bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reflections on JIC’s twenty-year history and suggestions for future IC research
Authors: Lin Carol Y.Y. , Edvinsson Leif
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The threefold purpose of this paper is to reflect on the evolution and transformation of the Journal of Intellectual Capital (JIC) over the past 20 years, to project its future research directions, and, finally, to propose an IC ecosystem.

Design/methodology/approach

We adopted a combination of a narrative and a systematic review of 700 JIC papers appearing in the journal in its entirety, from Volume 1 (2000) to Volume 20 (2019). The categorization of topics is based on the frequency of keywords in the titles of the papers.

Findings

Scholars have proposed four stages of intellectual capital (IC) research: definition/awareness, measurement/management, implementation/strategy, and ecosystem. Over the past 20 years, a total of 16 special issues were published in the journal. The five topics with the highest paper counts in descending order are country-specific studies, concept papers, reporting and disclosure, measurement and performance. Four issues require the researcher’s special attention: theoretical development, IC research methodology, national intellectual capital, and data collection. An IC ecosystem is proposed to invite discussion and refinement. For future research, ecosystem-oriented and interdisciplinary research are suggested. Research design aimed at achieving Sustainable Development Goals are encouraged.

Research limitations/implications

Intellectual capital research has implications for four major types of stakeholders, namely academia, government agencies, practitioners, and top management team of organizations. The major limitation of this research is that this review of twenty years of intellectual capital research is limited exclusively to the papers published in the JIC; IC papers published in relevant journals or conferences were not included.

Originality/value

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the articles published in the first 20 volumes of the JIC. The field of intellectual capital has evolved from the social construction of IC knowledge to IC knowledge diffusion and inheritance. Hopefully, a fully developed IC ecosystem will eventually emerge. IC researchers can position themselves in the IC research continuum and devise distinctive pathways to enhance their contributions to the transformation of IC research.
The crucial role of market intelligence in the development of small business marketing capabilities
Authors: Carson Grace , O'Connor Christina , Simmons Geoff
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Drawing on the resource-based view of the firm, this article explores the influences of market intelligence on the development of small business marketing capabilities, with reference to specialized marketing capabilities, architectural marketing capabilities and dynamic capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual framework and propositions present and interpret the resource–capability complementarity between market intelligence and small business marketing capabilities and outline the relationship between individual capability sets.

Findings

Market intelligence is shown to be crucial in the development of small business marketing capabilities and in the implementation of more formalized marketing strategies that allow small businesses to create value for customers and improve their performance. However, the level to which market intelligence is utilized and marketing capabilities are developed is found to be considerably influenced by the small business owner-manager and firm learning.

Practical implications

It is imperative that small businesses acknowledge the practical benefits of market intelligence and harness these advantages accordingly. However, owner-managers must be motivated to encourage the development of more formalized marketing capabilities and act incisively upon the information derived from market intelligence.

Originality/value

Recent research indicates that market intelligence and marketing capabilities can interact to enable a firm to align its resources with the market, by providing customer insights that guide them as to which value-adding activities they should implement. However, extant research in this area remains in its infancy, and very little is known about the adoption processes of market intelligence in small businesses and its role in developing marketing capabilities.
Selecting information products and services to embed in a virtual learning environment to support engineering undergraduates in a blended learning context
Authors: Makhafola Lesego , Van Deventer Martie J.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to understand what role undergraduate third- and fourth-year students expect librarians to play in an online learning environment and to determine what information products, training and other services the students expected librarians to embed.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study used a convergent parallel mixed methods design. Data were collected from both students and lecturers. An online questionnaire was used to collect mainly quantitative data from the undergraduates while a semi-structured interview schedule was used for in-depth discussions with lecturers.

Findings

Contrary to what was expected, engineering students regarded access to an embedded librarian as important. Lecturers prefer that a separate, mandatory module is created and embedded in the learning environment. Product and service expectations were not surprising, but there are gaps to fill when it comes to training needs.

Research limitations/implications

The research sample was small and therefore generalizations are not advisable.

Originality/value

The research holds value to stakeholders involved in the teaching and learning of engineering subjects. Librarians embarking on the process of embedding their services online should also find the results useful.
Development of a framework for lean enterprise
Authors: Jasti Naga Vamsi Krishna , Kota Srinivas , Kale Samir Ramdas
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Lean enterprise (LE) is one of the emerging fields because of its impact across industry sectors. There were many LE framework articles published in the past without reviewing or considering the already published literature which lead to lots of inconsistencies in the existing frameworks of LE. This study aims to critically review the existing frameworks to identify inconsistencies and propose a new LE framework to overcome limitations of the existing LE frameworks.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify the existing LE frameworks. All these identified frameworks were classified based on the following criteria: novelty of the framework; based on participation of academicians/practitioners/consultants; whether the proposed frameworks were verified; type of verification methodology used; and the degree of standardization of LE elements. A comprehensive LE framework was proposed after a thorough review of the existing LE frameworks which has been validated through reliability analysis and validity analysis.

