bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial and socioeconomic analysis of host participation in the sharing economy
Authors: Sarkar Avijit , Koohikamali Mehrdad , Pick James B.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

In recent years, short-term sharing accommodation platforms such as Airbnb have made rapid forays in populous cities worldwide, impacting neighborhoods profoundly. Emerging work has focused on demand-side motivations to engage in the sharing economy. The purpose of this paper is to analyze rarely examined supply-side motivations of providers.

Design/methodology/approach

To address this gap and to illuminate understanding of how Airbnb supply is configured and influenced, this study examines spatial patterns and socioeconomic influences on participation in the sharing accommodation economy by Airbnb hosts in New York City (NYC). An exploratory conceptual model of host participation is induced, which posits associations of demographic, economic, employment, social capital attributes, and attitudes toward trust and sustainability with host participation, measured by Airbnb property density in neighborhoods. Methods employed include ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, k-means cluster analysis and spatial analytics.

Findings

Spatially, clusters of high host densities are in Manhattan and northern Brooklyn and there is little proportionate change longitudinally. OLS regression findings reveal that gender ratio, black race/ethnicity, median household income, and professional, scientific, and technical occupation, and attitudes toward sustainability for property types are dominant correlates of property density, while host trust in customers is not supported.

Research limitations/implications

These results along with differences between Queens and Manhattan boroughs have implications for hosts sharing their homes and for city managers to formulate policies and regulate short-term rental markets in impacted neighborhoods.

Originality/value

The study is novel in conceptualizing and analyzing the supply-side provider motivations of the sharing accommodation economy. Geostatistical analysis of property densities to gauge host participation is novel. Value stems from new insights on NYC’s short-term homesharing market.
Statistical analysis of ERA and the quality of research in Australian universities
Authors: Jajo Nethal K. , Peiris Shelton
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of the Excellence Research in Australia (ERA) process in boosting research quality at Australian universities, this paper presents an analysis of a policy initiative, ERA, and compares the results of its measures as calculated in 2018 with those observed in previous implementation, namely, 2015 and 2012.

Design/methodology/approach

Two approaches are implemented in this study; Excellence Index (EI) scores for both cited and peer-reviewed 4 digits FoR codes and citation per paper (CPP) approach for the cited 4 digits FoR codes.

Findings

The authors show that the higher education providers' (HEPs') performance in the cited FoRs in ERA in 2018 was improved by 27% compared to that in 2015, and that HEPs' performance in the cited FoR codes in ERA 2015 was improved by 80% compared to that in 2012. A reason for this visibility of research improvement may be due to the universities are simply getting better at reporting outcomes using ERA-driven criteria. Moreover, even though EI scores steadily increased in ERA rounds, there is no significant statistical evidence available of improvement in research quality between two consecutive ERA rounds.

Originality/value

These findings underpin the importance of more future research and deep analysis using the other complementary variables, like Relative Citation Impact (RCI), citation centiles and distribution of papers based on the centiles and RCI classes and more transparency and data availability from the Australian Research Council (ARC) site. Given the introduction of the Engagement and Impact Assessment by the ARC to accompany the ERA exercise in 2018, the authors expect that the results of these findings will be useful as well as prompting further debate and scholarship to the relevance and value of the ERA process.
Professor Hamlet’s dilemma: to retire or not to retire?
Authors: McDaniel Janet E. , Anderson Beverlee B. , Jeffries Jennifer
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to explore the experiences of tenured academic retirees and the decision-making process leading to their retirements. The inquiry addressed the research question, What were the factors that most influenced the decision to retire?

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty retirees from a public university were interviewed. The interview began with a multipart question about the variables that influenced the decision to retire – the positive and negative factors that “pushed against” and “pulled towards” retirement. The researchers coded the interviews, identifying common themes that contributed to responding to the research questions. Data analysis was done using the constant comparative procedure. The analysis interpreted the data to form three propositions to serve as prompts for further study.

Findings

Three propositions addressed the participants' “tipping point” where retirement was more attractive than remaining employed, the relative importance of financial vs other factors and the strong role of familial/personal factors pulling toward retirement.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in a university system with contractual agreements on retirement policies and benefits and therefore might not be generalizable to dissimilar institutions. Three propositions form the basis for further research to validate. The new conception of “push” and “pull” factors can serve as a basis for future research.

Practical implications

Defined Phased Retirement Plans are recommended as a “win-win” for faculty members and the institution.

Originality/value

This paper reconceptualizes the definitions of push and pull factors in the literature on faculty retirement and enriches the understanding of the complex factors influencing the decision to retire.
Adopting the international financial reporting standard for small and medium-sized entities in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bakr Sara Abdullah , Napier Christopher J.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The paper investigates attitudes towards and perceptions of the adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) for small and medium-sized entities (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia, immediately before and during the period of adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts an interpretive approach, using a new institutional theory framework, drawing on concepts of institutional isomorphism and institutional logics. Research was undertaken using extensive interviews of business owners and managers, accountants, auditors, regulators and others. Interviewees were identified using snowball sampling, and the paper discusses the appropriateness of this method for research in management in MENA countries.

