bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whistleblowing by auditors: the role of professional commitment and independence commitment
Authors: Tuan Mansor Tuan Mastiniwati , Mohamad Ariff Akmalia , Hashim Hafiza Aishah
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Despite various regulatory frameworks to combat unethical conduct, fraud and corruption remain alarmingly high. While whistleblowing is an important mechanism to identify and prevent unethical conduct, there is a lack of empirical studies on this issue in the Malaysian context, especially whistleblowing within the audit firms. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the whistleblowing intention of external auditors in Malaysia and the factors influencing this intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that was sent by post to external auditors throughout Malaysia. Participants were selected using a convenience non-probability sampling technique. A total of 274 responses were analyzed. SmartPLS version 3.2.8 was used for the analysis.

Findings

Professional commitment and independence commitment had a positive influence on whistleblowing intention, supporting the argument that professional factors can increase the intention of the external auditors to whistleblow. Perceived behavioural control had a positive relationship with whistleblowing intention, while there is no evidence to indicate that attitude and subjective norms influence whistleblowing intention.

Originality/value

This study explored whistleblowing among external auditors in Malaysia by focussing on the professional factors of professional commitment and independence commitment, which were hypothesized to be key factors in intention to whistleblow. These factors were incorporated with a multi-component of attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control, which were derived from the theory of planned behaviour. The findings have implications for the auditing profession because they provide a better understanding of the factors that influence the whistleblowing intention of external auditors.
Is value premium sector-specific? Evidence from India
Authors: Tripathi Vanita , Aggarwal Priti
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper is an attempt to explore the fact that whether the literature-promised value premium has any sector orientation. The paper tests the relationship between the value premium and Indian sectors: fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), financials, healthcare, information technology (IT), manufacturing and miscellaneous.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses around 210–480 companies listed on BSE-500 for the period of the recent 18 years ranging from March 1999 to March 2017. The paper employed Welch's ANOVA to examine whether the price-to-book market ratio is significantly different across sectors. Two prominent asset pricing models – single factor market model and Fama–French three-factor model – were used to examine the existence of value premium within sectors for full period and two sub-periods.

Findings

The empirical results of the paper suggest that the difference in the P/B ratio both between sectors and within sectors is statistically significant. The results further suggest that the value premium exists within the sectors irrespective of their value-growth orientation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is not free from certain limitations. Firstly, due to the non-availability of data in the public domain, the time period before 1999 could not be considered. Secondly, the study has used data pertaining to the Indian stock market only. To add to it, our study has concentrated on BSE-500 companies only; however, the future researchers can include both NSE and BSE companies.

Practical implications

The paper has important implications for portfolio managers and retail investors following a top-down approach of investing. The portfolio manager can strategically build up the portfolios to concentrate more on the companies belonging to sectors like healthcare, manufacturing and FMCG. Investors following the top-down approach should avoid the underperforming growth stocks belonging to the growth sectors and allocate their funds to value stocks in the growth sector.

Originality/value

The paper is first of its kind to study the relationship between the value premium and Indian sectors. The paper contributes to portfolio management and asset pricing literature for an emerging market.
Effectiveness of day treatment for eating disorders: are improvements maintained at 12-month follow-up?
Authors: Hepburn Zoë Meropi , Rothwell Emily Rose
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a specialist UK day treatment programme (DTP), in terms of whether improvements in eating disorder symptomology and psychosocial impairment achieved at discharge were maintained at 6-month and 12-month follow-ups.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 69 patients (aged 16+) with eating disorders who had received treatment in the DTP were reviewed at 6-month and 12-month follow-ups, using demographic, physiological and psychological measures. Quantitative outcomes were analysed using one-way repeated measures analysis of variance.

Findings

Data analysis revealed that significant improvements in eating disordered attitudes, body mass index (among underweight participants), binge frequency (among participants with those symptoms) and psychosocial impairment achieved at discharge, were also maintained at 6-month and 12-month follow-ups, and with large effect sizes. All hypotheses were supported, with the exception that frequency of vomiting symptoms had deteriorated at the 12-month follow-up and was no longer significantly different from vomiting frequency on admission.

Originality/value

Results provide support for the sustained effectiveness of DTPs in improving eating disorder symptoms and psychosocial impairment associated with eating disorders. This is the first study to evaluate the effectiveness of a UK DTP for adults at maintaining improvements to eating disorder symptoms and attitudes at follow-up.
The experience of post-war reconstruction: the case of built heritage in Bosnia
Authors: Kudumovic Lana
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the challenges and justification of the reconstruction of built heritage in Bosnia. This paper also debates the effect of setting up a close relationship between reconstruction and reconciliation, suggesting that the reconstruction of the built environment in the period of post-war recovery provided a foundation for reconciliation.

Design/methodology/approach

Throughout history, in the face of various disasters, world encountered the challenge of reconstruction. In the past decade of the 20th century, just such a challenge was the war in Bosnia. After the war, reconstruction and reconciliation took place, with a focus on reestablishing a normal way of life, the return of displaced people, and the reconnection of broken bonds, as well as the rehabilitation of heritage assets.