Findings

The analysis revealed major inconsistencies such as lack of adaptation of existing frameworks in literature which lead to incoherent elements in LE frameworks. The study also found shortage of significant participation of academicians and practitioners in LE frameworks development compared to consultants. The present work established a road map to find a “cohesive theory of LE”, which resulted in the development of a set of coherent elements. Finally, a comprehensive LE framework was proposed with the help of extensive literature review. The initially proposed 106 elements were condensed to 50 after the validation to increase the focus and relevance.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed LE framework needs to be validated via an empirical approach or clinical approach such as a case study which will be the future work.

Originality/value

The present study performed extensive literature review to identify LE-related articles, corresponding elements and established coherency among them. A new comprehensive framework was proposed.
Litigation risk and payout policy
Authors: Malm James , Kanuri Srinidhi
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine the relationship between litigation risk and payout policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ various regression techniques including probit, logit and tobit regression methodologies to study the relationship between litigation risk (contemporaneous measures, litigation dummy) and payout policy (dividend payout likelihood and dividend yield). The authors also conduct several robustness tests.

Findings

The authors find that firms involved in a lawsuit have a lower propensity to distribute dividends to shareholders. In particular, the authors document a negative relationship between litigation risk and payout policy as measured by dividend payout likelihood and dividend yield. The results are robust to a series of robustness tests including using alternate regression specifications, alternate measures of litigation and payout policy, a propensity-score matched sample and using an instrumental variable.

Originality/value

The paper identifies another determinant of payout policy and documents another avenue whereby legal institutions affect corporate payout policy. The link between litigation risk and payout policy is of interest to the business community, financial economists, management and the investing public.
CEO overconfidence and firm internationalization: the moderating role of experience and managerial discretion
Authors: Lin Runhui , Li Fei , Olawoyin Adedigba
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Overconfidence as an important psychological factor can also affect CEO’s cognitive preferences, while there are few studies about the impact of CEO’ overconfidence on the international expansion of companies. This paper aims to fill this gap and further discuss the moderating role of CEO’s overseas experience, CEO duality and ownership.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors focus on the Chinese context, collect 2008–2016 data from China's manufacturing industry as sample, use fixed effect model to analyse the effect of CEO overconfidence on international expansion strategy of Chinese firms.

Findings

The empirical results show that: CEO overconfidence positively promotes the degree of firm internationalization. CEO foreign experience positively affects the internationalization degree, but can restrain overconfidence thus negatively regulate this impact relationship. When duality is present, both CEO power and managerial discretion are pronounced and they exhibit a stronger effect. Firm’s equity nature will affect the relationship between CEOs' overconfidence and the degree of internationalization. Compared with private enterprises, CEOs in state-owned enterprises have limited power, therefore, this influence relationship is weaker.

Originality/value

This study has emphasized the importance of top executives' psychological characteristics on firm internationalization, which is key application and complement of upper echelons theory and fills the research gap in the literature. In this paper, the authors found the advantages of overconfidence for firms, which helps to understand the complex meaning of overconfidence. The results of moderating effect further explore the application of overconfidence in different context, which has some implications for management practice.
What if you are someone new?
Authors: Odebiyi Oluseyi Matthew , Sunal Cynthia , Sunal Dennis
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This early grades lesson set for the age group of 4–8 years explores the concepts of diversity, inclusion and friendship, involving three young students who are recent immigrants. The lesson set uses two companion books. In the book I am New Here, three recently immigrated young children from Guatemala, Korea and Somalia step into and experience their new school in their new country, the USA. In the companion book Someone New, their classmates explore how to reach out to and become friends with these new peers. The companion books are a resource for this lesson set, as they portray typical young learners who are immigrants exploring their identities and sources of support and how their presence and experiences challenge their classmates to find ways to support them in their new environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Students are guided to see themselves and others as unique individuals, with a range of abilities including the ability to speak different languages, to read and write in different ways so that they may initiate discussion and connect with classmates. Students occupy both the roles of new immigrant students and domestic students while they read the books, model how to interact with a new friend and represent their experiences in the lesson set.

Findings

The books promote young learners' interactions within and across groups. Both the domestic and immigrant students are encouraged to approach the experience of difference in school spaces as mutually beneficial, providing opportunities to learn more about self and others, as well as to develop a sense of inclusivity and friendship.

Originality/value

Someone New and I am New Here are companion books that together present a story of diversity, inclusion and friendship rendered in different perspectives. Efforts are made by three young students, who are immigrants from Guatemala, Korea and Somalia, and their classmates to understand and relate to each other. The books promote young learners’ interactions within and across groups.
Agritourism: experience design, activities, and revisit intention
Authors: Liang Austin Rong-Da , Hsiao Teng-Yuan , Chen Dun-Ji , Lin Jie-Heng
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Previous studies have discussed individual effects that certain agritourism activities have on visitor response while ignoring interaction effects. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to discuss both the individual and interaction effects of agritourism activities on tourist revisit intention.

