bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of embodiment on attitude strength
Authors: Shrivastava Sunaina , Jain Gaurav , Kwon JaeHwan , Nayakankuppam Dhananjay
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Traditionally, it has been held that strong attitudes are a result of the conscious cognitive process of elaboration where one engages in effortful issue-relevant thinking. The purpose of this work is to show that attitude strength can follow from processes not just limited to elaboration – as a function of certain embodied states. This work examines bodily manipulations that could alter perceptions about the quality of the information describing a target (e.g. notion of “hard/soft” evidence), and, finds that such an embodiment leads one to have strong attitudes toward the target object. This work proposes an attitude-rehearsal-based mechanism to explain the phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

This work has relied on lab experiments as a methodology – undergraduate students and American residents served as participants. There is a pre-registered study included as well.

Findings

This work shows that strong attitudes can result from processes not just limited to elaboration, as a function of certain embodied states. This paper examines bodily manipulations that could alter perceptions about the quality of information describing the target (e.g. notion of “hard vs soft”; “converging vs diverging” information), and, find that such an embodiment leads one to have strong attitudes toward the target. This paper consistently observed that the bodily manipulations influence attitude accessibility, a direct and operational indicator of attitude strength. This paper further validates an attitude-rehearsal-based mechanism to explain the observed phenomenon.

Originality/value

While much work has investigated the impact of embodiment on attitudes, little attention has been paid to whether, and, how embodied states can impact the “strength” of the attitude without impacting the attitude itself – to the knowledge, this paper is the first to document this. Moreover, traditionally, it has been held that strong attitudes are a result of the conscious cognitive process of elaboration where one engages in effortful issue-relevant thinking. This work however shows that attitude strength can follow from processes not just limited to elaboration – as a function of certain embodied states.
Patent management and the globalization of firms: the case of Siemens (1890–1945)
Authors: Donzé Pierre-Yves , Nishimura Shigehiro
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how multinational enterprises have historically managed global patenting and to what extent the localization of patent management has supported the expansion of these enterprises. This study focuses on the electric appliance industry (one of the first industries to see the emergence of global companies) and consider the case of Siemens, a German multinational company, comparing it to General Electric (GE), an American company.

Design/methodology/approach

The work adopts a global business history approach. Taking GE’s global patent-management model, described by Nishimura (2004, 2009, 2016), as the benchmark, this study analyzed Siemens’ worldwide control of its intellectual property rights between 1890 and Second World War, using German, Japanese and American primary sources.

Findings

Patent management is a common means for firms to globalize and transfer technology internationally, but it can take various forms. While GE transferred patent management to its foreign subsidiaries (a process known as localization), Siemens kept worldwide patent management at its headquarters – except in Japan, where in time it transferred this activity to a joint venture. The transfer of production called for localization of patent management while focusing on exporting to other markets made it possible to keep patent management at headquarters.

Originality/value

Patents are usually a source for quantitative surveys. This paper uses them to discuss how multinational companies manage property rights globally. It is the first paper to address this issue by comparing two major actors in a similar industry.
The antecedents and outcomes of transformational leadership: leader's self-transcendent value, follower's environmental commitment and behavior
Authors: Zhang Shujie , Sun Wei , Ji Haochen , Jia Junyun
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The primary purpose of this paper is to identify the antecedent (i.e. leader's self-transcendent value) and outcomes (i.e. follower's environmental commitment and behavior) of transformational leadership. The second purpose is to examine the mediating role of transformational leadership plays in the relationship between leader's self-transcendent value and follower's environmental commitment and behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Multi-source data were collected at multiple times in China. A total of 262 employees and their 64 supervisors completed the survey. The authors conducted a series of confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) to verify the validity of the constructs and adopted the SPSS PROCESS macro with bootstrapping techniques to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The authors find that leader's self-transcendent value is an important antecedent of transformational leadership, and transformational leadership can enhance followers' environmental commitment and foster their environmental behavior. Besides, transformational leadership plays a significant mediating role between leader's self-transcendent value and follower's environmental commitment and behavior.

Originality/value

This study has developed an integrated model of the antecedents and outcomes of transformational leadership in the Chinese context. It also confirmed that transformational leadership mediates the process through which leader's self-transcendent value has a positive impact on follower's environmental commitment and behavior.
The impact of servant leadership and perceived organisational and supervisor support on job burnout and work–life balance in the era of teleworking and COVID-19
Authors: Lamprinou Vicky Dimitra Ioanna , Tasoulis Konstantinos , Kravariti Foteini
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Drawing on organisational support theory, this paper aims to investigate the relationships between servant leadership and (1) job burnout and (2) work–life balance, as mediated by perceived organisational support (POS) and perceived supervisor support (PSS), for both teleworkers and non-teleworkers. It is postulated that, under the influence of a servant leader, as well as a supportive workplace and supervisor, teleworkers and non-teleworkers will demonstrate reduced symptoms of job burnout and maintain a better balance between their professional and personal lives.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was developed based on well-established scales. Primary data were collected from individuals working in 22 industrial sectors operating in Greece. In total, 211 individuals participated in this study, of whom 64 were teleworkers and 147 were non-teleworkers. Statistical analyses include Pearson's correlations, exploratory factor analyses and mediation analyses using SPSS Process Version 3.