Findings

This paper elaborates on how reconstructions were guided by the aims of reconciliation and its justifications. Regarding the technical aspects of these reconstruction projects, an overview comprising several case studies is presented to help elucidate two levels of physical intervention. The first of these levels concerns the reconstruction of single structures and the second concerns the reconstruction of historic centers. War memorials are considered to be a third level of intervention.

Originality/value

The selected cases presented here confirm the existence of the relationship between post-war reconstruction and reconciliation. This paper also assesses the efficiency of the reconstruction of Bosnia’s built heritage in terms of authenticity and overall post-war recovery.
Two-step calibration method for three-axis magnetic sensor error based on particle swarm optimization
Authors: Liu Yanxia , Hu Zhikai , Fang JianJun
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The three-axis magnetic sensors are mostly calibrated by scalar method such as ellipsoid fitting and so on, but these methods cannot completely determine the 12 parameters of the error model. A two-stage calibration method based on particle swarm optimization (TSC-PSO) is proposed, which makes full use of the amplitude invariance and direction invariance of Earth’s magnetic field vector.

Design/methodology/approach

The TSC-PSO designs two-stage fitness function. Stage 1: design a fitness function of the particle swarm by the amplitude invariance of the Earth’s magnetic field to obtain a preliminary error matrix G and the bias error B. Stage 2: further design the fitness function of the particle swarm by the invariance of the Earth’s magnetic field to obtain a rotation matrix R, thereby determining the error matrix uniquely.

Findings

The proposed TSC-PSO can completely determine 12 unknown parameters in error model and further decrease the maximum fluctuation error of the Earth’s magnetic field amplitude and the absolute error of heading.

Practical implications

The proposed TSC-PSO provides an effective solution for three-axis magnetic sensor error compensation, which can greatly reduce the price of magnetic sensors and be used in the fields of Earth’s magnetic survey, drilling and Earth’s magnetic integrated navigation.

Originality/value

The proposed TSC-PSO has significantly improved the magnetic field amplitude and heading accuracy and does not require additional heading reference. In addition, the method is insensitive to noise and initialization conditions, has good robustness and can converge to a global optimum.
Differential distribution and proteomic response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and non‐model yeast species to zinc
Authors: García‐Béjar Beatriz , Owens Rebecca A. , Briones Ana , Arévalo‐Villena María
Published: August 2020

Zinc surplus in yeast cells has been previously investigated thanks to transcriptomic studies by using traditionally Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model. However, proteome response under zinc‐replete conditions needs to be further studied in yeast. For that reason, eight yeast strains from seven different species were inoculated in zinc‐depleted and zinc‐replete media. The quantitative and qualitative comparative label‐free proteomic analysis enabled the identification of between 2000 and 3000 proteins from each strain, and changes to the proteome ranged from 2.5% to 43.7% of identified proteins. Functional analysis (Blast2Go) has allowed the characterization of differentially abundant proteins. Common zinc‐responsive proteins have been detected for the eight strains such as oxidoreductases and transferases (increased in abundance) although more of the changes detected were not shared by all the strains tested. Zinc distribution under replete conditions has been analysed in cell wall fractions, and cytoplasm plus organelles (intracellular fraction), with the latter identified to be the main zinc reservoir. Additionally, the energy dispersive spectroscopy coupled to the scanning electron microscopy technique has permitted the visualization of zinc in the whole cell. Proteomic analysis revealed that while there were some shared responses, the non‐model yeast species also showed distinct proteomic profiles in zinc‐replete conditions, compared to S. cerevisiae, revealing new zinc‐responsive proteins in yeast.
Incidental early diagnosis of biphasic pulmonary blastoma in a patient with history of stage IV lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kim Kunhwa , Gupta Sachin , Gupta Sorab , Mittar Priyanka , Minimo Corrado , Tester William
Published: August 2020

Biphasic pulmonary blastoma is a rare but lethal type of lung malignancy with characteristic histology of both epithelial and mesenchymal components. Previously reported cases have been limited to presentation at advanced stages, suggesting that the clinical course of the disease is usually aggressive. Here, we report a case of incidental diagnosis of biphasic pulmonary blastoma by imaging surveillance in a patient previously treated for adenocarcinoma of the lung. The patient was diagnosed with stage 1 disease and underwent successful resection. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) revealed a high mutation burden, a finding not previously reported in a patient with biphasic pulmonary blastoma.
Time‐varying effects of ‘optimized smoking treatment’ on craving, negative affect and anhedonia
Authors: Kim Nayoung , McCarthy Danielle E. , Cook Jessica W. , Piper Megan E. , Schlam Tanya R. , Baker Timothy B.
Published: August 2020

Aims

To identify when smoking cessation treatments affect craving, negative affect and anhedonia, and how these symptoms relate to abstinence, to help evaluate the effects of particular intervention components in multi‐component treatments and accelerate treatment refinement.

Design

Secondary analysis of data from a two‐arm randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Seven primary care clinics in Wisconsin, United States.

Participants

Adult primary care patients who smoked daily (n = 574).

