bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential application ofIstisna’financing in Malaysia
Authors: Hasmawati Anisza , Mohamad Azhar
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the potential application ofIstisna’financing in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Using primary data from semi-structured interviews with 17 participants, including Islamic financial institutions (IFIs), regulatory body and property development companies, the findings of the study suggest thatIstisna’is perceived as a good contract that has unique features and the potential to be implemented in Malaysia; although, it has only been implemented a little by current businesses, mainly due to its perceived high risks.

Findings

The authors find there is a gap between the theory and the actual operation of IFIs in Malaysia – some salient features of an Islamic contract are actually difficult to execute in reality as there are many factors to be considered, such as default risk inIstisna’, legal issues and accounting treatment ofIstisna’contract. This study recommends the further development ofIstisna’in Malaysia due to its huge potential in the Islamic financial market there.

Practical implications

Istisna’is a unique type of sale contract that is used in the manufacturing sectors where the sale of a commodity is transacted before the commodity exists. In practice, data from the Central Bank of Malaysia show thatIstisna’financing is scarce.

Originality/value

The study differs from previous research studies onIstisna’– to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to provide evidence the real thoughts of IFIs with regard onIstisna’specifically and IFIs’ operations in general. Previous studies related toIstisna’have limited scopes, as they have mainly explored the theoretical nature of the contract, issues of permissibility from theShariahperspective and its comparability with other IFIs product such as Salam. In this study, from respondents’ views, the authors notice actually there is a gap between theory and the real practice of Islamic finance. An Islamic finance instrument may be an ideal choice to customers but not very popular from IFIs’ sides. In this respect, the authors add to the growing literature ofIstisna’by asking the direct questions to IFIs and the authors get honest responses pertaining to default risk, legal issues and accounting treatment.
New instruments for water management in Brazil
Authors: Breviglieri Gustavo Velloso , Osório Guarany Ipê do Sol , Lefèvre Guilherme Borba
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the possible uses of economic instruments, other than water tariffs, to assist water management policy in Brazil. In particular, the paper focuses attention toward markets for use rights.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on water resources specialists’ opinions and perceptions, collected through surveys (Delphi method) and a focus group, to understand if such an instrument is desirable and which roles could it play within Brazilian water basins.

Findings

Results suggest there is room and utility for markets for water use rights, although mostly on a temporary basis, localized, predominantly dealing with scarcity events and in conjunction with the other instruments under Brazil’s National Water Policy.

Originality/value

Given the persistence of scarcity events in the country, the research represents a first step to understand if new instruments for water management are politically feasible and contribute to better delineate future investigations applied to specific water basins and their local conditions.
Antibacterial activity of disodium succinoyl glycyrrhetinate, a derivative of glycyrrhetinic acid against Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Yamashita Takahito , Kawada‐Matsuo Miki , Katsumata Tamaki , Watanabe Atsuko , Oogai Yuichi , Nishitani Yoshihiro , Miyawaki Shouichi , Komatsuzawa Hitoshi
Published: June 2019

Streptococcus mutans is a cariogenic bacterium that localizes in the oral cavity. Glycyrrhetinic acid (GRA) is a major component of licorice extract. GRA and several derivatives, including disodium succinoyl glycyrrhetinate (GR‐SU), are known to have anti‐inflammatory effects in humans. In this study, the antimicrobial effect of GRA and its derivatives against the S. mutans UA159 strain were investigated. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of GRA and GR‐SU showed antibacterial activity against the S. mutans strain, whereas other tested derivatives did not. Because GR‐SU is more soluble than GRA, GR‐SU was used for further experiments. The antibacterial activity of GR‐SU against 100 S. mutans strains was evaluated and it was found that all strains are susceptible to GR‐SU, with MIC values below 256 µg/mL. A cell viability assay showed that GR‐SU has a bacteriostatic effect on S. mutans cells. As to growth kinetics, sub‐MICs of GR‐SU inhibited growth. The effect of GR‐SU on S. mutans virulence was then investigated. GR‐SU at sub‐MICs suppresses biofilm formation. Additionally, GR‐SU greatly suppresses the pH drop caused by the addition of glucose and glucose‐induced expression of the genes responsible for acid production (ldh and pykF) and tolerance (aguD and atpD). Additionally, expression of enolase, which is responsible for the carbohydrate phosphotransferase system, was not increased in the presence of GR‐SU, indicating that GR‐SU suppresses incorporation of sugars into S. mutans. In conclusion, GR‐SU has antibacterial activity against S. mutans and also decreases S. mutans virulence.
Agricultural Adaptation to Drought for Different Cropping Systems in Southern China under Climate Change
Authors: Zhao Junfang , Lu Houquan , Li Yijun
Published: June 2019

