bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FDI, IPR protection and export quality: an empirical analysis based on national data
Authors: Zhang Huiying , Xing Yan
Published: November 2018

Purpose

With the focus on the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on export quality or of intellectual property rights (IPR) protection on export trade, there is little scholarly attention on how IPR protection affects the relationship between FDI and export quality. This study aims to examine the potential nonlinear dynamic threshold effect of IPR protection on the relationship between FDI and export quality. Distinguishing between developing and developed countries, the authors present an empirical analysis of the effects of FDI on export quality per degree of IPR protection.

Design/methodology/approach

Using panel data on 45 countries for the period from 1992 to 2014, we use a nonlinear dynamic panel threshold model to examine the effect of IPR protection on the relationship between FDI and export quality.

Findings

The authors find a triple threshold effect of IPR protection in both developing and developed countries. The three threshold values are larger for developed countries than for developing countries. The coefficients on the relationship between FDI and export quality per degree of IPR protection are larger in developing countries than in developed countries, except for high IPR protection. The results of the paper suggest that the effect of FDI on export quality differs greatly per degree of IPR protection. In both developing and developed countries, FDI impacts export quality most significantly under medium-high IPR protection. Having estimated the optimal range of IPR protection for attaining FDI in both groups of countries, policy recommendations are offered.

Originality/value

These findings not only contribute to the literature but also provide a view that a moderate level of IPR protection is conducive to attracting FDI and improving export quality.
Development of customized orthosis for congenital deformity using additive manufacturing
Authors: C. Vivek , Ranganathan Rajesh , Ganesan Sivakumar , Pugalendhi Arivazhagan , M.P. Sreekanth , Arumugam Sivasankar
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a customized orthosis for treating congenital talipes equinovarus (clubfoot) deformity. Complications from non-surgical treatment method such as Ponseti method leads to relapse/recurrence of the foot after treated.

Design/methodology/approach

An alternate approach for treating clubfoot deformity can be seen as a viable approach to overcome the above-mentioned difficulties. Customized orthosis is designed and developed for a subject affected with right clubfoot deformity through fused deposition modeling of additive manufacturing (AM) technology with ABS plastic as base material. A unique mechanism is used to develop customized orthosis for achieving rotation of the foot along the three axis and range of motions.

Findings

Developed orthosis is incorporated with a unique mechanism that can be rotated and arrested at the specified angle along the three principle ranges of motion of the foot. Overall weight of the developed customized orthosis achieved is about 284 g, which has a significant 25 per cent reduction in weight when compared to traditional Ponseti casting method. Overcoming the difficulties faced in Ponseti method, customized orthosis can be an alternative method for treating clubfoot.

Originality/value

Developed orthosis will be an alternative approach for treating clubfoot deformity, and it overcomes the drawbacks faced by Ponseti method.
Impact of corporate social responsibility on bank’s corporate image
Authors: Al Mubarak Zainab , Ben Hamed Anji , Al Mubarak Muneer
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the corporate image in the banking sector. The focus of the study is on four main components of CSR, which are economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic.

Design/methodology/approach

A model was used in this study to show the impact of different CSR’s factors on corporate image; (240) banks customers were approached using a questionnaire, where (155) responses were received and (144) valid responses entered for analysis.

Findings

The findings revealed that customers perceive CSR activities as a main element when dealing with banks. The corporate image is strengthened when banks adopt such activities, and positive and significant relationships were statistically found between CSR activities and corporate image. These activities differ in importance as perceived by banks’ customers.

Research limitations/implications

Enlarging sample size, involving more stakeholders such as employees and managers, and replicating the study in other countries would enrich the findings.

Practical implications

Banks are advised to consider the study factors in their activities and act as champions of CSR for the welfare of the society to strengthen their corporate image.

Originality/value

Many studies have discussed the issue of CSR, but very few are found in the Middle East, particularly in Bahrain, and in the banking sector. This paper calls for more investigation in this area for a better understanding of CSR activities and their effects on the corporate image.
Well-being as a staged social responsibility process for business and society
Authors: Newey Lance Richard
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to conceptualize how business and society co-evolve their efforts to maximizing the greatest well-being of the greatest number following a conscious-unconscious, staged, dialectical process.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a conceptual framework linking eight components of well-being (economic, environmental, social, cultural, psychological, spiritual, material and physical), with stages of consciousness and the co-evolution of business and society.

Findings

Stages of consciousness – traditionalist, modernist, post-modernist and integral – moderate both the pace and direction with which business and society co-evolve to the greatest well-being of the greatest number across eight components of well-being.

Research limitations/implications

This is a conceptual framework which integrates existing empirical relationships, but the overall framework itself is yet to be empirically tested.

Practical implications

The whole process of maximizing well-being can become more conscious for both business and society. This requires making unconscious components conscious and becoming conscious of the inseparability of the eight components of well-being as a counter-balanced set.

Social implications

Businesses and societies can maximize well-being across eight inseparable components. But implementing this is a staged process requiring progressing populations through stages of consciousness. Earlier stages lay the platform for a critical mass of people able to integrate the eight components.

