bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transmission ecology of canine parvovirus in a multi-host, multi-pathogen system
Authors: Behdenna Abdelkader , Lembo Tiziana , Calatayud Olga , Cleaveland Sarah , Halliday Jo E. B. , Packer Craig , Lankester Felix , Hampson Katie , Craft Meggan E. , Czupryna Anna , Dobson Andrew P. , Dubovi Edward J. , Ernest Eblate , Fyumagwa Robert , Hopcraft J. Grant C. , Mentzel Christine , Mzimbiri Imam , Sutton David , Willett Brian , Haydon Daniel T. , Viana Mafalda
Published: March 2019

Understanding multi-host pathogen maintenance and transmission dynamics is critical for disease control. However, transmission dynamics remain enigmatic largely because they are difficult to observe directly, particularly in wildlife. Here, we investigate the transmission dynamics of canine parvovirus (CPV) using state–space modelling of 20 years of CPV serology data from domestic dogs and African lions in the Serengeti ecosystem. We show that, although vaccination reduces the probability of infection in dogs, and despite indirect enhancement of population seropositivity as a result of vaccine shedding, the vaccination coverage achieved has been insufficient to prevent CPV from becoming widespread. CPV is maintained by the dog population and has become endemic with approximately 3.5-year cycles and prevalence reaching approximately 80%. While the estimated prevalence in lions is lower, peaks of infection consistently follow those in dogs. Dogs exposed to CPV are also more likely to become infected with a second multi-host pathogen, canine distemper virus. However, vaccination can weaken this coupling, raising questions about the value of monovalent versus polyvalent vaccines against these two pathogens. Our findings highlight the need to consider both pathogen- and host-level community interactions when seeking to understand the dynamics of multi-host pathogens and their implications for conservation, disease surveillance and control programmes.
Colonial ascidians strongly preyed upon, yet dominate the substrate in a subtropical fouling community
Authors: Hiebert Laurel Sky , Vieira Edson A. , Dias Gustavo M. , Tiozzo Stefano , Brown Federico D.
Published: March 2019

Higher diversity and dominance at lower latitudes has been suggested for colonial species. We verified this pattern in species richness of ascidians, finding that higher colonial-to-solitary species ratios occur in the tropics and subtropics. At the latitudinal region with the highest ratio, in southeastern Brazil, we confirmed that colonial species dominate space on artificial plates in two independent studies of five fouling communities. We manipulated settlement plates to measure effects of predation and competition on growth and survivorship of colonial versus solitary ascidians. Eight species were subjected to a predation treatment, i.e. caged versus exposed to predators, and a competition treatment, i.e. leaving versus removing competitors, to assess main and interactive effects. Predation had a greater effect on growth and survivorship of colonial compared to solitary species, whereas competition did not show consistent patterns. We hypothesize that colonial ascidians dominate at this subtropical site despite being highly preyed upon because they regrow when partially consumed and can adjust in shape and space to grow into refuges. We contend that these means of avoiding mortality from predation can have large influences on diversification patterns of colonial species at low latitudes, where predation intensity is greater.
Detection of different enteric viruses in children with diarrheal disease: evidence of the high frequency of mixed infections
Authors: Tatte Vaishali S. , Gopalkrishna Varanasi
Published: March 2019

Enteric viruses play a major role in causing diarrhea in children. Early identification of the causative pathogen is still a challenge in the clinical laboratory. A multiplex PCR assay is a useful tool to screen a large number of clinical samples especially in an outbreak situation. In this study, a multiplex reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assay was developed to detect nine enteric viruses such as group A rotavirus, norovirus GGII, sapovirus, adenovirus, astrovirus, aichivirus, parechovirus, bocavirus and enterovirus in clinical samples of diarrheal cases. Stool samples (n=185) collected from infants and children with acute gastroenteritis cases in Pune, western India were analysed for nine different enteric viruses by currently developed multiplex RT- PCR. Predominance of group A rotavirus (76%) followed by enterovirus (11.5%), astrovirus (4.5%), adenovirus (2.7%) and norovirus GII (1.6%) was observed. A total of 44.8 % (82/185) samples analysed by this method showed high frequency of mixed infections. These results highlighted high prevalence and diversity of different enteric viruses in children. The multiplex PCR showed good concordance with monoplex RT-PCR for detection of these enteric viruses in clinical samples. This is the first report on the development of a multiplex RT-PCR assay for detection of multiple enteric viruses in diarrheal diseases from India.
Single particle diffusion characterization by deep learning
Authors: Granik Naor , Nehme Elias , Weiss Lucien E. , Levin Maayan , Chein Michael , Perlson Eran , Roichman Yael , Shechtman Yoav
Published: March 2019