This study investigates agricultural adaptation to drought for different cropping systems in southern China. The study area was divided into three regions: South China (SC), South of the Yangtze River (SYR), and Southwest China (SWC). An index of agricultural adaptation to drought (D) was established. Our findings indicated that the average total crop water demand varied greatly among the regions from 1961 to 2010 in southern China. The maximum value was found in the SC region, followed by the SYR and SWC regions. The effects of droughts on different crops were noticeable. Frequent droughts were recorded in late rice than in early rice in the SC and SYR regions. Droughts in the SWC region mainly affected winter wheat. Moreover, the effects of droughts on crops varied during different growth stages. More frequent and serious droughts occurred during the crop critical flowering stage. Particularly, the frequency of moderate and severe droughts for late rice in the SYR region was 62% during the critical flowering stage. For the SC and SYR regions, the D values of early rice (0.29 and 0.29) were lower than that of late rice (0.31 and 0.33), respectively. For the SWC region, the D values of winter wheat and rice were both low, with averages of 0.16 and 0.29, respectively. Our study provides interesting insights for improving the drought defense abilities for different cropping systems by changing crop planting proportion on a regional scale in China.
Liver adenomatosis in patients with hepatocyte nuclear factor‐1 alpha maturity onset diabetes of the young (HNF1A‐MODY): Clinical, radiological and pathological characteristics in a French series
Authors: Haddouche Aini , Bellanne‐Chantelot Christine , Rod Anne , Fournier Luc , Chiche Laurence , Gautier Jean‐Francois , Timsit Jose , Laboureau Sandrine , Chaillous Lucy , Valero Rene , Larger Etienne , Jeandidier Nathalie , Wilhelm Jean‐Marie , Popelier Marc , Guillausseau Pierre‐Jean , Thivolet Charles , Lecomte Pierre , Benhamou Pierre‐Yves , Reznik Yves
Published: June 2019

Background

Liver adenomatosis (LA) is a rare disease resulting from biallelic inactivation of the hepatocyte nuclear factor‐1 alpha (HNF1A) gene, which induces the proliferation of adenoma cells in liver parenchyma. Liver adenomatosis has only been documented in case reports from patients carrying a HNF1A germline mutation. We have evaluated the frequency of LA among a large cohort of patients with HNF1A‐maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY), previously termed “MODY3,” and herein describe its clinical, radiological, and pathological characteristics.

Methods

In all, 137 HNF1A‐MODY subjects from 74 families were screened by liver ultrasonography in 13 centers, and 15 additional cases of LA were later included in the series. Liver adenomatosis was confirmed by liver computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or histopathology.

Results

Among 137 carriers of an HNF1A mutation, 9 patients (6.5%) from seven families were diagnosed with LA. Diabetes mellitus was present in 87.5% of patients with LA. In 25% of patients, LA was diagnosed due to intra‐abdominal or intratumoral bleeding. Liver biochemistry was near normal in all patients. Liver imaging showed adenomas of various sizes and numbers. On MRI, most nodules had the radiological characteristics of steatotic adenomas. Histopathological confirmation of LA was available in 13 cases, and these adenomas were mostly steatotic. Surgery was initially performed in 37.5% of patients, and liver disease progression was observed in 30%. No disease progression was observed in 14 pregnancies.

Conclusions

The frequency of LA in a cohort of screened HNF1A‐MODY patients and the high incidence of LA progression and/or hemorrhage warrants systematic screening for liver adenomatosis in HNF1A‐MODY families.
Brains of rhesus monkeys display Aβ deposits and glial pathology while lacking Aβ dimers and other Alzheimer's pathologies
Authors: Zhang Jing , Chen Baian , Lu Jing , Wu Yi , Wang Shubo , Yao Zitong , Zhu Liming , Qiao Yanhua , Sun Quan , Qin Wei , Zhao Qiao , Jia Jianping , Wei Cuibai
Published: June 2019

Cerebral amyloid beta (Aβ) deposits are the main early pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, abundant Aβ deposits also occur spontaneously in the brains of many healthy people who are free of AD with advancing aging. A crucial unanswered question in AD prevention is why AD does not develop in some elderly people, despite the presence of Aβ deposits. The answer may lie in the composition of Aβ oligomer isoforms in the Aβ deposits of healthy brains, which are different from AD brains. However, which Aβ oligomer triggers the transformation from aging to AD pathogenesis is still under debate. Some researchers insist that the Aβ 12‐mer causes AD pathology, while others suggest that the Aβ dimer is the crucial molecule in AD pathology. Aged rhesus monkeys spontaneously develop Aβ deposits in the brain with striking similarities to those of aged humans. Thus, rhesus monkeys are an ideal natural model to study the composition of Aβ oligomer isoforms and their downstream effects on AD pathology. In this study, we found that Aβ deposits in aged monkey brains included 3‐mer, 5‐mer, 9‐mer, 10‐mer, and 12‐mer oligomers, but not 2‐mer oligomers. The Aβ deposits, which were devoid of Aβ dimers, induced glial pathology (microgliosis, abnormal microglia morphology, and astrocytosis), but not the subsequent downstream pathologies of AD, including Tau pathology, neurodegeneration, and synapse loss. Our results indicate that the Aβ dimer plays an important role in AD pathogenesis. Thus, targeting the Aβ dimer is a promising strategy for preventing AD.
The Relationship Between the U.S. State Alcohol Policy Environment and Individuals’ Experience of Secondhand Effects: Alcohol Harms Due to Others’ Drinking
Authors: Greenfield Thomas K. , Cook Won K. , Karriker‐Jaffe Katherine J. , Patterson Deidre , Kerr William C. , Xuan Ziming , Naimi Timothy S.
Published: June 2019

Background

Although restrictive state alcohol policy environments are protective for individuals’ binge drinking, research is sparse on the effect of alcohol policies on alcohol's harms to others (AHTO). We examined the lagged associations between efficacy of U.S. state alcohol policies and number of harms from others’ drinking 1 year later.

