bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and arterial calcification in midlife women: the contribution of estradiol and C-reactive protein
Authors: Swabe Gretchen , Matthews Karen , Brooks Maria , Janssen Imke , Wang Norman , El Khoudary Samar R.
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Studies suggest a reversal in the protective association of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and cardiovascular disease in women traversing menopause. Decreasing estrogen levels during the transition, as well as inflammation, may explain this reversal. We tested whether either estradiol or C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations modified the association of HDL-C with aortic (AC) or coronary artery calcification (CAC).

Methods:

A total of 478 participants between ages 46 to 59 from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation Heart baseline visit were included. AC and CAC presence were defined as Agatston score of 100 or higher and 10 or higher, respectively. Logistic regression was used for analysis.

Results:

A total of 112 (23.53%) participants had AC 100 or higher and 104 (21.76%) had CAC 10 or higher. In unadjusted models, a 1-mg/dL higher in HDL-C was associated with 3% lower odds of AC (95% CI: 0.95-0.99) and 4% lower odds of CAC (95% CI: 0.95-0.98). In adjusted models, a significant interaction between HDL-C and estradiol with respect to AC but not CAC was detected, such that higher HDL-C level was protective at the highest estradiol quartile (odds ratio: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.84-0.99 per 1 mg/dL higher HDL-C, P = 0.03) but tended to associate with greater risk at the lowest quartile (odds ratio: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.98-1.10 per 1 mg/dL higher HDL-C, P = 0.16). CRP did not modify any association.

Conclusions:

The protective cardiovascular association of higher HDL-C levels on AC was modified by estradiol but not CRP concentrations. The pathways through which estradiol might influence this association should be further investigated.

Video Summary:
http://links.lww.com/MENO/A689.
Trends in Medicare Reimbursement for Otology Procedures From 2000 to 2020
Authors: Schartz Derrek A. , McCool Ryan R.
Published: December 2020

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to investigate the Medicare reimbursement trends for otologic procedures from 2000 to 2020.

Study Design:

Retrospective data analysis using the Physician Fee Schedule Look-Up tool from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services.

Setting:

Facility performed procedures of the auditory system.

Patients:

Medicare beneficiaries from 2000 to 2020.

Interventions:

Selected otologic current procedural terminology codes and their respective year-to-year reimbursement data.

Main Outcome Measures:

Assessment of trends in financial reimbursement.

Results:

After adjusting for inflation, the total average reimbursement for all procedures saw an average decrease of –21.2% from 2000 to 2020. The average adjusted percent change per year was –1.3% indicating a slow decline in reimbursement over the study period. There was a difference between the adjusted and unadjusted percent change in reimbursement rate during the study period (–21% versus 20.4%, respectively; p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis of the adjusted average reimbursement across all procedures revealed an overall decline from 2000 to 2020 with an R-squared value of 0.85 indicating a decline in reimbursement over time.

Conclusions:

After adjusting all data for inflation, there has been a reduction in the average Medicare reimbursement for otology procedures from 2000 to 2020. Compared with previous reimbursement studies on the whole field of otolaryngology, otology has a less severe decline in reimbursement. Knowledge of these reimbursement trends is critical for otologic surgeons and leaders within the field to develop more sustainable reimbursement plans.
Surgical treatment of Epstein-Barr virus–associated lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma occurring in both the posterior mediastinum and liver
Authors: Qian Xiao-Hui , Zhou Dong-Kai , Wang Wei-Lin
Published: December 2020

Rationale:

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) is a rare malignant tumor that can occur in many areas of the body. The pathogenesis of LELC remains unknown, but Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been shown to be strongly correlated with LELC at several anatomic sites, including the lungs and thymus. To the best of our knowledge, EBV-associated LELC has never been reported in both the posterior mediastinum and liver. Herein, we report the case of a 41-year-old female diagnosed with LELC in both the posterior mediastinum and liver and discuss whether it is beneficial to perform surgery on advanced LELC when resectable metastases are found.

Patient concerns:

The patient was a 41-year-old woman who had been suffering from intermittent pain in the upper right quadrant for 3 months without obvious cause and was admitted to our hospital with occasional nausea without vomiting.

Diagnosis:

Her cancer antigen 125 and cytokeratin 19 fragment levels were elevated, whereas alpha-fetoprotein and alanine aminotransferase were normal. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass in the S6 segment of the liver. Whole-body positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) revealed a 3.2-cm mass in the posterior mediastinum and a 6.7-cm mass on the right side of the liver. We made a diagnosis of LELC based on the histological and immunohistochemical findings of specimens obtained by operation. However, it was difficult to determine the primary origin of the tumor.

Interventions:

The patient underwent mediastinal tumor resection, hepatectomy, and diaphragmatic repair. Thereafter, she was administered paclitaxel and cisplatin as adjuvant chemotherapy.

Outcomes:

The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged 10 days later. Although she was administered paclitaxel and cisplatin as adjuvant chemotherapy, we noted recurrence during the 4-month follow-up examination. Then, the patient passed away 5 months after surgery.