Diffusion plays a crucial role in many biological processes including signaling, cellular organization, transport mechanisms, and more. Direct observation of molecular movement by single-particle tracking experiments has contributed to a growing body of evidence that many cellular systems do not exhibit classical Brownian motion, but rather anomalous diffusion. Despite this evidence, characterization of the physical process underlying anomalous diffusion remains a challenging problem for several reasons. First, different physical processes can exist simultaneously in a system. Second, commonly used tools to distinguish between these processes are based on asymptotic behavior, which is inaccessible experimentally in most cases. Finally, an accurate analysis of the diffusion model requires the calculation of many observables, since different transport modes can result in the same diffusion power-law α, that is obtained from the commonly used mean-squared-displacement (MSD) in its various forms. The outstanding challenge in the field is to develop a method to extract an accurate assessment of the diffusion process using many short trajectories with a simple scheme that is applicable at the non-expert level.

Here, we use deep learning to infer the underlying process resulting in anomalous diffusion. We implement a neural network to classify single particle trajectories according to diffusion type – Brownian motion, fractional Brownian motion (FBM) and Continuous Time Random Walk (CTRW). We further use the net to estimate the Hurst exponent for FBM, and the diffusion coefficient for Brownian motion, demonstrating its applicability on simulated and experimental data. The networks outperform time averaged MSD analysis on simulated trajectories while requiring as few as 25 time-steps. Furthermore, when tested on experimental data, both network and ensemble MSD analysis converge to similar values, with the network requiring half the trajectories required for ensemble MSD. Finally, we use the nets to extract diffusion parameters from multiple extremely short trajectories (10 steps).
Detecting nanoscale distribution of protein pairs by proximity dependent super-resolution microscopy
Authors: Clowsley Alexander H. , Kaufhold William T. , Lutz Tobias , Meletiou Anna , Michele Lorenzo Di , Soeller Christian
Published: March 2019

Interactions between biomolecules such as proteins underlie most cellular processes. It is crucial to visualize these molecular-interaction complexes directly within the cell, to show precisely where these interactions occur and thus improve our understanding of cellular regulation. Currently available proximity-sensitive assays for in-situ imaging of such interactions produce diffraction-limited signals and therefore preclude information on the nanometer-scale distribution of interaction complexes. By contrast, optical super-resolution imaging provides information about molecular distributions with nanometer resolution which has greatly advanced our understanding of cell biology. However, current co-localization analysis of super-resolution fluorescence imaging is prone to false positive signals as the detection of protein proximity is directly dependent on the local optical resolution. Here we present Proximity-Dependent PAINT (PD-PAINT), a method for sub-diffraction imaging of protein pairs, in which proximity detection is decoupled from optical resolution. Proximity is detected via the highly distance-dependent interaction of two DNA labels anchored to the target species. Labeled protein pairs are then imaged with high contrast and nanoscale resolution using the super-resolution approach of DNA-PAINT. The mechanisms underlying the new technique are analyzed by means of coarse-grained molecular simulations and experimentally demonstrated by imaging DNA-origami tiles and epitopes of cardiac proteins in isolated cardiomyocytes. We show that PD-PAINT can be straightforwardly integrated in a multiplexed super-resolution imaging protocol and benefits from advantages of DNA-based super-resolution localization microscopy, such as high specificity, high resolution and the ability to image quantitatively.
A review of the analytical methods used for seaplanes’ performance prediction
Authors: Masri Jafar , Dala Laurent , Huard Benoit
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the different analytical methods used to predict the performance of seaplanes to define the weaknesses in each method and be able to extend the analytical approach to include the nonlinear terms (unsteadiness).

Design/methodology/approach

First, the elemental hydrodynamic characteristics of seaplanes are discussed. Second, five different analytical methods are reviewed. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are stated. After that, the heave and pitch equations of seaplane motion are illustrated. The procedure of obtaining the solution of the heave and pitch equations of seaplane motion is explained. Finally, the results obtained from the most common methods are compared.

Findings

The results show that the methods are based on different assumptions and considerations. As a result, no method is optimal for all types of seaplanes. Moreover, some of the analytical methods do not study the stability of the seaplane, which is a major issue in the design of seaplanes. In addition, all methods consider the motion as steady and linear. The objective is to extend the work to include the nonlinear effects.

Originality/value

This paper presents some of the analytical methods used in describing the performance of seaplanes and explains how can they be applied. Moreover, it summarises the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
Entrepreneurial knowledge, skills, competencies and performance
Authors: Al Mamun Abdullah , Fazal Syed Ali , Muniady Rajennd
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of entrepreneurial skills, market orientation, sales orientations and networking on entrepreneurial competency and performance of micro-enterprises in Kelantan, Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a cross-sectional design, this paper collected data through structured interviews from 403 micro-entrepreneurs from “Majlis Amanah Rakyat,” Kelantan and “Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Istiadat,” Kelantan.

