bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generational differences and implicit leadership schemas in the Philippine workforce
Authors: Salvosa Helen C. , Hechanova Maria Regina M.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study examined generational differences in traits and desired schemas of leaders among Filipino workers using the lens of the generational cohort theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized a sequential exploratory mixed-method approach. Phase One of the study utilized a qualitative approach in eliciting perceived characteristics and leadership schemas. Phase Two utilized a quantitative approach utilizing a survey to test generational differences.

Findings

Cluster analysis of survey responses of 341 Filipino workers showed two generation cohorts – the political and technological generation. Respondents from the political generation characterized themselves as being work-centered, family-oriented, traditional, seasoned, decisive and multi-tasking. The political generation also believes that an ideal leader is someone who cares about people's welfare, delegates, and is able to control others. On the other hand, the technology generation described themselves as being tech-savvy, carefree, laid-back, proud, individualistic, self-centered, arrogant, energetic and adventurous. The technological generation views an ideal leader as someone who is responsible, provides clear instructions, listens, and recognizes people.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on Filipino workers and more studies in other countries are needed to establish generational differences in schemas.

Practical implications

The results have implications on the way that leaders are selected and developed especially in an increasingly diverse workforce.

Social implications

The results highlight the role of political, sociocultural events and technological trends that shape the traits and schemas of workers.

Originality/value

The study contributes to both generational studies as well as implicit leadership literature. The study highlights the value of examining the intersection of both culture and generation in the context of leadership.
Asymmetric effect of oil prices on herding in commodity markets
Authors: Youssef Mouna , Mokni Khaled
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims to test the presence of herding behavior in commodity markets, including energy, metals and agriculture. Additionally, the authors investigate the possible asymmetric effect of oil price changes on the herding behavior in these markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine herding based on the cross-sectional absolute deviation (CSAD) model in a static and time-varying perspective.

Findings

By using daily data over the period 2003–2017, the authors’ findings firstly support the dynamic nature of investor behavior in commodity markets, which oscillates between antiherding during the normal period and herding during and after the global financial crisis of 2008. Furthermore, results highlight that the asymmetric impact of oil shocks on herding differs across commodity sectors and periods. Additionally, herding seems to be more pronounced when the oil market declines, which may be due to the pessimistic investors' sentiments.

Practical implications

This study provides insight into what factors influence herd behavior in commodity markets. The understanding of factors driving herding aids investors to avoid the impact of this behavior and its consequences

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine whether the level of herding depends on the oil price fluctuations, as well as the asymmetric effect of the oil price on herding behavior in commodity markets.
Trick or treat? The Halloween effect in stock markets revisited
Authors: Magnusson Gylfi
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The subject of this paper is seasonal variation in the return on stocks. The phenomenon we analyze here is known as the “Halloween effect” or the trading strategy “sell in May and go away.” The authors test the hypothesis that stock markets tend to return considerably less in the six months beginning in May than in the other half of the year. This effect has shown persistency over time and is seemingly large enough to be a candidate for economic significance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze monthly data from 13 countries for the period 1958–2019, using the Kruskal–Wallis test, t-test and a boot-strap based estimator. In addition, we look a sub-periods for a larger group of countries and include data on both stock returns and interest rates.

Findings

The authors find a strong seasonal effect in a large majority of the markets, with the period from November to April seeing higher returns than the other six months of the year. This result also holds for a larger sample of countries based on data from a shorter period. The effect is found to be economically significant in most countries in the sample. The authors examine one potential explanation for seasonal variation in stock returns, i.e. seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The authors find some, albeit weak, support for this hypothesis.

Originality/value

This paper uses a rich dataset that has not been used for this purpose before and robust tests of statistical and economic significance to shed light on an important aspect of global financial markets.
Impact of herding on the returns in the Indian stock market: an empirical study
Authors: Kanojia Sunaina , Singh Deepti , Goswami Ashutosh
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Herd behavior has been studied herein and tested based on primary respondents from Indian markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper expounds the empirical evidence by applying the cross-sectional absolute deviation method and reporting on herd behavior among decision-makers who are engaged in trading in the Indian stock market. Further, the study attempts to analyze the market-wide herding in the Indian stock market using 2230 daily, 470 weekly and 108 monthly observations of Nifty 50 stock returns for a period of nine years from April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2018 during the normal market conditions, extreme market conditions and in both increasing and decreasing market conditions.

Findings

In a span of a decade witnessing different market cycles, the authors’ results exhibit that there is no evidence of herding in any market condition in Indian stock market primarily due to the dominance of institutional investors and secondly because of low market participation by individual investors.