Findings

The adoption of IFRS, and in particular IFRS for SMEs, in Saudi Arabia can be understood best as an example of mimetic isomorphism, as many respondents suggested that the country adopted these standards in order to emulate other countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council and the G20 group of countries.

Practical implications

The study examines issues relating to the adoption of IFRS for SMEs in an emerging economy where adoption was not imposed by international financial institutions.

Originality/value

In addition to being the first study of the adoption of IFRS for SMEs in Saudi Arabia, the paper examines snowball sampling as a particularly useful method in MENA countries.
Are negative and positive reviews regarding apparel fit influential?
Authors: Shin Eonyou , Chung Telin , Damhorst Mary Lynn
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the current study is to explore how valenced fit reviews affect the consumer decision-making process during online apparel shopping.

Design/methodology/approach

A single factor (valence of fit review) within-subject experimental design was employed to examine how the valenced fit review (negative vs positive) affects the consumer online purchase decision process. A mock website was created to simulate the online shopping environment through four steps for developing a stimulus website for the main study. The data were analyzed using repeated multivariate analysis of variance and structural equation modeling.

Findings

A total of 418 female consumers completed an online self-administrated survey. Results showed that positive fit review was more compelling than negative fit review for female consumers when they like the apparel product. Two aspects of information credibility (review and site credibility) and confidence in purchase decision evoked by both fit reviews and overall product information were significant determinants of the consumer purchase decision process in increasing consumers’ future purchase intentions through attitude to the online retailer.

Originality/value

The current study was an attempt to fill the gap in knowledge regarding the crucial role of fit reviews in apparel product purchase decisions in an online context. This study confirmed the type of fit reviews that would be influential on female consumers’ online purchase decision-making process for apparel products when they liked the apparel product, supporting positive confirmation bias from the information processing point of view. This study contributed to the importance of the two concepts (i.e. credibility and confidence in the purchase decision) in online information processing and purchase decision-making process.
Post-hazard labor wage fluctuations: a comparative empirical analysis among different sub-sectors of the U.S. construction sector
Authors: Ahmadi Esfahani Navid , Shahandashti Mohsen
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The primary objectives of this study are to (1) highlight subsectors and industry groups of the construction sector that are most vulnerable to weather-related disasters (with highest labor cost escalation) and (2) analyze how immediate this labor wage escalation happens in different subsector of the construction sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology consists of three steps: (i) integrating various data sources to enable measurement of the county-level labor wage changes following large-scale weather-related disasters; (ii) measuring postdisaster labor wage changes at the county level; and (iii) comparing amount and timing of postdisaster labor wage changes among all sub-sectors (and industry groups) of the construction sector.

Findings

The results show that among the three construction subsectors (Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction subsector, Construction of Buildings subsector, and Specialty Trade Contractors sub-sector), Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction subsector is the most vulnerable to weather-related disasters. The industry groups under the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction subsector showed the same vulnerability level; however, under the Construction of Buildings subsector, Industrial Building Construction industry group showed to be the most vulnerable; and under the Specialty Trade Contractors subsector, the Building Foundation and Exterior Contractors industry group is the most vulnerable. The results also showed that in approximately 75% of the damaged counties, there were increases in wages of all construction labors, over the following three quarter after the disasters. In average, labor wages in Construction of Buildings subsector and the Specialty Trade Contractors subsector decreased by 0.6% and 0.8%, respectively, in the quarter of disaster and gradually increased by 4.4% and 4.6%, respectively, in the following three quarters. On the other hand, Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction’s labor wages did not experience this decrease right after the disasters; wages increased immediately after disasters hit the counties and continually increased by 8.6% in three quarters after the disasters. It is expected that the results of this study will help policy makers, cost estimators and insurers to have a better understanding of the post-disaster construction labor wage fluctuations.

Originality/value

This study is unique in the way it used construction labor wage data. All data are location quotient, which makes the comparison among the affected counties (with different construction size) feasible.
Information technology and Baumol's cost disease in healthcare services: a research agenda
Authors: Mithas Sunil , Hofacker Charles F. , Bilgihan Anil , Dogru Tarik , Bogicevic Vanja , Sharma Ajit
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper advances a research agenda for service researchers at the intersection of healthcare and information technologies to improve access to quality healthcare at affordable prices. The article reviews key trends to provide an agenda for research focusing on strategies, governance and management of key service processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper synthesizes literature in information systems, service management, marketing and healthcare operations to suggest a research agenda. The authors draw on frameworks such as the interpretive model of technology, technology acceptance model, assemblage theories and Baumol's cost disease to develop their arguments.