Methods

Individuals with AHTO data in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults (analytic sample n = 26,744) that pooled the 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015 National Alcohol Surveys and a 2015 National Alcohol's Harm to Others Survey were linked with prior‐year state policy measures. We used 2 measures from the Alcohol Policy Scale (APS)—effectiveness in reducing (i) binge drinking and (ii) impaired driving, based on experts’ efficacy judgments regarding 29 state alcohol policies. Three 12‐month AHTO measures (due to another drinker) were experiencing: (i) either family/marriage difficulties or financial troubles; (ii) being assaulted or vandalized; and (iii) passenger with drunk driver or traffic accident. Multilevel models accounting for clustering within states and stratified by age‐groups (<40 vs. ≥40) examined associations between the APS and AHTO measures, controlling for individual covariates (gender, race, education, employment and marital status, family problem‐drinking history) of the victim.

Results

Only for those aged <40, the lagged APS‐Binge drinking and APS‐Impaired driving scores were each inversely associated with aggression‐related harms and, separately, with drunk driving‐related harm from someone else's drinking (ps < 0.05 to < 0.01). Family/financial harms were not associated with APS scores for either age‐group. Composite AHTO measures (any of 3 harm‐types) also were inversely associated with stronger state alcohol policy environments (ps < 0.05 to <0.01).

Conclusions

State alcohol policies may be effective in reducing, to a meaningful degree, aggression‐related harms and vehicular hazards due to other drinkers, but mainly in those under 40.
The plant product quinic acid activates Ca2+‐dependent mitochondrial function and promotes insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells
Authors: Heikkilä Eija , Hermant Aurelie , Thevenet Jonathan , Bermont Flavien , Kulkarni Sameer S. , Ratajczak Joanna , Santo‐Domingo Jaime , Dioum El Hadji , Canto Carles , Barron Denis , Wiederkehr Andreas , De Marchi Umberto
Published: June 2019

Background and Purpose

Quinic acid (QA) is an abundant natural compound from plant sources which may improve metabolic health. However, little attention has been paid to its effects on pancreatic beta‐cell functions, which contribute to the control of metabolic health by lowering blood glucose. Strategies targeting beta‐cell signal transduction are a new approach for diabetes treatment. This study investigated the efficacy of QA to stimulate beta‐cell function by targeting the basic molecular machinery of metabolism–secretion coupling.

Experimental Approach

We measured bioenergetic parameters and insulin exocytosis in a model of insulin‐secreting beta‐cells (INS‐1E), together with Ca2+ homeostasis, using genetically encoded sensors, targeted to different subcellular compartments. Islets from mice chronically infused with QA were also assessed.

Key Results

QA triggered transient cytosolic Ca2+ increases in insulin‐secreting cells by mobilizing Ca2+ from intracellular stores, such as endoplasmic reticulum. Following glucose stimulation, QA increased glucose‐induced mitochondrial Ca2+ transients. We also observed a QA‐induced rise of the NAD(P)H/NAD(P)+ ratio, augmented ATP synthase‐dependent respiration, and enhanced glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion. QA promoted beta‐cell function in vivo as islets from mice infused with QA displayed improved glucose‐induced insulin secretion. A diet containing QA improved glucose tolerance in mice.

Conclusions and Implications

QA modulated intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, enhancing glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion in both INS‐1E cells and mouse islets. By increasing mitochondrial Ca2+, QA activated the coordinated stimulation of oxidative metabolism, mitochondrial ATP synthase‐dependent respiration, and therefore insulin secretion. Bioactive agents raising mitochondrial Ca2+ in pancreatic beta‐cells could be used to treat diabetes.
Interleukin-17 and -22 synergy linking inflammation and EMT-dependent fibrosis in Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Sisto M , Lorusso L , Tamma R , Ingravallo G , Ribatti D , Lisi S
Published: June 2019

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a chronic inflammatory, autoimmune and systemic disorder commonly associated with dry eyes and a dry mouth. Recently, the hypothetical link between epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-dependent salivary gland (SG) fibrosis and chronic inflammatory conditions has been suggested. In this study, we present data demonstrating a negative correlation of the epithelial marker E-cadherin expression and a positive correlation of mesenchymal vimentin and collagen type I expression with increasing degrees of tissue inflammation in pSS SG specimens. In addition, as it is not clear whether dysregulated cytokines in pSS, interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-22 may also contribute to the EMT-dependent fibrosis process, the effect of IL-17 and IL-22 treatment on EMT-dependent SG fibrosis was evaluated in primary human salivary gland epithelial cells (SGEC) isolated from healthy subjects. Here we present data demonstrating that IL-17 and IL-22 can induce SGEC to undergo a morphological and phenotypical transition to a mesenchymal phenotype. In support of this, vimentin and collagen type I were up-regulated while a decreased expression of E-cadherin occurs after interleukin treatment, and co-operation between IL-17 and Il-22 was required to induce the EMT.
School Meals and Food Poverty: Children’s Views, Parents’ Perspectives and the Role of School
Authors: Cardoso Sónia Goulart , Truninger Mónica , Ramos Vasco , Augusto Fábio Rafael
Published: June 2019

