bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incorporating practical sustainability and managerial and financial reporting in accounting education
Authors: Hutaibat Khaled
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This study aims to illustrate an interactive project in an advanced accounting course at a Middle Eastern higher education institution, which introduced students to practical/applied financial and managerial accounting and sustainability reporting and created an element of cognitive dissonance with regard to their financial reporting-biased prior knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

Groups are formed that create fictitious companies and then prepare an annual report for this company. Part of the project is a critical reflection on the experience afterwards. Students needed to critically reflect on their learning experience as part of the project assessment to fulfil the required learning outcomes, as constructive learning needs reflection.

Findings

This project introduced students to practical/applied financial and managerial accounting and sustainability reporting and created an element of cognitive dissonance with regard to their financial reporting-biased prior knowledge. While some students considered the project on financial/managerial accounting and sustainability reporting a beneficial undertaking and felt their disciplinary worldview challenged, others thought it was interesting but still preferred to remain with the primarily financial focus of their discipline.

Originality/value

The project was undertaken to allow students to engage with their disciplinary material, both conventional and sustainability reporting-related, in a constructive learning manner.
Firm-level perspectives on social media engagement: an exploratory study
Authors: Hallock William , Roggeveen Anne L. , Crittenden Victoria
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a richer, more complete understanding of how firms define and consider customer engagement on social networks. The research builds from the theoretical backdrop of customer engagement. The research then uses a qualitative interview approach to understand the firm perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were collected using in-depth interviews with employees at a variety of companies including Facebook, Google, another leading social networking site, a higher education institution and a start-up company.

Findings

Companies view engagement with social media as measureable metrics of consumer interactions with the platform. These metrics could include growth and interaction on the platform, number of users, subscribers to the site or page views. Propositions are developed around how customer engagement is defined, the breadth and depth of social media and when social media is used as a push or a pull strategy.

Research limitations/implications

Findings from this research are limited by the sample size and convenience of sampling. However, results from this grounded theory approach enabled propositions that can focus on larger datasets and testing.

Practical implications

Engagement indicates meaningful information that can propel a company’s position forward. To companies, this meaningful information is in terms of metrics that can be used as information and evidence for future decision-making.

Social implications

This research suggests that firms need to better define what engagement means and to assess the best platforms for creating an ecosystem of engagement with customers.

Originality/value

Many researchers are exploring engagement within the context of social media networks. This research, however, is one of the first to explore this from a firm level perspective.
Managing wildfire disasters in the Rocky Mountains
Authors: Craig Christopher
Published: March 2019

Research methodology

The paper employs ethnographic interviews, a quantitative and qualitative data analysis of publicly accessible data and literature review.

Case overview/synopsis

With drought conditions expected to worsen in at-risk areas thus amplifying wildfire likelihood, this case explores the organizational and natural dynamics involved with wildfire management. The case engages students to explore the interactions between wildfire, wildland firefighters and agency organizations drawing from the natural resource dependence theory within a sustainability context. When completing the discussion questions, students are challenged to explore how organizations can use discursive closures to eliminate conflict and control meaning surrounding potentially controversial and politicized topics such as wildfire management.

Complexity academic level

This interdisciplinary case would be appropriate for undergraduate and graduate students in business and STEM classes. Optimal classes include organizational behavior, organizational communication and sustainability. Other appropriate classes include strategic management, applied business decisions, public relations, public policy, crisis management and for corporate training purposes.
Angle‐domain common‐image gathers in reverse‐time migration by combining the Poynting vector with local‐wavefield decomposition
Authors: Chengliang Wu , Huazhong Wang , Yang Zhou , Jiangtao Hu
Published: March 2019

Angle‐domain common‐image gathers are an important tool in the post‐processing of seismic images and for reservoir characterization. The generation of angle gathers is a very important issue when dealing with angle‐domain images. Efficiency and robustness are the main concerns in the generation of angle gathers. In this paper, we propose two methods for producing angle gathers based on the implementation of a reverse‐time migration. In the hybrid method, we adopt the local‐plane‐wave decomposition method to extract the local plane waves and obtain two possible opposite propagation directions in the time‐wavenumber domain. Then, Poynting vectors are used to determine the correct propagation direction. The hybrid method achieves a satisfactory balance between robustness and computational efficiency. Furthermore, in the improved hybrid method, additional computational acceleration is obtained by separating the overlapping and non‐overlapping wavefield areas. The hybrid method is only applied in these areas with overlapping wave fronts, and the Poynting‐vector‐based method is adopted in the other areas. The location of the overlapping events is determined using the eigenvalues of the structural tensor. Finally, the two‐dimensional synthetic and field examples demonstrate the effectiveness of both methods.
Engaging a family’s support network in non‐violent resistance: the experiences of supporters
Authors: Hicks Stephanie , Jakob Peter , Kustner Claudia
Published: March 2019

Non‐violent resistance (NVR) is a systemic approach which aims to build parent agency and a positive support network around children who display destructive behaviour. Supporters play a key role in NVR, but there is limited research on how to engage them in NVR. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of the members of a family’s support network on the implementation of NVR. These experiences were then interpreted in line with theories of motivation and change in order to understand how the NVR practitioner and parents can best engage with supporters in future. Eight supporters were interviewed and themes developed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The study analysis found five themes: contemplation, committing to action, looking for change, needing to cope and working within a social context. These are interpreted in line with theories of change and motivation. Clinical recommendations and recommendations for further research are discussed.