Findings

The paper situates strategy-related service management questions that service providers and consumers face in the context of emerging healthcare and technology trends. It also derives implications for governance choices and questions related to that.

Research limitations/implications

The paper discusses service management challenges and concludes with an agenda for future research that touches on governance and service management issues.

Practical implications

This paper provides implications for healthcare service providers and policymakers to understand new trends in healthcare delivery, technologies and facilities management to meet evolving customer needs.

Social implications

This paper provides implications for managing healthcare services that touch on many social and societal concerns.

Originality/value

This conceptual paper provides background and review of the work at the intersections of information systems, marketing and healthcare operations to draw implications for future research.
A flexible ergonomic redesign of the sewing machine workstation
Authors: Eladly Amira Mohamed , Abou-Ali Mohamed Gaber , Sheta Aida Mohamed , EL-Ghlomy Sherwet Hussein
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The apparel industry is a labor-intensive industry, which depends mainly on the performance of the worker. The purpose of this study is to present an ergonomic redesign of the sewing machine workstation, with different sewing table heights and inclination angles, based on the operator’s anthropometric data.

Design/methodology/approach

A flexible ergonomic sewing table has been designed, four main workstation-setting factors were studied; sewing desk inclination angles – X_1, height – X_2, sewing machine type – X_3 and operator’s body mass index (BMI) – X_4, with three levels for each factor, except sewing machine type, which only has two levels. The study was undertaken to specify the limitations and advantages of each combination tested. Different measurement techniques were used; subjective information, production rates – P, working postures (head, neck and trunk inclination angles in the kinematic stage) were measured.

Findings

Sewing operators’ sitting posture angles in the kinematic stage were affected more or less by their anthropometric measurements and the type of sewing machine. These two factors should be taken into consideration when ergonomically redesigning the sewing machine workstation.

Practical implications

A new ergonomically redesigned sewing machine table can be incorporated into garment factories, taking into consideration the BMI of the operators to improve their productivity and reduce musculoskeletal disorder complaints due to incorrect operators’ posture.

Originality/value

An important correlation was found between the sewing operator’s anthropometric body measurement – BMI and the type of sewing machine (with significant R^2 = 0.8385 and 0.9764 with both the head and neck inclination angles O_H, O_N, respectively).
Institutional constraints on cabinet formation: Veto points and party system dynamics
Authors: THÜRK MARIA , HELLSTRÖM JOHAN , DÖRING HOLGER
Published: June 2020

Research on government formation in parliamentary democracies has presented contradicting evidence on the role of political veto institutions and parliamentary polarization on the formation of cabinet types. Institutional rules may either provide significant leeway for political parties or seriously constrain them when forming sustainable coalitions. In contrast to previous studies we argue that the effect of political institutions is conditional on the degree of polarization in parliament. We test our hypotheses using original data on 842 cabinet formations in 33 advanced democracies between 1945–2018. In line with previous research, we find that the institutional rules have a pronounced effect on the type of cabinet formed, but that institutional rules moderate the effect of party system polarization. Thus, our findings provide important new insights on cabinet formation which are particularly relevant for today's increasingly polarized parliaments.
Nutrient components, health benefits, and safety of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.): A review
Authors: Zhao Lei , Wang Kun , Wang Kai , Zhu Jie , Hu Zhuoyan
Published: June 2020

Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is a tropical to subtropical fruit that is widely cultivated in more than 20 countries worldwide. It is normally consumed as fresh or processed and has become one of the most popular fruits because it has a delicious flavor, attractive color, and high nutritive value. Whole litchi fruits have been used not only as a food source but also for medicinal purposes. As a traditional Chinese medicine, litchi has been used for centuries to treat stomach ulcers, diabetes, cough, diarrhea, and dyspepsia, as well as to kill intestinal worms. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that whole litchi fruits exhibit antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, and antiobesity activities and show anticancer, antiatherosclerotic, hypotensive, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory activities. The health benefits of litchi have been attributed to its wide range of nutritional components, among which polysaccharides and polyphenols have been proven to possess various beneficial properties. The diversity and composition of litchi polysaccharides and polyphenols have vital influences on their biological activities. In addition, consuming fresh litchi and its products could lead to some adverse reactions for some people such as pruritus, urticaria, swelling of the lips, swelling of the throat, dyspnea, or diarrhea. These safety problems are probably caused by the soluble protein in litchi that could cause anaphylactic and inflammatory reactions. To achieve reasonable applications of litchi in the food, medical and cosmetics industries, this review focuses on recent findings related to the nutrient components, health benefits, and safety of litchi.
Role of prefrontal cortex projections to the nucleus accumbens core in mediating the effects of ceftriaxone on cue‐induced cocaine seeking
Authors: Bechard Allison R. , Logan Carly N. , Mesa Javier , Padovan‐Hernandez Yasmin , Blount Harrison , Hodges Virginia L. , Knackstedt Lori A.
Published: June 2020

Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic that reliably attenuates the reinstatement of cocaine seeking after extinction while preventing the nucleus accumbens (NA) core glutamate efflux that drives reinstatement. However, when rats undergo abstinence without extinction, ceftriaxone attenuates context‐primed cocaine seeking but NA core glutamate efflux still increases. Here, we sought to determine if the same would occur when cocaine seeking is prompted by both context and discrete cues (cue‐induced seeking) after cocaine abstinence. Male rats self‐administered intravenous cocaine accompanied by drug‐associated cues (light + tone) for 2 h/day for 14 days. Rats then experienced abstinence with daily handling but no extinction training for 2 weeks. Ceftriaxone (200 mg/kg IP) or vehicle was administered during the last 6 days of abstinence. During a cue‐induced cocaine seeking test, microdialysis procedures were conducted. Rats were perfused at the end of the test for later Fos analysis. A separate cohort of rats was infused with the retrograde tracer cholera toxin B in the NA core and underwent the same self‐administration and relapse procedures. Ceftriaxone increased baseline glutamate and attenuated both cue‐induced cocaine seeking and NA core glutamate efflux during this test. Ceftriaxone reduced Fos expression in regions sending projections to the NA core (prefrontal cortex, basolateral amygdala, ventral tegmental area) and specifically reduced Fos in prelimbic cortex and not infralimbic cortex neurons projecting to the NA core. Thus, when cocaine seeking is induced by drug‐associated cues, ceftriaxone is able to attenuate relapse by preventing NA core glutamate efflux, likely through reducing activity in prelimbic NA core‐projecting neurons.
Proof of principle of a novel co‐pulsating intra‐ventricular membrane pump
Authors: van Dort Daniël I. M. , Thannhauser Jos , Gommans Frank D. H. , Ten Cate Tim J. , Duncker Dirk J. , Suryapranata Harry , Morshuis Wim J. , Geuzebroek Guillaume S. C.
Published: June 2020

In this proof of principle study, we investigated the effectiveness and safety of hemodynamic support with the Intra‐Ventricular Membrane Pump (IVMP). The IVMP was implanted into the apex of the left ventricle. Hemodynamic assessment was performed in six ex vivo beating porcine hearts (PhysioHeart platform). The cardiac output (CO), mean arterial pressure (MAP), coronary flow (CF) and pulse pressure (PP) were obtained before and during IVMP support and reported as means ± standard deviations. In two additional visualization experiments, the integrity of the mitral valve was assessed during IVMP support. We found a significant increase of the CO (+1.4 ± 0.2 L/min, P < .001), MAP (+13 ± 6 mm Hg, P = .008), CF (+0.23 ± 0.1 L/min, P = .004), and PP (+15 ± 4 mm Hg, P = .002) during IVMP support, when compared to baseline. No interference of the IVMP with mitral valve function was observed. An increase of premature ventricular complexes (PVC) was observed during support with the IVMP (mean PVC‐burden 4.3% vs. 0.7% at baseline), negatively influencing hemodynamic parameters. The IVMP is able to significantly improve hemodynamic parameters in a co‐pulsatile fashion, without hampering the function of the mitral valve. These findings provide a basis for future development of a catheter‐based IVMP.
Regulatory effect of lithium on hippocampal blood‐brain barrier integrity in a rat model of depressive‐like behavior
Authors: Taler Michal , Aronovich Ramona , Henry Hornfeld Shay , Dar Shira , Sasson Efrat , Weizman Abraham , Hochman Eldar
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Recent evidence has associated mood disorders with blood‐brain barrier (BBB)/ neurovascular unit (NVU) dysfunction, and reduction in blood vessels coverage by the water channel aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) immunoreactive astrocytes. Lithium is an established treatment for mood disorders, yet, its mechanism of action is partially understood. We investigated the effects of lithium on BBB integrity and NVU‐related protein expression in chronic mild stress (CMS) rat model of depressive‐like behavior.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were exposed for 5 weeks to unpredictable mild stressors with daily co‐administration of lithium chloride to half of the stressed and unstressed groups. Sucrose preference and open field tests were conducted to validate the depressive‐like phenotype, and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI analysis was utilized to assess BBB integrity in brain regions relevant to the pathophysiology of depression. Hippocampal AQP4 and claudin‐5 expression were studied using immunofluorescence, western blot, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