Findings

The findings established that POS is the full mediator in the relationship between servant leadership and (1) job burnout and (2) work–life balance for both teleworkers and non-teleworkers, whereas PSS was not found to act as a mediator in the aforementioned associations.

Originality/value

This article offers robust evidence for servant leadership and organisational support scholarship by establishing that POS mediates the relationship between servant leadership and (1) job burnout and (2) work–life balance amidst COVID-19 for both teleworkers and non-teleworkers. This evidence contributes to understanding how and why servant leadership influences employee well-being not only in traditional working environments but also in the context of teleworking.
“Hold them or fold them:” evidence-based decisions to discontinue investigations of non-domestic minor violence
Authors: McFadzien Kent , Sherman Lawrence W.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a “maintenance pathway” for ensuring a low false negative rate in closing investigations unlikely to lead to a clearance (detection).

Design/methodology/approach

A randomised controlled experiment testing solvability factors for non-domestic cases of minor violence.

Findings

A random selection of 788 cases, of which 428 would have been screened out, were sent forward for full investigation. The number of cases actually detected was 22. A total of 19 of these were from the 360 recommended for allocation. This represents an improvement of accuracy over the original tests of the model three years earlier.

Research limitations/implications

This study shows how the safety of an investigative triage tool can be checked on a continuous basis for accuracy in predicting the cases unlikely to be solved if referred for full investigations.

Practical implications

This safety check pathway means that many more cases can be closed after preliminary investigations, thus saving substantial time for working on cases more likely to yield a detection if sufficient time is put into the cases.

Social implications

More offenders may be caught and brought to justice by using triage with a safety backstop for accurate forecasting.

Originality/value

This is the first published study of a maintenance pathway based on a random selection of cases that would otherwise not have been investigated. If widely applied, it could yield far greater time for police to pursue high-harm, serious violence.
The role of emotional experience and destination image on ecotourism satisfaction
Authors: Quynh NgoHai , Hoai Nguyen Thanh , Loi Nguyen Van
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of the emotional experience (EE) and the image of the tourist destination on the satisfaction of the domestic tourist and his behavioral intentions, represented through the word of mouth (WOM) and his revisit intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The information obtained through a personal survey to 382 local tourists was refined and subjected to structural equation analysis. Analyses conducted with SPSS 20.0 and AMOS 20 software confirmed the existence of interesting significant relationships.

Findings

The results show that positive destination image and different experiences are considered to be the main elements that promote positive emotions and satisfaction for tourists, leading to a higher eagerness to spread WOM recommendations and to revisit a destination. The results also verify that interactions with the difficult-replacement services and with residents create strong positive EEs for female visitors, so that they are more willing to revisit a destination than males.

Research limitations/implications

Eco-destination managers should provide more difficult-replacement services and create an enjoyable and unique experience for tourists to enhance their satisfaction and positive behavioral intentions.

Originality/value

The results provide some important implications and insights about the marketing theory groundwork of EE and satisfaction, such as how they are to be conceptualized and established and how interactive relationships are formed among them in the ecotourism context.
New mechanism for press-fit processes: preliminary analysis
Authors: Fiorineschi Lorenzo , Pugi Luca , Rotini Federico
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an alternative solution for press-fit technology processes, which could improve the precision of the positioning movements and the stiffness of the structural elements.

Design/methodology/approach

A concept is presented and the related kinematics is described. Then, preliminary embodiment evaluations have been performed in terms of kinematics, force control and load distribution on the main structural elements.

Findings

Thanks to the additional leg, the proposed solution allows a preload that is capable of compensating the backlash of joints. The particular structure with four extendible legs and eight cardan joints ensures the parallelism between the ground and the plate holding the end effector, without any need of additional controls. However, it implies that the legs are not subjected to pure tension–compression stresses.

Research limitations/implications

This work is focused on the conceptual phase of the design process, with only preliminary embodiment analysis that paves the way for subsequent and more detailed design steps. Especially concerning the actual stiffness of the system, comprehensive evaluations could be performed only after the identification of the particular parts/devices used to implement the main functional elements.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research work that comprehensively describes and analyzes the considered kinematics, within a real industrial application context.
Prenatal exposure to solar radiation and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Lu D , Li M , Gan Y , Yu G , Zhang Q , Zhang J
Published: July 2021

Objective

To examine the association between prenatal exposure to solar radiation and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).

Design

A multicentre retrospective study.

Setting

19 hospitals in the USA.

Population

205 888 women with singleton gestation from the Consortium on Safe Labor (2002–2008).

Main outcome measures

Gestational hypertension, pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia, and pre‐eclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension.

