bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infections and outcomes after cardiac surgery—The impact of outbreaks traced to transesophageal echocardiography probes
Authors: Vesteinsdottir Edda , Helgason Kristjan Orri , Sverrisson Kristinn Orn , Gudlaugsson Olafur , Karason Sigurbergur
Published: March 2019

Background

Infections are a frequent complication of cardiac surgery. The intraoperative use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) may be an underrecognized risk factor for post‐operative infections. The aim of this study was to investigate infection rates and outcomes after cardiac surgery in a nationwide cohort, especially in relation to periods where surface damaged TEE probes were used.

Methods

This was a retrospective, observational study at Landspitali University Hospital. All consecutive cardiac surgery patients from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2017 were included. Patients’ charts were reviewed for evidence of infection, post‐operative complications or death.

Results

During the study period, 973 patients underwent cardiac surgery at Landspitali and 198 (20.3%) developed a post‐operative infection. The most common infections were: Pneumonia (9.1%), superficial surgical site (5.7%), bloodstream (2.8%) and deep sternal wound (1.7%). Risk factors for developing an infection included: The duration of procedure, age, insulin‐dependent diabetes, EuroScore II, reoperation for bleeding and an operation in a period with a surface damaged TEE probe in use. Twenty‐two patients were infected with a multidrug resistant strain of Klebsiella oxytoca, 10 patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and two patients developed endocarditis with Enterococcus faecalis. All three pathogens were cultured from the TEE probe in use at respective time, after decontamination. The 30‐day mortality rate in the patient cohort was 3.2%.

Conclusions

The intraoperative use of surface damaged TEE probes caused two serious infection outbreaks in patients after cardiac surgery. TEE probes need careful visual inspection during decontamination and probe sheaths are recommended.
Associations of child and adolescent anxiety with later alcohol use and disorders: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Dyer Maddy L. , Easey Kayleigh E. , Heron Jon , Hickman Matthew , Munafò Marcus R.
Published: March 2019

Background and Aims

Despite a wealth of literature, the relationship between anxiety and alcohol use remains unclear. We examined whether (a) child and adolescent anxiety is positively or negatively associated with later alcohol use and disorders and (b) study characteristics explain inconsistencies in findings.

Design and Setting

We conducted a systematic review of 51 prospective cohort studies from 11 countries. Three studies contributed to a meta‐analysis. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and PsycINFO databases, and studies were included if they met the following criteria: English language publication, human participants, anxiety exposure (predictor variable) in childhood or adolescence and alcohol outcome at least 6 months later.

Participants

Study sample sizes ranged from 110 to 11 157 participants. Anxiety exposure ages ranged from 3 to 24 years, and alcohol outcome ages ranged from 11 to 42 years.

Measurements

Ninety‐seven associations across 51 studies were categorized by anxiety exposure (generalized anxiety disorder, internalizing disorders, miscellaneous anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and specific phobias) and alcohol use outcome (drinking frequency/quantity, binge drinking and alcohol use disorders).

Findings

The narrative synthesis revealed some evidence for a positive association between anxiety and later alcohol use disorders. Associations of anxiety with later drinking frequency/quantity and binge drinking were inconsistent. Type and developmental period of anxiety, follow‐up duration, sample size and confounders considered did not appear to explain the discrepant findings. The meta‐analysis also showed no clear evidence of a relationship between generalized anxiety disorder and later alcohol use disorder (odds ratio = 0.94, 95% confidence interval = 0.47–1.87).

Conclusions

Evidence to date is suggestive, but far from conclusive of a positive association between anxiety during childhood and adolescence and subsequent alcohol use disorder.
Influence of STAT4 gene polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of endometriosis
Authors: Bianco Bianca , Fernandes Ramon Felix Martins , Trevisan Camila Martins , Christofolini Denise M. , Sanz‐Lomana Carlos Millán , de Bernabe Javier Valero , Barbosa Caio P.
Published: March 2019

The STAT4 gene is vital to signaling pathways in the immune response. Immunological alterations are involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, and STAT4 polymorphisms may be linked to disease development. This study's aim is to evaluate the possible association between four STAT4 polymorphisms (rs7601754/G > A, rs11889341/C > T, rs7574865/T > G, and rs7582694/C > G) and the pathogenesis of endometriosis in Brazilian women. This case‐control study's sample comprised 238 women with endometriosis and 201 healthy, fertile women without endometriosis (which was surgically confirmed). Genotyping was performed using the TaqMan system with a real‐time polymerase chain reaction; the genotype, allele, and haplotype frequencies were then compared between groups. A single‐polymorphism analysis revealed that the TT genotype of the rs7574865/T > G polymorphism was significantly more frequent in women with minimal or mild endometriosis than in the controls (10% vs. 5%, p = 0.047). The CGAC, GTAT, and GTAC haplotypes were significantly more frequent in the women with endometriosis‐related infertility (5.8%, 4.1%, and 2.9%, respectively) than in the controls (2.4%, 1.1%, and 0.8%, respectively; p = 0.020, p = 0.011, and p = 0.032, respectively), but the GGGC and CTAT haplotypes were significantly more prevalent in the control group (34.7% and 13.9%, respectively) than among the infertile group (26.2% and 9.1%, respectively). In addition, the CGAC haplotype was more frequently found in those with minimal or mild endometriosis (6.8%) than in the controls (2.4%, p = 0.009), and the GTAT haplotype was more commonly found in those with moderate or severe disease (3.6%) than in the controls (1.1%, p = 0.028). These findings suggest that STAT4 polymorphisms can influence the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Classification of Prosopis juliflora invasion in the Lake Baringo basin and environmental correlations
Authors: Alvarez Miguel , Heller Gereon , Malombe Itambo , Matheka Kennedy W. , Choge Simon , Becker Mathias
Published: March 2019