Findings

The findings reveal that entrepreneurial skills, market orientation and networking have a positive effect on entrepreneurial competency. Then, entrepreneurial competency, entrepreneurial skills and networking have a positive effect on enterprise performance. The findings show a significant mediation effect of entrepreneurial competency on the relationships between entrepreneurial skills, market orientation and networking and enterprise performance.

Originality/value

Addressing the understudied “human factor” in entrepreneurship, this paper extends the resource-based view and enriches the existing entrepreneurship literature in Malaysia. It provides useful insights into the improvement of micro-enterprise performance, which is crucial for promoting entrepreneurial activities and for enhancing socio-economic conditions among low-income households in Malaysia. Thus, the government and developmental organizations should focus on the development of entrepreneurial skills, market-oriented approach, networking traits and entrepreneurial competencies and subsequently encourage poor households to perform entrepreneurial activities.
“We don’t all see it the same way”
Authors: Semaan Rania W. , Gould Stephen , Chao Mike Chen-ho , Grein Andreas F.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Country-of-origin (COO) effects on product evaluations have been widely applied in international marketing, albeit with mixed results. One stream of research values its importance in decision-making, whereas another stream posits that COO has little effect when compared to the greater diagnosticity of other product attributes. This suggests that how and along what other attributes (extrinsic or intrinsic) COO is presented play an important role in its relative impact. The purpose of this paper is to address these mixed results by applying one such framing perspective based on evaluation mode (i.e. separate versus joint evaluation) and preference reversals and their biasing effects to a study of COO and willingness to pay (WTP) for a product.

Design/methodology/approach

A three between-subject (joint evaluation, separate evaluation-domestic and separate evaluation-foreign) experimental design was used to assess whether evaluation mode moderates COO effects on product evaluations.

Findings

Similar results are mirrored across three/four countries. When evaluated separately, consumers value an inferior domestic-made product more than a superior foreign-made one. However, when the domestic- and foreign-made products are presented in joint evaluations, the better foreign-made product is favored.

Research limitations/implications

A number of limitations in terms of countries, consumers within the countries and products studied are addressed along with future research that may address these factors and test the robustness of domestic–foreign preference reversals.

Practical implications

The results of this study reveal practical insights to marketers. Marketing managers for better-quality foreign brands are encouraged to engage in comparative advertising appeals and sell their products in retail stores that hold both domestic and foreign products, whereas marketers for domestic products should create a selling environment that facilitate only a separate evaluation mode to enhance WTP.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights on the diagnosticity of COO when presented alongside intrinsic attributes and the role of evaluation mode in shaping consumers’ preferences. This research suggests that COO has different effects in different evaluation modes, thus explaining some of the mixed results in literature regarding its importance. On the one hand, COO has a decisive effect on product evaluations when products are presented separately. On the other hand, COO effect is overridden by intrinsic cues, which become more apparent when products are presented jointly. Overall, these results demonstrate the robustness of the preference reversal effect across countries and products.
Examining factors that influence information disclosure on social network sites from the perspective of network externalities
Authors: Mouakket Samar , Sun Yuan
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a research framework by drawing on the network externalities research and previous literature on information systems to understand the antecedents of information disclosure. The framework postulates that the following network externalities are important factors affecting social network sites (SNS) perceived usefulness (PU): perceived external prestige, referent network size and perceived complementarity. In addition, the paper proposes that PU, habit and subjective norms significantly affect information disclosure of SNS among Chinese users.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from 251 Chinese university students who use SNS. Structural equation modeling was applied to test the hypotheses presented in the model.

Findings

The findings provide support for all the hypotheses, with the exception of the influence of referent network size on PU and the influence of subjective norms on information disclosure. Both perceived external prestige and perceived complementarity have reported positive effect on PU of SNS. In turn, the authors have found that PU and habit have positive effects on information disclosure.

Originality/value

SNS encourage users to reveal personal information by allowing them to post photos and videos and share their interests and feelings on the site. Yet, limited empirical research has investigated the concept of self-disclosure of personal information particularly among Chinese users of SNS. To fill this research gap, the authors have developed a research framework by drawing on the network externalities research and previous literature on information systems to understand the antecedents of information disclosure.
Budgeting reconsidered: exploring change initiative in a bank
Authors: Valuckas Danielius
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This study aims to explore and understand a beyond budgeting-inspired initiative to abandon budgeting in a multinational bank.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysing data from semi-structured interviews with actors involved in and affected by the change initiative, this paper draws on Kasurinen’s accounting change framework as well as concepts from institutional theory to investigate the rationale for and the challenges of budget abandonment.