Originality/value

Knowledge of well-being is dominated by disciplinary disconnection and bivariate studies; yet, current meta-crises and calls for post-conventional leaders indicate the importance of an integrated multidisciplinary well-being model which explains past efforts of business and society, diagnoses current problems and points towards more viable paths.
Purpose-washing of impact investing funds: motivations, occurrence and prevention
Authors: Findlay Suzanne , Moran Michael
Published: November 2018

Purpose

As an emerging field of financing, impact investing is under-institutionalised and is in a legitimacy building phase. In an attempt to unpack how impact investing is deployed in global markets, the key elements of its definition (intentionality, returns and measurement) are examined through a review of academic and practitioner literature. A refined definition is developed which emphasises the key elements of intentionality and measurement as separating impact investment from the established field of socially responsible investment (SRI).

Design/methodology/approach

Funds and products from a publicly available database are systematically analysed against the refined definition to determine the rigour with which intentionality and measurement are applied by self-identified market participants. These elements are used as a proxy to determine “purpose-washing” – a process where funds are presented as impact investments but do not satisfy a tightly applied definition. Purpose-washing enables the possibility of “retrofitting”, where funds originally defined as other products (e.g. SRI) retrospectively claim to be impact investments.

Findings

Having found evidence of purpose-washing but not retrofitting, actions are identified to enhance impact investment’s integrity, focussing on intentionality, measurement and transparency. Clarity of definition and purpose are important for a field in the market-building phase, as a lack of clarity could have negative implications for integrity and growth. The authors postulate that purpose-washing may be attributed to twin but distinctive motivations by market participants: interest in fee-generation among fund managers and attempts to bolster field legitimacy by demonstrating sector growth among impact investing proponents.

Originality value

This paper represents a unique analysis of impact investments against a robust and refined definition. By doing so, it offers a systematic appraisal of impact investments and an overall assessment of market integrity in its field-building phase.
Commentary on “promoting positive communication environments: a service evaluation”: the communication partnership as a focus for change
Authors: Bunning Karen
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to debate the complexities of intervening with adults with learning disabilities and support staff in the natural environment and challenges of evaluating change.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical review of the relevance and amenability of communication partnerships for interventions that promote communication growth in context was carried out. Particular consideration was given to the mechanism for change and implications for research design.

Findings

The communication partnership is a reasonable focus for interventions aiming to promote the communication of adults with learning disabilities. Combining instructional training with in situ coaching appears to provide the most effective approach. Bringing about change within the dynamic context of communication is challenging and may benefit from an open, investigative design.

Originality/value

This paper synthesises the available evidence on intervening in the communication environment and debates the potential of realist evaluation as a context-focused research design.
Elevated pCO2 alters marine heterotrophic bacterial community composition and metabolic potential in response to a pulse of phytoplankton organic matter
Authors: James Anna K. , Kelly Linda W. , Nelson Craig E. , Wilbanks Elizabeth G. , Carlson Craig A.
Published: November 2018

Factors that affect the respiration of organic carbon by marine bacteria can alter the extent to which the oceans act as a sink of atmospheric carbon dioxide. We designed seawater dilution experiments to assess the effect of pCO2 enrichment on heterotrophic bacterial community composition and metabolic potential in response to a pulse of phytoplankton‐derived organic carbon. Experiments included treatments of elevated (1000 p.p.m.) and low (250 p.p.m.) pCO2 amended with 10 μmol L−1 dissolved organic carbon from Emiliana huxleyi lysates, and were conducted using surface‐seawater collected from the South Pacific Subtropical Gyre. To assess differences in community composition and metabolic potential, shotgun metagenomic libraries were sequenced from low and elevated pCO2 treatments collected at the start of the experiment and following exponential growth. Our results indicate bacterial communities changed markedly in response to the organic matter pulse over time and were significantly affected by pCO2 enrichment. Elevated pCO2 also had disproportionate effects on the abundance of sequences related to proton pumps, carbohydrate metabolism, modifications of the phospholipid bilayer, resistance to toxic compounds and conjugative transfer. These results contribute to a growing understanding of the effects of elevated pCO2 on bacteria‐mediated carbon cycling during phytoplankton bloom conditions in the marine environment.
‘Treat them into the grave’: cancer physicians’ attitudes towards the use of high‐cost cancer medicines at the end of life
Authors: Wiersma Miriam , Ghinea Narcyz , Kerridge Ian , Lipworth Wendy
Published: November 2018

