bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Highly ConservedShhEnhancer Coordinates Hypothalamic and Craniofacial Development
Authors: Crane-Smith Zoe , Schoenebeck Jeffrey , Graham Katy A , Devenney Paul S , Rose Lorraine , Ditzell Mark , Anderson Eve , Thomson Joseph I , Klenin Natasha , Kurrasch Deborah M , Lettice Laura A , Hill Robert E
Published: October 2019

Enhancers that are conserved deep in evolutionary time regulate characteristics held in common across taxonomic classes. Here, deletion of the highly conservedShhenhancer SBE2 (Shhbrain enhancer 2) markedly reducedShhexpression within the embryonic brain specifically in the rostral diencephalon; however, no abnormal anatomical phenotype was observed due to compensatory low levels of expression mediated by a second enhancer. In contrast, a further reduction ofShhlevels, achieved by crossing the SBE2 deletion with theShhnull allele, disrupted brain and craniofacial tissue; thus, linking SBE2 regulatedShhexpression to multiple defects and further enabling the study of the effects of differing levels ofShhon embryogenesis. Development of the hypothalamus, derived from the rostral diencephalon, was disrupted along both the anterior-posterior (AP) and the dorsal-ventral (DV) axes. Expression of DV patterning genes and subsequent neuronal population induction were particularly sensitive toShhexpression levels, demonstrating a novel morphogenic context forShh. The role of SBE2, which is highlighted by DV gene expression, is to step-up expression ofShhabove the minimal activity of the second enhancer, ensuring the necessary levels of Shh in a regional-specific manner. We also show that lowShhlevels in the diencephalon disrupted neighbouring craniofacial development, including mediolateral patterning of the bones along the cranial floor and viscerocranium. Thus, SBE2 contributes to hypothalamic morphogenesis and ensures there is coordination with the formation of the adjacent midline cranial bones that subsequently protects the neural tissue.
Synthesis and structure of 2,4,6-tricyclobutyl-1,3,5-trioxane
Authors: Shorunov Sergey V. , Bermeshev Maxim V. , Demchuk Dmitry V. , Nelyubina Yulia V.
Published: October 2019

The synthesis and structure of 2,4,6,-tricyclobutyl-1,3,5-trioxane, C15H24O3
1, is described. It was formed in 39% yield during the work-up of the Swern oxidation of cyclobutylmethanol and may serve as a stable precursor of the cyclobutane carbaldehyde. The molecule of 1 occupies a special position (3.m) located at the center of its 1,3,5-trioxane ring. The latter is in a chair conformation, with the symmetry-independent O and C atoms deviating by 0.651 (4) Å from the least-squares plane of the other atoms of the trioxane ring. All three cyclobutane substituents, which have a butterfly conformation with an angle between the two planes of 25.7 (3)°, are in the cis conformation relative to the 1,3,5-trioxane ring. Intermolecular C—H...O interactions between the 1,3,5-trioxane rings consolidate the crystal structure, forming stacks along the c-axis direction. The crystal studied was refined a as a racemic twin.
Crystal structures, syntheses, and spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements of two push–pull chromophores: 2-[4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene]-1H-indene-1,3(2H)-dione and (E)-2-{3-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]allylidene}-1H-indene-1,3(2H)-dione
Authors: Bogdanov Georgii , Tillotson John P. , Timofeeva Tatiana
Published: October 2019

The title pull–push chromophores, 2-[4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene]-1H-indene-1,3(2H)-dione, C18H15NO2 (ID[1]) and (E)-2-{3-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]allylidene}-1H-indene-1,3(2H)-dione, C20H17NO2 (ID[2]), have donor–π-bridge–acceptor structures. The molecule with the short π-bridge, ID[1], is almost planar while for the molecule with a longer bridge, ID[2], is less planar. The benzene ring is inclined to the mean plane of the 2,3-dihydro-1H-indene unit by 3.19 (4)° in ID[1] and 13.06 (8)° in ID[2]. The structures of three polymorphs of compound ID[1] have been reported: the α-polymorph [space group P21/c; Magomedova & Zvonkova (1978). Kristallografiya, 23, 281–288], the β-polymorph [space group P21/c; Magomedova & Zvonkova (1980). Kristallografiya, 25 1183–1187] and the γ-polymorph [space group Pna21; Magomedova, Neigauz, Zvonkova & Novakovskaya (1980). Kristallografiya, 25, 400–402]. The molecular packing in ID[1] studied here is centrosymmetric (space group P21/c) and corresponds to the β-polymorph structure. The molecular packing in ID[2] is non-centrosymmetric (space group P21), which suggests potential NLO properties for this crystalline material. In both compounds, there is short intramolecular C—H...O contact present, enclosing an S(7) ring motif. In the crystal of ID[1], molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds and C—H...π interactions, forming layers parallel to the bc plane. In the crystal of ID[2], molecules are liked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds to form 21 helices propagating along the b-axis direction. The molecules in the helix are linked by offset π–π interactions with, for example, a centroid–centroid distance of 3.9664 (13) Å (= b axis) separating the indene rings, and an offset of 1.869 Å. Spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements show the ability of these compounds to easily transfer electrons through the π-conjugated chain.
Crystal structure of benzyl N′-[(1E,4E)-1,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)penta-1,4-dien-3-ylidene]hydrazine-1-carbodithioate
Authors: Arif Tawfeeq Nabeel , Kwong Huey Chong , Mohamed Tahir Mohamed Ibrahim , Ravoof Thahira B. S. A.
Published: October 2019