Practitioner points

Practitioners need to consider that taking part in NVR can be experienced by supporters in both positive and negative ways

Practitioners may improve supporters’ engagement and motivation in the process by considering areas such as understanding NVR, positive communication and impact on relationships
Stability and Specificity of Counterfeit Protection System Code
Authors: Li Jiang‐Chun , Fang Fang , Han Xing‐Zhou , Li Biao , Han Wei , Zhou Qian
Published: March 2019

In this study, the stability and specificity of a counterfeit protection system (CPS) code were determined. This research involved an analysis of a counterfeit protection system code unit over time using the pattern location measurement method. We collected 379 sample sheets from 196 printers or photocopiers, covering 14 original brands, including 129 models. There was an interval of at least two months between the collections of samples from each machine. Four types of characteristics were established: CPS pattern unit, distance of the CPS unit, position of dots, size and shape of the dot. Except for the partial changes in the Xerox brand, no other brand exhibited changes over time. This implies that the CPS characteristics are stable. Meanwhile, no correlation was noted between the combinations of the characteristic systems in the collected samples, which implied strong specificity.
Establishing an evidenced‐based dietetic model of care in haemodialysis using implementation science
Authors: Mackay Hannah J. , Campbell Katrina L. , van der Meij Barbara S. , Wilkinson Shelley A.
Published: March 2019

Aim

To establish an evidence‐based dietetics service in an in‐centre haemodialysis unit utilising implementation science.

Methods

The service was developed through the Knowledge‐to‐Action Framework. The steps of the Action Cycle were addressed through a literature review, identification of evidence‐based guidelines, benchmarking and local staff engagement. The theoretical domains framework (TDF) was used to identify barriers/enablers, and behaviour change wheel to determine appropriate interventions. To monitor, evaluate outcomes and assess sustained knowledge use we employed multidisciplinary team engagement and database use. Audit data were collected at baseline, 6 and 12 months on nutrition assessment (Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment), intervention timeliness and alignment to dietetic workforce recommendations. Descriptive statistics, McNemar tests and a linear mixed model were applied.

Results

Barriers existed in the knowledge, skills, environmental context and resources TDF domains. Suitable interventions were identified with training on nutritional management of haemodialysis patients delivered to 148 nurses, and nutrition management recommendations summarised into local procedural resources. A database to prompt and monitor outcome measures was created and indicated that over 18 months post‐service commencement, eligible patients received nutrition assessment at least 6‐monthly, aligning with recommendations. Prevalence of malnutrition was 28% (n = 9/32) at baseline, 23% (n = 5/22) at 6 months and 20% (n = 4/20) at 12 months (P = 0.50).

Conclusions

We demonstrated benefits to service development and implementation with implementation science providing a structured and methodical approach to translating guidelines into practice. Development of training, resources and prompts for outcome measures has supported the establishment of an evidence‐based dietetics service in a haemodialysis unit.
Identifying adult dragonfly prey items using DNA barcoding and stable isotope analysis
Authors: Do Yuno , Choi Moon Bo
Published: March 2019

Using DNA barcoding and stable isotope analysis, we identified adult dragonfly prey items from the fecal pellets of five dragonfly species—Nannophya pygmaea, Ischnura asiatica, Sympetrum eroticum, Orthetrum albistylum, and Anax parthenope—collected from a mountain bog located in south‐eastern South Korea. Twelve operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to four orders, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, and Lepidoptera, were identified as prey items of adult dragonflies using DNA barcoding. Among prey items, Dipterans were the most common, comprising seven of the 10 OTUs. Based on stable isotope analysis, adult dragonflies and their nymphs were among the most numerous predators in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Additionally, dragonfly species with smaller adult sizes had different isotopic compositions to those reaching larger adult sizes. Both δ15N and δ13C values were significantly lower in smaller species than in larger species, indicating differences in their trophic levels and carbon sources.
Dose‐response relationships between dairy intake and chronic metabolic diseases in a Chinese population
Authors: Guo Panpan , Zhu Henan , Pan Hongzhi , Feng Rennan , Chen Yichi , Wang Yan , Wang Xuemei , Li Yong , Yang Lei , Zhou Beijia , Wang Xin , Zhao Yan
Published: March 2019

Background

This study investigated associations between dairy intake and chronic metabolic diseases (CMDs), and evaluated possible dose‐response relationships in Chinese.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 6073 adults aged ≥18 years from China. General characteristics were gathered using a validated dietary questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analyses investigated associations between dairy intake and chronic metabolic diseases (CMDs) (overweight/obesity, obesity, central obesity, and hyperlipidemia). Restricted cubic spline models explored dose‐response relationships between dairy intake and CMDs, and possible dairy intake in the prevention of CMDs. Structural equation modeling explored the potential mechanisms of the effects of dairy intake on CMDs.