Lithium administration to the stressed rats prevented the reductions in sucrose preference and distance traveled in the open field, and normalized the stress‐induced hippocampal BBB hyperpermeability, whereas lithium administration to the unstressed rats increased hippocampal BBB permeability. Additionally, lithium treatment attenuated the decrease in hippocampal AQP4 to glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity ratio in the stressed rats and upregulated hippocampal claudin‐5 and BDNF proteins expression.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that lithium administration in a rat CMS model of depressive‐like behavior is associated with attenuation of stressed‐induced hippocampal BBB/NVU disruption. These protective effects may be relevant to the mode of action of lithium in depression.
Early‐onset nucleotide excision repair disorders with neurological impairment: Clues for early diagnosis and prognostic counseling
Authors: Baer Sarah , Obringer Cathy , Julia Sophie , Chelly Jameleddine , Capri Yline , Gras Domitille , Baujat Geneviève , Felix Têmis Maria , Doray Berenice , Sanchez del Pozo Jaime , Ramos Lina M. , Burglen Lydie , Laugel Vincent , Calmels Nadège
Published: June 2020

Nucleotide excision repair associated diseases comprise overlapping phenotypes and a wide range of outcomes. The early stages still remain under‐investigated and underdiagnosed, even although an early recognition of the first symptoms is of utmost importance for appropriate care and genetic counseling. We systematically collected clinical and molecular data from the literature and from newly diagnosed NER patients with neurological impairment, presenting clinical symptoms before the age of 12 months, including foetal cases. One hundred and eighty‐five patients were included, 13 with specific symptoms during foetal life. Arthrogryposis, microcephaly, cataracts, and skin anomalies are the most frequently reported signs in early subtypes. Non ERCC6/CSB or ERCC8/CSA genes are overrepresented compared to later onset cohorts: 19% patients of this cohort presented variants in ERCC1, ERCC2/XPD, ERCC3/XPB or ERCC5/XPG. ERCC5/XPG is even the most frequently involved gene in foetal cases (10/13 cases, [4/7 families]). In this cohort, the mutated gene, the age of onset, the type of disease, severe global developmental delay, IUGR and skin anomalies were associated with earlier death. This large survey focuses on specific symptoms that should attract the attention of clinicians towards early‐onset NER diagnosis in foetal and neonatal period, without waiting for the completeness of classical criteria.
Efficient signal selection using supervised learning model for enhanced state restoration
Authors: Rajendran Agalya , Rajappa Muthaiah
Published: June 2020

The post‐silicon validation and debug is the most important task in the contemporary integrated circuit design methodology. The vital problem prevailing in this system is that it has limited observability and controllability due to the minimum number of storage space in the trace buffer. This tends to select the signals prudently in order to maximize state reconstruction. In the reported works, to select and to restore the signals efficiently it is categorized into two types like low simulation with high‐quality technique and high simulation with low‐quality technique. In this work, a node‐based combinational gate signal selection algorithm is proposed based on machine learning method that maximizes the state restoration capability. A significant improvement (80%) has made to achieve adequate simulation time with the high‐quality associated with the state‐of‐the‐art of supplementary methods.
Calcareous defence structures of prey mediate the effects of predation and biotic resistance towards the tropics
Authors: Dias Gustavo M. , Vieira Edson A. , Pestana Lueji , Marques Antonio C. , Karythis Simon , Jenkins Stuart R. , Griffith Katherine
Published: June 2020

Aims

The importance of biotic interactions in creating and maintaining diversity is expected to increase towards low latitudes. However, the way in which predation affects diversity can depend on how predators mediate competitive interactions and also on defensive traits of prey. Here, we assessed the role of physical defences of prey to escape predation and how the importance of predation on community structure and diversity changes across latitude.

Location

Six sites, in three regions distributed across 45 degrees of latitude in the Atlantic Ocean: a tropical region in Angola, a subtropical region in Brazil and a temperate region in Wales, UK.

Methods

We manipulated predation on marine sessile communities, using exclusion cages and assessed community parameters, including their susceptibility to biological invasion during early and advanced succession.

Results

Predation was more intense in the tropics and in advanced communities suggesting that predation effects increase through time. In the tropical region, predators reduced the number of co‐occurring species and beta diversity, limited the occurrence of exotic species and promoted a change in the identity of the dominant organisms, replacing soft‐bodied organisms with calcified animals. In the subtropical region, predation promoted a similar trait‐mediated change in the identity of dominant prey, although it was not strong enough to affect diversity and did not prevent bioinvasion. In the temperate region, other processes than predation seem to drive the community organization and resistance to invasion.

Main conclusions

Our results support both Biotic Interaction and Biotic Resistance Hypotheses, showing that the importance of predation to biodiversity increases towards the tropics. In addition, where predation is intense, morphological traits of prey drive the final structure and dominance in the community. Our results suggest that physical defences are the main traits preventing predation, perhaps explaining why calcified organisms are among the most common invasive species in coastal habitats.
Evolution of diagnostic workup and treatment for multiple myeloma 2013‐2019
Authors: Schjesvold Fredrik
Published: June 2020

Objective

To evaluate changes in diagnostic and therapeutic approach in multiple myeloma among Norwegian hematologists in the current decade.

Methods

This nationwide study in Norway is based on results of surveys conducted among professionally active hematologists from 2013 to 2019. Every year, respondents participating in the survey suggested treatment regimens used in typical clinical situations in patients with multiple myeloma, as well as diagnostic routines.