Originality/value

The results reveal that there is no impact of herd behavior on the stock returns in the Indian equity market during the normal market conditions. It highlights that the participation of individuals who are more prone to herding is more evident for short-run investments, contrary to long-term holdings.
Uniform emission taxes, abatement, and spatial disparities
Authors: Takatsuka Hajime
Published: October 2020

This paper examines how a commitment to a common tax on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions affects spatial distribution of production and welfare between countries. To focus on the long‐term effects of firm relocation, the paper employs a two‐country model of monopolistic competition with a variable abatement technology. In the model, the elasticity of substitution between GHG emissions and the conventional input is a key parameter. If the elasticity of substitution is smaller than one (in the substitutable area), the relative number of firms and the relative welfare in the large country monotonically increase with uniform tax rates. Meanwhile, if the elasticity of substitution is larger than one, they both follow inverted U‐shaped curves in response to tax rates. Nevertheless, for any level of taxes, they both are necessarily higher than those in the case without taxes. This suggests that uniform emission taxes widen international disparities of firm location and welfare.
‘We have been awake for years’: conflicting ecologies in an indigenous land management scheme in Indonesia
Authors: Großmann Kristina
Published: October 2020

As access to and control of land is increasingly contested, indigenous land management schemes promise to secure formal land rights. This article is concerned with one such scheme, Dayak, Wake Up (Dayak Misik) in Indonesia. The implementation of the scheme, orchestrated by a Dayak farmers’ organization, was rejected by the semi‐nomadic Punan Murung as they did not share the same notions and conceptions of land and resources, which are intertwined with struggles over access and control. Framed with the concept of conflicting ecologies, thereby combining material political ecology with phenomenological and relational approaches, this article elaborates on different conceptions, relations, and terms of engagement with nature by the Punan Murung and representatives of the Dayak farmers’ organization, which are strongly interlinked with power relations. I show that the ecology of ethnically framed territorialization by the organization is hegemonic and subordinates the Punan Murung's alternative place‐based ecology.
Disseminated intraosseous Kaposi’s sarcoma: A rare manifestation of HIV/AIDS
Authors: Narita Callum , Lukies Matthew , Tay Hui Sien , Marovic Paul
Published: October 2020

Kaposi Sarcoma (KS), a mucocutaneous cancer that most frequently occurs in the context of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) secondary to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), is a relatively benign condition, acting more as a marker of immunodeficiency than directly causing harm itself. However, it has been known to spread both locally and in a metastatic fashion, with reports of KS affecting almost all organ systems. One of the most rarely reported areas of involvement is the musculoskeletal system, with secondary osseous spread representing an even smaller subset of these. We report a case of biopsy proven disseminated intraosseous KS involving the entire imaged skeleton that occurred with HIV/AIDS, despite maximal treatment and normal imaging 8 months prior.
The Legitimacy of International Institutions among Rising and Established Powers
Authors: Tallberg Jonas , Verhaegen Soetkin
Published: October 2020

The expectation that state voice drives perceptions of the legitimacy of international institutions is a common theme in academic scholarship and policy discourse on global power shifts. This article tests this expectation empirically, using novel and unique survey data on legitimacy perceptions toward eight international institutions among political and societal elites in six countries, comprising both rising and established powers. The article finds only limited support for a link between a state’s voice in an international institution and elite perceptions of legitimacy. Differences in formal state representation are only partly reflected in patterns of perceived legitimacy across the six countries. In addition, there is no evidence at the individual level that assessments of state voice shape elites’ perceptions of institutional legitimacy. Instead, considerations of good governance best predict whether elites perceive of international institutions as more or less legitimate. These findings suggest that only institutional reforms which are seen to favor general qualities of good governance, and not narrow demands for state voice, are likely to be rewarded with greater legitimacy.
Prognostic impact of micropapillary component in patients with node‐negative subcentimeter lung adenocarcinoma: A Chinese cohort study
Authors: Yao Jie , Zhu Erjia , Li Ming , Liu Jinshi , Zhang Lei , Ke Honggang , Su Hang , Xie Huikang , Xu Guanxin , Zhu Ling , Fan Junqiang , Chen Chang ,   Surgical Thoracic Alliance of Rising Star Collaborative Group
Published: October 2020

Background

In this study, we investigated the prognostic significance of a micropapillary (MP) component in patients with subcentimeter lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

A total of 311 patients with subcentimeter lung adenocarcinoma who underwent surgical resection between January 2009 to December 2012 from seven medical centers were included. Recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed.