The spread of Prosopis juliflora in the Baringo basin, Kenya, has led to severe changes in the ecosystem with negative socio‐economic impacts. The drivers that foster the invasiveness of Prosopis are not fully understood. Thus, a method to quantify the degree of infestation will support the determination of environmental preferences and the risk assessment of future Prosopis invasion. We developed a methodology for characterising and classifying degrees of Prosopis infestation in vegetation stands and propose its application in environmental correlation models. The relative cover was identified as the most suited attribute for assessing and monitoring the invasion of Prosopis. The distance of invaded stands from original plantations and environmental attributes related to water availability (ground water table, rainfall and soil water–holding capacity) have potential to predict potential or future invasion risks.
Cardiac output monitoring with thermodilution pulse‐contour analysis vs. non‐invasive pulse‐contour analysis
Authors: Boisson M. , Poignard M. E. , Pontier B. , Mimoz O. , Debaene B. , Frasca D.
Published: March 2019

Intravenous fluid boluses guided by changes in stroke volume improve some outcomes after major surgery, but invasive measurments may limit use. From October 2016 to May 2018, we compared the agreement and trending ability of a photoplethysmographic device (Clearsight) with a PiCCO, calibrated by thermodilution, for haemodynamic variables in 20 adults undergoing major elective surgery. We analysed 4519 measurement pairs, including before and after 68 boluses of 250 ml crystalloid. The bias and precision of stroke volume measurement by Clearsight were −0.89 ± 4.78 ml compared with the invasive pulse‐contour cardiac output device. The coefficient of agreement for stroke volume variation after fluid boluses between the two devices was 0.79 (‘strong’). Fluid boluses that increased stroke volume by ≥ 10% increased mean absolute volume (SD) and mean percentage (SD) stroke volume measurements similarly for the invasive pulse‐contour cardiac output and Clearsight devices: 9 (4) ml vs. 8 (4) ml and 16% (8%) vs. 15% (10%), respectively, p > 0.05. The non‐invasive Clearsight pulse‐contour analysis was similar to an invasive pulse‐contour device in measuring absolute and changing stroke volumes during major surgery.
Laparoscopic resection of a dumbbell‐shaped lipoma extending through the obturator foramen: A case report
Authors: Kimura Kei , Ikeda Masataka , Futani Hiroyuki , Hamanaka Michiko , Kataoka Kozo , Beppu Naohito , Yoshiya Shinichi , Tomita Naohiro
Published: March 2019

Lipomas are often lightweight and small in size with few subjective symptoms. Giant lipomas are uncommon. We herein report a case involving a giant, deep‐seated dumbbell‐shaped intermuscular lipoma in the right thigh that extended into the pelvic region through the obturator foramen and caused obturator neuropathy. A 64‐year‐old man with numbness while walking was diagnosed with a 17 × 16‐cm lipomatous tumor. He underwent radical surgery performed by a multidisciplinary team consisting of orthopedic and colorectal surgeons. High‐definition magnified laparoscopic images of the deep pelvis confirmed that tumor had infiltrated the obturator nerve. The tumor was completely resected with the obturator nerve. Six months after surgical resection, the patient had no gait disturbance or evidence of recurrence. The laparoscopic approach for this kind of complicated deep pelvic surgery was safe and feasible when performed by colorectal surgeon with ample knowledge of the pelvic anatomy.
Exploring the roles of school leaders and teachers in a school‐wide adoption of flipped classroom: School dynamics and institutional cultures
Authors: Sun Yanyan , Gao Fei
Published: March 2019

While the development of digital technologies provides generous resources for educational practices, how the use of information and communication technology (ICT) supports instructional reforms in schools still needs further exploration. The purpose of the study is to understand the roles of school leaders and teachers play in an instructional reform supported by ICT as well as how these roles interact with each other. The study selected a Chinese middle‐high school that successfully had a school‐wide instructional reform supported by ICT as an exemplary case and collected data through document analysis, interviews and observations. The results indicated that the school leadership was critical in the instructional reform. While the executive vice principal was in an essential position as an initiator and strategic planner, the leadership was distributed and stretched over in the school. The school built supporting pedagogical and organizational systems for continuous and collaborative learning and helped the teachers develop four new roles: learners, facilitators to student‐centered learning, collaborators and researchers.
The reality and evolutionary significance of human psychological sex differences
Authors: Archer John
Published: March 2019

