bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting auditors' opinions using financial ratios and non-financial metrics: evidence from Iran
Authors: Zarei Hamid , Yazdifar Hassan , Dahmarde Ghaleno Mohsen , azhmaneh Ramin
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to investigate the extent to which a model based on financial and non-financial variables predicts auditors' decisions to issue qualified audit reports in the case of companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilized data from the financial statements of 96 Iranian firms as the sample over a period of five years (2012–2016). A total of 480 observations were analysed using a probit model through 11 primary financial ratios accompanying non-financial variables, including the type of audit firm, auditor turnover and corporate performance, which affect the issuance of audit reports.

Findings

The results demonstrated high explanatory power of financial ratios and type of audit firm (the national audit organization vs other local audit firms) in explaining qualifications through audit reports. The predictive accuracy of the estimated model is evaluated using a regression model for the probabilities of qualified and clean opinions. The model is reliable, with 72.9% accuracy in classifying the total sample correctly to explain changes in the auditor's opinion.

Research limitations/implications

This study contains some limitations. First, it is likely that similar researches in developed countries set a large sample (e.g. over 1,000 firms) including more years, but the authors cannot follow such a trend due to data access restrictions. Second, banks and financial institutions, investment and holding firms are removed from the sample, because their financial structure is diverse. The third limitation of the study represents the different economic and cultural conditions of Iran compared to other countries. Future studies could focus on internal control material weaknesses or earnings management to predict audit opinion in emerging economies including Iran.

Practical implications

The paper has practical implications and can assist auditors in identifying factors motivating audit report qualifications, mainly in emerging economies.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to auditing research, since very little is known about the determinants of audit opinion in emerging markets including Iran; it also constitutes an addition to previous knowledge about audit opinion in the context of TSE. The paper is one of the rare studies predicting auditor opinions using both financial variables and non-financial metrics.
The Knack of Selling: scientific salesmanship, relational themes and military metaphors in early marketing thought
Authors: Tadajewski Mark , Jones D.G. Brian
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an historical analysis of an important early contribution to the history of marketing thought literature – the six-book series titled The Knack of Selling – which was published in 1913 and intended as an early training course for salesmanship.

Design/methodology/approach

This research utilized a close, systematic reading of The Knack of Selling series and places it in the professional and intellectual context of the early twentieth century. Books published about marketing are primary source materials for any study of the history of marketing thought. In this case, The Knack series constitutes significant primary source material for a study of early thinking about personal selling.

Findings

Echoing A.W. Shaw, Watson offers a more sophisticated interpretation of the “one best way” approach associated with Frederick Taylor. Watson’s advice did not entail the repetition of canned sales talks to each customer. His vision of practice was more complicated. Sales presentations were temporally and locationally relative. They were subject to ongoing evolution. As the marketplace changed, as customer needs and interests shifted, so did organizational and salesperson performances. To keep sales talks relevant to the consumer, personnel were encouraged to undertake rudimentary ethnographic research and interviews. Unusually, there is oscillation in the way power relations between marketer and customer were described. While relational themes are present, so are military metaphors.

Originality/value

This is the first systematic reading of The Knack of Selling that has been produced. It is an important contribution to the literature inasmuch as this book set is not in wide circulation. The material itself was significant as an input into scholarship subsequently hailed as seminal within sales management.
Collective knowledge construction: a socio-cognitive approach
Authors: Farzaneh Mandana , Mehralian Gholamhossein , Isaai Mohammad Taghi
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to use correlation analysis to understand how knowledge structure, task structure and collaboration affect collective knowledge (CK) by the mediating mechanism of communication.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on an existing gap in the literature related to CK, a research model with five hypotheses is proposed. The hypotheses were analyzed based on data collected from 114 work-team practitioners using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that communication, knowledge structure, task structure and collaboration significantly contribute to CK and that communication partially mediates the impact of these constructs on CK.

Originality/value

The value of the current research is in its contribution to the understanding of CK formation.
Destabilising social inclusion and recovery, and pursuing 'lines of flight' in the mental health sector
Authors: Barlott Tim , Shevellar Lynda , Turpin Merrill , Setchell Jenny
Published: June 2020

People who have been diagnosed with serious mental illness have a long history of confinement, social stigma and marginalisation that has constrained their participation in society. Drawing upon the work of Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari, we have used the concepts of: assemblages, major and minor and deterritorialisation to critically analyse two pervasive and ‘taken‐for‐granted’ assemblages in mental health: recovery (including clinical recovery, social recovery and recovery‐oriented practice) and social inclusion. Our analysis explores how dominant and oppressive forces have been entangled with liberating and transformative forces throughout both of these assemblages – with dominant forces engaging in ongoing processes of capture and control, and transformative forces resisting and avoiding capture. In pursuit of social transformation for people categorised with serious mental illness, deterritorialisation is posited as a potential way forward. To have transformation in the lives of mental health service users, we present the possibility that ongoing, disruptive movements of deterritorialisation can unsettle majoritarian practices of capture and control – producing liberating lines of flight.
The Green Masterplan: Crisis, State Transition and Urban Transformation inPost‐GenocideRwanda
Authors: Hudani Shakirah Esmail
Published: June 2020

