bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maddi Faith in conversation with Jerome Carson
Authors: Faith Maddi , Carson Jerome
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Maddi Faith.

Design/methodology/approach

In this single case study, Maddi gives a short background and the origins of her mental health issues and is then interviewed by Jerome.

Findings

Maddi tells the authors how her problems developed in her childhood and of the journey she has been on since.

Research limitations/implications

Single case studies provide a single perspective. Yet are they of any less value than a commentary by an academic? On the contrary, many offer unique insights into how the authors provide services for people with mental health problems, and of better ways to help them.

Practical implications

Maddi raises the issue of “falling between services”, with the result that the individual concerned does not receive the help they need.

Social implications

The persistent stigma of mental health problems is an issue that will need to be addressed for decades if it is to be overcome. Personal witness is vital in tackling this issue. Maddi has already done a lot to address this through her work at University.

Originality/value

The Trust the second author worked for, for many years used to have a staff “Made a Difference” award. Maddi surely deserves such an award for her own efforts to develop our understanding of the realities of mental health problems.
The impact of social dominance orientation on female entrepreneurial intention
Authors: Muldoon Jeffrey , Lucy Carol , Lidzy Sheryl
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Understanding the factors that influence entrepreneurs throughout the entrepreneurial process has been a vital topic of entrepreneurial research. Despite societal changes, male entrepreneurs still outnumber females. The purpose of this paper is to develop a greater grasp on the factors that contribute to this phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing social dominance theory and social cognition theory, the authors suggest that a female entrepreneur’s social dominance orientation (SDO) and mentorship experiences will influence her social and conventional entrepreneurial intention.

Findings

The authors’ theorizing suggests SDO can lower entrepreneurial self-efficacy which in turn can lower conventional entrepreneurial intentions but increase social intentions in some women. However, if the entrepreneur has mentoring, the effect could be dissipated.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to examine the impact of SDO on entrepreneurial intentions, and builds on the work of other scholars.
Leading others to go beyond the call of duty
Authors: Sendjaya Sen , Eva Nathan , Robin Mulyadi , Sugianto Lyfie , ButarButar Ivan , Hartel Charmine
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Interest in servant leadership has grown exponentially over the past decade as evident in the surge of academic- and practitioner-oriented publications on the subject. While prior research has shown that servant leadership leads to citizenship behavior, no study has explored the ethical pathway as the underlying influence process despite the fact that servant leadership is an ethical approach to leadership. On the basis of social learning theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine psychological ethical climate as a key mediator between servant leadership and citizenship behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 123 leader–follower dyads from eight high-performing firms listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange, and analyzed using multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The results showed that the relationship between servant leadership and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) (both for OCBI and OCBO) is mediated by psychological ethical climate.

Practical implications

This study demonstrates the value of using a servant leadership approach in order to foster a psychological ethical climate and increase OCBs. As such, the authors highlight the importance of a systematic approach to develop servant leaders in organizations.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the understanding of the ethical mechanism that explains the relationship between servant leadership and follower outcomes. Drawing on social learning theory, the findings show that servant leaders are ethical climate architects through their role modeling behaviors and interactions with followers.
Financial inclusion and FinTech
Authors: Baber Hasnan
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Using data from World Bank and Global Islamic Finance Report, this paper aims to compare the performance of countries following Islamic and conventional finance system in terms of financial inclusion and FinTech.

Design/methodology/approach

Ten countries from both financial systems have been selected based on the presence of Islamic finance and conventional finance in the country. Data was analyzed from year 2011 to 2017 and keeping the former as base year to measure the change in the population fraction.

Findings

The findings found that Islamic finance countries are more inclusive in terms of financial inclusion and women are financially more empowered as compared to the counterpart. On the contrary, countries with conventional finance have a higher number of FinTech users.

Research limitations/implications

The difference between the performances of two systems in terms of financial inclusion is relatively small; therefore, future studies should incorporate more indicators for financial inclusion.

Originality/value

This study will be useful for understanding the nature of both financial systems, and the further research can be done to find the determinants of financial inclusion.
Mediation analysis of the relationship between environmental concern and intention to adopt green concepts
Authors: Lau Jasmine Leby , Hashim Ahmad Hariza
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) by incorporating environmental concern (EC) and its dimensions to explain developer’s intention to adopt green concepts in their future housing projects. The objectives were to investigate the relationship among the proposed constructs as well as to examine the mediating role of attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control (PBC) on the relationship between EC and its dimensions and intention to adopt green concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted among developer organisations in Klang Valley and the key target respondents were project managers. This study devoted priority to quantitative approach with complementary qualitative data to elaborate on the statistical results. In total, 87 usable questionnaires were returned, representing a response rate of 24.5 per cent. In addition, face-to-face interviews were carried out to gather information to complement quantitative findings.

Findings

Mediation results suggested PBC to be a significant mediator for the relationship between EC, human over nature and eco-crisis and behavioural intention. In the model between eco-crisis facet and behavioural intention, apart from PBC, attitude was found to be another significant mediator of the relationship. Interview with informants revealed that most believed human activities are causing detrimental harm to the environment. With this concern, they are confident about their organisations’ ability to deliver more green projects in the future.

