bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigative decision-making: interviews with detectives
Authors: Spanoudaki Elpiniki , Ioannou Maria , Synnott John , Tzani-Pepelasi Calli , Pylarinou Ntaniella Roumpini
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore investigative decision-making processes in the context of major crimes as experienced by the law enforcement agents.

Design/methodology/approach

Episodic interviews were conducted with six agents from medium-sized police forces in the UK. Following the framework of naturalistic inquiry, qualitative content analysis took place with the assistance of Atlas.ti software. To ensure the validity of findings, the within method triangulation was preferred, by additionally analysing the interview transcripts with Alceste.

Findings

Findings from this study revealed a variety of internal factors at play, shaping the decision-making course into an act of balancing various desired goals. Detectives appear to assess a situation based on their experiences confirming that the naturalistic decision-making model may assist in understanding investigative decision-making.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the busy schedule of law enforcement agents the number of participants was limited and availability difficult; therefore, this study can be thought of as a pilot study that will inspire researchers to use the same method for in-depth understanding of investigative decision-making.

Practical implications

Results captured the ill-defined goals in the police environment and provided ways of decreasing their impact on investigative decision-making thus should help detectives to understand their decision-making limitations and strengths.

Social implications

This project will enhance the psychological understanding of investigative decision-making.

Originality/value

This project assists in understanding the psychological aspect of investigative decision-making during police duty and provides the opportunity to law enforcement agents to re-evaluate situations in order to improve the investigative decision-making process; while adds to existing literature.
Determinants of Marathoners’ event expenditures: an in-depth exploration of past experience
Authors: Park Kwangsoo , Park Jeong-Yeol , Back Robin M.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the determinants of Marathon event spending by estimated expenditure models.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes the impact of socio-demographic and travel-context factors on aggregated and disaggregated expenditures by event visitors who participated in the Fargo Marathon in Fargo, North Dakota.

Findings

The results indicate that event satisfaction does not have an influence on any types of expenditure. As the planning time increases, however, there is a positive effect on total expenditure. First-time visitors are shown to spend more money, especially on food and beverage, lodging and total expenditure. Conversely, the number of past experiences of the event had a negative influence on these expenditure types.

Originality/value

In addition to travel-related factors and socio-demographic variables, researchers had not examined the influence of repeat visits on travelers’ spending. The originality of this study lies in revealing that repeat visits decrease spending in specific categories, especially in the case of a Marathon event.
Progress on technology use in tourism
Authors: Cai Wenjie , Richter Shahper , McKenna Brad
Published: April 2019

Purpose

With the rapid development and implementation of cutting-edge information technologies in tourism and hospitality, it is necessary to update the progress of technology use in the past 18 years and set up research agenda for future research. By adopting information systems (IS) as a reference discipline, this paper aims to create a literature review of technology and tourism papers around the theme of use.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the systematic literature review process of Aguinis et al. (2018), 314 papers were downloaded to determine how they applied the concept of technology use.

Findings

Three themes about technology use emerged: types of processing, organisational use and users. Among various types of technology processing, interactive and online are largely addressed in the tourism and hospitality literature. The organisational use theme explores how the competitive and strategic use of technology provides management support for organisations. There was a large amount of research focussed on direct users, such as individual characteristics, user attitudes and user behaviour. The theories of technology acceptance model and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology have been widely applied in these studies.

Originality/value

This paper provides a review of key issues which has been discussed in tourism research in relation to technology use. By applying the scheme developed in the IS discipline, this study provides new insights into the development of technology in tourism. In addition, it also gives us the opportunity to suggest a research agenda by identifying research gaps and future research collaboration opportunities between these two fields.
Sustainable manufacturing evaluation model focusing leather industries in India
Authors: Dwivedi Ashish , Agrawal Dindayal , Madaan Jitender
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Sustainability is an integrating concept and demands strategic attention in developing countries like India. Due to strict environmental regulations and ongoing government sustainable policies such as “Namami Gange,” leather industries are extensively facing challenges to conform themselves toward these sustainable policies. The major challenge faced by leather industries is the exponentially increasing cost of adaptation to sustainable product and process. Under these operational constraints, survival of Indian leather industries has become a major challenge. In this context, this paper aims to identify and evaluate sustainable manufacturing policies. The key performance indicators (KPIs) based on triple bottom line of sustainability can assist leather industries that are about to initiate adopting sustainable practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper demonstrates the role of KPIs for evaluating sustainable manufacturing policies for leather industries in India. Initially, an in-depth literature review analysis has been carried out to identify indicators for evaluation of sustainable manufacturing policies. In this work, an integrated methodology has been developed to refine the priority map of the aforementioned KPIs based on consensus building among experts using Kappa analysis. Total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) has been used to demonstrate relationships which explain the significance of the KPIs. Further, Matriced Impact Croises Multiplication Applique analysis has been carried out to explore the relationships amongst KPIs.

Findings

Based on above analysis, identified interactive relationships among the KPIs will assist managers and decision-makers to incorporate effective sustainable policies in leather industries.