Results

The five‐year RFS was 79.8% in 97 (97/311, 31%) cases of adenocarcinoma with a MP component and 93.5% in the 214 (214/311, 69%) cases without. In multivariate analysis, MP was an independent risk factor for worse RFS (hazard ratio [HR], 3.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.87–7.42; P < 0.001) and OS (HR, 5.84; 95% CI: 2.20–15.49; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference among wedge resection, segmentectomy and lobectomy on RFS (P = 0.256) and OS (P = 0.103) in patients without MP. Regarding patients with a MP component, lobectomy achieved equivalent prognosis than segmentectomy, and both were better than wedge resection (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

A MP component still suggest a poor prognosis in subcentimeter lung adenocarcinoma. Patients with subcentimeter lung adenocarcinoma with a MP component of 5% or greater treated with wedge resection were at higher risk of recurrence than patients treated with anatomical resection.
Copy number variation in HOXB7 and HOXB8 involves in the formation of beard trait in chickens
Authors: Yang K. X. , Zhou H. , Ding J. M. , He C. , Niu Q. , Gu C. J. , Zhou Z. X. , Meng H. , Huang Q. Z.
Published: October 2020

The derived feathering phenotype beard in domestic birds is an ideal resource to investigate the genetic mechanisms controlling feather development and differentiation. In the present study, we performed a GWAS and QTL linkage analysis on the trait of beard in Beijing fatty chicken. One major QTL (1.2–1.9 Mb) was identified that could explain 34% of the phenotypic variation. The copy number variation that was copied from the region (GGA27:3 578 409–3 592 890 bp) containing homebox B7 (HOXB7) and homebox B8 (HOXB8) was validated to be only exhibited in the genome of bearded chickens. Protein–protein interaction analysis indicated that HOXB7 and HOXB8 proteins could highly interact with the HOXB family members, including HOXB4, HOXB5 and HOXB6, whose genomic locations near HOXB7 and HOXB8 suggested that they may regulate their family members to involve in the formation of the beard trait in chickens. Overall, our work provides basic data for understanding the mechanisms regulating beard development and differentiation.
Genome‐wide association study identifies markers associated with carcass and meat quality traits in Italian Large White pigs
Authors: Fabbri M. C. , Zappaterra M. , Davoli R. , Zambonelli P.
Published: October 2020

A GWAS was performed using the genotypes obtained by PorcineSNP60 v2 BeadChip and 11 phenotypic traits (carcass lean meat percentage; backfat thickness; Longissimus thoracis muscle thickness; lightness; backfat thickness measured with caliper at the midline; meat pH measured at about 1 h post mortem and 24 h post mortem; CIE L*, a* and b* color parameters; and water‐holding capacity). Three markers were associated with three of the phenotypic traits considered: M1GA0009592 (SSC7) with backfat thickness and lean meat content, DIAS0002910 (SSC6) and ALGA0109856 (SSC6) with water‐holding capacity. The marker M1GA0009592, associated with backfat thickness, lies in a QTL region near the gene JARID2, which is a transcription factor also involved in the regulation of adipose‐derived stem cell pluripotency. The results seem to indicate a possible role of these genomic regions in the regulation of pig carcass fatness (i.e. backfat at last rib) and water‐holding capacity.
A murine model of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis using the topical application of a vitamin D3 analog
Authors: Kagoya Ryoji , Kondo Kenji , Kishimoto‐Urata Megumi , Shimizu Yuya , Kikuta Shu , Yamasoba Tatsuya
Published: October 2020

Background

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) is a chronic inflammatory disease, characterized by eosinophilic infiltration, T‐helper type 2 (Th2‐type) response, and olfactory dysfunction. A master regulator of Th2‐type inflammation, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), is important for basophil activation. TSLP‐elicited basophils are a key factor in the pathogenesis of ECRS.

Methods

In order to elucidate the mechanisms of ECRS in humans, we aimed to establish a murine model of ECRS based on TSLP production in response to the topical application of MC903 (a vitamin D3 analog) and the subsequent TSLP‐induced basophil activation. Histological analyses were performed to assess immune cell infiltration into the nasal mucosa and to explore the impact of eosinophilic inflammation on the olfactory epithelium. The status of Th2‐type inflammation was evaluated by quantitative real‐time PCR and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Eosinophils, basophils, and M2 macrophages increased significantly in the nasal mucosa of the mice treated with MC903 and ovalbumin (OVA), compared to those treated with OVA alone or the controls. Quantitative real‐time PCR and ELISA revealed elevated expression of interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, TSLP, the chemokine CCL11, and CCL24 in the nasal mucosa of the ECRS mice. In parallel, thinned olfactory epithelium and decreased mature olfactory sensory neurons were observed in the ECRS mice.

