bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of source credible online reviews on purchase intention
Authors: Chakraborty Uttam
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study aims to highlight the importance of brand equity dimensions which act as a mediator between online reviews and consumer’s purchase intention. In particular, the present study tries to determine which the Aaker’s (1991) brand equity dimensions have the mediating roles between source credible online reviews and purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from select e-commerce site’s brand community on Facebook social media platform through Google form application. The present study first determines the reliability of the variables. To check the unidimensionality of the variables, exploratory factor analysis has been performed. This study makes use of structural equation modeling bootstrapping method to examine the mediating effects of brand equity dimensions between source credible online reviews and purchase intention.

Findings

Data analysis reveals that marketers should concentrate more on brand awareness and perceived value, which ultimately influence the purchase intention of the consumers.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first that examines the mediating effects of consumer-based brand equity dimensions between source credible online reviews and consumer’s purchase intention. Further, the present study integrates source credibility theory and attribution theory to develop the research model.
The stock-bond nexus and investors’ behavior in mature and emerging markets
Authors: Selmi Refk , Gupta Rangan , Kollias Christos , Papadamou Stephanos
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Portfolio construction and diversification is a prominent challenge for investors. It reflects market agents’ behavior and response to market conditions. This paper aims to investigate the stock-bond nexus in the case of two emerging and two mature markets, India, South Africa, the UK and the USA, using long-term historical monthly data.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the issue at hand, copula quantile-on-quantile regression (C-QQR) is used to model the correlation structure. Although this technique is driven by copula-based quantile regression model, it retains more flexibility and delivers more robust and accurate estimates.

Findings

Results suggest that there is substantial heterogeneity in the bond-stock returns correlation across the countries under study point to different investors’ behavior in the four markets examined. Additionally, the findings reported herein suggest that using C-QQR in portfolio management can enable the formation of tailored response strategies, adapted to the needs and preferences of investors and traders.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous study has addressed in a comparative setting the stock-bond nexus for the four countries used here using long-term historical data that cover the periods 1920:08-2017:02, 1910:01-2017:02, 1933:01-2017:02 and 1791:09-2017:02 for India, South Africa, the UK and the USA, respectively.
The burden of severe maternal outcomes and indicators of quality of maternal care in Nigerian hospitals: a secondary analysis comparing two large facility‐based surveys
Authors: Vogel JP , Fawole B , Adeniran AS , Adegbola O , Oladapo OT
Published: May 2019

Objective

To compare severe maternal outcomes (SMOs) from two multi‐centre surveys in Nigerian hospitals, and to evaluate how the SMO burden affects quality of secondary and tertiary hospital care.

Design

Two facility‐based surveys of women experiencing SMO (maternal near‐miss or maternal deaths).

Setting

Sixteen secondary and five tertiary facilities in Nigeria [WHO Multi‐Country Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health (WHOMCS)] and 42 public tertiary facilities in Nigeria (Nigeria Near‐Miss and Maternal Death Survey).

Population

371 women in WHOMCS‐Nigeria and 2449 women in Nigeria Near‐Miss and Maternal Death Survey who experienced SMO.

Methods

Secondary analysis and comparison of SMO data from two surveys, stratified by facility level.

Main outcome measures

Maternal mortality ratio (MMR) per 100 000 livebirths (LB), maternal near‐miss (MNM) ratio per 1000 LB, SMO ratio per 1000 LB and mortality index (deaths/SMO).

Results

Maternal mortality ratio and mortality indices were highest in tertiary facilities of the WHOMCS‐Nigeria (706 per 100 000; 26.7%) and the Nigeria Near‐Miss and Maternal Death Survey (1088 per 100 000; 40.8%), and lower in secondary facilities of the WHOMCS‐Nigeria (593 per 100 000; 17.9%). The MNM ratio and SMO ratio were highest in secondary WHOMCS‐Nigeria facilities (27.2 per 1000 LB; 33.1 per 1000 LB).

Conclusions

Tertiary‐level facilities in Nigeria experience unacceptably high maternal mortality rates, but secondary‐level facilities had a proportionately higher burden of severe maternal outcomes. Common conditions with a high mortality index (postpartum haemorrhage, eclampsia, and infectious morbidities) should be prioritised for action. Surveillance using SMO indicators can guide quality improvement efforts and assess changes over time.

Tweetable abstract

2820 Nigerian women with severe maternal outcomes: high mortality in tertiary level hospitals, higher burden in secondary level.
Association of Hepcidin With Anemia Parameters in Incident Dialysis Patients: Differences Between Dialysis Modalities
Authors: Lim Jeong‐Hoon , Park Yeong Woo , Lee Sun Hee , Do Jun Young , Kim Sung‐Ho , Han Seungyeup , Jung Hee‐Yeon , Choi Ji‐Young , Cho Jang‐Hee , Kim Chan‐Duck , Park Sun‐Hee , Kim Yong‐Lim
Published: May 2019