Results

The use of regimens containing alkylators and thalidomide was common at the beginning of the studied period. Later, lenalidomide became the most preferred treatment in most first‐line patients. Bortezomib maintained a stable position in the treatment of myeloma in patients with renal insufficiency. The lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone combination became the preferred frontline triplet for transplant‐ineligible patients and induction therapy before transplant. Nowadays, the relapse after lenalidomide‐based treatment is managed using both bortezomib‐based therapies and combinations with the newest agents. Together with the therapeutic landscape, the use of diagnostic criteria and workup as well as supportive care changed in the period influenced by local and international guidelines and recommendations.

Conclusion

Norwegian hematologists gradually adopt new clinical concepts, guidelines, and recommendations in their practice.
Wet sieving versus dry crushing: Soil microaggregates reveal different physical structure, bacterial diversity and organic matter composition in a clay gradient
Authors: Felde Vincent J.M.N.L. , Schweizer Steffen A. , Biesgen Danh , Ulbrich Angela , Uteau Daniel , Knief Claudia , Graf‐Rosenfellner Markus , Kögel‐Knabner Ingrid , Peth Stephan
Published: June 2020

Soil microaggregates contain particles of different sizes, which may affect their potential to store organic carbon (OC). A variety of methods can be used to isolate microaggregates from the larger soil structures, among which wet sieving approaches are widely employed. We developed a novel dry crushing method that isolates microaggregates along failure planes due to mechanical stresses rather than hydraulic pressures and compared the mechanical stability, OC contents and microbial community composition between dry‐crushed and wet‐sieved samples with contrasting clay contents. Dry‐crushed samples exhibited a higher stability and bacterial diversity compared to wet‐sieved samples. As a result, the dry‐crushed microaggregates had different size distributions when analysed dry and after wetting. In the dry state, dry‐crushed microaggregates were larger and contained more sand‐sized primary particles within the aggregate structures. The wetting of dry‐crushed aggregates caused a disintegration of larger microaggregates and sand‐sized primary particles into smaller microaggregates that contained finer particles. In the soils with lower clay contents, the diameter of dry‐crushed microaggregates was 40 μm larger due to more sand‐sized primary particles remaining within the aggregates. Depending on how much volume in microaggregates is occupied by large primary particles, the OC concentration increased in the soil with higher clay content. Wet‐sieved size fractions also showed a similar pattern of OC distribution, whereas more primary particles were observed outside of aggregates. Wet sieving approaches disperse the soil into OC‐rich aggregates and might be preferable if OC dynamics are investigated. Differences in bacterial community composition in dependence on clay content were more pronounced in dry‐crushed microaggregates. If intact aggregate architectures are of interest for the isolation of soil structural units, the presented dry crushing method might provide an advantageous alternative that also better preserves bacterial diversity.
Socioeconomic inequalities and severe obesity—Sex differences in a nationwide study of 1.12 million Israeli adolescents
Authors: Pinhas‐Hamiel Orit , Reichman Brian , Afek Arnon , Derazne Estela , Tzur Dorit , Hamiel Uri , Bader Tarif , Muhsen Khitam , Twig Gilad
Published: June 2020

Introduction

In a nationwide population of adolescents, we investigated the sex‐specific association of socioeconomic position (SEP) with severe obesity, and trends over time.

Methods

The cohort comprises all Israeli adolescents (mean ± SD age 17.3 ± 0.5 years) who were medically examined, before mandatory military service during 2000 to 2015. Of 1 120 362 adolescents, 239 816 (21.4%) were classified with overweight or with obesity classes I to III using the International Obesity Task Force criteria. Data were compared between 2000 to 2009 and 2010 to 2015.

Results

Considering more advantaged residential SEP as the reference group, the respective odds ratios (ORs ± 95%CI) of less advantaged SEP for obesity classes I to III in 2010 to 2015 were 1.48 (1.40‐1.56), 1.66 (1.51‐1.83), and 1.73 (1.45‐2.08) for males; and 1.72 (1.60‐1.84), 1.89 (1.66‐2.15), and 2.62 (2.04‐3.37) for females. All point estimates were higher than in the preceding decade. Considering female inductees from the more advantaged SEP as the reference group, ORs were higher for males in the more advantaged SEP group, for overweight, 1.31 (1.27‐1.36); class I obesity, 1.29 (1.20‐1.38); class II obesity, 1.34 (1.18‐1.53); and class III obesity, 1.60 (1.24‐2.07). Similarly, in the less and medium advantaged SEP groups, increased ORs for males compared with females were observed in all obesity groups. Results persisted using United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts.

