bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation inCSMD1affects amygdala connectivity and prosocial behavior
Authors: Bickart KC , Napolioni V , Khan RR , Kim Y , Altmann A , Richiardi J , Newsom M , Sadaghiani S , Banaschewski T , Bokde ALW , Quinlan EB , Desrivières S , Flor H , Garavan H , Gowland P , Heinz A , Ittermann B , Martinot J-L , Paillère Martinot M-L , Artiges E , Nees F , Papadopoulos Orfanos D , Paus T , Poustka L , Fröhner JH , Smolka MN , Walter H , Whelan R , Schumann G , Ng B , Greicius MD ,   IMAGEN Consortium
Published: September 2020

The amygdala is one of the most widely connected structures in the primate brain and plays a key role in social and emotional behavior. Here, we present the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) of whole-brain resting-state amygdala networks to discern whether connectivity in these networks could serve as an endophenotype for social behavior. Leveraging published resting-state amygdala networks asa prioriendophenotypes in a GWAS meta-analysis of two adolescent cohorts, we identified a common polymorphism on chr.8p23.2 (rs10105357 A/G, MAF (G)=0.35) associated with stronger connectivity in the medial amygdala network (beta=0.20,p=2.97×10−8). This network contains regions that support reward processes and affiliative behavior. People carrying two copies of the minor allele for rs10105357 participate in more prosocial behaviors (t=2.644,p=0.008) and have higherCSMD1expression in the temporal cortex (t=3.281, p=0.002) than people with one or no copy of the allele. In post-mortem brains across the lifespan, we found thatCSMD1expression is relatively high in the amygdala (2.79 fold higher than white matter,p=1.80×10−29), particularly so for nuclei in the medial amygdala, reaching a maximum in later stages of development. Amygdala network endophenotyping has the potential to accelerate genetic discovery in disorders of social function, such as autism, in whichCSMD1may serve as a diagnostic and therapeutic target.
Dysphagia assessment and intervention: evaluating inclusive approaches using video
Authors: Guthrie Susan , Stansfield Jois
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Dysphagia experienced by adults with mental health conditions and/or intellectual disabilities (IDs) has been well-reported. However, accessible and inclusive assessment measures to identify and monitor for deterioration in dysphagia are very limited. The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of video to enhance inclusion in dysphagia assessment and intervention for an inpatient setting.

Design/methodology/approach

This service evaluation involved adults with IDs and mental illness living in in-patient accommodation and their multidisciplinary team. Participants were invited to film and then reflect on videos and their comments were transcribed for qualitative analysis.

Findings

In total, 42 adults gave consent to film, review and discuss mealtime video-clips. Staff feedback was invited. Thematic analysis was conducted for service-user and staff comments. A global theme of “involvement” was identified from the data analysis, with sub-themes of “enhancing participation, insight and incentive”. An additional global theme “clinical benefits” resulted from staff comments. This included sub-themes of breadth of assessment, shared working and outcome measures.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations included refusal of video by people with heightened anxiety but these were a minority. Most people showed enthusiasm and enhanced engagement. Practical issues were resolved regarding governance.

Practical implications

Video offers a dynamic record of muscle tone, coordination, mealtime experience and individual context benefiting both service-user and staff practice. It stimulates insightful discussion of outcomes and supports the inclusion of service-user perspectives. Further research is indicated to develop a greater understanding of dysphagia in this population. Inclusion of service-users in planning and managing safer mealtimes may be enhanced through the sensitive use of video.

Social implications

This evaluation suggests opportunities for improving inclusive approaches for service-users using video to promote insight.

Originality/value

Further research is indicated to explore the nature of dysphagia in people with mental health conditions using video as a dynamic and unique resource.
Lord Carter's report into NHS ambulance service efficiency; will its findings make a difference and stimulate the service to escape “the mediocrity trap?”
Authors: Newton Andy
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Review of major policy paper in relation to the ambulance service [in England] efficiency and productivity with reference to observed “unacceptable variation”.

Design/methodology/approach

Critical review of ambulance service/EMS policy approach in England.

Findings

Lord Carter’s review describes failings in performance of UK ambulance service/EMS. However, the identified failings are essentially a repetition of many almost identical similar findings. There is a tendency of policy in respect of the ambulance service in England, as exemplified by Lord Carter’s report to consider analysis of the problem a more significant task that actually addressing the shortcoming defined.

Research limitations/implications

This viewpoint comment piece is produced as a viewpoint with all the attendant limitations implied in this approach. However, it has been produced from an informed position.

Practical implications

Challenge to current UK ambulance policy. Previous repetitious finding need to be addressed definitively.

Social implications

The efficiency of UK ambulance services/EMS is seriously impaired, and indeed these findings have been acknowledge previously. However, little by way of active remediation has been attempted. The current approach as exemplified in Lord Carter's recent review appears to ensure that analysis of the long- standing problems that exist is sufficient and possible preferable to active remediation and improvement.