Methods

Medical records of the participants were linked to solar radiation obtained from the National Solar Radiation Database. Average daily solar radiation of each woman was estimated over the entire pregnancy period and over three trimesters during pregnancy according to hospital sites. Generalised estimated equation was applied to investigate the relationship between quartiles of average daily solar radiation and HDP. Restricted cubic spline was applied to assess the nonlinear associations.

Results

Higher average solar radiation during the entire pregnancy was associated with reduced risks of HDP. Compared with the 1st quartile of solar radiation during the entire pregnancy, odds ratios (ORs) of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quartiles were respectively 0.80 (95% CI 0.72–0.90), 0.63 (95% CI 0.55–0.73), 0.65 (95% CI 0.54–0.78) for gestational hypertension; 0.66 (95% CI 0.57–0.76), 0.61 (95% CI 0.51–0.73), 0.77 (95% CI 0.62–0.95) for pre‐eclampsia, and 0.44 (95% CI 0.36–0.55), 0.42 (95% CI 0.35–0.49), 0.60 (95% CI 0.46–0.78) for superimposed pre‐eclampsia.

Conclusion

Exposure to higher daily solar radiation during pregnancy is associated with a decreased risk of HDP. The protective effect was stronger for superimposed pre‐eclampsia than for pre‐eclampsia or gestational hypertension.

Tweetable abstract

Exposure to higher daily solar radiation during pregnancy is associated with a decreased risk of HDP.
Ultrasonic agglomeration of model flour systems: Process parameter‐product physico‐thermal property relationships
Authors: Barrett Ann , Ahnrud Gianna , Ziegler David , Liu Xun , Kaletunc Gonul
Published: July 2021

Ultrasonic compression was applied to wheat flour to create an agglomerated and compacted model food system. This novel process combines physical compression with ultrasonic vibration to permanently weld particles together, thereby producing a robust compact. Fundamental relationships among operating parameters, energy imparted to the specimens, and physical properties of the agglomerated products were developed. Integrated agglomeration energy was determined to be a linear function of percent maximum horn amplitude and ultrasonication time, and integrated energy in turn influenced product physical properties, such as density and fracture strength, in highly significant linear relationships. Microscopic, computer tomographic, and differential scanning calorimetric analyses confirmed progressive compaction of and thermal stability changes in the flour matrix with increased processing energy. Specimens agglomerated at higher energy levels were furthermore demonstrated to have higher fracture strength than conventionally (pressure‐only) compressed specimens despite similar densities, due to the robust interparticle bridging produced by agglomeration.

Practical Application

Ultrasonic agglomeration represents a potential improvement over standard compression in the manufacturing of meal‐supplementing energy bars. Ultrasonic agglomeration effectively adheres particles together without incorporation of low‐nutrient‐ density syrups and binders. Agglomerated and compacted products also have superior mechanical stability, which can improve texture and physical stability during product handling.
Will rheumatologists ever pick up the arthroscope again?
Authors: Ike Robert W. , Kalunian Kenneth C.
Published: July 2021

Conditions prompting physicians and surgeons first adapting endoscopes to peer into joints were mainly the sort of synovial conditions that would concern today's rheumatologists. Rheumatologists were among the pre‐World War II pioneers developing and documenting arthroscopy. The post‐War father of modern arthroscopy, Watanabe, found rheumatologists among his early students, who took back the technique to their home countries, teaching orthopedists and rheumatologists alike. Rheumatologists described and analyzed the intra‐articular features of their common diseases in the ’60s and ’70s. A groundswell of interest from academic rheumatologists in adapting arthroscopy grew considerably in the ’90s with development of “needle scopes” that could be used in an office setting. Rheumatologists helped conduct the very trials the findings of which reduced demand for their arthroscopic services by questioning the efficacy of arthroscopic debridement in osteoarthritis (OA) and also developing biological compounds that greatly reduced the call for any resective intervention in inflammatory arthropathies. The arthroscope has proven an excellent tool for viewing and sampling synovium and continues to serve this purpose at several international research centers. While cartilage is now imaged mainly by magnetic resonance imaging, some OA features – such as a high prevalence of visible calcinosis – beg further arthroscopy‐directed investigation. A new generation of “needle scopes” with far superior optics awaits future investigators, should they develop interest.
Association between allergic or autoimmune diseases and incidence of endometriosis: A nested case‐control study using a health insurance claims database
Authors: Yoshii Erika , Yamana Hayato , Ono Sachiko , Matsui Hiroki , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: July 2021

Problem

Immune responses were reported to be associated with the pathogenesis of endometriosis. However, previous studies of an association between allergic or autoimmune diseases and endometriosis have reported inconsistent results. We investigated the association between allergic or autoimmune diseases and the incidence of endometriosis.

Method of study

Using a large‐scale health insurance claims database in Japan, we identified patients with endometriosis diagnosed between April 2011 and August 2018. For each case, we identified up to four controls with the same age and registration month. Conditional logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of endometriosis in women with allergic diseases (asthma, allergic rhinitis, urticaria, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and type 1 allergies combined), systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis compared with women without these diseases.