Practical implications

It is expected that these identified interactive interrelationships between KPIs will certainly facilitate the leather industry to achieve higher sustainable performance and competitiveness.

Originality/value

This study carries out an in-depth literature review analysis of sustainable manufacturing policies in leather industry. The author proposes an integrated methodology using kappa analysis, consensus building and TISM for evaluation of sustainable policies based on the literature review analysis and expert opinion.
Income and price elasticities of electricity demand in Australia: Evidence of state‐specific heterogeneity
Authors: Doojav Gan‐Ochir , Kalirajan Kaliappa
Published: April 2019

This paper estimates country‐wide and state‐level income and price elasticities of electricity demand in Australia for the period 1999Q1–2013Q2 using the National Electricity Market data and the autoregressive‐distributed lag model. The results suggest that the long‐run income and price elasticities are inelastic and are statistically significant with theoretically consistent signs. The country‐wide income and price elasticities are estimated to be 0.41 and −0.38, respectively. It is also found that there exists state‐specific heterogeneity in both speed and magnitude of the electricity consumption adjustment in response to changes in income and electricity price. These results have important policy implications, including the need to use state‐specific elasticities in the scenario analysis of the energy pricing policy.
Risk society online: Zika virus, social media and distrust in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Authors: Laurent‐Simpson Andrea , Lo Celia C.
Published: April 2019

While social construction of illness research has examined the redefinition of medically defined illness as non‐illness by laypersons, nothing has considered this process alongside emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). Using Gidden's notion of modern risk society and distrust in expert authority, this paper examines how social media posts construct Zika virus as nonhazardous while displaying a distrust in research and prevention. Using qualitative content analysis, we examine 801 posts on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Facebook page to highlight the interplay between risk, the social construction of Zika and trust in experts. Three themes are discussed, including Zika: (i) as legitimate public health threat; (ii) as product of CDC corruption and (iii) used to question medical expertise. We find the latter two themes supportive of Gidden's focus on risk and distrust in expert authority and discuss the danger of constructing EIDs as products of corrupt expert authority on public health social media platforms.
How do Personal Real Estate Transactions Affect Productivity and Risk Taking? Evidence from Professional Asset Managers
Authors: Ling David C. , Lu Yan , Ray Sugata
Published: April 2019

We examine the personal real estate transactions of professional asset managers to understand the effect of these transactions on professional productivity and risk proclivities. We find that real estate acquisitions lead to distractions, as evidenced by reduced performance, less active trading, and increased susceptibility to behavioral biases such as the disposition effect. We also find evidence that managers tend to increase the riskiness of their professional portfolios after real estate purchases, especially when purchasing investment properties and when purchases use extensive leverage. This suggests consistent risk‐taking appetites across personal and professional portfolios.
How do Interest Rate Changes Affect Mortgage Curtailments? Evidence from China
Authors: Kuang Weida , Liu Chunlin , Wu Qun , Zeng Hongchao
Published: April 2019

This study uses a unique data set of adjustable‐rate mortgages in China to investigate the effect of interest rate changes on mortgage curtailments. A distributed lag model shows that on average, the cumulative curtailment over four months increases by about RMB 1,856 in response to a 1 percentage point increase in interest rates. Further analyses show that the degree of responsiveness of mortgage curtailments depends on the direction of the interest rate changes: curtailments are more responsive to interest rate increases than to decreases. We also find significant heterogeneity in borrowers’ curtailment responses.
Single‐Needle Intensive Granulocyte and Monocyte Adsorptive Apheresis Is Suitable for Elderly Patients With Active Ulcerative Colitis Taking no Corticosteroids or Biologics
Authors: Fukuchi Takumi , Koga Hideaki , Kaichi Shinji , Ishikawa Akira , Horita Takahisa , Araki Ryota , Yokota Atsushi , Namba Yukiomi , Kyo Masahiro , Eguchi Takaaki , Shimazu Keiji
Published: April 2019

Twice‐weekly intensive granulocyte/monocyte adsorptive apheresis is effective and safe for ulcerative colitis, but maintaining two blood access routes is problematic. We previously reported that intensive granulocyte/monocyte adsorptive apheresis using a single needle in ulcerative colitis is effective and safe. We hypothesized that the efficacy and safety of single‐needle intensive granulocyte/monocyte adsorptive apheresis for ulcerative colitis would especially benefit the elderly. We enrolled 17 elderly ulcerative colitis patients to receive single‐needle intensive granulocyte/monocyte adsorptive apheresis, 27 elderly ulcerative colitis patients to receive double‐needle intensive granulocyte/monocyte adsorptive apheresis, and 52 nonelderly ulcerative colitis patients to receive single‐needle intensive granulocyte/monocyte adsorptive apheresis. Remission and mucosal healing rates after treatment did not differ significantly between elderly ulcerative colitis patients receiving single‐needle apheresis and the other two groups. In addition, no serious adverse effects, including blood clots, were observed in single‐needle intensive granulocyte/monocyte adsorptive apheresis patients. Single‐needle intensive granulocyte/monocyte adsorptive apheresis might be a novel alternative therapeutic option for elderly ulcerative colitis patients before considering corticosteroids.
Systematic review of depression and anxiety in psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Kamalaraj Narainraj , El‐Haddad Carlos , Hay Phillipa , Pile Kevin
Published: April 2019

Aim

To investigate the point prevalence of depression and anxiety in psoriatic arthritis and putative reductions in these comorbidities with the treatment of psoriatic arthritis.