The prescribing of high‐cost cancer medicines at the end of life has become a focus of criticism, due primarily to concerns about the safety, efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of these medicines in this clinical context. In response to these concerns, a number of interventions have been proposed – frequently focused on improving physician–patient communication at the end of life. Underpinning these strategies is the assumption that the prescribing of high‐cost cancer medicines at the end of life is primarily the result of poor communication on the part of cancer physicians. In this paper, we explore the factors perceived by cancer physicians to be driving the use of high‐cost cancer medicines at the end of life. Drawing on semi‐structured interviews with 16 Australian oncologists and haematologists, we demonstrate that these physicians believe that the use of high‐cost medicines at the end of life is driven by multiple factors – including individual, interpersonal, socio‐cultural and public policy influences. We conclude that these factors, and their interactions, need to be taken into account in the development of public policy and clinical interventions to address the use of high‐cost medicines at the end of life.
Increased incidence of obstetric complications in women carrying mitochondrial DNA mutations: a retrospective cohort study in a single tertiary centre
Authors: Kuleva M , Ben Miled S , Steffann J , Bonnefont JP , Rondeau S , Ville Y , Munnich A , Salomon LJ
Published: November 2018

Objective

To investigate the obstetric outcome of women carriers of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) disorder mutation.

Design

A retrospective cohort study in a single tertiary centre.

Setting

A review of the obstetric history of women referred for prenatal screening of a mitochondrial disorder was performed.

Population

Women were divided into three groups: (1) women carrying mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations; (2) healthy women with a family history of mtDNA‐related OXPHOS disorder; and (3) healthy women carrying heterozygote nuclear DNA mutations.

Methods

Obstetric history and pregnancy complications were evaluated separately in the three groups and compared with the control group.

Main outcome measures pregnancy complications.Results

Seventy‐five women were included with 287 cumulative pregnancies. Groups 1 and 3 had a significantly greater proportion of terminations of pregnancy (20 and 13% versus 0.8%, P < 0.001), and a lower percentage of live births (52 and 72% versus 87%, P = 0.001), compared with controls. Apart from this, the rate of obstetric complications in group 3 did not differ from the controls. The obstetric history of women in group 1 was marked by higher rates of early miscarriages (26 versus 11%, P = 0.004), gestational diabetes (14 versus 3%, P = 0.02), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR, 10 versus 1%, P = 0.008), and postpartum haemorrhage than were reported for controls (12 versus 2%, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Women who are heteroplasmic for OXPHOS mutations have a higher incidence of pregnancy losses, gestational diabetes, IUGR, and post postpartum haemorrhage.

Tweetable abstract

Women heteroplasmic for mitochondrial DNA mutations have a higher incidence of obstetric complications, compared with the control group.
Absorbable subcuticular staples versus suture for caesarean section closure: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Madsen AM , Dow ML , Lohse CM , Tessmer‐Tuck JA
Published: November 2018

Objective

To compare outcomes of efficiency, safety, patient, and surgeon satisfaction between absorbable subcuticular staples and subcuticular suture for caesarean section skin closure.

Design

A prospective, randomised, non‐blinded, parallel‐group trial.

Setting

Mayo Clinic Family Birth Center in Rochester, MN, USA.

Population

At least 18 years old and 24 weeks’ gestation, undergoing caesarean section. Exclusion criteria were body mass index >50, chorioamnionitis, intrauterine fetal death, and multifetal gestation.

Methods

Patients were stratified by prior caesarean section, body mass index, and surgeon level and randomised to absorbable subcuticular staples or subcuticular suture. Electronic medical records and surveys were used.

Main outcome measures

Primary outcomes were total operating time, from incision start to close. Secondary outcomes included subcuticular skin closure time, patient and surgeon satisfaction, percutaneous injuries, pain (analgesic use), cosmesis, and wound complications.

Results

Of 220 randomised patients, 206 were included in the final analysis (103 per group). Baseline characteristics were similar. The primary outcome of total operative time was not significantly different between groups [54.0 (44.9–63.6) versus 58.0 (50.4–68.2) minutes, P = 0.053]. The subcuticular staple group had shorter subcuticular skin closure time [median 2.6 (1.8–4.0) versus 8.5 (6.2–10.5) minutes, P < 0.001]. There were no differences in analgesic use, wound complications, cosmesis or patient satisfaction. One needlestick injury occurred with suture. Surgeons were more likely to recommend (97% versus 85%, P = 0.004) and use (98% versus 82%, P < 0.001) absorbable subcuticular staples.

Conclusion

For caesarean section skin closure, absorbable subcuticular staples did not result in significantly different total operative times compared with sutures. Analgesic use, wound complications, and cosmesis were comparable. Patient and surgeon satisfaction were high with both methods.

Tweetable abstract

Absorbable subcuticular staples associated with a similar total operative time compared with suture.
Trends in caesarean section rates between 2007 and 2013 in obstetric risk groups inspired by the Robson classification: results from population‐based surveys in a low‐resource setting
Authors: Hanson C , Betrán AP , Opondo C , Mkumbo E , Manzi F , Mbaruku G , Schellenberg J
Published: November 2018

Objective

To describe caesarean section rates and neonatal mortality to assess change in access to life‐saving interventions in a rural low‐resource setting between 2007 and 2013.

Design

Population‐based cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Southern Tanzania.

Population

A total of 34 063 women from 384 549 households who gave birth in the previous year.