This paper addresses the importance of school meals in balancing food budgets and diets among 45 low‐income families in Portugal. Drawing on interviews with both parents and children (aged 11–15 years) we found that children’s views on the quality of school meals affect their willingness to eat at school and heighten parental concerns with health, food and resources. For parents, school meals are crucial to ensure children’s dietary variety and balancing tight food budgets. Schools’ role in food poverty alleviation is also critically addressed, contributing to current and future sociological studies of children, school meals and food poverty.
Do social ties matter for corporate bond yield spreads? Evidence from China
Authors: Qiu Xuemei , Su Zhong‐qin , Xiao Zuoping
Published: June 2019

Research Question/Issue

This paper studies the effect of top management team (TMT) network centrality on corporate bond yield spreads. In additional analyses, we examine the hierarchical structures of TMT and study which parts contribute to the decrease in bond yield spreads. We also examine the mediating roles (including informed trading probability, media coverage, political ties, financial ties, and bond ratings) and the moderating roles (including marketization and analysts following) in the correlation between TMT network centrality and corporate bond yield spreads.

Research Findings/Insights

This paper finds that firms with high TMT network centrality are significantly negatively correlated with lower bond yield spreads. The findings are robust after controlling for a series of sensitivity checks and endogenous concerns. The results of the hierarchical structures show that the decrease of bond spreads is accounted for CFOs' networks and board members' networks, whereas the role of CEOs' networks is not apparent. More importantly, after controlling CEOs' networks, CFOs' networks, and board members' networks, the centrality of all TMT members' networks remains statistically significant, indicating that firms can benefit from the interlocking of all TMT members (not just the senior members). From the mediating effect results, we find that high TMT network centrality increases the value of a firm's probability of informed trading and its bond ratings while also increasing a firm's access to media coverage, political ties, and financial ties, which in turn can help lower bondholder' risk premiums. The moderating effect results show that the higher the marketization index and the more analysts following a firm, the higher the benefit of TMT network centrality to bond spreads.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

The results provide strong evidence that bondholders require lower bond yield spreads for firms with higher TMT network centrality, which suggests that TMT network centrality is critically essential for firms to obtain resources and to build a good corporate image and reputation; TMT network centrality can also lead to better information flow.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This paper can inform various stakeholders about the impact of high TMT network centrality on bond yield spreads. It would be helpful to ensure the reasonable pricing of corporate bonds and to promote healthy and sound development of the bond market.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided versus endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography‐guided biliary drainage for primary treatment of distal malignant biliary obstruction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jin Zheng , Wei Yaping , Lin Huapeng , Yang Jing , Jin Hangbin , Shen Sisi , Zhang Xiaofeng
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Current evidence supporting the utility of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided biliary drainage (EUS‐BD) as primary treatment for distal malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) is limited. We conducted a meta‐analysis to compare the performance of EUS‐BD and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography‐guided biliary drainage (ERCP‐BD) as primary palliation of distal MBO.

Methods

We searched several databases for comparative studies evaluating EUS‐BD vs. ERCP‐BD in primary drainage of distal MBO up to 28 February 2019. Primary outcomes were technical success and clinical success. Secondary outcomes included adverse events, stent patency, stent dysfunction, tumor in/overgrowth, reinterventions, procedure duration, and overall survival.

Results

Four studies involving 302 patients were qualified for the final analysis. There was no difference in technical success (risk ratio [RR] 1.00; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.93–1.08), clinical success (RR 1.00; 95% CI 0.94–1.06) and total adverse events (RR 0.68; 95% CI: 0.31–1.48) between the two procedures. EUS‐BD was associated with lower rates of post‐procedure pancreatitis (RR 0.12; 95% CI 0.02–0.62), stent dysfunction (RR 0.54; 95% CI 0.32–0.91), and tumor in/overgrowth (RR 0.22; 95% CI 0.07–0.76). No differences were noted in reinterventions (RR 0.59; 95% CI 0.21–1.69), procedure duration (weighted mean difference −2.11; 95% CI −9.51 to 5.29), stent patency (hazard ratio [HR] 0.61; 95% CI 0.34–1.11), and overall survival (HR 1.00; 95% CI 0.66–1.51).

Conclusions

With adequate endoscopy expertise, EUS‐BD could show similar efficacy and safety when compared with ERCP‐BD for primary palliation of distal MBO and exhibits several clinical advantages.
Structural abnormalities in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy beyond left ventricular hypertrophy by multimodality imaging evaluation
Authors: Urbano‐Moral Jose Angel , Gutierrez‐Garcia‐Moreno Laura , Rodriguez‐Palomares Jose Fernando , Matabuena‐Gomez‐Limon Javier , Niella Natalia , Maldonado Giuliana , Valle‐Racero Juan Ignacio , Niella Marcela , Teixido‐Tura Gisela , Garcia‐Dorado David , Ferrazzi Paolo , Pandian Natesa G. , Evangelista‐Masip Arturo
Published: June 2019

Background

Echocardiography‐ and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)‐based studies have revealed a wide range of phenotypic manifestations in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) apart from hypertrophy. This study sought to comprehensively describe a number of structural abnormalities in HCM beyond hypertrophy, by multimodality imaging.