Method

We performed a systematic review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines examining point prevalence of depression and anxiety in psoriatic arthritis as well as effects of treatment for psoriatic arthritis on these psychiatric comorbidities. MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBM Reviews and Cochrane, and PsycINFO were searched from inception to October 2017. Quality of studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Prevalence Studies. Study and population characteristics were extracted and entered into an electronic database for subsequent descriptive and meta‐analysis of point prevalence.

Result

Three studies matched inclusion criteria with significant statistical heterogeneity. The prevalence of depression ranged between 9%‐22% and anxiety between 15%‐30% in patients with psoriatic arthritis. One study matched inclusion criteria for treatment effect analysis, albeit with a high risk of bias and illustrated a benefit of etanercept on the prevalence of depression (9% vs 16%) and anxiety (14% vs 30%) after 24 weeks of treatment.

Conclusion

This is the first systematic review of point prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients with psoriatic arthritis. There is a moderate point prevalence of both depression and anxiety in patients with psoriatic arthritis, which is similar or slightly higher than the general population and comparable to that seen in other rheumatic diseases. The effects of treatment for psoriatic arthritis on comorbid depression and anxiety remain unclear.
Significant association of DRD2 enhancer variant rs12364283 with heroin addiction in a Pakistani population
Authors: Jabeen Shagufta , Pinsonneault Julia K. , Sadee Wolfgang , Lee Sung‐Ha , Zafar Muhammad Mobeen , Raja Muhammad Saqlain , Raja Ghazala Kaukab
Published: April 2019

The dopamine D2 receptor encoded by DRD2 has been implicated in multiple psychiatric disorders, mediated at least in part by two intronic variants affecting mRNA splicing, rs1076560 and rs2283265, and a less frequent enhancer variant, rs12364283, which increases DRD2 mRNA expression. This study tests whether these functionally validated variants confer susceptibility toward heroin addiction in a Pakistani population. A total of 540 heroin addicts and 467 healthy controls were genotyped, basic allele and genotype tests were performed. Neither rs1076560 nor rs2283265 significantly associated with heroin addiction. The enhancer rs12364283 occurs more frequently in heroin‐dependent cases than controls (MAF 13% vs. 7%, respectively), revealing significant association with heroin addiction (p = 3.0E‐06, OR 2.1). This study identifies rs12364283 of DRD2 as a potential risk factor for heroin addiction in the Pakistani study population. This enhancer variant had been shown to increase DRD2 mRNA expression, a possible factor in increased vulnerability to heroin addiction. Further studies are needed to validate this association of rs12364283.
The Fragility Index in peri‐operative randomised trials that reported significant mortality effects in adults
Authors: Bertaggia L. , Baiardo Redaelli M. , Lembo R. , Sartini C. , Cuffaro R. , Corrao F. , Zangrillo A. , Landoni G. , Bellomo R.
Published: April 2019

More than one million peri‐operative patients die each year. Thus, small improvements in peri‐operative care may save thousands of lives. However, clinicians need confidence in the robustness of trial findings. The Fragility Index may complement frequentist analysis and provide quantitative assessment of robustness. We searched MEDLINE for peri‐operative critical care randomised controlled trials that reported a statistically significant difference in mortality. We identified 46 trials with 37,347 participants. The median (IQR [range]) Fragility Index was 2 (1–3 [0–49]). Eleven trials had a Fragility Index of zero (changing from the Chi‐square test to Fisher's exact test removed significance) and seven trials had a Fragility Index of 1. Only 23/46 trials had a Fragility Index greater than the number of patients lost to follow‐up. There was a strong positive correlation between the Fragility Index and: the number of participants, R2 = 0.97, p < 0.0001; the number of centres that recruited participants, R2 = 0.96, p < 0.0001; the number of nations that recruited participants, R2 = 0.93, p < 0.0001; and the number of deaths, R2 = 0.97, p < 0.0001. As measured by the Fragility Index, the effect of peri‐operative interventions on mortality in individual randomised controlled trials are not robust.
Cord blood fatty acid‐binding protein‐4 levels are upregulated at both ends of the birthweight spectrum
Authors: Papathanasiou Aimilia Eirini , Briana Despina D. , Gavrili Stavroula , Georgantzi Sophia , Papathoma Evangelia , Marmarinos Antonios , Christou Christos , Voulgaris Konstantinos , Gourgiotis Dimitrios , Malamitsi‐Puchner Ariadne
Published: April 2019

Aim

Fatty acid‐binding protein‐4 (FABP4) is an adipokine associated with obesity and signs of the metabolic syndrome. We aimed to investigate at birth in term neonates with normal and abnormal intrauterine growth concentrations of FABP4 and associate them with various perinatal parameters.