Results

Significant inverse associations were found between dairy intake and overweight/obesity, obesity, central obesity, and hyperlipidemia, with odds ratios (ORs) of 0.66 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56‐0.79), 0.63 (95% CI 0.47‐0.85), 0.71 (95% CI 0.60‐0.85), and 0.81 (95% CI 0.56‐1.17), respectively (P < 0.05 for all). The intake of yogurt, milk, and total dairy to prevent CMDs differed according to age group (16‐74, 29‐187, and 159‐269 mL/d, respectively, in the entire group; 69‐110, 59‐152, and 138‐167 mL/d, respectively, in the young group, ≤ 44 years; 9‐58, 57‐149, and 117‐145 mL/d, respectively, in the middle‐aged group, 45‐59 years; and 23‐59 mL/d yogurt only in the old group, ≥ 60 years). Structural equation modeling showed that dairy intake could reduce body mass index and waist circumference by regulating carbohydrate, fat, protein, and total energy.

Conclusions

Dairy intake was inversely associated with the prevalence of overweight, obesity, central obesity, and hyperlipidemia, and the optimal range of dairy intake differed with age. The beneficial effects of dairy intake in preventing CMDs could involve regulation of carbohydrate, fat, protein, and total energy.
Have the cake and eat it: Optimizing nondestructive DNA metabarcoding of macroinvertebrate samples for freshwater biomonitoring
Authors: Martins Filipa M. S. , Galhardo Mafalda , Filipe Ana F. , Teixeira Amílcar , Pinheiro Paulo , Paupério Joana , Alves Paulo C. , Beja Pedro
Published: March 2019

DNA metabarcoding can contribute to improving cost‐effectiveness and accuracy of biological assessments of aquatic ecosystems, but significant optimization and standardization efforts are still required to mainstream its application into biomonitoring programmes. In assessments based on freshwater macroinvertebrates, a key challenge is that DNA is often extracted from cleaned, sorted and homogenized bulk samples, which is time‐consuming and may be incompatible with sample preservation requirements of regulatory agencies. Here, we optimize and evaluate metabarcoding procedures based on DNA recovered from 96% ethanol used to preserve field samples and thus including potential PCR inhibitors and nontarget organisms. We sampled macroinvertebrates at five sites and subsampled the preservative ethanol at 1 to 14 days thereafter. DNA was extracted using column‐based enzymatic (TISSUE) or mechanic (SOIL) protocols, or with a new magnetic‐based enzymatic protocol (BEAD), and a 313‐bp COI fragment was amplified. Metabarcoding detected at least 200 macroinvertebrate taxa, including most taxa detected through morphology and for which there was a reference barcode. Better results were obtained with BEAD than SOIL or TISSUE, and with subsamples taken 7–14 than 1–7 days after sampling, in terms of DNA concentration and integrity, taxa diversity and matching between metabarcoding and morphology. Most variation in community composition was explained by differences among sites, with small but significant contributions of subsampling day and extraction method, and negligible contributions of extraction and PCR replication. Our methods enhance reliability of preservative ethanol as a potential source of DNA for macroinvertebrate metabarcoding, with a strong potential application in freshwater biomonitoring.
miR‐194 suppresses high glucose‐induced non‐small cell lung cancer cell progression by targeting NFAT5
Authors: Meng Xuying , Li Zhenjin , Zhou Saijun , Xiao Shumin , Yu Pei
Published: March 2019

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is linked to an increased risk of lung cancer; however, the exact molecular basis is unclear.

Methods

We used a microarray method and found a group of microRNAs differently expressed in lung cancer cells at high or low glucose treatment.

Results

Among these, miR‐194 changed significantly, which indicated further analysis. miR‐194 was significantly downregulated in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells cultured in high glucose (HG) medium and clinical NSCLC tissues with DM. The introduction of miR‐194 significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung cancer cells induced by HG, suggesting that miR‐194 may be a suppressor during HG‐induced NSCLC progression. Further analysis indicated that NFAT5 was a direct target gene of miR‐194, evidenced by the direct binding of miR‐194 with the 3’untranslated region of NFAT5. MiR‐194 could decrease the expression of NFAT5 at both messenger RNA and protein levels, while overexpression of NFAT5 reversed the decreased proliferation, migration, and invasion ability mediated by miR‐194 in lung cancer cells.

Conclusion

Our findings provide new insight into the mechanism of NSCLC progression. Therapeutically, miR‐194 may serve as a potential target for the treatment of lung cancer patients with DM.
Knockdown of KLF5 promotes cisplatin‐induced cell apoptosis via regulating DNA damage checkpoint proteins in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Hao , Shao Fei , Guo Wei , Gao Yibo , He Jie
Published: March 2019

Background

Previous research has revealed that Krüppel‐like factor 5 (KLF5) may affect DNA damage repair pathways; however, the associated molecular mechanisms are unclear.