Originality/value

No previous critical review of this type has been attempted (as it would be career-limiting).
Understanding the spill-over effect of value co-creation in buyer–supplier interactions: a strategic view
Authors: Gupta Samir , Polonsky Michael
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore how the co-created value arising from integrated solutions results in both, intended and spill-over effects.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a qualitative multi-level field study, with data from 12 respondents in 1 supplier firm and 29 respondents from 10 buying firms.

Findings

The resulting propositions suggest that co-created value developed through exploitative and emerging strategies, each may lead to both higher intended and spill-over effects. However, it appears that exploitative strategies are more effective in returning intended effects, whereas emerging strategies lead to higher spill-over effects.

Research limitations/implications

The results are exploratory, obtained from a limited number of buyer companies. Concerns of external validity were traded off against opportunities to gain insights into a poorly understood phenomenon.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the existing value co-creation literature by offering insights from integrated solutions, associated with the development of buyer and seller relationships. The resulting propositions suggest that co-created value developed through both exploitative and emerging strategies may each lead to both higher intended and spill-over effects. However, it appears that exploitative strategies are more effective in returning intended effects, whereas emerging strategies lead to higher spill-over effects.
Empathic abilities and their mediators in Tunisian psychiatry trainees
Authors: Saguem Bochra Nourhene , Bouzaâbia Zeineb , Braham Amel , Ben Nasr Selma
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to assess empathy dimensions in Tunisian psychiatry trainees and to evaluate their relationship with relevant professional and extra-professional factors.

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire survey was administered to the psychiatry trainees affiliated in the four faculties of medicine of Tunisia (n = 120). It comprised, in addition to sociodemographic and professional variables, the interpersonal reactivity index, a multidimensional instrument that evaluates perspective taking, empathic concern, personal distress and fantasy. Other self-report measures were used to assess emotion regulation, social support and self-efficacy. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences.

Findings

The response rate was 71%. Descriptive statistics showed that personal distress’ scores were lower than the other empathy dimensions’ scores. Perspective taking scores were negatively correlated with emotion regulation difficulties. Personal distress scores were positively correlated with emotion regulation difficulties. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that being an only child significantly contributed to perspective taking and having an extra-professional activity significantly contributed to less personal distress. Perceived stress, social support and having a master’s degree were significant predictors for empathic concern. Self-efficacy was a significant predictor of perspective taking, with emotion regulation difficulties mediating this relationship.

Practical implications

Interventions dedicated to improve psychiatry trainees’ empathy should focus not only on clinical practice and medical education but also on emotional support and recovery activities.

Originality/value

A unique feature of this study is the investigation of the potential impacts of emotion regulation difficulties and perceived self-efficacy on empathic abilities of psychiatry trainees.
Relative reproductive phenology and synchrony affect neonate survival in a nonprecocial ungulate
Authors: Michel Eric S. , Strickland Bronson K. , Demarais Stephen , Belant Jerrold L. , Kautz Todd M. , Duquette Jared F. , Beyer Dean E. , Chamberlain Michael J. , Miller Karl V. , Shuman Rebecca M. , Kilgo John C. , Diefenbach Duane R. , Wallingford Bret D. , Vreeland Justin K. , Ditchkoff Stephen S. , DePerno Christopher S. , Moorman Christopher E. , Chitwood M. Colter , Lashley Marcus A.
Published: September 2020

Degree of reproductive synchronization in prey is hypothesized as a predator defense strategy reducing prey risk via predator satiation or predator avoidance. Species with precocial young, especially those exposed to specialist predators, should be highly synchronous to satiate predators (predator satiation hypothesis), while prey with nonprecocial (i.e. altricial) young, especially those exposed to generalist predators, should become relatively asynchronous to avoid predator detection (predator avoidance hypothesis). The white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus in North America is an example of a nonprecocial ungulate that uses the hider strategy early in life; its primary predator (coyote; Canis latrans) is a generalist, making white‐tailed deer a good model species to test the predator avoidance hypothesis.

We used birth dates and known fates of white‐tailed deer neonates (n = 1,032) across nine study sites varying in relative synchrony and predator assemblages to test the predator avoidance hypothesis. We predicted that relative birthing asynchrony of the population would increase relative survival at the population level; therefore, at the individual scale, neonate birth date nearer to mean birthing date in a respective population would not influence individual survival.

Coyotes were responsible for the majority of predation events, and survival of those neonates increased the closer the individual was born to peak birthing season in each respective population. Also, at the population level, reproductive asynchronization negatively affected survival.

Contrary to the predator avoidance hypothesis, our data indicate patterns in neonate survival for white‐tailed deer better support the predator satiation hypothesis at the individual and population level. Additionally, coyotes may present a selective force great enough to shift reproductive synchrony such that predator satiation may become a feasible defense strategy for neonates at local spatial scales.