Hepcidin's relationships with other variables are unclear. We evaluated associations of serum hepcidin with clinical parameters in ESRD patients. Ninety‐nine incident dialysis patients, including 57 on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and 42 on HD, were prospectively followed for 6 months. Serum hepcidin levels significantly increased during initial 6 months of dialysis. In the multivariate regression model, independent predictors of serum hepcidin levels in ESRD patients before maintenance dialysis were interleukin‐6, ferritin, phosphate, iron, and aspartate transaminase. Six months after initiating dialysis, serum hepcidin levels were independently predicted by ferritin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and aspartate transaminase in all patients, whereas by ferritin and TIBC in PD patients, and ferritin, TIBC, and 24‐h urine volume in HD patients. Serum hepcidin levels are differentially associated with anemia parameters in PD compared with HD patients. Urine volume was an independent predictor of hepcidin levels in early HD patients.
Potential Effects of Telbivudine Versus Entecavir on Renal Function in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Receiving Glucocorticoids Therapy
Authors: Liu Baolian , Shen Bingbing , Mei Mei , Li Lina , Wang Xiaohong , Zhao Hongwen
Published: May 2019

Data remains limited about the optimal nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy for patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) while treated with glucocorticoids because of kidney diseases. We aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of long‐term antiviral therapy with telbivudine (LdT) and entecavir (ETV) in this specific population. In this prospective randomized controlled study, a total of 60 patients with both kidney diseases and chronic hepatitis B were randomly divided into LdT group and ETV group. We analyzed changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), variation in HBV DNA, seroconversion of hepatitis B e antigen (HbeAg) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). During the 18 month follow‐up period, serum HBV DNA load was decreased significantly at 3, 6, 12, 18 months, compared to the pre‐treatment value in both LdT and ETV cohorts. No patients achieved HBeAg loss‐seroconversion or HBsAg loss‐seroconversion with ETV therapy whilst one patient experienced HBeAg and HBsAg loss‐seroconversion with LdT therapy. No significant changes in eGFR were seen in patients with ETV therapy compared to baseline. However, eGFR increased 7.43, 18.97 mL/min/1.73m2, respectively at 12 and 18 months in LdT group and the changes were significant compared to baseline. Further analysis also demonstrated that eGFR significantly improved 11.8, 23.25 mL/min/1.73m2 at 12 and 18 months in LdT group for patients with impaired renal function. LdT is superior to ETV in patients with chronic hepatitis B and kidney diseases because of the renal protection it confers by increasing eGFR.
Assessing adequacy of informed consent for elective surgery by student‐administered interview
Authors: Chia Clement L. K. , Chan Kai Siang , Ng Marcus J. M. , Rao Anil D. , Singaporewalla Reyaz
Published: May 2019

Background

Studies show that patients often sign consent documents without fully comprehending the risks, benefits and potential complications. There is currently no Asian study performed analysing adequacy of informed consent. This study aims to assess adequacy of informed consent by evaluating patient understanding and retention of key information and complications pertaining to surgery via medical student‐administered interview.

Methods

A prospective study was performed on 48 patients undergoing groin hernia surgery, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and total thyroidectomy from 2017 to 2018 in a teaching hospital. Standardized assessment forms including major common complications and key details of the surgery were prepared. Structured one‐to‐one interviews between students and patients were performed and recorded on the morning of surgery.

Results

Although 93.8% of the patients claimed to have understood the information regarding their surgery, only 19.4%, 44.4% and 62.5% of the patients could actually recall the serious complications of groin hernia surgery, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and thyroidectomy, respectively. Elderly patients (>65 years) had poorer understanding of surgical procedure compared to the young (80% versus 100%, respectively, P = 0.008) with 26.7% of elderly patients claiming that they did not understand the indication for surgery. High satisfaction rates with this preoperative interview were reported by both patients and students (95.8% and 97.9%, respectively). Time interval from informed consent to surgery did not make any difference.

Conclusion

Understanding of information and key complications was generally low, especially in the elderly population. The structured preoperative interview achieved the dual goal of reinforcing patient gaps in knowledge and improving student communication skills.
Outcomes following radical cystectomy: a population‐based study from Queensland, Australia
Authors: Coughlin Geoffrey D. , Youl Philippa H. , Philpot Shoni , Wright Matthew J. , Honore Matthew , Theile David E. ,   for Cancer Alliance Queensland
Published: May 2019

Background

Radical cystectomy (RC) is a complex uro‐oncology surgical procedure with high surgical morbidity. We report on outcomes following RC for bladder cancer using a population‐based cohort of patients.

Methods

Patients receiving an RC from 2002 to 2016 were included and linked to their cancer‐related surgical procedures. Hospitals were categorized as high (>7 RCs/year) and low (≤7 RCs/year). Outcomes included 30‐ and 90‐day mortalities and 2‐year overall survival (OS). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine factors associated with the outcomes of interest. OS was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier survival function.

Results

During the 15‐year study period, 1230 patients underwent an RC for invasive bladder cancer. In‐hospital mortality was 1.1%, and 30‐ and 90‐day mortality was 1.4% and 2.9%, respectively. Both 30‐ and 90‐day mortalities were significantly higher for older versus younger patients (P = 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively), and lymph node involvement was significantly associated with 90‐day mortality (P = 0.002). Patients treated more recently were about 80% less likely to die within 90 days. The 2‐year OS was 71.5%, with significant improvements observed over time (P < 0.001). While we found no evidence of a hospital‐volume relationship for post‐operative mortality or survival, patients treated in low‐volume compared to high‐volume hospitals were more likely to have surgical margin involvement (10.9% versus 7.1%, respectively, P = 0.03).