Lessons:

We present the first case of LELC found in both the posterior mediastinum and liver and describe the functionality of PET/CT for finding occult carcinomas and identifying their primary tumor origin. Additional studies are urgently needed to discover whether it is beneficial to perform surgery on advanced LELC when resectable metastases are revealed by PET/CT.
The global bases of inequality regimes: the case of international nurse recruitment
Authors: Näre Lena , Cleland Silva Tricia
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to critically examine Joan Acker's notion of inequality regimes by applying it to the case of global nurse care chains (GNCCs). The article examines the organisational practices of GNCCs and how inequality barriers are practiced and legitimised.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on qualitative interviews with different institutional representatives involved in Filipino nurse recruitment to Finland (N = 25), recruited Filipino nurses (N = 20) and Filipino nurses working in Finland (N = 9).

Findings

The article demonstrates different organisational practices through which inequality regimes are created and sustained. These include the racialised construction of the Philippines as situated in the global periphery and functioning as a resource of labour for the global core and the Filipino nurse as innately more caring. The inequalities are legitimised through deskilling in which the nurses' command of Finnish language is a key form of justification. Filipino nurses' precarious legal status renders them compliant workers from an organisational perspective and vulnerable workers who fear to claim their rights as workers.

Practical implications

By discussing barriers to inequality, the article illustrates how inequalities in diverse workplaces and the undervaluing of nurse work could be addressed.

Originality/value

The article uniquely applies Acker's inequality regimes to the study of GNCCs. It argues that the concept of inequality regimes would benefit from developing it towards a global context.
The potential of bio certification to strengthen the market position of food producers
Authors: Kononets Yevhen , Treiblmaier Horst
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to critically evaluate the applicability of bio certification in farmers' activity to reduce unfair trading practices in the food supply chain. The secondary purposes are describing the economic reasons of using bio certification and perspectives of using web trading platforms among food producers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection included face-to-face interviews with 15 Austrian and German farmers who operate on bio food markets as well as a quantitative survey regarding their assessment of unfair trading practices. This study presents both quantitative and qualitative analyses.

Findings

Bio certification is more likely unable to eliminate or mitigate unfair trading practices in the food supply chain, however bio certification is able to increase efficiency of farmers together with other web tools.

Originality/value

The study is the first to empirically investigate the applicability of bio certifications, its advantages and impact on unfair trading practices in the food supply chain. It focuses on small and medium-sized food producers and farmers. The research also reveals the perspectives of using web trading platforms in farming activity.
Sustainable landscape, soil and crop management practices enhance biodiversity and yield in conventional cereal systems
Authors: Redlich Sarah , Martin Emily A. , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf
Published: December 2020

Input‐driven, modern agriculture is commonly associated with large‐scale threats to biodiversity, the disruption of ecosystem services and long‐term risks to food security and human health. A switch to more sustainable yet highly productive farming practices seems unavoidable. However, an integrative evaluation of targeted management schemes at field and landscape scales is currently lacking. Furthermore, the often‐disproportionate influence of soil conditions and agrochemicals on yields may mask the benefits of biodiversity‐driven ecosystem services.

Here, we used a real‐world ecosystem approach to identify sustainable management practices for enhanced functional biodiversity and yield on 28 temperate wheat fields. Using path analysis, we assessed direct and indirect links between soil, crop and landscape management with natural enemies and pests, as well as follow‐on effects on yield quantity and quality. A paired‐field design with a crossed insecticide‐fertilizer experiment allowed us to control for the relative influence of soil characteristics and agrochemical inputs.

We demonstrate that biodiversity‐enhancing management options such as reduced tillage, crop rotation diversity and small field size can enhance natural enemies without relying on agrochemical inputs. Similarly, we show that in this system controlling pests and weeds by agrochemical means is less relevant than expected for final crop productivity.

Synthesis and applications. Our study highlights soil, crop and landscape management practices that can enhance beneficial biodiversity while reducing agrochemical usage and negative environmental impacts of conventional agriculture. The diversification of cropping systems and conservation tillage are practical measures most farmers can implement without productivity losses. Combining local measures with improved landscape management may also strengthen the sustainability and resilience of cropping systems in light of future global change.
Predictors of need for catheterisation and urinary retention after radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder in male patients
Authors: Ghodoussipour Saum , Ladi Seyedian Seyedeh Sanam , Jiang Daniel , Lifton Jacob , Ahmadi Hamed , Wayne Kevin , Miranda Gus , Cai Jie , Djaladat Hooman , Schuckman Anne , Bhanvadia Sumeet , Daneshmand Siamak
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence of catheterisation and urinary retention in male patients with bladder cancer after radical cystectomy (RC) and orthotopic neobladder (ONB) and to identify potential predictors.

Patients and Methods

Using an Institutional Review Board approved, prospectively maintained bladder cancer database, we collected information using a diversion‐related questionnaire from 299 consecutive male patients with bladder cancer upon postoperative clinic visit. Urinary retention was defined as ≥3 catheterisations/day or a self‐reported inability to void without a catheter. Uni‐ and multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of catheterisation and urinary retention.