The aims of this article are: (i) to provide a quantitative overview of sex differences in human psychological attributes; and (ii) to consider evidence for their possible evolutionary origins. Sex differences were identified from a systematic literature search of meta‐analyses and large‐sample studies. These were organized in terms of evolutionary significance as follows: (i) characteristics arising from inter‐male competition (within‐sex aggression; impulsiveness and sensation‐seeking; fearfulness; visuospatial and object‐location memory; object‐centred orientations); (ii) those concerning social relations that are likely to have arisen from women's adaptations for small‐group interactions and men's for larger co‐operative groups (person‐centred orientation and social skills; language; depression and anxiety); (iii) those arising from female choice (sexuality; mate choice; sexual conflict). There were sex differences in all categories, whose magnitudes ranged from (i) small (object location memory; negative emotions), to (ii) medium (mental rotation; anxiety disorders; impulsivity; sex drive; interest in casual sex), to (iii) large (social interests and abilities; sociosexuality); and (iv) very large (escalated aggression; systemizing; sexual violence). Evolutionary explanations were evaluated according to whether: (i) similar differences occur in other mammals; (ii) there is cross‐cultural consistency; (iii) the origin was early in life or at puberty; (iv) there was evidence for hormonal influences; and (v), where possible, whether there was evidence for evolutionarily derived design features. The evidence was positive for most features in most categories, suggesting evolutionary origins for a broad range of sex differences. Attributes for which there was no sex difference are also noted. Within‐sex variations are discussed as limitations to the emphasis on sex differences.
AC016405.3, a novel long noncoding RNA, acts as a tumor suppressor through modulation of TET2 by microRNA‐19a‐5p sponging in glioblastoma
Authors: Ren Siyang , Xu Yinghui
Published: March 2019

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial regulators in various malignancies including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In the present study, we screened out a new lncRNA, AC016405.3, through a previous genome‐wide lncRNA microarray analysis in GBM. It showed that AC016405.3 was downregulated in GBM tissue specimens and cell lines, and it also illustrated that the downregulated AC016405.3 was closely correlated with several aggressive features of patients with GBM. Functionally, we found that overexpression of AC016405.3 suppressed GBM cells’ proliferation and metastasis using a gain of function experiment. We further showed that microRNA (miR)‐19a‐5p, a carcinogenic miRNA, was a downstream miRNA of AC016405.3. AC016405.3 was revealed as a target of miR‐19a‐5p, and overexpression of miR‐19a‐5p reversed the inhibitive effect of AC016405.3 on GBM cell proliferation and metastasis. Furthermore, a novel downstream gene of miR‐19a‐5p, TET2, was identified through a constructed microarray analysis. We showed that TET2 was downregulated in GBM and was involved in miR‐19a‐5p‐mediated proliferation and metastasis by directly being targeted. Finally, through a western blot assay and a series of functional CCK‐8 and metastatic assays, we showed that AC016405.3 suppressed proliferation and metastasis through modulation of TET2 by sponging of miR‐19a‐5p in GBM cells. In summary, the findings of the current study identified a novel lncRNA and illustrated that AC016405.3, acting as an anti‐oncogene, suppressed GBM cell proliferation and metastasis by regulating TET through miR‐19a‐5p sponging. Our present study might provide a new axis in the molecular treatment of GBM.
Hepatitis B virus‐regulated growth of liver cancer cells occurs through the microRNA‐340‐5p‐activating transcription factor 7‐heat shock protein A member 1B axis
Authors: Song Feifei , Wei Mingcong , Wang Jingwen , Liu Yang , Guo Mingxiong , Li Xiaolu , Luo Jun , Zhou Junying , Wang Min , Guo Deyin , Chen Lang , Sun Guihong
Published: March 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer with poor prognosis. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the leading causes of HCC, but the precise mechanisms by which this infection promotes cancer development are not fully understood. Recently, miR‐340‐5p, a microRNA (miRNA) that has been identified as a cancer suppressor gene, was found to inhibit the migration and invasion of liver cancer cells. However, the effect of miR‐340‐5p on cell proliferation and apoptosis in HBV‐associated HCC remains unknown. In our study, we show that miR‐340‐5p plays an important role during HBV infection and hepatocellular carcinoma development. Specifically, this miRNA directly binds to the mRNA encoding activating transcription factor 7 (ATF7), a protein that both promotes cell proliferation and suppresses apoptosis through its interaction with heat shock protein A member 1B (HSPA1B). We further found that miR‐340‐5p is downregulated by HBV, which enhances ATF7 expression, leading to enhanced cell proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. Notably, ATF7 is upregulated in HCC tissue, suggesting that HBV may target miR‐340‐5p in vivo to promote ATF7/HSPA1B‐mediated proliferation and apoptosis and regulate liver cancer progression. This work helps to elucidate the complex interactions between HBV and host miRNAs and further suggests that miR‐340‐5p may represent a promising candidate for the development of improved therapeutic strategies for HCC.
An integrative approach using systems biology, mutational analysis with molecular dynamics simulation to challenge the functionality of a target protein
Authors: Bora Nikita , Nath Jha Anupam
Published: March 2019

