bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Proximal Gradient Algorithm for Inference of Differential Gene Networks
Authors: Wang Chen , Gao Feng , Giannakis Georgios B. , D’Urso Gennaro , Cai Xiaodong
Published: October 2018

Background

Gene networks in living cells can change depending on various conditions such as caused by different environments, tissue types, disease states, and development stages. Identifying the differential changes in gene networks is very important to understand molecular basis of various biological process. While existing algorithms can be used to infer two gene networks separately from gene expression data under two different conditions, and then to identify network changes, such an approach does not exploit the data jointly, and it is thus suboptimal. A desirable approach would be clearly to infer two gene networks jointly, which can yield improved estimates of network changes.

Results

In this paper, we developed a proximal gradient algorithm for differential network (ProGAdNet) inference, that jointly infers two gene networks under different conditions and then identifies changes in the network structure. Computer simulations demonstrated that our ProGAdNet outperformed existing algorithms in terms of inference accuracy, and was much faster than a similar approach for joint inference of gene networks. Gene expression data of breast tumors and normal tissues in the TCGA database were analyzed with our ProGAdNet, and revealed that 268 genes were involved in the changed network edges. Gene set enrichment analysis of this set of 268 genes identified a number of gene sets related to breast cancer or other types of cancer, which corroborated the gene set identified by ProGAdNet was very informative about the cancer disease status. A software package implementing the ProGAdNet and computer simulations is available upon request.

Conclusion

With its superior performance over existing algorithms, ProGAdNet provides a valuable tool for finding changes in gene networks, which may aid the discovery of gene-gene interactions changed under different conditions.
Diffraction apparatus and procedure in tomography X-ray diffraction imaging for biological cells at cryogenic temperature using synchrotron X-ray radiation
Authors: Kobayashi Amane , Takayama Yuki , Okajima Koji , Oide Mao , Yamamoto Takahiro , Sekiguchi Yuki , Oroguchi Tomotaka , Nakasako Masayoshi , Kohmura Yoshiki , Yamamoto Masaki , Hoshi Takahiko , Torizuka Yasufumi
Published: October 2018

X-ray diffraction imaging is a technique for visualizing the structure of biological cells. In X-ray diffraction imaging experiments using synchrotron radiation, cryogenic conditions are necessary in order to reduce radiation damage in the biological cells. Frozen-hydrated biological specimens kept at cryogenic temperatures are also free from drying and bubbling, which occurs in wet specimens under vacuum conditions. In a previous study, the diffraction apparatus KOTOBUKI-1 [Nakasako et al. (2013), Rev. Sci. Instrum. 84, 093705] was constructed for X-ray diffraction imaging at cryogenic temperatures by utilizing a cryogenic pot, which is a cooling device developed in low-temperature physics. In this study a new cryogenic pot, suitable for tomography experiments, has been developed. The pot can rotate a biological cell over an angular range of ±170° against the direction of the incident X-ray beam. Herein, the details and the performance of the pot and miscellaneous devices are reported, along with established experimental procedures including specimen preparation. The apparatus has been used in tomography experiments for visualizing the three-dimensional structure of a Cyanidioschyzon merolae cell with an approximate size of 5 µm at a resolution of 136 nm. Based on the experimental results, the necessary improvements for future experiments and the resolution limit achievable under experimental conditions within a maximum tolerable dose are discussed.
Food quality vs food patriotism
Authors: Yormirzoev Mirzobobo , Teuber Ramona , Li Tongzhe
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of perceived food quality and consumer ethnocentrism and potential trade-offs between these two concepts in Russian consumers’ food purchase decisions after the implementation of the Russian import ban.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected via in-person interviews in the City of Perm, which is one of the largest and most industrial cities in Russia. A double-bounded dichotomous-choice contingent valuation model is utilized to estimate willingness to pay (WTP) and to analyze factors that affect consumers’ choice.

Findings

The results suggest that most respondents do not consider domestically produced cheese as a risky product in terms of food safety but simply of lower quality than imported cheese. However, the average respondent’s WTP discount for domestic cheese compared to imported cheese is 8 percent, which is relatively small. This corresponds to participants’ opinion that buying domestic cheese is the right thing to do since it supports Russian farmers and producers. The results indicate further that with increasing education and income levels, individuals are less likely to prefer domestically produced cheese for either economic or quality reasons. This effect is stronger for the quality preference.

Research limitations/implications

The results indicate that if the Russian government aims at expanding the domestic food market further, more attention needs to be paid to ensuring the quality of domestic food products in order to increase consumer acceptance and WTP.