Results

Self‐catheterisation was reported in 51 patients (17%), of whom, 22 (7.4% of the total patients) were in retention. Freedom from any catheterisation at 3, 5, and 10 years after RC was 85%, 77%, and 62%, respectively. Freedom from retention at 3, 5, and 10 years after RC was 93%, 88%, and 79%, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression showed that higher body mass index (BMI; ≥27 kg/m2) significantly increased the need for catheterisation (hazard ratio [HR] 2.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26–4.32) as well as retention (HR 5.20, 95% CI 1.74–15.51). Greater medical comorbidity (Charlson Comorbidity Index score ≥2) correlated with the need for any catheterisation (HR 1.84, 95% CI 1.02–3.3), but not retention. Pathological stage and type of diversion were not significant predictors of the need to catheterise or urinary retention.

Conclusion

In males undergoing RC with ONB, retention requiring catheterisation to void is uncommon. Patients with a BMI of ≥27 kg/m2 are at significantly increased risk of retention and need for self‐catheterisation.
Plasma creatine and incident type 2 diabetes in a general population‐based cohort: The PREVEND study
Authors: Post Adrian , Groothof Dion , Schutten Joëlle C. , Flores‐Guerrero Jose L. , Swarte J. Casper , Douwes Rianne M. , Kema Ido P. , de Boer Rudolf A. , Garcia Erwin , Connelly Marge A. , Wallimann Theo , Dullaart Robin P. F. , Franssen Casper F. M. , Bakker Stephan J. L.
Published: December 2020

Background

Type 2 diabetes is associated with both impaired insulin action at target tissues and impaired insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction may play a role in both insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion. Plasma creatine has been proposed as a potential marker for mitochondrial dysfunction. We aimed to investigate the association between plasma creatine and incident type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We measured fasting plasma creatine concentrations by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in participants of the general population‐based PREVEND study. The study outcome was incident type 2 diabetes, defined as a fasting plasma glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L (126 mg/dl); a random sample plasma glucose ≥11.1 mmol/L (200 mg/dl); self‐report of a physician diagnosis or the use of glucose‐lowering medications based on a central pharmacy registration. Associations of plasma creatine with type 2 diabetes were quantified using Cox proportional hazards models and were adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

We included 4735 participants aged 52 ± 11 years, of whom 49% were male. Mean plasma creatine concentrations were 36.7 ± 17.6 µmol/L, with lower concentrations in males than in females (30.4 ± 15.1 µmol/L vs. 42.7 ± 17.7 µmol/L; p for difference <.001). During 7.3 [6.2–7.7] years of follow‐up, 235 (5.4%) participants developed type 2 diabetes. Higher plasma creatine concentrations were associated with an increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes (HR per SD change: 1.27 [95% CI: 1.11–1.44]; p < .001), independent of potential confounders. This association was strongly modified by sex (p interaction <.001). Higher plasma creatine was associated with an increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes in males (HR: 1.40 [1.17–1.67]; p < .001), but not in females (HR: 1.10 [0.90–1.34]; p = .37).

Conclusion

Fasting plasma creatine concentrations are lower in males than in females. Higher plasma creatine is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in males.
The prevalence and impact of migraine and severe headache in the United States: Updated age, sex, and socioeconomic‐specific estimates from government health surveys
Authors: Burch Rebecca , Rizzoli Paul , Loder Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

Background and Objectives

Accurate, up‐to‐date estimates of the burden of migraine and severe headache are important for evidence‐based decision‐making about workforce needs and the distribution of health resources. We used data from US government health surveys to report the prevalence, trends, and impact of this condition by age, sex, and poverty status.

Methods

We identified the most recent, publicly available summary statistics from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, and the National Health Interview Survey. We extracted and compiled relevant information from each study, with an emphasis on sex, age, and economic‐related statistics.

Results

The age‐adjusted prevalence of migraine and severe headache in the United States has remained stable over many years. In 2018, the age‐adjusted prevalence was 15.9% across all adults. The sex ratio also remains stable, with 21% of women and 10.7% of men affected. Migraine continues to be an important public health problem, accounting for roughly 4 million emergency department (ED) visits in 2016, when headache was the fifth most common reason for an ED visit overall and the third most common reason for ED visits in females 15–64. Migraine also accounted for over 4.3 million office visits. Many adults with migraine or severe headaches are disadvantaged. In 2018, for example, roughly 40% of US adults with migraine were unemployed, and a similar proportion were classified as poor or “near poor.” Roughly one in five had no health insurance and about a third had a high school education or less.