Conclusions

Our model of ECRS displayed Th2‐type inflammation in the sinonasal region, including both eosinophil infiltration and basophil infiltration. Additionally, olfactory epithelium turned out to be affected by eosinophilic inflammation. These features are consistent with the characteristics of the human ECRS.
Fetal macrosomia in home and birth center births in the United States: Maternal, fetal, and newborn outcomes
Authors: Pillai Sabrina , Cheyney Melissa , Everson Courtney L. , Bovbjerg Marit L.
Published: October 2020

Background

Fetal macrosomia is associated with negative outcomes, although less is known about how severities of macrosomia influence these outcomes. Planned community births in the United States have higher rates of gestational age‐adjusted macrosomia than planned hospital births, providing a novel population to examine macrosomia morbidity.

Methods

Maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with grade 1 (4000‐4499 g), grade 2 (4500‐4999 g), and grade 3 (≥5000 g) macrosomia were compared to normal birthweight newborns (2500‐3999 g), using data from the MANA Statistics Project—a registry of planned community births, 2012‐2018 (n = 68 966). Outcomes included perineal trauma, postpartum hemorrhage, cesarean birth, neonatal birth injury, shoulder dystocia, neonatal respiratory distress, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay >24 hours, and perinatal death. Logistic regressions controlled for parity and mode of birth, obesity, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia.

Results

Sixteen percent of the sample were grade 1 macrosomic, 3.3% were grade 2 macrosomic, and 0.4% were grade 3 macrosomic. Macrosomia grades 1‐3 were associated in a dose‐response fashion with higher odds of all outcomes, compared to non‐macrosomia. The adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for postpartum hemorrhage for grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 macrosomia vs normal birthweight were 1.75 (1.56‐1.96), 2.12 (1.70‐2.63), and 5.18 (3.47‐7.74), respectively. Other outcomes had similar patterns.

Discussion

The adjusted odds of negative outcomes increase as grade of macrosomia increases in planned community births; results are comparable with the published literature. Pre‐birth fetal weight estimation is imprecise; prenatal supports and shared decision‐making processes should reflect these complexities.
The role of numeracy skills on the Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST) performances of 5‐ to 8‐Year‐old turkish children
Authors: Söğüt Meryem , Göksun Tilbe , Altan‐Atalay Ayşe
Published: October 2020

The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) is one of the most widely used complex EF task for various populations. However, it seems questionable to employ the task for preschool‐aged children due to their lack of numerical efficiency while sorting cards according to the number dimension. The present study aimed to examine the association of numeracy skills with different EF‐related abilities as measured by the WCST. For the assessment of numeracy skills, we used the Early Numeracy Test (ENT). One hundred and fourteen Turkish children between the ages of 5 and 8 were administered the WCST and ENT in a counterbalanced order. Results revealed a significant correlation only between the three ENT scores and the concept formation factor of the WCST, indicating a significant relationship between the WCST performance and numeracy skills in terms of concept formation. This finding highlights the specific relation between numeracy skills and subcomponents of the WCST and points to potential interfering variables that should be taken into account while evaluating the scores of the sorting tasks for children between the ages of 5 and 8.
Lectin drug conjugate therapy for colorectal cancer
Authors: Kitaguchi Daichi , Oda Tatsuya , Enomoto Tsuyoshi , Ohara Yusuke , Owada Yohei , Akashi Yoshimasa , Furuta Tomoaki , Yu Yang , Kimura Sota , Kuroda Yukihito , Kurimori Ko , Miyazaki Yoshihiro , Furuya Kinji , Shimomura Osamu , Tateno Hiroaki
Published: October 2020

Drug resistance represents an obstacle in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment because of its association with poor prognosis. rBC2LCN is a lectin isolated from Burkholderia that binds cell surface glycans that have fucose moieties. Because fucosylation is enhanced in many types of cancers, this lectin could be an efficient drug carrier if CRC cells specifically present such glycans. Therefore, we examined the therapeutic efficacy and toxicity of lectin drug conjugate therapy in CRC mouse xenograft models. The affinity of rBC2LCN for human CRC cell lines HT‐29, LoVo, LS174T, and DLD‐1 was assessed in vitro. The cytocidal efficacy of a lectin drug conjugate, rBC2LCN‐38 kDa domain of pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE38) was evaluated by MTT assay. The therapeutic effects and toxicity for each CRC cell line‐derived mouse xenograft model were compared between the intervention and control groups. LS174T and DLD‐1 cell lines showed a strong affinity for rBC2LCN. In the xenograft model, the tumor volume in the rBC2LCN‐PE38 group was significantly reduced compared with that using control treatment alone. However, the HT‐29 cell line showed weak affinity and poor therapeutic efficacy. No significant toxicities or adverse responses were observed. In conclusion, we demonstrated that rBC2LCN lectin binds CRC cells and that rBC2LCN‐PE38 significantly suppresses tumor growth in vivo. In addition, the efficacy of the drug conjugate correlated with its binding affinity for each CRC cell line. These results suggest that lectin drug conjugate therapy has potential as a novel targeted therapy for CRC cell surface glycans.
Fingerprint‐based computational models of 5‐lipo‐oxygenase activating protein inhibitors: Activity prediction and structure clustering
Authors: Tu Guiping , Qin Zijian , Huo Donghui , Zhang Shengde , Yan Aixia
Published: October 2020