Methods

The expression of KLF5 was studied by immunohistochemical staining in paired tumour and normal tissues from 90 patients with ESCC. We studied the effects of KLF5 knockdown on cell proliferation and apoptosis with or without cisplatin treatment in A549 and H1299 cell lines. Moreover, we examined the effect of KLF5 on the DNA damage response.

Results

KLF5 was significantly overexpressed in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues, and high KLF5 expression predicted poor prognosis for NSCLC patients. The inhibition of KLF5 markedly augmented cisplatin‐induced cell apoptosis. In addition, we observed that KLF5 knockdown could decrease DNA repair potential by inhibiting H2AX S139 phosphorylation in response to cisplatin. Moreover, silencing of KLF5 in NSCLC cell lines inhibited the phosphorylation of checkpoint kinases Chk1 S345 and Chk2 T68. KLF5 knockdown permits cells with broken or damaged DNA strands to enter mitosis by inhibiting the activation of H2AX, Chk1 and Chk2, resulting in mitotic catastrophe.

Conclusion

KLF5 plays a significant role in the DNA damage response by regulating DNA damage checkpoint proteins. Inhibition of KLF5 may be a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC patients with cisplatin resistance.
18Fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography/computed tomography features of suspected solitary pulmonary lesions in breast cancer patients following previous curative treatment
Authors: Zhu Lei , Bian Haiman , Yang Lieming , Liu Jianjing , Chen Wei , Li Xiaofeng , Wang Jian , Song Xiuyu , Dai Dong , Ye Zhaoxiang , Xu Wengui , Yu Xiaozhou
Published: March 2019

Background

Differentiating pulmonary metastasis from primary lung cancer can be challenging in patients with breast malignancy. This study aimed to characterize the imaging features of 18fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F‐FDG‐PET/CT) for distinguishing between these diseases.

Methods

We enrolled 52 patients who received curative treatment for breast cancer but later presented with suspected solitary pulmonary lesions (SPLs) and subsequently underwent 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT to investigate.

Results

Subsolid lesions, ill‐defined borders, lung lesions with negative maximum standardized uptake value, and lesions without 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT‐diagnosed hilar and/or mediastinal lymph nodes and pleural metastases were more likely to be associated with primary lung cancer.

Conclusions

CT border, FDG uptake, hilar and/or mediastinal lymph node metastasis, and pleural metastasis are potential markers for diagnosis.
Accounting for Intangibles: Can Capitalization of R&D Improve Investment Efficiency?
Authors: Dinh Tami , Sidhu Baljit K. , Yu Chuan
Published: March 2019

This paper investigates the potential for accounting rules to mitigate under‐investment induced by myopic managerial incentives. It exploits the difference within US GAAP requiring the capitalization of some research and development (R&D) costs in software development but proscribing the capitalization of R&D in other industries. We first investigate whether other hi‐technology firms with no capitalization of R&D costs suffer higher levels of under‐investment in myopic settings relative to software development firms. Second, we investigate whether the capitalization rule assists in mitigating under‐investment within the software development industry, and whether this comes at the cost of over‐investment in the presence of financial flexibility. Our findings are consistent with the mitigation of under‐investment in the software development setting but we find no evidence of over‐investment in the presence of high financial flexibility. Other hi‐tech firms that cannot capitalize R&D costs suffer higher levels of under‐investment relative to software development firms. Finally, we find that the ability to capitalize for the sample of software firms does reduce the probability of cutting R&D investment when managers are under earnings pressure. The findings in this paper are relevant to standard setters seeking to understand the costs imposed by (understandably) conservative accounting rules, and how verification of points of feasibility alongside less conservative accounting can prevent dysfunctional investment outcomes. This is the first study to consider whether the ability to (justifiably) capitalize the costs of internally generated intangibles can improve investment efficiency (the allocation of resources).
Non‐GAAP Earnings and the Earnings Quality Trade‐off
Authors: Ribeiro Andrea , Shan Yaowen , Taylor Stephen
Published: March 2019

Using a large sample of earnings press releases by Australian firms, we compare multiple attributes of non‐GAAP earnings measures with their closest GAAP equivalent. We find that, on average, non‐GAAP earnings are more persistent, smoother, more value relevant, and have higher predictive power than their closest GAAP equivalent. However, the same set of non‐GAAP earnings disclosures are also less conservative and less timely than their closest GAAP equivalent. The results are consistent with non‐GAAP earnings measures reflecting a reversal of the trade‐off between the valuation and stewardship roles of accounting inherent in accounting standards and the way they are applied. We also find that differences in several of these attributes between GAAP and non‐GAAP earnings are more evident in larger firms, firms with lower market‐to‐book ratios, firms with a higher proportion of independent directors, and firms that report profits rather than losses. Our evidence is consistent with the argument that accounting standards impose significant amounts of conditional conservatism at some cost to the valuation role of accounting information. Non‐GAAP earnings measures can therefore be seen as a response to the challenges faced by a single GAAP performance measure in satisfying the competing demands of value relevance and stewardship.
Is Financial Reporting Still Useful? Australian Evidence
Authors: Davern Michael , Gyles Nikole , Hanlon Dean , Pinnuck Matthew
Published: March 2019