Originality/value

This is the first study providing empirical evidence on Russian consumers’ attitudes and perceptions of domestically vs imported food products after the implementation of the Russian import ban, which can be considered as an external policy shock.
Innovation and inclusive excellence transformation through equine-guided leadership
Authors: Dunn Robin J. , Paxton Doug E.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Major themes included are creating a transformative space for healing, greater willingness to be vulnerable, overcoming fear, listening and attending to others more deeply, and being more fully present.

Practical implications

The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
Incorporating digital self-services into integrated mental health care: a physician’s perspective
Authors: Taiminen Heini Sisko Maarit , Saraniemi Saila , Parkinson Joy
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to enhance the current understanding of digital self-services (computerized cognitive behavioral therapy [cCBT]) and how they could be better incorporated into integrated mental health care from the physician’s perspective. Service marketing and information systems literature are combined in the context of mental health-care delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey of 412 Finnish physicians was undertaken to understand physicians’ acceptance of cCBT. The study applies thematic analysis and structural equation modeling to answer its research questions.

Findings

Adopting a service marketing perspective helps understand how digital self-services can be incorporated in health-care delivery. The findings suggest that value creation within this context should be seen as an intertwined process where value co-creation and self-creation should occur seamlessly at different stages. Furthermore, the usefulness of having a value self-creation supervisor was identified. These value creation logic changes should be understood and enabled to incorporate digital self-services into integrated mental health-care delivery.

Research limitations/implications

Because health-care systems vary across countries, strengthening understanding through exploring different contexts is crucial.

Practical implications

Assistance should be provided to physicians to enable better understanding of the application and suitability of digital self-service as a treatment option (such as cCBT) within their profession. Additionally, supportive facilitating conditions should be created to incorporate them as part of integrated care chain.

Social implications

Digital self-services have the potential to serve goals beyond routine activities in a health-care setting.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates the relevance of service theories within the health-care context and improves understanding of value creation in digital self-services. It also offers a profound depiction of the barriers to acceptance.
Gender diversity and enterprise innovative capability
Authors: Garba Tukur , Kraemer-Mbula Erika
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether female workers’ years of education do mediate the influence of gender diversity on innovative capability of enterprises in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses three waves Nigeria Enterprise Surveys panel dataset collected in 2007, 2009 and 2014, for a sample of 1,566 enterprises to circumvent the problems associated with application of cross-sectional designs in mediation studies. The study applies Hicks and Tingley’s (2011) two equations mediation analysis approach with robust standard error.

Findings

The results of the inferential analysis indicate that female workers’ years of education mediate fully and positively the effect of gender diversity on innovative capability of enterprises in Nigeria.

Research limitations/implications

For gender diversity to enhance the innovative capability of an enterprise, female workers must be empowered with higher levels of formal education.

Practical implications

Female workers should be empowered with formal education in order to enhance the ability of firms to innovate. Gender diversity alone does not enhance the innovative capability of an enterprise without empowering female workers with formal education.

Originality/value

Although past studies do provide substantial evidence on the positive relationship between gender diversity and the innovative capability of enterprises, the mediating effect of education on this relationship has been ignored. This is particularly relevant in a country such as Nigeria with low levels of innovation. Furthermore, despite the presumed positive effect of gender diversity on innovative capability, existing empirical research does not yield consistent findings to clearly resolve how or why gender diversity does affect the innovative capability of enterprises. This paper tests whether it could be the result of a mediating (intervening) variable.
Intra-industry efficiency analysis of Indian textile industry: a meta-frontier DEA approach
Authors: Goyal Jatin , Singh Rajdeep , Kaur Harpreet , Singh Kanwaljeet
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to comprehend the efficiency levels of the Indian textile industry and also its sub-sectors in the light of changing global and national business environment. It is imperative to study the efficiency levels of textile industry for an emerging economy like India, where the industry contributes up to 13 per cent in export earnings, 10 per cent in total industrial production and 2 per cent in gross domestic product (GDP). The study holds an important place in the wake of phasing out of the quota regime existing under the Multi Fibre Agreement (MFA) and the rising competition being faced from countries such as Bangladesh, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study attempts to have an in-depth analysis of the efficiency levels in the Indian textile industry using meta-frontier data envelopment analysis, which is a non-parametric linear programming based frontier technique.

Findings

The findings highlight that the Indian textile industry is inefficient and has a huge scope of improvement in terms of efficiency. It also confirms the existence of different production functions among the sub-sectors of the industry. Among the different sub-sectors, the proximity of production frontier of readymade garments is the closest to meta-frontier followed by cotton and blended yarn, man-made fibre, cloth and others.