Visceral leishmaniasis affects millions of people worldwide in areas where Leishmania donovani is endemic. The protozoan species serves a greater threat as it has gradually evolved drug resistance whereby requiring newer approaches to treat the infection. State‐of‐art techniques are mostly directed toward finding better targets extracted from the available proteome data. In light of recent computational advancements, we ascertain and validate one such target, adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL) by implementation of in‐silico methods which led to the identification of critical amino acid residues that affects its functional attributes. Our target selection was based on comprehensive topological analysis of a knowledge‐based protein–protein interaction network. Subsequently, mutations were incorporated and the dynamic behavior of mutated and native proteins was traced using MD simulations for a total time span of 600 ns. Comparative analysis of the native and mutated structures exhibited perceptible changes in the ligand‐bound catalytic region with respect to time. The unfavorable changes in the orientations of specific catalytic residues, His118 and His196, induced by generated mutations reduce the enzyme specificity. In summary, this integrative approach is able to select a target against pathogen, identify crucial residues, and challenge its functionality through the selected mutations.
Direct effect of common mental disorders on xerostomia in adults estimated by marginal structural models: A population‐based study
Authors: Ianunzio Jamie Raffaele , Peres Karen Glazer , Haag Dandara Gabriela , Peres Marco Aurelio
Published: March 2019

Objective

To investigate the controlled direct effect (CDE) of common mental disorders (CMD) on xerostomia which is not mediated by psychoactive medication intake.

Methods

A population‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted with 1720 individuals aged 20‐59 years from Florianópolis, Brazil, in 2009. A two‐stage cluster sample design was adopted, with a systematic selection of census tracts, followed by a random selection of households. All inhabitants of the selected households belonging to the age group of interest were considered eligible to participate. CMD were assessed using the Self‐Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ > 7). Xerostomia was the outcome assessed by asking: “How often do you feel dry mouth?” with responses “often” and “always” taken as indicating xerostomia. Psychoactive medication intake was set as the mediator. Confounding factors included sex, age, per capita family income, educational attainment and smoking status. Marginal structural models were performed to quantify the CDE of CMD on xerostomia. Missing data were handled by multiple imputation by chained equations, and sensitivity analysis for unmeasured confounding was carried out.

Results

The overall prevalence of xerostomia was 8.8% and 15.3% of the individuals presented with CMD. After adjustment, the prevalence of xerostomia among individuals with CMD was 3.2 times higher than that among individuals without CMD (PR = 3.2 [95% CI: 2.3; 4.5]). The CDE of CMD on xerostomia which is not mediated by the medication intake resulted in a three times greater prevalence of xerostomia (PR = 3.0 95% CI: 2.0; 4.5) among those individuals with CMD.

Conclusions

Common mental disorders is directly and negatively associated with xerostomia. Clinicians should bear in mind the emotional state when investigating the underlying factors and managing patients with xerostomia.
Identification of SLC20A2 deletions in patients with primary familial brain calcification
Authors: Guo Xin‐Xin , Su Hui‐Zhen , Zou Xiao‐Huan , Lai Lu‐Lu , Lu Ying‐Qian , Wang Chong , Li Yun‐Lu , Hong Jing‐Mei , Zhao Miao , Lin Kun‐Xin , Lin Jie , Zeng Yi‐Heng , Yao Xiang‐Ping , Wang Ning , Chen Wan‐Jin
Published: March 2019

Primary familial brain calcification (PFBC) is a rare neurological disorder. Mutations in five genes (SLC20A2, PDGFRB, PDGFB, XPR1, and MYORG) have been linked to PFBC. Here, we used SYBR green‐based real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis to detect copy number variants (CNVs) in 20 unrelated patients with PFBC, negatively sequenced for the five known genes. We identified three deletions in SLC20A2, including a large de novo full gene deletion and two exonic deletions confined to exon 2 and exon 6, respectively. Subsequent linked‐read whole‐genome sequencing of the patient with the large deletion showed a 1.7 Mb heterozygous deletion which removed the entire coding regions of SLC20A2 as well as 21 other genes. In the family with a deletion of exon 6, a missense variant of uncertain significance (SLC20A2: p.E267Q) also co‐segregated with the disease. Functional assay showed the deletion could result in significantly impaired phosphate transport, whereas the p.E267Q variant did not. Our results confirm that deletion in SLC20A2 is a causal mechanism for PFBC and highlight the importance of functional study for classifying a rare missense variant as (likely) pathogenic.
User‐Guided Facial Animation through an Evolutionary Interface
Authors: Reed K. , Cosker D.
Published: March 2019

We propose a design framework to assist with user‐generated content in facial animation — without requiring any animation experience or ground truth reference. Where conventional prototyping methods rely on handcrafting by experienced animators, our approach looks to encode the role of the animator as an Evolutionary Algorithm acting on animation controls, driven by visual feedback from a user. Presented as a simple interface, users sample control combinations and select favourable results to influence later sampling. Over multiple iterations of disregarding unfavourable control values, parameters converge towards the user's ideal. We demonstrate our framework through two non‐trivial applications: creating highly nuanced expressions by evolving control values of a face rig and non‐linear motion through evolving control point positions of animation curves.
Convergence of fishers' knowledge with a species distribution model in a Peruvian shark fishery
Authors: Mason Julia G. , Alfaro‐Shigueto Joanna , Mangel Jeffrey C. , Brodie Stephanie , Bograd Steven J. , Crowder Larry B. , Hazen Elliott L.
Published: March 2019