Design/methodology/approach

This study classified agritourism activities into four categories and collected 883 valid samples. Logistic regression was then applied to test the influence of agritourism activities on tourist revisit intention.

Findings

Based on the results of the statistical analysis, it was found that those agritourism activities, which required mutual cooperation such as do-it-yourself (DIY), animal interaction/feeding and fruit and vegetable picking, enhanced tourist revisit intention. Furthermore, the agritourism groups participating in activities with or without children did not have consistent revisit intentions regarding animal feeding/interaction activities. In particular, this study found that willingness to revisit for tourists with children was influenced by animal feeding/interaction, but not for tourists without children.

Research limitations/implications

This study demonstrates that not all agritourism activities enhance revisit intention. For this reason, agritourism businesses should consider redesigning their activities related to visitor and animal interactions as increasing conscientiousness regarding animal welfare, especially with regard to animal abuse. Additionally, those activities focused on education and ecology are not as appreciated by tourists as they may have been previously assumed between different groups.

Originality/value

The findings of this study reveal that if the types of agritourism activities could fulfill visitors' expectations and desires they are more likely to have a satisfying experience. The authors consider some of these notions to be a kind of unrealistic fantasy regarding agritourism and the kind of activities involved therein. This kind of fantasy is likely formed by visitors 2019 past experiences and culture. As a result, the authors conclude that agritourism activities focused on the education of plants and ecology do not achieve the truly preferred aim of better interaction between people.
Examining the association between triage streamed treatment location and time to appropriate antibiotics in emergency department patients with septic shock
Authors: Ryan Kimberley , Greenslade Jaimi , Williams Julian
Published: June 2020

Objective

Early recognition and treatment for sepsis is critical in improving patient outcomes. The present study sought to examine whether triage location was associated with time to appropriate antibiotics in a cohort of ED patients with septic shock.

Methods

Septic shock patients were identified from a database of ED patients admitted with infection. Demographic, clinical and outcome data were reported by triage location. Time to event analyses sought to identify the association between triage location and time to appropriate antibiotic. Secondary outcome variables included ED and hospital length of stay (LOS), 30‐day mortality, and ICU admission.

Results

Time to appropriate antibiotic administration was longer for those patients triaged to lower acuity (242 min) compared to higher acuity (98 min,P < 0.01) locations. After adjustment for severity of illness, hospital LOS, ED LOS and 30‐day mortality were similar regardless of the triaged location. Admission to ICU was lower for patients triaged to lower (7.3%) compared to higher (47.3%) acuity treatment locations.

Conclusions

We identified a sub‐group of septic shock patients triaged to a lower acuity treatment location who received significant delays to antibiotics. This research area deserves closer examination to potentially recognise septic shock earlier in the continuum.
Addition of yogurt to wort for the production of spirits: Evaluation of the spirit aroma over a two‐year period
Authors: Tsapou Evangelia A. , Drosou Fotini , Koussissi Elisabeth , Dimopoulou Maria , Dourtoglou Thalia , Dourtoglou Vassilis
Published: June 2020

Triggered by the development of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) during the production of Scotch whisky, this study examined the influence of yeast and LAB inoculation on whisky flavor. Four new spirits were produced using the same process. LAB were added as a form of a Greek yogurt's live culture. In each category (barley and rye), one sample was fermented with Greek yogurt while the other was fermented without it. The spirits were matured and analyzed at five different points. Results from gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis showed basic volatile compounds, along with some important extra compounds with yogurt culture. The most obvious differences were observed in the concentration of butanoic acid, a characteristic acid in spirits undergoing lactic acid fermentation: to identify esters such as ethyl butanoate, ethyl isobutanoate, isoamyl butanoate, and 2‐phenylethyl butanoate, they are not typical compounds in whisky.
Rheumatology patients' attitude regarding Ramadan and fasting
Authors: Pehlivan Seda , Pehlivan Yavuz , Yağız Burcu , Coşkun Belkıs Nihan , Ermurat Selime , Dalkılıç Ediz
Published: June 2020

Objective

Fasting may lead to some problems in patients who have to use drugs on a regular and continuous basis. The objective of this study is to identify rheumatology patients' attitudes toward Ramadan and fasting.

Method

The descriptive and cross‐sectional study was conducted with 374 patients. The study data were collected using a questionnaire form. SPSS was used and percentage and Chi‐square analyses were performed.

Results

It was determined that 56.1% fasted during Ramadan. When asked about the effect of fasting on the disease, 88.4% of those who fasted answered “it had no effect”, and 80.1% of those that did not fast said “it affected negatively” (P < .05). It was determined that 41.9% of the fasting patients did not visit the doctor during Ramadan, 52.9% continued using their drugs without any change, and 73.3% did not ask for information on fasting. The rate of patients who were informed by the doctor without any request for information was found to be only 9% (P < .05).