Methods

Using data collected in two geo‐referenced household surveys conducted in 2007 and 2013 in the context of two cluster‐randomized controlled trials, we describe trends in caesarean section and neonatal mortality in obstetric risk groups inspired by the 10‐group Robson classification.

Main outcome measures

Rates of self‐reported birth by caesarean section and neonatal mortality.

Results

Population‐based caesarean section rates increased from 4.0% in 2007 to 6.4% in 2013. In 2013, the lowest caesarean section rate was found in multipara whose labour was not induced or augmented [4.4%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.9–4.9], a group that showed a rate increase of over 50% from 2007 [adjusted prevalence ratio 1.57 (95% CI 1.34–1.82)]. Nullipara whose labour was not induced or augmented had rates of 6.2% in 2007 and 8.5% in 2013. Caesarean rates in multiple pregnancies were low at 8.1% (95% CI 5.6–10.5) in 2007, and 14.6% (95% CI 9.4–19.8) in 2013. Overall neonatal mortality was high: 3.5% in 2007 and 3.2% in 2013, with rates being lowest in multiparous women whose labour was not induced or augmented: 2.4% (95% CI 2.2–2.7) and 1.7% (95% CI 1.4–2.0) in 2007 and 2013, respectively.

Conclusion

Although use of caesarean section remains insufficient, and higher rates do not necessarily imply better quality of care, our analysis highlights improvements in reaching women with caesarean section. Rates in multiple birth remained low compared with high‐income settings.

Tweetable abstract

In Southern Tanzania caesarean section rates increased over time, but the rate in high‐risk births remained alarmingly low.
The influence of the introduction of national guidelines on preterm birth prevention practice: UK experience
Authors: Care A , Ingleby L , Alfirevic Z , Sharp A
Published: November 2018

Objective

To identify the current status of specialist preterm labour (PTL) clinics and identify changes in management trends over the last 5 years following release of the NICE preterm birth (PTB) guidance.

Design

Postal Survey of Clinical Practice.

Setting

UK.

Population

All consultant‐led obstetric units.

Methods

A questionnaire was sent by post to all 187 NHS consultant‐led obstetric units. Units with a specialist PTL clinic were asked to answer a further six questions defining their protocol for risk stratification and management.

Main outcome measures

Current practice in specialist PTL clinics. Changes in treatment trends over 5 years.

Results

Thirty‐three PTL prevention clinics were identified, with 73% running weekly. NHS staff (84%) have replaced university staff as the lead clinicians (from 69% in 2012 to 21% in 2017), suggesting this clinic has become increasingly integrated with standard care for women at the highest risk of PTB. There has been a large shift from nearly half of clinics offering cerclage as primary treatment for short cervix to offering more choice (30%) between at least two of cerclage, vaginal progesterone or pessary and combinations of primary treatments (18%), demonstrating more equipoise among clinicians regarding therapies for short cervix.

Conclusions

Over 5 years, there has been a 44% increase in the number of specialist PTL clinics in the UK. Although there is a better consensus over the target high‐risk population, there is increasing heterogeneity among first‐line treatments for short cervix.

Tweetable abstract

UK PTB prevention clinics have increased by 44% over 5 years, with increasing clinical equipoise to best Rx for short cervix.
Linking Biochemistry Concepts to Food Safety Using Yogurt as a Model
Authors: Zimmerman Tahl , Ibrahim Mariama , Gyawali Rabin , Ibrahim Salam A
Published: November 2018

This laboratory activity was designed to strengthen our Food and Nutritional Science students’ knowledge of biochemistry concepts and the relationship between these concepts and food science. The result was a laboratory experience in which biochemistry concepts are taught using yogurt as a model, in order to link those concepts to food safety, an important area of food science. The students employed a colorimetric method to measure the lactase activity of bacterial strains found in commercial yogurts and were encouraged to relate the activity to bacterial lactic acid production, fermentation, and food safety. Students were assessed with pre‐ and post‐test exams, laboratory reports, class performance rubrics, and the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI). The result demonstrated that the students successfully completed the learning objectives and were motivated during the activity. This exercise could be used as a template for a simplified and engaging way to introduce food science majors, as well as other students, to complex biochemistry and molecular biology concepts using food, particularly yogurt, as a model.
Effect of Partial Hydrolysis with Papain on the Characteristics of Transglutaminase‐Crosslinked Tofu Gel
Authors: Li Chuanyun , Wu Xuefeng , Mu Dongdong , Zhao Yanyan , Luo Shuizhong , Zhong Xiyang , Jiang Shaotong , Li Xingjiang , Zheng Zhi
Published: November 2018

The effects of partial enzymatic hydrolysis of soymilk on the characteristics of transglutaminase (TG)‐crosslinked tofu gel were studied. SDS‐PAGE showed that the molecular weight of the partially hydrolyzed soybean protein was reduced to that of a digested peptide (less than 43.0 kDa) when papain was added at more than 50 μL/100 mL soymilk. The content of free sulfhydryls, β‐sheets, and random coils in papain‐treated soymilk increased. When TG was added to soy milk after papain treatment and tofu gel was formed, its storage modulus increased from 957.44 to 1241.39 Pa. The gel strength, water‐holding capacity, and nonfreezing water content of the tofu gel were greater than those without enzyme treatment. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that limited papain hydrolysis stimulated TG‐catalyzed cross‐linking of soymilk to form a dense gel network structure, whereas an extended enzymatic hydrolysis of soymilk did not promote crosslinking by TG.