Methods

A total of 100 HCM patients were prospectively enrolled, undergoing standard and contrast echocardiography, and CMR. Morphological characteristics involving mitral valve leaflets (MVL), subvalvular apparatus, and left ventricular cavity and wall were investigated. Seventy healthy volunteers served as control population.

Results

As assessed by echo, MVLs were longer in HCM patients than in controls (anterior method 1: 24[22,28] vs 19[18,20] mm, P < 0.01; anterior method 2: 27[24, 29] vs 21[19, 23] mm, P < 0.01; posterior: 15[12,19] vs 14[13,15] mm, P < 0.01). Abnormal chordal attachment to anterior MVL, anterior papillary muscle displacement, and accessory apical‐basal muscle bundle were present in 42 (42%), 61 (61%), and 35 (35%) patients, respectively (P values vs controls <0.01); direct papillary muscle insertion into MVL and hypertrabeculation were found in two and five patients, respectively. Contrast echocardiography (n = 94) detected myocardial crypts in 15 patients (16%). Overall, 83% of HCM subjects had at least one of these phenotypic manifestations. Echocardiography and CMR agreement for MVL length was poor, while for structural characteristics was moderate to substantial (Cohen's Kappa: 0.53‐1.00). Except for posterior MVL length and hypertrabeculation, the phenotypic characteristics studied had acceptable reproducibility by echocardiography and CMR.

Conclusions

Structural abnormalities in HCM beyond hypertrophy are significantly common. Multimodality imaging approach to these HCM facets by echocardiography and CMR is feasible and desirable.
Hippocampal diffusion abnormality after febrile status epilepticus is related to subsequent epilepsy
Authors: Yokoi Setsuri , Kidokoro Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Ohno Atsuko , Nakata Tomohiko , Kubota Tetsuo , Tsuji Takeshi , Morishita Masashi , Kawabe Takashi , Naiki Misako , Maruyama Koichi , Itomi Kazuya , Kato Toru , Ito Komei , Natsume Jun
Published: June 2019

Objective

To assess hippocampal signal changes on diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) during the acute period after febrile status epilepticus (FSE) and to examine the relationship between DWI and subsequent epilepsy.

Methods

A prospective, multicenter study of children with a first episode of FSE was performed. The patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 3 days of FSE, and signal intensity was evaluated on DWI. Electroencephalography studies within 3 days of FSE were also assessed. Nine to 13 years after FSE, information on subsequent epilepsy was obtained.

Results

Twenty‐two children with FSE were evaluated. DWI showed unilateral hippocampal hyperintensity in six patients (27%). Three of six patients with hippocampal hyperintensity had ipsilateral thalamic hyperintensity. On EEG within 3 days of FSE, five of six patients with hippocampal hyperintensity had ipsilateral focal slowing, spikes, or attenuation. Nine to 13 years later, the outcomes could be determined in five patients with hippocampal hyperintensity and in 10 without. All 5 patients with hippocampal hyperintensity had hippocampal atrophy and developed focal epilepsy, whereas only 1 of 10 patients without hippocampal hyperintensity developed epilepsy (P = 0.002). Ictal semiology was concordant with temporal lobe seizures in all patients. Ipsilateral temporal epileptiform abnormalities were seen on EEG in four of five at last follow‐up.

Significance

Acute DWI hippocampal hyperintensity was seen in 27% of patients with FSE. Acute DWI hyperintensity suggests cytotoxic edema caused by prolonged seizure activity. Hippocampal DWI hyperintensity is related to mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and can be a target of neuroprotective treatments to prevent the onset of epilepsy.
Diagnosis, management and prognosis of large colon impactions
Authors: Hanson R. Reid , Schumacher J.
Published: June 2019

The majority of large colon feed impactions occur in the left ventral colon at the pelvic flexure. Sand and enterolith impactions most commonly occur in the left ventral colon at the pelvic flexure or in the right dorsal colon; however, sand can accumulate anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract. Enteral fluid therapy can, in most cases, supplement or even replace i.v. administration of fluids and it appears effective and safe to soften large colon contents and resolve simple large colon impactions. Surgical intervention is indicated when a concurrent displacement is suspected, as lengthy medical treatment of large colon impaction secondary to large colon displacements would not be indicated and may increase the risk of colonic rupture. Other indications for surgical intervention include uncontrollable pain, when cardiovascular parameters deteriorate, or when there is evidence of intestinal devitalisation. The prognosis for horses undergoing large colon enterotomy is dependent on the extent and type of impaction, but is generally excellent.
The climatic drivers of primary Picea forest growth along the Carpathian arc are changing under rising temperatures
Authors: Schurman Jonathan S. , Babst Flurin , Björklund Jesper , Rydval Miloš , Bače Radek , Čada Vojtěch , Janda Pavel , Mikolas Martin , Saulnier Mélanie , Trotsiuk Volodymyr , Svoboda Miroslav
Published: June 2019