Findings

Although the improving financial market stability and the increasing accountability of banks after the global financial crisis motivated the initial organisational changes, the appointment of a head of finance with experience of beyond budgeting was a major catalyst of change. This change-promoting leader was of utmost importance in providing relevant training and support, facilitating the change initiative and overcoming the initial resistance to change. However, the remnants of former budgeting practice did not regress as intended, and the change initiative stalled.

Originality/value

This research contributes to beyond budgeting and accounting change studies by illustrating a stalled change initiative in the context susceptible to beyond budgeting ideas and highlighting the importance of aligning discourse and meaning with practice and routines.
Corporate ownership concentration and financial reporting quality
Authors: Arthur Neal , Chen Huifa , Tang Qingliang
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a country’s ownership concentration affects the financial reporting quality in a cross-country setting.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses six accounting and auditing indicators to construct a comprehensive index to measure the country-level financial reporting quality.

Findings

The authors find a non-linear nature of the relationship between the national financial reporting quality and national ownership structure. Specifically, the relation is negative in a relatively spread ownership structure with no controlling shareholders, implying the entrenchment effects dominate. When ownership is highly concentrated, particularly with controlling shareholders whose interest is aligned with that of the firm, the relation turns to positive and alignment effects dominate.

Originality/value

The study is an important extension of prior research examining the financial reporting quality effect of ownership concentration. It enhances the understanding of the role of ownership concentration in determining a country’s financial reporting quality and has potential important policy implications for countries’ reformers and regulators who are concerned with the transparency of financial reporting and the quality of corporate governance.
Principal–principal agency conflict and information quality in China
Authors: Safdar Raheel , Chaudhry Naveed Iqbal , Mirza Sultan Sikandar , Yu Yan
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of principal–principal (P–P) agency conflict in shaping the information environment of firms in China. Moreover, it investigates whether audit quality and analyst following play any role in moderating the effects of P–P agency conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used principal component analysis to synthesize a measure of P–P agency conflict and used accruals quality as measure of information quality. They used two-step Arellano Bond system GMM estimators to cope with potential endogeniety in the model. Moreover, they also performed subsample analyses based on state ownership to ensure the robustness of findings.

Findings

The results of this paper provide evidence that high P–P agency conflict is associated with poor information quality in China. But this is not true for subsample of state-owned enterprises. Moreover, better audit quality and high analyst following mitigate the negative effects of high P–P agency conflict on information quality but only in subsample of non-state-owned enterprises.

Originality value

The findings of this paper are important, as they contribute in literature on forces shaping the information environment of firms. Moreover, it presents audit quality and analyst following as external governance mechanisms to alleviate the negative consequences of the P–P agency conflict vastly embedded in the ownership structure of firms in China.
The influence of Egyptian context on the trade-off between earnings management approaches
Authors: Makhaiel Nargis Kaisar Boles
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This paper aims at studying earnings management phenomenon in its wider social and economic context to get better understanding for the following points: whether there is “one-size-fits-all” earning management approach which can be widespread applied among nations and whether the Egyptian context affects managers’ trade-off between three different earnings management approaches: accounting, operational and investment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts interpretive approach and analyses data from official documents and 34 interviews with company executives; financial analysts; external auditors; and Stock Exchange regulators to inform our understanding of the influence of the Egyptian context on the trade-off between earnings management approaches.

Findings

The results show that there is no application for “one-size-fits-all” earning management approach; unlike the developed cultures, where R&D expenses and overproduction are extensively used for boosting profits, in Egyptian context they are not valid tools. The findings indicate that the Egyptian political and economic context remarkably affect managers trade-off earnings management approaches, leading executives to prefer operational manipulation compared with others.

Originality/value

This paper extends but adds to the literature by shedding light on the different implications of earning management theories based on the variation in the political, economic and operational contexts of firms; identifying that operational cash flows matter more to managers than accounting profits; focusing on the fact that managers differentiate and compare between three various earning management approaches: accounting techniques, investment activities and operational activities; and showing that changes in political and economic Egyptian context makes operational manipulation favorable to be adopted compared with others. It also overcomes the criticism of New Institutional Sociology Theory.
The adoption of integrated reporting: a developing country perspective
Authors: Bananuka Juma , Tumwebaze Zainabu , Orobia Laura
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish why firms in developing countries are slow to adopt integrated reporting (IR) and what needs to be done to ensure such firms embrace the practice of integrated reporting using evidence from Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a narrative cross sectional survey conducted using qualitative data collection techniques specifically the structured interviews. We conducted interviews on senior executive managers of Capital Markets Authority, Professional accountancy bodies, Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) and firms listed on Uganda Securities Exchange. The study also involved an analysis of annual reports of listed firms on USE from 2010 to 2016.