In the title hydrazinecarbodithioate derivative, C27H26N2O2S2, the asymmetric unit is comprised of four molecules (Z = 8 and Z′ = 4). The 4-methoxyphenyl rings are slightly twisted away from their attached olefinic double bonds [torsion angles = 5.9 (4)–19.6 (4)°]. The azomethine double bond has an s-trans configuration relative to one of the C=C bonds and an s-cis configuration relative to the other [C=C—C= N = 147.4 (6)–175.7 (2) and 15.3 (3)–37.4 (7)°, respectively]. The torsion angles between the azomethine C=N double bond and hydrazine-1-carbodithioate moiety indicate only small deviations from planarity, with torsion angles ranging from 0.9 (3) to 6.9 (3)° and from 174.9 (3) to 179.7 (2)°, respectively. The benzyl ring and the methylenesulfanyl moiety are almost perpendicular to each other, as indicated by their torsion angles [range 93.7 (3)–114.6 (2)°]. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O, N—H...S and C—H...π(ring) hydrogen-bonding interactions into a three-dimensional network. Structural details of related benzyl hydrazine-1-carbodithioate are surveyed and compared with those of the title compound.
Science or prejudice
Authors: Zhan Jintao , Ma Yubei , Lv Xinye , Xu Meng , Zhang Mingyang
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Some researchers argue that consumers’ lack of knowledge is an important factor increasing risk for a new product derived from emerging agricultural technology. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the potential impacts and the differential effects of subjective and objective perceptions on Chinese consumers’ preferences for the application of a novel biotechnology.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking transgenic technology as an example and employing data from a survey of 1,000 consumers in Jiangsu Province, the authors develop a mixed-process regression model based on Fishbein’s multiple attributes attitude model.

Findings

The results suggest that there are apparent differences between Chinese consumers’ subjective perceptions and objective perceptions concerning transgenic technology and genetically modified (GM) food, and there exists certain selective perceptions of the emerging biotechnology. Having a subjective perception concerning transgenic technology has a positive effect on consumers’ overall attitudes, whereas subjective and objective perceptions concerning GM foods have a negative effect on consumers’ overall attitudes. Self-identification generated from subjective perception occupies a dominant position in determining consumers’ attitudes.

Originality/value

Consumers’ attitudes regarding an agricultural product depend on their perception of the attributes of the technology used to produce such a product. This study attempts to distinguish and empirically test urban consumers’ subjective perceptions (self-assessed or perceived) and objective perceptions (obtained from a test) about transgenic technology and GM foods and the impact of these four types of perception on the consumers’ attitudes regarding the application of transgenic technology. In this paper, the authors construct a mixed-process regression model to address the possible endogeneity of the perception variables.
Reducing costly free-rider effects via OASIS
Authors: Chiu Ming Ming , Woo Chi Keung , Shiu Alice , Liu Yun , Luo Bonnie X.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

A team member might exert little effort and exploit teammates’ work (free riding), which can discourage their efforts. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether free riding devalues team projects and whether an online assessment system for individual scores (OASIS) system can reduce student perceptions of free riding and its harmful effects. OASIS includes: contractual commitment, team discussion, median peer assessment of each member’s contribution, assessment revision opportunities, conditional teacher participation and final appeal.

Design/methodology/approach

University students (238 in India and 60 in Hong Kong) completed pre-and post-surveys.

Findings

Students who valued team projects more than others experienced fewer past free riders, viewed team members as contributing equally, or viewed free riding as harming fair grading. After OASIS, these students reported that only 3 percent of their teammates were free riders, and were less likely to perceive that free riders had harmed them or hindered fair grading. Results did not differ across gender or regions.

Research limitations/implications

These data are correlational rather than longitudinal, and hence cannot determine causality.

Practical implications

The OASIS system requires a computer.

Originality/value

This is the first study to test a system for reducing free riders across countries.
Assessment of the Lean effect on business performance: the case of manufacturing SMEs
Authors: Valente Catarina Maurício , Sousa Paulo Sérgio Amaral , Moreira Maria Rosário Alves
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to research the way in which Lean practices are affecting the performance of manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs), analyzing the effects of Lean practices on companies’ operational, financial and market performance.

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire was distributed among Portuguese organizations that fitted the category of SMEs and belonged to the manufacturing sector. A sample of 329 enterprises was analyzed with partial least squares–structural equation modelling. Four hypotheses on the impact of Lean practices on company performance were tested.