Originality/value

The use of specific dimension of EC and the integration of EC and its dimensions within the TPB has provided new insights to expedite the transition to sustainable construction.
The impact of microfinance programs on monetary poverty reduction
Authors: Elsafi Mustafa Hassan , Ahmed Elsadig Musa , Ramanathan Santhi
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of microfinance programs sponsored by Sudanese microfinance institutions (SMFIs) on monetary poverty reduction in Sudan where poverty is widely spread.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted the control group approach, where income and expenditure are taken as welfare indicators. The updated World Bank’s international poverty line of 1.90 per person per day was adopted to separate the poor from non-poor. The data were collected by the means of a questionnaire distributed to a random sample of beneficiaries in the institution under study. The study adapted the Foster, Greer and Thorbecke (FGT) model to evaluate the role of microfinance programs in poverty reduction. Furthermore, to gain more insight into the impact of the program, a preliminary analysis was conducted using the independent-samplest-test to examine the difference in the welfare indicators for the sample of the control group and treatment group as well as that of the small loan group and micro-loan group.

Findings

The findings show that the microfinance program provided by SMFIs has reduced the monetary poverty among the participants. The results also reveal that beneficiaries who had received a larger volume of loan were noted lesser poverty than those who had received very small loan size. Moreover, the results demonstrate that poverty indices based on expenditure as a welfare indicator are far lower than those based on income for both groups.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the available literature by filling the gaps through including income and expenditure as monetary variables, which included separately in previous studies adopted the FGT model in the area of microfinance, in addition to exploring the role of loan size in the effect of microfinance on poverty reduction.
Approximate traveltime inversion in downhole microseismic monitoring
Authors: Yaskevich Sergey , Duchkov Anton A. , Ivanov Yuriy
Published: November 2019

In downhole microseismic monitoring, accurate event location relies on the accuracy of the velocity model. The model can be estimated along with event locations. Anisotropic models are important to get accurate event locations. Taking anisotropy into account makes it possible to use additional data – two S‐wave arrivals generated due to shear‐wave splitting. However, anisotropic ray tracing requires iterative procedures for computing group velocities, which may become unstable around caustics. As a result, anisotropic kinematic inversion may become time consuming. In this paper, we explore the idea of using simplified ray tracing to locate events and estimate medium parameters. In the simplified ray‐tracing algorithm, the group velocity is assumed to be equal to phase velocity in both magnitude and direction. This assumption makes the ray‐tracing algorithm five times faster compared to ray tracing based on exact equations. We present a set of tests showing that given perforation‐shot data, one can use inversion based on simplified ray‐tracing even for moderate‐to‐strong anisotropic models. When there are no perforation shots, event‐location errors may become too large for moderately anisotropic media.
Water Use Efficiency and Storage Capacity in South Asia by 2050
Authors: Escurra Aguirre Jorge J. , Jones Charles A.
Published: November 2019

More than one billion South Asians are affected by water scarcity. Pressure on water resources is likely to grow as a result of population growth, urban expansion, and climate change. This paper assesses the impacts of these effects on the historical hydrological baseline, with particular focus on irrigation. A geospatial water balance model was developed for this purpose based on geo‐referenced information available in scientific public domain databases. Annual water supply and demand for a baseline period 1950–2000 were calculated and projected to 2050 using (1) outputs from 19 Global Circulation Models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 for a Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5; (2) population projections to 2050; and (3) historical land‐use patterns at the country level. Improvements in water use efficiency and storage capacity were analyzed using the Modified Water Scarcity Index of the baseline and the projected water balance in 2050 at the watershed scale.
Substance abuse‐related admissions in a mixed Norwegian intensive care population
Authors: Tollisen Karen Hunting , Bjerva Marianne , Hadley Cathrine Lund , Dahl Gry T. , Högvall Lisa Maria , Sandvik Leiv , Heyerdahl Fridtjof , Jacobsen Dag
Published: November 2019

Background

Alcohol and drug abuse are potentially modifiable risk factors for critical illness. The aims of this study were to describe patients with substance abuse‐related admissions (abbreviated SARA) in a mixed intensive care (ICU) population in Oslo, and to compare these patients with patients with non‐SARA.

Methods

Cross‐sectional prospective study of a mixed medical and surgical ICU‐population in Oslo, Norway. Data were collected consecutively using a questionnaire, medical records, and toxicology results. SARA included admissions due to acute or chronic complications of alcohol or drug abuse, as well as substance abuse‐related injuries.

Results

Of the 852 patients included, 168 (20%) had SARA; 102 (12%) alcohol‐related and 66 (8%) drug‐related. Male patients aged 18‐39 had the highest proportion of SARA (47/97, 49%). Among the trauma patients, 69/182 (38%) were influenced by alcohol and drugs at the time of injury. Patients with SARA were significantly younger (median age 48 vs 66), had lower Charlson comorbidity index (mean 1.4 vs 2.5) and shorter length of stay (median days 2.4 vs 4.9), than non‐SARA patients. Hospital mortality was similar when adjusting for age (OR 0.8, P = .27, non‐SARA as reference).