This article connects nested narratives of change in post‐genocide Rwanda to examine how ideas of multi‐scaled crisis and programs of urban transformation take on greater developmental and distributional significance in a context of a complex political economy. Rwandan elites position the country as the ‘Singapore of Africa’ in their state developmental ambitions and environmental regulations, yet urban areas are reeling from the distributional impacts on services, land and affordable housing that these world‐class ambitions carry with them—particularly in the space of the capital, Kigali, and its peripheries. In this article I examine a concatenation of global development expertise, national programs for state transformation, and local planning consequences as urban areas in the country are remapped. What role do programs for urban transformation play in not only remapping the city, but in reconfiguring the political economy of the post‐conflict Rwandan nation‐state? I examine three themes that interconnect on state transformation through urbanization in Rwanda—international planning expertise, state greening and urban peripheralization—and argue for greater contextual attention to the implications of planning in post‐crisis geographies.
Paleohydrological Changes in the Western Tibetan Plateau over the Past 16,000 years Based on Sedimentary Records ofn‐Alkanes and Grain Size
Authors: WANG Mingda , YANG Yaping , ZHANG Jiawu , HOU Juzhi
Published: June 2020

Both monsoons and westerlies have exerted influence on climate dynamics over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) since the last deglaciation, producing complex patterns of paleohydroclimatic conditions. Diverse proxy records are essential to forge a robust understanding of the climate system on the TP. Currently, there is a general lack of understanding of the response of inland lakes over the TP to climate change, especially glacier‐fed lakes. Paleohydrological reconstructions of such lakes could deepen our understanding of the history of lake systems and their relationship to regional climate variability. Here we use records ofn‐alkanes and grain size from the sediments of Bangong Co in the western TP to reconstruct paleohydrological changes over the past 16,000 years. ThePaq record (the ratio of non‐emergent aquatic macrophytes versus emergent aquatic macrophytes and terrestrial plants) is generally consistent with the variations in summer temperature and precipitation isotopes. The changes in grain‐size distributions show a similar trend toPaq but with less pronounced fluctuations in the early‐middle Holocene. The new data combined with previous results from the site demonstrate that: 1) Bangong Co experienced relatively large water‐level fluctuations during the last deglaciation, with a steadily high lake‐level during the early‐middle Holocene and a decreasing lake‐level in the late Holocene; 2) The lake level fluctuations were driven by both high summer temperatures via the melting water and monsoon precipitation. However, the dominant factor controlling lake level changed over time. The lake‐level history at Bangong Co deduced from then‐alkanes and grain‐size records reveals the past hydrological changes in the catchment area, and stimulates more discussion about the future of glacier‐fed lakes under the conditions of unprecedented warming in the region.
Para‐limbic Structural Abnormalities Are Associated With Internalizing Symptoms in Children With Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Authors: Krueger Alyssa M. , Roediger Donovan J. , Mueller Bryon A. , Boys Christopher A. , Hendrickson Timothy J. , Schumacher Mariah J. , Mattson Sarah N. , Jones Kenneth L. , Riley Edward P. , Lim Kelvin O. , Wozniak Jeffrey R.
Published: June 2020

Background

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is associated with a variety of structural abnormalities in the brain, including several within the para‐limbic system. Children with PAE have higher rates of internalizing disorders, including depression and anxiety, which may be related to underlying limbic system anomalies.

Methods

Children aged 8 to 16 with PAE (n = 41) or without PAE (n = 36) underwent an magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and parents completed behavioral questionnaires about their children. Semi‐automated procedures (FreeSurfer) were used to derive para‐limbic volumes from T1‐weighted anatomical images.

Results

There were significant group differences (PAE vs. nonexposed controls) in the caudate, hippocampus, and the putamen; children with PAE had smaller volumes in these regions even after controlling for total intracranial volume. A trend‐level association was seen between caudate volume and internalizing symptoms in children with PAE; smaller caudate volumes (presumably reflecting less optimal neurodevelopment) were associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression symptoms in these children.

Conclusions

Caudate structure may be disproportionately affected by PAE and may be associated with the later development of internalizing symptoms in those affected by PAE.
Can non‐executive equity incentives reduce internal control ineffectiveness? Evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Dunli , Zhang Ting , Ma Guanghua
Published: June 2020

Using data from Chinese listed firms for the period 2012–2018, we provide new evidence that the intensity of non‐executive equity incentives can reduce the likelihood of internal control weaknesses and improve internal control effectiveness. We also find that internal control weaknesses are more likely to be remedied in firms that implement strong non‐executive equity incentive polices. Besides, we document novel results that employee equity incentives for non‐executives can optimise the internal environment, improve the internal supervision system, and thereby reduce the operational‐level weaknesses of a company’s internal controls.
Molecular analysis of atypical deep penetrating nevus progressing to melanoma
Authors: Isales Maria C. , Khan Ayesha U. , Zhang Bin , Compres Elsy V. , Kim Daniel , Tan Timothy L. , Beaubier Nike , Gerami Pedram
Published: June 2020