Practical implications

The findings bear strong implications for the policymakers in their attempt to regain the lost competitive position of the Indian textile industry and to enhance its contribution in the economy. As per the findings, policymakers should target the relatively inefficient sub-sectors of textile industry (cloth, man-made fibre, cotton and blended yarn) to infuse more efficiency in these sectors to enhance the market share of the Indian textile industry in the global textiles market.

Originality/value

The current study is a unique addition to the sparse literature on managing efficiencies in the textile industry, particularly of emerging economy like India. Looking at the methodological and geographical coverage of the previous work, it was found that no study has explored and analysed the efficiencies of the sub-sectors in the Indian textile industry using meta-frontier analysis. Therefore, this study will be the first of its kind which seeks to fill such gaps and intends to enrich the available literature.
An assessment whether shareholder activism can be a corporate governance driver in the case of Mauritius
Authors: Beebeejaun Ambareen , Koobloll Jushveer
Published: October 2018

Purpose

“Shareholder activism works when shareholders understand something about the characteristics of the business that the board doesn’t”. As complex the term shareholder activism may seem, it demonstrates a very simple phenomenon of how shareholder take control of a situation to turn it in their favor. The whole world has taken an activism “twist” where every person has a word to say. The same characteristic of the society is showcased in this paper where engagement of shareholder is questioned whether it helps to promote effective corporate governance. Given the fact that Mauritius has a rather low shareholder activism framework, this research aims to depict the international picture of the issue at different levels to reach a consensus with the local market. It was a major challenge as very little research has been conducted to accurately contrast shareholder activism with corporate governance. However, the international standards aim at giving a clear picture of how the shareholder activism actually functions.

Design/methodology/approach

The research has adopted a black letter approach by analyzing relevant laws and legislations governing corporate governance matters in Mauritius and the USA, Malaysia, France and South Africa. Thereafter, a comparative analysis was made between Mauritius laws and the aforementioned countries. Recommendations were then put forward on the subject matter which is shareholder activism.

Findings

Research has shown development in corporate governance alongside the increase in shareholder activism. However, these research studies fail to prove that the development is because of shareholder activism itself. In fact, it could be because of increase in corporate intellects, removal of trade barriers, sustainable corporate practices and many such changes that have affected the corporate market somehow. Hence, it is difficult to conclude, with certainty, that the driver of good corporate governance is, in particular, the phenomenon of shareholder activism. Nevertheless, many result of shareholder activism has demonstrated a rather positive impact on the ongoing of the corporate dealings and on a personal note, it can be said that shareholder activism is a domain where much research and development should be effected as it represents a promising improvement in the way corporations are governed.

Originality/value

The concept of shareholder activism is quite new to the Mauritius legislation. There has not been research done on whether shareholder activism, particularly, is the reason for corporate success or failure. In this light, this paper aims to analyze shareholder activism practices in other countries and puts forward recommendation in the Mauritius context which may be of use to stakeholders concerned.
Indonesian media politics, on reform era from 1998 to 2010
Authors: Suyanto
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the dynamics of the Indonesian press since the reform era in 1998 to 2010 indirectly will see the relationship between the political systems of government with a media system in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a qualitative descriptive which was drafted using the method of qualitative investigation using descriptive approach and library research, which gives an overview of the situation to obtain data based on observations on the site of investigation.

Findings

Based on Downs’s theory, political theory media takes the ideology of rational choice that is free from the subject. The political theory media developed Zaller is an extension of a study byAnthony Downs, An Economic Theory of Democracy. In 1957, Downs received the findings about the political process of the party competing for the support of rational voters. The findings in Downs’ study can actually explain the most important different forms in democratic politics generally. But Downs theory does not almost mention journalists and do not give roles on reporters independent in politics.

Originality/value

Dynamics of the Indonesian press since the reform era in 1998 to 2010 indirectly will see the relationship between the political systems of government with a media system in Indonesia. Many media companies set up businesses on newspapers or media even existing media companies to get stronger by establishing giant company or large media group. The originality for this paper shows the comprehensively political economy of media, media politics and research location which is conducted in Indonesia.
Positioning strategies of retailers’ brands in the emerging market – a cluster analysis
Authors: Witek-Hajduk Marzanna Katarzyna , Grudecka Anna
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and profile clusters of retailers operating in emerging markets, in terms of positioning strategies of their own brands (based on the example of the Polish market).

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a random sample of 143 medium and large retailers operating in Poland. The data were collected using a CATI method at the end of 2014 and then analyzed with the use of hierarchical and non-hierarchical methods.