Conclusions

Migraine and severe headaches are a serious public health issue in the United States, with the highest impact in women of childbearing age and those of lower socioeconomic status. Socioeconomic disadvantages also are highly prevalent among those with headaches. The economic consequences of the current coronavirus pandemic are likely to exacerbate all of these inequities. Increased attention to this high impact chronic pain condition, and improved funding for treatment provision and research, are warranted to reduce the future burden of disease.
Growing together with African health libraries: partnerships in Health Information's impact and lessons for future partnerships
Authors: Phillips Ray , Twomey Cheryl
Published: December 2020

Partnerships in Health Information (Phi) was a UK charity which worked with African health librarians, and other information professionals, to improve access to high‐quality information for health professionals and the public in Africa from 1992 to 2016. This research was initiated by Shane Godbolt and aims to explore the experiences of African librarians and information professionals who visited the UK and who otherwise worked in partnership with Phi, following up on a previous Phi report that had shown significant mutual learning and development benefits for the UK hosts of such visitors. Also, to derive lessons on how visits and partnerships may be improved. In March 2020, a total of 21 people who had participated in partnership activities with Phi were invited to take part in an online survey. Thirteen people completed the survey. The results from the survey indicate it was hugely beneficial to visiting information professionals from Africa, for themselves and their services, through capacity building, networking, professional and personal development and learning tangible skills. Respondents provided several ideas on how partnerships could be improved in the future, including more opportunities for networking, longer‐term evaluation, enlarged programmes and increased funding. We conclude that partnerships based on Phi's long‐term, flexible approach can be of great benefit and provide insights and recommendations that could help any organisation seeking to emulate the Phi model of partnership working, based on co‐development between UK health libraries and those in low‐ to middle‐income countries.
‘Moving Forward’: how health librarians can continue supporting the legacy of Shane Godbolt
Authors: Atiogbe Potenza , Fricker Alan , Reid Lucy
Published: December 2020

Over the course of her life, Shane influenced the careers of many people working in health library and knowledge services. This article brings together three personal perspectives exploring aspects of this influence. By considering the activities prompted by contact with Shane, we look to how librarians might build on the example she provided of living a full professional life.
Functional investigation of monoterpenes for improved understanding of the relationship between hosts and bark beetles
Authors: Fang Jia‐Xing , Zhang Su‐Fang , Liu Fu , Cheng Bin , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Qing‐He , Kong Xiang‐Bo
Published: December 2020

Spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus L.) is the most destructive insect pest of spruce forests in Eurasia. However, contact toxicity, in vivo metabolism, and ecological functions of host monoterpenes are poorly understood at the spruce tree–bark beetle–predator tritrophic level. Spruce monoterpenes including S‐(–)‐α‐pinene, R‐(+)‐α‐pinene, and myrcene showed contact toxicity to I. typographus, with LD50 values ranging from 22–32 μg/mg. When topically treated with S‐(–)‐α‐pinene or R‐(+)‐α‐pinene, the amounts of volatile metabolites, including 4S‐(–)‐cis‐verbenol, 4S‐(+)‐/4R‐(–)‐trans‐verbenol, R‐(+)‐/S‐(–)‐verbenone and 1R‐(–)‐/1S‐(+)‐myrtenol, in the hindgut extracts of I. typographus varied significantly between sexes, and their quality (enantiomeric composition) varied significantly with the chirality of α‐pinene. More importantly, S‐(–)‐α‐pinene induced male adults to produce large amounts of 4S‐(–)‐cis‐verbenol and S‐(–)‐verbenone. When topically treated with myrcene, the expected semiochemicals such as E‐myrcenol, ipsenol and ipsdienol were not detected in the beetle hindguts, indicating that the pheromone biosynthetic system of I. typographus does not participate in the metabolism of host myrcene. In trap tests, S‐(–)‐α‐pinene and R‐(+)‐α‐pinene increased the catches of I. typographus and its predator Thanasimus substriatus in pheromone‐baited traps, whereas myrcene exhibited a strong repellent (or inhibitory) effect on I. typographus but not on its predator. I. typographus seems to adopt different ecological strategies (e.g. avoidance to myrcene and preference for α‐pinene) to adapt to and tolerate different host monoterpenes. Extensive investigation of these monoterpenes will help us understand their roles in manipulating the arms race between host trees and bark beetles, and potentially improve the efficacy of controlling I. typographus via the push‐pull strategy using host kairomones.
Disclosure experience among COVID‐19‐confirmed patients in China: A qualitative study
Authors: Sun Wenxiu , Zhou Ying , Chen Wei‐Ti , Huang Feifei , Sun Meiyan , Shen Lei , Gao Yan , Zhang Qing , Ma Siyue , Shiu Chengshi , Zhang Lin , Lu Hongzhou
Published: December 2020

Aim

To understand COVID patients’ experiences of and perspectives on disclosure of their illness and to explore and describe the factors affecting disclosure decisions among COVID patients in China.

Background

Disease disclosure is a critical component of prevention and control of a virus outbreak, and this is especially true during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Understanding COVID patients’ experiences and perspectives on disclosure could play a vital role in COVID management.

Design

A qualitative study.

Methods

A semi‐structured interview guide was used to conduct qualitative in‐depth interviews from April to June 2020. All the interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed, and then, a thematic analysis was conducted. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) were applied to this study.

Results

A total of 26 COVID‐confirmed patients were recruited for the in‐depth interviews. Four themes emerged from the thematic analysis on disclosure: persons disclosed to, reasons for disclosure, reasons for nondisclosure and impact of disclosure. The participants disclosed their COVID diagnosis to different groups, including family, close friends, community members and workplace contacts. The main reasons for disclosure included the following: government policy, social responsibility, gaining support and fear of being blamed for nondisclosure. However, some participants decided not to disclose to some groups for fear of facing stigma and discrimination or to protect family members from discrimination. Despite the potential benefits of obtaining support after disclosure, many participants did experience stigma and discrimination, privacy exposure, psychological distress and social isolation.