Our results indicate that synchronizing reproduction may still be the most effective strategy to reduce individual predation risk from generalist predators, particularly when the window of heightened resource availability to the prey is narrow.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Parents’ ability to access community health occupational therapy services in a disadvantaged area: A proof of concept study
Authors: Smith Rachel , Gallego Gisselle
Published: September 2020

Introduction

In New South Wales, children from disadvantaged backgrounds have poorer health outcomes and reduced access to health services than their more advantaged counterparts. This study aimed to identify barriers and enablers to accessing child and family occupational therapy services in a disadvantaged area.

Methods

This was a mixed methods study that included: (a) a retrospective analysis of de‐identified routinely collected Community Health service utilisation data from 2016 to 2017, and a (b) face to face interview guided survey with parents and carers.

Results

The retrospective data analysis showed outreach at the targeted suburbs’ Early Childhood Health Centres (ECHC) improved attendance for families living in these suburbs. Parents’ responses indicated that they were able to access the Community Health Centre (CHC) and certain barriers to accessing the service remain, including difficulty in parking and not having a license or car to attend appointments. Low health literacy was also a barrier to accessing health appointments as parents were unaware of the range of services provided at CHC, did not know how to make appointments, or that these services did not generate out‐of‐pocket expenses to clients. Conversely, enablers that would make it easier for parents to attend appointments include the provision of home visits, after hours and weekend appointments, and outreach such as delivering services in community spaces such as the ECHCs, library, or mosque.

Conclusion

This research suggests that outreach occupational therapy services are valued by families in this disadvantaged area and contribute towards improving access to allied health services for disadvantaged families with young children. However, additional work is required to increase awareness among disadvantaged families on the role of allied health in improving child development outcomes and to reduce some of the transport and logistical issues that can reduce access to health care.
Core microbial communities of lacustrine microbialites sampled along an alkalinity gradient
Authors: Iniesto Miguel , Moreira David , Reboul Guillaume , Deschamps Philippe , Benzerara Karim , Bertolino Paola , Saghaï Aurélien , Tavera Rosaluz , López‐García Purificación
Published: September 2020

Microbialites are usually carbonate‐rich sedimentary rocks formed by the interplay of phylogenetically and metabolically complex microbial communities with their physicochemical environment. Yet, the biotic and abiotic determinants of microbialite formation remain poorly constrained. Here, we analysed the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities associated with microbialites occurring in several crater lakes of the Trans‐Mexican volcanic belt along an alkalinity gradient. Microbialite size and community structure correlated with lake physicochemical parameters, notably alkalinity. Although microbial community composition varied across lake microbialites, major taxa‐associated functions appeared quite stable with both, oxygenic and anoxygenic photosynthesis and, to less extent, sulphate reduction, as major putative carbonatogenic processes. Despite interlake microbialite community differences, we identified a microbial core of 247 operational taxonomic units conserved across lake microbialites, suggesting a prominent ecological role in microbialite formation. This core mostly encompassed Cyanobacteria and their typical associated taxa (Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes) and diverse anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria, notably Chloroflexi, Alphaproteobacteria (Rhodobacteriales, Rhodospirilalles), Gammaproteobacteria (Chromatiaceae) and minor proportions of Chlorobi. The conserved core represented up to 40% (relative abundance) of the total community in lakes Alchichica and Atexcac, displaying the highest alkalinities and the most conspicuous microbialites. Core microbialite communities associated with carbonatogenesis might be relevant for inorganic carbon sequestration purposes.
A signalling model of loss leader pricing strategy
Authors: Dong Baomin , Guo Guixia , Wang Frank Yong
Published: September 2020

The traditional theory of loss leader pricing strategy generally relies on assumptions such as high consumer search cost, product complementarities, and short‐sighted consumer rationality. We argue that with the rise of e‐commerce, consumer search cost is substantially reduced, and in many cases, loss leader goods have no obvious complements but many substitutes. In this paper, we set up a model with both base product and advance product where the latter's quality is observable only to a fraction of the consumers. It is shown that a firm may use loss leader pricing strategy to signal the quality of its advance product to the uninformed consumers. Therefore, as a signalling device, loss leader pricing strategy is conducive to correct the lemons problem.
The Cost of Coronavirus Uncertainty: The High Returns to Clear Policy Plans
Authors: Pellegrino Giovanni , Ravenna Federico , Züllig Gabriel
Published: September 2020

Policymakers face an extremely uncertain environment during COVID‐19. Using a nonlinear VAR estimate for the Euro Area, we argue that the benefit of reducing policy uncertainty at a time dominated by pessimistic expectations amounts to several points of GDP. The impact on the economy of uncertainty shocks is much larger during periods of negative outlook for the future. We estimate the impact on industrial production of the current COVID‐19 induced uncertainty to peak at a year‐over‐year growth loss of −15.4 per cent in September 2020, and to lead to a fall in CPI inflation between 1 per cent and 1.5 per cent. Policies providing state‐contingent scenarios ready to be adopted if the worst‐case outcomes materialise can reduce the impact of uncertainty.
Sectoral Employment Dynamics in Australia and the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Anderson Heather , Caggiano Giovanni , Vahid Farshid , Wong Benjamin
Published: September 2020