Findings

Results suggest that, firms are slow to adopt integrated reporting because of the scarce resources, culture and leadership, stakeholders demand, the regulatory requirement, the effect of globalization and the mindset, lack of awareness about IR and the nature of business and size. Results further suggest that integrated reporting be made mandatory for all firms, especially those that are publicly interested, such as financial institutions, and those that are listed on the stock exchange.

Originality/value

IR being an emerging phenomenon there are few empirical studies exploring IR practices in a developing economy perspective. To the best of the authors’ knowledge this is the first paper that provides some insights into IR from a Ugandan perspective using the Diffusion of innovation theory.
Earnings relevance changes post the Egyptian revolution crisis
Authors: Abdallah Sara
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether the value relevance of accounting information has been affected by the occurrence of the Egyptian revolution financial crisis. More specifically, this paper examines the value relevance changes of three key accounting constructs: operating cash flow, normal non-discretionary accruals and discretionary accruals before and after the Egyptian revolution crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression is used to examine the changes in earnings value relevance across before and after the Egyptian revolution crisis. The performance matched Jones model (Kothari et al., 2005) is used to estimate the discretionary accruals.

Findings

After the Egyptian revolution financial crisis, the discretionary accruals (DAC) information value has significantly improved. However, the non-discretionary earnings components (OCF and NDAC) have minimal changes. The evidence of further analysis indicates that managers are using the discretionary accruals to signal the future adding value investments that respond optimally to changes in discount rates.

Research limitations/implications

The paper extends the literature debate about earnings management over a financial crisis; the findings provide implications for regulatory bodies that could learn how the common incentives of firms to attract potential investors during a crisis could lead them to provide a high-quality financial reporting.

Originality/value

Using data from the Egyptian market, the paper fills a research gap by examining the value relevance of earnings and tests whether the revolution crisis has influenced earnings reporting and firms’ values from a relatively developing country with special institutional and enforcement backgrounds.
The relationship between credit risk management and non-performing assets of commercial banks in India
Authors: Sharifi Sirus , Haldar Arunima , Rao S.V.D. Nageswara
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of credit risk components on the performance of credit risk management and the growth in non-performing assets (NPAs) of commercial banks in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The data are obtained from primary and secondary sources. The primary data are collected by administering questionnaire among risk managers of Indian banks. The secondary data on NPAs of Indian banks are from annual reports and Prowess database compiled by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy. Multiple linear regression is used to estimate the models for the study.

Findings

The results suggest that the identification of credit risk significantly affects the credit risk performance. The results are robust as credit risk identification is negatively related to annual growth in NPAs or loans. There is evidence in support of a priori expectation of better credit risk performance of private banks compared to that of government banks.

Practical implications

The study has implications for Indian banks suffering from a high level of losses due to bad loans. In addition, it will have implications for the implementation of new Basel Accord norms (Basel III) by the Reserve Bank of India.

Social implications

The high and rising level of NPAs will have adverse consequences for credit flow in the economy in the absence of appropriate intervention by government and central bank in the form of changes in institutional and regulatory infrastructure. The problems in banking and financial services sector will lead to lower industrial and aggregate economic growth, and lower (or negative) growth in employment.

Originality/value

There is little evidence on credit risk management practices of Indian banks, and its relationship with credit risk performance and NPA growth. The need for an effective risk management system to manage credit risk assumes importance and urgency in the context of high and rising NPAs of Indian banks, and the consequences for the Indian economy.
The role of industries’ environmental reputation and competitive intensity on sustainability marketing strategy
Authors: Taherdangkoo Mohammad , Mona Beikpour , Ghasemi Kamran
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight a model of industry drivers (industries’ environmental reputation and competitive intensity) that affect the sustainability marketing strategy segmentation, targeting and positioning based on customers’ environmental concern and explore the circumstances under which such a strategy affects performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examined 64 Iranian export companies, which adopted sustainability marketing strategies across seven different industries. Achieved data are analyzed using a structural equation model methodology.

Findings

The results indicate that industries’ environmental reputation is positively related to the sustainability marketing strategies based on customers’ environmental concern and leads to superior financial and market performance. They also posit that competitive intensity has no significant effect on sustainability marketing strategies.

Research limitations/implications

This study specifically examines the impact of industry drivers on sustainability marketing strategy and performance. Logically, there might be other factors affecting the sustainability or other value dimensions that are not addressed in this study.

Practical implications

This paper provides some understanding of how organizations strength their sustainability marketing strategy, and they have to consider what factors to adopt such strategy. This paper also facilitates a better understanding of the customers’ needs and concern as a factor influencing sustainability marketing strategy adoption and implementation. Identifying the customer segmentation and market targeting based on the industry’s environmental can lead to the business will normally tailor the marketing mix (4Ps) with the needs and expectations of the target in mind.