Methods

Serum cord blood FABP4 levels were prospectively determined by ELISA in 80 singleton term appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age (AGA), intrauterine growth‐restricted (IUGR) and large‐for‐gestational‐age (LGA) neonates.

Results

Compared to the AGA group, cord blood FABP4 levels were increased in the IUGR and LGA groups. Additionally, they were higher in early‐term than full‐term neonates. A significant U‐shaped correlation was recorded between serum FABP4 levels and birthweight. A significant negative correlation between cord blood FABP4 and gestational age in the whole study population was noted.

Conclusion

Cord blood FABP4 levels were significantly higher at the extremes of foetal growth at term and negatively correlated with gestational age, being increased in early‐term versus full‐term neonates. Further longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are required to elucidate FABP4 implication in foetal growth and its association with future adverse cardiometabolic outcomes in the offspring.
Neurophysiological effects of multiple mood episodes in bipolar disorder
Authors: Borgelt Logan , Strakowski Stephen M. , DelBello Melissa P. , Weber Wade , Eliassen James C. , Komoroski Richard A. , Chu Wen‐Jang , Welge Jeffrey A. , Blom Thomas J. , Rummelhoff Emily , Tallman Maxwell , Lee Jing‐Huei , Adler Caleb M.
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Bipolar disorder is marked by progressive symptomatic changes, which have been linked with episode‐related structural findings—particularly in the prefrontal cortex. However, few studies have examined neurofunctional and neurochemical effects of disease burden. In this study, we compared first‐ and multi‐episode bipolar individuals. We hypothesized that the latter would demonstrate evidence of neurophysiological differences consistent with a model of progressive functional degradation of these networks.

Methods

First‐ and multi‐episode manic bipolar subjects participated in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) including a continuous performance task with emotional distractors, and in single‐voxel (1H) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). A priori fMRI regions‐of‐interest (ROI) included structures comprising prefrontal‐striatal‐amygdala networks; (1H)MRS voxels were placed within bilateral ventrolateral prefrontal (VLPFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Both ROI and voxel‐based brain activation in response to emotional stimuli, and neurochemical concentrations derived from (1H)MRS were compared across bipolar groups.

Results

Multi‐episode bipolar subjects showed relatively lower regional activation across prefrontal‐striatal‐amygdala networks, including bilateral VLPFC, orbitofrontal cortex, ACC, putamen, caudate, and amygdala. Exploratory whole‐brain, voxel‐based analysis suggested additional areas of lower activation extending into Brodmann area 22, posterior parietal regions, and right thalamus. Glutamate and N‐acetylaspartate (NAA) concentrations were also relatively lower in the ACC of multi‐episode subjects.

Conclusions

Disease burden, exemplified by multiple affective episodes is associated with evidence of widespread decrements in affective network activity. Lower ACC NAA concentration is similarly consistent with a model of progressive functional deficits. These findings support the functional significance of previously observed progressive structural changes throughout these regions.
Childhood factors associated with increased risk for mood episode recurrences in bipolar disorder—A systematic review
Authors: Estrada‐Prat Xavier , Van Meter Anna R. , Camprodon‐Rosanas Ester , Batlle‐Vila Santiago , Goldstein Benjamin I. , Birmaher Boris
Published: April 2019

Background

Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a recurrent illness associated with high morbidity and mortality. The frequency of mood episode recurrence in BD is highly heterogeneous and significantly impacts the person's psychosocial functioning and well‐being. Understanding the factors associated with mood recurrences could inform the prognosis and treatment. The objective of this review is to summarize the literature on factors, present during childhood, that influence recurrence.

Methodology

A systematic review of PubMed (1946‐2017) and PsycINFO (1884‐2017) databases was conducted to identify candidate studies. Search terms included bipolar disorder, episodes, predictors, recurrences, and course. Study characteristics, risk for bias, and factors associated with recurrence were coded by two raters according to predetermined criteria.

Results

Twenty child studies and 28 adult studies that retrospectively evaluated childhood variables associated with mood recurrences were included. Early age of onset, low socioeconomic status, comorbid disorders, inter‐episode subsyndromal mood symptoms, BD‐I/II subtypes, presence of stressors, and family history of BD were associated with higher number of recurrences.

Limitations

Risk factors and mood recurrences were assessed and defined in different ways, limiting generalizability.

Conclusion

Multiple factors are associated with increased risk of mood episode recurrence in BD. Interventions targeting modifiable factors could reduce the impact of BD. For example, treatment of comorbid disorders and subsyndromal mood symptoms, coupled with appropriate cognitive behavioral and family‐focused therapies could ameliorate risk related to many clinical factors. When coupled with social services to address environmental factors, the number of episodes could be reduced and the course of BD significantly improved.
Ultrasound guided aspirate from a paediatric retroperitoneal mass: A diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Agarwal Harshita , Singh Lavleen , Khan Niyaz A. , Goyal Surbhi
Published: April 2019

Adrenocortical neoplasms are rare and presents as a large mass in the abdomen. Immunohistochemistry markers like Melan‐A, Inhibin and synaptophysin can be used for establishing the diagnosis. Weiss criteria can be used to determine the prognosis.
Neurodevelopmental and health‐related quality‐of‐life outcomes in adolescence after surgery for congenital heart disease in infancy
Authors: Wotherspoon Jane M , Eagleson Karen J , Gilmore Linda , Auld Benjamin , Hirst Anne , Johnson Susan , Stocker Christian , Heussler Helen , Justo Robert N
Published: April 2019

Aim

To assess outcomes in adolescence after surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) in infancy. Domains analysed included cognition and executive function, social and emotional well‐being, adaptive behaviour, academic achievement, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).