Climatic constraints on tree growth mediate an important link between terrestrial and atmospheric carbon pools. Tree rings provide valuable information on climate‐driven growth patterns, but existing data tend to be biased toward older trees on climatically extreme sites. Understanding climate change responses of biogeographic regions requires data that integrate spatial variability in growing conditions and forest structure. We analyzed both temporal (c. 1901–2010) and spatial variation in radial growth patterns in 9,876 trees from fragments of primary Picea abies forests spanning the latitudinal and altitudinal extent of the Carpathian arc. Growth was positively correlated with summer temperatures and spring moisture availability throughout the entire region. However, important seasonal variation in climate responses occurred along geospatial gradients. At northern sites, winter precipitation and October temperatures of the year preceding ring formation were positively correlated with ring width. In contrast, trees at the southern extent of the Carpathians responded negatively to warm and dry conditions in autumn of the year preceding ring formation. An assessment of regional synchronization in radial growth variability showed temporal fluctuations throughout the 20th century linked to the onset of moisture limitation in southern landscapes. Since the beginning of the study period, differences between high and low elevations in the temperature sensitivity of tree growth generally declined, while moisture sensitivity increased at lower elevations. Growth trend analyses demonstrated changes in absolute tree growth rates linked to climatic change, with basal area increments in northern landscapes and lower altitudes responding positively to recent warming. Tree growth has predominantly increased with rising temperatures in the Carpathians, accompanied by early indicators that portions of the mountain range are transitioning from temperature to moisture limitation. Continued warming will alleviate large‐scale temperature constraints on tree growth, giving increasing weight to local drivers that are more challenging to predict.
Response of maize biomass and soil water fluxes on elevated CO2 and drought—From field experiments to process‐based simulations
Authors: Kellner Juliane , Houska Tobias , Manderscheid Remy , Weigel Hans‐Joachim , Breuer Lutz , Kraft Philipp
Published: June 2019

The rising concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) is known to increase the total aboveground biomass of several C3 crops, whereas C4 crops are reported to be hardly affected when water supply is sufficient. However, a free‐air carbon enrichment (FACE) experiment in Braunschweig, Germany, in 2007 and 2008 resulted in a 25% increased biomass of the C4 crop maize under restricted water conditions and elevated CO2 (550 ppm). To project future yields of maize under climate change, an accurate representation of the effects of eCO2 and drought on biomass and soil water conditions is essential. Current crop growth models reveal limitations in simulations of maize biomass under eCO2 and limited water supply. We use the coupled process‐based hydrological‐plant growth model Catchment Modeling Framework‐Plant growth Modeling Framework to overcome this limitation. We apply the coupled model to the maize‐based FACE experiment in Braunschweig that provides robust data for the investigation of combined CO2 and drought effects. We approve hypothesis I that CO2 enrichment has a small direct‐fertilizing effect with regard to the total aboveground biomass of maize and hypothesis II that CO2 enrichment decreases water stress and leads to higher yields of maize under restricted water conditions. Hypothesis III could partly be approved showing that CO2 enrichment decreases the transpiration of maize, but does not raise soil moisture, while increasing evaporation. We emphasize the importance of plant‐specific CO2 response factors derived by use of comprehensive FACE data. By now, only one FACE experiment on maize is accomplished applying different water levels. For the rigorous testing of plant growth models and their applicability in climate change studies, we call for datasets that go beyond single criteria (only yield response) and single effects (only elevated CO2).
Anxiety Sensitivity as a Risk Indicator for Anxiety, Depression, and Headache Severity in Women With Migraine
Authors: Farris Samantha G. , Burr Emily K. , Abrantes Ana M. , Thomas J. Graham , Godley Frederick A. , Roth Julie L. , Lipton Richard B. , Pavlovic Jelena M. , Bond Dale S.
Published: June 2019

Objective

The primary aim of this exploratory study was to assess the relationship between anxiety sensitivity and emotional disorders, migraine characteristics, and migraine‐related fear and avoidance behaviors in women with probable migraine.

Background

Anxiety and depressive disorders are the most frequent comorbid psychiatric conditions in migraine, particularly in women; however, the underlying reasons for these comorbidities are uncertain. Anxiety sensitivity, the tendency to catastrophically appraise anxiety and bodily sensations in terms of their physical, social, or cognitive consequences, is a psychological factor that may contribute to the comorbidity of anxiety and depressive disorders and migraine. It was hypothesized that anxiety sensitivity would be associated with greater migraine severity and psychiatric symptoms.

Method

Participants were women (n = 100) who screened positive for migraine on the validated IDMigraine Screener participated in an anonymous single‐session online survey‐based study on migraine. The Anxiety Sensitivity Index‐3 total and subscales scores were used to assess anxiety sensitivity. Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed with the brief Patient Health Questionnaire.

Results

On average, anxiety sensitivity was clinically elevated (mean ± SD: 24.0 ± 15.2). Anxiety sensitivity cognitive and social concerns were most strongly correlated with severity of anxiety (r's = .38‐.46) and depressive symptoms (r = .35‐.39, P's < .001), and all anxiety sensitivity facets were related to fear of head pain (r's = .35‐.38, P's < .001). Anxiety sensitivity cognitive concern facet was uniquely related to headache patterns, including longer migraine attack duration (r = .22, P = .029) and pain intensity (r = .24, P = .029), pain‐related avoidance, including avoiding movement and more frequent misuse of prescribed or non‐prescribed pain medication (r's = .20‐.21, P's < .01).