Conclusions

An individual's decision as to whether to disclose their COVID‐positive status is affected by many factors. To prevent the spread of COVID‐19 and reduce the potential risks of disclosure, such as discrimination and privacy exposure, a balanced intervention should be designed to protect COVID patients and to secure any contact tracing. Therefore, the chances of discrimination could be decreased and patients’ confidentiality could be protected.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

As the number of COVID patients increases, disclosure of an individual's infectious status is encouraged by health departments. Despite the potential benefits of disclosure, discrimination and privacy exposure should not be ignored. A disclosure protocol is necessary to ensure patients’ privacy regarding their COVID status.
Feline mycobacterial disease in northern California: Epidemiology, clinical features, and antimicrobial susceptibility
Authors: Munro Matthew J. L. , Byrne Barbara A. , Sykes Jane E.
Published: December 2020

Background

Mycobacterial infections in cats are challenging to treat and incompletely described.

Hypothesis/objectives

To describe the features of mycobacterial infections in cats from northern California.

Animals

Nineteen cats, all with nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections; 4 withMycobacterium aviuminfection, 15 with rapid‐growing mycobacterial (RGM) infection.

Methods

Retrospective study. Cases with positive mycobacterial culture, species identification, and susceptibility testing were included. Descriptive statistics were used. Fisher's exact test and Mann‐WhitneyUtest were used for comparisons betweenM aviumand RGM infections (P ≤ .05).

Results

Rapid‐growing mycobacterial cases includedMycobacterium smegmatis(9),Mycobacterium fortuitum(4),Mycobacterium abscessus(1), andMycobacterium thermoresistibile(1).Mycobacterium aviuminfections were more likely than RGM infections to be disseminated (3/4 vs 0/15;P= .004). Disease of the skin/subcutis (15/15 vs 0/4;P < .001) and outdoor access (14/15 vs 0/4;P= .001) were primary features of RGM infections. Resistance to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides was common amongM aviumisolates. A high prevalence of resistance to third‐ and fourth‐generation cephalosporins was noted in RGM species. Death/euthanasia was noted only inM aviumcases (3/4). Twelve of 15 cats with RGM infection had available follow‐up; 4 of these cats achieved remission.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The most prevalent RGM species isolated from cats from northern California areM smegmatisandM fortuitum. Susceptibility to prescribed antimicrobials does not appear to guarantee treatment success. Combination drug treatment is recommended. Repeat culture and susceptibility testing should be performed when disease is persistent/relapsing.
Exploring Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Organizational Performance, the Case of Turkish Islamic Banks
Authors: Elsafty Ashraf , Tahon Abdelaziz
Published: December 2020

This paper attempts to explore the impact of corporate social responsibility activities on organizational performance through focusing on Turkish Islamic banks as a dynamic organization and growing at high rate over past two decades. The paper focused also on Turkish Islamic banks stakeholders’ area which reflect the bank performance and CSR activities and how to monitor the impact through many tools, to explore this relationship, CSR activates used as the independent variable and organizational performance as the dependent variable within the theoretical framework and hypotheses addressed by the paper investigation. then depending on narrative approach of data collection through interviews, with different segments of stakeholders and discussions based on direct questions according to each segment type. Paper explained CSR definitions and theories, discussed its relationship with modern global trends and focused on stakeholder approach for explaining the real meaning of CSR. As this approach concerned about stakeholders needs and reflects the corporation interest from them. The paper used the stakeholders’ approach in measuring social responsibility, where the impact of social responsibility was known through the direct approach towards the stakeholders. While for organizational performance focused on tools and models that measure performance, using the balanced score cards to apply it on the study through its four major sides (financial, operations, customers and research & development). Major recommendations focused on critical need of CSR deployment, with clear function/department in chars, CRS impact reputation directly, and the high demand on Islamic banking services may decline by time, but it can be maintained through CSR activities.
The reliance on α‐adrenergic receptor stimuli for blood pressure regulation in the chronically hypoxaemic fetus is not dependent on post‐ganglionic activation
Authors: Darby Jack R. T. , Varcoe Tamara J. , Holman Stacey L. , McMillen I. Caroline , Morrison Janna L.
Published: December 2020

Key points

Chronic hypoxaemia is associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and a predisposition to the development of hypertension in adult life.

IUGR fetuses exhibit a greater reliance on α‐adrenergic activation for blood pressure regulation.

The fetal blood pressure response to post‐ganglionic blockade is not different between control and IUGR fetuses.

The decrease in mean arterial pressure is greater in the IUGR sheep fetus after α‐adrenergic receptor blockade at the level of the vasculature and this is inversely related to fetal .