Method

Twenty‐one participants (10 males, 11 females) ranged in age from 14 to 17 years (mean 15y 4.8mo, SD 8.4mo). Twenty had biventricular repairs. All were classified as New York Heart Association class I. Measures included: Wechsler Intelligence and Achievement scales; Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning, Second Edition; California Verbal Learning Test – Children's Version; Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function; Conners, Third Edition; Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Second Edition; Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition; Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure; and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory.

Results

Outcomes were significantly lower (p≤0.01) than population norms for processing speed, mathematical achievement, attention, and visual–spatial ability. Participants reported more frequent learning problems but more positive family relations. HRQoL was significantly lower across most domains by self‐ and parent‐proxy report.

Interpretation

Individuals with CHD may experience difficulties across a range of domains. These findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive screening, early intervention, and long‐term follow‐up, as deficits may extend into young adulthood.

What this paper adds

Identified cognitive, learning, and attentional impairments in adolescents after congenital heart disease surgery in infancy.

Combined self‐report, caregiver report, and laboratory tasks in a comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment protocol.

Health‐related quality of life was lower across most domains.
Phenomenological reduction in Merleau‐Ponty's The Structure of Behavior: An alternative approach to the naturalization of phenomenology
Authors: Kee Hayden
Published: April 2019

Approaches to the naturalization of phenomenology usually understand naturalization as a matter of rendering continuous the methods, epistemologies, and ontologies of phenomenological and natural scientific inquiry. Presupposed in this statement of the problematic, however, is that there is an original discontinuity, a rupture between phenomenology and the natural sciences that must be remedied. I propose that this way of thinking about the issue is rooted in a simplistic understanding of the phenomenological reduction that entails certain assumptions about the subject matter of phenomenology and its relationship to the natural sciences. By contrast, Merleau‐Ponty's first work, The Structure of Behavior, presents a radically different approach to the phenomenological reduction, one that traverses the natural sciences and integrates them into phenomenology from the outset. I outline the argument for this position in The Structure of Behavior and then discuss consequences for current methodological issues surrounding the naturalization of phenomenology, focusing on the relationship between empirical sciences of mind, phenomenological psychology, and transcendental phenomenology. This novel exegesis of Merleau‐Ponty's view on the reduction offers new insight into his oft‐quoted remark that the phenomenological reduction is impossible to complete.
Kant and the demandingness of the virtue of beneficence
Authors: Formosa Paul , Sticker Martin
Published: April 2019

We discuss Kant's conception of beneficence against the background of the overdemandingness debate. We argue that Kant's conception of beneficence constitutes a sweet spot between overdemandingness and undemandingness. To this end, we defend four key claims that together constitute a novel interpretation of Kant's account of beneficence: (1) For the same reason that we are obligated to be beneficent to others, we are permitted to be beneficent to ourselves; (2) we can prioritise our own ends; (3) it is more virtuous to do more rather than less when it comes to helping others; and (4) indifference to others is vicious. Finally, we explain how this represents a system of duties that gives our personal ends a moral standing without unacceptably moralising them.
Clinical study of 19 patients with SCN8A‐related epilepsy: Two modes of onset regarding EEG and seizures
Authors: Denis Julien , Villeneuve Nathalie , Cacciagli Pierre , Mignon‐Ravix Cecile , Lacoste Caroline , Lefranc Jeremie , Napuri Sylvia , Damaj Lena , Villega Frederic , Pedespan Jean‐Michel , Moutton Sebastien , Mignot Cyril , Doummar Diane , Lion‐François Laurence , Gataullina Svetlana , Dulac Olivier , Martin Melanie , Gueden Sophie , Lesca Gaetan , Julia Sophie , Cances Claude , Journel Hubert , Altuzarra Cecilia , Ben Zeev Bruria , Afenjar Alexandra , Barth Magalie , Villard Laurent , Milh Mathieu
Published: April 2019

Objective

To describe the mode of onset of SCN8A‐related severe epilepsy in order to facilitate early recognition, and eventually early treatment with sodium channel blockers.

Methods

We reviewed the phenotype of patients carrying a mutation in the SCN8A gene, among a multicentric cohort of 638 patients prospectively followed by several pediatric neurologists. We focused on the way clinicians made the diagnosis of epileptic encephalopathy, the very first symptoms, electroencephalography (EEG) findings, and seizure types. We made genotypic/phenotypic correlation based on epilepsy‐associated missense variant localization over the protein.