Conclusions

These novel findings indicate that anxiety sensitivity, specifically fearful appraisal of bodily sensations, are linked to both psychiatric symptoms and migraine severity in women. In this cross‐sectional study, causal sequence cannot be determined. If anxiety sensitivity leads to more severe pain and psychiatric distress, targeting anxiety sensitivity could lead to better headache outcomes.
Conference season
Authors: Grant Maria J.
Published: June 2019

Health library and information workers no longer find themselves restricted to presenting at purely local or national health‐related library events, a diversity evidenced by the two conferences supported by CILIP's Health Libraries Group this month, June 2019. The Health Libraries Group is an official sponsor of #EBLIP10, the 10th international Evidence Based Library and Information Practice conference, which encourages us to think about the evidence we collect and use to inform practice. The Health Libraries Group also strengthens its links with EAHIL: The European Association of Health Information and Libraries by aligning the content of this year's Virtual Issue of the Health Information and Libraries Journal with EAHIL 2019s themes of evidence‐based practice, impact & assessment, and technology uptake, available at: https://bit.ly/2PAZw2X.
Wither health science librarianship? Many questions, many options
Authors: Murphy Jeannette
Published: June 2019

The 2019 virtual issue of the Health Information and Libraries Journal (HILJ) is published to link to the 2019 EAHIL Workshop taking place in Basel, Switzerland on 17‐20 June 2019. The workshop is structured around six topics: (i) Roadmap of our Profession; (ii) Technology Uptake; (iii) Ecology of Scholarly Communications; (iv) Impact + Assessment; (v) Benchmarking + Advocacy; (vi) Evidence‐Based Practice. These themes have been used to compile this virtual issue, which contains published articles selected from HILJ from the March 2019 issue through to June 2017. The virtual issue mirrors the format of a regular issue of HILJ, namely a review article, five original articles and articles from our three regular features: ‘Dissertations into Practice’, ‘International Perspectives and Initiatives’ and ‘Teaching and Learning in Action’. The authors come from the UK, Canada, Australia, Italy, Iran and Belgium. All articles included in this virtual issue are available free online.
Complicated appendiceal diverticulosis versus low‐grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms: a major diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Lowes Hannah , Rowaiye Babatunde , Carr Norman J , Shepherd Neil A
Published: June 2019

Aims

To research and identify how often complicated diverticular disease of the appendix [appendiceal diverticular disease (ADD)] shows histological mimicry of low‐grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMNs) and to provide guidance on the useful histopathological features that allow the appropriate diagnosis to be made.

Methods and results

Seventy‐four cases of complicated appendiceal diverticular disease were identified from two specialist centres. Of the second opinion/consultation cases, 71% of the ADD cases had been diagnosed by referring pathologists as LAMNs. Salient pathological features were identified and agreed upon to reach the applicable diagnosis. For a diagnosis of complicated diverticulosis, particularly when associated with mucus cysts, the following morphological features were regarded as important: relative retention of the normal mucosal architecture with lamina propria and a maintained crypt architecture, crypts arranged in regular array, epithelial hyperplasia and a lack of nuclear abnormalities extending the length of the crypts. In a formal case–control study undertaken on 30 cases with each diagnosis, ADD and LAMN, loss of lamina propria, a filiform architecture and hypermucinosis were significantly associated with low‐grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms. Mucosal neuromas were significantly associated with diverticular disease of the appendix.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this study represents the largest series in the world literature and serves to highlight the important pathological features to distinguish complicated diverticular disease of the appendix from LAMNs, and emphasises the difficulties experienced by diagnostic pathologists in diagnosing complicated appendiceal diverticulosis. This is important, as LAMNs have a significant risk of transcoelomic spread, while complicated appendiceal diverticulosis has no such risk.
Evidence for the Pleistocene persistence of Collembola in Great Britain
Authors: Faria Christiana M. A. , Shaw Peter , Emerson Brent C.
Published: June 2019

Aim

Using two genera of springtail,LepidocyrtusandEntomobrya(Collembola), we test for genetic signatures of Pleistocene persistence of soil arthropods in Great Britain.

Location

Great Britain.

Methods

A region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene was sequenced for 1,150 Collembola specimens from the generaLepidocyrtusandEntomobryaacross Great Britain. Individuals were clustered into Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs), and bothOTUrichness and geographical patterns of genetic variation withinOTUs were compared between glaciated and unglaciated areas to identify signatures ofOTUpersistence through Pleistocene glacial events.

Results

Our analyses identified 12Entomobryaand 18LepidocyrtusOTUs in Great Britain.LepidocyrtusOTUrichness was significantly lower in glaciated than unglaciated areas, whereas there was no difference forEntomobryaOTUrichness. However, both genera presented clear patterns of geographically disjunct genetic variation and geographically localized diversification ofOTUs. Estimated dates for the onset of in situ diversification events indicate population persistence that pre‐dates the Last Glacial Maximum.