Inflammatory diseases can be treated by inhibiting 5‐lipo‐oxygenase activating protein (FLAP). In this study, a data set containing 2,112 FLAP inhibitors was collected. A total of 25 classification models were built by five machine learning algorithms with five different types of fingerprints. The best model, which was built by support vector machine algorithm with ECFP_4 fingerprint had an accuracy and a Matthews correlation coefficient of 0.862 and 0.722 on the test set, respectively. The predicted results were further evaluated by the application domain dSTD‐PRO (a distance between one compound to models). Each compound had a dSTD‐PRO value, which was calculated by the predicted probabilities obtained from all 25 models. The application domain results suggested that the reliability of predicted results depended mainly on the compounds themselves rather than algorithms or fingerprints. A group of customized 10‐bit fingerprint was manually defined for clustering the molecular structures of 2,112 FLAP inhibitors into eight subsets by K‐Means. According to the clustering results, most of inhibitors in two subsets (subsets 2 and 4) were highly active inhibitors. We found that aryl oxadiazole/oxazole alkanes, biaryl amino‐heteroarenes, two aromatic rings (often N‐containing) linked by a cyclobutene group, and 1,2,4‐triazole group were typical fragments in highly active inhibitors.
Prediction of survival rate and effect of drugs on cancer patients with somatic mutations of genes: An AI‐based approach
Authors: Saurabh Rochi , Nandi Sutanu , Sinha Noopur , Shukla Mudita , Sarkar Ram Rup
Published: October 2020

The causal role of somatic mutation and its interrelationship with gene expression profile during tumor development has already been observed, which plays a major role to decide the cancer grades and overall survival. Accurate and robust prediction of tumor grades and patients’ overall survival are important for prognosis, risk factors identification and betterment of the treatment strategy, especially for highly lethal tumors, like gliomas. Here, with the help of more accurate and widely used machine learning‐based approaches, we propose an integrative computational pipeline that incorporates somatic mutations and gene expression profile for survival and grade prediction of glioma patients and simultaneously relates it to the drugs to be administered. This study gives us a clear understanding that the same drug is not effective for the treatment of same grade of cancer if the gene mutations are different. The alteration in a specific gene plays a very important role in tumor progression and should also be considered for the selection of appropriate drugs. This proposed framework includes all the necessary factors required for enhancement of therapeutic designs and could be useful for clinicians in determining an accurate and personalized treatment strategy for individual patients suffering from different life threatening diseases.
Spectrum of deep learning algorithms in drug discovery
Authors: Piroozmand Firoozeh , Mohammadipanah Fatemeh , Sajedi Hedieh
Published: October 2020

Deep learning (DL) algorithms are a subset of machine learning algorithms with the aim of modeling complex mapping between a set of elements and their classes. In parallel to the advance in revealing the molecular bases of diseases, a notable innovation has been undertaken to apply DL in data/libraries management, reaction optimizations, differentiating uncertainties, molecule constructions, creating metrics from qualitative results, and prediction of structures or interactions. From source identification to lead discovery and medicinal chemistry of the drug candidate, drug delivery, and modification, the challenges can be subjected to artificial intelligence algorithms to aid in the generation and interpretation of data. Discovery and design approach, both demand automation, large data management and data fusion by the advance in high‐throughput mode. The application of DL can accelerate the exploration of drug mechanisms, finding novel indications for existing drugs (drug repositioning), drug development, and preclinical and clinical studies. The impact of DL in the workflow of drug discovery, design, and their complementary tools are highlighted in this review. Additionally, the type of DL algorithms used for this purpose, and their pros and cons along with the dominant directions of future research are presented.
Ab interno vs ab externo microcatheter‐assisted trabeculotomy for primary congenital glaucoma with clear cornea
Authors: Shi Yan , Wang Huaizhou , Oatts Julius , Cao Kai , Xin Chen , Liang Xintong , Tian Jiaxin , Han Ying , Wang Ningli
Published: October 2020

Importance

This is the first comprehensive comparison between ab interno approach and ab externo approach for microcatheter‐assisted trabeculotomy in primary congenital glaucoma with clear cornea.