Intervention and comparator

Intervention was abstinence‐optimized treatment (A‐OT, n = 276) comprising 3 weeks of nicotine mini‐lozenges pre‐target quit day (TQD), 26 weeks of combination nicotine patch and mini‐lozenges post‐TQD and extensive psychosocial support. The comparator was recommended usual care (RUC, n = 298), comprising brief counseling and 8 weeks of nicotine patch post‐TQD.

Measurements

Time‐varying effect models examined dynamic effects of A‐OT (versus RUC) on the primary outcomes of nightly cigarette craving, negative affect and anhedonia from 1 week pre‐ to 2 weeks post‐TQD. Exploratory models examined within‐person relations between nicotine medication use and same‐day symptom ratings. Secondary logistic regression analyses examined associations between post‐TQD craving, negative affect and anhedonia and 1‐month post‐TQD abstinence.

Findings

A‐OT significantly suppressed pre‐ and post‐TQD craving (β = −0.27 to −0.46 across days) and post‐TQD anhedonia (β = −0.24 to −0.38 across days), relative to RUC. Within individuals, using patches was associated with lower negative affect in RUC (β = −0.42 to −0.52), but not in A‐OT. Using more mini‐lozenges was associated with greater craving (β = 0.04–0.07) and negative affect (β = 0.03–0.05) early, and with lower anhedonia (β = −0.06 to −0.12) later. Greater post‐TQD craving (OR = 0.68) and anhedonia (OR = 0.85) predicted lower odds of abstinence 1 month post‐TQD.

Conclusion

Time‐varying effect models showed that a multi‐component treatment intervention for smoking cessation suppressed significant withdrawal symptoms more effectively than recommended usual care among daily adult smokers motivated to quit. The intervention reduced craving pre‐ and post‐target quit day (TQD) and anhedonia post‐TQD.
Curse of the Mummy‐ji: The Influence of Mothers‐in‐Law on Women in India†
Authors: Anukriti S , Herrera‐Almanza Catalina , Pathak Praveen K. , Karra Mahesh
Published: August 2020

Restrictive social norms and strategic constraints imposed by family members can limit women's access to and benefits from social networks, especially in patrilocal societies. We characterize young married women's social networks in rural India and analyze how inter‐generational power dynamics within the household affect their network formation. Using primary data from Uttar Pradesh, we show that co‐residence with the mother‐in‐law is negatively correlated with her daughter‐in‐law's mobility and ability to form social connections outside the household, especially those related to health, fertility, and family planning. Our findings suggest that the mother‐in‐law's restrictive behavior is potentially driven by the misalignment of fertility preferences between the mother‐in‐law and the daughter‐in‐law. The lack of peers outside the household lowers the daughter‐in‐law's likelihood of visiting a family planning clinic and of using modern contraception. We find suggestive evidence that this is because outside peers (a) positively influence daughter‐in‐law's beliefs about the social acceptability of family planning and (b) enable the daughter‐in‐law to overcome mobility constraints by accompanying her to health clinics.
Factors predicting normal visual acuity following anatomically successful macular hole surgery
Authors: Fallico Matteo , Jackson Timothy L. , Chronopoulos Argyrios , Hattenbach Lars‐Olof , Longo Antonio , Bonfiglio Vincenza , Russo Andrea , Avitabile Teresio , Parisi Francesca , Romano Mario , Fiore Tito , Cagini Carlo , Lupidi Marco , Frisina Rino , Motta Lorenzo , Rejdak Robert , Nowomiejska Katarzyna , Toro Mario , Ventre Luca , Reibaldi Michele
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To assess the incidence of normal vision following anatomically successful macular hole surgery and associated clinical variables.

Methods

Multicentre, retrospective chart review. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records from seven European vitreoretinal units. Inclusion criteria were as follows: eyes undergoing primary vitrectomy for idiopathic full‐thickness macular hole from January 2015 to January 2018; postoperative macular hole closure confirmed by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT); preoperative pseudophakia or phakic eyes receiving combined cataract surgery; one‐year follow‐up. The primary outcome was ‘normal vision’ defined as a final best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥ 20/25. Univariate, multivariate and decision‐tree analyses were conducted to evaluate the clinical variables associated with ‘normal vision’. Odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results

Of 327 eligible cases, 91 (27.8%) achieved ‘normal vision’ at 1 year. Multivariate analysis identified variables significantly associated with ‘normal vision’: shorter symptom duration (odds ratio [OR]=1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.02‐1.09; p = 0.002), smaller preoperative OCT minimum linear diameter (OR per 100‐micron increase = 1.65; 95%CI:1.31‐2.08; p < 0.001) and better mean preoperative BCVA (OR = 15.13; 95%CI: 3.59‐63.65; p < 0.001). The decision‐tree analysis found that the most significant variable associated with ‘normal vision’ was symptom duration. ‘Normal vision’ was achieved in 70.6% of eyes operated within one week from symptom onset and in 45% of eyes with symptom duration between 1 and 3 weeks.