Practical Application

This work investigated the effect of partial hydrolysis on TG cross‐linked tofu gel. Partial hydrolysis of soybean protein with papain can promote TG cross‐linking reaction, thus form a dense network structure, increase gel strength, and water‐holding capacity. Therefore, it can be used to produce a good gel product with higher gel strength, springiness, water‐holding capacity, and a more dense microstructure.
Machine‐learning prediction of adolescent alcohol use: a cross‐study, cross‐cultural validation
Authors: Afzali Mohammad H. , Sunderland Matthew , Stewart Sherry , Masse Benoit , Seguin Jean , Newton Nicola , Teesson Maree , Conrod Patricia
Published: November 2018

Background and aims

The experience of alcohol use among adolescents is complex, with international differences in age of purchase and individual differences in consumption and consequences. This latter underlines the importance of prediction modeling of adolescent alcohol use. The current study (a) compared the performance of seven machine‐learning algorithms to predict different levels of alcohol use in mid‐adolescence and (b) used a cross‐cultural cross‐study scheme in the training‐validation‐test process to display the predictive power of the best performing machine‐learning algorithm.

Design

A comparison of seven machine‐learning algorithms: logistic regression, support vector machines, random forest, neural network, lasso regression, ridge regression and elastic‐net.

Setting

Canada and Australia.

Participants

The Canadian sample is part of a 4‐year follow‐up (2012–16) of the Co‐Venture cohort (n = 3826, baseline age 12.8 ± 0.4, 49.2% girls). The Australian sample is part of a 3‐year follow‐up (2012–15) of the Climate Schools and Preventure (CAP) cohort (n = 2190, baseline age 13.3 ± 0.3, 43.7% girls).

Measurements

The algorithms used several prediction indices, such as F1 prediction score, accuracy, precision, recall, negative predictive value and area under the curve (AUC).

Findings

Based on prediction indices, the elastic‐net machine‐learning algorithm showed the best predictive performance in both Canadian (AUC = 0.869 ± 0.066) and Australian (AUC = 0.855 ± 0.072) samples. Domain contribution analysis showed that the highest prediction accuracy indices yielded from models with only psychopathology (AUC = 0.816 ± 0.044/0.790 ± 0.071 in Canada/Australia) and only personality clusters (AUC = 0.776 ± 0.063/0.796 ± 0.066 in Canada/Australia). Similarly, regardless of the level of alcohol use, in both samples, externalizing psychopathologies, alcohol use at baseline and the sensation‐seeking personality profile contributed to the prediction.

Conclusions

Computerized screening software shows promise in predicting the risk of alcohol use among adolescents.
Diverting the Sword of Damocles: Why Did the Crown Choose to Settle Māori Historical Treaty Claims?
Authors: McDowell Tiopira
Published: November 2018

In late 1994, the New Zealand government announced an ambitious plan to settle Māori historical grievances relating to breaches of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Treaty of Waitangi, signed between Māori and the British Crown in 1840. Why did the Crown choose to settle Māori historical treaty claims in the early 1990s, and what did it hope to achieve by settling Māori grievances? This article explores Crown motivations for settling Māori historical treaty claims, focusing on the period from August 1992 to November 1994 identified as crucial to the development of the Crown's treaty claims settlement policy, but which has received scant attention. It concludes that while the Crown publicly offered a series of moral, legal, social and political principles to explain its motivations and objectives in settling treaty claims, the Crown's primary motivation was to divert Māori away from their legal rights, to contain the Crown's fiscal liabilities, to maintain the acceptability of treaty claims settlements to the non‐Māori public, and to “wind back” Māori rights and Crown obligations embedded in legislation.
Airway management research: a systematic review
Authors: Ahmad I. , Onwochei D. N. , Muldoon S. , Keane O. , El‐Boghdadly K.
Published: November 2018

Recent controversy regarding the ethics of conducting airway research in patients led to disagreements concerning the value and frequency of manikin‐based investigation. However, no formal examination of the methodology of airway research has been undertaken. We, therefore, performed a systematic bibliometric review of airway management research to describe the conduct, quantify the subjects (patient vs. manikin vs. other), assess the reported outcomes and map global trends. We retrieved 1505 relevant studies published between 2006 and 2017, together recruiting 359,648 subjects, of which 341,233 were patients, the remaining being volunteers or subjects managing manikins, human cadavers, animals or bench models. There were 701 randomised controlled clinical trials (46.6%), 83 non‐randomised experimental clinical trials (5.5%), 298 observational studies (19.8%) and 423 non‐patient studies (28.1%). A total of 1082 studies (71.9%) were patient studies and 322 were manikin studies (21.4%). The total annual number of airway management studies increased over time, as did the annual number of patient studies, but there was no significant increase in the annual number of manikin studies over time. Of the patient studies, subject baseline characteristics were most likely to be ASA status 1–2 (n = 531, 49.1%), populations were most often elective surgical patients (n = 918, 84.8%) and the most common interventions studied were tracheal intubation (n = 820, 54.4%) or supraglottic airway device insertion (n = 257, 17.1%). There was a total of 77 different primary outcomes used in the included studies, the most commonly reported being success rate and procedure time. By understanding how and what has been previously studied these data can be used to form the basis for future priority setting exercises, core outcome set development, and could inform strategy on the future directions of airway management research.
A burden from birth? Non‐invasive prenatal testing and the stigmatization of people with disabilities
Authors: Rubeis Giovanni , Steger Florian
Published: November 2018