Conclusion

We observed low post‐operative mortality rates overall, with rates decreasing significantly over time. Some subgroups of patients experience poorer post‐operative outcomes. Reporting on post‐operative outcomes, and survival over time helps monitor clinical progress and identify areas for improvement.
Long‐term cognition and behavior in children born at early term gestation: A systematic review
Authors: Nielsen Trine M. , Pedersen Mette V. , Milidou Ioanna , Glavind Julie , Henriksen Tine B.
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Recent recommendations characterize deliveries at 37+0 weeks through 38+6 weeks as early term. We aimed to review the literature systematically on long‐term cognition, school performance and behavior in children born early term (37+0 to 38+6 weeks) compared with full term (39+0 to 40+6 weeks).

Material and methods

The review was performed according to the PRISMA Statement. The final literature search was performed on 31 January 2019. We located studies in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Library. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials, cohort studies and case‐control studies, with outcome assessment performed at 2‐19 years. We collected information using a structured data form and evaluated study quality using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale (NOS).

Results

We included 42 observational studies published between 2006 and 2018. No restriction on year of publication was made. The mean NOS score was 5.8 with a range from 3 to 9. Compared with children born full term, children born early term had a lower intelligence score in early adulthood and up to some 30% increased risk of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Furthermore, we found some 10%‐40% increased risk of cognitive problems, some 25% higher risk of language impairments and another 8%‐75% with poorer overall school performance. No meta‐analysis was conducted due to heterogeneity in the outcome measures. Only 10 studies presented subgroup analyses in spontaneous deliveries or adjusted for type of labor onset/induction.

Conclusions

Children born early term are at increased risk of cognitive deficits, poorer school performance and behavioral problems compared with children born full term.
Influence of presbyopia on smartphone usage among Chinese adults: A population study
Authors: Wang Congyao , Wang Xiuqin , Jin Ling , Tang Bobby , Zhu Wenhui , Zhang Guoshan , Chen Tingting , McAneney Helen , Kassalow Jordan , Congdon Nathan
Published: May 2019

Importance

Presbyopia, an essentially universal, age‐related loss of the ability to focus un‐aided on near objects, is the world's leading cause of visual impairment.

Background

Smartphone use is widespread in China, but little is known about the prevalence, determinants and correction of difficulties with smartphone use in the setting of presbyopia.

Design

Cross‐sectional data from a population‐based longitudinal cohort study.

Participants

A total of 1817 persons aged ≥35 years in Guangzhou, Southern China.

Methods

Participants underwent near visual acuity (NVA) testing and completed questionnaires on smartphone usage detailing knowledge of their own presbyopia status, frequency (hours/day) and subjective difficulties with use of mobile and smartphones. Presbyopia was defined as uncorrected bilateral NVA ≤6/12 with best‐corrected bilateral NVA >6/12.

Main Outcome Measures

Difficulty in smartphone use associated with uncorrected presbyopia.

Results

Among 1427 respondents (78.5%) undergoing examination, 1191 (83.5%) completed questionnaires (mean age 52.3 ± 11.6 years; 54.9% women). Among 451 persons (37.8%) with presbyopia owning smartphones, 290 (64.3%) reported difficulty using them. Multiple ordinal logistic regression modelling showed difficulty in smartphone use due to presbyopia was associated with higher educational level (P = .013), worse NVA (P < .001) and more time spent using smartphones (P = .002 for 1‐3 hours/day). Among persons with presbyopia owning smartphones, 353 (78.0%) said they would pay >US$15 (median US$45) for innovations making smartphone use easier.

Conclusions and Relevance

Difficulty in using smartphones in the presence of presbyopia is common and affected persons are willing to pay for useful solutions to the problem.
Endoscopic ultrasonography and small‐bowel endoscopy: Present and future
Authors: Tontini Gian Eugenio , Manfredi Guido , Orlando Stefania , Neumann Helmut , Vecchi Maurizio , Buscarini Elisabetta , Elli Luca
Published: May 2019

Over the last decade, impressive technological advances have occurred in ultrasonography and small‐bowel endoscopy. Nowadays, endoscopic ultrasonography is an essential diagnostic tool and a therapeutic weapon for pancreatobiliary disorders. Capsule endoscopy and device‐assisted enteroscopy have quickly become the reference standard for the diagnosis of small‐bowel luminal diseases, thereby leading to radical changes in diagnostic and therapeutic pathways. We herein provide an up‐to‐date overview of the latest advances in endoscopic ultrasonography and small‐bowel endoscopy, focusing on the emerging paradigms and technological innovations that might improve clinical practice in the near future.
Ethical issues with testing and treatment for Krabbe disease
Authors: Ehmann Paul , Lantos John D
Published: May 2019