Findings

With the use of cluster analysis, six clusters of retailers were identified. Members of each cluster refer to different predominant factors when positioning their own brands. Members of each cluster do not differ significantly in terms of descriptive variables (exogenous to the cluster analysis) being used for profiling clusters.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, only retailers operating in Poland were surveyed. This study does not refer to the targeting strategies, which may be analyzed jointly with the positioning strategies of retailers’ brands.

Practical implications

The paper has implications in understanding the approaches to the retailer brand positioning representing by the identified clusters of retailers that might be a basis for the creation of the retailers’ competitive advantages.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this research lies in the clustering approach to segmenting retailers in terms of their own brands’ positioning strategies and identifying clusters of retailers in the Polish market due to the retailer brands’ positioning.
Delivering open innovation promises through social media
Authors: Barlatier Pierre-Jean , Josserand Emmanuel
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how social media can be used strategically for delivering the promises of open innovation and examines the types of structure that can foster the integration of these new tools with more classic top-down innovation approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

A single case study of, ALPHA (pseudonym), a multinational company that combined an integrated strategy and the creation of a lean structure with the full potential of social media.

Findings

To take on the challenges of energy transition, ALPHA has implemented a low-cost approach allowing it to harness the promises of open innovation. This combined the introduction of a lean structure, two social media platforms and processes that ensured the integration of open innovation activities with existing departments.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on a single case study. Further research should be conducted to establish the generalization of the results.

Practical implications

This paper highlights the key success factors in making such a light approach successful, namely, controlling cost and disruption of open innovation; integration matters; leveraging complementarities with existing social media initiatives; and bottom-up adoption.

Originality/value

The research provides a unique approach that can be practically implemented to leverage social media to deliver the promises of open innovation and offers an original way of integrating social media lead innovation and open innovation strategies with more classic R&D activities.
Kirznerian and Schumpeterian entrepreneurship in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: John Arielle , Storr Virgil Henry
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the possibility that the same cultural and/or institutional environment can differentially affect each of the two moments of entrepreneurship – opportunity identification and opportunity exploitation. It is possible that the cultural and institutional environment in a particular place may encourage opportunity identification, but discourage opportunity exploitation, or vice versa. Specifically, this paper argues that understanding entrepreneurship in Trinidad and Tobago requires that we focus on how Trinidadian culture and institutions differentially affect both moments of entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine how Trinidad and Tobago’s culture and institutions affect entrepreneurial opportunity identification and exploitation in that country, the paper uses a qualitative approach. In total, 25 subjects agreed to interviews, conducted in July and August 2009 in Trinidad. The questions were geared at understanding attitudes toward work and entrepreneurship in Trinidad, and how politics, culture and ethnicity interacted with those attitudes. The paper also examined institutional indicators from the Economic Freedom of the World: 2013 Annual Report and the World Bank’s 2016 Doing Business Report.

Findings

The research identified features of the cultural and institutional environment in Trinidad and Tobago that help to explain why opportunity identification is relatively common among all ethnic groups there, but why opportunity exploitation appears relatively suppressed among African–Trinidadians. In particular, the research finds that the inheritance of British institutions, a post-colonial political culture, a post-colonial business culture and ethnically based social networks all have positive and negative influences on each moment of entrepreneurship.

Research limitations/implications

Further research would involve an analysis of a wider set of both formal and informal entrepreneurial activities in Trinidad and Tobago, across industries and periods.

Practical implications

This paper has implications for understanding the complex nature of entrepreneurship, which many policymakers try to encourage, but which is shaped by deep cultural and historical factors, and also indirectly influenced by state policies and laws.

Social implications

Ethnic patterns in entrepreneurship shape the way groups see themselves and others.

Originality/value

While authors writing about opportunity recognition/identification and opportunity exploitation have captured the important dimensions of entrepreneurship, they underestimate the possibility of a disconnect between entrepreneurial identification and exploitation. Focusing on instances where the disconnect exists allows us to move away from characterizations of cultures as progress-prone or progress-resistant, and instead allows us to focus on these gaps between identifying and exploiting entrepreneurship across cultures.
The world’s most innovative companies: a meta-ranking
Authors: Lichtenthaler Ulrich
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a meta-ranking of the world’s most innovative firms, which underscores the importance of external perceptions of innovativeness and of an innovation-based view on firm performance, including product, service, process, business model, management and organizational innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory empirical paper, which integrates the results of five rankings of the world’s most innovative companies.