The increased reliance that the IUGR fetus has on α‐adrenergic activation for maintenance of mean arterial pressure is not a result of increased post‐ganglionic sympathetic activation.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adult life. Placental restriction (PR) in sheep results in chronic hypoxaemia and early onset IUGR with increased circulating plasma noradrenaline concentrations. These IUGR fetuses exhibit a greater decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) during α‐adrenergic blockade. We aimed to determine the role of post‐ganglionic sympathetic activation with respect to regulating MAP in IUGR fetal sheep. PR was induced by carunclectomy surgery prior to conception. Fetal vascular catheterization was performed at 110–126 days gestational age (GA) (term, 150 days) in nine control and seven PR‐IUGR fetuses. The fetal blood pressure response to both a post‐ganglionic and an α‐adrenergic receptor blocker was assessed at 116–120 days GA and/or 129–131 days GA. The effect of both post ganglionic and α‐adrenergic blockade on fetal blood pressure was then compared between control and IUGR fetuses at both GAs. There was no difference in the effect of post‐ganglionic blockade on MAP in control and IUGR fetal sheep at either 116–120 days GA or 129–131 days GA. α‐adrenergic receptor blockade decreased MAP to the same extent in both control and IUGR fetuses at 116–120 days GA. At 129–131 days GA, the drop in MAP in response to α‐adrenergic receptor blockade was greater in IUGR fetuses than controls. There was a significant inverse relationship between the drop in MAP in response to α‐adrenergic receptor blockade at both GAs with fetal . Thus, the increased dependence on α‐adrenergic activation for blood pressure regulation in the chronically hypoxaemic IUGR fetus is not a result of increased post‐ganglionic sympathetic activation.
Performance of a Downstream Finned Solar Photovoltaic Thermal Air System
Authors: Franklin J. Charles , Chandrasekar M. , Sridharan M.
Published: December 2020

A new photovoltaic thermal air (PVTa) system with fins in the downstream portion of the air channel was tested for its thermal and electrical performance in this work. For this purpose, two fin configurations were opted. One is a longitudinal fin oriented longitudinally along the air channel and the other is a wavy fin placed in the direction of air flow. The experiments were conducted between June and November months of the year 2018 on daily basis in the location of Tiruchirappalli, a city in Tamil Nadu state of India (10.82 latitude and 78.70 longitude). The results indicated that the PVTa system with downstream wavy fins performed thermally better than the PVTa system with downstream longitudinal fins. A fuzzy-based model was also developed for predicting the thermal and electrical performance of the newly developed solar PVTa collector. The fuzzy model forecasted the air outlet temperature, operating photovoltaic (PV) panel temperature, and power output with a net prediction accuracy of about 95%.
Planar Variable Structure Cable-Driven Parallel Robots for Circumventing Obstacles
Authors: Rushton Mitchell , Khajepour Amir
Published: December 2020

This article aims to address some of the current limitations of cable-driven parallel robots (CDPRs) by enabling regional changes in dynamic structure through collisions between cables and fixed objects placed in the work area (such as idler pulleys). This leads to the definition of a new class of robots referred to as variable structure cable-driven parallel robots (VSCRs). One of the major advancements from VSCRs is their ability to cover nonconvex reachable workspaces: a significant relaxation on the constraints of traditional CDPRs that is especially useful for circumventing obstacles and has implications for a wide range of applications. Specific examples of vertical farming and rehabilitation are demonstrated experimentally. It is shown that VSCRs can dramatically improve the reachability and accessible workspace of traditional CDPRs. In addition, an online method for solving the planar VSCR inverse kinematics problem is introduced, which is based on an extended cable model. The method is general and has been validated through experimental studies.
Predicting transcription factor binding in single cells through deep learning
Authors: Fu Laiyi , Zhang Lihua , Dollinger Emmanuel , Peng Qinke , Nie Qing , Xie Xiaohui
Published: December 2020

A deep learning–based method to infer transcription factor binding in single cells has been developed by learning from bulk data.
Giant enhancement of exciton diffusivity in two-dimensional semiconductors
Authors: Yu Yiling , Yu Yifei , Li Guoqing , Puretzky Alexander A. , Geohegan David B. , Cao Linyou
Published: December 2020

The exciton diffusivity of 2D semiconductors can be improved by 15-fold with trapped charges that can screen exciton scattering.
Assembly of the asymmetric human γ-tubulin ring complex by RUVBL1-RUVBL2 AAA ATPase
Authors: Zimmermann Fabian , Serna Marina , Ezquerra Artur , Fernandez-Leiro Rafael , Llorca Oscar , Luders Jens
Published: December 2020

RUVBL1-RUVBL2 regulates assembly of microtubule nucleator γ-tubulin ring complex and allows its recombinant production.
Distinct Immunoglobulin Fc Glycosylation Patterns Are Associated with Disease Nonprogression and Broadly Neutralizing Antibody Responses in Children with HIV Infection
Authors: Muenchhoff M. , Chung A. W. , Roider J. , Dugast Anne-Sophie , Richardson Simone , Kløverpris Henrik , Leslie Alasdair , Ndung’u Thumbi , Moore Penny , Alter Galit , Goulder Philip J. R.
Published: December 2020