Early‐infantile Krabbe disease (EIKD) is an autosomal recessive, progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that usually leads to death in infancy. A study published in 2005 indicated that hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation (HSCT) was effective in the treatment for EIKD when used before the onset of symptoms. This finding suggested that newborn screening for EIKD, which would allow earlier diagnosis, might lead to earlier treatment and better outcomes. In 2006, New York was the first state to implement newborn screening for Krabbe disease; however, the results were not as good as proponents had hoped. In this paper, we present the history of efforts to diagnose and treat EIKD. Based on our findings, we question the efficacy of newborn screening for Krabbe disease. We present two arguments. First, testing itself is too imprecise. Even with the most rigorous testing standards, such as those used in New York, many of the children who are identified as being ‘at risk’ for EIKD remain asymptomatic. It is unclear if they will remain asymptomatic forever and, thus, whether the tests should be considered ‘false positives’, or whether they will eventually develop the disease. Second, we question the efficacy of early HSCT. We recommend placing a moratorium on mandatory newborn screening for EIKD.

What this paper adds

Current tests to identify which children are likely to develop Krabbe diseased are inadequate.

Many children identified as being ‘at risk’ for early infantile Krabbe disease remain asymptomatic.

Psychosine appears to be more specific than low galactosylceramidase levels for diagnosing early infantile Krabbe disease.
Inflammatory caspase regulation: maintaining balance between inflammation and cell death in health and disease
Authors: Bolívar Beatriz E. , Vogel Tiphanie P. , Bouchier‐Hayes Lisa
Published: May 2019

Members of the mammalian inflammatory caspase family, including caspase‐1, caspase‐4, caspase‐5, caspase‐11, and caspase‐12, are key regulators of the innate immune response. Most studies to date have focused on the role of caspase‐1 in the maturation of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin‐1β and its upstream regulation by the inflammasome signaling complexes. However, an emerging body of research has supported a role for caspase‐4, caspase‐5, and caspase‐11 in both regulating caspase‐1 activation and inducing the inflammatory form of cell death called pyroptosis. This inflammatory caspase pathway appears essential for the regulation of cytokine processing. Consequently, insight into this noncanonical pathway may reveal important and, to date, understudied targets for the treatment of autoinflammatory disorders where the inflammasome pathway is dysregulated. Here, we will discuss the mechanisms of inflammasome and inflammatory caspase activation and how these pathways intersect to promote pathogen clearance.
Unravelling the global invasion routes of a worldwide invader, the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)
Authors: Oficialdegui Francisco J. , Clavero Miguel , Sánchez Marta I. , Green Andy J. , Boyero Luz , Michot Thomas C. , Klose Kristie , Kawai Tadashi , Lejeusne Christophe
Published: May 2019

Understanding how introduced species succeed and become widely distributed within non‐native areas is critical to reduce the threats posed by them. Our goal was to reconstruct the main invasion routes and invasion dynamics of a global freshwater invader, the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, through the analysis of its genetic variability in both native and invasive ranges.

We inferred invasion routes and population structure from the analysis of a fragment (608 base pairs) of the mitochondrial marker cytochrome c oxidase subunit I from 1,062 individuals of P. clarkii in addition to 354 GenBank sequences, for a total of 122 populations (22 natives and 100 invaded). Genetic structure was assessed using analysis of molecular variance and non‐metric multidimensional scaling analyses. We analysed haplotype frequencies for the genetic variability in each locality and region. The haplotype network was depicted by using PopART software.

A high haplotype diversity was found in the native range (haplotype diversity [Hd]: 0.90), but also in some non‐native areas, such as western U.S.A. (Hd: 0.80), areas of Mexico (Hd: 0.78), and some hotspots in Europe (e.g. southern Spain or Italy), suggesting a complex pattern of multiple introductions. We grouped all localities in five differentiated groups according to biogeographic origin: the native area, west Americas, east U.S.A., Asia, and Europe. Additionally, the identification of 15 haplotypes shared between at least two localities, the phylogenetic network estimation and indices of genetic differentiation among localities allowed us to identify a large genetic admixture in the native range; the two independent invasion routes (i.e. westwards and eastwards) in U.S.A. from the native range (Louisiana and Texas) with translocations within each area; a stepping‐stone introduction from U.S.A. to Japan (involving few individuals) themselves introduced to China afterwards; the entry of P. clarkii from Louisiana (U.S.A.) into southern Spain and their multiple secondary introductions over Europe as well as other possible introductions in central Europe.

Our study emphasises the need for unravelling the global invasion routes and the demographic processes underlying the introduction of exotic species (i.e. admixture, bridgehead invasion effect, and propagule pressure) to control the spread of invasive species. Our findings highlight the value of genetic analyses to identify the geographic origin of source populations as well as the variability of invaded areas in order to reconstruct invasion dynamics and facilitate management of invasive species (e.g. through environmental DNA monitoring).
Suburban studies: State of the field and unsolved knots
Authors: De Vidovich Lorenzo
Published: May 2019