Results

We identified 30 516 cases with endometriosis and 120 976 control participants. Mean age at registration was 30 years. There were significant positive associations between type 1 allergy and endometriosis (IRR, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.13) and between rheumatoid arthritis and endometriosis (IRR, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.64). Diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus was not associated with increased incidence of endometriosis. Among the different allergic diseases, allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and allergic conjunctivitis were associated with the increased incidence.

Conclusion

Several allergic diseases were associated with an increased incidence of endometriosis. A higher incidence was also observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the influence of immune responses on the development of endometriosis.
9 The Neighborhood Marketplaces of Yaxnohcah
Authors: Anaya Hernández Armando , Reese‐Taylor Kathryn , Walker Debra S. , Dunning Nicholas P.
Published: July 2021

This study focuses on the identification of Maya neighborhood marketplaces during the Late/Terminal Classic period (550‐900 CE) in the urban landscape of Yaxnohcah, Campeche, Mexico. We use a configurational and contextual approach to identify four marketplaces that are situated in a strategic inner ring 1.5–2.5 km from the epicenter of the city. Physical features of the marketplaces include a plaza area of 2000–3100 m2, low perimeter platforms surrounding the plazas, multiple corner entries, easy access to pedestrian corridors, association with large elite households or civic complexes, and equidistance from other neighborhood marketplaces. Artifact frequencies within the plaza support the identification of these complexes as markets, while a locational analysis identifies the service area of each. Finally, we consider the role of these marketplaces as anchors for residential zones during the Late Classic period.[Maya, Campeche, Late Classic, Neighborhoods, Marketplaces]
13 City, State, and Market: Lessons from Mesoamerica
Authors: Swenson Edward
Published: July 2021

In evaluating the contributions to this issue, this chapter questions the predictable co‐occurrence of cities with markets and states, a long‐held position in western social theory. However, an extreme relativism is also flawed, and the projection of anti‐capitalist fantasies on past, other peoples have equally distorted interpretations of the archaeological record and blinded researchers to the reality of market economies in societies including the Maya. Ultimately, the power of the comparative method entails more than the identification of commonalities between different market traditions. It can also serve to illuminate how market economics were embedded in distinct cultural, ideological, and material worlds. Calculating self‐interest, supply‐and‐demand, and impersonal exchange do not operate according to a single behavioral logic but are shaped by ideologies of identity and desire specific to distinct regimes of value. Therefore, attention to the cultural and spatial context of economic transactions—in the original spirit of Polanyi—remains indispensable to interpreting how markets may have shaped historically particular constructions of personhood, community, inequality, place, and the ontological status of commodities. In the end, I argue that archaeologists also need to investigate the political affordances of markets as specific urban places and not simply as epiphenomena to a priori political or economic institutions.
Beyond childcare: Changes in the amount and types of parent‐child time over three decades
Authors: Wray Dana , Ingenfeld Julia , Milkie Melissa A. , Boeckmann Irene
Published: July 2021

Parents’ time with children has increased over the past several decades, according to many scholars. Yet, research predominantly focuses on childcare activities, overlooking the majority of time that parents spend with children. Using time diaries from the 1986–2015 Canadian General Social Survey, we examine trends in the quantity and distribution of parents’ childcare time and total co‐present time in the company of children, as well as the behavioral or compositional drivers of these trends. Co‐present time with children increased sharply since the mid‐1980s, by 1 hour per day for fathers and 1.5 hours for mothers. This rise was driven not only by childcare activities, but also parents’ time in housework and mothers’ time in leisure with children present. Decomposition analyses indicate that changes in parenting behavior primarily explain these increases in co‐present time. This study expands knowledge on intensive parenting through a more comprehensive understanding of parents’ daily lives with children.
Family‐centred care in early intervention: A systematic review of the processes and outcomes of family‐centred care and impacting factors
Authors: McCarthy Elaine , Guerin Suzanne
Published: July 2021

Family‐centred care (FCC) has been established as a best practice model for child disability services internationally. However, further empirical support is required to explore the operationalization and efficacy of FCC, in the absence of a universal practice model. This review aimed to identify the key processes and outcomes of FCC in early intervention (EI) settings and the factors that impact FCC. A systemic review was conducted exploring the processes and outcomes of FCC delivered to children predominantly aged 0–6 years with disabilities/suspected disabilities and families as part of EI or early services. The search procedure was informed by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (Moher et al., 2009). Narrative analysis of data was guided by Braun and Clarke (2006, 2014). Data were presented as per the standards for reporting qualitative research (SRQR; O'Brien et al., 2014). Forty‐two studies were included. The majority (90.5%) outlined the processes of FCC, with 59.5% of studies detailing outcomes. Processes were largely reported as qualitative data and/or subscales of the Measure of Processes of Care (MPOC; King et al., 1995), which were subsequently collated. Findings indicated eight key operational processes and corresponding outcomes. Variables that hinder or facilitate FCC included family/professional characteristics, family/service resources, and parent attitudes, engagement and agency. FCC was largely conceptualized as the application of services to children and their families. Critical perspectives on FCC are discussed. It is hoped this research will contribute to the development of a framework of FCC in EI to inform services provided to young children with complex needs and their families and future research.
Indication for radioactive iodine in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma without apparent disease after total thyroidectomy but with elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies
Authors: Ramos da Silva Fátima , Rosario Pedro W. , Mourão Gabriela F.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate a criterion for the selective indication of radioactive iodine (RAI) based on the short‐term behaviour of antithyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) who have negative thyroglobulin (Tg) and neck ultrasonography (US) without abnormalities after total thyroidectomy but elevated TgAb.