Conclusions

These findings suggested urgent surgery is justified for small macular holes of short duration.
Consensus statements on the clinical uses of pregabalin for Hong Kong
Authors: Kwong Patrick Po‐Keung , Chan Eric Yan‐Kwong , Cheung Eric Yat‐Wo , Fong Samson Yat‐Yuk , Nip Wai , Cheung Henry Hon‐Kee , Yip Isaac Pui‐Lam , Chong King‐Yee , Pao Ronnie Sze‐Yuan , Tam Ka‐Lok , Tang Man‐Ho , Chan Simon Kin‐Cheong , Mak Ki‐Yan
Published: August 2020

To facilitate the understanding of pregabalin and optimize its clinical usage in Hong Kong, an expert panel (11 psychiatrists, one family physician and one anesthesiologist) experienced in treating anxiety and somatic symptoms was invited to establish a set of consensus statements based on several discussion areas. A non‐systematic literature search for relevant articles was conducted. The panelists addressed the discussion areas by sharing their clinical experience and available literature in a couple of meetings. At the last meeting, consensus statements derived from the proceedings were discussed and finalized. A total of 11 statements were ultimately accepted by panel voting based on their practicability of recommendation in Hong Kong. These statements are aimed to act as a practical reference for local clinicians when they consider prescribing pregabalin in different clinical situations.
The feasibility of interval laparoscopic appendectomy and appropriate patient selection: A retrospective study of adult appendiceal masses
Authors: Fujihata Shiro , Kitagami Hidehiko , Kitayama Yosuke , Suzuki Ayumi , Tanaka Moritsugu , Nakaya Seiichi , Hayakawa Shunsuke , Okubo Tomotaka , Sagawa Hiroyuki , Tanaka Tatsuya , Takahashi Hiroki , Matsuo Yoichi , Ogawa Ryo , Takiguchi Shuji
Published: August 2020

Introduction

We examined the safety and effectiveness of interval laparoscopic appendectomy (ILA) for adult appendiceal mass (AAM) and then used a novel white blood cell (WBC) parameter to identify the types of AAM cases for which nonsurgical treatment followed by ILA is effective.

Methods

We reviewed the cases of 956 patients who had undergone appendectomy between April 2012 and March 2018 at our facility. Of these patients, 49 had AAM, including 34 who underwent ILA. We examined the safety and effectiveness of ILA by comparing it with laparoscopic appendectomy (LA); specifically, the 34 cases treated with ILA were compared with 477 cases of adult uncomplicated appendicitis treated with LA from the same patient cohort. We then examined the factors associated with not successfully completing the planned nonsurgical treatment and interval before ILA. Patient demographics and clinical variables were reviewed.

Results

Patients who had undergone ILA had longer operative times than those who had undergone LA (P = .0059), but they also had shorter postoperative hospital stays (P < .001). There were no significant differences in other perioperative variables. Multivariate analysis showed that a ratio of WBC count on day 3 and day 0 from the start of nonsurgical treatment (WBC day3/day0) of 0.906 or higher was significantly associated with not completing the nonsurgical treatment and interval before ILA (P = .045).

Conclusion

A comparison of the procedures found that ILA for AAM was almost as safe and effective as LA for adult uncomplicated appendicitis. The WBC day3/day0 ratio can be an objective parameter to assess the effectiveness of the nonsurgical treatment before ILA earlier in the course of treatment.
Developing patient‐centric medicines for older people: Reflections from the draft EMA paper on the pharmaceutical development of medicines for use in the older population
Authors: van Riet‐Nales Diana A. , Sundberg Katarina , de Boer Anthonius , Hirschlérova Blanka
Published: August 2020

Increased global longevity requires a re‐evaluation of current structures in society to adapt to the consequential demographic shift. As (very) old people are prone to impaired human organ and body functions resulting in, for example, multimorbidity, polypharmacy, hospitalisation and problems in medication management, it is increasingly acknowledged that re‐evaluations should include the suitability of pharmaceutical patient care as one of the cornerstones of public health. Following the 2011 European Medicines Agency (EMA) Geriatric Strategy, in 2017 the EMA published the draft “Reflection paper on the pharmaceutical development of medicines for use in the older population”. The draft paper was opened for public consultation and specific attention and feedback (either supportive or with a proposal for revision) was asked on three design aspects: tablet breaking, drug administration through enteral feeding tubes and medication management. Following publication, the draft paper was presented at two public conferences attended by participants from different disciplines. This manuscript is intended to draw the attention of different stakeholder parties to the urgent need to collaborate on the emerging issues arising from increasing longevity and multimorbidity, and especially those associated with pharmaceutical patient care and drug product design, including the need for collaborative research into existing or emerging knowledge gaps. The manuscript focuses on the three aforementioned aspects of pharmaceutical development (tablet breaking, drug administration through enteral feeding tubes and medication management) as these highly relate to medication safety and efficacy and constitute persistent and typical challenges for older people, caregivers and healthcare professionals in daily clinical practice.
The weight of the crust: Biomass of crustose lichens in tropical dry forest represents more than half of foliar biomass
Authors: Miranda‐González Ricardo , McCune Bruce
Published: August 2020