There has been recent and growing criticism of the usefulness of financial reporting for investors, particularly the annual financial statements. In response, the IASB is pursuing several projects aimed at improving the relevance of financial information. To inform the IASB’s work, we investigate, using a mixed‐method approach, the extent and nature of the use of annual financial statements by equity investors. We examine the relevance of financial reporting for equity valuation in Australia across time. We find that financial reporting (specifically, reported net income, shareholders’ equity, and operating cash flows) remains relevant for investment decisions. We further support this finding with evidence from field interviews that provide insight into how and why financial statements are used by equity investors. The field evidence also demonstrates that no one financial statement dominates in investor decision making. Given the increasing availability of more timely, forward‐looking information from alternative sources, we examine the relevance of non‐GAAP financial information and other non‐financial information for investor decision making. We find that non‐GAAP financial information (as proxied by EBIT and EBITDA) is more value relevant than statutory measures. We further find a broad range of non‐financial information is utilized by investors in making investment decisions both as a ‘screen’ and for valuation purposes. Our findings inform regulators and other stakeholders as we provide evidence of the continuing relevance of financial statements and the complementary role of non‐GAAP financial and other information. Our evidence provides a rebuttal to the recent criticism.
Rapid Micro‐Induction of Buprenorphine/Naloxone for Opioid Use Disorder in an Inpatient Setting: A Case Series
Authors: Klaire Sukhpreet , Zivanovic Rebecca , Barbic Skye Pamela , Sandhu Raman , Mathew Nickie , Azar Pouya
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives

Buprenorphine/naloxone has been shown to be effective in the treatment of opioid use disorder. Due to its pharmacological properties, induction can be challenging, time‐consuming, and result in sudden onset of withdrawal symptoms.

Methods

Retrospective case series (n = 2).

Results

Two patients with opioid use disorder were successfully started on buprenorphine/naloxone using a rapid micro‐induction technique that did not cause precipitated withdrawal or require preceding cessation of other opioids.

Discussion and Conclusions

These cases provide an alternative method for starting buprenorphine/naloxone that offers unique benefits compared to protocols previously described in the literature.

Scientific Significance

This method can be used to minimize barriers to opioid agonist therapy. (Am J Addict 2019;28:262–265)
Clinical efficacy of middle pancreatectomy contrasts distal pancreatectomy: a single‐institution experience and review of literature
Authors: Tan Zhen , Chen Peng , Dong Zheng , Zhou Bin , Guo Wei Dong
Published: March 2019

Background

We aim to analyse the difference of clinical efficacy between middle pancreatectomy (MP) and distal pancreatectomy (DP).

Methods

A retrospective study was used to analyse 39 cases of MP and 52 cases of DP from the Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from February 2007 to December 2016. Furthermore, we identify randomized controlled trials or strictly designed clinical controlled trials on MP and DP. We performed a meta‐analysis of the final included studies using RevMan 5.3 software to illustrate the differences in efficacy between MP and DP.

Results

In the MP group, the operation time and diet start time were significantly longer than DP group. However, there was no significant difference in serious complications including clinically significant pancreatic fistula (grades B and C), delayed gastric emptying, reoperative and mortality. Furthermore, compared with DP, patients in MP group could benefit from long‐term post‐operative exocrine and endocrine function. Finally, we performed a meta‐analysis including 14 studies with a total of 1104 patients and proved that the pancreatic fistula rate, endocrine and exocrine function were significantly different in the two groups.

Conclusion

The MP is a safe and feasible surgical method. It can well preserve the endocrine and exocrine function of pancreas and improve the life quality of patients.
FEMORAL NEUROPATHY FOLLOWING RENAL TRANSPLANTATION
Authors: MEECH P. R.
Published: March 2019

Femoral neuropathy is an uncommon complication that can occur subsequent to a number of abdominal and/or pelvic procedures. The neuropathy is usually evident immediately after the operation, but there may be some delay in diagnosis of the clinical problem. The neuropathy generally resolves completely after a period of time, but in some instances there may be a residual deficit. Four cases of femoral neuropathy are described which developed after operation for renal transplantation.
MANAGEMENT OF ANORECTAL ABSCESSES: COMPARISON BETWEEN TRADITIONAL INCISION AND PACKING AND DE PEZZER CATHETER DRAINAGE
Authors: KYLE STEPHEN , ISBISTER WILLIAM H.
Published: March 2019