Over the last two decades, suburban studies have emerged from a call for a new conceptual order to go beyond the traditional dichotomies of the urban realm, namely, the centre‐periphery division. Such an approach distinguishes the city and suburbs as two separate entities, which hampers a better understanding of urbanization overall. Previously, studies of suburban areas have been interested in urban growth and regional development, albeit peripheral to the core themes of the research field. Yet a continuity of studies focusing on suburbs is appearing, and a proliferation of concepts has been produced to describe the diverse suburban forms according to specific features. Furthermore, suburbanization has now assumed a global dimension, as demonstrated by several recent studies and different new urban theories including “post‐metropolis,” “planetary urbanization,” and “polycentric metropolis.” This article aims at pursuing a “suburban debate” by providing an overview of the current state of research while pointing out the main frictions and unsolved issues of this proliferating discussion. First, conceptual frictions that travel worldwide are addressed and discussed. Then, contemporary issues and challenges regarding the governance of areas at the “urban edges” are highlighted as fundamental aspects to cope with while observing the socio‐spatial and socio‐economic polarizations that are occurring in the constant (sub)urban expansion, as recently addressed by several scholars.
How has the environment shaped geographical patterns of insect body sizes? A test of hypotheses using sphingid moths
Authors: Beerli Nicolas , Bärtschi Florian , Ballesteros‐Mejia Liliana , Kitching Ian J. , Beck Jan
Published: May 2019

Aim

We mapped the geographical pattern of body sizes in sphingid moths and investigated latitudinal clines. We tested hypotheses concerning their possible environmental control, that is, effects of temperature (negative: temperature size rule or Bergmann's rule; positive: converse Bergmann rule), food availability, robustness to starvation during extreme weather and seasonality.

Location

Old World and Australia/Pacific region.

Methods

Body size data of 950 sphingid species were compiled and related to their distribution maps. Focusing on body length, we mapped the median and maximum size of all species occurring in 100 km grid cells. In a comparative approach, we tested the predictions from explanatory hypotheses by correlating species' size to the average environmental conditions encountered throughout their range, under univariate and multivariate models. We accounted for phylogeny by stepwise inclusion of phylogenetically informed taxonomic classifications into hierarchical random‐intercept mixed models.

Results

Median body sizes showed a distinctive geographical pattern, with large species in the Middle East and the Asian tropics, and smaller species in temperate regions and the Afrotropics. Absolute latitude explained very little body size variation, but there was a latitudinal cline of maximum size. Species' median size was correlated with net primary productivity, supporting the food availability hypothesis, whereas support for other hypotheses was weak. Environmental correlations contributed much less (i.e. <10%) to explaining overall size variation than phylogeny (inclusion of which led to models explaining >70% of variability).

Main conclusion

The intuitive impression of larger species in the tropics is shaped by larger size maxima. Median body sizes are only very weakly related to latitude. Most of the geographical variation in body size in sphingid moths is explained by their phylogenetic past. NPP and forest cover correlate positively with the body size, which supports the idea that food availability allowed the evolution of larger sizes.
Use of aspirin in the prevention of colorectal cancer through TIGIT‐CD155 pathway
Authors: Ma Bin , Duan Xiangguo , Zhou Qiunan , Liu Juanxi , Yang Xiaojuan , Zhang Dong , Yang Shaoqi , Du Yong , Li Hai , Su Chunxia
Published: May 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most widespread malignant cancers, with a high incidence and mortality all over the world. Aspirin (ASA) otherwise known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug that has shown promising results in the prevention of chronic diseases, including several cancers. In previous studies, aspirin has been shown to reduce the incidence of CRC. Immune checkpoint blockade of T cell Ig and ITIM domain receptor (TIGIT) alone or combined with other immune checkpoint blockades moleculars has gained impressive results in the treatment of the melanoma and glioblastoma. Here, we found that TIGIT and Poliovirus receptor (PVR, CD155) are expressed in tumour cells; the TIGIT and CD155 protein expression in cancer tissue has been found to be significantly higher than that in the precancerous tissue. T cell Ig and ITIM domain receptor and CD226 were expressed in the lymphocytes near the tumour tissue and the adjacent tissues. Aspirin has been found to inhibit cancer cell viability and promote CRC cell apoptosis.Similarly, aspirin has also been found to increase pro‐apoptotic protein Bax's expression. We found that the expression of TIGIT decreased with an increase in the concentration of aspirin and that the suppression of TIGIT can affect the effect of aspirin on cell proliferation. In this paper, we found that aspirin attenuates cancer cell proliferation and induces CRC cells apoptosis by down‐regulating the expression of TIGIT, which provides new evidence for the application of aspirin in cancer treatment.
Human liver regeneration following massive hepatic necrosis: Two distinct patterns
Authors: Dezső Katalin , Nagy Péter , Paku Sándor
Published: May 2019

Background and Aim

Massive hepatic necrosis is a rare but often fatal complication of various liver injuries. Nevertheless, some patients can survive by spontaneous hepatic regeneration. It is known that surviving hepatocytes and/or progenitor cells can participate in this process but the mechanism of hepatic recovery is vague.

Methods

We examined 13 explanted human livers removed for acute liver failure. Combined immunohistochemistry, digital image analysis, and three‐dimensional reconstruction of serial sections were applied.