Limited data on the spatial, environmental, and human dimensions of small‐scale fisheries hinder conservation planning, so the incorporation of fishers' local ecological knowledge may be a valuable way to fill data gaps while legitimizing management decisions. In Peru, vulnerable and poorly assessed juvenile smooth hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna zygaena) are the most commonly caught shark species in a small‐scale drift gillnet fishery. We conducted semistructured interviews with 87 hammerhead fishers in three major Peruvian ports to elucidate the spatiotemporal niche of the hammerhead fishery and environmental drivers of juvenile hammerhead catch. We also built a biophysical model of hammerhead distribution that correlated remotely sensed environmental variables with a spatially explicit fishery observer dataset. Overall, we found a consensus between fishers' knowledge and species distribution modeling. Sea surface temperature and chlorophyll‐a emerged as important environmental drivers of juvenile hammerhead catch, with both fishers' knowledge and the biophysical model identifying similar habitat preferences (~20–23°C and log chl‐a >−1.6 mg/m3). Participatory mapping of fishing grounds also corresponded to the spatiotemporal patterns of predicted hammerhead distribution. This study points to the utility of combining fishers' knowledge and biophysical modeling for spatial, temporal, and/or dynamic management of these sharks in Peru and in other data‐poor fisheries globally.
When is it legal to hunt strictly protected species in the European Union?
Authors: Epstein Yaffa , Christiernsson Anna , López‐Bao José V. , Chapron Guillaume
Published: March 2019

In the European Union (EU), the Habitats Directive bans the killing of strictly protected animal species. The killing of individual animals may nevertheless be allowed when there is no satisfactory alternative and doing so would not be detrimental to the maintenance of species populations at favorable conservation status for one of five enumerated reasons. This exception has been used by national authorities to allow hunting, frequently triggering litigation. Here, we review several contested aspects of the provisions allowing exceptions from strict protection, particularly those in the controversial Article 16(1)(e), in order to clarify Member States' discretion in allowing hunting. Correctly interpreting these provisions is necessary to ensure species are protected at the level intended by the Habitats Directive, and that their conservation status is improved or maintained. Our review suggests that it would be very difficult for national authorities to allow the hunting of strictly protected species while complying with EU law.
Assessing the effect of seasonal agriculture on the condition and winter survival of a migratory songbird in Mexico
Authors: Valdez‐Juarez Simon O. , Krebs Elizabeth A. , Drake Anna E. , Green David J.
Published: March 2019

Migratory birds can spend 8 months of the year on their wintering grounds and the conversion of natural habitats to agriculture in Latin America has been implicated in population declines of several Neotropical migrants. Despite this, few studies have directly assessed the value of agricultural habitat for wintering migrants. We compared the condition and survival of Yellow Warblers (Setophaga petechia) occupying natural (riparian forest, scrub‐mangrove) and agricultural habitat (annually cropped sorghum, corn, and chili‐peppers separated by hedgerow) in western Mexico. We assessed condition with five metrics (daily and seasonal changes in size‐adjusted body mass, leukocyte profiles, rectrix regrowth rate, rectrix quality, and dates of departure on spring migration). We used Cormack–Jolly–Seber models fitted to mark‐resighting data collected over 4 years (2012–2015) to estimate January–May monthly survival rates. We found that birds occupying agricultural habitat and riparian forest had higher monthly apparent survival between January and May than birds in scrub‐mangrove. Birds in agricultural habitat also grew higher quality feathers (i.e., rectrices with a higher barbule density) than those in natural habitat. In contrast, birds in agricultural habitat were lighter than those in riparian habitat. We found no detectable effect of winter habitat use on daily or season changes in size‐adjusted mass and H/L ratios, although the effect of winter habitat use on departure rates differed for males and females. Our results demonstrate that agricultural habitat may provide suitable winter habitat for a long‐distance migrant and suggest that feather quality can be an indicator of winter habitat quality.
Technology Gap, Reverse Technology Spillover and Domestic Innovation Performance in Outward Foreign Direct Investment: Evidence from China
Authors: Hong Jin , Zhou Chongyang , Wu Yanrui , Wang Ruicheng , Marinova Dora
Published: March 2019

This research adds to the literature studying the effects of outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) on domestic innovation performance and the moderating effect of a technology gap between host and home countries. New definitions of observed technology gap and expected technology gap are proposed. An observed technology gap captures the existing differences in technology level between establishments, regions or countries. An expected technology gap is an indication of the effort of imitating and learning from technology leaders. The corresponding measures and effects of observed and expected technology gaps on OFDI‐induced reverse technology spillover are analyzed. OFDI in developed countries promotes innovation performance. However, OFDI in emerging markets hampers innovation performance. It is also found that regions with a wider observed technology gap and a narrower expected technology gap can benefit more from OFDI.
High‐speed Rail and Urban Economic Growth in China after the Global Financial Crisis
Authors: Yao Shujie , Zhang Fan , Wang Feng , Ou Jinghua
Published: March 2019

