bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a ubiquitous real-time COVID-19 detection system
Authors: Sbai Mohamed , Taktak Hajer , Moussa Faouzi
Published: August 2020

Purpose

In view of the intensive spread of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and in order to reduce the rate of spread of this disease; the objective of this article is to propose an approach to detect in real time suspect person of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Design/methodology/approach

The ubiquitous computing offers a new opportunity to reshape the form of conventional solutions for personalized services according to the contextual situations of each environment. The health system is seen as a key part of ubiquitous computing, which means that health services are available anytime, anywhere to monitor patients based on their context. This paper aims to design and validate a contextual model for ubiquitous health systems designed to detect in real time suspect person of COVID-19, to reduce the propagation of this infectious disease and to take the necessary instructions.

Findings

This paper presents the performance results of the COVID-19 detection approach. Thus, the reduction of the COVID-19 propagation rate thanks to the real-time intervention of the system.

Originality/value

Following the COVID-19 pandemic spread, the authors tried to find a solution to detect the disease in real time. In this paper, a real-time COVID-19 detection system based on the ontological description supported by Semantic Web Rule Language (SWRL) rules was developed. The proposed ontology contains all relevant concepts related to COVID-19, including personal information, location, symptoms, risk factors, laboratory test results and treatment planning. The SWRL rules are constructed from medical recommendations.
The adoption of digital technology and labor demand in the Indonesian banking sector
Authors: Alisjahbana Armida Salsiah , Setiawan Maman , Effendi Nury , Santoso Teguh , Hadibrata Baruna
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study investigates the effect of digital technology adoption on labor demand in the Indonesian banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses bank-level survey data obtained from the Indonesia Financial Service Authority (OJK) for the period 2010–2017 using semiannual data. This research applies a panel data method using a fixed effect model.

Findings

This study results show that technology adoption affects labor demand significantly in all Commercial Bank Based on Business Activities (BUKU) levels of banks. Technology adoption tends to be a substitute for labor in BUKU I, BUKU II and BUKU III banks in the support and business units. In addition, technology adoption complements labor only in the business unit in BUKU IV banks.

Research limitations/implications

This research uses a sample of only 40 banks at the regulatory levels of BUKU I, BUKU II, BUKU III and BUKU IV. These 40 banks account for more than 80% of the assets in the Indonesian banking sector.

Originality/value

Literature investigating the effect of the adoption of digital technology on labor demand in the banking sector is still rare in the Indonesian economy. Most of the previous research limited its area of study to the manufacturing industry. This research makes a vital contribution in measuring the adoption of digital technology and its effect on labor demand in the banking sector using the BUKU level classifications of banks.
Investigating the implementation of and accountability in PPPs: a case study in public water management
Authors: Mutiganda Jean Claude , Skoog Matti , Grossi Guiseppe
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study analyses how the implementation of PPPs to operate rural water infrastructures and deliver water to local population has led to a new accountability archetype.

Design/methodology/approach

The archetype theory is used to analyse the process of implementing PPPs as a new archetype and setting up systems and structures of accountability between contracting parties. The empirical part of the study is based on extensive document analysis in an East African country. Documents analysed are from governmental sources, UNICEF and the World Bank and cover a period from 1998 to early 2019.

Findings

The process of implementing PPPs was revolutionary at the national level and evolutionary at micro levels. The sequence of the change process moved from central to peripheral. The linearity followed a reorientation track strategy. Setting up systems and structure of accountability was evolutionary, peripheral to central following the reorientation strategy. National authorities reacted proactively to comments and suggestions from international donors and local population. However, not all districts have fully implemented PPPs in their rural water sector. The structure of accountability at the local level, however, still suffers from logistical and professional capacity constraints.

Research limitations/implications

Empirical findings cannot be generalised to other situations, but the theoretical framework used in this study can be applied elsewhere.

Practical implications

Giving priority to hearing from end users themselves before designing and implementing policies that intend to respond to specific local needs is recommended.

Originality/value

This study explains the ways in which micro-organisational change can lead to revolutionary archetypes such as PPPs, whereas the implementation of systems and the structure of accountability at inter-organisational level remain evolutionary.
Population growth, income growth and savings in Ghana
Authors: Gatsi John Gartchie , Owusu Appiah Michael
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The study explores the relationship among economic growth, population growth, gross savings and energy consumption over the period 1987– 2017.

Design/methodology/approach

The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test approach by Pesaranet al.(2001) was employed to investigate variables for the study.

Findings

In the key findings, both gross savings and population growth negatively affect economic growth. However, energy consumption has positive impact on economic growth.

Practical implications

These findings call for policy portfolios to address the impacts of gross savings and population growth on economic development. In particular, the financial sector needs to be revamped to be more efficient in channeling funds from the surplus units to the deficit units. It is recommended that investment be made in financial and technological innovation to provide efficient access to credits and other financial products even though individual savings may not move with economic growth.