Background

Ab externo microcatheter‐assisted trabeculotomy is considered to be the gold standard for primary congenital glaucoma. The novel ab interno approach would intuitively be similar to ab externo approach for microcatheter‐assisted trabeculotomy in eyes with clear cornea; however, there is no evidence yet.

Design

Non‐contemporary comparison of retrospective case series.

Participants

Fifty‐eight and fifty‐seven consecutive primary congenital glaucoma eyes with clear corneas underwent ab interno and ab externo microcatheter‐assisted trabeculotomy, respectively.

Methods

Retrospective comparison of clinical outcomes.

Main Outcome Measures

Surgical success was defined as a postoperative intraocular pressure of ≤21 mmHg with at least a 30% reduction from preoperative IOP with or without the use of anti‐glaucoma medication (qualified and complete success, respectively).

Results

The qualified success rate (87.9% vs 82.2%, P = .40) and complete success rates (81.0% vs 73.3%, P = .32) were comparable between groups. Complications were minimal and comparable. Less than 360° trabeculotomy (P = .009) and a higher number of previous surgeries (P = .03) were both associated with worse surgical outcomes.

Conclusions and Relevance

Ab interno approach provide good and comparable outcomes as ab externo approach for microcatheter‐assisted trabeculotomy in primary congenital glaucoma eyes with clear cornea. It should be considered as the initial choice in these patients with the benefit of sparing conjunctiva. Successful trabeculotomy with either technique during the first attempt is critical to overall success and underscores the need for proficiency before independent practice.
Degree of employment, sick leave, and costs following notification of occupational contact dermatitis—A register‐based study
Authors: Dietz Jojo B. , Menné Torkil , Meyer Harald W. , Viskum Sven , Flyvholm Mari‐Ann , Ahrensbøll‐Friis Ulrik , John Swen M. , Johansen Jeanne D.
Published: October 2020

Background

Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) is the most commonly recognized occupational disease in Denmark.

Objectives

To examine the impact of recognized OCD on degree of employment, sick leave, unemployment, and job change.

Methods

Data on all recognized individuals with OCD notified in Denmark between 2010 and 2015 (n = 8940) were linked to information on social transfer payments in the years before and after notification. The number of weeks on unemployment benefits or sick leave and the degree of employment during the 2 years prior to notification was compared with the 2 years following notification.

Results

The degree of employment decreased on average 8.9 work‐hours/month, corresponding to an average annual loss of income per worker of approximately €1570. The average number of weeks that workers were receiving unemployment benefits and paid long‐term sick leave rose by 2.5 and 3.4 weeks, respectively, corresponding to an average additional annual cost per worker of approximately €420 and €770, respectively. Longer case‐processing time was significantly associated with lower degree of employment and higher levels of unemployment and sick leave.

Conclusions

OCD has a significant negative impact on employment and economics, thus highlighting the need for a national, strategic action plan for effective prevention of OCD.
The combination of pretreatment prognostic nutritional index and neuron‐specific enolase enhances prognosis predicting value of small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Chunyan , Jin Shi , Xu Shanqi , Cao Shoubo
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Tumor and immune‐inflammatory biomarkers have been demonstrated to be closely associated with cancer prognosis.

Objective

The present study aims to assess the prognostic value of pretreatment prognostic nutritional index (PNI), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) in small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 301 SCLC patients treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy was performed. Overall survival (OS) was assessed by Kaplan–Meier and multivariate Cox hazard analyses.

Results

The median OS for total cases was 15.0 months. On univariate analysis, tumor stage (P < 0.001), pretreatment PNI (P < 0.001), CEA (P = 0.039), NSE (P = 0.010), distant metastasis numbers (P < 0.001), and thoracic radiotherapy (P < 0.001) were found to be the predictors of OS. Multivariate analysis showed limited stage, high PNI, NSE < 15 μg/L, and chemoradiotherapy were positive independent prognostic factors (P < 0.05). Low PNI and NSE ≥ 15 μg/L were closely correlated with a high tumor burden status. Three cohorts of SCLC with significant different survival outcomes were divided based on variable PNI and NSE levels. Patients with high PNI and NSE < 15 μg/L showed the best OS of 24.5 months, while patients with low PNI and NSE ≥ 15 μg/L had the worst survival outcome of 10.0 months. Patients with low PNI and NSE < 15 μg/L or high PNI and NSE ≥ 15 μg/L had the similar outcome of 16.5 and 17.0 months, respectively.