Findings

The five innovation rankings include a variety of companies based on different methods and strategic focus. This variety underscores the importance of a meta-ranking, whose multiple aggregation methods lead to consistent results. Only the following 11 companies are mentioned in at least three rankings, leading to a list of the 11 most innovative companies in the world: Amazon, Apple, Tencent, Google/Alphabet, Netflix, SpaceX, Tesla, Microsoft, IBM, Intel and General Electric. Overall, the meta-ranking is dominated by US companies from various industries with firms from China gaining importance.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to research into innovation antecedents and consequences by illustrating the importance of innovation perceptions. The meta-ranking highlights the need for pursuing different types of innovation, following the innovation-based view on firm performance with first-order and second-order innovations. Moreover, the results deepen our understanding of digital transformation and of capturing value from innovation in the digital economy because a considerable portion of the leading innovators has a business model emphasizing artificial intelligence and digital platforms, which have led to the generation of new and to the disruption of established markets.
Morphology and geography predict the use of heat conservation behaviours across birds
Authors: Pavlovic Gabrielle , Weston Michael A. , Symonds Matthew R. E.
Published: October 2018

Heat conservation behaviours in birds in part involve postural adjustments to regulate the area of exposed body surfaces. However, the occurrence of these behaviours across birds, and the factors that explain their use across bird species, remains poorly known.

We examined the occurrence of three distinctive bird behaviours—back rest (where the bill is tucked into the plumage), standing on one leg and sitting—across 852 bird species using a Bayesian phylogenetic comparative analytical approach, examining the phylogenetic signal in, and ecological correlates of, these behaviours.

All three behaviours were far from ubiquitous across species: Only a third to a half of species in our analysis have been confirmed to use each behaviour. The behaviours all exhibited significant phylogenetic signal indicating differential usage across clades.

All three behaviours were more commonly reported in bird species studied at higher latitudes. Back rest was also more often observed in species that have longer bills, relative to their body size, while standing on one leg was associated with longer relative tarsus length. Sitting behaviour was more common in heavier birds.

The results suggest the use of these postures is related to environment (climate) and morphology (appendage length), and therefore most likely is associated with the need to mitigate heat loss across the exposed body surfaces. However, other potential functions of these postures, such as alleviating biomechanical load associated with large appendages and bodies, or the need to minimise energetic expenditure, are possible.

Aplain language summaryis available for this article.
A comparative study of special educator preparation in Norway and Sweden
Authors: Cameron David Lansing , Tveit Anne Dorthe , Jortveit Maryann , Lindqvist Gunilla , Göransson Kerstin , Nilholm Claes
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study was to explore similarities and differences between special educator preparation in Norway and in Sweden. Graduates of special education programmes at two Norwegian (n = 320) and two Swedish universities (n = 425) who completed their training between 2001 and 2012 responded to surveys. Findings indicate that both Swedish and Norwegian graduates felt prepared for their current work and that teaching approaches employed in the different programmes were similar. However, there appears to be a stronger focus on pupils’ social goals in Sweden, as well as on advising teachers, school development and promoting inclusive environments. In contrast, Norwegian participants reported a greater focus on preparation to work with specific types of learning and behavioural difficulties. Findings are discussed in relation to differing political and social structures, such as national regulations for steering special educator preparation in Sweden, which are absent in the Norwegian context.
The face tells all: Testing the impact of physical attractiveness and social media information of spokesperson on message effectiveness during a crisis
Authors: Hong Seoyeon , Lee Hyunmin , Johnson Erika K.
Published: October 2018

This paper empirically examines the effects of organizational spokesperson's physical attractiveness and their social cues usage on message effectiveness. A 2 (physical attractiveness of spokesperson) × 2 (social cues) × 2 (crisis response strategy) mixed subject design was tested. The results show that spokespeople with high physical attractiveness as communicating more credible messages, being more expert sources, and as being more persuasive. Also, social cues of spokespeople have an influence on the participants’ perceived credibility and expertise while the interaction effects suggest that the effects of social cue override the effects of physical attractiveness. This indicates that crisis communication practitioners can use social cues to boost persuasiveness and/or message credibility of less attractive spokespeople. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.
Managing pain and anxiety during transabdominal chorionic villus sampling. A noninferiority randomized trial of nitrous oxide vs local anesthesia
Authors: Katsogiannou Maria , Donato Xavier‐Côme , Loundou Anderson , Glowaczower Eric , Raffray Marie , Planchet‐Barraud Brigitte , Quarello Edwin , Brechard Marie‐Pierre , Desbriere Raoul
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Transabdominal chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is an invasive procedure for prenatal diagnosis reported to be associated with anxiety and pain. In this context, the need for analgesia during CVS has been considered useful. Even though several authors have been interested in pain management during amniocentesis, no study has been published on pain reduction during CVS. Our objective was to evaluate pain and anxiety management during transabdominal CVS using nitrous oxide (N2O) and local anesthesia.