The notion of being a burden to others is mostly discussed in the context of care‐intensive diseases or end‐of‐life decisions. But the notion is also crucial in decision‐making at the beginning of life, namely regarding prenatal testing. Ever more sophisticated testing methods, especially non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), allow the detection of genetic traits in the unborn child that may cause disabilities. A positive result often influences the decision of the pregnant women towards a termination of the pregnancy. Thus, critics claim that these testing methods send a negative message to people with disabilities. At the core of this is what we call the burden assumption. This assumption claims that children with disabilities are necessarily a burden to others, especially to their parents and other family members. In this paper, we discuss what being a burden to others means in this context and how such an attitude can be avoided without restraining reproductive autonomy. A closer examination shows that the burden assumption is mostly based on misinformation and a false model of disability. Empirical studies as well as narrative evidence from parents who raise a child with disabilities show that the burden assumption is wrong. Raising a child with disabilities does not necessarily mean a decrease in the quality of life. We show how the burden assumption can be challenged through an advanced genetic counselling that combines empirical evidence with narratives from a first‐person perspective.
Exogenous IL‐19 attenuates acute ischaemic injury and improves survival in male mice with myocardial infarction
Authors: An Weishuai , Yu Yongsheng , Zhang Yuefan , Zhang Zhigang , Yu Yunhua , Zhao Xianxian
Published: November 2018

Background and purpose

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death in China and often results in the development of heart failure. In this work, we tested the therapeutic role of Interleukin‐19 (IL‐19) in mice with MI and investigated the underlying molecular mechanism.

Experimental approach

Mice were subjected to MI by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and treated with IL‐19 (10ng g‐1; i.p.).

Key results

Protein expression of IL‐19 and its receptor in myocardium were upregulated 24 hrs post‐MI in male mice. IL‐19 treatment decreased infarct and apoptosis in myocardium, accompanied by enhanced haem oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) activities and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. Pretreatment with IL‐19 upregulated HO‐1 expression in cultured neonatal mouse ventricular myocytes and attenuated oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD)‐induced injuries in vitro. Furthermore, IL‐19 preserved cardiac function and improved survival of mice with MI. IL‐19 reduced inflammatory infiltrates and suppressed formation of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6. More importantly, IL‐19 inhibited polarization toward proinflammatory M1 macrophages and stimulated M2 macrophage polarization in myocardium of mice with MI. IL‐19 enhanced protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and promoted angiogenesis in myocardium of mice with MI. In addition, IL‐19 treatment increased DNA‐binding of the transcription factor STAT3 in myocardium of mice with MI.

Conclusions and Implications

Treatment with exogenous IL‐19 attenuated acute ischemic injury and improved survival of mice with MI. The mechanisms underlying these effects involved induction of HO‐1, M2 macrophage polarization, angiogenesis, and STAT3 activation.
The role of the histamine H4 receptor in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis
Authors: Schaper‐Gerhardt Katrin , Rossbach Kristine , Nikolouli Eirini , Werfel Thomas , Gutzmer Ralf , Mommert Susanne
Published: November 2018

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis are common skin diseases with a high negative impact on patients' quality of life. Both diseases are mediated by a pro‐inflammatory infiltrate consisting of several cell types, such as T‐cells, antigen‐presenting cells and granulocytes and display disturbed keratinocyte differentiation. Given the fact that histamine levels are also highly elevated in inflamed skin, it is likely that histamine plays a relevant role in disease pathology. However, antagonists blocking histamine H1 receptor or H2 receptors are largely ineffective in reducing chronic symptoms in AD and psoriasis. Over the last years, much research has been undertaken to shed light into the mode of action of the most recently discovered histamine H4 receptor. This research has shown that H4 receptor antagonists display antipruritic and anti‐inflammatory effects not only in mouse models but also in first human clinical trials, and therefore, H4 receptors might present a novel therapeutic target. In this review, we summarize the effects of the H4 receptors on different cell types, mouse models and clinical studies in regard to AD and psoriasis respectively.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on New Uses for 21st Century. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.3/issuetoc
Invasive plants differentially affect soil biota through litter and rhizosphere pathways: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Pei , Li Bo , Wu Jihua , Hu Shuijin
Published: November 2018