In recent years, our ecological knowledge of tropical dry forests has increased dramatically. However, the functional contributions of whole ecosystem components, such as lichens, remain mostly unknown. In these forests, the abundance of epiphyte crustose lichens is responsible for the characteristic white bark on most woody plants, conspicuous during the dry season, but the amount of resources that the lichen component represents remains unexplored. We estimated lichen biomass in a Mexican tropical dry forest using the bark area of trees, the dry mass of lichens per unit area and the percentage of bark covered by lichens, together with previously known tree densities. The lowest 2.5 m of the forests main trunks contained 188 kg/ha of lichen biomass, with lichens covering 85% of the available bark for trees <12 cm DBH and 38% for trees >12 cm. Total epiphytic lichen biomass was 1.34–1.99 Mg/ha. Lichen biomass represented 61% of the foliar biomass in the forest. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a lichen biomass estimate is provided for an ecosystem in which crustose lichens are the dominant lichen growth form. Crustose lichens are typically considered to contribute little to the total lichen biomass and to be difficult to include in ecological analyses. The high lichen biomass in this ecosystem implies a significant ecological role which so far is unexplored. We suggest the crustose lichen component should not be underestimated a priori in ecological studies, especially in ecosystems with abundant lichen cover.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
PRIZE SCARCITY AND OVERDISSIPATION IN ALL‐PAY AUCTIONS
Authors: Allison Blake A. , Lepore Jason J. , Shafran Aric P.
Published: August 2020

We compare bidding behavior in complete information all‐pay auction experiments that vary in the prizes and number of players. We confirm the observation from prior single‐prize experiments that there is overbidding relative to equilibrium predictions. Our primary results are that increasing the number of prizes and players proportionally does not reduce overbidding but increasing the number of prizes with a fixed number of players eliminates overbidding. We conclude that the overbidding phenomenon is related to the scarcity of the prize. We provide new theoretical results on the multi‐prize logit equilibrium, and our experimental results are qualitatively consistent with logit equilibrium predictions. (JEL D72, D91, C91, D44)
Alternative migratory strategies are widespread in subyearling Chinook salmon
Authors: Apgar Travis M. , Merz Joseph E. , Martin Benjamin T. , Palkovacs Eric P.
Published: August 2020

Variation in life history traits within and across species is known to reflect adaptations to different environmental drivers through a diversity of mechanisms. Trait variation can also help buffer species and populations against extinction in fluctuating environments and against anthropogenic disturbances. Here, we examine the distribution and drivers of Ocean‐type Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha) juvenile migratory life histories. We defined alternative migratory strategies according to whether individuals reared in the stream (natal rearing) or left shortly after hatching to rear elsewhere (non‐natal rearing). We then evaluated the frequency of migratory strategies across 16 populations with time series extending up to 25 years and evaluated the environmental variables that influenced variation in migration strategy. We found bimodal migration patterns and abrupt transitions in migrant sizes across all populations, supporting the widespread nature of alternative migratory strategies. Additionally, we found that the amount of freshwater rearing habitat available to juveniles, relative juvenile density and spring flow patterns significantly influenced the overall migration pattern for populations. Smaller streams and higher conspecific densities generally produced more non‐natal rearing migrants and larger streams and lower conspecific densities producing more natal rearing migrants. Our results shed light on previously unexplored patterns of juvenile migratory strategies and encourage broader consideration for how current conservation actions perform at protecting juvenile migratory diversity.
Mediation and moderated mediation in the relationships among income condition, depression, cognition and residence among older adults in China
Authors: Yuan Manqiong , Fu Hanhan , Han Yaofeng , Chen Jia , Fang Ya
Published: August 2020

Aim

A better income condition has always been associated with better cognition; however, studies that have demonstrated the pathway of this relationship are limited. We aim to evaluate the mediation effect of depression in this association, and whether this mediation is moderated by the place of residence.

Methods

We conducted a face‐to‐face study, including 3230 older adults aged >60 years in Xiamen, China, in 2016. The income condition of participants was categorized into three groups: income less than expenditure, income equals expenditure and income more than expenditure. Depression was measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale and cognition was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment tool. We first examined a simple mediation model where depression was a mediator between income condition and cognition. Furthermore, residence was systematically integrated into the model as a moderator, and the model was adjusted for age, gender, number of year of education, hypertension and diabetes. All mediation and moderated mediation effects were estimated by the plug‐in “PROCESS” in SPSS.

Results

In total, 2852 participants were finally included. Depression partially mediated the relationship between income condition and cognition (indirect effect = 0.25, total effect = 0.72). Moderated mediation analyses indicated that a direct effect only existed among urban older adults (B = 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.47–1.38]), whereas an indirect effect was stronger for individuals in urban (B = 0.28; 95% CI: [0.18–0.41]) rather than rural environments (B = 0.17; 95% CI: [0.11–0.26]).