Originality/value

Many studies have explored the nexus between savings and economic growth without considering population growth and energy consumption. In this study, the relationship among savings, economic growth, population growth and energy consumption provide additional knowledge in policy formulation.
A systematic review of halal supply chain research: to where shall we go?
Authors: Indarti Nurul , Lukito-Budi Andy Susilo , Islam Azmi Muhammad
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore existing study trends in the halal supply chain (HSC) field as an extension of supply chain studies. Upon examining multiple journal ranks and citation profiles, these trends cover research themes, methodologies, settings (country and data analysis level) and their interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study followed a systematic, mixed-method review to pinpoint the HSC research themes. The Publish or Perish software, with specific criteria, was used to retrieve and filter 87 HSC articles from 2009 to 2019 from the Google Scholar database. Then, an input–process–output framework was used to classify and discuss potential future research.

Findings

This study concludes that HSC research is still in early development. Five themes consisting of 24 different topics were found: the engagement process, quality control assurance, critical success factors, the production and distribution process and HSC operations support. Most of the HSC studies followed conceptual and qualitative interview methods, with special reference to Muslim-majority countries and organization-level analysis. Within one decade, the number of HSC publications grew significantly, though their presentation is mainly in unindexed journals and their citation rate is low. This study thus proposes three main future HSC research points: HSC consequences, processes and antecedents.

Practical implications

Possible practical implications can be expected from the authors’ proposed empirical studies as guidelines to formulate and promote HSC implementation.

Originality/value

No comprehensive HSC research review exists in the literature. This study intends to fill this void by charting cumulative knowledge and proposing a roadmap for future research endeavors.
The impact of the use of employee functional flexibility on patient safety
Authors: Salvador Rommel O. , Gnanlet Adelina , McDermott Chris
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the use of unit-level functional flexibility on one particular patient outcome, unit-acquired pressure ulcers, and the potential moderating influences of coworker support and workload.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an archival approach, examining data from 68 hospital units.

Findings

The results indicate that a unit's higher use of functionally flexible nurses in one-quarter was associated with a higher number of pressure ulcers among the unit's patients the following quarter. This detrimental effect was significantly diminished when coworker support within the unit was high. Unit-level nurse workload did not have any moderating influence.

Research limitations/implications

One of the scholarly contributions of this study is that it links greater use of functionally flexible employees to a negative patient safety outcome at the unit level. As most of the variables used in the study were archival measures, future research could examine the replicability of these findings using other indicators and measures.

Practical implications

Beyond healthcare settings, the results prompt managers in industries where there has been growing use of functional flexibility (e.g., banking) to think about the associated unintended negative consequences. That said, the results also point to coworker instrumental support as a means by which to mitigate negative outcomes.

Originality/value

Although functional flexibility has been shown to positively correlate with a number of organizational performance indicators, this is one of the very few studies that has examined its negative consequences, particularly on patient safety.
The fading of fear effects due to coral degradation is modulated by community composition
Authors: Ferrari Maud C. O. , McCormick Mark I. , Fakan Eric , Barry Randall , Chivers Douglas P.
Published: August 2020

An increasing number of coral reefs throughout the world have become degraded as a result of climate change. This degradation has resulted in a significant decline in local biodiversity. Studies have shown that some fishes (non‐responders) within these altered habitats are not able to adequately access olfactory cues, specifically chemical alarm cues that are crucial in mediating predation risk.

We propose that the inability to access this crucial information is a potential mechanism for increased mortality of these species under natural conditions. However, we posit that the presence of certain key species (responders that are unaffected by degradation) may buffer the handicap of non‐responders by providing an alternate source of information.

To explore this hypothesis, we investigated if a high ratio of responders to non‐responders could mitigate the impact of information loss for the affected species. Using mesocosms, we manipulated the ratio of two damselfish species,Pomacentrus chrysurus(responder) andP. moluccensis(non‐responder), to determine if community composition can be predictive of information transfer about predation threats in nearby non‐responder individuals.

Our results indicate that, in degraded environments, the magnitude of fear effects seen inP. moluccensisexposed to a predator was proportional to the number ofP. chrysuruspresent and consumed by the predator in the community. This indicates thatP. chrysurusbecame the only functional source of predation‐related information forP. moluccensisin degraded habitats. These results contrasted with those from live coral environments, where all individuals exhibited fear effects, regardless of community composition.