Conclusion

It was determined that more than half of the rheumatology patients fasted, the majority of these patients thought that it would not affect their disease, and the rate of request for information from the doctor was low. It is considered that a drug program could be prepared for fasting individuals who are willing to fast, in which drugs are taken between the İftar and Suhur times, and patients can safely fast without any additional risk to their disease.
Clinical effect of bronchial arterial infusion chemotherapy and CalliSpheres drug‐eluting beads in patients with stage II–IV lung cancer: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Shang Bin , Li Jijun , Wang Xingguang , Li Daowei , Liang Bin , Wang Yonggang , Han Xujian , Dou Weitao , Chen Gang , Shang Jianqiang , Jiang Shujuan
Published: June 2020

Background

CalliSpheres are drug‐eluting beads used for tumor artery embolization, with clinical benefits in a number of cancer types. The aim of the study was to examine the clinical benefits and complications of patients with stage II–IV lung cancer treated with CalliSpheres drug‐eluting beads for embolization versus conventional vascular interventional treatment.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study conducted from August 2018 to May 2019. The patients were grouped according to traditional bronchial arterial infusion chemotherapy (infusion group) or bronchial arterial chemoembolization with CalliSpheres drug‐eluting beads loaded with adriamycin (CallisSphere group). Short‐term effects, serum tumor markers, and adverse reactions during follow‐up were compared between the two groups.

Results

There were 60 participants enrolled into the study with 30 in each group including 54 men and six women, 42–78 years of age. In the CalliSphere group, compared with the infusion group, the disease control rate was 93.3% versus 73.3% (P = 0.080) and the objective remission rate (ORR) was 86.7% versus 60.0% (P = 0.039); the three‐ and six‐month progression‐free survival (PFS) and six‐month overall survival (OS) were better in the CalliSphere group (three‐month PFS: 96.7% vs. 73.3%, P = 0.026; six‐month PFS: 87.5% vs. 57.1%, P = 0.045; six‐month OS: 87.5% vs. 52.7%, P = 0.024); after treatment, the tumor markers in the CalliSphere group were lower (CEA: P < 0.001; CYFRA21‐1: P = 0.014). There were no differences in adverse reactions between the two groups.

Conclusions

The clinical effect of bronchial arterial chemoembolization with drug‐eluting beads on lung cancer is probably significant and could improve the short‐term response, PFS, and OS in patients with stage IIIV lung cancer, without increasing severe adverse reactions.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

The clinical effect of bronchial arterial chemoembolization with drug‐eluting beads on lung cancer is probably significant and could improve the short‐term response, PFS, and OS in patients with stage II–IV lung cancer, without increasing severe adverse reactions.

What this study adds

The ORR, PFS, OS was better in the CalliSphere group than that of infusion group; CEA and CYFRA21‐1 were significant lower in CalliSphere group.
A Cause for Alarm? The Long‐term Performance of Shareholder Class Action Defendants
Authors: Aspris Angelo , McAlpin Luke
Published: June 2020

Using two decades of shareholder class action filings, we provide evidence of significant and consistent long‐run price underperformance in defendant firms. By partitioning our sample according to the merits of an action, we show that firms less likely to have been involved in earnings manipulation, but who may have benefited from corrective management improvements and better signalling, go on to experience significant price reversals within a year of the filing date. Firms identified as high probability manipulators underperform over the long‐term. Our results have important implications for ongoing policy discussions on the merits of shareholder class actions.
What Does the CAPM Say About Operating Leverage?
Authors: Linnenluecke Martina K. , Smith Tom , Shen Yun , Zhu Yushu , Liang Zini
Published: June 2020

We examine the issue of operating leverage and firm value. Johnstone (2020), in this issue, questions existing results which indicate that higher operating leverage results in lower firm value. We agree with Johnstone (2020) that this result is to be questioned and present a number of arguments which indicate that operating leverage is irrelevant to the valuation of the firm in the context of the CAPM model.
Micromorphology and topography of tarsal joint capsule's vascular elements in cats and dogs
Authors: Nechiporuk Yevheniya , Novak Vitaliy , Melnychenko Antonina , Bevz Olga , Dudka Volodymyr
Published: June 2020

Both cats and dogs belong to animals with the same type of limb support but have different nature of movement. Despite belonging to digitigrade animals, cats and dogs have a different nature of motion. While moving, the medial joint surface in cats and lateral surface in dogs carry the larger pressure. The aim of the study was to compare the similar surfaces of the cat's and dog's tarsal joint capsule and to detect differences in its histostructure and vascularisation. For the study, we used the capsule of the tarsal joint of five cats and five dogs dissected with accordance to anatomical surfaces. Sections of the capsule joint were stained with haematoxylin–eosin. The sections were examined with a microscope at magnification ×250 and ×400. The statistical analysis of the results was done using Student's t test. During the research, a difference in histostructure and vascularisation of tarsal joint capsule in cats and dogs on respective surfaces were found. The medial surface of the tarsal joint capsule was the most saturated with hemomicrocirculatory bed structures in cats, whereas this was the lateral surface in dogs. The most active metabolic processes also take place in these areas of the joint capsule, which is important to know when prescribing therapeutic procedures and determining an optimal surgical access.
Current knowledge on the human eye microbiome: a systematic review of available amplicon and metagenomic sequencing data
Authors: Delbeke Heleen , Younas Saif , Casteels Ingele , Joossens Marie
Published: June 2020