Conclusion

Overall, one in five ICU admissions was associated with substance abuse. For male patients aged 18‐39 this ratio was nearly half. More than one third of the trauma patients were influenced by alcohol or drugs at time of injury.
Longevity in response to lowered insulin signaling requires glycine N‐methyltransferase‐dependent spermidine production
Authors: Tain Luke S. , Jain Chirag , Nespital Tobias , Froehlich Jenny , Hinze Yvonne , Grönke Sebastian , Partridge Linda
Published: November 2019

Reduced insulin/IGF signaling (IIS) extends lifespan in multiple organisms. Different processes in different tissues mediate this lifespan extension, with a set of interplays that remain unclear. We here show that, in Drosophila, reduced IIS activity modulates methionine metabolism, through tissue‐specific regulation of glycine N‐methyltransferase (Gnmt), and that this regulation is required for full IIS‐mediated longevity. Furthermore, fat body‐specific expression of Gnmt was sufficient to extend lifespan. Targeted metabolomics showed that reducing IIS activity led to a Gnmt‐dependent increase in spermidine levels. We also show that both spermidine treatment and reduced IIS activity are sufficient to extend the lifespan of Drosophila, but only in the presence of Gnmt. This extension of lifespan was associated with increased levels of autophagy. Finally, we found that increased expression of Gnmt occurs in the liver of liver‐specific IRS1 KO mice and is thus an evolutionarily conserved response to reduced IIS. The discovery of Gnmt and spermidine as tissue‐specific modulators of IIS‐mediated longevity may aid in developing future therapeutic treatments to ameliorate aging and prevent disease.
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) activity and firm performance: a review and consolidation
Authors: Huang Danny Z. X.
Published: November 2019

Interest in why firms conduct environmental, social and governance (ESG) activity is longstanding and increasing. Our understanding, however, remains fragmented with alternative accounts that seek to explain the relationship between ESG performance (ESGP) and corporate financial performance (CFP). This paper reviews alternative accounts for the relationship and finds that the weight of empirical evidence shows a positive, statistically significant but economically modest ESGP–CFP link, consistent with theoretical expectations. This economically modest relationship suggests ESG activity is unlikely to be primarily motivated by narrow measures of CFP. Further scholarship viewing ESG as part of overall firm activity would be constructive.
Anatomical and radiographic study of the scapula in juveniles and adults of Tamandua mexicana (Xenarthra: Myrmecophagidae)
Authors: Vélez‐García Juan Fernando , Torres‐Suárez Sharith Valentina , Echeverry‐Bonilla Diego Fernando
Published: November 2019

Tamandua mexicana is a mammal of the superorder Xenarthra geographically located between Mexico and Peru that remains insufficiently studied. These species are characterized by their movement, resting, and eating of termites and ants in arboreal and terrestrial environments, and therefore, their thoracic limbs have been adapted morphologically to move in these environments. Tamandua mexicana is a species constantly threatened by different causes, and their thoracic limbs can be affected in the scapular and shoulder regions as a result; therefore, specific anatomical knowledge of the scapula allows for better clinical procedures, surgical approaches, radiological diagnosis and muscular reconstructions in extinct species of anteaters. The main objective of this study was to report the anatomical and radiographic features of the scapula in juvenile and adult specimens of T. mexicana. Gross dissections and radiographic study were performed in six cadavers. The scapula had large differences compared with other mammals, such as two spines, a foramen for the suprascapular nerve, a long acromion, a cranial transverse scapular ligament and caudolateral fossa for the origin of the muscles teres major, tensor fasciae antebrachii and subscapular. In juvenile specimens, a scapular cartilage, an acromial cartilage, craniomedial and caudolateral coracoscapular ligaments forming the foramen for the suprascapular nerve, and progressive ossification of those ligaments and the cranial transverse scapular ligament were observed. These findings were corroborated by radiography; therefore, these characteristics change with age. The bony reliefs of the scapula of T. mexicana corroborate the specialization of the shoulder in this species.
Prior or concurrent radiotherapy and nivolumab immunotherapy in non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ratnayake Gishan , Shanker Mihir , Roberts Kate , Mason Robert , Hughes Brett G. M. , Lwin Zarnie , Jain Vikram , O'Byrne Kenneth , Lehman Margot , Chua Benjamin
Published: November 2019

Background

Studies suggest that combining radiotherapy (RT) with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) blockade may elicit a synergistic antitumor response. We aimed to assess whether prior or concurrent RT was associated with improved disease control in patients with metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with nivolumab.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of patients receiving nivolumab as second or subsequent line therapy for metastatic NSCLC. Patients were categorized into those who received any RT for NSCLC prior to or during nivolumab therapy, and those with no history of RT for NSCLC.