Our study provides evidence that the presence of non‐affected species in the community provides a potential mechanism allowing increased resilience by affected species, therefore providing another example of the way biodiversity affects ecological resilience of species in changing ecosystems.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Environmental determinants of the distribution of planktonic diplonemids and kinetoplastids in the oceans
Authors: Flegontova Olga , Flegontov Pavel , Londoño Paula Andrea Castañeda , Walczowski Waldemar , Šantić Danijela , Edgcomb Virginia P. , Lukeš Julius , Horák Aleš
Published: August 2020

We analysed a widely used barcode, the V9 region of the 18S rRNA gene, to study the effect of environmental conditions on the distribution of two related heterotrophic protistan lineages in marine plankton, kinetoplastids and diplonemids. We relied on a major published dataset (Tara Oceans) where samples from the mesopelagic zone were available from just 32 of 123 locations, and both groups are most abundant in this zone. To close sampling gaps and obtain more information from the deeper ocean, we collected 57 new samples targeting especially the mesopelagic zone. We sampled in three geographic regions: the Arctic, two depth transects in the Adriatic Sea, and the anoxic Cariaco Basin. In agreement with previous studies, both protist groups are most abundant and diverse in the mesopelagic zone. In addition to that, we found that their abundance, richness, and community structure also depend on geography, oxygen concentration, salinity, temperature, and other environmental variables reflecting the abundance of algae and nutrients. Both groups studied here demonstrated similar patterns, although some differences were also observed. Kinetoplastids and diplonemids prefer tropical regions and nutrient‐rich conditions and avoid high oxygen concentration, high salinity, and high density of algae.
Clinical factors for predicting malignancy in patients with PSA < 10 ng/mL and PI‐RADS 3 lesions
Authors: Sonmez Gokhan , Tombul Sevket T. , Demirtas Turev , Demirtas Abdullah
Published: August 2020

Aim

To determine clinical risk factors in patients with PI‐RADS 3 lesions and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) < 10 ng/mL.

Methods

In this prospective study, all patients underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. Following the 2‐5 core fusion‐targeted biopsy, standard 12‐core prostate biopsy was performed in each patient (combined biopsy). The cutoff values were calculated with receiver‐operating characteristic analysis. First, univariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between total eight parameters and prostate cancer. Subsequently, multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to the parameters associated with prostate cancer.

Results

Two hundred and eighty‐eight patients were included in the study. Some clinical parameters are determined to be significant in univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses, including PSA, free/total PSA ratio, PSA density (PSA/total prostate volume), positive family history of PCa, and PI‐RADS 3 lesion diameter. Patients were classified between 0 and 5 according to the number of risk factors. While the risk of cancer was 7.1% in patients with one or less risk factors, the PCA rate was 45.2% among patients with all risk factors.

Conclusion

In patients with PI‐RADS 3 lesion and PSA < 10 ng/mL, histopathological results of biopsy can be estimated with higher accuracy using some clinical parameters.
R‐CHOP immunochemotherapy plus surgery is associated with a superior prognosis in Chinese primary intestinal diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Zhao Fengyi , Qin Yan , Yang Jianliang , Liu Peng , He Xiaohui , Zhou Liqiang , Zhou Shengyu , Gui Lin , Zhang Haizeng , Wang Xin , Jiang Shiyu , Zhong Qiaofeng , Zhou Yu , Shi Yuankai
Published: August 2020

Aim

The aim of the study was to compare the therapeutic strategies and prognostic factors of patients with primary intestinal diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (PI‐DLBCL).

Methods

A total of 50 PI‐DLBCL patients who accepted standard first‐line treatment at National Cancer Center in China were included in this retrospective study. Survival analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic risk factors.

Results

The 3‐year overall survival (OS) and 3‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) for the entire group were 76.0% and 65.9%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that B symptom, advanced Lugano stage, elevated LDH status, poor ECOG PS and immunochemotherapy alone were significantly correlated with a poor PFS. Elevated LDH status, poor ECOG PS, advanced Lugano stage, high IPI score and immunochemotherapy alone were significantly correlated with a poor OS. Multivariate analysis revealed that ECOG PS (P= 0.035; HR = 0.233; 95% CI, 0.060–0.905), LDH level (P = 0.010; HR = 0.223; 95% CI, 0.072–0.693) and surgery (P = 0.002; HR = 5.584; 95% CI, 1.883–16.563) were independent prognostic factors for OS. LDH level (P = 0.035; HR = 0.210; 95% CI, 0.049–0.894) and surgery (P = 0.003; HR = 6.410; 95% CI, 1.903–21.593) were independent risk factors for PFS in PI‐DLBCL. R‐CHOP immunochemotherapy combined surgery treatment was also associated with a lower rate of refractory/relapsed (R/R) disease (P = 0.004). Furthermore, stratified analysis revealed that partial resection or radical resection combined with immunochemotherapy had no significantly difference which affect OS (P = 0.338) and PFS (P = 0.207).

Conclusion

R‐CHOP immunochemotherapy plus surgery was associated with a superior prognosis compared with R‐CHOP alone in Chinese PI‐DLBCL population.
v‐myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog expression is a potential molecular diagnostic marker for B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Caballero‐Palacios Marcela Concepción , Villegas‐Ruiz Vanessa , Ramírez‐Chiquito Josselen Carina , Medina‐Vera Isabel , Zapata‐Tarres Martha , Mojica‐Espinosa Raúl , Cárdenas‐Cardos Rocio , Paredes‐Aguilera Rogelio , Rivera‐Luna Roberto , Juárez‐Méndez Sergio
Published: August 2020

Background

B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) is the most commonly diagnosed childhood malignancy worldwide and is especially common in Mexico. Additionally, the number of cases has increased in recent years. Thus, it is very important to develop molecular strategies to diagnose leukemia. The aim of this study was to investigate MYB expression and to determine its impact on the diagnosis of B‐ALL.