Insights in the ocular surface microbiome are still at an early stage and many more questions remain unanswered compared with other human‐associated microbial communities. The current knowledge on the human microbiome changed our viewpoint on bacteria and human health and significantly enhanced our understanding of human pathophysiology. Also in ocular medicine, microbiome research might impact treatment. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on ocular microbiome research with a particular focus on potential confounding factors and their effects on microbiome composition. Moreover, we present the ocular surface core microbiome based on current available data and defined it as genera present in almost half of the published control cohorts with a relative abundance of at least 1%.
Prevalence and causes of bilateral visual impairment in rural areas of Tianjin, China – The Tianjin Eye Study
Authors: Meng Xiangda , Zhou Wei , Sun Zhuoyu , Han Qi , Zhang Jingkai , Zhang Hongwen , Wang Weijuan , Zhong Min , Wang Meiyan , Zhang Junlan , Hao Jing , Han Han , Zhao Xiao , Hu Xingxing , Zhu Xinlei , Li Jianan , Wang Tian , Huang Yunli , Liao Mengyu , Song Yinting , Yan Hua
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To estimate the prevalence, causes and risk factors of bilateral visual impairment in rural areas of Tianjin, China.

Methods

A large population‐based, cross‐sectional study. A stratified random cluster sampling method was used to investigate 12 233 participants in all age groups living in rural Tianjin. Participants completed questionnaires and received professional ophthalmology examinations.

Results

According to World Health Organization best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) criteria, the crude prevalence of bilateral visual impairment (BCVA < 20/63), bilateral low vision (BCVA < 20/63 to ≥20/400) and bilateral blindness (BCVA < 20/400) was 2.53%, 2.40% and 0.14% (age‐ and gender‐standardized prevalence was 1.86%, 1.76% and 0.11%). The prevalence increased with age and was higher in women than men. The most common causes of bilateral visual impairment in the total population were cataract (48.39%), refractive error/amblyopia (17.74%), age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) (10.00%), diabetic retinopathy (5.81%) and glaucoma (3.87%). For participants younger than 50 years, refractive error/amblyopia was the leading cause of low vision and blindness, while cataract was the major cause in the participants over 50. Female gender, older age and self‐reported diabetes were associated with increased risks of visual impairment.

Conclusion

The age‐ and gender‐standardized prevalence of low vision, especially in the older group (50+), was higher in this study compared with previous studies in China. Refractive error/amblyopia was the leading cause of bilateral visual impairment in younger group, while cataract was the primary cause in the older group. These findings will provide useful information for planning comprehensive eye healthcare programmes in China.
Detailed optical coherence tomography angiographic short‐term response of type 3 neovascularization to combined treatment with photodynamic therapy and intravitreal bevacizumab
Authors: Smid Lisette M. , Vermeer Koenraad A. , Wong King T. , Martinez Ciriano José P. , de Jong Jan H. , Davidoiu Valentina , de Boer Johannes F. , van Velthoven Mirjam E. J.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To explore the short‐term vascular and structural changes of type 3 neovascularization using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT‐A) when treated with a combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB), and to evaluate the course of different sequences of the combined therapies.

Methods

Thirty eyes of 29 treatment‐naïve patients with a type 3 neovascularization were included in this prospective observational cohort study. They were all treated with PDT and IVB 2 weeks apart, starting either with PDT (PDT‐first group) or IVB (IVB‐first group). Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT‐A) imaging was performed at week 0, 2, 4 and 18, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at week 0 and 18. Vascular, structural and functional features were graded and analysed over time.

Results

In all patients, at all follow‐up visits, vascular and structural features were significantly more often decreased or resolved than unchanged or increased. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) significantly improved at 18 weeks. Vascular, structural and functional outcomes were all slightly better in the PDT‐first group compared to the IVB‐first group, although not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Combined treatment of PDT and IVB is effective in short‐term for type 3 neovascularization based on vascular and structural features. Initial treatment with PDT tended to be more effective than with IVB.
Prevalence, risk factors and impact of posterior staphyloma diagnosed from wide‐field optical coherence tomography in Singapore adults with high myopia
Authors: Zheng Feihui , Wong Chee‐Wai , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Cheung Yin‐Bun , Matsumura Saiko , Chua Jacqueline , Man Ryan Eyn Kidd , Ohno‐Matsui Kyoko , Wong Tien‐Yin , Cheng Ching‐Yu , Tai E. Shyong , Lamoureux Ecosse Luc Edouard Denis , Schmetterer Leopold , Kuo Anthony , Hoang Quan V. , Saw Seang‐Mei
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of posterior staphyloma using wide‐field optical coherence tomography (WF‐OCT) in adults with high myopia in Singapore.