Originality/value

This paper strengthens the effect of environmental concern of customer to understand what influences the success of the sustainability marketing adoption and implementation by investigating the most influential factors such as industries’ environmental reputation and competitive intensity.
The Combined Use of Ultrasound and Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging for a Comprehensive Fetal Neurological Assessment in Fetal Congenital Cardiac Defects
Authors: Pasupathy D , Denbow ML , Rutherford MA ,   the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Published: March 2019

Plain language summary

Heart problems are common in newborn babies, affecting approximately 5–10 in 1000 babies. Some are more serious than others, but most babies born with heart problems do not have other health issues. Of those babies who have a serious heart problem, almost 1 in 4 will have heart surgery in their first year. In the UK, pregnant women are offered a scan at around 20 weeks to try and spot any heart problems. In most cases there is not a clear reason for the problem, but sometimes other issues, such as genetic conditions, are discovered. In recent years the care given to these babies after they are born has improved their chances of surviving. However, it is recognised that babies born with heart problems have a risk of delays in their learning and development. This may be due to their medical condition, or as a result of surgery and complications after birth.

In babies with heart problems, there is a need for more research on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to understand how the brain develops and why these babies are more likely to have delays in learning and development. This paper discusses the way ultrasound and MRI are used in assessing the baby's brain. Ultrasound is often used to spot any problems, looking at how the baby's brain develops in pregnancy. Advances in ultrasound technologies have made this easier. MRI is well‐established and safe in pregnancy, and if problems in the brain have been seen on ultrasound, MRI may be used to look at these problems in more detail. While it is not always clear what unusual MRI findings can mean for the baby in the long term, increased understanding may mean parents can be given more information about possible outcomes for the baby and may help to improve the counselling they are offered before their baby's birth.
Impact of pediatric cardiac surgery regionalization on health care utilization and mortality
Authors: Sakai‐Bizmark Rie , Mena Laurie A. , Kumamaru Hiraku , Kawachi Ichiro , Marr Emily H. , Webber Eliza J. , Seo Hyun H. , Friedlander Scott I. M. , Chang Ruey‐Kang R.
Published: March 2019

Objective

Regionalization directs patients to high‐volume hospitals for specialized care. We investigated regionalization trends and outcomes in pediatric cardiac surgery.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Statewide inpatient data from eleven states between 2000 and 2012.

Study Design

Mortality, length of stay (LOS), and cost were assessed using multivariable hierarchical regression with state and year fixed effects. Primary predictor was hospital case‐volume, categorized into low‐, medium‐, and high‐volume tertiles.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We used Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery‐1 (RACHS‐1) to select pediatric cardiac surgery discharges.

Principal Findings

In total, 2841 (8.5 percent), 8348 (25.1 percent), and 22 099 (66.4 percent) patients underwent heart surgeries in low‐, medium‐, and high‐volume hospitals. Mortality decreased over time, but remained higher in low‐ and medium‐volume hospitals. High‐volume hospitals had lower odds of mortality and cost than low‐volume hospitals (odds ratio [OR] 0.59, P < 0.01, and relative risk [RR] 0.91, P < 0.01, respectively). LOS was longer for high‐ and medium‐volume hospitals, compared to low‐volume hospitals (high‐volume: RR 1.18, P < 0.01; medium‐volume: RR 1.05, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Regionalization reduced mortality and cost, indicating fewer complications, but paradoxically increased LOS. Further research is needed to explore the full impact on health care utilization.
Selective C‐Reactive Protein‐Apheresis in Patients
Authors: Ries Wolfgang , Heigl Franz , Garlichs Christoph , Sheriff Ahmed , Torzewski Jan
Published: March 2019

C‐reactive protein (CRP), the prototype human acute‐phase protein, is a well‐known marker of inflammation. However, CRP may also mediate tissue damage in various human diseases like atherosclerosis, acute myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy, stroke, and potentially autoimmune disease. Therefore, CRP elimination from human plasma may indeed be a widely usable therapeutic approach. Recently, a first‐in‐man case report of selective CRP‐apheresis in a patient with acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been published. Here, the method is further elucidated by detailed description of 13 patients receiving CRP‐apheresis at two study centers. Thirteen patients received two sequential CRP‐apheresis treatments with the PentraSorb CRP adsorber starting 24 ± 12 h after STEMI and successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). CRP was measured immediately before and after each treatment, and additionally twice a day for a period of 96 h after symptom onset. Compared to the initial (before‐treatment) CRP plasma concentration, CRP‐apheresis resulted in an average 53.4% ± 11.9% CRP depletion. First apheresis was performed 27.5 ± 4.6 h after symptom onset at a mean CRP concentration of 25.1 ± 11.1 mg/L. Mean CRP concentration after the first treatment was 12.1 ± 6.4 mg/L. Second apheresis started 47.9 ± 5.4 h after symptom onset at a mean CRP concentration of 30.2 ± 21.4 mg/L. After the second treatment, mean CRP concentration was reduced to 13.9 ± 10.9 mg/L. No severe apheresis‐associated side effects were observed. Patients tolerated selective CRP‐apheresis without any side effects. The new method is feasible and safe and significantly reduces CRP plasma concentration in humans.
The impact of consumer familiarity on edible insect food product purchase and expected liking: The role of media trust and purchase activism
Authors: Legendre Tiffany S. , Jo Yong Hun , Han Yeon Soo , Kim Young Wook , Ryu Jung Pyo , Jang Se Jin , Kim Jin
Published: March 2019