Methods

We analyzed the B‐ALL gene expression profile by microarray data mining. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify the genes that are overexpressed in leukemia. We determined that MYB was highly expressed in leukemia. Then, we validated MYB expression in 70 patients with B‐ALL and in 16 healthy controls (HCs) using qRT‐PCR. The results were statistically analyzed using the Kolmogorov‐Smirnov Z test, Mann‐Whitney U test, receiver operating characteristic curves, and the Youden index.

Results

The microarrays showed that MYB was overexpressed in B‐ALL patients with a fold change of 57.8728 and a P value of 2.56−195. MYB expression showed great variability among the patients analyzed. However, compared to the HCs, the B‐ALL patients had a P value < .0001, an area under the curve of 0.813, and a Youden index of 1.46, indicating the statistical significance.

Conclusion

MYB expression in B‐ALL cells could be a potential molecular marker for childhood leukemia.
Informed consent for controlled human infection studies in low‐ and middle‐income countries: Ethical challenges and proposed solutions
Authors: Vaswani Vina , Saxena Abha , Shah Seema K. , Palacios Ricardo , Rid Annette
Published: August 2020

In controlled human infection studies (CHIs), participants are deliberately exposed to infectious agents in order to better understand the mechanism of infection or disease and test therapies or vaccines. While most CHIs have been conducted in high‐income countries, CHIs have recently been expanding into low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). One potential ethical concern about this expansion is the challenge of obtaining the voluntary informed consent of participants, especially those who may not be literate or have limited education. In some CHIs in LMICs, researchers have attempted to address this potential concern by limiting access to literate or educated populations. In this paper, we argue that this practice is unjustified, as it does not increase the chances of obtaining valid informed consent and therefore unfairly excludes illiterate populations and populations with lower education. Instead, we recommend that investigators improve the informed consent process by drawing on existing data on obtaining informed consent in these populations and interventions aimed at improving their understanding. Based on a literature review, we provide concrete suggestions for how to follow this recommendation and ensure that populations with lower literacy or education are given a fair opportunity to protect their rights and interests in the informed consent process.
Risk‐adapted bendamustine + rituximab is a tolerable treatment alternative for elderly patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a regional real‐world report on 141 consecutive Swedish patients
Authors: Mattsson Agnes , Sylvan Sandra E. , Asklid Anna , Wiggh Joel , Winqvist Maria , Lundin Jeanette , Mansouri Larry , Rosenquist Richard , Johansson Hemming , Österborg Anders , Hansson Lotta
Published: August 2020

Bendamustine + rituximab (BR) is the current first‐line standard‐of‐care for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in fit patients aged 66–70 years, whereas chlorambucil + CD20 antibody is recommended in older patients with co‐morbidities. This retrospective real‐world study investigated whether risk‐adapted BR was safe and effective in elderly patients. All 141 CLL patients in the Stockholm region (diagnosed from 2007 to 2016, identified from regional registries) who had received BR as first (n = 84) or later line (n = 57) were analysed. Median age was 72 years, 49% had Binet stage C, 40% had Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) score ≥ 6, 20% Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score 2. None had del(17p). Only 15% of patients aged ≥80 years received full‐dose bendamustine and 65% of them postponed rituximab until cycle 2. Corresponding numbers in patients 73–79 years were 21% and 36% and in <73 years, 63% and 33%. Overall response rate was 83% (first line) and 67% (later line) (P < 0·022) equally distributed between age subsets. ECOG, immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IGHV) mutational status and cytogenetics, but not treatment line and age, were significant factors on progression‐free survival (PFS) in multivariate analysis. Infections and neutropenia/thrombocytopenia (≥grade 3) were similar across age subgroups. In summary, BR was well tolerated even in patients ≥80 years, with similar efficacy and safety as in less old patients, provided that carefully adapted dosing was applied.
Homozygous TAF1C variants are associated with a novel childhood‐onset neurological phenotype
Authors: Knuutinen Oula , Pyle Angela , Suo‐Palosaari Maria , Duff Jennifer , Froukh Tawfiq , Lehesjoki Anna‐Elina , Kangas Salla M. , Cassidy James , Maraqa Latifa , Keski‐Filppula Riikka , Kokkonen Hannaleena , Uusimaa Johanna , Horvath Rita , Vieira Päivi
Published: August 2020