We develop a multivariate time series model of employment in 19 sectors for Australia. We use this model to determine the long‐run effect of a 1% increase in economic activity in any chosen sector on aggregate employment. Our findings point to manufacturing and construction sectors as those that generate the largest positive spillovers for the aggregate economy. Moreover, we provide an interactive web‐based app that produces our model's forecasts based on any user‐specified scenario. As the restrictions associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic evolve, the sectoral employment multipliers together with these interactive tools will provide useful information for policymakers.
From Comparative to Interreligious Theology: Perry Schmidt‐Leukel's “Fractal” Version of Pluralism
Authors: D'Arcy May John
Published: September 2020

Perry Schmidt‐Leukel has proposed a “fractal” theory to correlate factors which are replicated across religious traditions. His aim is to develop notions of religious and theological pluralism which have become locked into a somewhat sterile conflict with “inclusivism.” A wide range of thinkers from a variety of religious traditions respond to his initiative, some applauding it, others criticising it as being too abstract to do justice to the particularity of religious phenomena. A highlight is Francis X. Clooney's defence of his comparative theology project as an alternative to pluralism. In reply, Schmidt‐Leukel generously accepts a number of criticisms while reasserting his proposal that on the basis of fractal theory a truly interreligious theology is possible. It remains to be seen how widely fractal theory applies to concrete religious phenomena.
The Cult of St Edmund, King and Martyr, and the Medieval Kings of England
Authors: WEBSTER PAUL
Published: September 2020

Two notable late‐medieval images depicting St Edmund King and Martyr, or his shrine, associate his cult with prayers and intercession for the king. In Lydgate's illustrated verse life of the saint, Henry VI is shown kneeling before the shrine, while on the Wilton Diptych, Edmund is one of three saints presenting Richard II to the Virgin Mary. This article explores royal devotion to Edmund, examining efforts of kings to sustain a religious aura linked to saintly predecessors. The article considers evidence for royal visits to Bury St Edmunds abbey and gift‐giving in honour of the saint. Rulers from the eleventh century onwards venerated Edmund, including Edward the Confessor (himself later canonised). Twelfth‐ and thirteenth‐century royal pilgrimages combined visits to shrines at Westminster, Canterbury, Bury and East Anglian holy sites. Henry III named his second son in honour of the saint. Meanwhile, Edmund's banner was carried, and gifts made in intercession or thanks, for success in battle. Despite emerging interest in the martial cult of St George, kingly giving in honour of Edmund continued in the fourteenth century, with the saint honoured alongside others, notably the Confessor and Becket. This combined devotion, it is argued, was the predominant way in which kings of England invoked the saints. St Edmund's importance in kingly religious activity linked sanctified kingship with appeals to the attributes of a range of saints.
Is a new structurally dispossessed class developing in the United States?
Authors: Hirschl Thomas A. , Spisak George A.
Published: September 2020

This study inquires whether a new structurally dispossessed class is developing in the United States. The new class proposition is derived from social theory and operationalized by two empirical characteristics: not in the labor force (NILF) and family income below poverty. The primary data source is the Current Population Survey over the years from 1968 to 2018, and threshold demographic criteria for class development is specified as increasing size and diversity. Because evidence is found to support the latter criterion but not the former, the proposition that a new class is developing is partially rejected. The analysis finds that new social components are joining the NILF/impoverished including men, Hispanics, college graduates, and young adults. Second, that the NILF/impoverished are politically active in terms of electoral participation, and no more likely than the total electorate to have voted for a populist Presidential candidate in 2016. NILF/impoverished recipiency of state transfers varies over time, increasing through the Great Recession, then receding. The implications of the investigation are discussed in terms of the likelihood that the NILF/impoverished will generate new forms of political opposition to the rule of capital.
Being white, being Jungian: implications of Jung’s encounter with the ‘non‐European’ other1
Authors: Johnson Jane
Published: September 2020

This personal account charts the changing relationship to a Jungian identity arising from the interrelated processes of understanding the roots of the colonial and racial ideologies that underpin Jung’s thinking, and a developing awareness of what it means to be a white person in a system of racism that maintains white supremacy. This is illustrated with reference to the image of a black man appearing in the dream of the white author and with use of post‐Jungian thinking to critique the notion of an objective, non‐racial psyche.
Margarita Von Lüttichau: Intermediary between Jung and Bill Wilson
Authors: McCabe Ian , Boyd Christine , Carroll Pádraig
Published: September 2020