This study compares the results of de Pezzer catheter drainage of anorectal abscess with the more traditional technique of incision and packing. A prospective study from this department in 1987 detailed the outcome of patients with anorectal abscess managed routinely by de Pezzer catheter drainage. Ninety‐one patients were treated, 18 required general anaesthesia, the mean hospital stay was 1.4 days, and 24% subsequently required fistula surgery. A retrospective study has now been undertaken of all patients admitted to Wellington Hospital with anorectal abscess during the same period who were treated by incision and packing. Of 54 patients treated, all had general anaesthesia, the mean hospital stay was 4.5 days, 63% needed district nursing care after discharge and 25% required fistula surgery. Simple de Pezzer drainage is not only safe, convenient and well tolerated by patients, but it compares very favourably with the more traditional method of treating anorectal abscesses and, as a consequence of the minimal hospital care necessary, it must necessarily be a much cheaper method of treatment.
EARLY POST‐IRRADIATION BOWEL OBSTRUCTION MANAGED BY LONGITUDINAL SEROTOMY
Authors: WILKINSON S.
Published: March 2019

Small bowel obstruction is an uncommon complication that can occur within weeks of pelvic radiotherapy. Probably due to acute inflammation and oedema of the bowel wall, it settles with conservative management. An instance of complete small bowel obstruction occurring 3 months after completion of pelvic radiotherapy is reported. The obstruction failed to resolve; careful longitudinal serotomy allowed the kinking in the bowel to be straightened and, at 1 year follow‐up, there were no symptoms of recurrence.
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ALIMENTARY CANCERS IN NEW SOUTH WALES, 1973–82
Authors: MCCREDIE MARGARET , COATES MARYLON , FORD JOYCE M.
Published: March 2019

Incidence and mortality data from New South Wales (nsw) for 1973–82 were examined using log‐linear regression to determine the temporal trends of cancers of the alimentary tract. There were significant increases in incidence of cancers of the colon (1.7%/year), rectum (2.6%/year), and liver (4.0%/year) and decreases for cancers of the oesophagus (−2.2%/year) and stomach (−1.4%/year). By contrast, the mortality decreased significantly for cancers of the colon (−1.0%/year) and pancreas (−1.4%/year) as well as for cancers of the oesophagus (−3.4%/year) and stomach (−4.1%/year).

Cancers of the colon, rectum and oesophagus were generally less frequent, and cancer of the stomach was more frequent, among migrants to NSW than among the native‐born Australians in NSW. This pattern was most evident in migrants from Greece, Italy, Yugoslavia and England and was absent in migrants from Scotland and New Zealand.

When compared with the state as a whole, rural NSW had significantly lower incidences of cancers of the oesophagus, stomach, colon and rectum.
“Fixing” Climate Change by Mortgaging the Future: Negative Emissions, Spatiotemporal Fixes, and the Political Economy of Delay
Authors: Carton Wim
Published: March 2019

Models suggest that climate change mitigation now depends on negative emissions, i.e. the large‐scale removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This assumption has been criticised in the climate policy literature for being unfeasible and unjust. This article asks how critical scholars can make sense of, and contribute to these debates. It suggests that negative emissions can be conceived of as a spatiotemporal fix that promises to defer the devaluation of fixed capital. But the negative emissions example also challenges us to broaden our conception of how the socioecological contradictions of capitalism can be “fixed”. I outline three ways in which it does this by highlighting the significance of a predominantly temporal fix, the role of hegemonic, sociopolitical interventions involving multiple actors, and the possibility of safeguarding existing production processes. I conclude that spatiotemporal fixes to climate change should be seen as part of a wider political economy of delay in devaluing carbon‐intensive accumulation processes.
Evaluation of retinal nonperfusion in branch retinal vein occlusion using wide‐field optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Shiraki Akihiko , Sakimoto Susumu , Tsuboi Kotaro , Wakabayashi Taku , Hara Chikako , Fukushima Yoko , Sayanagi Kaori , Nishida Kentaro , Sakaguchi Hirokazu , Nishida Kohji
Published: March 2019

Purpose

To characterize wide‐field optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) features of retinal nonperfusion in eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Methods

Automated scanning of five 12 × 12‐mm areas of swept‐source OCTA and wide‐field fluorescein angiography (FA) images was performed in a consecutive case series of 27 eyes in 27 patients with BRVO in this institutional cross‐sectional study. The correlation between the areas of retinal nonperfusion detected by both examinations was assessed. Panoramic images obtained in five 12 × 12‐mm OCTA scans in eyes with retinal nonperfusion were binarized or skeletonized, and the associations between vascular parameters such as vascular density (VD) and vascular length (VL) with the wide‐field FA characteristics were evaluated.

Results

The mean area of retinal nonperfusion in the OCTA images was 81.0 ± 66.8 mm2 (range, 0.0–188.8). The mean areas of retinal nonperfusion in FA and the total FA images were, respectively, 84.7 ± 72.5 mm2 (range, 0.0–221.9) and 184.1 ± 167.7 mm2 (range, 0.0–515.0). The mean VD was 27.6 ± 3.5% (range, 19.6–33.7), and the mean VL was 12.4 ± 8.5% (range, 5.4–31.3). Separate regression analyses of the areas of retinal nonperfusion in FA (p = 0.0004, R2 = 0.4627) and the total FA (p = 0.0008, R2 = 0.4214) images showed a significant association with the VL.