Material and methods

In a randomized controlled noninferiority trial, self‐administered nitrous oxide (N2O) inhalation (equimolar premix of oxygen and nitrous oxide) was compared with local anesthesia (1% lidocaine) before CVS. Primary outcome was pain and secondary outcome was anxiety, both measured on a visual analog scale 30‐60 minutes before, immediately after (5‐10 minutes) and 30‐60 minutes after CVS. With a statistical power of 90%, type I error of 5% and two‐sided test and potential exclusions, a sample size of 96 patients per group was enrolled and randomized. No patient was enrolled before the trial registration date.

Results

From 13 March 2013 through 10 February 2015, 192 patients (96 per group) were screened and randomized. Most characteristics were similar across groups. Pain in the N2O group was 2.65 ± 0.22 vs 3.32 ± 0.26 in local anesthesia group [mean ± standard error of mean  (SEM)]. Mean anxiety in the N2O group was 3.17 ± 0.27 vs 5.19 ± 0.30 in the local anesthesia group.

Conclusion

N2O was as efficient and even superior to local anesthesia for both pain and anxiety reduction during CVS, as the 95% confidence intervals were both below the prespecified noninferiority margin of 0.8 and below zero.
Influence of hepatitis C virus eradication with direct‐acting antivirals on the gut microbiota in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Ponziani Francesca Romana , Putignani Lorenza , Paroni Sterbini Francesco , Petito Valentina , Picca Anna , Del Chierico Federica , Reddel Sofia , Calvani Riccardo , Marzetti Emanuele , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Gasbarrini Antonio , Pompili Maurizio
Published: October 2018

Background

The cure of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may contribute to the reduction of liver fibrosis progression and potentially influence the gut‐liver axis.

Aim

To investigate the influence of HCV infection eradication with direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) on the gut microbiota composition as well as on intestinal and systemic inflammatory parameters in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

Consecutive patients with HCV‐related cirrhosis receiving DAA treatment were included. The gut microbiota composition, intestinal permeability, and inflammation were assessed before treatment and after 1 year. Clinical outcomes such as episodes of decompensation and markers of liver fibrosis were evaluated over a 2‐year follow‐up period.

Results

The gut microbiota alpha diversity in cirrhotic patients, which was lower than that in healthy subjects, was significantly improved by the cure of HCV infection and a shift in the overall gut microbiota composition was observed compared to baseline. The abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria (Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus) was decreased after treatment. The gut microbiota composition was associated with the inflammatory profile and markers of liver fibrosis. Although a significant reduction in the serum levels of cytokines and chemokines was observed post‐DAA treatment, measures of intestinal permeability and inflammation remained unchanged.

Conclusions

Cure of HCV infection with DAAs in patients with cirrhosis is associated with a modification of the gut microbiota, which correlates with fibrosis and inflammation but does not improve intestinal barrier function.
Obesity, risk of biochemical recurrence, and prostate‐specific antigen doubling time after radical prostatectomy: results from the SEARCH database
Authors: Freedland Stephen J. , Branche Brandee L. , Howard Lauren E. , Hamilton Robert J. , Aronson William J. , Terris Martha K. , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Amling Christopher L. , Kane Christopher J. ,   On behalf of the SEARCH Database Study Group
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and aggressive biochemical recurrence (BCR) using the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) database.

Material and Methods

We identified 4123 men with complete data treated by radical prostatectomy between 1988 and 2015. We tested the association between BMI and BCR using Cox models, and among men with BCR, prostate‐specific antigen doubling time (PSADT) was compared across BMI categories using linear regression. Models were adjusted for age, race, prostate‐specific antigen, biopsy Gleason score, clinical stage, year and surgical centre.

Results

Overall, 922 men (22%) were of normal weight (BMI <25 kg/m2), 1863 (45%) were overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2), 968 (24%) were obese (BMI 30–34.9 kg/m2), and 370 (9%) were moderately or severely obese (BMI ≥35 kg/m2). After adjustment for multiple clinical characteristics, higher BMI was significantly associated with higher risk of BCR (P = 0.008). Among men with BCR, men in the four BMI categories had similar multivariable‐adjusted PSADT values (increasing BMI categories: 20.9 vs 21.3 vs 21.0 vs 14.9 months; P = 0.48).