TATA‐box binding protein associated factor, RNA polymerase I subunit C (TAF1C) is a component of selectivity factor 1 belonging to RNA polymerase I (Pol I) transcription machinery. We report two unrelated patients with homozygous TAF1C missense variants and an early onset neurological phenotype with severe global developmental delay. Clinical features included lack of speech and ambulation and epilepsy. MRI of the brain demonstrated widespread cerebral atrophy and frontal periventricular white matter hyperintensity. The phenotype resembled that of a previously described variant of UBTF, which encodes another transcription factor of Pol I. TAF1C variants were located in two conserved amino acid positions and were predicted to be deleterious. In patient‐derived fibroblasts, TAF1C mRNA and protein expression levels were substantially reduced compared with healthy controls. We propose that the variants impairing TAF1C expression are likely pathogenic and relate to a novel neurological disease. This study expands the disease spectrum related to Pol I transcription machinery, associating the TAF1C missense variants with a severe neurological phenotype for the first time.
Inflammatory lobular hemangioma: A vascular proliferation with a prominent lymphoid component. Review of a series of 19 cases
Authors: Santa Cruz Daniel , Plaza Jose A. , Wick Mark R. , Gru Alejandro A.
Published: August 2020

In the last 30 years, there has been a strong interest in vascular proliferations. Pyogenic granuloma was not only renamed lobular capillary hemangioma, but also the conceptual interpretation was also changed from an overgrowth of granulation tissue to a genuine hemangioma (or benign vascular neoplasm). We describe 19 cases of patients who presented clinically with a vascular lesion, characteristically a pyogenic granuloma or lobular hemangioma, where the histopathological findings led to the pathologic concern for a lymphoma of the skin. These benign lesions with a dense lymphoid infiltrate were further defined on the basis of different vascular and lymphoid immunohistochemical markers as inflammatory lobular hemangiomas. We propose that given the considerable histopathological overlap between acral pseudolymphomatous angiokeratoma, T‐cell rich angiomatoid polypoid pseudolymphoma of the skin, and other designations of some of these vascular proliferations with a rich and dense lymphoid infiltrate, they might constitute a spectrum of vascular lesions with varying clinical presentations.
Living with transience in high‐risk humanitarian spaces: the gendered experiences of international staff and policy implications for building resilience
Authors: Strohmeier Hannah , Panter‐Brick Catherine
Published: August 2020

Deployment in a crisis zone is a perilous undertaking. Little is known right now about how humanitarian workers relate social and professional goals to lived experiences of high‐risk environments. In South Sudan, ranked as the most dangerous country globally for aid workers, 20 international humanitarian staff were interviewed to examine their sense of place, well‐being, and vocation, using thematic and interpretative phenomenological analysis. Subjectivities of humanitarian space hinged upon negotiating physical hardships and social relationships: Juba, the capital, was described as a ‘prison’ and a ‘party hotspot’. For expatriate staff, making sense of spatial, social, and professional transience was sharply gendered and rooted in the subjectivities of risk‐taking, crisis management, and career‐building. Two policy measures are highlighted here to address the implications of transience for human well‐being and organisational effectiveness. Efforts to support teams and structure work environments, altering the humanitarian and vocational bubble, will help to develop resilience at the heart of humanitarian systems.
Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) lineages and sexes show variable patterns of association of adult migration timing and age‐at‐maturity traits with two genomic regions
Authors: Willis Stuart C. , Hess Jon E. , Fryer Jeff K. , Whiteaker John M. , Brun Chris , Gerstenberger Ryan , Narum Shawn R.
Published: August 2020

As life history diversity plays a critical role in supporting the resilience of exploited populations, understanding the genetic basis of those life history variations is important for conservation management. However, effective application requires a robust understanding of the strength and universality of genetic associations. Here, we examine genetic variation of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genomic regions previously associated with migration phenology and age‐at‐maturity in steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from the Columbia River. We found chromosome 28 markers (GREB1L, ROCK1 genes) explained significant variance in migration timing in both coastal and inland steelhead. However, strength of association was much greater in coastal than inland steelhead (R2 0.51 vs. 0.08), suggesting that genomic background and challenging inland migration pathways may act to moderate effects of this region. Further, we found that chromosome 25 candidate markers (SIX6 gene) were significantly associated with age and size at first return migration for inland steelhead, and this pattern was mediated by sex in a predictable pattern (males R2 = 0.139–0.170; females R2 = 0.096–0.111). While this encourages using these candidate regions in predicting life history characteristics, we suggest that stock‐specific associations and haplotype frequencies will be useful in guiding implementation of genetic assays to inform management.
Large scale patterns of marine diatom richness: Drivers and trends in a changing ocean
Authors: Busseni Greta , Caputi Luigi , Piredda Roberta , Fremont Paul , Hay Mele Bruno , Campese Lucia , Scalco Eleonora , de Vargas Colomban , Bowler Chris , d'Ovidio Francesco , Zingone Adriana , Ribera d’Alcalà Maurizio , Iudicone Daniele
Published: August 2020

Aim

Plankton diversity is a pivotal element of marine ecosystem stability and functioning. A major obstacle in the assessment of diversity is the lack of consistency between patterns assessed by molecular and morphological data. This work aims to reconcile the two in a single richness measure, to investigate the environmental drivers affecting this measure, and finally to predict its spatio‐temporal patterns.