This paper details Von Lüttichau’s relationship with Carl Jung and Bill Wilson, co‐founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and her role as intermediary in the relationship between the two men. Her contribution within this mediator role has not been previously recognized but is an important factor in explaining how Jung became introduced to the AA 12‐step format and validated the effectiveness of group work. After the Second World War, Von Lüttichau travelled between America and Switzerland and introduced the writings and ideas of Wilson and Jung to each other and acted as an intermediary between both titans. Jung gave Von Lüttichau extraordinarily detailed instructions on how the 12‐step programme of AA could be applied to ‘general neurotics’. Von Lüttichau’s private papers provide a bridge between Jung and Wilson’s correspondence and help to piece together gaps in both Jungian and AA history.
Three‐Dimensional Analysis of Cartridge Case Double‐Casts
Authors: Law Eric F. , Morris Keith B.
Published: September 2020

Due to the shot‐to‐shot variability in tool mark reproduction on fired cartridge cases, a method of replication is needed for the creation of training and testing sets. Double‐casting is one method that has been used for this application, but the accuracy and variability of this method needs to be characterized. Three firearms were used to fire 25 cartridges each to create the master cartridge cases. The double‐casting method consists of creating a silicone mold of the master cartridge case. A plastic resin mix is then poured into the mold to create the double‐cast reproduction. Fifteen double‐casts of each of the 75 fired cartridge cases were created across different silicone molds to analyze within‐ and between‐mold variability. The master cartridge cases and double‐casts were scanned with a confocal microscope (Sensofar® S neox) to create three‐dimensional representations of the surfaces. Two similarity metrics were used for the objective comparison of the double‐casts to their master cartridge cases: the areal correlation coefficient (ACCFMAX) and the number of congruent matching cells (CMC). The ACCFMAX and CMC data, along with visual examinations, showed that the double‐casting method produces accurate reproductions. Within‐mold variability was found to be minimal, and between‐mold variability was low. These results illustrate that double‐casting can be applied for training and testing purposes.
A multidisciplinary investigation of chronic animal abuse: Collaboration between veterinary forensics and forensic anthropology
Authors: Smith‐Blackmore Martha , Bethard Jonathan D.
Published: September 2020

An unknown juvenile female mixed breed dog was found non‐ambulatory on a dead‐end street in an urban setting adjacent to a public park. During initial veterinary examination, she was assessed to have untreatable injuries and was humanely euthanized. The forensic veterinarian requested consultation from a forensic anthropologist to assist with documenting antemortem skeletal trauma. Analyses of skeletal tissues indicated numerous injuries in various stages of healing diagnostic of non‐accidental injuries. Veterinary forensic cases may benefit from collaborative analysis of bony remains by forensic anthropologists.
The genome sequence of Samia ricini, a new model species of lepidopteran insect
Authors: Lee Jung , Nishiyama Tomoaki , Shigenobu Shuji , Yamaguchi Katsushi , Suzuki Yutaka , Shimada Toru , Katsuma Susumu , Kiuchi Takashi
Published: September 2020

Samia ricini, a gigantic saturniid moth, has the potential to be a novel lepidopteran model species. Samia ricini is far more resistant to diseases than the current model species Bombyx mori, and therefore can be more easily reared. In addition, genetic resources available for S. ricini rival those for B. mori: at least 26 ecoraces of S. ricini are reported and S. ricini can hybridize with wild Samia species, which are distributed throughout Asian countries, and produce fertile progenies. Physiological traits such as food preference, integument colour and larval spot pattern differ among S. ricini strains and wild Samia species so that those traits can be targeted in forward genetic analyses. To facilitate genetic research in S. ricini, we determined its whole genome sequence. The assembled genome of S. ricini was 458 Mb with 155 scaffolds, and the scaffold N50 length of the assembly was ~ 21 Mb. In total, 16,702 protein coding genes were predicted. While the S. ricini genome was mostly collinear with that of B. mori with some rearrangements and few S. ricini‐specific genes were discovered, chorion genes and fibroin genes seemed to have expanded in the S. ricini lineage. As the first step of genetic analyses, causal genes for “Blue,” “Yellow,” “Spot,” and “Red cocoon” phenotypes were mapped to chromosomes.
Inflation and Financial Stability Trade‐off: Role of Monetary Policy Credibility and Fiscal Cyclicality
Authors: Kurnia Akhmad Syakir , Izzulhaq Syahid , Maharda Johan Beni , Kunaedi Agung
Published: September 2020

This paper examines the role of monetary credibility and fiscal cyclicality in generating the trade‐off between inflation rates and financial stability. We systematically develop simple theoretical models to shape the rationalisation framework, which demonstrates the role of fiscal cyclicality behaviour in arousing a trade‐off for the monetary policy to target low inflation rates and a stable financial system at the same time. By utilising the generalised method of moment (GMM), we find that a credible monetary policy generates a trade‐off between inflation and financial stability as long as the fiscal policy is procyclical.
Oncological advantage of nonintubated thoracic surgery: Better compliance of adjuvant treatment after lung lobectomy
Authors: Furák József , Paróczai Dóra , Burián Katalin , Szabó Zsolt , Zombori Tamás
Published: September 2020

Background

Video‐assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) surgery contributes to improved survival, adjuvant chemotherapy delivery and less postoperative complications. Nonintubated thoracic surgery (NITS) VATS procedures improves immunological responses in lung cancer patients; however, there is no data regarding adjuvant chemotherapy delivery effectiveness following NITS lobectomies. In this study, we aimed to compare protocol compliance and toxic complications during adjuvant chemotherapy after intubated and nonintubated VATS lobectomies in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 66, stage IB–IIIB NSCLC patients who underwent intubated or nonintubated VATS lobectomy and received adjuvant chemotherapy.