Findings

The results show that the effects of Lean on performance are positive, which stresses the benefits attainable with the implementation of Lean practices. The aggregated implementation of Lean practices, namely, customer involvement, statistical process, continuous flow and total productive maintenance leads to improvements in company’s global performance measured by market, financial and operational performance measures, and also improves each of these performance measures individually. It was also noticed that financial capability is one of the indispensable factors for the successful implementation of Lean practices.

Research limitations/implications

The results contribute to the investigation on the topic, broadening the literature on the implementation of Lean practices in companies around the world.

Practical implications

The research outcomes may be used as a motivation for other SMEs to implement Lean practices by acknowledging the positive impact on their performance. Furthermore, the degree of Lean implementation in the particular industry may constitute a signal for government and/or economic decision makers to define incentives such as fiscal benefits for companies that engage in Lean implementation programmes, partly financing workers cross-training, among other necessary investments.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examines the impact of the effect of Lean on operational, financial and market performance in a discriminated and simultaneous way.
Mediating role of learning organization on the relationship between total quality management and operational performance in Brazilian manufacturers
Authors: Tortorella Guilherme , Giglio Ricardo , Fogliatto Flavio S. , Sawhney Rapinder
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effect of learning organization dimensions on the relationship between the implementation of total quality management practices and companies’ operational performance improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors carried out a cross-sector survey with 135 Brazilian manufacturing companies that have been implementing total quality management as an organizational strategy for at least five years. Collected data were analyzed using multivariate data analysis techniques.

Findings

The findings provide guidelines for manufacturers to increase their learning capability by reinforcing the implementation of total quality management practices, whose synergistic effects may be currently neglected. Results show that an enhanced organizational learning capability can significantly impact the improvement level of operational performance through the application of total quality management practices.

Originality/value

Several authors have investigated the relationship between total quality management implementation and learning organization aspects. However, most studies examined their relationship from a narrow perspective or under specific contexts, lacking empirical validation of their concurrent effect on operational performance improvement. The study aims at bridging this gap.
Determinants of corporate compliance with modern slavery reporting
Authors: Flynn Anthony
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the determinants of corporate compliance with the transparency in supply chains provision of the UK Modern Slavery Act. While recent scholarship has described what firms are doing to comply with this Act, no attempt has been made to explain their behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

A predictive model of corporate compliance with modern slavery reporting is tested using secondary data from Financial Times Stock Exchange 350 firms. The model is informed by institutional theory and, in particular, by Oliver’s (1991) insights into the conditions under, which firms respond to institutional pressures.

Findings

Compliance with modern slavery reporting is found to be significantly related to firm size, prior social responsibility commitment, network involvement, industry and headquarter base (UK versus non-UK). Other predictors such as media exposure, shareholder concentration and profitability are found to be non-significant.

Research limitations/implications

The focus is on the 350 largest publicly listed companies in the UK. The stances that firms outside of this cohort are taking on modern slavery reporting still need to be investigated.

Practical implications

Compliance with the UK Modern Slavery Act varies by industry. Regulators should consider this as a part of risk profiling strategies and follow-up inspection of firms.

Originality/value

This paper provides the first theoretically grounded examination of the organisational and environmental factors that determine corporate compliance with modern slavery reporting.
Commentary on “Online risk for people with intellectual disabilities”
Authors: Oldreive Warren James , Waight Mary
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on the article regarding online risk for people with intellectual disabilities (ID).

Design/methodology/approach

This commentary is a reflection based on clinical practice and a recent pilot research study.

Findings

How we provide information is important both online and in training to keep people safe.

Practical implications

Information provision needs to consider content and medium alongside the needs of the recipient.

Originality/value

This paper reinforces the importance of how information is provided for people with ID.
Malaysia's Exports to China: Does Diplomatic Relationship Matter?
Authors: Hong Meenchee , Sun Sizhong , Beg Rabiul , Zhou Zhangyue
Published: October 2019

Institutional arrangements can play an important role in fostering trade between countries. It can help to boost export from one country to another and ease the penetration of new products to the market of the importing country. The institutional aspects, however, have been largely overlooked in trade studies for developing economies, especially for Malaysia. This study focuses on examining the importance of diplomatic relationships in fostering Malaysia–China's trade. Through consumer utility maximisation, diplomatic relationships as well as other institutional aspects such as halal‐related variables are incorporated into an augmented gravity model. The findings suggest that building and improving diplomatic ties tend to boost trade between countries.
Prevalence and Correlates of Past‐Year Recovery From DSM‐5 Alcohol Use Disorder: Results From National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions‐III
Authors: Fan Amy Z. , Chou Sanchen Patricia , Zhang Haitao , Jung Jeesun , Grant Bridget F.
Published: October 2019

Background

Little is known about remission, recovery, and other outcomes of alcohol use disorder (AUD) as defined by the DSM‐5.