Conclusions

A better income condition is a protective factor for cognition and it partially benefits work through milder depressive symptoms, particularly in older adults in urban residences. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 860–866.
Benefits of pre‐biopsy multi‐parametric magnetic resonance imaging scanning in the initial assessment of prostate cancer
Authors: McAllister Bría J. , Jarvis Andrew K. , Smith Stephen M. , Walton Thomas J.
Published: August 2020

Traditionally, men referred for investigation of raised prostate specific antigen (PSA) could expect to be investigated via blind TRUS biopsy. In recent years, the availability of pre‐biopsy imaging with multi‐parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp‐MRI) has allowed urology centres to improve their triage and care of this patient cohort. The ability to identify discrete lesions for more accurately targeted TRUS, stream patients with anterior lesions for trans‐perineal biopsy, and of course to prevent those with no evidence of clinically significant prostate cancer from being subjected to unnecessary procedures has proved pre‐biopsy mp‐MRI a valuable tool in the assessment and diagnosis of prostate cancer. Our service recently audited the impact of the introduction of mp‐MRI on our prostate cancer assessment pathway. An analysis of the outcomes of 1558 referrals over a 2‐year period, and found that pre‐biopsy imaging has resulted in a marked reduction in unnecessary procedures and more accurate targeting of lesions, leading to improved outcomes for patients.
Basal serum cortisol levels predict a normal response to the Synacthen stimulation test in hospitalised patients
Authors: Tolkin Lior , Vidberg Michal , Munter Gabriel
Published: August 2020

Background

The short Synacthen test (SST) is widely used to assess the hypothalamus−pituitary−adrenal axis in the outpatient setting. However, in the inpatient setting, technical difficulties to adhere to the protocol may pose a challenge for using this test.

Aims

To find the most suitable basal serum cortisol (BSC) cut‐off for predicting an adequate response to the SST in non‐critically inpatients without conducting the actual test.

Methods

Information was retrieved retrospectively from medical files of 197 patients who had had a 250 μg SST between the years 2000 and 2016 at the Shaare Zedek Medical Center. BSC, electrolytes, creatinine, thyroid‐stimulating hormone, blood counts and blood pressure values were evaluated for a correlation with the results of the SST.

Results

A BSC cut‐off of 280 nmol/L provides a negative predictive value of 94% for adrenal insufficiency (AI). Using a cut‐off of 380 nmol/L increases the sensitivity to 96% and yields a negative predictive value of 95.8%.

Conclusions

In this study, we found two suitable BSC cut‐offs for predicting an adequate response to the SST in hospitalised patients. We suggest using the lower cut‐off (280 nmol/L) for patients with a low level of suspicion for AI and using the higher cut‐off (380 nmol/L) for patients with a higher level of suspicion. A BSC above this cut‐off makes the diagnosis of AI very unlikely and precludes the need for a Synacthen test.
Help‐seeking for depression among Australian doctors
Authors: Muhamad Ramzi N. S. Aishah , Deady Mark , Petrie Katherine , Crawford Joanna , Harvey Samuel B.
Published: August 2020

Background

Depression is common among doctors. However, concerns remain that doctors are unlikely to ask for help when symptoms of depression arise.

Aims

To determine rates and patterns of help‐seeking for depression among doctors and to identify predictors of and barriers to such behaviour.

Methods

A secondary analysis was conducted on a nation‐wide survey of 12 252 Australian doctors. The study sample consisted of doctors who reported having ever felt seriously depressed (n = 4154; 33.9% of total sample). Rates of help‐seeking, professional help‐seeking behaviours and self‐reported barriers were explored. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between professional help‐seeking and predetermined predictive factors.

Results

Sixty percent (95% confidence interval (CI): 58.5–61.5) of doctors who have ever felt seriously depressed reported some form of professional help‐seeking for depression. The most common barrier to help‐seeking was ‘privacy/confidentiality’. Females (odds ratio (OR) = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.50–2.01; P < 0.001), locally trained doctors (OR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.12–1.59; P = 0.001) and senior doctors (OR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.14–1.61; P = 0.001) were more likely to seek professional help than their counterparts. Compared with general practitioners, psychiatrists (OR = 1.565; 95% CI: 1.15–2.13; P = 0.004) were more likely to seek professional help while surgeons (OR = 0.518; 95% CI: 0.37–0.72; P < 0.001) and pathologists/radiologists (OR = 0.695; 95% CI: 0.49–0.99; P = 0.043) were less likely.

Conclusion

While it is reassuring that the majority of depressed doctors were able to seek professional help, many were not. Major barriers to professional help‐seeking, particularly concerns about confidentiality and impact on career, remain a problem. Male, overseas‐trained, junior doctors, surgeons and pathologists/radiologists were less likely to seek help for depression. Targeted interventions are required to increase appropriate help‐seeking for depression in doctors.
Clinical and cost‐effectiveness of nurse‐led cognitive behavioral group therapy for recovery of self‐esteem among individuals with mental disorders: A single‐group pre‐post study
Authors: Kunikata Hiroko , Yoshinaga Naoki , Yoshimura Kensuke , Furushima Daisuke
Published: August 2020

Aim

To investigate whether the addition of a nurse‐led cognitive behavioral group therapy for recovery of self‐esteem (CBGTRS) program to usual care for individuals with mental disorders can improve clinical outcomes and reduce direct medical costs.