Deep penetrating nevi (DPN) are dermal‐based, heavily pigmented melanocytic proliferations primarily resulting from mutations in B‐catenin and BRAF or, less commonly, NRAS. DPNs are considered to be intermediate grade tumors which are stable with low risk of malignant transformation. The precise risk for transformation is unknown. Only rare cases of DPN progressing to melanoma have been described. We present a case of a 53‐year‐old female with a blue‐black thigh lesion, on histopathology illustrating a melanocytic proliferation with morphology most consistent with a DPN progressing to melanoma. Targeted next generation sequencing performed on both the atypical melanocytic proliferation and melanoma components showed NRAS and CTNNB1 mutations but no evidence of TERT promoter mutation or chromosomal copy number aberrations. The melanoma had additional mutations including a hotspot TERT promoter mutation as well as unbalanced chromosomal copy number aberrations. This report details the progression of DPN to melanoma through a prominent ultraviolet signature and acquisition of genetic aberrations. While the vast majority of DPNs are benign stable nevi, there are rare examples, which may progress to melanoma. This report documents a case and shows the molecular evolution by which the tumor transformed to melanoma.
Sociodemographic disparities in non‐diabetic hyperglycaemia and the transition to type 2 diabetes: evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Chatzi G. , Mason T. , Chandola T. , Whittaker W. , Howarth E. , Cotterill S. , Ravindrarajah R. , McManus E. , Sutton M. , Bower P.
Published: June 2020

Aim

To explore whether there are social inequalities in non‐diabetic hyperglycaemia (NDH) and in transitions to type 2 diabetes mellitus and NDH low‐risk status in England.

Methods

Some 9143 men and women aged over 50 years were analysed from waves 2, 4, 6 and 8 (2004–2016) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Participants were categorized as: NDH ‘low‐risk’ [HbA1c < 42 mmol/mol (< 6.0%)], NDH [HbA1c 42–47 mmol/mol (6.0–6.4%)] and type 2 diabetes [HbA1c > 47 mmol/mol (> 6.4%)]. Logistic regression models estimated the association between sociodemographic characteristics and NDH, and the transitions from NDH to diagnosed or undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and low‐risk status in future waves.

Results

NDH was more prevalent in older participants, those reporting a disability, those living in deprived areas and in more disadvantaged social classes. Older participants with NDH were less likely to progress to undiagnosed type 2 diabetes [odds ratio (OR) 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08, 0.96]. NDH individuals with limiting long‐standing illness (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.16, 2.53), who were economically inactive (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.02, 2.51) or from disadvantaged social classes (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.02, 2.61) were more likely to progress to type 2 diabetes. Socially disadvantaged individuals were less likely (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.41, 0.98) to progress to NDH low‐risk status.

Conclusions

There were socio‐economic differences in NDH prevalence, transition to type 2 diabetes and transition to NDH low‐risk status. Disparities in transitions included the greater likelihood of disadvantaged social groups with NDH developing type 2 diabetes and greater likelihood of advantaged social groups with NDH becoming low‐risk. These socio‐economic differences should be taken into account when targeting prevention initiatives.
Embryogenesis of the damselfly Euphaea yayeyamana Oguma (Insecta: Odonata: Euphaeidae), with special reference to the formation of their larval abdominal “gill‐like” appendages
Authors: Suzuki Kohei , Watanabe Yoko , Tojo Koji
Published: June 2020

The acquisition of wings in insects is the most significant subject in considering the diversification and adaptive radiation of insects, that is, the “macro‐evolution” of insects. In the discussion of the origin of insect wings, Palaeoptera has attracted particular attention in phylogenetic and evolutionary studies. In particular, Ephemeroptera have segmental gill‐structures on their abdominal segments during their nymphal stage, and these have been noted in discussions regarding their homology and/or serial homology between wings, gills and appendages. Although Odonata has received little attention in the course of these discussions, there are cases of segmental gill‐like structures on their abdomen in the two families, Euphaeidae and Polythoridae. Under such cirumstances, in this study, the embryological developmental process in Euphaea yayeyamana of Euphaeidae was observed, focusing on the formation process of the gill‐like structures. As a result, it was revealed that four of the seven pairs of gill‐like projection structures started their visible formation within the middle stages of embryonic development, and the remaining three pairs developed during the early stages of post‐embryogenesis. Some joint‐like structures existed in all of the gill‐like projections. It was revealed that muscle tissue was interposed within these protrusions and that all of the projections themselves fully articulated, and that the nervous system was extended into the protrusions. All of the gill‐like projections strongly suggested their homology with the cephalic and thoracic appendages, when we considered them with regard to their serial homology based on the topology of their formation position.
Prevalence and psychopathologic significance of hallucinations in individuals with a history of seizures
Authors: Yates Kathryn , Lång Ulla , DeVylder Jordan , Clarke Mary , McNicholas Fiona , Cannon Mary , Oh Hans , Kelleher Ian
Published: June 2020

Objective

A relationship between seizure activity and hallucinations is well established. The psychopathologic significance of hallucinations in individuals with seizures, however, is unclear. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of auditory and visual hallucinations in individuals who reported a seizure history and investigated their relationship with a number of mental disorders, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts.