Results

Two patterns of regeneration could be distinguished. In livers with centrilobular necrosis, the surviving injured periportal hepatocytes started to proliferate and arrange into acinar structures and expressed α‐fetoprotein. If the injury wiped out almost all hepatocytes, large areas of parenchymal loss were invaded by an intense ductular reaction. The cells at the distal pole of the ductules differentiated into hepatocytes and formed foci organized by the branches of the portal vein. The expanding foci often containing complete portal triads were arranged around surviving central veins. Their fusion eventually could be an attempt to re‐establish the hepatic lobules.

Conclusions

Regeneration of human livers following massive hepatic necrosis can occur in two ways—either through proliferation of α‐fetoprotein‐positive acinary‐arranged hepatocytes or through ductular progenitor cells, with the latter being less efficient. Further investigation of these regenerative pathways may help identify biomarkers for likelihood of complete regeneration and hence have therapeutic implications.
Risk factors associated with 30‐day all‐cause unplanned hospital readmissions at a tertiary children's hospital in Western Australia
Authors: Zhou Huaqiong , Della Phillip R , Porter Paul , Roberts Pamela A
Published: May 2019

Aim

To identify risk factors associated with 30‐day all‐cause unplanned hospital readmission at a tertiary children's hospital in Western Australia.

Methods

An administrative paediatric inpatient dataset was analysed retrospectively. Patients of all ages discharged between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2014 were included. Demographic and clinical information at the index admission was examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 3330 patients (4.55%) experienced at least one unplanned readmission after discharge. Readmission was more likely to occur in patients who were either older than 16 years (odds ratio (OR) = 1.46; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.98), utilising private insurance as an inpatient (OR = 1.16; 95% CI 1.00–1.34), with greater socio‐economic advantage (OR = 1.20; 95% CI 1.02–1.41), admitted on Friday (OR = 1.21; 95% CI 1.05–1.39), discharged on Friday/Saturday/Sunday (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.10–1.44; OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.15–1.57; OR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.05–1.47, respectively), with four or more diagnoses at the index admission (OR = 2.41; 95% CI 2.08–2.80) or hospitalised for 15 days or longer (OR = 2.39; 95% CI 1.88–2.98). Area under receiver operating characteristic curve of the predictive model is 0.645.

Conclusions

A moderate discriminative ability predictive model for 30‐day all‐cause same hospital readmission was developed. A structured discharge plan is suggested to be commenced from admission to ensure continuity of care for patients identified as being at higher risk of readmission. A recommendation is made that a designated staff member be assigned to co‐ordinate the plan, including assessment of patients' and primary carers' readiness for discharge. Further research is required to establish comprehensive paediatric readmission rates by accessing linkage data to capture different hospital readmissions.
Effects of elevated CO2 on growth, calcification, and spectral dependence of photoinhibition in the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi (Prymnesiophyceae)1
Authors: Lorenzo M. Rosario , Neale Patrick J. , Sobrino Cristina , León Pablo , Vázquez Víctor , Bresnan Eileen , Segovia María
Published: May 2019

We studied the effects of elevated CO2 concentrations on cell growth, calcification, and spectral variation in the sensitivity of photosynthesis to inhibition by solar radiation in the globally important coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi. Growth rates and chlorophyll a content per cell showed no significant differences between elevated (800 ppmv) and ambient (400 ppmv) CO2 conditions. However, the production of organic carbon and the cell quotas for both carbon and nitrogen, increased under elevated CO2 conditions, whilst particulate inorganic carbon production rates decreased under the same conditions. Biometric analyses of cells showed that coccoliths only presented significant differences due to treatments in the central area width. Most importantly, the size of the coccosphere decreased under elevated CO2 conditions. The susceptibility of photosynthesis to inhibition by ultraviolet radiation (UVR) was estimated using biological weighting functions (BWFs) and a model that predicts photosynthesis under photosynthetically active radiation and UVR exposures. BWF results demonstrated that the sensitivity of photosynthesis to UVR was not significantly different between E. huxleyi cells grown under elevated and present CO2 concentrations. We propose that the acclimation to elevated CO2 conditions involves a physiological mechanism of regulation and allocation of energy and metabolites in the cell, which is also responsible for altering the sensitivity to UVR. In coccolithophores, this mechanism might be affected by the decrease in the calcification rates.
Plasma and urine pharmacokinetics of intravenously administered flunixin in greyhound dogs
Authors: Morris Tim , Paine Stuart W. , Zahra Paul , Li Eric , Colgan Sally , Karamatic Steven
Published: May 2019