Invasive plants affect soil biota through litter and rhizosphere inputs, but the direction and magnitude of these effects are variable. We conducted a meta‐analysis to examine the different effects of litter and rhizosphere of invasive plants on soil communities and nutrient cycling. Our results showed that invasive plants increased bacterial biomass by 16%, detritivore abundance by 119% and microbivore abundance by 89% through litter pathway. In the rhizosphere, invasive plants reduced bacterial biomass by 12%, herbivore abundance by 55% and predator abundance by 52%, but increased AM fungal biomass by 36%. Moreover, CO2 efflux, N mineralisation rate and enzyme activities were all higher in invasive than native rhizosphere soils. These findings indicate that invasive plants may support more decomposers that in turn stimulate nutrient release via litter effect, and enhance nutrient uptake by reducing root grazing but forming more symbioses in the rhizosphere. Thus, we hypothesise that litter‐ and root‐based loops are probably linked to generate positive feedback of invaders on soil systems through stimulating nutrient cycling, consequently facilitating plant invasion. Our findings from limited cases with diverse contexts suggest that more studies are needed to differentiate litter and rhizosphere effects within single systems to better understand invasive plant‐soil interactions.
Factors influencing tadpole deposition site choice in a frog with male parental care: An experimental field study
Authors: Goyes Vallejos Johana , Grafe T. Ulmar , Wells Kentwood D.
Published: November 2018

Parents have evolved a variety of strategies to minimize risks to their offspring, including complex choices regarding suitable rearing sites, based on abiotic and biotic factors, which differentially affect offspring survival. Because availability and quality of these sites are variable, parents may have to choose between immediately available lower‐quality rearing sites or extended search time. In some frog species with larval transport, parents are known to select bodies of water that are free of predators, cannibalistic tadpoles, or intraspecific competitors for larval deposition and rearing sites. We tested whether abiotic factors and the presence of predators and conspecific tadpoles affect tadpole deposition behavior in a population of smooth guardian frog, Limnonectes palavanensis, on the island of Borneo. Females lay eggs on land and males guard them until they hatch; after hatching, tadpoles climb onto the male's back and are subsequently transported to small pools of water on the forest floor, which are scarce and patchily distributed. We estimated the abundance of natural tadpole rearing sites in our study area and conducted experiments using artificial pools to test whether abiotic characteristics of these pools affect the probability of larval deposition. We also performed choice experiments to test whether males of L. palavanensis avoid pools with conspecific tadpoles or predators. Lastly, we tested whether the tadpoles of this species exhibit cannibalism. The abundance of natural deposition sites was low, and males readily used artificial pools for tadpole deposition. Males were less likely to deposit tadpoles in artificial pools located in steep areas, and males did not avoid depositing tadpoles in pools with conspecifics or with experimentally introduced predators. Males exhibited clutch‐partitioning behavior, dividing tadpoles between adjacent artificial pools. Pool availability, rather than the presence of potential competitors or predators in a pool, affects tadpole deposition decisions in this species.
What to do when you have almost nothing: A simple quantitative prescription for managing extremely data‐poor fisheries
Authors: Prince Jeremy , Hordyk Adrian
Published: November 2018

The cost, complexity and the lack of technical capacity in many countries have made the scientific assessment and sustainable management of data‐poor fisheries a persistent problem. New and innovative approaches are needed to stop the ongoing decline of data‐poor fisheries and loss of coastal biodiversity they are driving. In recent decades, marine protected areas have become the most preferred form of management for study and have been widely implemented as broadly applicable powerful management tools for data‐poor fisheries, but although clearly capable of building biomass within sanctuaries, their effectiveness for sustaining fisheries is proving more difficult to substantiate. This study suggests the new approach needed is actually a return to the established basics of managing size selectivity. Previous studies have established the wisdom of managing size selectivity and fishing pressure to catch fish above the size or age of maturity, but their prescriptions are difficult to implement without age studies, or the capacity for controlling catches and fishing pressure. This study develops an easily implementable rule of thumb based simply on multiples of size of maturity and quantifies its benefit where controlling fishing pressure is not yet possible. Our study provides a timely reminder that even if used alone, size selectivity, the oldest form of management, still produces pretty good sustainable yields. We suggest our rule of thumb can be used to prevent data‐poor fisheries declining while capacity for more complex forms of assessment and management are developed.
Toward development of generic inhibitors against the 3C proteases of picornaviruses
Authors: Banerjee Kamalika , Bhat Ruchika , Rao V. U. Bhaskara , Nain Anshu , Rallapalli Kartik Lakshmi , Gangopadhyay Sohona , Singh R. P. , Banerjee Manidipa , Jayaram Bhyravabhotla
Published: November 2018