Results

We found 19 patients carrying a de novo mutation of SCN8A, representing 3% of our cohort, with 9 mutations being novel. Age at onset of epilepsy was 1 day to 16 months. We found two modes of onset: 12 patients had slowly emerging onset with rare and/or subtle seizures and normal interictal EEG (group 1). The first event was either acute generalized tonic–clonic seizure (GTCS; Group 1a, n = 6) or episodes of myoclonic jerks that were often mistaken for sleep‐related movements or other movement disorders (Group 1b, n = 6). Seven patients had a sudden onset of frequent tonic seizures or epileptic spasms with abnormal interictal EEG leading to rapid diagnosis of epileptic encephalopathy. Sodium channel blockers were effective or nonaggravating in most cases.

Significance

SCN8A is the third most prevalent early onset epileptic encephalopathy gene and is associated with two modes of onset of epilepsy.
Using fish models to investigate the links between microbiome and social behaviour: The next step for translational microbiome research?
Authors: Soares Marta C. , Cable Jo , Lima‐Maximino Monica G. , Maximino Caio , Xavier Raquel
Published: April 2019

Recent research has revealed surprisingly important connections between animals’ microbiome and social behaviour. Social interactions can affect the composition and function of the microbiome; conversely, the microbiome affects social communication by influencing the hosts’ central nervous system and peripheral chemical communication. These discoveries set the stage for novel research focusing on the evolution and physiology of animal social behaviour in relation to microbial transmission strategies. Here, we discuss the emerging roles of teleost fish models and their potential for advancing research fields, linked to sociality and microbial regulation. We argue that fish models, such as the zebrafish (Danio rerio, Cyprinidae), sticklebacks (‎Gasterosteidae), guppies (Poeciliidae) and cleaner–client dyads (e.g., obligate cleaner fish from the Labridae and Gobiidae families and their visiting clientele), will provide valuable insights into the roles of microbiome in shaping social behaviour and vice versa, while also being of direct relevance to the food and ornamental fish trades. The diversity of fish behaviour warrants more interdisciplinary research, including microbiome studies, which should have a strong ecological (field‐derived) approach, together with laboratory‐based cognitive and neurobiological experimentation. The implications of such integrated approaches may be of translational relevance, opening new avenues for future investigation using fish models.
Intermediale Schwellenmotive in Film‐ und Comic‐Adaptionen von Kafkas Das Schloß
Authors: Grammatikopoulos Damianos
Published: April 2019

Diese Studie analysiert Film‐ und Comic‐Adaptionen, die auf Franz Kafkas Roman Das Schloß basieren. Die Untersuchung, die sich mit drei als distinkt wahrgenommenen Medien befasst (Text, Film, Comic), benutzt einen intermedialen Ansatz, der auf Verknüpfungen zwischen ihnen bedacht ist, ohne dabei die medienspezifischen Eigenschaften der diskutierten Werke außer Acht zu lassen. Formale Elemente des Romans, und allen voran das auffällige Auftreten des Präfixes „vor“, stehen zunächst im Zentrum der Überlegungen, während anschließend Türen und Fenster in den Adaptionen in den Fokus rücken. Diese Motive werden als visuelle Schwellenmotive markiert und als solche in Zusammenhang mit ihrem textlichen Gegenstück, die „vor“‐Wörter im Roman, untersucht.
Collective Emotions and Victimization in the World War Two FilmDer Untergang(2004)
Authors: Süselbeck Jan
Published: April 2019

After Bernd Eichinger's blockbuster war movieDer Untergangwas released in 2004, it received many positive reviews by North‐American critics. But the biggest success of this film is still on‐going: more than a decade later,Der Unterganghas become canonized in a way similar to the Oscar winning GDR surveillance movieDas Leben der Anderen(2006). Today,Der Untergangis one of the classic films to teach the “Third Reich” in many German courses. While many scholarly studies have been written aboutDer Untergang, they do not use the most promising methodological approach that can help us to understand how this film manages to be so suggestive. This paper's thesis is that it is crucial to take a closer look at the emotive strategies used inDer Untergang. Emotion research is the key to understanding the film's transnational success.
Outcome of non‐surgical root canal treatment related to periodontitis and chronic disease medication among adults in age group of 60 years or more
Authors: Jahreis Martin , Soliman Sebastian , Schubert Alexander , Connert Thomas , Schlagenhauf Ullrich , Krastl Gabriel , Krug Ralf
Published: April 2019

Objective

To assess the impact of non‐endodontic factors like periodontitis and chronic disease medication (CDM) mostly affecting elderly people's health on the outcome of non‐surgical root canal treatment (NSRCT).

Background

An increasing number of elderly people with high prevalence of marginal periodontitis and CDM benefit from adequate endodontic therapy, if irreversible pulpitis or apical periodontitis occurs. Only few data exist about the relevance of those non‐endodontic factors on healing of endodontic lesions in a population 60 years or more.