Methods

Data from a large representative sample of the United States was used to examine correlates of past‐year AUD status among individuals with prior‐to‐past‐year AUD: persistent AUD, symptomatic high‐risk drinking, asymptomatic high‐risk drinking, symptomatic low‐risk drinking, asymptomatic low‐risk drinking (nonabstinent recovery, NAR), and abstainer (abstinent recovery, AR). Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to compare: (i) AR and NAR with persistent AUD, (ii) AR with NAR, and (iii) asymptomatic and symptomatic high‐risk drinking with AR and NAR.

Results

Among individuals with AUD prior to past year (n = 7,785), 34.2% were classified with persistent AUD, 8.8 and 1.6% were symptomatic high‐risk and symptomatic low‐risk drinkers, respectively, 21.5% were asymptomatic high‐risk drinkers, 17.9% were asymptomatic low‐risk drinkers, and 16.0% were abstainers. One‐quarter of individuals with AUD prior to past year achieved AR or NAR without the benefit of treatment, while a much greater percentage of individuals achieving AR (43.2%) reported receiving treatment relative to those with NAR (12.3%). The number of lifetime AUD symptoms was greater among those achieving AR (among the treated) and lower among those achieving NAR relative to persistent AUD. The number of AUD symptoms was also greater among those achieving AR than NAR and lower among asymptomatic and symptomatic risk drinkers relative to those achieving AR and NAR. Consumption was greater among those achieving AR relative to those achieving NAR and greater among asymptomatic and symptomatic risk drinkers relative to AR and NAR. Odds of achieving AR or NAR relative to persistent AUD were generally lower among non‐Hispanic Blacks and those with higher education, greater among women and married individuals, and lower among illicit drug users and individuals with histories of a personality disorder or mood/anxiety disorder.

Conclusions

There appears to be a substantial level of recovery from AUD. Information on specific factors associated with AUD outcomes can be useful in targeting appropriate treatment efforts.
Ecology of Lantana camara: An invasive plant species in Amurum Forest Reserve, Jos Plateau, Central Nigeria
Authors: Agaldo Jennifer Arubemi
Published: October 2019

Lantana camara (Lantana) is an invasive species of South American origin, and it is visibly widespread in Amurum Forest Reserve (AFR) Jos‐Plateau, central Nigeria. Presently, there is no baseline study on Lantana and its spread despite its conspicuous presence within AFR. This is the first study to investigate its abundance and interactions with native fauna and flora in AFR. Established study plots were used to estimate its relative abundance in three habitat types (gallery forest, savannah woodland and rocky outcrops) and to investigate its effect on plants. An experiment using cowpea‐tested allelopathic effects of Lantana and focal observation/beating tray method was used to collect data on vertebrate and invertebrate species utilising/interacting with Lantana. Lantana is widespread within AFR occupying 77% of plots with the gallery forest habitat having the highest abundance compared with the savannah woodland and rocky outcrop. Plots with Lantana had fewer woody plant species than plots without Lantana. Tests on soil samples from the reserve for basic properties revealed that Lantana‐infested sites had relatively poor soils compared with non‐Lantana‐infested sites. Birds and insects in AFR utilise Lantana and are probably responsible for its spread. Control measures are necessary to limit its spread and mitigate its likely negative effect on plant species.
Virtual vitreoretinal surgery: effect of distracting factors on surgical performance in medical students
Authors: Mellum Marie Leonora , Vestergaard Anders Højslet , Grauslund Jakob , Vergmann Anna Stage
Published: October 2019

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the effect of four distracting factors on surgical performance in virtual vitreoretinal surgery.

Methods

Nineteen novice surgeons completed a validated training programme on the Eyesi surgical simulator (VRmagic GmbH, Manheim, Germany; software version 2.9.2) until a calculated target score was reached. The training programme consisted of four modules: navigation level 2 (Nav2), bimanual training level 3 (BimT3), posterior hyaloid level 3 (PostH3) and internal limiting membrane peeling level 3 (ILMP3). When properly trained, the participants completed the training programme once without distraction to generate reference scores and times. Next, they conducted the training programme under the influence of each of the following: auditory distraction, 12 hr of fasting, interrupted sleep and 24 hr of sleep deprivation. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used to compare the distraction‐induced results to the participants’ reference scores and times.

Results

As compared to reference score (328), a lower performance was found for all four distractions: auditory distraction (289, p = 0.0012), fasting (302, p = 0.02), sleep interruption (304, p = 0.02) and sleep deprivation (300, p = 0.0006). In particular, PostH3 performance was influenced by all four interventions. (86 versus 50, p = 0,0012, 65, p = 0.05, 72, p = 0.05, 54, p = 0.0007 respectively).

Conclusions

Virtual vitreoretinal surgery is an important tool for practicing complex surgical skills without compromising patient safety. In this study, deleterious effects on surgical performance were induced by four independent distracting factors. This knowledge is useful to optimize surgeons’ work conditions and ensuring the best possible treatment of patients.
Using the Maternity Safety Thermometer to estimate harm‐free care in Southeast Brazil: A hospital‐based cohort
Authors: Salgado Heloisa de Oliveira , Queiroz Marcel Reis , dos Santos Hellen Geremias , Andreucci Carla Betina , Diniz Carmen Simone Grilo
Published: October 2019

Background

High rates of unnecessary cesareans and interventions in vaginal births contribute to stagnant maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Brazil. We used the Maternity Safety Thermometer (MST) to assess the prevalence of harm during maternity care.