Main conclusions

Patterns of genetic diversity within CollembolaOTUs in Great Britain add to a growing body of evidence that elements of the invertebrate fauna have persisted in situ through Pleistocene glacial cycles. Genetic signatures of population persistence in more northern glaciated areas of Great Britain support a hypothesis of geothermal glacial refugia that call for further investigation with other soil mesofaunal taxa.
Global biogeographic structuring of tropical shallow‐water brittle stars
Authors: Bribiesca‐Contreras Guadalupe , Verbruggen Heroen , Hugall Andrew F. , O'Hara Timothy D.
Published: June 2019

Aim

Biogeographic barriers emerged in the tropical oceans as continental masses moved with plate tectonics, and as the tropics contracted to lower latitudes from the late Eocene. These barriers have shaped tropical marine biodiversity. We characterize large‐scale diversity patterns for tropical brittle stars and investigate the effect of biogeographic barriers on these in space and time.

Location

Shallow‐water (<200 m) tropical oceans.

Taxon

Tropical shallow‐water brittle stars (class Ophiuroidea).

Methods

We integrate phylogenetic and biogeographic modelling to test and quantify the biogeographic structuring across the major ocean basins for five families of brittle stars. These are well‐sampled in our phylogenies (173 species) and represent an important component of the brittle star fauna of tropical shallow waters. We define major bioregions based on patterns of compositional and phylogenetic beta diversity.

Results

We find congruence between patterns of shared ancestry of regions and inferred biogeographic histories. Biogeographic reconstructions show that faunal patterns reflect the emergence of biogeographic barriers in the tropical world, with evidence of vicariant events driven by the opening of the Atlantic Ocean, the narrowing of the Tethyan Seaway and the rise of the Isthmus of Panama.

Main conclusions

Biogeographic barriers almost completely isolated regional faunas. However, divergence age estimates predate the onset of the different barriers, suggesting that changes associated with the gradual emergence of the barriers had a strong effect on the evolutionary history of tropical shallow‐water brittle stars. Limited, very recent, bi‐directional dispersal was detected across the East Pacific Barrier, which is otherwise an important barrier for dispersal of brittle stars.
Age‐specific characteristics of neutrophilic dermatoses and neutrophilic diseases in children
Authors: Bucchia M. , Barbarot S. , Reumaux H. , Piram M. , Mahe E. , Mallet S. , Balguerie X. , Phan A. , Lacour J.‐P. , Decramer S. , Hatchuel Y. , Jean S. , Begon E. , Joubert A. , Merlin E. , Wallach D. , Meinzer U. , Bourrat E. ,   Groupe de recherche de la Société Française de Dermatologie Pédiatrique; Société Francophone pour la rhumatologie et les Maladies Inflammatoires en Pédiatrie (SOFREMIP)
Published: June 2019

Background

Our suggested ‘modern’ concepts of ‘neutrophilic dermatoses’ (ND) and ‘neutrophilic disease’ were based on observations in adult patients and have not been studied in paediatric patients. Only a minority of ND occurs in children, and little is known about age‐specific characteristics.

Objectives

To describe age‐specific characteristics of ND in children and to study whether our suggested ‘modern’ classification of ND may be applied to children.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective multicentre study in a French cohort of 27 paediatric patients diagnosed with pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) or Sweet's syndrome (SS).

Results

Demographics and distribution of typical/atypical forms were similar in patients diagnosed with PG and SS. Atypical ND were more frequent in infants (90%), when compared to young children (60%) and adolescents (33%). Neutrophilic disease was observed in 17/27 patients and was most frequent in infants. Neutrophilic disease of the upper respiratory tract, as well as cardiac neutrophilic disease, was only observed in infants, whereas other locations were similarly found in infants, young children and adolescents. In infants and young children, ND were associated with a large spectrum of general diseases, whereas in adolescents associations were limited to inflammatory bowel disease and Behçet's disease.

Conclusions

Our study describes the concept of ND in paediatric patients and shows that they have some characteristics different from ND occurring in adults. ND occurring in infants can be associated with a large spectrum of general diseases. Occurrence of neutrophilic disease is frequent in children. Thus, ND occurring in young paediatric patients should incite clinicians to schedule complementary explorations in order to search for involvement of other organs and to rule out monogenetic autoinflammatory syndromes.
Alpha‐synuclein at the nexus of genes and environment: the impact of environmental enrichment and stress on brain health and disease
Authors: Wassouf Zinah , Schulze‐Hentrich Julia M.
Published: June 2019

Accumulation of alpha‐synuclein protein aggregates is the hallmark neuropathologic feature of synucleinopathies such as Parkinson’s disease. Rare point mutations and multiplications in SNCA, the gene encoding alpha‐synuclein, as well as other genetic alterations are linked to familial Parkinson’s disease cases with high penetrance and hence constitute major genetic risk factors for Parkinson’s disease. However, the preponderance of cases seems sporadic, most likely based on a complex interplay between genetic predispositions, aging processes and environmental influences. Deciphering the impact of these environmental factors and their interactions with the individual genetic background in humans is challenging and often requires large cohorts, complicated study designs, and longitudinal set‐ups. In contrast, rodent models offer an ideal system to study the influence of individual environmental aspects under controlled genetic background and standardized conditions. In this review, we highlight findings from studies examining effects of environmental enrichment mimicking stimulation of the brain by its physical and social surroundings as well as of environmental stressors on brain health in the context of Parkinson’s disease. We discuss possible internal molecular transducers of such environmental cues in Parkinson’s disease rodent models and emphasize their potential in developing novel avenues to much‐needed therapies for this still incurable disease.

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This article is part of the Special Issue “Synuclein”