Methods

Data were from the “Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey,” a population‐based cross‐sectional survey. Auditory and visual hallucinations were assessed using the Psychosis Screening Questionnaire. Mental health disorders were assessed using the Clinical Interview Schedule. Logistic regressions assessed relationships between hallucinatory experiences and mental disorders, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts.

Results

A total of 14 812 adults (58% female; mean [standard error of the mean; SEM] age 51.8 [0.15]) completed the study; 1.39% reported having ever had seizures (54% female), and 8% of individuals with a seizure history reported hallucinatory experiences (odds ratio [OR] 2.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24‐3.38). Individuals with seizures had an increased odds of having any mental disorder (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.73‐3.16), suicidal ideation (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.77‐3.20), and suicide attempt (OR 4.15, 95% CI 2.91‐5.92). Compared to individuals with seizures who did not report hallucinatory experiences, individuals with seizures who reported hallucinatory experiences had an increased odds of any mental disorder (OR 3.47, 95% CI 1.14‐10.56), suicidal ideation (OR 2.58, 95% CI 0.87‐7.63), and suicide attempt (OR 4.61, 95% CI 1.56‐13.65). Overall, more than half of individuals with a seizure history who reported hallucinatory experiences had at least one suicide attempt. Adjusting for psychopathology severity did not account for the relationship between hallucinatory experiences and suicide attempts.

Significance

Hallucinatory experiences in individuals with seizures are markers of high risk for mental health disorders and suicidal behavior. There is a particularly strong relationship between hallucinations and suicide attempts in individuals with seizures. Clinicians working with individuals with seizures should routinely ask about hallucinatory experiences.
Serum response factor increases renal cell carcinoma migration and invasion through promoting epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Zhao Long , Li Chenyu , Jiang Wei , Luan Hong , Zhao Jun , Zhang Jiaxin , Xu Yan
Published: June 2020

Objective

To explore the regulation and function of serum response factor in epithelial–mesenchymal transition in renal cell carcinoma.

Methods

First, bioinformatics analysis of human renal cell carcinoma tissues was carried out. Then, the expression of serum response factor, mesenchymal markers (N‐cadherin, vimentin and fibronectin) and epithelial markers (zonula occludens‐1 and epithelial cadherin) was examined in 786‐O cells (a human renal cell carcinoma cell line). Serum response factor was overexpressed with pcDNA‐serum response factor plasmid, and suppressed by CCG‐1423 (a small molecule inhibitor of serum response factor) to study how serum response factor affects epithelial–mesenchymal transition in renal cell carcinoma. A xenograft nude mouse model was established to explore whether serum response factor affected the tumorigenic ability of renal cell carcinoma cells.

Results

Serum response factor interacted with several important differentially expressed genes in renal cell carcinoma. In 786‐O cells, serum response factor, N‐cadherin, vimentin and fibronectin were upregulated, whereas zonula occludens‐1 and epithelial cadherin were downregulated. Serum response factor upregulation in 786‐O cells increased the Snail expression. Serum response factor suppression reduced Snail induction, and migration and invasion in renal cell carcinoma, which decreased the xenograft tumor volume.

Conclusions

Serum response factor is a critical transcription factor in human renal cell carcinoma. Increased serum response factor activity induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition, migration and invasion in 786‐O cells, and facilitates the progression of renal cell carcinoma. Targeting serum response factor with CCG‐1423 might be an attractive therapeutic strategy for renal cell carcinoma.
Darfuri Journeys to Europe: Causes, Risks and Humanitarian Abandonment
Authors: Jaspars Susanne , Buchanan‐Smith Margie , Adam Abdul‐Jalil Musa
Published: June 2020

Darfuris were amongst the thousands of migrants and refugees arriving in Europe in 2014, thus becoming part of Europe’s so‐called “refugee crisis”. Rather than creating a crisis in Europe, however, their flight reflects a new phase in Darfur’s humanitarian crisis and a new trend in Darfuri migration. This article examines the historical, political and humanitarian dimension of migration to Europe and the risks that Darfuris face at each stage of their journey. It argues that migration to Europe was a result of ongoing conflict and violence but that existing policies made this invisible. In addition, Darfuri journeys to Europe reveal fundamental new challenges to humanitarianism. These include migration and asylum policies that risk complicity with refugee‐producing regimes and that create humanitarian crises in Libya and Europe. Darfuris, as some of the poorest refugees coming to Europe, are amongst the most vulnerable. The article examines policy failures, their effects and the implications for humanitarianism.
The Wellness Clinic: A retrospective Quasi‐experimental, longitudinal study of physical health support in an Australian mental health service setting
Authors: Stanley Susanne H. , Ferguson Lucia , Harrison Lauren , Martin Lisa , Velayudhan Ajay
Published: June 2020