Methods

This secondary analysis of the “Birth in Brazil” survey included a representative sample of 10 155 women who gave birth in public and private hospitals in southeastern Brazil. The main outcomes were perineal and abdominal trauma, maternal infection and hemorrhage, newborn vitality, and women's perception of safety. We calculated the odds ratios (OR) for the number of MST harms (dependent variable).

Results

About 81.6% of the women with vaginal births had sutures for perineal trauma (87.7% of these due to episiotomies). Poor perception of safety was reported by 83.1% of women, and 69.5% of all infants not admitted to the NICU were separated from their mother after birth. The overall rate of cesarean birth was 52.6%, and 7.5% of term infants were admitted to the NICU. In public settings, having an intrapartum cesarean significantly increased the chances of one (OR 2.21; 95% CI 1.20‐4.07), or two or more (4.08 [2.27‐7.32]) harms. In private settings, cesarean deliveries without labor were also associated with higher chances of one (4.26 [2.65‐6.85]), or two or more (4.60 [2.35‐9.02]) harms. Only 2% of the women had harm‐free care.

Conclusions

In southeastern Brazil, there is a high prevalence of preventable harm during maternity care.
New Approaches to Defender and Outsider Roles in School Bullying
Authors: Yun Hye‐Young
Published: October 2019

Using latent profile analysis, this study refined the traditional defender and outsider roles in bullying research and examined intrapersonal, interpersonal, and contextual factors associated with subtypes of roles. Participants were 1,373 adolescents (40% girls, Mage: 14 years) from 54 classrooms in six middle schools. The results revealed that defenders could be classified as either assertive or comforting and that outsiders could be classified as either sympathetic or indifferent. These different profiles were explained by affective empathy, antibullying attitudes, self‐efficacy, and responsibility to intervene at the intrapersonal level; popularity and peer preference at the interpersonal level; and peers’ antibullying attitudes and expectations at the contextual level. Implications for studying participant roles in bullying research and for advancing antibullying interventions were discussed.
Lipopolysaccharide induces steroid‐resistant exacerbations in a mouse model of allergic airway disease collectively through IL‐13 and pulmonary macrophage activation
Authors: Hadjigol Sara , Netto Keilah G. , Maltby Steven , Tay Hock L. , Nguyen Thi H. , Hansbro Nicole G. , Eyers Fiona , Hansbro Philip M. , Yang Ming , Foster Paul S.
Published: October 2019

Background

Acute exacerbations of asthma represent a major burden of disease and are often caused by respiratory infections. Viral infections are recognized as significant triggers of exacerbations; however, less is understood about the how microbial bioproducts such as the endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) trigger episodes. Indeed, increased levels of LPS have been linked to asthma onset, severity and steroid resistance.

Objective

The goal of this study was to identify mechanisms underlying bacterial‐induced exacerbations by employing LPS as a surrogate for infection.

Methods

We developed a mouse model of LPS‐induced exacerbation on the background of pre‐existing type‐2 allergic airway disease (AAD).

Results

LPS‐induced exacerbation was characterized by steroid‐resistant airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and an exaggerated inflammatory response distinguished by increased numbers of infiltrating neutrophils/macrophages and elevated production of lung inflammatory cytokines, including TNFα, IFNγ, IL‐27 and MCP‐1. Expression of the type‐2 associated inflammatory factors such as IL‐5 and IL‐13 were elevated in AAD but not altered by LPS exposure. Furthermore, AHR and airway inflammation were no longer suppressed by corticosteroid (dexamethasone) treatment after LPS exposure. Depletion of pulmonary macrophages by administration of 2‐chloroadenosine into the lungs suppressed AHR and reduced IL‐13, TNFα and IFNγ expression. Blocking IL‐13 function, through either IL‐13‐deficiency or administration of specific blocking antibodies, also suppressed AHR and airway inflammation.

Conclusions & Clinical Relevance

We present evidence that IL‐13 and innate immune pathways (in particular pulmonary macrophages) contribute to LPS‐induced exacerbation of pre‐existing AAD and provide insight into the complex molecular processes potentially underlying microbial‐induced exacerbations.
Collaborative conservation planning: Quantifying the contribution of expert engagement to identify spatial conservation priorities
Authors: Selwood Katherine E. , Wintle Brendan A. , Kujala Heini
Published: October 2019