Results

A total of 38 patients (17 males, mean age 64 years) underwent conventional VATS and 28 (7 males; mean age 63 years) uniportal VATS NITS. Both groups had comparable demographic data, preoperative pulmonary function, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status. Among the intubated and nonintubated patients, 82% and 75% were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, respectively. The incidence of adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma cases were similar in both groups; however, the pathological staging showed significant differences, as 5 (18%) nonintubated patients had stage IB lung cancer, compared with the intubated group (P = 0.01). Further distribution of stages was similar between the groups. We observed significant differences in chest tube duration and operation time in the nonintubated group (P < 0.01). Among nonintubated patients, 92% completed the planned chemotherapy protocol, compared to 71% of the intubated group (P = 0.035). Grade 1/2 toxicity occurred significantly more often in the intubated group (16% vs. 0%, P = 0.03) and there was a lower incidence of grade 4 neutropenia in the nonintubated group (0% vs. 16%, P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Our results showed that the nonintubated procedure resulted in improved adjuvant chemotherapy compliance and lower toxicity rates after lobectomy.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

Oncological advantage of the non‐intubated thoracic surgery: better compliance with therapy protocol.

What this study adds

NITS lobectomies contribute to better administration of adjuvant chemotherapy with the planned cycle number and dosage.
A demographic projection model to support conservation decision making for an endangered snake with limited monitoring data
Authors: Tucker A. M. , McGowan C. P. , Mulero Oliveras E. S. , Angeli N. F. , Zegarra J. P.
Published: September 2020

Conservation planning for rare and threatened species is often made more difficult by a lack of research and monitoring data. In such cases, managers may rely on qualitative assessments of species risk that lack explicit acknowledgement of uncertainty. Snakes are a group of conservation concern that are also notoriously difficult to monitor. Here, we demonstrate a quantitative population projection for a data‐deficient species, the Puerto Rican boa (Chilabothrus inornatus) using expert knowledge and published information about species life history and threats to persistence. Using this model, we simulated population dynamics over 30 years under four scenarios of future urbanization and found that there was an increased probability of population decline as urbanization rates increased. We conduct a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the sensitivity of outcomes to model inputs, a practice that may also be useful in recovery planning. The sensitivity analyses also provide insight into how the future trajectories would change if the elicited demographic rates are incorrect. Even when data are sparse, quantitative methods can often be used to produce rigorous and reproducible estimates of future status with quantifiable uncertainty.
Antibacterial efficacy and discolouration potential of antibiotic pastes with macrogol for regenerative endodontic therapy
Authors: Porciuncula de Almeida Mariana , Angelo da Cunha Neto Miguel , Paula Pinto Karem , Rivera Fidel Sandra , João Nogueira Leal Silva Emmanuel , Moura Sassone Luciana
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy and discolouration potential of antibiotic pastes containing macrogol. Seventy single‐rooted teeth were contaminated with a culture of Enterococcus faecalis for 30 days. Double (DAP) and triple antibiotic pastes (TAP) containing propylene glycol or macrogol as vehicles were applied. After 15 days, bacterial viability was compared. Change in teeth coronal colour was measured by a spectrophotometer. Statistical analysis was performed using anova and Tukey's test (P < 0.05). TAP containing clindamycin and propylene glycol was the only medicament that led to the presence of contamination, while the same combination of antibiotics containing macrogol did not result in bacterial growth (P < 0.05). Only the pastes containing minocycline in formulation resulted in coronal discolouration (P < 0.05). Both DAPs evaluated and the TAP containing clindamycin and macrogol showed to be the preferable options for regenerative endodontic therapy, as they were effective against E. faecalis biofilm and did not promote tooth discolouration.
“Introducing Translanguaging in the Educational Context of Cyprus: A Dynamic View of Spaces of Translanguaging in a Primary Classroom”
Authors: Stavrou Sotiroula
Published: September 2020

This article introduces the term translanguaging in the bidialectal educational context of Cyprus and presents a typical example from a Greek–Cypriot classroom where children use both of their linguistic varieties to acquire knowledge and enhance their understanding. The research data were analyzed under key questions related to translanguaging spaces, academic learning, and communicative functions. Students’ translanguaging practices were examined and the positive implications of translanguaging pedagogy are presented regarding learning development in a bidialectal context. Evidence shows that students create communicative spaces through translanguaging, which enable meaningful access to the curriculum‐based content written in Standard Modern Greek.
Causes of changes in basic activities of daily living in older adults with long‐term care needs
Authors: Sagari Akira , Tabira Takayuki , Maruta Michio , Miyata Hironori , Han Gwanghee , Kawagoe Masahiro
Published: September 2020

Objective

To elucidate basic activities of daily living (BADL) changes, and the causes, in older adults with long‐term care needs.