Material and methods

Of 177 patients aged 60 years or more with 212 NSRCTs performed between the year of 2010 and 2013, complete documentation was available for 112 teeth in 93 participants. Mean time between baseline and last follow‐up was 38.93 months. The primary endodontic factors studied were the periapical index (PAI) of periapical health, quality of the root canal filling and of coronal restoration, periodontal probing depth (PPD, mm) and tooth mobility (TM, 0‐3). Secondary non‐endodontic factors included the presence of marginal periodontitis and CDM, in particular antidiabetics, antihypertensives and anticoagulants. Statistical analyses were performed using Chi‐square test statistics and logistic regression analysis.

Results

Periodontitis and CDM had no effect on endodontic outcome. Chronic intake of anticoagulants showed a significant association with endodontic outcome. Root‐filled teeth with preoperative periapical lesions had a significantly higher rate of endodontic failure than those without preoperative lesion. The overall success rate of NSRCT was 87.1% with 81 healed teeth.

Conclusion

Periodontitis and CDM have no impact on the endodontic outcome of NSRCT in a population 60 years or more.
Examining the association between vestibular function and lower extremity circumference in an aged population
Authors: Wu Chen‐Jung , Kao Tung‐Wei , Chen Yuan‐Yuei , Peng Tao‐Chun , Wang Chung‐Ching , Zhou Yi‐Chao , Yang Hui‐Fang , Chen Wei‐Liang
Published: April 2019

Aim

To explore the association between vestibular dysfunction and specific anthropometric parameters.

Methods

The results from 2420 participants of the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included for the evaluation of vestibular dysfunction using the Romberg test of standing balance and anthropometric measurements, including waist circumference, thigh circumference, calf circumference (CC), waist‐to‐thigh ratio (WTR) and waist‐to‐calf ratio (WCR). Passing the balance test was defined as participants keeping their balance for 30 s while in the standing position with their eyes closed. Multivariable logistic regression models were the main statistical tools in the present study.

Results

The mean age of the participants was approximately 65 years, and half of the study participants were men. The full adjusted odds ratio of vestibular dysfunction for the CC, thigh circumference, WCR and WTR was 0.941 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.894–0.992), 0.948 (95% CI 0.912–0.986), 1.856 (95% CI 1.087–3.170) and 2.516 (95% CI 1.235–5.126), respectively. Higher waist circumference along with lower thigh circumference and CC were observed in the participants in the higher WTR and WCR quartiles. Furthermore, a dose–response relationship between vestibular dysfunction and anthropometric ratios was detected.

Discussion

The present study showed that individuals with lower CC and thigh circumference or higher WCR and WTR exhibited higher odds of having vestibular dysfunction. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 622–627.
Temperature‐dependent electrical transport behavior and structural evolution in hollandite‐type titanium‐based oxide
Authors: Feng Tao , Li Liping , Lv Zhe , Li Baoyun , Zhang Yuelan , Li Guangshe
Published: April 2019

Electrical transport behavior and structural characteristics directly determine the use of functional ceramic materials in electronic information storage, catalytic conversion, and energy field applications. However, these properties are poorly understood because most of the relevant experiments were performed in a rather narrow temperature range. Herein, we used hollandite‐type KxTi8O16 as an example to systematically study the temperature‐dependent structure and electrical transport properties in a wide temperature range from 25 to 900°C. The electrical transport involves both potassium ionic conduction and electronic conduction. With increasing temperature, the ionic conductivity increases below 800°C and decreases above 800°C. The electronic conductivity displays two maxima at 0.15 S/cm at 400°C and 5.2 × 10−4 S/cm at 800°C. These interesting variations in the conductivities are related to the presence of Ti3+ and the structural transformation from hollandite to a mixture of rutile and jeppeite. The findings reported herein support the potential application of titanium‐based hollandites and provide an understanding of the electrical transport properties of functional ceramic materials.
Can Euroscepticism Contribute to a European Public Sphere? The Europeanization of Media Discourses on Euroscepticism across Six Countries
Authors: Dutceac Segesten Anamaria , Bossetta Michael
Published: April 2019

This study compares the media discourses on euroscepticism in 2014 in six countries (the UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Sweden and Denmark). We assessed the extent to which the mass media's reporting of euroscepticism indicates the Europeanization of public spheres. Using a mixed‐methods approach combining latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) topic modelling and qualitative coding, we find that approximately 70 per cent of print articles mentioning ‘euroscepticism’ or ‘eurosceptic’ are framed in a non‐domestic (i.e., European) context. In five of the six cases studied, articles exhibiting a European context are strikingly similar in content, with the British case as the exception. However, coverage of British euroscepticism drives Europeanization in other member states. Bivariate logistic regressions further reveal three macro‐level structural variables that significantly correlate with a Europeanized media discourse: the newspaper type (tabloid or broadsheet), the presence of a strong domestic eurosceptical party and relationship to the EU budget (net contributor or receiver of EU funds).
Peri‐implant marginal bone loss reduction with platform‐switching components: 5‐Year post‐loading results of an equivalence randomized clinical trial
Authors: Messias Ana , Rocha Salomão , Wagner Wilfried , Wiltfang Jörg , Moergel Maximilian , Behrens Eleonore , Nicolau Pedro , Guerra Fernando
Published: April 2019

Aim

To compare the clinical performance and marginal bone levels of implants restored with platform‐switching (PS) or platform‐matching (PM) abutments.