The importance of expert input to spatial conservation prioritization outcomes is poorly understood. We quantified the impacts of refinements made during consultation with experts on spatial conservation prioritization of Christmas Island. There was just 0.57 correlation between the spatial conservation priorities before and after consultation, bottom ranked areas being most sensitive to changes. The inclusion of a landscape condition layer was the most significant individual influence. Changes (addition, removal, modification) to biodiversity layers resulted in a combined 0.2 reduction in correlation between initial and final solutions. Representation of rare species in top ranked areas was much greater after expert consultation; representation of widely distributed species changed relatively little. Our results show how different inputs have notably different impacts on the final plan. Understanding these differences helps plan time and resources for expert consultation.
Endoscopic retrieval of a button battery using the tip of a magnetic tube
Authors: Morita Shinichi , Yagi Kazuyoshi , Terai Shuji
Published: October 2019

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Epidemiology of colonic diverticula and recent advances in the management of colonic diverticular bleeding
Authors: Kaise Mitsuru , Nagata Naoyoshi , Ishii Naoki , Omori Jun , Goto Osamu , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: October 2019

There is the East‐West paradox in prevalence and phenotype of colonic diverticula, but colonic diverticular bleeding (CDB) is the most common cause of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding worldwide. Death from CDB can occur in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities, thus the management of CDB is clinically pivotal amid the aging populations in the East and West. Colonoscopy is the key modality for managing the condition appropriately; however, conventional endoscopic hemostasis by thermal coagulation and clipping cannot achieve the expected results of preventing early rebleeding and conversion to intensive intervention by surgery or transcatheter arterial embolization. Ligation therapy by endoscopic band ligation or endoscopic detachable snare ligation has emerged recently to enable more effective hemostasis for CDB, with an early rebleeding rate of approximately 10% and very rare conversion to intensive intervention. Ligation therapy might in turn reduce long‐term rebleeding rates by eliminating the target diverticulum itself. Adverse events have been reported with ligation therapy including diverticulitis of the ascending colon in less than 1% of cases and perforation of the sigmoid colon in a few cases, thus more data are necessary to verify the safety of ligation therapy. Endoscopic hemostasis is indicated only for diverticulum with stigmata of recent hemorrhage (SRH), but the detection rates of SRH are relatively low. Therefore, efforts to increase detection are also key for improving CDB management. Urgent colonoscopy and triage by early contrast‐enhanced computed tomography may be candidates to increase detection but further data are necessary in order to make a conclusion.
Landscape‐scale habitat response of African elephants shows strong selection for foraging opportunities in a human dominated ecosystem
Authors: Bastille‐Rousseau Guillaume , Wall Jake , Douglas‐Hamilton Iain , Lesowapir Barnerd , Loloju Benjamin , Mwangi Nelson , Wittemyer George
Published: October 2019

Balancing trade‐offs between foraging and risk factors is a fundamental behavior that structures the spatial distribution of species. For African elephantsLoxodonta africana, human pressures from poaching and conflict are primary drivers of species decline, but little is known about how elephants structure their spatial behavior in the face of human occupancy and predation. We seek to understand how elephants balance trade‐offs between resource access, human presence and human predatory risk factors (poaching and conflict killing) in an unfenced, dynamic ecosystem where elephants persist primarily outside protected areas in community rangelands. We used tracking data from 101 elephants collected between 2001 and 2016. We investigated elephant behavior in response to landcover, topography, productivity, water, human features and human predation risk using third‐order resource selection functions. We extended this analysis by employing a mixed‐effects multinomial regression to identify temporal shifts in habitat use, and evaluated temporal shifts in movement patterns by estimating mean squared displacement across different productivity periods. Across periods, elephants displayed strong selection for productive areas and areas near water. Temporal shifts in habitat use showed that, during the dry period, elephants were clustered around permanent water sources where humans also congregated. At the onset of the wet period, a shift occurred where elephants moved away from permanent water and from permanent settlements towards seasonal water sources and seasonal settlements. Our findings indicate that foraging and water access are important limiting factors affecting elephants that potentially restrain their spatial responses to humans at the scale of our analysis. Given that pastoralists and elephants rely on the same resources, increasing human and livestock populations enhance pressure on shared resources and space in Africa's drylands. The long‐term conservation of elephants will require approaches that reduce poaching as well as landscape level planning to prevent negative impacts from increasing competition for preferred resources.
Clinical Subtypes of Medication Overuse Headache – Findings From a Large Cohort
Authors: Viana Michele , De Icco Roberto , Allena Marta , Sances Grazia , Højland Jensen Rigmor , Katsarava Zaza , Lainez Miguel J. A. , Fadic Ricardo , Goicochea Maria Teresa , Nappi Giuseppe , Tassorelli Cristina ,   the Comoestas Consortium
Published: October 2019

Background

The International Classification of Headache Disorders lists different subtypes of medication overuse headache (MOH), according to the medication overused. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the different subtypes correspond to clinically distinguishable phenotypes in a large population.

Method

This descriptive cross‐sectional observational study included 660 patients with MOH referred to headache centers in Europe and Latin America as a part of the COMOESTAS project. Information about clinical features was collected with structured patient interviews and with self‐administered questionnaires for measuring disability, anxiety, and depression.