To protect future generations against HIV, a vaccine will need to induce immunity by the time of sexual debut and hence requires immunization during childhood. Current strategies for a prophylactic HIV vaccine include the induction of a broadly neutralizing antibody response and the recruitment of potent effector functions of immune cells via the constant antibody Fc region.
Elucidating the Diversity and Potential Function of Nonribosomal Peptide and Polyketide Biosynthetic Gene Clusters in the Root Microbiome
Authors: Dror Barak , Wang Zongqiang , Brady Sean F. , Jurkevitch Edouard , Cytryn Eddie
Published: December 2020

We identified distinct secondary-metabolite-encoding genes that are enriched (relative to adjacent bulk soil) and expressed in root ecosystems yet almost completely absent in human gut and aquatic environments. Several of the genes were distantly related to genes encoding antimicrobials and siderophores, and their high sequence variability relative to known sequences suggests that they may encode novel metabolites and may have unique ecological functions.
Sclerotherapy treatment of a large venous malformation invading the bladder wall related to Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome
Authors: Foster Luke , Karunanithy Narayan , Thurairaja Ramesh
Published: December 2020

We report the case of a 35-year-old woman who presented with recurrent macroscopic haematuria and known diagnosis of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. Imaging and cystoscopy identified an extensive venous malformation involving a large area of the bladder wall. Holmium laser therapy was ineffective at obtaining symptom control. Following a multidisciplinary team meeting, transvenous sclerotherapy with sodium tetradecyl sulphate was performed under image guidance. A reduction in venous density was observed on cystoscopy and the patient has had complete resolution of symptoms within 6 weeks and continued to be asymptomatic up to 24-month follow-up. We propose that transvenous sclerotherapy is considered first-line treatment in this clinical setting.
Occurrence of seromucinous borderline tumours in the peritoneal lesions after bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
Authors: Yamada Taihei , Eguchi Satoko , Yokoo Ikuko , Arimoto Takahide
Published: December 2020

A 65-year-old woman with a previous history of bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy had peritoneal cysts, increasing in size over 15 years and an increasing cancer antigen 19–9 (CA 19–9) level. The size of the cysts eventually reached 86 mm and 70 mm. As malignant transformation of endometriosis was suspected, we performed peritoneal cystectomy and hysterectomy. Histopathology revealed seromucinous borderline tumours (SMBTs) derived from endometriosis. One month after surgery, her CA 19-9 level had decreased. It is rare for SMBT to occur after bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy; surgical management is the best treatment at present.
Percutaneous transhepatic portal vein stenting as rescue treatment for recurrent oesophageal variceal bleeding in a 31-year-old woman with haepatocellular carcinoma in a non-cirrhotic liver
Authors: van Kalkeren Colin Andreas Jan , Mujagic Zlatan , Verbeek Jef , de Haan Michiel W
Published: December 2020

A 31-year-old woman with hepatocellular carcinoma suffered from recurrent oesophageal variceal bleeding due to portal hypertension, which was caused by severe compression of the portal vein by metastatic lymph nodes. Endoscopic band ligation and pharmacological treatment did not suffice to prevent recurrence of variceal bleeding. Eventually, after the fifth variceal bleeding within 6 months, the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit in a haemodynamic shock. A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube was inserted and all treatment options were discussed, but only percutaneous transhepatic recanalisation of the portal vein with stent placement to reduce portal vein pressure was thought to be feasible with any chance to relieve portal vein pressure. After successful portal vein stenting, our patient did not have any recurrent bleeding in the remaining year of her life. We suggest that percutaneous transhepatic portal vein stenting may be a feasible and adequate last line treatment for complications of portal hypertension.
Preoperative embolisation of orbital solitary fibrous tumour
Authors: Vijitha Vempuluru Sai , Kapoor Anasua Ganguly , Mittal Ruchi , Vangara Ramakrishna
Published: December 2020

Solitary fibrous tumours (SFT) is an encompassing terminology comprising of tumours with proliferating CD34 positive specialised fibroblasts. Orbital SFTs are rare slowly progressive highly vascular neoplasms. Complete surgical excision is considered the mainstay treatment. Incomplete resection is a known risk factor for recurrence and malignant transformation. Recently preoperative embolisation of SFT has shown promising results in reducing the vascularity of these tumours rendering them amenable to complete surgical excision. Less than 10 cases of embolisation of orbital solitary fibrous tumours have been described in literature. Our patient underwent an attempted surgical excision elsewhere with significant intraoperative haemorrhage which precluded its complete excision. Herein, we report successful outcome in a case of hypervascular orbital SFT managed with preoperative embolisation, surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy along with a review of relevant literature.
Infliximab-induced optic neuritis
Authors: Dermawan Andrew , So Kenji , Venugopal Kannan , Picardo Sherman
Published: December 2020

Antitumour necrosis factor alpha agents are important treatments in many inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and the inflammatory bowel diseases. However, there have been case reports of optic neuritis and other demyelinating diseases as complications of these agents. This case report presents a patient with ulcerative colitis on infliximab who presented with sudden onset mono-ocular visual field loss and highlights the diagnosis and management of infliximab-induced optic neuritis.
Rare cause of unilateral upper limb weakness in a young adolescent
Authors: Kumar Gurinder , Prochoroff Andre
Published: December 2020