Location and time period

This is a global scale study, based on data collected within the 2009–2013 interval during the Tara Oceans expedition.

Major taxa studied

The focus of this study is diatoms. They play an important role in several biogeochemical cycles and within marine food webs, and display high taxonomic and functional richness.

Methods

We integrate measures of diatom richness across the global ocean using molecular and morphological approaches, giving particular attention to ‘the rare biosphere’. We then perform a machine‐learning‐based analysis of these reconciled patterns to extrapolate diatom richness at the global scale and to identify the main environmental processes governing it. Finally, we model the response of diatom richness to climate change.

Results

By filtering out 0.3% of the rarest operational taxonomic units, molecular‐based richness patterns show the best possible match with the morphological approach. Temperature, phosphate, chlorophyll a and the Lyapunov exponent are the major explainers of these reconciled patterns. Global scale predictions provide a first approximation of the global geography of diatom richness and of the possible impacts of climate change.

Main conclusions

Our models suggest that diatom richness is controlled by different processes characteristic of distinct environmental scenarios: lateral mixing in highly dynamic regions, and both nutrient availability and temperature elsewhere. We present herein the effects of these processes on richness and how these same effects differ from other diversity indices because of the main component of richness: the rare biosphere.
Hydrogeochemistry of Water in Coal Measures during Grouting Treatment of Taoyuan Mine, China
Authors: Guo Yan , Gui Herong , Wei Jiuchuan , Zhang Zhi , Hu Mancong , Fang Pei , Li Guangping , Gao Chuan , Wang Xin
Published: August 2020

Permian coal measure sandstone fissure water (referred to as “coal measure water,” that is, water in coal measures) is one of the important water sources for industrial and agricultural activities in mining areas. However, the regional high‐pressure grouting, one of the most widely used floor control methods, may affect the coal measure water which is connected with limestone aquifer. This study used Taoyuan mine, a typical coal mine in Huaibei coalfield, as the research area to study the influencing mechanism of a grouting treatment on the hydrogeochemical evolution of coal measure water. The hydrogeochemical characteristics and water‐rock interaction mechanism of the coal measure water before and during the treatment were evaluated using a Piper trigram, ion combination ratio, and hydrogen‐oxygen stable isotope. The anions and cations in the coal measure water before and during the treatment had the same trends at SO42− > HCO3− > Cl−and Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+, respectively. Hydrochemical types of coal measure water before treatment were mainly SO4·Cl‐Ca·Mg, SO4·Cl‐Na, and HCO3‐Na, and during treatment they were mainly SO4·Cl‐Na and HCO3‐Na. The formation of chemical components of coal measure water before treatment was mainly caused by carbonate dissolution, sulfate dissolution, and pyrite oxidation. During the treatment, sulfate dissolution and pyrite oxidation were the main geochemical processes, and ion exchange was enhanced. Atmospheric precipitation was the source of all water samples, and all showed an obvious18O drift.
Thescabiniin historiographical perspective
Authors: Hicklin Alice
Published: August 2020

The introduction of thescabini, men who served as judgement finders, has long been connected to judicial reform enacted by Charlemagne. By the thirteenth century, the termscabinihad become synonymous with legal culture and courts from Norway to Hungary and beyond. This article will trace thescabinifrom historiographical debates over their provenance, to their introduction under Charlemagne, why and how this change was enacted, their duties and the impact of the reform on terminology and the writing of documentary texts. This touches on keystones of changing historiographical perspectives of the Carolingians: from nineteenth‐century views of a ‘Germanic’ past that privileged collective judgement to twentieth‐century emphasis on the written word as a mode of governance and the relationship between Charlemagne and the aristocracy, and recent attention to the function of capitularies in tenth‐century western Europe. It will explore the alleged disappearance of thescabini, a development that is connected in scholarship to nothing less significant than debates concerning the feudal revolution, before considering areas for future study.
Do firms hedge in order to avoid financial distress costs? New empirical evidence using bank data
Authors: Hahnenstein Lutz , Köchling Gerrit , Posch Peter N.
Published: August 2020

We present a new approach to test empirically the financial distress costs theory of corporate hedging. We estimate the ex‐ante expected financial distress costs, which serve as a starting point to construct further explanatory variables in an equilibrium setting, as a fraction of the value of an asset‐or‐nothing put option on the firm's assets. Using single‐contract data of the derivatives' use of 189 German middle‐market companies that stems from a major bank as well as Basel II default probabilities and historical accounting information, we are able to explain a significant share of the observed cross‐sectional differences in hedge ratios. Hence, our analysis adds further support for the financial distress costs theory of corporate hedging from the perspective of a financial intermediary.
Methodological assessment of Mexican Clinical Practice Guidelines: GRADE framework adherence and critical appraisal
Authors: Colunga‐Lozano Luis Enrique , Gerardo‐Morales Vilma , Pérez‐Gaxiola Giordano , Vázquez‐Álvarez Alan Omar , González‐Torres Francisco Javier , Perales‐Guerrero Leonardo , Yanowsky‐Ortega Ekatherina , Martínez‐Tolentino Ulises Ivan , Sánchez‐Villaseca Sergio Jacob , García‐Macías Luz Angélica , Nieuwlaat Robby , Guyatt Gordon , Florez Ivan D.
Published: August 2020

Background and objective

Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) provide evidence‐based recommendations to healthcare professionals, policy makers, patients and other stakeholders. Mexico is the biggest producer of CPGs in Latin America and Caribbean countries. The National Healthcare Technology Excellence Center (acronym in Spanish: CENETEC) is responsible for the CPG development, adaptation and update. The aim of this study was to assess the adherence to the GRADE framework and to critically appraise the Mexican CPGs with the AGREE‐II tool.