The poor physical health of patients with severe/chronic mental illness is now well‐known, yet little has been done to address the issue. Adverse medication effects, lifestyle, and social factors can all contribute to high morbidity and mortality rates when compared to the general population. To arrest poor physical health, a Wellness Clinic within a mental health hospital was developed to provide continuity of care when patients were discharged from the hospital. A retrospective, within‐subjects, quasi‐experimental, longitudinal time‐series study was conducted analysing the demographics and physical health parameters of 57 patients who remained with the service over a four and a half year time period. Assessments were taken at baseline, 12, 24, and 36 months for each individual. Despite increasing levels of psychotropic and other health medication over time, physical health parameters were generally held stable for most measures across the four time periods. HDL‐C levels were significantly improved between baseline and 36 months. This stability over time suggests that ongoing assessment, monitoring, and treatment is necessary to arrest the downward trajectory of poor physical health in mental health and opens the door for future research to invest in interventions to run alongside the Wellness Clinic and improve patient physical health.
The prevalence and health status of people with developmental disabilities in provincial prisons in Ontario, Canada: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Whittingham Lisa , Durbin Anna , Lin Elizabeth , Matheson Flora I. , Volpe Tiziana , Dastoori Parisa , Calzavara Andrew , Lunsky Yona , Kouyoumdjian Fiona
Published: June 2020

Background

Data on the prevalence of developmental disabilities in people who experience imprisonment and on their characteristics are lacking.

Methods

The present authors identified adults with developmental disabilities who were released from Ontario provincial prisons in 2010 and a general population comparator group using administrative data. The present authors examined demographic characteristics, morbidity and healthcare use.

Results

The prevalence of developmental disabilities was 2.2% in the prison group (N = 52,302) and 0.7% in the general population (N = 10,466,847). The prevalence of psychotic illness, substance‐related disorder and self‐harm was higher among people in the prison group with developmental disabilities. People with developmental disabilities were more likely to have emergency department visits and hospitalizations in prison and in the year after release.

Conclusions

People with developmental disabilities are overrepresented in provincial prisons and have a high burden of disease. Strategies are indicated to prevent incarceration and to improve health.
Coronary sinus and great cardiac vein electroanatomic mapping predicts the activation delay of the coronary sinus branches
Authors: Maines Massimiliano , Peruzza Francesco , Zorzi Alessandro , Moggio Paolo , Angheben Carlo , Catanzariti Domenico , Coletti Marco , Pangrazzi Cesarino , Del Greco Maurizio
Published: June 2020

Background

Implantation of left ventricular (LV) lead in segments with delayed electrical activation may improve response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The search for the latest LV electrical delay (LVED) site can be time‐consuming.

Objective

To assess if electrical mapping of coronary sinus (CS) and magna cardiac vein can help to identify the latest activated CS branch.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 48 consecutive patients who underwent electroanatomic mapping system‐guided (EAMS)‐CRT device implantation with ≥2 mapped CS branches. The activation mapping of the CS and relative branches were performed using an insulated guide wire. LVED was defined as the interval between the beginning of the QRS complex on the surface electrocardiogram and the local electrogram and expressed in milliseconds (ms).

Results

Thirty‐two (67%) patients showed left bundle branch block (LBBB) and 16 (33%) non‐LBBB electrocardiographic patterns. A total of 116 CS branches (mean, 2.4/patient; range, 2‐5) were mapped. In the left oblique view, most patients (N = 39, 81%) showed the latest CS‐LVED in lateral segments while nine (19%) showed the latest CS‐LVED in anterior or posterior segments. Specifically, 94% of patients with LBBB showed the latest CS‐LVED in lateral segments while CS activation among non‐LBBB patients was heterogeneous. In all patients, the CS branch that demonstrated the highest LVED originated from the latest activated segment of the CS.

Conclusion

Electrical mapping of CS allows identifying the latest activated branches. This finding may contribute to simplify CRT device implantation compared to activation mapping of all the branches.
Deslorelin acetate implant induces transient sterility and behavior changes in male olive baboon (Papio anubis): A case study
Authors: Martinez Guillaume , Lacoste Romain , Dumasy Marie , Garbit Slaveia , Brouillet Sophie , Coutton Charles , Arnoult Christophe , Druelle François , Molina‐Vila Pau
Published: June 2020

This case study evaluates the effects of a 4.7 mg deslorelin acetate implant on one male olive baboon (Papio anubis). Implantation induces transient azoospermia after which the subject was able to conceive again. Behavior was also impacted with a decrease in our proxies of aggressiveness and sexual arousal.
Binding affinities of oxytocin, vasopressin and Manning compound at oxytocin and V1a receptors in male Syrian hamster brains
Authors: Taylor Jack H. , McCann Katharine E. , Ross Amy P. , Albers H. Elliott
Published: June 2020

Oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP), as well as synthetic ligands targeting their receptors (OTR, V1aR), are used in a wide variety of research contexts, although their pharmacological properties are determined in only a few species. Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) have a long history of use as a behavioural and biomedical model for the study of OT and AVP and, more recently, hamsters have been used to investigate behavioural consequences of OT‐mediated activation of V1aR. We aimed to determine the binding affinities of OT, AVP and the selective V1aR antagonist, Manning compound, for OTR and V1aR in hamster brains. We performed saturation binding assays to determine the Kd values for the selective OTR and V1aR radioligands, [125I]ornithine vasotocin analogue and [125I]linear vasopressin antagonist. We then performed competition binding assays to determine Ki values for OT, AVP and Manning compound at both the OTR and V1aR. We found that OT and AVP each had the highest affinity for their canonical receptors (OT‐OTR Ki = 4.28 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.9‐6.3] nmol L−1; AVP‐V1ar Ki = 4.70 [95% CI = 1.5‐14.1] nmol L−1) and had the lowest affinity for their non‐canonical ligands (OT‐V1aR = 495.2 [95% CI = 198.5‐1276] nmol L−1; AVP‐OTR Ki = 36.1 [95% CI = 12.4‐97.0] nmol L−1). Manning compound had the highest affinity for the V1aR (MC‐V1aR Ki = 6.87 [95% CI = 4.0‐11.9] nmol L−1; MC‐OTR Ki = 213.8 [95% CI = 117.3‐392.7] nmol L−1), although Manning compound was not as selective for the V1aR in hamsters as has been reported for the receptor in rats. When comparing these data with previously published work, we found that the promiscuity of the V1aR in hamsters with respect to OT and AVP binding is more similar to the promiscuity of the human V1aR than to the rat V1aR receptor. Moreover, the selectivity of OT at hamster receptors is more similar to the selectivity of OT at human receptors than the selectivity of OT at rat receptors. These data highlight the importance of determining the pharmacological properties of behaviourally relevant compounds in diverse model species.
Prevalence of mucoepidermoid carcinoma among intraoral minor salivary gland tumors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Poletto André Goulart , Mello Fernanda Weber , Melo Gilberto , Rivero Elena Riet Correa
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to synthetize and critically appraise available evidence regarding mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) prevalence among intraoral minor salivary gland tumors (MiSGT). Five main electronic databases and three grey literature databases were searched. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data. Proportion meta‐analyses were performed. From 1321 studies identified, 82 were included in qualitative synthesis and 80 in meta‐analyses. Sixteen were classified as high, 33 as moderate, and 33 as low RoB. A total of 12 774 MiSGT were found, of which overall MEC prevalence was 16.5% (95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] = 14.8%‐18.4%). Most MiSGT were found in the palate (n = 7115), although MEC pooled prevalence in this anatomic location was only 13.6% (95% CI = 11.7%‐15.6%). The retromolar area presented the highest pooled prevalence (58.9%; 95% CI = 47.0%‐70.3%), followed by gingiva (28.8%; 95% CI = 22.7%‐35.4%) and tongue (27.2%; 95% CI = 21.2%‐33.6%). Regarding geographic location, Middle East presented the highest pooled prevalence (20.8%; 95% CI = 14.8%‐27.6%), followed by America (20.0%, 95% CI = 17.2%‐23%) and Europe (15.6%; 95% CI = 9.2%‐23.5%). Among MiSGT, the MEC overall prevalence was approximately 16.5%. Although most MiSGT were found in the palate, the retromolar area was proportionally more affected by MEC.
Production and evolution pattern of “fruity smell” aggregation pheromones in genus Drosophila
Authors: Zhang Wu‐Fan , Liu Lu‐Mei , He Shan , Lu Bin‐Yan , Luo Yi‐Bo
Published: June 2020

Insects produce pheromones to serve a range of ecological functions throughout their lifetime. The chemical composition, production pattern, and interspecies specificity provide information for carrying out their function and biological significance. Several species of Drosophila produce a class of volatile esters considered as “fruity smells”; however, the production pattern and ecological functions of these “fruity smell” volatiles in genus Drosophila are poorly understood. Here, using the headspace solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) method, we tested the production pattern of volatile pheromones in Drosophila immigrans and factors that possibly affected pheromone production, including mating, feeding conditions, age of adult flies, and geographical distribution. We also explored the evolution and production pattern of volatile pheromones in 14 species of genus Drosophila. Our result showed that male D. immigrans adult flies produce three male‐specific volatile ester pheromones, which are also considered as “fruity smell” chemicals, in a relatively stable pattern. In addition, a series of “fruity smell” ester pheromones with similar structure and chemical properties were found to appear in the species of D. virilis and D. immigrans species group, but not in the species of D. melanogaster species group. The ester volatile pheromone production of male flies has a correspondence with the female's demand for host plants. Integrating the production and evolution pattern of these volatile chemicals, we inferred the interaction between insects and host plants reflected in the Drosophila “fruity smell” pheromones.
Reconceptualizing the generation in a digital(izing) modernity: digital media, social networking sites, and the flattening of generations
Authors: Au Anson
Published: June 2020