Conclusions

Adolescents with less rather than more advantaged residential SEP are at greater risk of severe obesity. Adolescent males, of all residential SEP groups had higher odds than females for all classes of obesity.
Tunica vaginalis graft for recurrent urethrocutaneous fistula repair after hypospadias surgery
Authors: Aldaqadossi Hussein Abdelhameed , Eladawy Mahmoud , Shaker Hossam , Kotb Youssof , Azazy Samir
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the outcomes of recurrent urethrocutaneous fistula repair using tunica vaginalis graft as an intermediate protective layer.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 45 children with recurrent urethrocutaneous fistula who underwent tunica vaginalis graft repair between February 2011 and January 2019. The repair was carried out at least 6 months after a previous fistula repair. Follow up at an outpatient clinic was scheduled on a weekly basis for 1 month, then monthly for 6 months and then annually. During follow up, every patient was evaluated by history taking. The site of repair and the act of micturition were inspected. Urine analyses together with culture and sensitivity tests were carried out if required. Successful repair was defined as the absence of recurrence, with good force and caliber of the urinary stream.

Results

This study included 45 patients with recurrent urethrocutaneous fistula who were managed with a tunica vaginalis graft as a second layer. The mean age of patients was 6.7 ± 2.8 years. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.5 ± 0.7 days. The repair was successful for 43 (95.6%) patients, and urethrocutaneous fistula recurrence was reported for two (4.4%) patients, which were repaired after 6 months. In all patients, the cosmetic appearance of the penis was satisfactory without torsion or ventral chordee.

Conclusion

Tunica vaginalis graft is a simple and fast procedure that is highly effective as a protective second layer for recurrent urethrocutaneous fistula repair.
microRNA‐128‐3p overexpression inhibits breast cancer stem cell characteristics through suppression of Wnt signalling pathway by down‐regulating NEK2
Authors: Chen Yuanwen , Wu Nian , Liu Lei , Dong Huaying , Liu Xinao
Published: June 2020

Emerging evidence has reported that dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) participated in the development of diverse types of cancers. Our initial microarray‐based analysis identified differentially expressed NEK2 related to breast cancer and predicted the regulatory microRNA‐128‐3p (miR‐128‐3p). Herein, this study aimed to characterize the tumour‐suppressive role of miR‐128‐3p in regulating the biological characteristics of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). CD44＋CD24−/low cells were selected for subsequent experiments. After verification of the target relationship between miR‐128‐3p and NEK2, the relationship among miR‐128‐3p, NEK2 and BCSCs was further investigated with the involvement of the Wnt signalling pathway. The regulatory effects of miR‐128‐3p on proliferation, migration, invasion and self‐renewal in vitro as well as tumorigenicity in vivo of BCSCs were examined via gain‐ and loss‐of‐function approaches. Highly expressed NEK2 was found in breast cancer based on GSE61304 expression profile. Breast cancer stem cells and breast cancer cells showed a down‐regulation of miR‐128‐3p. Overexpression of miR‐128‐3p was found to inhibit proliferation, migration, invasion, self‐renewal in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo of BCSCs, which was further validated to be achieved through inhibition of Wnt signalling pathway by down‐regulating NEK2. In summary, this study indicates that miR‐128‐3p inhibits the stem‐like cell features of BCSCs via inhibition of the Wnt signalling pathway by down‐regulating NEK2, which provides a new target for breast cancer treatment.
Allergen immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis due to birch pollen? A tasty proposal!
Authors: Bergmann K.‐C.
Published: June 2020

Linked article: B. Nothegger et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34: 1286‐1292. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.16201.
Spontaneous neoplasia in captive syngnathid species: A retrospective case series (2003–2014) and literature review
Authors: Denk Daniela , Verin Ranieri , Ressel Lorenzo , Lewis Eleanor , Stidworthy Mark F
Published: June 2020

Syngnathidae (seahorses, pipefish and seadragons) are charismatic species commonly kept in commercial aquaria, but published literature on syngnathid diseases is limited and immunohistochemical techniques not routinely employed. A retrospective review of 2,541 syngnathid submissions received between March 2003 and October 2016 identified 18 neoplasms including germ cell tumours, exocrine pancreatic and intestinal carcinomas, chromatophoromas, and single cases of lymphoma, thyroid and renal carcinoma, swim bladder and pituitary adenoma. Big‐bellied seahorses accounted for 19% of submissions, but 50% of neoplasms were diagnosed in this species. This study includes the first reported cases of germ cell tumours, chromatophoroma, thyroid carcinoma and pituitary adenoma in Syngnathidae and the first reports of neoplasia in pipefish species. Out of nine commercial antibodies trialled for immunohistochemical characterization of neoplastic tissue, only pan‐cytokeratin proved cross‐reactive. Electron microscopy was performed in four cases. Tumours should be considered as differential diagnosis in cases with buoyancy issues, debilitated or emaciated animals, and may predispose to secondary infections. This study highlights the value of histopathological disease surveillance for commercial aquarium settings.
Establishment of a COVID‐19 Recovery Unit in a Veterans Affairs Post‐Acute Facility
Authors: Sohn Linda , Lysaght Marcia , Schwartzman William A. , Simon Steven R. , Goetz Matthew B. , Yoshikawa Thomas
Published: June 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is now an epidemic of global proportion, with major adverse impacts on older adults, persons with chronic diseases, and especially residents of long‐term care facilities. This health catastrophe has challenged healthcare facilitiesʼ capacity to deliver care to not only COVID‐19 patients but all patients who need hospital care. We report on a novel approach of utilizing long‐term care beds at a Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare facility for managing recovering COVID‐19 patients. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:2163–2166, 2020.
Cardiac foetal reprogramming: a tool to exploit novel treatment targets for the failing heart
Authors: van der Pol A. , Hoes M. F. , de Boer R. A. , van der Meer P.
Published: June 2020