Study design

We conducted a descriptive cross‐sectional study with a random sample of 86 CPGs produced by CENETEC between 2015 and 2017 and published in an online database called “Catalogo Maestro”. We assessed the adherence to the GRADE framework and performed a critical appraisal with the AGREE II tool.

Results

Of the 86 CPGs, 34 were published in 2015, 21 in 2016 and 31 in 2017. Of the 86 CPGs, 25 (29%) used the GRADE framework; adherence to GRADE standards was, however, inconsistent and generally poor. The overall methodological quality by AGREE II proved a median of 16.6% (Min 16.6%, Max 50%).

Conclusion

CPGs produced by CENETEC during this period had a poor adherence to the GRADE framework and low score by AGREE II standards. A concerted initiative could rapidly improve CENETEC guidelines.
Locking plate femur fracture repair in a juvenile Western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) in Sierra Leone
Authors: Pizzi Romain , Isabel Pizarro Andrea , Mota Julieta , De Martini Catalina , Martinez Pereira Yolanda , Amarasekaran Bala
Published: August 2020

This case reports the successful management of a traumatic diaphyseal femoral fracture in an infant Western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) from a rescue centre in Sierra Leone using a 2.4‐mm intramedullary pin and two 2.7‐mm String of Pearls™locking plates. Locking plate use has not been previously described in chimpanzees.
Uterine cervical squamous cell carcinoma with reactive multinucleated giant cells expressing cluster of differentiation 204: A case report and literature review
Authors: Dejima Mihiro , Hashimoto Hirotsugu , Sasajima Yuko , Nomura Nao , Sugita Masatoshi , Morikawa Teppei
Published: August 2020

Uterine cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with reactive multinucleated giant cells (MGC) is extremely rare. Here we present the case of a 49‐year‐old woman treated with radical hysterectomy, bilateral adnexectomy and lymph node dissection. Histologically, the cervical tumor was diagnosed as nonkeratinizing SCC of pT1b1N0M0, with negative surgical margin. Many MGC including osteoclast‐like giant cells with immunohistochemical expression of cluster of differentiation 204, a marker for the M2 macrophage, were present around the tumor nests. The patient received postoperative radiation therapy and achieved 22 months of disease‐free survival after the surgery. M2 macrophages promote aggressiveness of the carcinoma and it is suggested that SCC of the cervix with reactive MGC might have poor prognosis; however, our case paradoxically showed a favorable course. From literature review of six cases, including our case, the effect of MGC‐reaction may vary with respect to other factors, such as age, cancer stage or histological type.
Adoption of Emergency Action Plans in Secondary Schools: A Study of School Nurses' Knowledge and Behavior
Authors: Murata Yuki , Scarneo‐Miller Samantha E. , McMahon Liza J. , Casa Douglas J.
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

The adoption of an emergency action plan for athletics (AEAP) minimizes the consequences of injuries. School nurses may play an important role in the adoption of an AEAP. The purpose of our study was to describe school nurse's knowledge and perceptions related to AEAP adoption.

METHODS

An online survey, following the Precaution‐Adoption Process Model, examining respondents' readiness to act, was distributed to 1228 school nurses to evaluate their knowledge and perception of an AEAP, with N = 131 (10.6%) responding.

RESULTS

Sixty‐one school nurses were unaware of AEAP adoption at their school. A lack of athletic training services at the school was associated with not adopting an AEAP. The most frequently reported barrier to adopting an AEAP related to finances. When nurses reported perceiving more barriers to adopting an AEAP, their schools were less likely to adopt one.