Design

This was a prospective study that evaluated 216 patients with low‐ or intermediate‐risk PTC who had nonstimulated Tg ≤ 0.2 ng/ml and no US abnormalities but elevated TgAb 3 months after thyroidectomy. RAI was not indicated in patients with negative TgAb or a >50% reduction in TgAb concentrations 6 months after initial assessment followed by a negative test or an additional reduction (also >50%) after 12 months.

Results

Only two of the 114 patients who did not receive RAI developed recurrences; another 108 patients met the criterion of an excellent response to therapy in the last assessment and TgAb persisted in four patients but there was an additional reduction in their concentration during follow‐up. Among the 102 patients who received RAI, post‐therapy whole‐body scanning (RxWBS) detected persistent disease in 8 (8%). Two of the 94 patients without persistent disease on RxWBS developed recurrences. In the last assessment, in the absence of additional treatment, 54/92 patients (58.7%) without structural recurrence had negative TgAb.

Conclusions

The indication for RAI can be based on the short‐term behaviour of TgAb in patients with PTC and elevated TgAb after thyroidectomy who are not high risk and who do not have apparent disease (nonstimulated Tg ≤ 0.2 ng/ml and no US abnormalities).
Investigating the potential of clinical and biochemical markers to differentiate between functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea and polycystic ovarian syndrome: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Abou Sherif Sara , Newman Rebecca , Haboosh Sara , Al‐Sharefi Ahmed , Papanikolaou Nikoleta , Dimakopoulou Anastasia , Webber Lisa J. , Abbara Ali , Franks Stephen , Dhillo Waljit S. , Jayasena Channa N.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) is a common cause of amenorrhoea, but diagnosis can be challenging. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and biochemical features of FHA, compared to that of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and assess the diagnostic performance of the different parameters for differentiating the two conditions.

Design and Patients

This was a retrospective observational study. We analysed clinical and biochemical parameters of women diagnosed with FHA and PCOS following specialist assessment at the reproductive endocrine gynaecology clinic, St Mary's Hospital.

Results

Compared with PCOS, women with FHA had significantly lower body mass index (BMI; 20.1 ± 2.9 vs. 31.1 ± 7.8 kg/m2; p< .0001) and a thinner endometrium (3.75 ± 2.23 vs. 6.82 ± 3.32 mm; p< .0001). Women with FHA had significantly lower luteinising hormone (LH; 3.46 ± 7.31 vs. 8.79 ± 4.98 IU/L; p< .0001), and lower LH to follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio, estradiol, thyroid‐stimulating hormone, free thyroxine and prolactin levels; there was no significant difference in FSH levels. BMI had the greatest predictive performance for FHA (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.93; p< .001), followed by estradiol (AUC: 0.89; p< .001), LH (AUC: 0.88; p< .001) and LH:FSH ratio (AUC: 0.86; p< .001).

Conclusions

Our data provides quantification for diagnostic accuracy of clinical parameters to differentiate FHA from PCOS, namely low BMI, estradiol, LH and LH:FSH ratio. These data could help clinicians more reliably diagnose FHA in women with secondary amenorrhoea.
Long‐term effect of everolimus in recurrent thymic neuroendocrine neoplasia
Authors: Lang Matthias , Hackert Thilo , Anamaterou Chrysanthi
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Neuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN) of the thymus is a very rare entity with a poor prognosis. None of the treatments was proofed by studies. Usually, therapy protocols for bronchopulmonary carcinoids are used. So far no data exist on the effect of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors. We describe our long‐term experience with everolimus and give a thorough review of the therapeutic strategies used so far.

Patients and Methods

Four patients (mean age 46 years, range 37–55) with progressing thymic NEN (t‐NEN) (two well‐differentiated atypical carcinoids and two atypical carcinoids with large cell characteristics) were treated with everolimus 10 mg/day after the failure of at least one previous medical therapy. Everolimus was applied after a mean interval of 32.4 months (range 5–56) after the first diagnosis. The follow‐up included clinical examination, imaging and chromogranin A testing in 3 or 6 monthly intervals.

Results

We observed stable disease for a mean of 20.8 months. Both patients with large cell characteristics t‐NEN (Ki‐67 of 20%) had rapid progress after 7 and 10 months and had more previous therapies (three and six) than the patients with well‐differentiated t‐NEN (Ki‐67 5% and 10%, progress after 24 and 42 months, one and two previous therapies). No severe side effects occurred. In three of four patients, everolimus led to stable disease for the longest compared to the other nonsurgical therapies used.