Results

A total of 85 patients received nivolumab between July 2015 and December 2016 and were followed up for a median of 15 months. Sixty‐five patients (76.4%) received RT prior to or during nivolumab and 20 patients (23.6%) received nivolumab alone. Baseline characteristics of age, performance status, histology, smoking status and previous therapy were similar between the two groups. Prior or concurrent RT was associated with a superior PFS, median 2.8 months with RT versus 1.3 months without RT (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.494; 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 0.279–0.873; P = 0.02). The median OS of the group receiving RT was 6.4 months versus 4.2 months for the no RT group (P = 0.20). RT was not associated with an increase in toxicity.

Conclusion

RT prior to or concurrent with nivolumab for metastatic NSCLC was associated with a modest improvement in PFS over nivolumab alone with no evidence of increase in adverse effects. RT may potentiate the effect of anti–PD‐1 immunotherapy in NSCLC.
Retrospective analysis of treatment and prognosis for uterine leiomyosarcoma: 10‐year experience of a single institute
Authors: Kodama Keisuke , Sonoda Kenzo , Kijima Masako , Yamaguchi Shinichiro , Yagi Hiroshi , Yasunaga Masafumi , Ohgami Tatsuhiro , Onoyama Ichiro , Kaneki Eisuke , Okugawa Kaoru , Yahata Hideaki , Ohishi Yoshihiro , Oda Yoshinao , Kato Kiyoko
Published: November 2019

Aim

Uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS) is a highly aggressive and lethal disease. This malignancy remains the most common type of uterine sarcoma, affecting approximately 0.4/100 000 women each year. Our aim was to assess the treatment and prognosis of ULMS patients.

Methods

A total of 14 patients were treated at our institution between January 2008 and July 2017. We retrospectively analyzed their clinicopathological variables, treatment and prognosis.

Results

The median patient age was 63 years (range, 35–83 years). The largest group of patients had stage IB disease (stage IB, n = 8; IIB, n = 2; IIIB, n = 1; IVB, n = 3) and the largest group by histological subtype was ordinary (ordinary, n = 11; myxoid, n = 2; epithelioid, n = 1). Total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy were performed for all patients, with additional surgical procedures (e.g., tumor resection, lymphadenectomy) performed if necessary. Twelve patients received adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) consisting of gemcitabine and docetaxel. Ten patients experienced recurrence and received multidisciplinary therapies, including tumor resection, chemotherapy, radiation and targeted therapies. The median observation period was 17 months (range, 5–75 months), and 11 patients were alive (without disease, n = 5; with disease, n = 6). Intriguingly, five of eight stage IB patients who received postoperative ACT were alive without disease.

Conclusion

ULMS is rare but is associated with a poor prognosis, even if multidisciplinary therapies are administered. However, ACT appears to be effective in improving the prognosis of patients with stage IB disease.
Predicted future distribution of the African skimmer in response to a changing climate, land cover and distance from water in the mid‐Zambezi Valley
Authors: Gamundani Pioneer Taashwa , Mpakairi Kudzai , Magadza Christopher , Kativu Shakkie , Dhlomo Elmon
Published: November 2019

Climate models project a hot and dry future for Southern Africa. In this research, Maximum Entropy was used to model the extent to which climate change, land cover and distance from water edges may influence current and future distribution of the African skimmer in the mid‐Zambezi Valley. Global Biodiversity Information Facility data collected between the years 2000–2019 were used to develop the models. Three models were built: one for current distribution and two for future distribution under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 2.6 and 6.0. Results revealed that annual precipitation and distance from water edges were the most important predictors of habitat suitability for the African skimmer under current and future climate. Temperature and land cover were least important in explaining current and future distribution of the species. The RCP 2.6 predicted future decrease in suitable habitat for the African skimmer in the mid‐Zambezi Valley, while RCP 6.0 predicted future increase in suitable habitat for the species. This research conclusively revealed that precipitation and distance from water edges were consistently key predictors of suitable habitat for the African skimmer.
Pollen season is reflected on symptom load for grass and birch pollen‐induced allergic rhinitis in different geographic areas—An EAACI Task Force Report
Authors: Pfaar Oliver , Karatzas Kostas , Bastl Katharina , Berger Uwe , Buters Jeroen , Darsow Ulf , Demoly Pascal , Durham Stephen R. , Galán Carmen , Gehrig Regula , Gerth van Wijk Roy , Jacobsen Lars , Katsifarakis Nikos , Klimek Ludger , Saarto Annika , Sofiev Mikhail , Thibaudon Michel , Werchan Barbora , Bergmann Karl‐Christian
Published: November 2019

Background

The effectiveness of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) in seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis (AR) depends on the definition of pollen exposure intensity or time period. We recently evaluated pollen and symptom data from Germany to examine the new definitions of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) on pollen season and peak pollen period start and end. Now, we aim to confirm the feasibility of these definitions to properly mirror symptom loads for grass and birch pollen‐induced allergic rhinitis in other European geographical areas such as Austria, Finland and France, and therefore their suitability for AIT and clinical practice support.

