochiai Masayuki , Kurata Hiroaki , Inoue Hirosuke , Ichiyama Masako , Fujiyoshi Junko , Watabe Shinichi , Hiroma Takehiko , Nakamura Tomohiko , Ohga Shouichi
Published: December 2019

Background

This study aimed to investigate the utility of transcutaneous (tc) measurements of partial pressure of oxygen (tcPO2) and carbon dioxide (tcPCO2) monitoring in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Japan.

Methods

At the end of 2016,we sent a survey questionnaire on tc monitoring to all 106 NICUs registered with the Japanese Neonatologist Association. The questions included usage, subjects, methods, management, and the practical usefulness of tc monitoring.

Results

The questionnaire was returned by 69 NICUs (65.1% of response rate). Seventeen institutions (24.6%) measured both tcPCO2 and tcPO2, and 42 (60.9%) measured tcPCO2 alone. Transcutaneous PCO2 or tcPO2 monitoring was applied for “pre‐viable” infants born at 22–23 weeks’ gestational age (18.6% vs 23.5%), and infants of <500 g birthweight (30.5% vs 17.6%). The tcPCO2 and tcPO2 monitoring was started at birth in 49.2% and 70.6% of the newborn infants, respectively. The temperature of the sensor was set at <38°C for tcPCO2 in 54.3% and >42°C for tcPO2 in 58.9% of NICUs. The accuracy for tcPO2 was rated as good in 35.3% or moderate in 64.7%, of institutions but or for tcPCO2 as 1.7% or 93.2%of institutions , respectively.

Conclusion

Transcutaneous monitoring was widely, but limitedly, used for preterm infants. The lower temperature of the tcPCO2 sensor compared to that reported in other developed countries might compromise the accuracy but increase the feasibility of tc monitoring in Japan.
Implementation assessment in confidential enquiry programmes: A scoping review
Authors: Jayakody Hemali , Knight Marian
Published: December 2019

Background

Response should be a key part of maternal death surveillance and response (MDSR) programmes, which include confidential enquiries into maternal deaths. The programmes investigate avoidable factors in maternal deaths and make recommendations for improving maternity care. There is a gap in information on how these recommendations are transformed into practice.

Objective

To explore the methods used to assess the implementation status of recommendations made in confidential enquiries into maternal deaths and other health outcomes.

Data sources

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Google Scholar databases and general web for grey literature using the “Arksey and O’Malley framework” in all major scientific databases and search engines.

Study selection and data extraction

An initial screening was followed by extraction of information using a data chart. Variables in the chart were based on the response component of maternal death and surveillance systems.

Synthesis

Information collected was summarised using content analysis method.

Results

We reviewed 13 confidential enquiry systems into maternal deaths. Many confidential enquiries into maternal deaths published reports with their recommendations and dissemination often involved national‐level scientific presentations. Only five reports provided strategies for implementing the recommendations. Follow‐up of previous recommendations was routinely published in only two reports. However, impact assessment of recommendations on other health outcomes was found only in the UK.

Conclusion

There is a gap in monitoring the response generated by confidential enquiries into maternal deaths. Actions to develop this are therefore needed.
Finding of regeneration in a large number of wounded receptacles in Sargassum ringgoldianum (Phaeophyceae, Fucales)
Authors: Yamano Shunro , Akita Shingo , Hayakawa Yuhi , Fujita Daisuke
Published: December 2019

Sargassum ringgoldianm is a canopy‐forming perennial macroalga dominant in a shallow waters along the central Pacific coast of Honshu, Japan, where macroalgal forests have been drastically declining by browsing of herbivorous fish since the 1990s. Accordingly, we tried to reveal seasonal fluctuation of browsing damage on S. ringgoldianum. In the course of the investigation, we found signs of receptacle regeneration in S. rinngoldianum, which has been reported in a few species of the order Fucales. Regenerations occurred most frequently from 3.0 mm to 3.9 mm of the basal part of original receptacles and were also observed at the tips of remaining stalks as well as branchlets that seemed to lose original receptacles. The regenerated receptacles formed antheridia and oogonia, and released eggs from them, suggesting that regenerated receptacles are functional. In addition, no regeneration was observed in only three individuals among 51 plants observed. We show herein a high regenerative ability of wounded receptacles in S. ringgoldianum. This frequent regeneration of functional receptacles is important for the persistence of the population.