Medication control in greyhound racing requires information from administration studies that measure drug levels in the urine as well as plasma, with time points that extend into the terminal phase of excretion. To characterize the plasma and the urinary pharmacokinetics of flunixin and enable regulatory advice for greyhound racing in respect of both medication and residue control limits, flunixin meglumine was administered intravenously on one occasion to six different greyhounds at the label dose of 1 mg/kg and the levels of flunixin were measured in plasma for up to 96 hr and in urine for up to 120 hr. Using the standard methodology for medication control, the irrelevant plasma concentration was determined as 1 ng/ml and the irrelevant urine concentration was determined as 30 ng/ml. This information can be used by regulators to determine a screening limit, detection time and a residue limit. The greyhounds with the highest average urine pH had far greater flunixin exposure compared with the greyhounds that had the lowest. This is entirely consistent with the extent of ionization predicted by the Henderson–Hasselbalch equation. This variability in the urine pharmacokinetics reduces with time, and at 72 hr postadministration, in the terminal phase, the variability in urine and plasma flunixin concentrations are similar and should not affect medication control.
A 4 year quality improvement initiative reducing post‐operative nausea and vomiting in children undergoing strabismus surgery at a quaternary paediatric hospital
Authors: Ali Usman , Tsang Maisie , Igbeyi Brenda , Balakrishnan Sindu , Shackell Kelly , Kotzer Gloria , Mc Donnell Conor
Published: May 2019

Background

Post‐operative nausea and vomiting is a significant cause of morbidity in pediatric anesthesia. As well as patient discomfort, post‐operative nausea and vomiting can also result in dehydration, delayed discharge and unplanned hospital admission. Children undergoing strabismus surgery are known to be a particularly high risk group for post‐operative nausea and vomiting.

Aims

The aim of this project was to reduce post‐operative nausea and vomiting by 50% over a period of 12 months.

Methods

This was a single centre retrospective observational study, with prospective observational follow up. A driver diagram was constructed and smart aim established. The Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act method of quality improvement was used for this project. Benchmark data from one hundred patients was collected retrospectively from patient records. After this, interventions were introduced and serial data was prospectively collected. Statistical process control charts were constructed to monitor percentage bundle compliance and incidence of post‐operative nausea and vomiting in the post anesthetic care unit.

Results

Post‐operative nausea and vomiting data was collected for 1079 children in total. Baseline incidence of post‐operative nausea and vomiting was 18%. After 4 years this was reduced to 4.72%. At the conclusion of the project there was no significant difference over the previous six months between the incidence of post‐operative nausea and vomiting in the strabismus population and the general post anesthetic care unit population.

Conclusion

Using quality improvement methodology, we were able to sustainably reduce the incidence of post‐operative nausea and vomiting for children undergoing strabismus repair. We demonstrated using an evidence based therapeutic bundle can reduce incidence of post‐operative nausea and vomiting in the high risk surgical strabismus population to a level comparable to the average post‐operative nausea and vomiting incidence in our post anesthetic care unit population.
The Experience of the Passage of Time
Authors: Fazekas Katherine
Published: May 2019

This paper explains the phenomena that compose the experience of the passage of time and argues that this experience represents the temporal direction of causal processes. The experience of the passage of time comprises several more specific experiences, namely: (1) the experience of continuously advancing to later times; (2) the observation of continuous change, both in the things around us and in ourselves; (3) the feeling of a lack of control over (1) and (2); and (4) the experience of a number of phenomena that we describe as animated, dynamic, or flowing. The experience of passage is a causal process whose function is to promote survival and reproductive success by representing the temporal direction of causal processes (including itself). It does this primarily via the specious present, wherein later content is presented as more vivid than earlier content. The experience of passage is veridical and is compatible with either the B‐theory or the A‐theoretic views of time.
Nonneoplastic diseases and disorders of the oral mucosa: A contemporary overview
Authors: Ariyawardana Anura , Johnson Newell W.
Published: May 2019

Oral mucosal diseases encompass a diverse array of conditions and disorders arising from malignant, potentially malignant, and nonneoplastic processes. Considerable attention has been paid to the former in recent years, much less to the wide range of nonneoplastic disease processes, which constitute a sizeable proportion of the oral disease burden globally. Many nonneoplastic disease processes of the oral mucosa significantly affect the patient's quality of life. Fortunately, timely identification and intervention can reduce the associated morbidity and, sometimes, mortality. As such, it is of utmost importance that dentists are familiar with early identification and management of this wide range of oral mucosal diseases. This volume of Periodontology 2000 provides a comprehensive contemporary review of such diseases and disorders through 15 chapters. We cover all relevant disease categories: developmental anomalies, infections, white and red lesions, vesiculo‐bullous diseases, oral dermatoses, oral ulcerative conditions, dysplastic lesions, and mucosal diseases as manifestations of systemic disease or oral lesions as a part of systemic diseases. Each chapter discusses epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and management. Controversies and many significant gaps in knowledge are exposed, with suggestions for research to address limitations in current understandings. We take a look at the 2017 classification of the periodontal diseases and discuss the importance of close liaison between the specialties of oral medicine and of periodontology in the management of the many oral diseases, apart from the common forms primarily related to oral biofilm, affecting the gingivae and other parts of the periodontium.
Noma (cancrum oris): An unresolved global challenge
Authors: Feller Liviu , Khammissa Razia A. G. , Altini Mario , Lemmer Johan
Published: May 2019