Conclusion

Comparing the sparse data available everolimus is a promising treatment for t‐NEN at least in second‐line therapy. A low Ki‐67 index was associated with a better outcome.
Civilian penetrating neck trauma at a level I trauma centre: A five‐year retrospective case note review
Authors: Zakaria Benjamin , Muzaffar Jameel , Borsetto Daniele , Fussey Jonathan , Kumar Raghu , Evans Kate , Pickering Christopher , Reid Conor , Coulson Christopher , Orr Linda , Pracy Paul , Nankivell Paul , Sharma Neil
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To report the experience of civilian penetrating neck trauma (PNT) at a UK level I trauma centre, propose an initial management algorithm and assess the degree of correlation between clinical signs of injury, operative findings and radiological reports.

Design

Retrospective case note review.

Setting

UK level I trauma centre April 2012–November 2017.

Participants

Three hundred ten cases of PNT were drawn from electronic patient records. Data were extracted on hard and soft signs of vascular or aerodigestive tract injury, clinical management, radiological imaging and patient outcomes.

Main outcome measures

Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, morbidity and mortality. The correlation between clinical signs, and radiological reports to internal injury on surgical exploration.

Results

Two hundred seventy‐one (87.4%) male and 39 (13.6%) female patients with a mean age of 36 years (16–87) were identified. The most common causes of injury were assault 171 (55.2%) and deliberate self‐harm 118 (38%). A knife was the most common instrument 240 (77.4%). Past psychiatric history was noted in 119 (38.4%), and 60 (19.4%) were intoxicated. 50% were definitively managed in theatre with a negative exploration rate of 38%, and 50% were managed in ED. Pre‐operative radiological reports correlated with operative reports in 62% of cases with venous injury the most common positive and negative finding. Multivariate correlation was r = 0.89, p = 0.045, between hard signs plus positive radiology findings and internal injury on neck exploration.

Conclusions

Management of PNT by clinical and radiological signs is safe and effective, and can be streamlined by a decision‐making algorithm as proposed here.
Environmental and evolutionary factors favouring the coexistence of sarcosaprophagous Calliphoridae species competing for animal necromass
Authors: Boudreau Denis R. , Hammami Nada , Moreau Gaétan
Published: July 2021

1. Sarcosaprophagous flies from the Calliphoridae family provide clues about the circumstances of death in criminal investigations, and apparently occupy the same ecological niche because they depend on the same ephemeral resource, namely, carrion.

2. An empirical study was conducted in southeastern New Brunswick, Canada to identify differences in Hutchinsonian hypervolume/ecological niche that allow for competitive coexistence of calliphorid species. To do this, calliphorids were trapped for a calendar year in urban, periurban, and forest habitats.

3. About 20 576 calliphorid specimens distributed among 14 different species were collected. The composition of species assemblages changed with seasons, abiotic factors, habitats, and was related to the evolutionary history of species. Each species had a distinct centroid when their response to study variables was illustrated in canonical space, thus suggesting that their ecological niches differed.

4. Examining the Hutchinsonian hypervolumes of these forensically important insects is critical because it expands our knowledge of the factors regulating the activity of calliphorid species, thereby increasing our ability to use these insects in forensic investigations.
Latitudinal gradient in the intensity of biotic interactions in terrestrial ecosystems: Sources of variation and differences from the diversity gradient revealed by meta‐analysis
Authors: Zvereva Elena L. , Kozlov Mikhail V.
Published: July 2021

The Latitudinal Biotic Interaction Hypothesis (LBIH) states that the intensity of biotic interactions increases from high to low latitudes. This hypothesis, which may partly explain latitudinal gradients in biodiversity, remains hotly debated, largely due to variable outcomes of published studies. We used meta‐analysis to identify the scope of the LBIH in terrestrial ecosystems. For this purpose, we explored the sources of variation in the strength of latitudinal changes in herbivory, carnivory and parasitism (119 publications) and compared these gradients with gradients in the diversity of the respective groups of animals (102 publications). Overall, both herbivory and carnivory decreased towards the poles, while parasitism increased. The latitudinal gradient in herbivory and carnivory was threefold stronger above 50–60° than at lower latitudes and was significant due to interactions involving ectothermic consumers, studies using standardised prey (i.e. prey lacking local anti‐predator adaptations) and studies aimed at testing LBIH. The poleward decrease in biodiversity did not differ between ectothermic and endothermic animals or among climate zones and was fourfold stronger than decrease in herbivory and carnivory. The discovered differences between the gradients in biotic interactions and biodiversity suggest that these two global macroecological patterns are likely shaped by different factors.
Clarifying the Terminology of Validity and the Investigative Stages of Validation
Authors: Russell Michael
Published: July 2021