Design

Population‐based cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Adults with spherical equivalent (SE) ≤ −5D in either eye at the first visit of Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases study and Singapore Prospective Study Program study were recruited. Posterior staphyloma was diagnosed using WF‐OCT (PLEX®Elite9000, Carl Zeiss Meditec). Myopic macular degeneration (MMD), myopic traction maculopathy (MTM) and vision‐related quality of life (VRQoL) were assessed using fundus photographs, DRI‐Triton OCT (Topcon) and the Impact of Vision Impairment (IVI) questionnaire, respectively. Factors associated with posterior staphyloma were identified with multilevel, multivariable logistic regression. Impact of posterior staphyloma on MMD, MTM and visual function was analysed with multilevel, multivariable logistic regression and linear mixed model, respectively.

Results

Among the 225 eyes [mean SE = −6.5 ± 2.2 D, mean axial length (AL) = 26.2 ± 1.5 mm] of 117 participants (mean age = 60.3 ± 7.1 years), posterior staphyloma was detected in 47 (20.9%) eyes of 38 (32.5%) participants. Older age [odds ratio (OR), 1.18; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10–1.26], more myopic SE (0.63; 0.51–0.77) and increased AL (2.51; 1.69–3.73) were associated with higher prevalence of posterior staphyloma (all p < 0.001). Adults with posterior staphyloma had higher odds of MMD (2.67; 1.23–5.82; p = 0.013), MTM (3.79; 1.13–12.68; p = 0.031) and worse IVI Reading (β = −1.44; −2.31 to 0.58; p = 0.001) scores.

Conclusions

About one in three adults with high myopia had posterior staphyloma, which was associated with increased odds of having myopic maculopathy and a detrimental impact on VRQoL.
Systematic review showed that low and moderate prenatal alcohol and nicotine exposure affected early child development
Authors: Römer Pia , Mathes Birgit , Reinelt Tilman , Stoyanova Polina , Petermann Franz , Zierul Claudia
Published: June 2020

Aim

We systematically reviewed the literature on the influence of low and moderate amounts of prenatal alcohol and nicotine exposure on early child development. This paper also suggests possible directions for future research in order to tackle the controversial findings identified.

Methods

The PubMed and Web of Science electronic databases were searched together with the reference lists of the selected papers. Empirical studies were included if they focused on the effects of low or moderate exposure, reported outcomes on child development within the first 2 years of life and were published in English between January 2009 and December 2019. The eligibility of the included studies was based on three authors reading the full text.

Results

The final sample comprised 17 papers. Of these, 13 focused on the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure and they reported decreased sensory sensibility, smaller body sizes and increased cognitive capacities. The other four looked at prenatal nicotine exposure, and they primarily found impairments in children's orienting, communication and motor skills.

Conclusion

Any amount of prenatal alcohol and nicotine exposure appeared to risk healthy child development. There were many reasons for consumption and numerous effects on the child, but representative data from interdisciplinary research were missing.
Arctic archaeological sites threatened by climate change: A regional multi‐threat assessment of sites in south‐west Greenland
Authors: Fenger‐Nielsen R. , Elberling B. , Kroon A. , Westergaard‐Nielsen A. , Matthiesen H. , Harmsen H. , Madsen C. K. , Stendel M. , Hollesen J.
Published: June 2020

Climate change threatens many well‐preserved archaeological sites in the Arctic. The paper presents the first Arctic multi‐threat assessment focusing on the Nuuk region of Greenland. The results suggest that the majority of the 336 known archaeological sites are already exposed to impacts from microbial degradation, permafrost thaw and vegetation, and that these impacts will increase over the next 80 years. Additional impacts from coastal erosion are only noted at a limited number of sites due to a predominant consolidated and uplifting coast. The applied methods represent an important first step to identify threatened sites and emphasize important data limitations.
Phenotypic bases of NOTCH2NLC GGC expansion positive neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease in a Southeast Asian cohort
Authors: Chen Zhiyong , Xu Zheyu , Cheng Qianhui , Tan Yi Jayne , Ong Helen L. , Zhao Yi , Lim Weng Khong , Teo Jing Xian , Foo Jia Nee , Lee Hwei Yee , Tan Jeanne M.M. , Hang Liting , Yu Wai‐Yung , Ting Simon K.S. , Tan Eng‐King , Lim Tchoyoson C.C. , Ng Adeline S.L.
Published: June 2020