Methods

Data from twenty‐three pollen monitoring stations from three countries in Europe and for 3 years (2014‐2016) were used to investigate the correlation between birch and grass pollen concentrations during the birch and grass pollen season defined via the EAACI criteria, and total nasal symptom and medication scores as reported with the aid of the patient's hay‐fever diary (PHD). In addition, we conducted a statistical analysis, together with a graphical investigation, to reveal correlations and dependencies between the studied parameters.

Results

The analysis demonstrated that the definitions of pollen season as well as peak pollen period start and end as proposed by the EAACI are correlated to pollen‐induced symptom loads reported by PHD users during birch and grass pollen season. A statistically significant correlation (slightly higher for birch) has been found between the Total Nasal Symptom and Medication Score (TNSMS) and the pollen concentration levels. Moreover, the maximum symptom levels occurred mostly within the peak pollen periods (PPP) following the EAACI criteria.

Conclusions

Based on our analyses, we confirm the validity of the EAACI definitions on pollen season for both birch and grass and for a variety of geographical locations for the four European countries (including Germany from a previous publication) analyzed so far. On this basis, the use of the EAACI definitions is supported in future clinical trials on AIT as well as in daily routine for optimal patient care. Further evaluation of the EAACI criteria in other European regions is recommended.
Can normal inflammatory markers rule out acute appendicitis? The reliability of biochemical investigations in diagnosis
Authors: Kim Jason J. Y. , Dobson Benjamin H. , L. H. Ng Cedric , Thong Da Wei , Arthur Thomas , Parker David ,   QUEST Collaboration
Published: November 2019

Background

Acute appendicitis is a common general surgical condition where diagnosis is predominantly clinical, with the aid of adjunct investigations. This study reviews the relationship between normal and elevated biochemical inflammatory markers, duration of symptoms and proven appendicitis.

Methods

A multicentre prospective observational study was performed across 27 centres and included a total of 949 patients with clinical suspicion of appendicitis, who had both white cell count (WCC) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) recorded and underwent appendicectomy.

Results

A total of 90.4% of patients with raised WCC and CRP had appendicitis with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.9 and negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.4. Sensitivity and specificity of elevated WCC (sensitivity 66.5%, specificity 66.0%) and elevated CRP (sensitivity 77.3%, specificity 52.0%) lie within ranges identified by previous studies. A total of 39.8% of patients with normal CRP and WCC had appendicitis. Sensitivity and PPV for patients with elevated inflammatory markers were high until 48 h of symptoms (sensitivity 94%, PPV 0.87). NPV was elevated after 24 h (NPV 0.65 in patients with 24–48 h of symptoms, and 0.61 after 48 h), whilst those with symptoms less than 24 h had a lower NPV of 0.52.

Conclusion

Whilst elevated inflammatory markers are a helpful aid in the diagnosis of appendicitis, they should not be relied on by themselves. Nor can normal inflammatory markers be used to exclude appendicitis, even in those with prolonged duration of symptoms. The diagnosis of appendicitis should be guided by a combination of clinical judgement with the assistance of inflammatory markers.
Long‐term clinical outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis delta: the role of persistent viraemia
Authors: Palom Adriana , Rodríguez‐Tajes Sergio , Navascués Carmen A. , García‐Samaniego Javier , Riveiro‐Barciela Mar , Lens Sabela , Rodríguez Manuel , Esteban Rafael , Buti Maria
Published: November 2019

Background

Chronic hepatitis delta is a severe liver disease with rapid progression to cirrhosis. The impact of hepatitis delta virus (HDV)‐RNA on disease progression and interferon treatment in a real‐world cohort has been barely explored.

Aim

To assess the development of clinical events in a cohort of chronic hepatitis delta patients according to the presence or absence of HDV‐RNA

Methods

Multicentre study at four academic hospitals in Spain included anti‐HDV‐positive patients with compensated liver disease with a follow‐up ≥12 months.

Results

Among 2888 HBsAg‐positive subjects, 151 (5.2%) tested positive for anti‐HDV, and 118 were included (58% men; median age, 49 years; 73% detectable HDV‐RNA and 30% cirrhosis, most often in subjects with HDV‐RNA). After a median follow‐up of 8 years, subjects with initially detectable HDV‐RNA were more prone to developing cirrhosis (31% vs 0%, P = .002) and/or liver decompensation (28% vs 3%, P = .019). Mortality rate was 0.44 per 1000 person‐months. The probability of a clinical event was 6%, 25%, and 80% according to initial baseline‐event‐anticipation score. HDV‐RNA became undetectable in 21 (24%) subjects either due to interferon or spontaneously (48% vs 52%, P = .29). Liver decompensation was reduced in interferon‐treated patients (13% vs 38%, P = .026).