Conclusion

While we confirmed that higher BMI was associated with BCR, we found no link between BMI and PSADT at the time of recurrence. Our data suggest obese men do not have more aggressive recurrences. Future studies are needed to test whether obesity predicts response to salvage therapies.
Role of fibroblast growth factor 21 in gestational diabetes mellitus: A mini‐review
Authors: Yuan Daniel , Wu Ben J. , Henry Amanda , Rye Kerry‐Anne , Ong Kwok Leung
Published: October 2018

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as glucose intolerance with onset or first diagnosis during pregnancy, but not to the level of being diagnostic for diabetes in a nonpregnant adult. In GDM, whole‐body insulin‐dependent glucose disposal decreases by 40%‐60% which necessitates a 200%‐250% increase in insulin secretion to maintain normoglycaemia. GDM develops when a pregnant woman does not produce sufficient insulin to compensate for the reduced glucose disposal. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hormone that is expressed predominantly in the liver, but also in other metabolically active tissues such as pancreas, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. In animals, FGF21 lowers blood glucose levels and inhibits glucagon secretion. In humans, circulating FGF21 levels are increased in insulin‐resistant morbidities such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). An elevated FGF21 level is also an independent predictor of T2DM. GDM and T2DM are proposed to have similar underlying pathophysiologies, raising the question of whether a similar relationship exists between FGF21 and GDM as it does with T2DM. There are a limited number of studies investigating FGF21 levels in patients with GDM. Moreover, recent clinical trials investigating the therapeutic potential of FGF21 have highlighted a major gap in our understanding of the biology of FGF21. This review evaluates what is currently known about FGF21 and GDM and highlights important gaps that warrant further research.
Trend, not severity, of acute kidney injury affects graft outcome in deceased donor kidney transplantation
Authors: Yu Mi‐yeon , Yu Byung Chul , Kim Yong Chul , Min Sang Il , Ha Jongwon , Yang Jaeseok , Song Eun Young , Kim Dong Ki , Joo Kwon Wook , Ahn Curie , Kim Yon Su , Lee Hajeong
Published: October 2018

Deceased donor kidneys (DDKs) with acute kidney injury (AKI) are difficult to allocate for fear of the expected graft outcome. We aimed to evaluate the impact of donors’ AKI severity and trend on graft outcomes in DDK transplantation. This was a retrospective study of DDK transplantation performed from 2005 to 2014. Based on maximum and terminal serum creatinine values before transplantation, the AKI trends were categorized as improving or worsening. Of 413 DDKs, 275 developed AKI: 177 stage 1, 52 stage 2, and 46 stage 3. DDKs with AKI had 212 improving AKI and 63 worsening AKI. Graft outcomes were similar based on AKI stage. Worsening AKI did not affect delayed graft function development; however, it significantly elevated graft failure risk even after adjusting for AKI stage and Kidney Donor Risk Index. Graft survival of the improving group was similar to DDKs with no AKI. This study showed that AKI severity of DDKs did not affect overall graft outcomes. Notably, DDKs with improving AKI showed a similar graft survival rate to DDKs without AKI, although worsening AKI had a worse prognosis. Consideration of the AKI trend, rather than its severity, is needed when DDKs with AKI are allocated.
Japanese guidelines for peroral endoscopic myotomy: 1st edition
Authors: Isomoto Hajime , Ikebuchi Yuichiro
Published: October 2018

This Editorial refers to the article by H. Inoue, p 563‐579 of the issue DEN 30:5.
Thalamic afferents to prefrontal cortices from ventral motor nuclei in decision‐making
Authors: Sieveritz Bianca , García‐Muñoz Marianela , Arbuthnott Gordon W.
Published: October 2018

The focus of this literature review is on the three interacting brain areas that participate in decision‐making: basal ganglia, ventral motor thalamic nuclei, and medial prefrontal cortex, with an emphasis on the participation of the ventromedial and ventral anterior motor thalamic nuclei in prefrontal cortical function. Apart from a defining input from the mediodorsal thalamus, the prefrontal cortex receives inputs from ventral motor thalamic nuclei that combine to mediate typical prefrontal functions such as associative learning, action selection, and decision‐making. Motor, somatosensory and medial prefrontal cortices are mainly contacted in layer 1 by the ventral motor thalamic nuclei and in layer 3 by thalamocortical input from mediodorsal thalamus. We will review anatomical, electrophysiological, and behavioral evidence for the proposed participation of ventral motor thalamic nuclei and medial prefrontal cortex in rat and mouse motor decision‐making.
Levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel infusion and weight loss in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Fabbri M. , Zibetti M. , Beccaria L. , Merola A. , Romagnolo A. , Montanaro E. , Ferreira J. J. , Palermo S. , Lopiano L.
Published: October 2018

Background and purpose

Weight loss (WL) is a frequent yet under‐recognized complication of levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) infusion, as well as a milestone of Parkinson's disease (PD) disability progression. The complex association between WL, poor nutritional status, motor complications and PD progression, however, remains unclear.