Despite agreement about the central importance of validity for educational and psychological testing, consensus regarding the definition of validity remains elusive. Differences in the definition of validity are examined and reveals that a potential cause of disagreement stems from differences in word use and meanings given to key terms commonly employed when discussing validity. A proposal for the meaning and use of specific terms is offered and a framework that divides issues associated with validity is presented. Specifically, the framework divides what Messick termed “an integrated evaluative judgment” into three components: Instrument Validity, Verification of Interpretation and Decision, and Utility of Actions.
Shear‐bond strength and optical properties of short fiber‐reinforced CAD/CAM composite blocks
Authors: Mangoush Enas , Lassila Lippo , Vallittu Pekka K. , Garoushi Sufyan
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to assess the shear‐bond strength (SBS) of resin‐luting cement to experimental short fiber‐reinforced CAD/CAM composite (SFRC) compared to conventional CAD/CAM (Cerasmart 270), 3D printed (GC TEMP PRINT, Pro3dure GR‐17), and laboratory (Gradia Plus) composites. Moreover, translucency parameter values and light transmission were evaluated. For each of the five types of composites, discs were prepared (n = 16/group) and divided into subgroups (n = 8/group) according to surface treatment protocol (hydrofluoric acid or air‐particle abrasion). SBS test was performed using universal testing machine until failure, and failure modes were visually analyzed. Translucency parameter and curing‐light transmission values through 1, 2, and 3 mm thickness were quantified using spectrophotometry and the MARC resin calibrator, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the CAD/CAM composites after surface treatment. Composite type and surface treatment had a significant effect on SBS. Laboratory composite showed the highest SBS value (22.4 MPa). Cerasmart 270 exhibited higher translucency parameter values (19.8, 11.0, 5.0) than SFRC (14.5, 5.2, 1.6) at the three composite thicknesses tested. Air‐particle abrasion was more effective in enhancing SBS than acid etching. Experimental SFRC CAD/CAM composite showed higher SBS values than Cerasmart 270. For all composites, translucency parameter values and light transmission decreased as thickness increased.
First record of Macrohomotoma gladiata Kuwayama, 1908 (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Homotomidae), a pest of ornamental Ficus microcarpa L. f., in Morocco
Authors: Afechtal Mohamed , Chrif Smaili Moulay , Abou Kubaa Raied
Published: July 2021

Ficus microcarpa L. f. (Moraceae) is a popular ornamental plant that grows in many urban zones in Morocco. The psyllid Macrohomotoma gladiata (Kuwayama, 1908) was found for the first time from Morocco, in August 2019, on 21 ornamental Ficus microcarpa L. f. trees in the urban area of Kénitra, on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. The new psyllid caused serious damage on leaves and twigs of this host plant. Rolled leaves at the tip of the twigs, white and woolly waxy secretions were also observed in the infested trees. This first record of M. gladiata in Morocco, although still regarding a limited geographic area, represents a serious threat to Ficus in the country. A morphological description of this new pest is given.
Cognitive‐behavioral couple therapy for same‐sex female couples: A pilot study
Authors: Pentel Kimberly Z. , Baucom Donald H. , Weber Danielle M. , Wojda Alexandra K. , Carrino Emily A.
Published: July 2021

Despite comparable levels of relationship satisfaction and intimacy, same‐sex couples break up faster and more often than different‐sex couples, highlighting a need for quality couple therapy. Research suggests that culturally tailored services are desired by same‐sex couples and may be more effective and better received. Although efficacious couple therapies exist to treat relationship distress, they have been overwhelmingly studied with different‐sex couples. Sexual minority (SM) affirming couple therapies have not been systematically developed or evaluated. The current study involved developing and pilot testing a couple therapy tailored for distressed same‐sex female couples. This treatment integrates the SM stress model with the empirically supported cognitive‐behavioral couple therapy framework and is the first culturally tailored couple therapy for same‐sex couples to be empirically evaluated. Therapists delivered the treatment in an open‐trial format to a pilot sample of 11 same‐sex female couples experiencing relationship distress and SM stress. Treatment was delivered with high adherence to the treatment manual. Participants reported high treatment satisfaction. As hypothesized, participants experienced significant decreases in relationship distress and improvements in couple coping with SM stress from pre‐ to post‐therapy. Limitations precluded clear conclusions regarding anticipated improvements in individual mental health. Participants experienced comparable or stronger improvements in relationship functioning compared to couples in a similar benchmark study. Given this is a small pilot study, results are interpreted with caution. Implications for culturally tailoring evidence‐based couple therapy for marginalized groups are discussed.
ADP‐ribosyltransferases, an update on function and nomenclature
Authors: Lüscher Bernhard , Ahel Ivan , Altmeyer Matthias , Ashworth Alan , Bai Peter , Chang Paul , Cohen Michael , Corda Daniela , Dantzer Françoise , Daugherty Matthew D. , Dawson Ted M. , Dawson Valina L. , Deindl Sebastian , Fehr Anthony R. , Feijs Karla L. H. , Filippov Dmitri V. , Gagné Jean‐Philippe , Grimaldi Giovanna , Guettler Sebastian , Hoch Nicolas C. , Hottiger Michael O. , Korn Patricia , Kraus W. Lee , Ladurner Andreas , Lehtiö Lari , Leung Anthony K. L. , Lord Christopher J. , Mangerich Aswin , Matic Ivan , Matthews Jason , Moldovan George‐Lucian , Moss Joel , Natoli Gioacchino , Nielsen Michael L. , Niepel Mario , Nolte Friedrich , Pascal John , Paschal Bryce M. , Pawłowski Krzysztof , Poirier Guy G. , Smith Susan , Timinszky Gyula , Wang Zhao‐Qi , Yélamos José , Yu Xiaochun , Zaja Roko , Ziegler Mathias
Published: July 2021