This study aims to investigate the impact of consumer familiarity with edible insect food products on purchase intentions and expected liking. Based on persuasion and information processing theories, this study examines the roles of media trust and purchase activism as underlying psychological mechanisms. The findings of this study indicate that consumer familiarity contributes to the formation of media trust. It adds credibility to the media information and consumers can be more motivated to exercise their purchase activism as the edible insect food movement is closely related to social causes like sustainability. Activist motivation, then, changes consumers' behavioral outcomes such as purchase intention and expected liking of edible insect food products.
Disclosure Overload? A Professional User Perspective on the Usefulness of General Purpose Financial Statements
Authors: Drake Michael S. , Hales Jeffrey , Rees Lynn
Published: March 2019

We survey a broad group of professionals who use financial statements as part of their job to assess the extent to which they believe financial reports suffer from disclosure overload. Consistent with the claims made by regulators, auditors, and preparers, we find that a significant portion of professional financial statement users believe disclosure overload is a problem. However, this group is in the minority, with about twice as many professional users believing that overload is not a problem and that more information should be disclosed in financial statements. This dichotomy presents a difficult challenge to standard setters aiming to improve financial reporting by altering the amount of information provided in financial reports. To that end, we complement existing research on the informativeness of accounting information by measuring perceptions of the usefulness of the various financial statements and their footnotes across a variety of tasks. Finally, we develop a framework that could be useful in developing a theory of disclosure overload.
Applicability of vital staining and tissue clearing to vascular anatomy and melanocytes' evaluation of temporal bone in six laboratory species
Authors: Kim Yoo Yeon , Chao Janet Ren , Kim Chulho , Kang Tae‐Cheon , Park Hae Sang , Chang Jiwon , Suh Jun‐Gyo , Lee Jun Ho
Published: March 2019

The purpose of the present study was to define the applicability of tissue clearing to the field of otology. We combined tissue clearing with vital staining perfusion via a pumping system to examine the vascular anatomy of temporal bones in laboratory animals. We used six different types of species including Korean wild mouse, mouse, Mongolian gerbil, hamsters and Guinea pigs. A mixture of Alcian blue reagent and 4% paraformaldehyde was circulated throughout the entire circulatory system of the animal via a perfusion pump system. Transparency images were obtained from the temporal bones according to the protocol of the SunHyun 3D Imaging Kit. In examining the inner surface of the tympanic membrane, flaccid part (pars flaccida) was positioned along the entire marginal area in Guinea pig. In the Guinea pig, unlike the other species, the cortical bone of the mastoid (bullae) was easily removed using cold instruments, allowing a direct approach to the enclosed structures. The distribution and pattern of cochlea melanocytes were compared among the species. “Mobius strip”‐like accumulated melanocytes in vestibules were shown in both the Korean wild mouse and mouse. The collateral blood supply to the cochlea in six different species was checked in various pattern. Combining dye infusion with tissue‐clearing techniques, we documented the middle ear and transparent inner ear structures in six different species. The information and associated images will help other researchers to develop hypotheses and design experimental investigations.
Decreased Cytochrome P450 3A activity in palliative patients with haematological diseases: Potential impact on supportive drug therapies
Authors: Geist Marcus J. P. , Siller Nelly , Egerer Gerlinde , Bardenheuer Hubert , Burhenne Juergen , Mikus Gerd
Published: March 2019

Cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) is the most relevant drug‐metabolizing enzyme in human beings involved in the elimination of about 50% of the marketed drugs. Comprehensive in vivo data of CYP3A activity in palliative patients with haematological diseases are missing. Therefore, CYP3A activity was determined under real‐life clinical conditions in patients to gain knowledge about dose adjustments for supportive therapies and symptom management in haematology. The single‐arm, prospective trial obtained a 4‐hours pharmacokinetic profile of midazolam after oral administration of a microdose as marker substance from each enrolled patient. Plasma concentrations of midazolam and its primary metabolite 1′‐hydroxy‐midazolam were quantified by mass spectrometry techniques. CYP3A activity was calculated as partial metabolic clearance from an established limited sampling area under the curve. All other drugs taken by the participating patients were considered as well as recent laboratory test results and the patients' diagnoses. Partial metabolic clearance of midazolam in patients with haematological diseases was highly variable (36.9 ± 52.7 L/h). In comparison with the CYP3A activity of healthy individuals, this was a highly significant 30% reduction of activity (P < 0.0001). Dosing of major CYP3A substrate drugs needs to be reduced in palliative patients with haematological diseases, otherwise escalation of debilitating symptoms due to drug interactions might occur.
S100A16suppresses the growth and survival of leukaemia cells and correlates with relapse and relapse free survival in adults with Philadelphia chromosome‐negative B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Zhang Jing , Lu Wen‐Yi , Zhang Jia‐Min , Lu Run‐Qing , Wu Li‐Xin , Qin Ya‐Zhen , Liu Yan‐Rong , Lai Yue‐Yun , Jiang Hao , Jiang Qian , Jiang Bin , Xu Lan‐Ping , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Ruan Guo‐Rui , Liu Kai‐Yan
Published: March 2019

Refinement of risk stratification in Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)‐negative B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) might aid the identification of patients who are likely to relapse. AbnormalS100 calcium binding proteinA16 (S100A16) has been implicated in various cancers, but its function remains unclear. We foundS100A16transcript levels were higher in 130 adults with newly‐diagnosed Ph‐negative B‐cellALLcompared with 33 healthy controls. In 115 of 130 patients who achieved first complete remission, those with highS100A16transcript levels displayed a lower 3‐year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR; 34% [21, 47%] vs. 40% [48, 72%];P = 0·012) and higher 3‐year relapse‐free survival (RFS; 65% [53, 78%] vs. 35% [23, 46%];P = 0·012), especially when receiving chemotherapy only. In multivariate analysis a lowS100A16transcript level was independently‐associated with a higherCIR(Hazard ratio [HR] = 3·74 [1·01–13·82];P = 0·048) and inferiorRFS(HR = 5·78 [1·91, 17·84];P < 0·001). Function analysis indicated that knockdown ofS100A16promoted proliferation and anti‐apoptosis and reduced chemosensitivity.S100A16over‐expression revealed an opposite trend, especially in a xeno‐transplant mouse model. Western blotting analysis showed upregulation ofPI3K/AKTandERK1/2 inS100A16‐knockdown andS100A16‐overexpression B‐cellALLcell lines respectively. Inhibition assays suggested these two signalling pathways participated in theS100A16‐mediated proliferation and survival effects in B‐cellALLcell lines.

Trial Registration:Registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry [ChiCTR‐OCH‐10000940];http://www.chictr.org.cn.
The poor prognosis of low hypodiploidy in adults with B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is restricted to older adults and elderly patients
Authors: Ribera Jordi , Granada Isabel , Morgades Mireia , Vives Susana , Genescà Eulàlia , González Celia , Nomdedeu Josep , Escoda Lourdes , Montesinos Pau , Mercadal Santiago , Coll Rosa , González‐Campos José , Abella Eugenia , Barba Pere , Bermúdez Arancha , Gil Cristina , Tormo Mar , Pedreño María , Martínez‐Carballeira Daniel , Hernández‐Rivas Jesús‐María , Orfao Alberto , Martínez‐López Joaquín , Esteve Jordi , Bravo Pilar , Garcia‐Guiñon Antoni , Debén Guillermo , Moraleda José M. , Queizán José A. , Ortín Xavier , Moreno María J. , Feliu Evarist , Solé Francesc , Ribera Josep M. ,   the PETHEMA Group, Spanish Society of Haematology
Published: March 2019

The prognostic significance of low‐hypodiploidy has not been extensively evaluated in minimal residual disease (MRD)‐oriented protocols for adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). We analysed the outcome of hypodiploid adult ALL patients treated within Programa Español de Tratamientos en Hematología (PETHEMA) protocols. The 5‐year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) of low‐hypodiploid B‐cell precursor (BCP)‐ALL was significantly higher than that of high‐hypodiploids (52% vs. 12%, P = 0.013). Low‐hypodiploid BCP‐ALL patients aged ≤35 years showed superior survival (71% vs. 21%, P = 0.026) and lower 5‐year CIR (17% vs. 66%, P = 0.090) than low‐hypodiploids aged >35 years. Older adults and elderly low‐hypodiploid BCP‐ALL patients show dismal prognosis although achieving an end‐induction good MRD response.