Methods

This retrospective study utilised long‐term care insurance (LTCI) certification survey data from 2010 to 2017 in City A.

Results

In decreasing likelihood of requiring assistance, BADL items were grooming, bathing, getting dressed/undressed, mobility, toilet hygiene, functional mobility and self‐feeding. Cox proportional hazard regression indicated that age correlated with need for assistance for all BADL items. Male sex corresponded to needing assistance with BADL items other than grooming and functional mobility. Shared living corresponded to needing assistance with BADL items other than grooming and bathing. Visual acuity corresponded to needing assistance with grooming.

Conclusion

The most significant result was using survival curves to visualise the changes in BADL items of older adults with LTCI. These findings could help develop rehabilitation programs to prevent the need for BADL assistance in older adults.
Why so curious? Validation and cross‐cultural investigation of the Hindi Epistemic Curiosity Scale
Authors: Karandikar Sampada , Kapoor Hansika , Litman Jordan
Published: September 2020

Epistemic curiosity (EC) is the motive and need to seek knowledge. The present work entails validation of the English EC Scale translated into the Hindi language. Study 1 comprised confirmatory factor analysis of the Hindi scale using a sample of 223 bilingual Indians (143 females). The 10‐item two‐factor structure with Interest and Deprivation subscales was validated for the Hindi EC Scale. Convergent and discriminant validity was established, and model fits were assessed separately for males and females, along with measurement invariance testing. In Study 2, linguistic invariance testing and cross‐cultural comparisons were undertaken for a sample of 151 Indians (93 females) and 219 Americans (179 females) for the EC scales, to assess similarities in the underlying factor structure. Indians did not differ from Americans in their responses to the English EC Scale, but slight differences were observed for the Hindi EC Scale, suggesting an interplay of language and culture. Further, independent t tests compared the two samples on measures of curiosity, gossip, personality, and affect. Americans had a higher tendency toward interpersonal curiosity and agreeableness whereas Indians scored higher on intellect. Cross‐cultural and linguistic differences as well as future work are presented. In sum, the Hindi EC Scale is a valid and reliable instrument that can facilitate further translations into other Indian languages.
Biliary complications in donation after circulatory death liver transplantation: the Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit's experience
Authors: Ly Mark , Crawford Michael , Verran Deborah
Published: September 2020

Background

Biliary complications are the most common complications of donation after circulatory death (DCD) liver transplantation and the international experience with DCD transplants suggests increased rates of biliary complications compared to donation after brain death transplants. Therefore, it is important to understand factors that are associated with the development of biliary complications within the Australian DCD context in order to inform future practice. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of biliary complications after DCD liver transplantation at the Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit and identify factors associated with this outcome.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all adult DCD liver transplants at the Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit from 2007 to 2015 was undertaken. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of biliary complications and was censored on 31 December 2016. Recipients were then stratified into groups based on the development of biliary complications and risk factor analysis was performed.

Results

Biliary complications occurred in 35% of DCD transplants, including seven anastomotic strictures and 10 non‐anastomotic strictures. Higher donor risk index scores (P = 0.03), post‐transplant portal vein complications (P = 0.042) and peak gamma‐glutamyl transferase levels within 7 days post‐transplant (P = 0.047) were associated with biliary complications.

Conclusion

Findings from this study demonstrate that biliary complications remain common in DCD liver recipients. Recipients who developed a biliary complication tended to have higher donor risk index, elevated peak gamma‐glutamyl transferase levels within 7 days post‐transplant or a portal vein complication. The presence of any of these factors should prompt close monitoring for post‐transplant biliary complications.
Application of a preoperative image scoring system in laparoscopic spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy
Authors: Xu Jianwei , Zhan Hanxiang , Li Feng , Xu Yifan , Hu Sanyuan , Wang Lei
Published: September 2020

Background

A reasonable surgical plan is crucial to laparoscopic spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy. This study proposed a preoperative image classification and scoring system, then evaluated the predictive value in creating a spleen‐preserving strategy.

Methods

Data for patients who underwent laparoscopic spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy at our hospital were collected from a prospective database. Clinical parameters and preoperative images were reviewed and analysed.

Results

We included 58 cases, and patients underwent the Kimura procedure (n = 29) or the Warshaw procedure (n = 29). According to the relationship between the tumour and the splenic vein in preoperative images, we proposed an image classification constituting four types. In the univariate analysis, age, tumour size, length of the distal pancreas to the left of the tumour and the image classification were significantly associated with spleen‐preservation methods. Multivariate analysis indicated that tumour size and image classifications were independent factors. We established a scoring system by combining these two factors and scored and classified patients into four groups as 0, 61, 100 and 161 points. The probabilities of spleen‐preservation procedures corresponding to different points were then calculated.