High‐speed rail (HSR) has been an important driver of China's economic expansion over the last decade. Using data of 285 prefecture‐level cities over 2010–2014, this paper proposes an endogenous economic growth model to explain how and why HSR may have propelled China's economic growth by reducing the time‐space between cities. The research results show that HSR has a potent effect on urban economic growth and regional convergence. Ceteris paribus, HSR appears to have accelerated economic growth by more than 0.6 percent and the pace of regional economic convergence by approximately 2 percent per annum over the data period. Our research findings have important policy implications for the sustainability of China's economic development, backed by HSR.
Tropicality and abjection: What do we really mean by “Neglected Tropical Diseases”?
Authors: Shahvisi Arianne
Published: March 2019

Neglected tropical diseases are defined operationally as diseases that prevail in “tropical” regions and are under‐researched, under‐funded, and under‐treated compared with their disease burden. By analysing the adjectives “tropical” and “neglected,” I expose and interrogate the discourses within which the term “neglected tropical disease” derives its meaning. First, I argue that the term “tropical” conjures the notion of “tropicality,” a form of Othering which erroneously explains the disease‐prevalence of “tropical” regions by reference to environmental determinism, rather than colonialism and neocolonialism. Second, I examine the way in which this Othering enables the abjection of tropical regions and their peoples, leading to neglect. I recommend that the term “neglected tropical diseases” be more carefully contextualised within health scholarship, education, and policy.
Humanitarian governance and resilience building: Ethiopia in comparative perspective
Authors: Hilhorst Dorothea , Desportes Isabelle , de Milliano Cecile W.J.
Published: March 2019

Humanitarian governance is usually understood according to the classic, Dunantist paradigm that accords central importance to international humanitarian agencies. However, this is increasingly paralleled by ‘resilience humanitarianism’ that focuses, among other things, on including national actors in humanitarian governance. This article views humanitarian governance as emerging through interactions between authorities, implementing agencies and communities. It is based on interactive ethnography in five countries by Partners for Resilience (PfR). Using the Theory of Change (ToC) tool, it analyses the various interpretations and priorities of actors involved in humanitarian problems, solutions and programme governance. For example, PfR had a ‘software’ focus, aiming to unlock communities’ potential for resilience, whereas communities and authorities preferred to receive tangible ‘hardware’ support. The findings highlight the crucial role of local authorities in shaping humanitarian aid. This is especially pertinent in view of the international agenda to localise aid, which requires the understanding and support of national actors in order to responsibly protect the vulnerable.
Upper limb strength training and somatosensory stimulation: optimizing self‐care independence for children with unilateral cerebral palsy
Authors: Mailleux Lisa , Feys Hilde
Published: March 2019

This commentary is on the original article by Russo et al. on pages 1080–1086 of this issue.
A perspective on global access to insulin: a descriptive study of the market, trade flows and prices
Authors: Beran D. , Laing R. O. , Kaplan W. , Knox R. , Sharma A. , Wirtz V. J. , Frye J. , Ewen M.
Published: March 2019

Aim

To describe the global insulin market.

Methods

Market intelligence data, United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics for insulin trade, the International Medical Products Price Guide for prices of human insulin and additional web searches were used as data sources. These sources were combined to gain further insight into possible links among market, trade flows and prices. Descriptive statistics and Spearman's rank order correlation were used for the analysis.

Results

A total of 34 insulin manufacturers were identified. Most countries and territories are reliant on a limited number of supplying countries. The overall median (interquartile range) government procurement price for a 10‐ml, 100‐IU/ml vial during the period 1996–2013 equivalent was US$4.3 (US$ 3.8–4.8), with median prices in Africa (US$ 4.7) and low‐ (US$ 6.9) and low‐ to middle‐ (US$ 4.7) income countries being higher over this period. The relationships between price and quantity of insulin (Spearman's r=0.046; P>0.1) and number of import links (Spearman's r=0.032; P>0.1) were weak. The links between price and percentage of total insulin from a country where a ‘big three' manufacturer produces insulin (Spearman's r=0.294; P<0.05) and total insulin from the main import link (Spearman's r=–0.392; P<0.05) were stronger.

Conclusions

This research shows the high variability of insulin prices and the reliance on a few sources, both companies and countries, for global supply. In addressing access to insulin, countries need to use existing price data to negotiate prices, and mechanisms need to be developed to foster competition and security of supply of insulin, given the limited number of truly global producers.
Stress resilience evidenced by grooming behaviour and dopamine levels in male mice selected for high and low immobility using the tail suspension test
Authors: Reis‐Silva Thiago M. , Sandini Thaisa M. , Calefi Atilio S. , Orlando Bruna C. G. , Moreira Natalia , Lima Ana Paula N. , Florio Jorge C. , Queiroz‐Hazarbassanov Nicolle G. T. , Bernardi Maria Martha
Published: March 2019