Conclusions

Pretreatment PNI and NSE were independent prognostic factors of SCLC. The combination of PNI and NSE enhanced the OS predicting ability, and patients with high PNI and NSE < 15 μg/L had the best survival outcome.
Speckle tracking echocardiography can predict subclinical myocardial involvement in patients with sarcoidosis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Barssoum Kirolos , Altibi Ahmed M. , Rai Devesh , Kumar Ashish , Kharsa Adnan , Chowdhury Medhat , Thakkar Samarthkumar , Shahid Sara , Abdelazeem Mohamed , Abuzaid Ahmed Sami , Baibhav Bipul , Parikh Vishal , Feitell Scott C. , Balmer‐Swain Mallory , Rao Mohan , Amsallem Myriam , Nanda Navin C.
Published: October 2020

Background

This meta‐analysis aims to evaluate the utility of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) as a tool to evaluate for cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) early in its course. Electrocardiography and echocardiography have limited sensitivity in this role, while advanced imaging modalities such as cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) are limited by cost and availability.

Methods

We compiled English language articles that reported left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) or global circumferential strain (GCS) in patients with confirmed extra‐cardiac sarcoidosis versus healthy controls. Studies that exclusively included patients with probable or definite CS were excluded. Continuous data were pooled as a standard mean difference (SMD), comparing sarcoidosis group with healthy controls. A random‐effect model was adopted in all analyses. Heterogeneity was assessed using Q and I2 statistics.

Results

Nine studies were included in our final analysis with an aggregate of 967 patients. LVGLS was significantly lower in the extra‐cardiac sarcoidosis group as compared with controls, SMD −3.98, 95% confidence interval (CI): −5.32, −2.64, P < .001, also was significantly lower in patients who suffered major cardiac events (MCE), −3.89, 95% CI −6.14, −1.64, P < .001. GCS was significantly lower in the extra‐cardiac sarcoidosis group as compared with controls, SMD: −3.33, 95% CI −4.71, −1.95, P < .001.

Conclusion

LVGLS and GCS were significantly lower in extra‐cardiac sarcoidosis patients despite not exhibiting any cardiac symptoms. LVGLS correlates with MCEs in CS. Further studies are required to investigate the role of STE in the early screening of CS.
Sex‐differential associations between cognitive impairments and white matter abnormalities in first episode and drug‐naïve schizophrenia
Authors: Yang Mi , Gao Shan , Xiong Weisen , Zhang Xiang Yang
Published: October 2020

Aim

Previous evidence has suggested that schizophrenia patients may display sex differences in cognitive impairments and cognitive impairments are related to disrupted white matter (WM) microstructure. The current research aims to address the intriguing possibility for the sex‐specific association between cognitive deficits and WM abnormalities in first‐episode and drug‐naïve schizophrenia.

Methods

Cognitive performance on the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) was measured in 39 FEND patients (females:males = 23:16) and 30 healthy controls (females:males = 17:13), together with whole‐brain WM fractional anisotropy (FA) values determined using voxel‐based diffusion tensor imaging. Correlations between cognitive performance and FA values were assessed.

Results

Patients performed significantly worse than healthy controls in the total score and most of the subscores of MCCB. Female patients displayed better cognitive performance than male patients on the Trail Making A Test, the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test and the Spatial Span Test in the Wechsler Memory Scale. More importantly, sex‐differential association between cognitive performance and FA values was found in patients, but not in healthy controls. In particular, FA values in the cerebellum were negatively correlated with the continuous performance and digital sequence scores in male patients but positively correlated with the performance on the Spatial Span Test in the Wechsler Memory Scale in female patients.

Conclusions

These findings suggest sex‐specific neurobiological substrates involved in cognitive deficits in early‐onset schizophrenia and have important implications for differentially targeted interventions between males and females.
Daratumumab for relapsed AL amyloidosis—When cumulative real‐world data precedes clinical trials: A multisite study and systematic literature review
Authors: Shragai Tamir , Gatt Moshe , Lavie Noa , Vaxman Iuliana , Tadmor Tamar , Rouvio Ory , Zektser Miri , Horowitz Nethanel , Magen Hila , Ballan Mouna , Suru Celia , Luttwak Efrat , Levi Shai , Ziv‐Baran Tomer , Avivi Irit , Cohen Yael C.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Patients with relapsed/refractory AL amyloidosis (RRAL) have poor prognosis, but emerging data shows promising results with the use daratumumab. We evaluated daratumumab treatment in RRAL in real‐world setting.

Methods

A retrospective multisite study of RRAL patients treated with daratumumab alone and in combinations.