Results

Female/male ratio, body mass index, marital status, and level of education were similar among in subjects enrolled in the 5 centers. The mean age was higher among subjects overusing triptans (T‐MOH) with respect to subjects overusing simple analgesic (A‐MOH). Duration of headache before chronification was longer in T‐MOH (19.2 ± 11.9 years) and in subjects overusing ergotamines (E‐MOH, 17.8 ± 11.7 years) with respect to the A‐MOH group (13.1 ± 10.9; P < .001 and P = .017, respectively) and in T‐MOH with respect multiple drug classes (M‐MOH, 14.9 ± 11.7; P = .030). Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) score was significantly lower in E‐MOH group (33.6 ± 41.6), while T‐MOH group (56.8 ± 40.6) had a significant lower MIDAS score with respect to M‐MOH (67.2 ± 62.5; P = .016 and P = .037, respectively). Prevalence of depression and anxiety was lower in patients overusing T with respect to other groups of patients (χ2  = 10.953, P = .027 and χ2 = 25.725, P < .001, respectively).

Conclusion

In this study on a large and very well characterized population of MOH, we describe the distinctive clinical characteristics of MOH subtypes. These findings contribute to more clearly define the clinical picture of a poorly delineated headache disorder. They also provide some insights in the possible trajectories leading to this highly disabling chronic headache, that is classified as a secondary form, but whose occurrence is entirely dependent on an underlying primary headache.
Beneficial effects of the mother's voice on infants’ novel word learning
Authors: van Rooijen Rianne , Bekkers Eline , Junge Caroline
Published: October 2019

The maternal voice appears to have a special role in infants’ language processing. The current eye‐tracking study investigated whether 24‐month‐olds (n = 149) learn novel words easier while listening to their mother's voice compared to hearing unfamiliar speakers. Our results show that maternal speech facilitates the formation of new word–object mappings across two different learning settings: a live setting in which infants are taught by their own mother or the experimenter, and a prerecorded setting in which infants hear the voice of either their own or another mother through loudspeakers. Furthermore, this study explored whether infants’ pointing gestures and novel word productions over the course of the word learning task serve as meaningful indexes of word learning behavior. Infants who repeated more target words also showed a larger learning effect in their looking behavior. Thus, maternal speech and infants’ willingness to repeat novel words are positively linked with novel word learning.
Consensus‐based good practice guidelines for clinical psychologists to support care staff in enabling sexual expression in people with intellectual disabilities—A Delphi study
Authors: English Brad , Tickle Anna , das Nair Roshan , Moore Kate
Published: October 2019

Background

Care staff supporting people with intellectual disabilities (PWID) report accepting views on PWID's sexual expression, but people with intellectual disabilities report their sexual expression is restricted by care staff.

Methods

We recruited a panel of 17 UK clinical psychologists experienced in helping care staff support PWID's sexual expression. We used the Delphi Method to develop consensus‐based practice guidelines for UK clinical psychologists supporting care staff in this way.

Results

Having proposed three guidelines each in Round One, panel members reached consensus (≥90% agreement) that 12 were important, falling under four themes: “Addressing staff attitudes,” “Addressing uncertainty about rights and responsibilities of people with intellectual disabilities,” “Locating the problem, being part of the solution,” and “Supporting care staff to understand and reflect upon their role.”

Conclusions

Clinical psychologists help care staff support PWID's sexual expression by normalizing care staff concerns, encouraging reflection, clarifying PWID's rights, and prompting those at managerial and service level to support care staff.
Specialist hospital treatment and care as reported by children with intellectual disabilities and a cleft lip and/or palate, their parents and healthcare professionals
Authors: Bates Amanda , Forrester‐Jones Rachel , McCarthy Michelle
Published: October 2019

Background

Research into hospital treatment and care of children with intellectual disabilities is extremely limited, but available literature points to difficulties. Some children have a co‐occurring condition alongside an intellectual disability which requires ongoing treatment, such as a cleft lip/palate. To date, their experiences remain untapped.

Method

Semi‐structured interviews with 23 participants; five children with intellectual disabilities (aged 11–16), their parents (n = 9) and nine healthcare professionals working in cleft care. Thematic analysis determined patterns across the data.

Results

Three key themes were found: struggles (stress and distress, and power imbalance), tensions (perceived levels of choice and control in decision making, lack of training around intellectual disability assumptions and jargon) and good practice (appropriate communication and information, and tailored treatment).

Conclusion

Good practice was evident, but was ad hoc. Individualized treatment and communication based upon children's needs are required as is further investigation into general anaesthetic induction for children with intellectual disabilities.
Absolute risk of acute coronary syndrome after severe hypoglycemia: A population‐based 2‐year cohort study using the National Database in Japan
Authors: Nishioka Yuichi , Okada Sadanori , Noda Tatsuya , Myojin Tomoya , Kubo Shinichiro , Ohtera Shosuke , Kato Genta , Kuroda Tomohiro , Ishii Hitoshi , Imamura Tomoaki
Published: October 2019

Aims/Introduction

Although the epidemiological relationship between hypoglycemia and increased risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has been well established, the time period for increased risk of ACS after a severe hypoglycemic episode remains unknown. The present study aimed to determine the ACS risk after a severe hypoglycemic episode.