ADP‐ribosylation, a modification of proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites, confers broad functions, including roles in stress responses elicited, for example, by DNA damage and viral infection and is involved in intra‐ and extracellular signaling, chromatin and transcriptional regulation, protein biosynthesis, and cell death. ADP‐ribosylation is catalyzed by ADP‐ribosyltransferases (ARTs), which transfer ADP‐ribose from NAD+ onto substrates. The modification, which occurs as mono‐ or poly‐ADP‐ribosylation, is reversible due to the action of different ADP‐ribosylhydrolases. Importantly, inhibitors of ARTs are approved or are being developed for clinical use. Moreover, ADP‐ribosylhydrolases are being assessed as therapeutic targets, foremost as antiviral drugs and for oncological indications. Due to the development of novel reagents and major technological advances that allow the study of ADP‐ribosylation in unprecedented detail, an increasing number of cellular processes and pathways are being identified that are regulated by ADP‐ribosylation. In addition, characterization of biochemical and structural aspects of the ARTs and their catalytic activities have expanded our understanding of this protein family. This increased knowledge requires that a common nomenclature be used to describe the relevant enzymes. Therefore, in this viewpoint, we propose an updated and broadly supported nomenclature for mammalian ARTs that will facilitate future discussions when addressing the biochemistry and biology of ADP‐ribosylation. This is combined with a brief description of the main functions of mammalian ARTs to illustrate the increasing diversity of mono‐ and poly‐ADP‐ribose mediated cellular processes.
Efficacy and safety of fremanezumab for chronic migraine prevention: Multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group trial in Japanese and Korean patients
Authors: Sakai Fumihiko , Suzuki Norihiro , Kim Byung‐Kun , Igarashi Hisaka , Hirata Koichi , Takeshima Takao , Ning Xiaoping , Shima Tomoko , Ishida Miki , Iba Katsuhiro , Kondo Hiroyuki , Koga Nobuyuki
Published: July 2021

Objective

To determine the efficacy and safety of fremanezumab administration in Japanese and Korean patients with chronic migraine (CM).

Background

Available preventive treatments for CM are limited by various efficacy and safety issues. Fremanezumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets the calcitonin gene‐related peptide pathway involved in migraine pathogenesis, has been shown to be effective and well tolerated in large‐scale, international Phase 3 trials.

Methods

Randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of patients with CM who received subcutaneous fremanezumab monthly (675 mg at baseline and 225 mg at weeks 4 and 8), fremanezumab quarterly (675 mg at baseline and placebo at weeks 4 and 8), or matching placebo. Primary endpoint was the mean change from baseline in the monthly (28‐day) average number of headache days of at least moderate severity during the 12 weeks after the first dose.

Results

Among 571 patients randomized (safety set,n = 569; full analysis set,n = 566), the least‐squares mean (±standard error [SE]) reduction in the average number of headache days of at least moderate severity per month during 12 weeks was significantly greater with fremanezumab monthly (–4.1 ± 0.4) and fremanezumab quarterly (–4.1 ± 0.4) than with placebo (–2.4 ± 0.4). The difference from the placebo group in the mean change (95% confidence interval [CI]) was −1.7 days (−2.54, −0.80) for the fremanezumab monthly group and −1.7 days (−2.55, −0.82) for the fremanezumab quarterly group (p < 0.001 vs. placebo for both fremanezumab groups). The percentage of patients with a ≥50% reduction in the average number of headache days of at least moderate severity per month (response rate) was higher with fremanezumab monthly (29.0%) and fremanezumab quarterly (29.1%) than with placebo (13.2%) in addition to other improvements in secondary endpoints, including reduction of acute medication use (mean change from baseline during 12‐week period ± SE: fremanezumab monthly, –3.7 ± 0.4; fremanezumab quarterly, –3.9 ± 0.4; placebo, –2.4 ± 0.4) and improvements in disability scores (mean change from baseline in six‐item Headache Impact Test score at 4 weeks after third injection ± SE: fremanezumab monthly, –8.1 ± 0.7; fremanezumab quarterly, –8.0 ± 0.7; placebo, –6.5 ± 0.7). Fremanezumab was well tolerated with a similar incidence of adverse events including injection‐site reactions as placebo (patients with at least one treatment‐emergent adverse event: fremanezumab total,n = 232 [61.4%]; placebo,n = 118 [61.8%]).

Conclusion

Fremanezumab effectively prevents CM in Japanese and Korean patients and was well tolerated. No safety signal was detected.