Grooming behaviour has different functions on many species during development and can be observed and affected during periods of stress. By selecting male mice with high (HI) and low (LI) immobility traits in the tail suspension test, a screening for antidepressant drugs, we investigate how these phenotypes associated with grooming behaviour may be influenced by the effects of repeated restraint stress. For this we used the sucrose preference test and the splash test in a novel and a familiar cage performed before and after exposure to 2 days of restraint stress. Animals were submitted to an additional day of restraint stress before the hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex and midbrain extraction for dopamine activity analysis. Corticosterone analysis was made in three distinct moments: without stress (prior first restraint session), immediately after the last restrain, and 1 hr after the last restrain episode. Compared to LI group, HI animals exhibited an increased frequency and decreased time of grooming in the familiar cage. In the novel cage, stress increased frequency and time of grooming of HI animals compared to LI. Corticosterone levels were increased in HI animals after 3 days of stress. Lower hypothalamic dopaminergic activity without stress and decreased hypothalamic dopaminergic activity immediately after stress in HI group were observed. The HI group displayed decreased prefrontal cortex dopaminergic activity and increased activity in the mesolimbic area. We proposed that through the influence of stress the two phenotypes manifested as a resilient (LI) and a not resilient (HI) trait in response to restraint stress.
Digital Module 04: Diagnostic Measurement: Modeling Checklists for Practitioners https://ncme.elevate.commpartners.com
Authors: Carragher Natacha , Templin Jonathan , Jones Phillip , Shulruf Boaz , Velan Gary
Published: March 2019

In this ITEMS module, we provide a didactic overview of the specification, estimation, evaluation, and interpretation steps for diagnostic measurement/classification models (DCMs), which are a promising psychometric modeling approach. These models can provide detailed skill‐ or attribute‐specific feedback to respondents along multiple latent dimensions and hold theoretical and practical appeal for a variety of fields. We use a current unified modeling framework—the log‐linear cognitive diagnosis model (LCDM)—as well as a series of quality‐control checklists for data analysts and scientific users to review the foundational concepts, practical steps, and interpretational principles for these models. We demonstrate how the models and checklists can be applied in real‐life data‐analysis contexts. A library of macros and supporting files for Excel, SAS, and Mplus are provided along with video tutorials for key practices.
The Role of Children's Neurophysiological Functioning in the Links Between Emotion‐Parenting Behaviors and Child Anxiety Symptoms: A Biological Sensitivity to Context Framework
Authors: Han Zhuo Rachel , Zhang Xutong , Davis Molly , Suveg Cynthia
Published: March 2019

A plethora of data supports links between parenting behaviors and child anxiety, but few studies have examined factors that can contribute to variability in these relations. Adopting a biological sensitivity to context framework, this study explored the role of children's physiological stress reactivity in the links between emotion‐parenting and child anxiety symptoms in a group of Chinese families. Sixty‐one parent–child dyads (child Mage = 8.21 years, SD = 1.40, range = 6–12 years) participated in an acute stress protocol, from which children's physiological (cortisol and respiratory sinus arrhythmia) responses to a social speech task were recorded. Participants then completed questionnaires assessing parents’ emotion‐parenting behaviors and children's anxiety symptoms. Results showed that the relation between supportive emotion‐parenting and child anxiety was stronger in the context of greater child RSA suppression to acute stress, such that children higher in RSA suppression exhibited lower anxiety symptoms when supportive emotion‐parenting was higher than when it was lower. Thus, these findings supported the biological sensitivity to context model. No significant moderation effect was detected for cortisol reactivity or recovery. Instead, exploratory mediation analyses showed that supportive emotion‐parenting was negatively related to child anxiety via greater cortisol recovery. There was also a significant indirect path where unsupportive emotion‐parenting was related to blunted cortisol recovery, which in turn was associated with higher child anxiety. The results highlight the importance of coaching parents to respond in supportive ways to children's emotional expressions, particularly in the context of greater child reactivity, to help buffer against childhood anxiety symptoms.
Recurrent loops: Incorporating prediction error and semantic/episodic theories into Drosophila associative memory models
Authors: Horiuchi Junjiro
Published: March 2019

In 2003, Martin Heisenberg et al. presented a model of how associative memories could be encoded and stored in the insect brain. This model was extremely influential in the Drosophila memory field, but did not incorporate several important mammalian concepts, including ideas of separate episodic and semantic types of memory and prediction error hypotheses. In addition, at that time, the concept of memory traces recurrently entering and exiting the mushroom bodies, brain areas where associative memories are formed and stored, was unknown. In this review, I present a simple updated model incorporating these ideas, which may be useful for future studies.
Thermoregulatory traits combine with range shifts to alter the future of montane ant assemblages
Authors: Bishop Tom R. , Parr Catherine L. , Gibb Heloise , van Rensburg Berndt J. , Braschler Brigitte , Chown Steven L. , Foord Stefan H. , Lamy Kévin , Munyai Thinandavha C. , Okey Iona , Tshivhandekano Pfarelo G. , Werenkraut Victoria , Robertson Mark P.
Published: March 2019