Methods

Consecutive consenting patients with PD treated with LCIG (n = 44; PD duration, 18.3 ± 6.5 years) were enrolled in an open‐label observational study assessing the extent of WL occurring during LCIG treatment. As secondary aims, we correlated the nutritional status, as detected by the Mini Nutritional Assessment, with the severity of motor symptoms [Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III], motor complications (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part IV), activities of daily living (Schwab and England scale), cognitive impairment (Mini Mental State Examination), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), difficulties in feeding (Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Questionnaire) and levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD).

Results

There was an average WL of 9.9 ± 10.5% (7.6 ± 7.1 kg) over an LCIG treatment period of 51.6 ± 28.5 months. The extent of WL correlated with the percentage of the waking day spent with dyskinesia (P < 0.05). The nutritional status correlated with motor symptom severity (P < 0.01), dysphagia (P < 0.01) and LEDD (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Weight loss may occur in patients with PD undergoing LCIG in correlation with the percentage of the waking day spent with dyskinesia. Regardless of the extent of WL, the nutritional status correlated with higher LEDD, as well as with indices of disease progression, such as motor symptom severity and dysphagia.
Heart rate variability measurement in epilepsy: How can we move from research to clinical practice?
Authors: Myers Kenneth A. , Sivathamboo Shobi , Perucca Piero
Published: October 2018

Our objective was to critically evaluate the literature surrounding heart rate variability (HRV) in people with epilepsy and to make recommendations as to how future research could be directed to facilitate and accelerate integration into clinical practice. We reviewed relevant HRV publications including those involving human subjects with seizures. HRV has been studied in patients with epilepsy for more than 30 years and, overall, patients with epilepsy display altered interictal HRV, suggesting a shift in autonomic balance toward sympathetic dominance. This derangement appears more severe in those with temporal lobe epilepsy and drug‐resistant epilepsy. Normal diurnal variation in HRV is also disturbed in at least some people with epilepsy, but this aspect has received less study. Some therapeutic interventions, including vagus nerve stimulation and antiepileptic medications, may partially normalize altered HRV, but studies in this area are sometimes contradictory. During seizures, the changes in HRV may be complex, but the general trend is toward a further increase in sympathetic overactivity. Research in HRV in people with epilepsy has been limited by inconsistent experimental protocols and studies that are often underpowered. HRV measurement has the potential to aid clinical epilepsy management in several possible ways. HRV may be useful in predicting which patients are likely to benefit from surgical interventions such as vagus nerve stimulation and focal cerebral resection. As well, HRV could eventually have utility as a biomarker of risk for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). However, at present, the inconsistent measurement protocols used in research are hindering translation into clinical practice. A minimum protocol for HRV evaluation, to be used in all studies involving epilepsy patients, is necessary to eventually allow HRV to become a useful tool for clinicians. We propose a straightforward protocol, involving 5‐minute measurements of root mean square of successive differences in wakefulness and light sleep.
What Works in Custody Mediation? Effectiveness of Various Mediator Behaviors
Authors: Charkoudian Lorig , Walter Jamie L. , Eisenberg Deborah Thompson
Published: October 2018

This study uses behavioral observation and pre‐and post‐mediation questionnaires to measure the impact of mediator behaviors on participant attitudes and case outcomes in 130 court‐connected custody mediations involving 270 participants and 30 mediators. As a quasi‐experimental design, regression analysis controlled for a broad range of participant attitudinal and case characteristics. Mediator reflecting and eliciting strategies were associated with positive outcomes, while directing strategies had significant negative effects. Proportionally greater time spent in caucus was associated with increased participant trust in the mediator but more negative attitudes among participants. The article considers implications for mediators and court mediation programs.
The Benefits, Drawbacks, and Safety Considerations in Digital Parent–Child Relationships: An Exploratory Survey of the Views of Legal and Mental Health Professionals in Family Law
Authors: Saini Michael , Polak Shely
Published: October 2018

The surge in information and communication technologies (ICT) has provided alternative opportunities for maintaining parent–child contact postseparation. This article highlights findings from a survey study of 103 legal and mental health professionals who shared their views on the benefits and drawbacks of the use of ICT in parent–child contact postseparation. Results revealed a significant increase in the use of ICT as an enhancement tool for maintaining parent–child relationship in today's modern families. Professionals reported the need to develop specific engagement protocols to help mitigate and reduce concerns related to high conflict, safety, privacy, and unintended consequences related to the use of ICTs. We provide practice suggestions based on the study results that address key factors to consider when determining the use of technology in the facilitation of parent–child relationships.