Conclusions

Subjects with persistently positive HDV‐RNA had a worse prognosis in terms of clinical events. Baseline‐event‐anticipation score is useful in predicting the risk of developing liver decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma. Interferon was beneficial in reducing liver decompensation, even in the absence of virological response.
Shaming interrogatives: Admonishments, the social psychology of emotion, and discursive practices of behaviour modification in family mealtimes
Authors: Potter Jonathan , Hepburn Alexa
Published: November 2019

This paper contributes to the study of admonishments, the operation of shaming in family interaction, and more broadly presses the virtue of a discursive psychological reconsideration of the social psychology of emotion. It examines the methodological basis of contemporary research on shame in experimental and qualitative social psychology, illustrated through the Test of Self‐Conscious Affect (TOSCA) and qualitative work using shame narratives. Doubts are raised about how these methods can throw light on shaming practices in natural situations. The study uses a collection of video recordings of family mealtimes, focusing on admonishment sequences in which parents address the interrogatives ‘what are you doing’ or ‘what did I say’ to a ‘misbehaving’ child. Despite the interrogative syntax, rather than soliciting information we show that these interrogative forms pursue behaviour change by publicly highlighting both the problem behaviour and the child’s active and intentional production of that behaviour. This is the sense in which the practice can be understood as shaming. Although this practice prosecutes shaming, ways in which the children can ignore, push back, or rework parents’ actions are highlighted. This study contributes to a broader consideration of how enduring behavioural change can be approached as a parents’ project.
Tubeless supra‐costal percutaneous nephrolithotomy is associated with significantly less hydrothorax: a prospective randomized clinical study
Authors: Goldberg Hanan , Nevo Amihay , Shtabholtz Yariv , Lubin Marc , Baniel Jack , Margel David , Ehrlich Yaron , Lifshitz David
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To evaluate prospectively whether a tubeless (JJ stent‐only) percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) might reduce the risk of hydrothorax, compared to an approach where a nephrostomy tube is left.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a two‐arm open‐label prospective randomized study (NCT02036398) comparing tubeless supra‐costal PCNL (with a JJ stent only) to standard PCNL (with nephrostomy tube and JJ stent) using intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per‐protocol (PP) analyses. All patients underwent a standard single‐stage prone supra‐costal procedure with single‐tract access. Complication data were collected according to the Clavien–Dindo grading system. The primary endpoint was the rate of hydrothorax, and secondary endpoints included stone‐free rate (SFR) and complication rate. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with hydrothorax formation.

Results

Out of 101 patients approached, 75 were finally analysed. No differences were observed between the two arms with regard to baseline demographic and stone characteristics. The mean largest stone size ranged between 23 and 24.2 mm. No significant difference was seen in the mean operating time and length of hospital stay. The incidence of hydrothorax was significantly higher in the nephrostomy group in comparison to the tubeless group (37.8% vs 15.8%, P = 0.031, and 38.4% vs 13.8%, P = 0.016, in the ITT and PP analyses, respectively). The SFR and complication rate were similar in both groups using the ITT and PP analyses. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that nephrostomy tube placement was the only covariate associated in a statistically significant manner to hydrothorax (odds ratio 3.628, 95% confidence interval 1.073–12.265; P = 0.038).

Conclusion

The rate of hydrothorax in supra‐costal PCNL is associated with the type of postoperative drainage left. When possible, a tubeless approach should be applied as it may confer a lower risk of hydrothorax.
The novel antipsychotic cariprazine stabilizes gamma oscillations in rat hippocampal slices
Authors: Meier Maria A. , Lemercier Clement E. , Kulisch Christoph , Kiss Béla , Lendvai Balázs , Adham Nika , Gerevich Zoltan
Published: November 2019

Background and Purpose

Gamma oscillations are fast rhythmic fluctuations of neuronal network activity ranging from 30 to 90 Hz that establish a precise temporal background for cognitive processes such as perception, sensory processing, learning, and memory. Alterations of gamma oscillations have been observed in schizophrenia and are suggested to play crucial roles in the generation of positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of the disease.

Experimental Approach

In this study, we investigated the effects of the novel antipsychotic cariprazine, a D3‐preferring dopamine D3/D2 receptor partial agonist, on cholinergically induced gamma oscillations in rat hippocampal slices from treatment‐naïve and MK‐801‐treated rats, a model of acute first‐episode schizophrenia.

Key Results

The D3 receptor‐preferring agonist pramipexole effectively decreased the power of gamma oscillations, while the D3 receptor antagonist SB‐277011 had no effect. In treatment‐naïve animals, cariprazine did not modulate strong gamma oscillations but slightly improved the periodicity of non‐saturated gamma activity. Cariprazine showed a clear partial agonistic profile at D3 receptors at the network level by potentiating the inhibitory effects when the D3 receptor tone was low and antagonizing the effects when the tone was high. In hippocampal slices of MK‐801‐treated rats, cariprazine allowed stabilization of the aberrant increase in gamma oscillation power and potentiated resynchronization of the oscillations.