Development of novel antivirals, which requires knowledge of the viral life cycle in molecular detail, is a daunting task, involving extensive investments, and frequently resulting in failure. As there exist significant commonalities among virus families in the manner of host interaction, identifying and targeting common rather than specific features may lead to the development of broadly useful antivirals. Here, we have targeted the 3C protease of Hepatitis A Virus (HAV), a feco‐orally transmitted virus of the family Picornaviridae, for identification of potential antivirals. The 3C protease is a viable drug target as it is required by HAV, as well as by other picornaviruses, for post‐translational proteolysis of viral polyproteins and for inhibiting host innate immune pathways. Computational screening, followed by chemical synthesis and experimental validation resulted in identification of a few compounds which, at low micromolar concentrations, could inhibit HAV 3C activity. These compounds were further tested experimentally against the 3C protease of Human Rhinovirus, another member of the Picornaviridae family, with comparable results. Computational studies on 3C proteases from other members of the picornavirus family have indicated that the compounds identified could potentially be generic inhibitors for picornavirus 3C proteases.
Results from a person‐centered music intervention for individuals living with dementia
Authors: Ihara Emily S , Tompkins Catherine J , Inoue Megumi , Sonneman Sonya
Published: November 2018

Aim

Dementia is a chronic, costly disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Effective, affordable person‐centered interventions are required to improve the lived experiences of individuals with dementia and their caregivers in various care settings. The present study examined the effects of a person‐centered music listening intervention on mood, agitation and social engagement for individuals living with dementia.

Methods

This quasi‐experimental study was carried out with participants at five community‐based adult day health centers (n = 51). Standardized instruments were used to measure mood and agitation, and in‐person and video‐recorded observations of participant behavior were used to analyze changes before, during and after the intervention across four domains: mood, agitation, connecting to music and engaging socially. Within‐person differences were examined using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, and between‐group differences were examined using the Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Results

Although standardized instruments did not yield statistically significant results, the behavioral observations showed a positive change in mood and a decrease in agitation. From pre‐ to post‐intervention, there were statistically significant increases in joy, eye contact, eye movement, being engaged and talkativeness, and a decrease in sleeping and moving or dancing.

Conclusions

Behavioral observations show the positive impact a person‐centered music listening intervention might have on individuals living with dementia and attending adult day health centers. This affordable intervention provides a useful tool for caregivers that might improve the day‐to‐day experience of individuals living with dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 30–34.
Prevalence and determinants of resistance mutations in HIV‐1‐infected patients exposed to integrase inhibitors in a large Italian cohort
Authors: Modica S , Rossetti B , Lombardi F , Lagi F , Maffeo M , D'Autilia R , Pecorari M , Vicenti I , Bruzzone B , Magnani G , Paolucci S , Francisci D , Penco G , Sacchini D , Zazzi M , De Luca A , Di Biagio A
Published: November 2018

Objectives

The aim of the study was to analyse the prevalence of integrase resistance mutations in integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)‐experienced HIV‐1‐infected patients and its predictors.

Methods

We selected HIV‐1 integrase sequences from the Antiviral Response Cohort Analysis (ARCA) database, derived from INSTI‐experienced patients between 2008 and 2017. Differences in the prevalence of resistance to raltegravir (RAL), elvitegravir (EVG) and dolutegravir (DTG) were assessed by χ2 test and predictors of resistance were analysed by logistic regression.

Results

We included 462 genotypes from INSTI‐exposed individuals: 356 ‘INSTI‐failing' patients and 106 ‘previously INSTI‐exposed' patients (obtained a median of 42 weeks after INSTI discontinuation [interquartile range (IQR) 17–110 weeks]). Overall, at least low‐level resistance (LLR) to any INSTI (Stanford 8.5 algorithm) was detected in 198 (42.9%) cases. The most frequent INSTI resistance mutation was N155H, followed by Q148H/K/R, G140A/C/S, E138A/K/T and Y143C/H/R. Y143R and E138A were more prevalent in viral subtype B versus non‐B [5.2 versus 1.5%, respectively (P = 0.04), and 3.1 versus 0%, respectively (P = 0.02)]. Overall, the Q148H/K/R plus G140A/C/S and/or E138A/K/T pattern, defining an intermediate level of resistance to DTG, was detected in 70 (15%) cases. Independent predictors of at least LLR to any INSTI were current use versus past use of INSTIs, a lower genotypic sensitivity score (GSS) for contemporary antiretroviral drugs used, and having an integrase sequence obtained in calendar year 2016 as compared to 2008–2009.

Conclusions

The results support integrase resistance testing in INSTI‐experienced patients. Emergence of INSTI resistance is facilitated by the reduced genetic barrier of the regimen as a consequence of resistance to companion drugs. However, INSTI resistance may become undetectable by standard population sequencing upon INSTI discontinuation.
Cold weather events provoke egg ejection behaviour in open‐nesting passerines
Authors: Shitikov Dmitry , Samsonov Stanislav , Makarova Tatiana
Published: November 2018

We analysed 25 conspecific egg ejection events from a large sample of nests (n = 762) of three passerine species. In two species, most of the events could not be explained by intraspecific brood parasitism or nest sanitation behaviour. At least some of these cases were behavioural responses to unfavourable weather conditions in the spring of 2017. We conclude that clutch size adjustment through egg ejection may be more widespread among passerines than previously thought.