CONCLUSIONS

A large number of nurses were unaware if their school adopted an AEAP. There is a need to improve nurses' knowledge and perceptions to promote AEAP development.
The Effect of Positive Emotions with Different Arousal Levels on Thought–Action Repertoires1,2
Authors: Sugawara Daichi , Sugie Masashi
Published: August 2020

This study examined whether the induction of different states of arousal via positive emotions broadens thought–action repertoires. Sixty‐two Japanese undergraduate and graduate students were randomly assigned to (a) high‐arousal positive emotion, (b) low‐arousal positive emotion, and (c) neutral groups, after which they watched a 3‐min film clip. Participants completed the Affect Grid to confirm their mood state before and after watching the film. Following this, they completed the Twenty Statements Test, which measures thought–action repertoires. A one‐way analysis of variance was conducted on the Twenty Statements Test score. The results showed that high‐arousal positive emotion broadened thought–action repertoires to a greater extent than did low‐arousal positive emotion and the neutral state, while low‐arousal positive emotion broadened such repertoires to a greater extent than did the neutral state. We discuss the different effects of high‐ and low‐arousal positive emotions on thought–action repertoires.
Senna (Cassia) alata (Linn.) Roxb. leaf decoction as a treatment for tinea imbricata in an indigenous tribe in Southern Philippines
Authors: Eusebio‐Alpapara Kathleen May V. , Dofitas Belen L. , Balita‐Crisostomo Cherry Lou A. , Tioleco‐Ver Giselle Marie S. , Jandoc Lilibeth E. , Frez Ma. Lorna F.
Published: August 2020

Background

Tinea imbricata, a rare form of tinea corporis caused by Trichophyton concentricum, is endemic to the T’boli tribe in the Southern Philippines. Temporary remissions and limited access to antifungal medications make its treatment a pressing public health concern. Anecdotal reports about the use of Senna alata leaf decoction as treatment exist.

Objective

To determine the efficacy of community‐prepared S alata leaf decoction in the treatment of tinea imbricata.

Methods

Tinea imbricata patients were instructed to apply S alata leaf decoction for 4 weeks (28 ± 3 days). Disease severity, pruritus visual analogue scale scores (VAS) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) mounts of skin scrapings were evaluated before and after treatment. Two assessors evaluated disease severity based on photographs. Cohen's kappa statistics were used to assess diagnostic concordance. Adverse drug events were recorded.

Results

Twenty patients were enrolled. After 4 weeks, 95% had decreased pruritus VAS scores, with a mean decreased of 4.05 after treatment (P < .0001). There was a significant difference in disease severity scores before and after treatment (P ≤ .05) with an overall agreement of ‘moderate’ for both assessors (κ = 0.6, 95% CI [0.33, 0.87]). Forty per cent had negative KOH tests after treatment. None had adverse drug events.

Conclusion

This is the first study that showed the potential of a community‐prepared leaf decoction as a treatment option for tinea imbricata. Larger clinical trials establishing its efficacy, effectiveness and safety profile are recommended to enable its promotion among the indigenous people and health authorities as an accessible and affordable treatment for tinea imbricata.
The molecular landscape and associated clinical experience in infant medulloblastoma: prognostic significance of second‐generation subtypes
Authors: Hicks D. , Rafiee G. , Schwalbe E. C. , Howell C. I. , Lindsey J. C. , Hill R. M. , Smith A. J. , Adidharma P. , Steel C. , Richardson S. , Pease L. , Danilenko M. , Crosier S. , Joshi A. , Wharton S. B. , Jacques T. S. , Pizer B. , Michalski A. , Williamson D. , Bailey S. , Clifford S. C.
Published: August 2020

Aims

Biomarker‐driven therapies have not been developed for infant medulloblastoma (iMB). We sought to robustly sub‐classify iMB, and proffer strategies for personalized, risk‐adapted therapies.

Methods

We characterized the iMB molecular landscape, including second‐generation subtyping, and the associated retrospective clinical experience, using large independent discovery/validation cohorts (n = 387).

Results

iMBGrp3 (42%) and iMBSHH (40%) subgroups predominated. iMBGrp3 harboured second‐generation subtypes II/III/IV. Subtype II strongly associated with large‐cell/anaplastic pathology (LCA; 23%) and MYC amplification (19%), defining a very‐high‐risk group (0% 10yr overall survival (OS)), which progressed rapidly on all therapies; novel approaches are urgently required. Subtype VII (predominant within iMBGrp4) and subtype IV tumours were standard risk (80% OS) using upfront CSI‐based therapies; randomized‐controlled trials of upfront radiation‐sparing and/or second‐line radiotherapy should be considered. Seventy‐five per cent of iMBSHH showed DN/MBEN histopathology in discovery and validation cohorts (P < 0.0001); central pathology review determined diagnosis of histological variants to WHO standards. In multivariable models, non‐DN/MBEN pathology was associated significantly with worse outcomes within iMBSHH. iMBSHH harboured two distinct subtypes (iMBSHH‐I/II). Within the discriminated favourable‐risk iMBSHH DN/MBEN patient group, iMBSHH‐II had significantly better progression‐free survival than iMBSHH‐I, offering opportunities for risk‐adapted stratification of upfront therapies. Both iMBSHH‐I and iMBSHH‐II showed notable rescue rates (56% combined post‐relapse survival), further supporting delay of irradiation. Survival models and risk factors described were reproducible in independent cohorts, strongly supporting their further investigation and development.

Conclusions

Investigations of large, retrospective cohorts have enabled the comprehensive and robust characterization of molecular heterogeneity within iMB. Novel subtypes are clinically significant and subgroup‐dependent survival models highlight opportunities for biomarker‐directed therapies.