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with GGC repeats of >60 to 500 copies in the 5′‐untranslated region of NOTCH2NLC. The clinical and genetic characterization of NIID outside of East Asia remains unknown. We identified twelve patients who underwent genetic testing using long‐read sequencing or repeat primed polymerase chain reaction. All were positive for a GGC repeat expansion; the median repeat length was 107 (range 92‐138). Ten were Chinese and two of Malay ethnicity. Age at onset ranged from 50 to 69 years. Eight (66.7%) patients had dementia, while four (33.3%) patients were oligosymptomatic, without typical NIID symptoms of dementia, Parkinsonism, or muscle weakness. GGA interruptions within the GGC expansion were present in four patients; the number of GGA interruptions was highest (6.71%) in the patient with the earliest age at onset (50 years). Median plasma neurofilament light level was 47.3 pg/mL in seven patients (range 26‐380 pg/mL). The highest level (380 pg/mL) was found in one patient who experienced an encephalitic episode. Overall, we describe a cohort of genetically confirmed NIID patients from Southeast Asia and provide further information that the presence of GGA interruptions within GGC repeat expansions may serve as a potential genetic modifier in NIID.
Fiscal and monetary interdependence
Authors: Steele G R
Published: June 2020

Where classical economics integrates the quantity theory of money with the concept of Ricardian equivalence, the tendency of recent macroeconomic presentations is to focus either upon money and inflation or upon taxation and debt. That neglect of classical monetary–fiscal integration is surprising, given an initiative by the International Monetary Fund that set credit, money, and fiscal policy within a single structure. This article places those ‘credit counterparts of broad money’ in the context of the Great Depression and the recent global financial crisis. The upshot is a set of conclusions: that, to counter the prospect of deflation, quantitative easing is a weak policy response; that fiscal deficits are better; and that cuts in taxation are preferable to increased government spending.
Luck or insight? The Simon–Ehrlich bet re‐examined
Authors: Pooley Gale , Tupy Marian
Published: June 2020

After a long argument about the effect of population growth on the availability of resources, Julian Simon and Paul Ehrlich undertook a $1,000 bet in October1980. The wager concerned the inflation‐adjusted prices of five metals. If, over ten years, prices rose, Simon would pay Ehrlich. If they fell, Ehrlich would pay Simon. In October 1990 Ehrlich mailed Simon a cheque, as the real price of the five‐metal basket of commodities had fallen by 36 per cent. Since then, some researchers have argued that Simon ‘got lucky’; over other periods the result would have been different. We review data from 1900–2019 and find that, if war years are excluded, Simon would have won the bet 69.9 per cent of the time. During this 119‐year period, the time price of the five‐metal basket fell by 87.2 per cent despite both US and world populations having grown substantially.
The trouble with naïve Keynesianism
Authors: Caporale Tony , Poitras Marc
Published: June 2020

Since the Keynesian Revolution of the 1930s, many prominent economists have argued that a useful policy response to economic depression is to boost government spending. But pressure to spend quickly increases the potential for waste and inefficiency: this is ignored or dismissed in the Keynesian literature. For example, a widely cited cost–benefit analysis of stimulus spending does not even acknowledge the possibility of waste, and some Keynesians go so far as to argue that wasteful spending during a crisis can nonetheless be desirable. Here we extend the typical analysis by accounting explicitly for the leading sources of cost including waste, resource costs, and the excess burden of taxation. Our results suggest that stimulus spending that is largely wasteful is unlikely to generate net wealth. A proper response to economic depression must consider the possibility that government waste can render stimulus spending counterproductive.
Optical coherence tomography measures correlate with brain and spinal cord atrophy and multiple sclerosis disease‐related disability
Authors: Vidal‐Jordana A. , Pareto D. , Cabello S. , Alberich M. , Rio J. , Tintore M. , Auger C. , Montalban X. , Rovira A. , Sastre‐Garriga J.
Published: June 2020

Background and purpose

Both optical coherence tomography (OCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumetric measures have been postulated as potential biomarkers of multiple sclerosis (MS)‐related disability. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between OCT and brain volume and spinal cord area (SCA) parameters in patients with relapsing MS and to assess their independent associations with disability.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional analysis of 90 patients with MS who underwent OCT and MRI examination. Values of peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL), ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) and inner nuclear layer of eyes without previous optic neuritis were obtained. SCA and brain parenchymal fraction (BPF), grey and white matter fractions were obtained. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted with disability as dependent variable.

Results

Lower pRNFL thickness and lower GCIPL volume as well as lower BPF, grey matter fraction and SCA were associated with a longer disease duration and a higher Expanded Disability Status Scale score. Lower pRNFL thickness and GCIPL volumes were associated with lower BPF and SCA. In the multivariable logistic regression analyses, pRNFL thickness and GCIPL volume outperformed MRI in predicting disability.