Slowly progressing unilateral upper limb weakness in a previously healthy child can occur due to number of causes which requires a thorough history, physical examination followed by radiological examination, electromyography and so on. Among the various aetiologies, a rare condition such as Hirayama disease is one of the differentials to be considered. There has been a wealth of literature reported on this disease and our case is a learning lesson for all paediatricians to be aware of Hirayama disease and its current concepts.
Severe influenza in a paediatric patient with GATA2 deficiency and Emberger syndrome
Authors: Jensen Marie Louise Naestholt , Mathiasen Victor Dahl , Ifversen Marinne , Nielsen Jeppe Sylvest Angaard
Published: December 2020

A 9-year-old girl was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit with acute respiratory failure due to influenza. Nine months earlier, she presented with unexplained lymphoedema of the lower extremities and monocytopenia. She had a history of occasional finger warts and onychomycoses. During hospitalisation, the patient was diagnosed with Emberger syndrome caused by GATA2 deficiency. The admission was complicated by thromboses in the right hand, leading to amputation of multiple fingers. From then on, the patient has been in good recovery, the function of her right hand was improving and an allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation has now been successfully performed.
Bilateral periorbital necrotising fasciitis associated with invasive group: aStreptococcusinfection
Authors: McCabe Grace Anne , Hardy Thomas , Campbell Thomas Gordon
Published: December 2020

A previously independent 56-year-old immunocompetent woman presented with septic shock in the setting of periorbital swelling and diffuse infiltrates on chest imaging. Blood cultures were positive for growth of group AStreptococcus(GAS). Broad spectrum antimicrobials were initiated with the inclusion of the antitoxin agent clindamycin. Necrosis of periorbital tissue was noted and surgical consultation was obtained. Débridement of both eyelids with skin grafting was performed. GAS was isolated from wound cultures and also observed on periorbital tissue microscopy. The final diagnosis was bilateral periorbital necrotising fasciitis (PONF) associated with invasive GAS infection. The patient had a prolonged intensive care unit course with input from multiple specialist teams. This case demonstrates the importance of early recognition and treatment of PONF, the profound systemic morbidity caused by these infections, and illustrates successful multidisciplinary teamwork.
Prosopagnosia seizure semiology in a 10-year-old boy: a functional neuroimaging study
Authors: Lam Jack , Moreau Jeremy T , Chen Jen-Kai , Albrecht Steffen , Saint-Martin Christine , Simard-Tremblay Elisabeth , Baillet Sylvain , Klein Denise , Dudley Roy WR
Published: December 2020

We illustrate a case of post-traumatic recurrent transient prosopagnosia in a paediatric patient with a right posterior inferior temporal gyrus haemorrhage seen on imaging and interictal electroencephalogram abnormalities in the right posterior quadrant. Face recognition area mapping with magnetoencephalography (MEG) and functional MRI (fMRI) was performed to clarify the relationship between the lesion and his prosopagnosia, which showed activation of the right fusiform gyrus that colocalised with the lesion. Lesions adjacent to the right fusiform gyrus can result in seizures presenting as transient prosopagnosia. MEG and fMRI can help to attribute this unique semiology to the lesion.
Safety of neonatal sternal wound reconstruction after open heart surgery
Authors: Barlas Venus , Ali Barkat , Shetty Anil
Published: December 2020

An open sternal wound is a dreaded complication after open heart surgery for neonatal congenital cardiac anomalies. Vascularised muscle flap reconstruction of sternal wound defects, to prevent life-threatening mediastinal infections, is the standard of care in adults and children. However, there is paucity of published literature regarding the safety of this technique in neonates. We describe a successful operative technique for complex reconstruction of an open heart sternal defect on a neonatal male patient. On 6 months postoperative follow-up, we identified an issue with sternal instability. Patient underwent a subsequent operation for reinforcement of the sternal wound repair with Vicryl mesh. The authors report safety of using three separate vascularised muscle flaps in a single neonatal operation. Long-term follow-up of the sternal wound reconstruction is warranted to determine need for secondary procedures.
Intrathecal iodinated contrast-induced transient spinal shock
Authors: Lohana Abhi Chand , Neel Sejal , Deepak Vishal , Schauer Mark
Published: December 2020

Transient spinal shock is a previously unreported complication of intrathecal contrast. A 63-year-old man presented with the chief complaint of worsening back pain. Computed topography of lumbar spine without contrast showed a lytic lesion. After international normalized ratio (INR) correction, patient was sent for CT myelogram. After intrathecal contrast injection, the patient dropped his blood pressure profoundly and developed clinical manifestations of spinal shock. Emergent intravenous bolus fluids were initiated resulting in improvement in blood pressure. Patient’s spinal shock resolved within hours. CT myelogram was normal except previously known lytic lesion. It was concluded that the transient shock was most likely due to contrast injection. We believe that this is the first reported case of transient spinal shock following CT myelogram using water-soluble iodinated non-ionic contrast agent administered intrathecally.