Methods

This study employed single‐group pre‐post design, and recruited 51 community‐dwelling individuals with mental disorders. Participants received 12 weekly CBGTRS sessions by a nurse in addition to usual care. The primary outcome measure was the level of self‐esteem, with other clinical outcomes and direct medical costs. The clinical outcomes were measured at pre‐intervention (T0), intervention midpoint (T1), immediate post‐intervention (T2), and 3 months post‐intervention (T3). Direct medical costs were calculated for 3 months pre‐intervention (A0), 3 months post‐intervention (A1), between 4–6 months post‐intervention (A2), and between 7–9 months post‐intervention (A3).

Results

Self‐esteem scores were significantly improved from T0 to T2 and T3 (p = .009 and .006, respectively); within‐group effect sizes were .49 (small) for T0‐T2, and .51 (medium) for T0‐T3. Other secondary clinical outcomes for mood, cognitive bias, global functioning, and quality of life were also improved by T3 (all p < .05). The mean total direct medical costs were significantly reduced from A0 (49,569.51 JPY) to A2 and A3 (21,845.76 JPY and 25,981.69 JPY, respectively) (p = .003 and .017, respectively).

Conclusions

The results suggest that nurse‐led CBGTRS for mental disorders is a potentially effective approach in improving self‐esteem and other clinical outcomes, and in reducing direct medical costs. Further controlled studies that address the limitations of this study are required.
Relaxant effect of diallyl sulfide on nonpregnant rat uterus: Involvement of voltage‐dependent calcium channels
Authors: Efe Oğuzhan E. , Lux K. Michael , Emre Aydingöz Selda , Tuncer Meral
Published: August 2020

Aim

We aimed to determine the effect and mechanism of action of diallyl sulfide (DAS), an active component of sulfur‐containing foods such as garlic on rat uterine activity.

Methods

Isometric tension changes in longitudinal uterine strips obtained from 20 female Sprague–Dawley rats (250–300 g) in estrus stage of estrous cycle were studied in isolated organ baths containing Krebs–Henseleit solution.

Results

Diallyl sulfide (10−8–10−6 M) caused a concentration‐dependent relaxation on KCl (60 mM)‐induced contractions and inhibited spontaneous peristaltic activity of uterine strips (P < 0.05). None of the following antagonists significantly changed the inhibitory effect of DAS on both KCl‐precontracted uterine strips and spontaneous peristaltic activity of the uterus (P > 0.05): nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L‐NAME (10−4 M), hydrogen sulfide‐producing enzymes cystation β synthase and cystation γ‐lyase inhibitors, aminooxyacetic acid (10−4 M) and propargylglycine (10−3 M) and nonselective cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (10−4 M). However, in calcium‐free Krebs solution containing high KCl (30 mM), DAS significantly inhibited CaCl2 (10−5–10−2 M)‐induced uterine contractions in a concentration‐dependent manner (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Diallyl sulfide has a relaxing effect on KCl‐contracted rat uterus strips and an inhibitory effect on spontaneous uterine activity, possibly by decreasing the calcium influx into the cytoplasm of uterine smooth muscle cells.
Clinical presentations and antimicrobial susceptibilities of Corynebacterium cystitidis associated with renal disease in four beef cattle
Authors: Smith Joe S. , Krull Adam C. , Schleining Jennifer A. , Derscheid Rachel J. , Kreuder Amanda J.
Published: August 2020

Background

Renal disease caused by Corynebacterium cystitidis in beef cattle may be misclassified as Corynebacterium renale, and limited information about C. cystitidis infections in beef cattle currently is available.

Objective

To describe clinical presentation, diagnosis, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), and outcome of renal disease caused by C. cystitidis in beef cattle.

Methods

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Four client‐owned beef cattle.

Results

All affected cattle had anorexia as a primary complaint. Of the 3 that had ante‐mortem diagnostic tests performed, all had pyelonephritis based on azotemia in combination with urinalysis and ultrasonographic findings. Cultures yielded C. cystitidis which was identified by biochemical testing, 16S RNA sequencing, and mass spectrometry. All affected cattle deteriorated despite aggressive treatment, indicating that C. cystitidis infections in beef cattle may carry a poor prognosis. Bacterial isolates collected from the 4 cattle showed similarities in MICs for ampicillin, florfenicol, gentamicin, neomycin, sulfadimethoxine, trimethoprim sulfonamide, and tylosin.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Corynebacterium cystitidis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cattle with renal disease. Definitive diagnosis of C. cystitidis as compared to C. renale may be challenging.
Size matters for OTC market makers: General results and dimensionality reduction techniques
Authors: Bergault Philippe , Guéant Olivier
Published: August 2020