As digitalization binds society to an apparently perpetual acceleration, questions about the nature of time and speed have gained new urgency in the social sciences. Yet, theorizations of these issues have neglected their implications for social life and generations. Linking these lacunae, this article articulates how digital media and social networking sites (SNS) shape social life through cultural transformations in the generation. This article rationalizes predominant patterns of SNS user behaviors in the context of social theoretical and philosophical frameworks informed by Mannheim, Simmel, Adorno, Benjamin, Arendt, social presence, action, and acceleration theories to offer a relational reconceptualization of the generation as a set of social relations and processes for visualizing changing conceptions of time and speed in a digital (izing) modernity. This article introduces the concept of general and local generationing processes to articulate the processual nature of the generation and to assert that trends in SNS use and content production are underwritten by grammatical logics that collectively “flatten” separate traditional generations to form a cross‐demographic and cross‐temporal digital generation.
Pharmacokinetics of tolfenamic acid in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) after intravenous and intramuscular administration
Authors: Raweewan Natsuda , Chomcheun Thanaphan , Laovechprasit Weerapong , Jongkolpath Oranee , Klangkaew Narumol , Phaochoosak Napasorn , Giorgi Mario , Poapolathep Amnart , Poapolathep Saranya
Published: June 2020

The present study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic features of tolfenamic acid (TA) in green sea turtles,Chelonia mydas.Green sea turtles were administered single either intravenous (i.v.) or intramuscular (i.m.) injection of TA, at a dose of 4 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). Blood samples were collected at preassigned times up to 168 hr. The plasma concentrations of TA were measured using a validated liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method. Tolfenamic acid plasma concentrations were quantifiable for up to 168 hr after i.v. and i.m. administration. The concentration of TA in the experimental green sea turtles with respect to time was pharmacokinetically analyzed using a noncompartment model. TheCmaxvalues of TA were 55.01 ± 8.34 µg/ml following i.m. administration. The elimination half‐life values were 32.76 ± 4.68 hr and 53.69 ± 3.38 hr after i.v. and i.m. administration, respectively. The absolute i.m. bioavailability was 72.02 ± 10.23%, and the average binding percentage of TA to plasma protein was 19.43 ± 6.75%. Based on the pharmacokinetic data, the i.m. administration of TA at a dosage of 4 mg/kg b.w. might be sufficient to produce a long‐lasting anti‐inflammatory effect (7 days) for green sea turtles. However, further studies are needed to determine the clinical efficacy of TA for treatment of inflammatory disease after single and multiple dosages.
Associations between nephrolithiasis and diabetes mellitus, hypertension and gallstones: A meta‐analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Lin Bing‐Biao , Huang Rong‐Hua , Lin Bing‐Liang , Hong Ying‐Kai , Lin Ming‐En , He Xue‐Jun
Published: June 2020

Aim

To review and clarify the strengths and directions of associations between nephrolithiasis and hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM) and gallstones (GS) given the inconsistent results reported in cohort studies.

Methods

Relevant literature was searched in PubMed and EMBASE from inception to July 2019, for cohort studies that examined the relationships between kidney stones and these three diseases among adults. Pooled relative risks (RRs) were calculated by maximally adjusted risk estimates using a random effect model. Subgroup analysis, meta‐regression and sensitivity analysis were conducted whenever appropriate.

Results

Of 3537 papers, 21 articles with each including 1 to 3 cohorts were identified. In this meta‐analysis, nephrolithiasis was reciprocally linked to HTN, DM and GS. Kidney stones were significantly associated with 31%, 33% and 46% higher risks of incident HTN, DM and GS whereas GS was associated with a significantly higher risk of nephrolithiasis (RR: 1.49; 95% CI, 1.28‐1.73), followed by HTN (RR: 1.30; 95% CI, 1.11‐1.52) and DM (RR: 1.18; 95% CI, 1.07‐1.29). Also, females with DM (RR: 1.29; 95% CI, 1.08‐1.55) were more likely to develop kidney stones than diabetic male patients (RR: 0.91; 95% CI, 0.75‐1.10).

Conclusion

Although additional studies are needed to confirm these findings and elucidate the mechanisms, this study revealed possible bidirectional associations between nephrolithiasis and HTN, diabetes and GS, which reinforced the notion of nephrolithiasis as a systemic disease that requires comprehensive investigations.
Histological features and survival in young patients with HPV‐negative oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Mascitti Marco , Tempesta Angela , Togni Lucrezia , Capodiferro Saverio , Troiano Giuseppe , Rubini Corrado , Maiorano Eugenio , Santarelli Andrea , Favia Gianfranco , Limongelli Luisa
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The frequency of oral squamous cell carcinoma in young adults has increased in the last decades, and there are conflicting results in literature about its prognosis in young subjects. The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical and pathological features of oral squamous cell carcinoma in a cohort of young adults in order to investigate the presence of new independent prognostic markers.

Materials and Methods

Only HPV‐negative young patients (under 40‐year‐old) affected by oral squamous cell carcinoma were considered in this study. Clinical and pathological data were collected. Patients were re‐staged according to the 8th edition of AJCC.

Results

Overall, 66 patients were considered in this study. Perineural invasion significant correlated with both 7th and 8th edition of AJCC, and lymphovascular invasion (p‐value < .05). The multivariate survival analysis showed that patients with perineural invasion had a significant worse prognosis (HR = 6.384 95% C.I. 1.304–31.252; p‐value = .022).