As the heart matures during embryogenesis from its foetal stages, several structural and functional modifications take place to form the adult heart. This process of maturation is in large part due to an increased volume and work load of the heart to maintain proper circulation throughout the growing body. In recent years, it has been observed that these changes are reversed to some extent as a result of cardiac disease. The process by which this occurs has been characterized as cardiac foetal reprogramming and is defined as the suppression of adult and re‐activation of a foetal genes profile in the diseased myocardium. The reasons as to why this process occurs in the diseased myocardium are unknown; however, it has been suggested to be an adaptive process to counteract deleterious events taking place during cardiac remodelling. Although still in its infancy, several studies have demonstrated that targeting foetal reprogramming in heart failure can lead to substantial improvement in cardiac functionality. This is highlighted by a recent study which found that by modulating the expression of 5‐oxoprolinase (OPLAH, a novel cardiac foetal gene), cardiac function can be significantly improved in mice exposed to cardiac injury. Additionally, the utilization of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI) has demonstrated clear benefits, providing important clinical proof that drugs that increase natriuretic peptide levels (part of the foetal gene programme) indeed improve heart failure outcomes. In this review, we will highlight the most important aspects of cardiac foetal reprogramming and will discuss whether this process is a cause or consequence of heart failure. Based on this, we will also explain how a deeper understanding of this process may result in the development of novel therapeutic strategies in heart failure.
‘Paedophile Hunters’, Criminal Procedure, and Fundamental Human Rights
Authors: Purshouse Joe
Published: June 2020

‘Paedophile hunters’ have attracted global media attention. The limited literature on paedophile hunters, which documents their emergence in contemporary liberal democracies, pays scant attention to how their use of intrusive investigative methods may threaten the procedural rights of suspects and undermine the integrity of the criminal justice system. This article fills this normative ‘gap’ in the literature. It draws upon media coverage, criminal procedure jurisprudence, and criminological scholarship to analyse the regulation of paedophile hunting in English and Welsh law. The article suggests that domestic law does not afford adequate protection to due process and the fundamental human rights of those falling under the paedophile hunter's purview. Unless paedophile hunting is constrained by a narrower and more robustly enforced regulatory regime, it should not be permitted, let alone encouraged, in contemporary liberal democracies.
Brain TRODAT‐SPECT Versus MRI Morphometry in Distinguishing Early Mild Parkinson's Disease from Other Extrapyramidal Syndromes
Authors: Hossein‐Tehrani Mohammad Reza , Ghaedian Tahereh , Hooshmandi Etrat , Kalhor Leila , Foroughi Amin Abolhasani , Ostovan Vahid Reza
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The clinical differentiation of Parkinson's disease (PD) from other extrapyramidal syndromes has made a challenge in neurology. This study aimed to compare the specificity and sensitivity of brain MRI volumetry and dopamine transporter scans in differentiating PD from other extrapyramidal syndromes in the early stages of the disease.

METHODS

This study included 34 patients younger than 70 years old with less than 3 years of extrapyramidal symptoms. Demographic and clinical history of the patients, including age, sex, and disease duration, was gathered. Disease severity was assessed using Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III (UPDRS III). For all patients, 99mTc‐TRODAT single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and MRI volumetry were performed. Patients were followed up for 1 year and examined for final diagnosis.

RESULTS

According to the quantitative 99mTc‐TRODAT analysis, all of the specific binding ratio (SBR) parameters, including right, left, and bilateral SBRs, were significantly higher in the non‐Parkinsonian patients. Also, the results indicated a high diagnostic accuracy for both quantitative 99mTc‐TRODAT analysis (about 88% for SBR parameters) and MRI volumetry (71% for bilateral olfactory bulbs volume) in diagnosing PD. Regarding the diagnosis of PD, there were no significant differences between quantitative scan results and olfactory bulb volumetry according to the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves.

CONCLUSION

99mTc‐TRODAT has a higher accuracy in differentiation of early PD from non‐Parkinsonian conditions, particularly essential tremor. Olfactory bulbs volumetry by using MRI can also serve as a potential alternative method in this regard.