Materials and Methods

We carried out a retrospective population‐based cohort study based on national claims data in Japan. We retrieved data of diabetes patients aged ≥35 years collected from April 2014 to March 2016. The absolute risk of ACS was defined as the occurrence of an emergency percutaneous coronary intervention after a severe hypoglycemic episode.

Results

In total, data of 7,909,626 patients were included in the analysis. The absolute risk of ACS was 2.9 out of 1,000 person‐years in all patients. ACS risk in patients with severe hypoglycemic episodes was 3.0 out of 1,000 person‐years. Severe hypoglycemic episodes increased the absolute risk of ACS in patients aged ≥70 years, but not in patients aged <70 years. The absolute risk of ACS was 10.6 out of 1,000 person‐years within 10 days of a severe hypoglycemic episode. There was a significant trend between shorter duration after an episode and higher ACS risk.

Conclusions

Severe hypoglycemia was associated with an increased risk of ACS in elderly diabetes patients. ACS risk increased with a shorter period after a severe hypoglycemic episode, suggesting that severe hypoglycemia leads to an increased risk of ACS in diabetes patients. These findings show that it is important to avoid severe hypoglycemia while treating diabetes, particularly in elderly patients.
Inventory and abundance of mealybug species in immature and mature cocoa farms in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: N'Guessan Pierre Walet , Yapi Ahoua , N'Guessan François Kouamé , Kouamé Norbert N'Dri , Gouamené Christiane Nathalie , Aka Romain Aka , Coulibaly Klotioloma , Tahi Mathias Gnion , Koné Boaké , Kassin Emmanuel Koffi , Assi Evelyne Marise , Guiraud Brigitte Honorine Sahin Boguinard , Kotaix Alain Acka Jacques
Published: October 2019

From 2013 to 2018, surveys were conducted in counties not previously surveyed in order to determine species of mealybugs present in the cocoa orchard in Côte d'Ivoire as well as their abundance according to the age of cocoa trees. Immature and mature cocoa trees were inspected to hand‐height in 5 and 29 counties infected with Cacao swollen shoot virus (CSSV). In each cocoa farm, mealybugs were searched for on fruits, leaves, flowers, twigs and trunks. Mealybug species were identified, and colonies were counted. Five mealybug species were identified on immature cocoa trees: Ferrisia virgata, Formicococcus njalensis, Planococcus citri, Planococcus kenyae and Pseudococcus longispinus. In addition to these species, four species, Dysmicoccus brevipes, Maconellicoccus hirsutus, Phenacoccus hargreavesi and Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi were identified on mature cocoa trees. On immature cocoa trees, Fo. Njalensis, Pl. citri and Ps. longispinus comprised were, respectively, 35%, 33% and 19% of colonies, respectively. On mature cocoa trees, Fo. Njalensis and Pl. citri comprised 63.2% and 21.0%, and others species 15.8%. Nevertheless, the abundance of mealybug species varied according to the age of cocoa trees. The preferred organs of mealybugs were pods (74.1%) followed by twigs (13.4%) and flowers (7.4%). Previously, the mealybug Paracoccus burnerae (Brain) was found on Theobroma cacao, which is the first record for this species in Côte d'Ivoire and on this host‐plant.
Blood and liver biopsy for the non‐destructive screening of tilapia lake virus
Authors: Chiamkunakorn Chutipong , Machimbirike Vimbai Irene , Senapin Saengchan , Khunrae Pongsak , Dong Ha Thanh , Rattanarojpong Triwit
Published: October 2019

Detection of tilapia lake virus (TiLV) in tilapines is mainly from visceral organs of killed fish. However, lethal sampling might not be viable to broodstock and economically important ornamental cichlids. To contribute towards screening of the virus in asymptomatic infected fish, a subclinically infected population of Nile tilapia adults obtained from a local farm was preliminarily tested to compare different non‐lethal sampling methods, for example liver biopsy, gill biopsy, fin clip, mucus, faeces and blood for detection of TiLV. Only liver and blood samples gave positive results by PCR. Since blood sampling is relatively simpler, it was further used for five naturally co‐cultured juvenile fish species from above‐mentioned farm including 40 red tilapia broodstock and 20 Nile tilapia adults from two other different farms. The results showed that from the tested fish, 4 of 5 Nile tilapia, 2 of 5 hybrid red tilapia and 3 of 5 giant gourami blood samples tested positive, while 38 of 40 blood samples of red tilapia tested positive for TiLV in second‐step PCR. Sequencing representative PCR amplicons of positive samples confirmed sequence identity to TiLV. In conclusion, both blood and liver biopsy are practical non‐destructive sampling platforms for TiLV screening in cichlids with blood being more convenient, especially for tilapia broodstock.