Conclusions

Perineural invasion emerged as an independent prognostic factor for disease‐specific survival in young patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Furthermore, the evaluation of this parameter is simple, inexpensive and can be used to augment the risk stratification of oral cancer based on the 8th edition of AJCC.
Comparative effectiveness of probiotic strains for the treatment of pediatric atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Tan‐Lim Carol Stephanie C. , Esteban‐Ipac Natasha Ann R. , Mantaring Jacinto Blas V. , Chan Shih Yen Edwin , Recto Marysia Stella T. , Sison Olivia T. , Alejandria Marissa M.
Published: June 2020

Background

The current evidence on the use of probiotics in treating atopic dermatitis is inconclusive. This study determined the comparative effectiveness of the different types of probiotic strains in treating pediatric atopic dermatitis.

Methodology

Systematic and manual search for all randomized controlled trials available from inception until January 31, 2020, was done. Two independent authors conducted the search, screening, appraisal, and data abstraction. Network meta‐analysis was conducted using STATA 14 software.

Results

Twenty‐two studies involving 28 different probiotic strains were included. The top three ranked probiotic strains in terms of efficacy are Mix1 (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis CECT 8145, Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347, and Lactobacillus casei CECT 9104); Lactobacillus casei DN‐114001; and Mix6 (Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus salivarius). Compared with placebo, Mix1 reduces atopic dermatitis symptoms with high certainty evidence (SMD −1.94, 95% CI −2.65 to −1.24; 47 participants). Mix6 compared with placebo probably reduces atopic dermatitis symptoms based on moderate certainty evidence (SMD −0.85, 95% CI −1.50 to −0.20; 40 participants). Lactobacillus casei DN‐114001 compared with placebo may reduce atopic dermatitis symptoms based on low certainty evidence (SMD −1.35, 95% CI −2.04 to −0.65). In terms of safety, the highest ranked strain is Lactobacillus fermentum VRI‐003, while the lowest ranked strain is Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.

Conclusion

Certain probiotic preparations show benefit in reducing allergic symptoms in pediatric atopic dermatitis.
Airway bacterial carriage and childhood respiratory health: A population‐based prospective cohort study
Authors: van Meel Evelien R. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Looman Kirsten I. M. , de Jongste Johan C. , Moll Henriëtte A. , Duijts Liesbeth
Published: June 2020

Background

Airway bacterial carriage might play a role in respiratory disease. We hypothesize that nasal carriage with Staphylococcus aureus or nasopharyngeal carriage with Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae predisposes individuals to adverse respiratory health.

Objective

To examine the association of early‐life airway bacterial carriage with respiratory tract infections and vice versa, and of early‐life airway bacterial carriage with wheezing, lung function, and asthma in later childhood.

Methods

We collected upper airway swabs for bacterial culturing for S aureus, H influenzae, M catarrhalis, and H influenzae at six timepoints between the ages of 6 weeks and 6 years among 945 children participating in a population‐based prospective cohort study. Information on respiratory tract infections and wheezing until age 6 years, and asthma at age 10 years was obtained by questionnaires. Lung function at age 10 years was measured by spirometry. We tested possible bidirectional associations between airway bacterial carriage and respiratory tract infections by cross‐lagged models, and associations of repeatedly measured airway bacterial carriage with wheezing, lung function, and asthma by generalized estimating equations models and regression models.

Results

Cross‐lagged modeling showed that early‐life airway bacterial carriage was not consistently associated with upper and lower respiratory tract infections or vice versa. Nasopharyngeal carriage with any bacteria in infancy was associated with an increased risk of wheezing (OR [95% CI]: 1.66 [1.31, 2.10]). Airway bacterial carriage was not consistently associated with school‐age lung function or asthma.

Conclusion

Nasopharyngeal carriage with any bacteria is associated with wheezing, but not respiratory tract infections, asthma, or lung function.
Rash as a presenting complaint in a child with COVID‐19
Authors: Klimach Anna , Evans Jordan , Stevens Jennifer , Creasey Nikola
Published: June 2020

Cutaneous manifestations are becoming increasingly well‐documented in adults with COVID‐19. There is now also a growing body of literature regarding skin involvement in children, with reports of papulovesicular, petechial and widespread macular and papular lesions, and chilblains (pernio). We describe the case of a 13‐year‐old boy with confirmed COVID‐19 in the United Kingdom who presented with skin findings localized to the plantar aspects of the feet, axillae, and lower limbs. The morphology was predominantly maculopapular but also included petechiae and annular lesions.
Change Point Analysis of Historical Battle Deaths
Authors: Fagan Brennen T. , Knight Marina I. , MacKay Niall J. , Jamie Wood A.
Published: June 2020

It has been claimed and disputed that World War II has been followed by a ‘long peace’: an unprecedented decline of war. We conduct a full change point analysis of well-documented, publicly available battle deaths data sets, using new techniques that enable the robust detection of changes in the statistical properties of such heavy-tailed data. We first test and calibrate these techniques. We then demonstrate the existence of changes, independent of data presentation, in the early to mid-19th century, as the Congress of Vienna system moved towards its collapse, in the early to mid-20th century, bracketing the World Wars, and in the late 20th century, as the world reconfigured around the end of the Cold War. Our analysis provides a methodology for future investigations and an empirical basis for political and historical discussions.