Materials and Methods

Adult patients missing two or more adjacent teeth in the posterior mandible received 2–4 CAMLOG SCREW‐LINE implants and were randomly allocated to the PM or PS group, receiving the corresponding prosthetic components from surgery onwards. Implants were conventionally loaded with single cemented crowns. Patients were followed annually for 5 years. Outcome measures were marginal bone level changes, implant survival, performance of the prosthetic components and clinical parameters plaque index, sulcus bleeding index and pocket probing depth.

Results

Thirty‐three patients received 72 implants in the PM group, and thirty‐five patients received 74 implants in the PS group. Sixty patients attended the final appointment, 31 had received PS components and 29 had received PM components with 65 and 63 implants, respectively. Global survival rate was 96.6% with no differences between groups (p = 0.647). After 5 years of functional loading, PS restored implants presented 0.23mm (95% CI: [0.03, 0.43], p = 0.025) lower marginal bone level changes. The two groups were declared non‐equivalent.

Conclusion

Patients requiring implant supported restorations in healed bounded or free end edentulous gaps of the mandible benefit from the use of PS components in terms of peri‐implant marginal bone level maintenance, though it may not be clinically noticeable.
Immunological effects and potential mechanisms of action of autologous serum therapy in chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Yu L. , Buttgereit T. , Stahl Skov P. , Schmetzer O. , Scheffel J. , Kocatürk E. , Zawar V. , Magerl M. , Maurer M.
Published: April 2019

Background

Autoimmune processes are considered to play a major role in the pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Very recently, interleukin 24 (IL‐24) has been identified as an immunoglobulin E (IgE) autoantigen in CSU. Some studies revealed that notably autologous serum skin test (ASST)‐positive CSU patients may benefit from autohemotherapy; however, the mechanisms of action remain unknown. We aimed to investigate the immunological effects of autologous serum injections in ASST‐positive CSU patients.

Methods

Sixty‐six ASST‐positive CSU patients were treated with weekly intramuscular autologous serum injections for 8 weeks and followed up for 12 weeks. Urticaria activity score (UAS7) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were assessed. The ASST was done at baseline, week 9 and week 21. Serum samples (baseline, weeks 9, 13 and/or 21) were analysed for the levels of IgE‐anti‐IL‐24 and immunoglobulin G (IgG)‐anti‐IL‐24 via ELISA and their ability to release histamine in basophils [basophil histamine release assay (BHRA)].

Results

Autologous serum therapy resulted in a substantial improvement in disease activity and quality of life after 8 and 20 weeks. Twenty‐eight percent and 34% of patients turned ASST‐negative in weeks 9 and 21, respectively, but there was no link between their response to treatment and changes of ASST results. Also, no significant or relevant changes in BHRA were observed. In contrast, autologous serum therapy significantly decreased IgE‐anti‐IL‐24 serum levels, but not IgG‐anti‐IL‐24 serum levels, in responders but not in non‐responders.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the immunological effects of autologous serum therapy include a reduction in IgE‐anti‐IL24 autoantibodies, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of CSU.
Prevalence of parasites in working pig‐tailed Macaques (Macaca nemestrina) in Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Choong Siew Shean , Mimi Armiladiana Mohamad , Ruhil Hayati Hamdan , Peng Tan Li
Published: April 2019

Background

Coconut is an important commodity in Kelantan, and pig‐tailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) have been traditionally used for coconut‐plucking for over a century. Most of these animals were sourced from the wild population, and the parasitic status of these macaques is unknown, plus the impacts caused by these parasites are usually underestimated by the owners.

Methods

A total of 30 macaques were sampled for blood, faeces and hair plucks to detect parasite.

Results

Out of 21 faecal samples examined, 11 (52%) were determined positive for one or more gastrointestinal parasites, namely Trichostrongylus spp., Strongyloides spp., Anatrichosoma spp., Capillaria spp., Trichuris spp. and Paramphisotomum spp. Filaria was detected in one (3%) of the blood samples. For ectoparasites, only lice, Pedicinus sp., were found in 9 (30%) macaques.

Conclusions

It is imperative that the parasitic status of these animals be determined so that necessary actions and preventive measures can be implemented to prevent zoonotic transmissions.
To Be Both (and More): Immigration and Identity Multiplicity
Authors: Verkuyten Maykel , Wiley Shaun , Deaux Kay , Fleischmann Fenella
Published: April 2019

Immigrants and their descendants make up a growing share of the population in countries across Europe, North America, and Oceania. This large‐scale immigration challenges once relatively stable notions of ethnic, national (or regional), and religious identities. Immigrants and their children confront the task of defining themselves in a new and unfamiliar context. Questions regarding immigrants’ identifications with their ethnic and national groups—but also with local, religious, and supranational groups—have animated national policy debates. This special issue brings together research on migrants’ sense of a “being both,” and the research and policy implications of this particular form of multiple identification. This introductory article discusses the conceptualisation of multiple identification, the importance of group dynamics for the adoption of dual identities, as well as the implications of identification with multiple social groups for immigrants and their receiving societies.