Conclusion

This preoperative image classification and scoring system might be helpful when creating a spleen‐preserving strategy during laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy.
Neurobehaviour of very preterm infants at term equivalent age is related to early childhood outcomes
Authors: Meether Margaret , Bush Cathy Niles , Richter Marinthea , Pineda Roberta
Published: September 2020

Aim

To describe neurodevelopmental outcomes during early childhood among infants born very preterm and define the relationships between neurobehaviour of very preterm infants and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 4 years.

Methods

Forty‐eight infants born ≤32 weeks gestation had neurobehaviour assessed at term equivalent age using the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS). Outcomes at 4 years were assessed with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ‐3), the Sensory Profile‐Short Form (SF) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function‐Preschool version (BRIEF‐P).

Results

At 4 years, 23 (48%) children had at least one below average score on the ASQ‐3, 15 (31%) had a below average total score on the Sensory Profile‐SF, and 3 (6%) had an abnormal total score on the BRIEF‐P. Children with lower fine motor scores at 4 years had poorer orientation (P = 0.03) and self‐regulation (P =0.03), hypertonia (P = 0.01), and more sub‐optimal reflexes (P = 0.02) as neonates. Children with lower gross motor scores at 4 years of age had more sub‐optimal reflexes (P = 0.03) and lethargy (P = 0.046) as neonates. Children with tactile sensitivity at 4 years of age had poorer orientation (P = 0.01) and tolerance of handling (P = 0.03) as neonates. Children with decreased responsiveness at 4 years of age had low arousal (P = 0.02) as neonates, and those with poor auditory filtering at age 4 years had hypotonia (P = 0.03) as neonates.

Conclusion

Early neurobehaviour is related to neurodevelopmental outcome in early childhood.
Systematic review and network meta‐analysis: efficacy of drugs for functional dyspepsia
Authors: Ford Alexander C. , Moayyedi Paul , Black Christopher J. , Yuan Yuhong , Veettil Sajesh K. , Mahadeva Sanjiv , Kengkla Kirati , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn , Lee Yeong Yeh
Published: September 2020

Background

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a relapsing and remitting condition affecting between 5% and 10% of people. Efficacious therapies are available, but their relative efficacy is unknown.

Aim

To perform a systematic review with network meta‐analysis to resolve this uncertainty.

Methods

We searched the medical literature through July 2020 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing efficacy of drugs for adults with FD, compared with each other, or placebo. Trials reported a dichotomous assessment of symptom status after completion of therapy. We pooled data using a random effects model. Efficacy was reported as a pooled relative risk (RR) of remaining symptomatic with a 95% confidence interval (CI) to summarise efficacy of each comparison tested. Relative ranking was assessed with surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) probabilities.

Results

We identified 71 eligible RCTs (19 243 participants). Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were ranked second for efficacy (RR of remaining symptomatic = 0.71; 95% CI 0.58‐0.87, SUCRA 0.87), and first when only low risk of bias trials were included. Most RCTs that used TCAs recruited patients who were refractory to other drugs included in the network. Although sulpiride or levosulpiride were ranked first for efficacy (RR = 0.49; 95% CI 0.36‐0.69, SUCRA 0.99), trial quality was low and only 86 patients received active therapy. TCAs were more likely to cause adverse events than placebo.

Conclusions

TCAs, histamine‐2 receptor antagonists, standard‐ and low‐dose proton pump inhibitors, sulpiride or levosulpiride, itopride and acotiamide were all more efficacious than placebo for FD.
Bufalin inhibits ovarian carcinoma via targeting mTOR/HIF‐α pathway
Authors: Su Shan , Dou Hongtao , Wang Zhe , Zhang Qinghua
Published: September 2020

Ovarian cancer is a severe health threat for women with increased incidence and stymied development in diagnosis and therapy. Drug resistance is still a big challenge. Bufalin is a multi‐functional steroid‐like compound extracted from natural product Chansu and has been tested as antitumour agent recently. The application and mechanism of bufalin in ovarian cancer remain unclear yet. Bufalin was first examined in ovarian epithelial cancer cell as well as primary ovarian tissue to evaluate its inhibitory activity in cell growth and migration, followed by the validation in xenograft tumour model and the patient samples. Bufalin is well tolerated by normal ovarian tissue at up to 40 μM and suppresses the cell growth and migration at 10 μM and xenograft tumour growth at 0.1mg/kg dosage. Bufalin inhibits the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation and subsequently decreases hypoxia‐induced factor 1 alpha (HIF‐1α) level. Overexpression of HIF‐1α could abolish the pro‐apoptotic and antimigration activity of bufalin in cell culture. Strikingly, low HIF‐1α level was correlated with improved responsiveness to cisplatin treatment in ovarian cancer patients. Bufalin was a potent inhibitor of cell growth and migration in ovarian cancer cells through suppression of mTOR activation and HIF‐1α induction. Bufalin could be used to enhance the efficacy of cisplatin in ovarian cancer patients.