Conclusions

OCTA images based on wide‐field technologies can quantitatively evaluate retinal nonperfusion in eyes with BRVO.
Towards better diagnostic criteria for periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis syndrome
Authors: Renko Marjo , Lantto Ulla , Tapiainen Terhi
Published: March 2019

Aim

Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is the most common cause of a periodic fever in childhood. The exact pathogenesis and the aetiology of PFAPA are still unknown.

Methods

We conducted a non‐systematic review of published articles about PFAPA syndrome and summarised the evidence for diagnostic criteria and treatment options for PFAPA.

Results

The first proposed diagnostic criteria for PFAPA, in addition to periodic fever, included aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis or cervical lymphadenitis in children younger than five years at the beginning of the symptoms. C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels and leucocyte counts increase in most patients during episodes. Recent research reveals that tonsillectomy provides an immediate and long‐lasting cure for PFAPA, even in the absence of classic criteria of aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis or cervical adenitis and in children older than five years.

Conclusion

We suggest that PFAPA can be diagnosed in children with at least five regularly occurring fever episodes without any other explanation, even in the absence of aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis or cervical lymphadenitis and also in children older than five years.
Radiocarbon Dating of the Turin Shroud: New Evidence from Raw Data
Authors: Casabianca T. , Marinelli E. , Pernagallo G. , Torrisi B.
Published: March 2019

In 1988, three laboratories performed a radiocarbon analysis of the Turin Shroud. The results, which were centralized by the British Museum and published in Nature in 1989, provided ‘conclusive evidence’ of the medieval origin of the artefact. However, the raw data were never released by the institutions. In 2017, in response to a legal request, all raw data kept by the British Museum were made accessible. A statistical analysis of the Nature article and the raw data strongly suggests that homogeneity is lacking in the data and that the procedure should be reconsidered.
The link between rejection sensitivity and borderline personality disorder: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Foxhall Mia , Hamilton‐Giachritsis Catherine , Button Katherine
Published: March 2019

Objective

People with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) may experience heightened rejection sensitivity (RS), a disposition developing from repeated childhood rejecting experiences. It is not known whether the full RS model accounts for the cognitive–affective experiences common in BPD. This systematic review extends upon previous reviews, firstly by assessing the link between childhood rejecting experiences and adult RS, and secondly by considering the link between BPD and RS in both non‐clinical and clinical samples.

Method

Two research questions were devised, and searches based on predetermined criteria were conducted using PsycNET, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. Data were extracted by one researcher and 20% was inter‐rated, with high levels of agreement. Forty‐three papers were systematically reviewed, and 31 included in meta‐analysis and meta‐regression.

Results

Studies assessing the link between childhood rejection and RS are limited; however, emotional abuse and neglect appears linked with RS. Pooled effect sizes suggest RS is linked with BPD (r = .326), with strong effect sizes when comparing clinical and control samples (r = .655). Qualitative synthesis suggests this may be mediated by executive control, although further research is required. The small number of studies considering the full RS model with regard to BPD suggests the interaction between emotional abuse and neglect affects rejection sensitivity; however, outcomes are inconsistent.

Conclusions

Childhood rejection, particularly emotional abuse and neglect, appears to be linked to rejection sensitivity, and rejection sensitivity is linked to BPD. However, this may not be linear. Implications for clinical practice and research are discussed.

Practitioner points

Rejection sensitivity is consistently linked with BPD, in clinical and non‐clinical samples. Supporting mentalization or improved theory of mind may offer a therapeutic target for this disposition.

Considering the causes and effects of rejection sensitivity may offer a non‐blaming explanation of interpersonal difficulties in BPD and could be utilized as part of formulation and the therapeutic relationship.

However, the possible interaction between emotional abuse and neglect and rejection sensitivity suggests rejection sensitivity is not always apparent for people with BPD. Idiosyncratic formulation should consider this.

The literature included in the review is limited to Western populations with a high proportion of females, which may limit generalizability.

Measures of rejection sensitivity included in the review were restricted to self‐report, which may be subject to bias. Furthermore, measures of childhood rejection were retrospective in nature due to the exclusion of child samples. Further research should consider longitudinal and observational study designs.
Adults with intellectual disability and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Clinical characteristics and medication profiles
Authors: Al‐Khudairi Rashed , Perera Bhathika , Solomou Solomis , Courtenay Ken
Published: March 2019

Accessible summary

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often missed/underdiagnosed in people with intellectual disability compared to people without intellectual disability.

The presence of intellectual disability, autism and challenging behaviour should raise the suspicion of ADHD as comorbid neurodevelopmental disorder.

Treatment of ADHD in people with intellectual disability may reduce the need for antipsychotic medications.