Predicting and understanding the biological response to future climate change is a pressing challenge for humanity. In the 21st century, many species will move into higher latitudes and higher elevations as the climate warms. In addition, the relative abundances of species within local assemblages are likely to change. Both effects have implications for how ecosystems function. Few biodiversity forecasts, however, take account of both shifting ranges and changing abundances. We provide a novel analysis predicting the potential changes to assemblage‐level relative abundances in the 21st century. We use an established relationship linking ant abundance and their colour and size traits to temperature and UV‐B to predict future abundance changes. We also predict future temperature driven range shifts and use these to alter the available species pool for our trait‐mediated abundance predictions. We do this across three continents under a low greenhouse gas emissions scenario (RCP2.6) and a business‐as‐usual scenario (RCP8.5). Under RCP2.6, predicted changes to ant assemblages by 2100 are moderate. On average, species richness will increase by 26%, while species composition and relative abundance structure will be 26% and 30% different, respectively, compared with modern assemblages. Under RCP8.5, however, highland assemblages face almost a tripling of species richness and compositional and relative abundance changes of 66% and 77%. Critically, we predict that future assemblages could be reorganized in terms of which species are common and which are rare: future highland assemblages will not simply comprise upslope shifts of modern lowland assemblages. These forecasts reveal the potential for radical change to montane ant assemblages by the end of the 21st century if temperature increases continue. Our results highlight the importance of incorporating trait–environment relationships into future biodiversity predictions. Looking forward, the major challenge is to understand how ecosystem processes will respond to compositional and relative abundance changes.
Who protests? An exploration of the class dimensions of anticorruption mobilization
Authors: Biswas Bidisha , Vijaya Ramya M.
Published: March 2019

This article examines the role of economic class in mobilizing against corruption. Across several countries, recent anticorruption movements have been attributed to the growing urban middle class. Yet, existing studies have not examined how citizens view their own agency and how their views may be affected by their class position. We use Transparency International's Global Corruption Barometer survey and a case study of India to critically examine the class dimensions of anticorruption mobilization. We find that citizens in middle‐income countries are most concerned with corruption. At the same time, those who identify as middle class are only slightly more likely than low‐income individuals to indicate a willingness to mobilize. In contrast, people who identify as high income are much less willing to engage with the issue. Our findings suggest that successful and sustained mobilization against corruption might require a coalition of middle‐and lower‐income groups.
Albumin–bilirubin score indicates liver fibrosis staging and prognosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Fujita Koji , Oura Kyoko , Yoneyama Hirohito , Shi Tingting , Takuma Kei , Nakahara Mai , Tadokoro Tomoko , Nomura Takako , Morishita Asahiro , Tsutsui Kunihiko , Himoto Takashi , Masaki Tsutomu
Published: March 2019

Aim

Albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade was investigated to predict prognosis of patients with cirrhosis. It was defined using the ALBI score calculated based on serum total bilirubin and albumin, which represent liver function. The diagnostic accuracy for liver fibrosis staging in patients with chronic hepatitis using the ALBI score has not been investigated well. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic abilities of the ALBI score for liver fibrosis staging in chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis in Japanese patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Methods

Japanese patients with HCV infection who underwent liver biopsy examinations were enrolled in a retrospective study. Fibrosis staging and activity grading were assessed using the modified METAVIR score. The ALBI score was calculated according to the following equation: Log10 total bilirubin (μmol/L) × 0.66 + albumin (g/L) × (−0.085).

Results

A total of 382 patients were enrolled in this study. The ALBI score differentiated fibrosis stage 4 from 3 and stage 3 from 2 (P < 0.05). When an ALBI score of −2.125 was adopted as a cut‐off value, the sensitivity and specificity were 73.2% and 87.1%, respectively, with a positive likelihood ratio of 5.67 to differentiate stage 4 from stages 1–3. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that smaller ALBI scores at baseline correlated with better hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)‐free and overall survival (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The ALBI score indicates liver fibrosis staging in Japanese patients with HCV infection. Furthermore, smaller ALBI scores predict better HCC‐free survival and overall survival. The ALBI score has the potential to expand its application from cirrhosis to chronic hepatitis.
Clinical and epidemiological profile of patients attended in a vulvar clinic of the dermatology outpatient unit of a tertiary hospital during a 4‐year period
Authors: Goncalves Daniel Luiz M. , Romero Raissa L. , Ferreira Paula L. , Santi Cláudia G.
Published: March 2019

Background

Vulvar complaints are among the most frequent causes for a woman to visit a healthcare provider. The diseases of this area of the body may be a challenge to diagnose. In this study, we assess epidemiologic and clinical data of patients in an outpatient vulvar clinic in the dermatology department of a tertiary hospital.

Methods

We performed an observational retrospective study of patients who attended our consultation service for vulvar diseases at the Dermatology Division at Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP during a 4‐year period. Data were obtained by patient medical records and by phone.

Results

During the 4‐year period under study, a total of 136 patients were treated in the outpatient service specialized in vulvar care. All patients were included in the study. The most frequent diagnoses were lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (64.7%), lichen planus (8.8%), and vitiligo (8%). We registered that 26.7% of the patients showed extravulvar involvement.

Conclusions

Women with vulvar diseases need specific care, considering not only genital aspects but also all skin changes. In this context, the dermatologist is a very well trained professional to take good and complete care of these patients. However, ideally vulvar clinics should have a multidisciplinary team.