Conclusion and Implications

Data from this study indicate that cariprazine stabilizes pathological hippocampal gamma oscillations, presumably by its partial agonistic profile. The results demonstrate in vitro gamma oscillations as predictive biomarkers to study the effects of antipsychotics preclinically at the network level.
Fathers who use domestic violence: Organisational capacity building and practice development
Authors: Humphreys Cathy , Healey Lucy , Heward‐Belle Susan
Published: November 2019

It is well established in the literature that fathers who use violence harm women and children. Statutory child protection workers and other human service professionals now face strong injunctions to work with these men. However, insufficient attention has been given to considering the processes for intervening with fathers who use violence and the organisational context to support workers in refocusing their practice. Workers lack clear guidance, and organisations lack specific understandings of how to support workers in this complex area of practice. Australian research used co‐design with professionals in Communities of Practice supported by the Safe & Together Institute to explore the organisational context required to work with fathers who use violence. This paper presents findings of qualitative data gathered from surveys, focus groups, and ethnographic notes of 30 Community of Practice sessions. Working together, practitioners and researchers identified four essential elements to support organisational development and improve practice: leadership by senior managers; recognition that domestic violence work needs to strengthen collaborative working; extensive training, supervising, and coaching; and enhanced worker safety. Worker perspectives are critical in developing practice principles and identifying organisational mechanisms that support practitioners to work safely and effectively with fathers who use violence.
Functional characterization of novel MFSD8 pathogenic variants anticipates neurological involvement in juvenile isolated maculopathy
Authors: Bauwens Miriam , Storch Stephan , Weisschuh Nicole , Ceuterick‐de Groote Chantal , De Rycke Riet , Guillemyn Brecht , De Jaegere Sarah , Coppieters Frauke , Van Coster Rudy , Leroy Bart P. , De Baere Elfride
Published: November 2019

Biallelic MFSD8 variants are an established cause of severe late‐infantile subtype of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (v‐LINCL), a severe lysosomal storage disorder, but have also been associated with nonsyndromic adult‐onset maculopathy. Here, we functionally characterized two novel MFSD8 variants found in a child with juvenile isolated maculopathy, in order to establish a refined prognosis. ABCA4 locus resequencing was followed by the analysis of other inherited retinal disease genes by whole exome sequencing (WES). Minigene assays and cDNA sequencing were used to assess the effect of a novel MFSD8 splice variant. MFSD8 expression was quantified with qPCR and overexpression studies were analyzed by immunoblotting. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed on a skin biopsy and ophthalmological and neurological re‐examinations were conducted. WES revealed two novel MFSD8 variants: c.[590del];[439+3A>C] p.[Gly197Valfs*2];[Ile67Glufs*3]. Characterization of the c.439+3A>C variant via splice assays showed exon‐skipping (p.Ile67Glufs*3), while overexpression studies of the corresponding protein indicated expression of a truncated polypeptide. In addition, a significantly reduced MFSD8 RNA expression was noted in patient's lymphocytes. TEM of a skin biopsy revealed typical v‐LINCL lipopigment inclusions while neurological imaging of the proband displayed subtle cerebellar atrophy. Functional characterization demonstrated the pathogenicity of two novel MFSD8 variants, found in a child with an initial diagnosis of juvenile isolated maculopathy but likely evolving to v‐LINCL with a protracted disease course. Our study allowed a refined neurological prognosis in the proband and expands the natural history of MFSD8‐associated disease.
Chromatinopathies: A focus on Cornelia de Lange syndrome
Authors: Avagliano Laura , Parenti Ilaria , Grazioli Paolo , Di Fede Elisabetta , Parodi Chiara , Mariani Milena , Kaiser Frank J. , Selicorni Angelo , Gervasini Cristina , Massa Valentina
Published: November 2019

In recent years, many genes have been associated with chromatinopathies classified as “Cornelia de Lange Syndrome‐like.” It is known that the phenotype of these patients becomes less recognizable, overlapping to features characteristic of other syndromes caused by genetic variants affecting different regulators of chromatin structure and function. Therefore, Cornelia de Lange syndrome diagnosis might be arduous due to the seldom discordance between unexpected molecular diagnosis and clinical evaluation. Here, we review the molecular features of Cornelia de Lange syndrome, supporting the hypothesis that “CdLS‐like syndromes” are part of a larger “rare disease family” sharing multiple clinical features and common disrupted molecular pathways.
Spawning periodicity and synchrony of bluehead chub (Nocomis leptocephalus) and a nest associate, yellowfin shiner (Notropis lutipinnis), across local streams
Authors: Kim Seoghyun , Kanno Yoichiro
Published: November 2019

We studied daily spawning periodicity of a nest‐building species, bluehead chub (Nocomis leptocephalus), and a nest associate, yellowfin shiner (Notropis lutipinnis), in three streams in the upper Piedmont region of South Carolina, USA. Field observations were conducted for 89 consecutive days in 2016 by recording the number of active nests and environmental variables. A total of 71 nests were located across study streams; bluhead chub and yellowfin shiner spawned between April and June. Spawning was observed periodically at intervals of 4–6 days within the same stream and across different streams, indicating broad‐scale influences of the same environmental factors leading to synchrony. A generalized linear auto‐regressive and moving average model showed that the periodic spawning pattern was likely caused by changes in water temperature, with effects of water level varying by stream. Specifically, spawning was triggered by a short‐term (2‐day) increase in water temperature and was observed under stable flow conditions (i.e. a lack of precipitation). This study showed that spawning periodicity of bluehead chub and yellowfin shiner tracked daily variation in in‐stream conditions, indicating that their reproduction might be affected by anthropogenic disturbances that affect the rate of change in thermal and flow regimes at the fine temporal scale (e.g. hydroelectric dams and impervious cover).
Against the Moral Powers Test of basic liberty
Authors: Brennan Jason
Published: November 2019