Noma (canrum oris) is a mutilating necrotizing disease of uncertain etiology, but it is accepted that it is caused primarily by a polybacterial infection with secondary ischemia. The consequent necrotizing fasciitis, myonecrosis, and osteonecrosis results in destruction of facial structures with severe functional impairment and disfigurement. It most frequently affects children, particularly in sub‐Saharan Africa, who are malnourished or debilitated by systemic conditions including but not limited to malaria, measles, and tuberculosis; and less frequently debilitated HIV‐seropositive subjects. In the vast majority of cases, in susceptible subjects, noma is preceded by necrotizing stomatitis. However, it has been reported, albeit rarely, that noma can arise without any preceding oral lesions being observed. Noma is not recurrent and is not transmissible.
Police‐Monitored Cameras and Crime*
Authors: Munyo Ignacio , Rossi Martín A.
Published: May 2019

We study the effects of police monitoring on crime. We exploit detailed information on the location and date of installation of police‐monitored surveillance cameras, coupled with data at the street‐segment level on all reported crimes in the city of Montevideo, Uruguay. We find that the introduction of police‐monitored surveillance cameras reduces crime by about 20 percent in monitored areas relative to a pure control group located outside the city. We also explore potential displacement effects, and we do not find evidence of such effects.
Canine pyoderma gangrenosum with recurring skin lesions of unknown origin and splenic involvement
Authors: Kang Jung‐Hun , Yoon Jung‐Hee , Kim Yong‐Baek , Hwang Cheol‐Yong
Published: May 2019

Background

Reports of canine pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) are uncommon in the veterinary literature. Rarer still are cases describing dogs with both skin lesions and internal organ involvement.

Objective

To describe a case of canine PG with skin and internal organ involvement.

Animals

A client‐owned dog.

Methods and materials

Complete blood count, serum chemistry, C‐reactive protein and SNAP cPL tests, and abdominal ultrasonography and fine‐needle aspiration of the spleen were performed.

Results

The dog was treated with oral prednisolone and ciclosporin. After three months of therapy, ultrasonography revealed normalization of the spleen and resolution of skin lesions.

Conclusion and clinical importance

Dogs with skin lesions compatible with PG should be screened carefully for internal organ involvement. Ciclosporin may be a useful treatment for the immediate and long‐term management of canine PG.
THEOLOGY AND COSMOLOGY: A CALL FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY ENRICHMENT
Authors: Hausoul Raymond R.
Published: May 2019

Today, there is a growing interest in interdisciplinary studies between theology and natural sciences. This article will reveal some “core” problems in this interdisciplinary relationship. It investigates how cosmic eschatology and natural sciences can benefit the most from each other while dealing with the scenarios which cosmology presents. Doing so, the main emphasis will be on rediscovering the impact of the Resurrection in Christian theology and the possibility of launching a dialogue between natural sciences and theology concerning the new heaven and the new earth.
REACTING TO CONSECRATING SCIENCE: WHAT MIGHT AMATEURS DO?
Authors: Fredericks Sarah E.
Published: May 2019

In Consecrating Science: Wonder, Knowledge, and the Natural World, Lisa H. Sideris makes a compelling case that a new cosmology movement advocates for a new, universal, creation story grounded in the sciences. She fears the new story reinforces elite power structures and anthropocentrism and thus environmental degradation. Alternatively, she promotes genuine wonder which occurs in experiences of the natural world. As Sideris focuses on the likely logical outcome of the assumptions and arguments of the new cosmologies, she does not investigate whether and how people react to these new myths. I suggest that methods of documentary studies, applied to popular book reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, shed light on the ramifications of the new cosmologies among the general public. While many reviewers exhibit attitudes and behaviors that would concern Sideris, responses are far from univocal. Using this case as a guide, I suggest that attention to the experience of laypeople could contribute productively to religion and science research in general.
Checklist of marine elasmobranchs of Colombia
Authors: Navia Andrés Felipe , Mejía-Falla Paola
Published: May 2019

A review and update to the shark and ray species recorded for the marine waters of Colombia was carried out. A total of 206 species had been recorded in the literature, of which 138 species (76 sharks and 62 rays) could be confirmed from museum records, catches, photographs, and videos. No evidence was found for 25 species, but their distribution included neighboring countries, and they were therefore classified as possible based on distribution. Thirty-six species were classified as improbable based on distribution and seven more were considered as misidentifications. The inventory of confirmed species includes 57 genera (30 shark and 27 batoid genera) and 34 families (18 shark and 16 batoid families). There was notably an addition of 26 confirmed species since 2007 as well as numerous modifications to group systematics and taxonomy, especially for batoids. The total number of confirmed elasmobranchs represented 12.1 % of species known worldwide, and could even reach 14.5 %, indicating that Colombia has one of the richest cartilaginous fish faunas in Latin America, behind Mexico and Brazil. This demonstrates that although Colombia cannot be considered an elasmobranch biodiversity hotspot or site of elasmobranch endemism globally, it does have good representativity of these species´ biodiversity at the regional level, especially regarding amphi-American species.
Characteristics of Airborne Particles
Authors: Rich T. A.
Published: May 2019

Airborne particulates are primarily responsible for the visible effects of air pollution and contribute appreciably to the total mass of pollutants. A substantial fraction of the particulates is submicroscopic so optical methods are not suitable for following their life history. Techniques for measuring number and average size of submicroscopic particles over wide ranges have been developed but are not widely known or used outside the laboratory. A review is given here of some of the more useful parameters of particles and methods by which these can be measured.