In most over‐the‐counter (OTC) markets, a small number of market makers provide liquidity to other market participants. More precisely, for a list of assets, they set prices at which they agree to buy and sell. Market makers face therefore an interesting optimization problem: they need to choose bid and ask prices for making money while mitigating the risk associated with holding inventory in a volatile market. Many market‐making models have been proposed in the academic literature, most of them dealing with single‐asset market making whereas market makers are usually in charge of a long list of assets. The rare models tackling multiasset market making suffer however from the curse of dimensionality when it comes to the numerical approximation of the optimal quotes. The goal of this paper is to propose a dimensionality reduction technique to address multiasset market making by using a factor model. Moreover, we generalize existing market‐making models by the addition of an important feature: the existence of different transaction sizes and the possibility for the market makers in OTC markets to answer different prices to requests with different sizes.
Neuropathology of a case of fragile X‐associated tremor ataxia syndrome without tremor
Authors: Robinson Andrew C. , Bajaj Nin , Hadjivassiliou Marios , Minshull James , Mahmood Aiza , Roncaroli Federico
Published: August 2020

Fragile X‐associated tremor ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CGG trinucleotide expansion from 55 to 200 repeats in the non‐coding region of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene (FMR1). Clinical features include cognitive decline, progressive tremor, and gait ataxia. Neuropathologically, FXTAS shows white matter changes, hippocampal and cerebellar involvement, and p62‐positive eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions in astrocytes and neurons. Here, we document the neuropathological findings from a subject who developed cognitive impairment but not tremor and was proved to have genetically confirmed FMR1 premutation. Microscopically, typical p62‐postive intranuclear inclusions were present in all the regions examined. Neocortical regions demonstrated gliosis of layer I and mild degree of neuronal loss and atrophy across the other layers. The molecular, Purkinje's cell, and granule cell layers of the cerebellar folia demonstrated mild gliosis, and cerebellar white matter was mildly affected. Aside from p62‐positive inclusions, the hippocampus was spared. Arteries in the deep white matter often showed changes consistent with moderate small vessel disease (SVD). Reactive gliosis and severe SVD were features of basal ganglia. Florid reactive astrocytosis was found in the white matter of all regions. Axonal loss and features of axonal damage were found in the white matter of the centrum semiovale. Microglial activation was widespread and evenly seen in both the white matter and grey matter, although the grey matter appeared more severely affected. Pathology associated with Alzheimer's disease was limited. Similarly, no abnormal accumulations of α‐synuclein were present. We postulate that age at death and disease duration may play a role in the extent of the pathological features associated with FXTAS. The present results suggest that immunohistochemical staining for p62 can help with the diagnosis of cases with atypical phenotype. In addition, it is likely that the cognitive impairment observed was a result of white matter changes.
Effect of polyethylene cover on the treatment of exposure keratopathy in ICU
Authors: Kocaçal Elem , Eşer İsmet , Eğrilmez Sait
Published: August 2020

Background

Exposure keratopathy may lead to serious complications such as microbial keratitis, corneal perforation, and visual impairment if not treated.

Aim

To compare the effect of carbomer eye drops when used alone and in combination with polyethylene covers in the healing of exposure keratopathy.

Methods

A single blind randomized‐controlled trial (RCT) in two intensive care units (ICUs) was carried out in a university hospital in Western Turkey between September 2011 and December 2012. The control group received only carbomer, eye drops while the intervention group received both carbomer eye drops and polyethylene covers. The primary outcome was the decrease or absence of corneal damage, which refers to healing. Corneal damage was followed up with a fluorescein dye test (decrease/absence of the corneal staining) by the same ophthalmologist for 10 days.

Results

A total of 43 corneas in 24 patients were studied. Corneal epithelial defects decreased in the intervention group by day 2 and progressed or remained unchanged in the control group every day (P = .001). Patient characteristics did not affect the grade ranges of corneal staining in the groups except for level of consciousness.

Conclusion

Carbomer eye drops, when used in combination with polyethylene covers, were effective in managing exposure keratopathy.

Relevance to clinical practice

Corneal damage and further ocular complications can be reduced with the utilization of polyethylene covers in nursing care and treatment.
Improved Transferability of Data‐Driven Damage Models Through Sample Selection Bias Correction
Authors: Wagenaar Dennis , Hermawan Tiaravanni , van den Homberg Marc J. C. , Aerts Jeroen C. J. H. , Kreibich Heidi , de Moel Hans , Bouwer Laurens M.
Published: August 2020

Damage models for natural hazards are used for decision making on reducing and transferring risk. The damage estimates from these models depend on many variables and their complex sometimes nonlinear relationships with the damage. In recent years, data‐driven modeling techniques have been used to capture those relationships. The available data to build such models are often limited. Therefore, in practice it is usually necessary to transfer models to a different context. In this article, we show that this implies the samples used to build the model are often not fully representative for the situation where they need to be applied on, which leads to a “sample selection bias.” In this article, we enhance data‐driven damage models by applying methods, not previously applied to damage modeling, to correct for this bias before the machine learning (ML) models are trained. We demonstrate this with case studies on flooding in Europe, and typhoon wind damage in the Philippines. Two sample selection bias correction methods from the ML literature are applied and one of these methods is also adjusted to our problem. These three methods are combined with stochastic generation of synthetic damage data. We demonstrate that for both case studies, the sample selection bias correction techniques reduce model errors, especially for the mean bias error this reduction can be larger than 30%. The novel combination with stochastic data generation seems to enhance these techniques. This shows that sample selection bias correction methods are beneficial for damage model transfer.