In Rawlsian political philosophy, “basic liberties” are rights subject to a high degree of protection, such that they cannot easily be overridden for concerns of stability, efficiency, or social justice. For Rawls, something qualifies as a basic liberty if and only if bears the right relationship to our “two moral powers”: a capacity to form a sense of the good life and a capacity for a sense of justice. However, which rights are basic liberties is subject to frequent ideological debate, which Rawlsian libertarians and Rawlsian socialists arguing that Rawls's own view is mistaken or incomplete. I argue that problem is that Moral Powers Test does not quite work. Only a small amount of liberty—not enough to qualify a society as liberal—can clearly be shown to pass the Moral Powers Test. One might attempt to rescue the Moral Powers Test by relaxing or modifying its requirements, but, I will argue, there appears to be no unproblematic and nonquestion‐begging way to do so. The Moral Powers Test must be abandoned or, at least, requires some unknown but radical revision or require supplements from outside Rawls's own theory.
Pediatric status epilepticus: Identification of prognostic factors using the new ILAE classification after 5 years of follow‐up
Authors: Specchio Nicola , Pietrafusa Nicola , Bellusci Marcello , Trivisano Marina , Benvenga Antonella , de Palma Luca , Ferretti Alessandro , Carfi’ Pavia Giusy , Calabrese Costanza , Tondo Ilaria , Cappelletti Simona , De Liso Paola , Pepi Chiara , Fusco Lucia , Vigevano Federico
Published: November 2019

Objective

Status epilepticus (SE) is the most common neurologic emergency in childhood. This study aimed to report on a large cohort of pediatric patients with SE, applying the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Classification for SE to identify prognostic factors.

Methods

We included 173 children treated at “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital in Rome for SE exceeding 30 minutes (mean age 4.43 ± 4.93 years old, median 2.28, interquartile range [IQR] 0.41‐7.32; follow‐up for a mean of 4.9 ± 3.4 years, median 8.75, IQR 4,58‐12.63). A multivariate model was constructed to predict neurocognitive outcome, recurrence of SE, development of epilepsy, and mortality. Adjusted odds ratios [ORs] were calculated with 95% confidence interval (OR, 95% CIs).

Results

We observed a different prevalence of etiologies for the different semiologies (P < .05) and for each age group (P < .05), overlapping only in part with the recent ILAE classification. After SE, patients showed 69.9% epilepsy (drug‐resistant in half of them), 23.1% worsening of neurologic findings on examination, 28.9% cognitive deficit, and 28.3% recurrent SE. At multivariate analysis: superrefractory SE was correlated to an increased risk of developing cognitive (OR 6.00, 95% CI 2.09, 17.31) or neurologic sequelae (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.75, 19.77). A similar finding was observed for patients with onset in the neonatal period for cognitive (OR 4.84, 95% CI 1.13, 17.3) and neurologic sequelae (OR 9.03, 95% CI 2.40, 34.04). Recurrence of SE was associated with unknown etiology (OR 6.15, 95% CI 1.43, 26.76), and myoclonic semiology (OR 6.1, 95% CI 1.23, 29.3). Patients with acute symptomatic etiology (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.04, 0.40) had a lower risk for developing epilepsy.

Significance

Age at onset and duration of SE were critical independent variables associated with worse neurocognitive outcome. The risk of developing epilepsy was lower after acute symptomatic and febrile SE. Semiology and age at onset correlate with etiology of SE. For this reason, ILAE classification with respect to four axes seems an appropriate advancement.
Characterization of α‐synuclein N‐terminal domain as a novel cellular phosphatidic acid sensor
Authors: Yamada Haruka , Mizuno Satoru , Honda Shotaro , Takahashi Daisuke , Sakane Fumio
Published: November 2019

Tracking the localization and dynamics of the intracellular bioactive lipid phosphatidic acid (PA) is important for understanding diverse biological phenomena. Although several PA sensors have been developed, better ones are still needed for comprehensive PA detection in cells. We recently found that α‐synuclein (α‐Syn) selectively and strongly bound to PA in vitro. Here, we revealed that the N‐terminal region of α‐Syn (α‐Syn‐N) specifically bound to PA, with a dissociation constant of 6.6 μm. α‐Syn‐N colocalized with PA‐producing enzymes, diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) β at the plasma membrane (PM), myristoylated DGKζ at the Golgi apparatus, phorbol ester‐stimulated DGKγ at the PM, and phospholipase D2 at the PM and Golgi but not with the phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate‐producing enzyme in COS‐7 cells. However, α‐Syn‐N failed to colocalize with them in the presence of their inhibitors and/or their inactive mutants. These results indicate that α‐Syn‐N specifically binds to cellular PA and can be applied as an excellent PA sensor.