Conclusions

The OCT measures correlate with brain and spinal cord atrophy and appear more closely associated with disability than MRI volumetric measures.
Central nervous system infections in a tropical area: influence of emerging and rare infections
Authors: Chaumont H. , Roze E. , Tressières B. , Lazarini F. , Lannuzel A.
Published: June 2020

Background and purpose

The frequency of infectious encephalitis and the distribution of causative pathogens in tropical areas are poorly known and may be influenced by emerging and rare infections. The aim was to characterize a large series of acute infectious encephalitis and myelitis in immunocompetent patients from the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe identifying clinical, biological and radiological features according to pathogens.

Methods

Using a hospital database, detailed information on a comprehensive series of immunocompetent patients with acute infectious myelitis and encephalitis over the 2012–2018 period was retrospectively collected.

Results

From 259 suspected cases with acute central nervous system infection, 171 cases were included for analysis, comprising 141 encephalitis, 22 myelitis and eight encephalomyelitis. The annual incidence peaked at 15.0/100 000 during the Zika 2016 outbreak. Children accounted for 22.2% of cases. Eight adults died during hospital stay, all encephalitis. Seventeen infectious agents, two of which had never been described in Guadeloupe so far, were identified in 101 cases (59.1%), including 35 confirmed cases (34.7%), 48 probable cases (47.5%), 15 possible cases (14.9%) and three clinical cases (3.0%). The most frequent etiologic agents were Zika virus in 23 cases (13.5%), herpes simplex in 12 (7.0%), varicella zoster virus in 11 (6.4%), dengue virus in 11 (6.4%) and leptospirosis in 11 (6.4%).

Conclusions

The Zika outbreak had a major influence on the annual incidence of acute central nervous system infection. Acute neuroleptospirosis is over‐represented in our series. Further efforts are mandatory to develop new diagnostic tools for pathogen profiling.
Experiences of advance care planning in Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonian disorders: a mixed methods systematic review
Authors: Nimmons D. , Hatter L. , Davies N. , Sampson EL , Walters K. , Schrag A.
Published: June 2020

Background and purpose

Advance care planning allows people to plan for their future care needs and can include medical, psychological and social aspects. However, little is known on the use, experience of and attitudes towards advance care planning in patients with parkinsonian disorders, their family carers and healthcare professionals.

Methods

A systematic search of online databases was conducted in April 2019 using a narrative synthesis approach with thematic analysis and tabulation to synthesize the findings.

Results

In all, 507 articles were identified and 27 were included. There were five overarching themes: (i) what is involved in advance care planning discussions, (ii) when and how advance care planning discussions are initiated, (iii) barriers to advance care planning, (iv) the role of healthcare professionals and (v) the role of the family carer. This evidence was used to highlight eight effective components to support optimal advance care planning in parkinsonian disorders: advance care planning discussions should be individualized in content, timing and approach; patients should be invited to discuss advance care planning early and regularly; palliative care services should be introduced early; a skilled professional should deliver advance care planning; support to family carers should be offered in the advance care planning process; healthcare professionals should be educated on parkinsonian disorders and palliative care; advance care planning should be clearly documented and shared with relevant services; and healthcare professionals should be enabled to conduct effective advance care planning.

Conclusions

These components can inform best practice in advance care planning in patients with parkinsonian disorders.
The intrinsic ATPase activity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis UvrC is crucial for its damage‐specific DNA incision function
Authors: Thakur Manoj , Agarwal Ankit , Muniyappa Kalappa
Published: June 2020

To ensure genome stability, bacteria have evolved a network of DNA repair mechanisms; among them, the UvrABC‐dependent nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway is essential for the incision of a variety of bulky adducts generated by exogenous chemicals, UV radiation and by‐products of cellular metabolism. However, very little is known about the enzymatic properties of Mycobacterium tuberculosis UvrABC excinuclease complex. Furthermore, the biochemical properties of Escherichia coli UvrC (EcUvrC) are not well understood (compared to UvrA and UvrB), perhaps due to its limited availability and/or activity instability in vitro. In addition, homology modelling of M. tuberculosis UvrC (MtUvrC) revealed the presence of a putative ATP‐binding pocket, although its function remains unknown. To elucidate the biochemical properties of UvrC, we constructed and purified wild‐type MtUvrC and its eight variants harbouring mutations within the ATP‐binding pocket. The data from DNA‐binding studies suggest that MtUvrC exhibits high‐affinity for duplex DNA containing a bubble or fluorescein‐dT moiety, over fluorescein‐adducted single‐stranded DNA. Most notably, MtUvrC has an intrinsic UvrB‐independent ATPase activity, which drives dual incision of the damaged DNA strand. In contrast, EcUvrC is devoid of ATPase activity; however, it retains the ability to bind ATP at levels comparable to that of MtUvrC. The ATPase‐deficient variants map to residues lining the MtUvrC ATP‐binding pocket. Further analysis of these variants revealed separation of function between ATPase and DNA‐binding activities in MtUvrC. Altogether, these findings reveal functional diversity of the bacterial NER machinery and a paradigm for the evolution of a catalytic scaffold in UvrC.