The diagnosis of ADHD is often missed or misdiagnosed in people with intellectual disability. Despite a significant growth in literature on the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in people without intellectual disability, there have been few studies on ADHD in people with intellectual disability. In this paper, we describe a group of adults with intellectual disability and ADHD disorder open to a specialist community intellectual disability service. We examined the frequency and dose of antipsychotic use and considered whether ADHD disorder medication is associated with a reduced use of psychotropic medication. The study found a high incidence of autism in people with intellectual disability and ADHD. Men with intellectual disability were given the diagnosis of ADHD more often compared to women with intellectual disability. Only 64% of people with ADHD and intellectual disability taking ADHD medication were on antipsychotic medications compared to 93% of people with ADHD and intellectual disability without ADHD medications. This generates several hypotheses such as whether antipsychotic medications are prescribed to control ADHD symptoms, whether use of ADHD medications can reduce the use of antipsychotic medications and/or whether antipsychotics are used to treat underlying psychiatric comorbidities in people with ADHD. Randomised controlled trials are needed to answer the question whether use of ADHD medication reduces the use of antipsychotic medication in people with intellectual disability and ADHD. Further studies are also needed to explore reason for not using ADHD medication in certain patients with ADHD and intellectual disability and what treatment options are effective in treating psychiatric comorbidities in people with ADHD and intellectual disability.
Mitochondrial transport serves as a mitochondrial quality control strategy in axons: Implications for central nervous system disorders
Authors: Zheng Yan‐Rong , Zhang Xiang‐Nan , Chen Zhong
Published: March 2019

Axonal mitochondrial quality is essential for neuronal health and functions. Compromised mitochondrial quality, reflected by loss of membrane potential, collapse of ATP production, abnormal morphology, burst of reactive oxygen species generation, and impaired Ca2+ buffering capacity, can alter mitochondrial transport. Mitochondrial transport in turn maintains axonal mitochondrial homeostasis in several ways. Newly generated mitochondria are anterogradely transported along with axon from soma to replenish axonal mitochondrial pool, while damaged mitochondria undergo retrograde transport for repair or degradation. Besides, mitochondria are also arrested in axon to quarantine damages locally. Accumulating evidence suggests abnormal mitochondrial transport leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and axon degeneration in a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Further investigations into the details of this process would help to extend our understanding of various neurological diseases and shed light on the corresponding therapies.
Genetically informed captive breeding of hybrids of an extinct species of Galapagos tortoise
Authors: Quinzin Maud C. , Sandoval‐Castillo Jonathan , Miller Joshua M. , Beheregaray Luciano B. , Russello Michael A. , Hunter Elizabeth A. , Gibbs James P. , Tapia Washington , Villalva Freddy , Caccone Adalgisa
Published: March 2019

Hybridization poses a major challenge for species conservation because it threatens both genetic integrity and adaptive potential. Yet, hybridization can occasionally offer unprecedented opportunity for species recovery if the genome of an extinct taxon is present among living hybrids such that selective breeding could recapture it. We explored the design elements for establishing a captive‐breeding program for Galapagos tortoises (Chelonoidis spp.) built around individuals with admixed ancestry involving an extinct species. The target individuals were hybrids between the extinct species from Floreana Island, C. niger, and an extant species, C. becki, which were recently found in the endemic range of C. becki, from Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island. We combined genotypic data from 35 tortoises with high ancestry from C. niger with forward‐in‐time simulations to explore captive breeding strategies that maximized overall genetic diversity and ancestry from C. niger while accommodating resource constraints, species biology, and the urgency to return tortoises to Floreana Island for facilitating ecosystem restoration. Overall genetic diversity was maximized when in the simulation tortoises were organized in relatively small breeding groups. Substantial amounts of the C. niger genome were captured despite limited resources available for selectively breeding tortoises in captivity. Genetic diversity was maximized when captive‐bred offspring were released to the wild rather than being used as additional breeders. Our results provide genetic‐based and practical guidance on the inclusion of hybrids with genomic representation from extinct taxa into species restoration programs and informs the ongoing debate on the value of hybrids in biodiversity conservation.
Space Trumps Time When Talking About Objects
Authors: Griffiths Debra , Bester Andre , Coventry Kenny R.
Published: March 2019

The nature of the relationship between the concepts of space and time in the human mind is much debated. Some claim that space is primary and that it structures time (cf. Lakoff & Johnson, 1980) while others (cf. Walsh, 2003) maintain no difference in status between them. Using fully immersive virtual reality (VR), we examined the influence of object distance and time of appearance on choice of demonstratives (this and that) to refer to objects. Critically, demonstratives can be used spatially (this/that red triangle) and temporally (this/that month). Experiment 1 showed a pattern of demonstrative usage in VR that is consistent with results found in real‐world studies. Experiments 2, 3, and 4 manipulated both when and where objects appeared, providing scenarios where participants were free to use demonstratives in either a temporal or spatial sense. Although we find evidence for time of presentation affecting object mention, the experiments found that demonstrative choice was affected only by distance. These results support the view that spatial uses of demonstratives are privileged over temporal uses.