Results

Forty‐nine patients, diagnosed between 1.1.2008 and 1.2.2018 were included; 27% also had multiple myeloma (MM). Revised Mayo score was ≥ 3 in 67%. Hematologic overall response rate was 81%, 64% achieved very good partial response (VGPR) or better. Concurrent active MM was associated with lower rates of VGPR (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04‐0.81; P = .03) in a multi‐variate analysis. Cardiac and renal responses were 74% and 73%, respectively. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 28.4 months and median overall survival (OS) was not reached; 2‐year PFS and OS were 68.6 ± 7.5% and 90.4 ± 4.6%, respectively. Hematologic response correlated with prolonged PFS and OS. Daratumumab was safe and well tolerated, no patients discontinued therapy due to toxicity. Our data was aligned with outcomes from a systematic literature review, which identified 10 case series (n = 517) and 2 clinical trials (n = 62) meeting prespecified criteria.

Conclusions

Our data support favorable safety tolerability and efficacy of daratumumab among non‐selective RRAL patients in a real‐world setting.
What causes hidradenitis suppurativa ?—15 years after
Authors: Zouboulis Christos C. , Benhadou Farida , Byrd Angel S. , Chandran Nisha S. , Giamarellos‐Bourboulis Evangelos J. , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Frew John W. , Fujita Hideki , González‐López Marcos A. , Guillem Philippe , Gulliver Wayne P. F. , Hamzavi Iltefat , Hayran Yildiz , Hórvath Barbara , Hüe Sophie , Hunger Robert E. , Ingram John R. , Jemec Gregor B.E. , Ju Qiang , Kimball Alexa B. , Kirby Joslyn S. , Konstantinou Maria P. , Lowes Michelle A. , MacLeod Amanda S. , Martorell Antonio , Marzano Angelo V. , Matusiak Łukasz , Nassif Aude , Nikiphorou Elena , Nikolakis Georgios , Nogueira da Costa André , Okun Martin M. , Orenstein Lauren A.V. , Pascual José Carlos , Paus Ralf , Perin Benjamin , Prens Errol P. , Röhn Till A. , Szegedi Andrea , Szepietowski Jacek C. , Tzellos Thrasyvoulos , Wang Baoxi , van der Zee Hessel H.
Published: October 2020

The 14 authors of the first review article on hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) pathogenesis published 2008 in EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY cumulating from the 1st International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Research Symposium held March 30–April 2, 2006 in Dessau, Germany with 33 participants were prophetic when they wrote “Hopefully, this heralds a welcome new tradition: to get to the molecular heart of HS pathogenesis, which can only be achieved by a renaissance of solid basic HS research, as the key to developing more effective HS therapy.” (Kurzen et al. What causes hidradenitis suppurativa? Exp Dermatol 2008;17:455). Fifteen years later, there is no doubt that the desired renaissance of solid basic HS research is progressing with rapid steps and that HS has developed deep roots among inflammatory diseases in Dermatology and beyond, recognized as “the only inflammatory skin disease than can be healed”. This anniversary article of 43 research‐performing authors from all around the globe in the official journal of the European Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation e.V. (EHSF e.V.) and the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation, Inc (HSF USA) summarizes the evidence of the intense HS clinical and experimental research during the last 15 years in all aspects of the disease and provides information of the developments to come in the near future.
COXIV and SIRT2‐mediated G6PD deacetylation modulate ROS homeostasis to extend pupal lifespan
Authors: Geng Shao‐Lei , Zhang Xiao‐Shuai , Xu Wei‐Hua
Published: October 2020

Previous studies have shown that high physiological levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain promote pupal diapause, which extends the pupal lifespan. However, the molecular mechanisms of ROS generation are unclear. In this paper, we found that mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) levels in the brains of Helicoverpa armigera diapause‐destined pupae (DP) were higher and that the expression of cytochrome oxidase subunit IV (COXIV) was lower than in NP. In addition, downregulating COXIV caused mitochondrial dysfunction which elevated mtROS levels. Protein kinase A (PKA) was downregulated in DP, which led to the downregulated expression of the mitochondrial transcription factor TFAM. Low TFAM activity failed to promote COXIV expression and resulted in the high ROS levels that induced diapause. In addition, low sirtuin 2 expression suppressed glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deacetylation at K382, which led to reduced G6PD activity and low NADPH levels, thereby maintaining high levels of ROS. Two proteins, COXIV and G6PD, thus play key roles in the elevated accumulation of ROS that induce diapause and extend the pupal lifespan.
Continent‐wide gradients in open‐habitat insectivorous bird declines track spatial patterns in agricultural intensity across Europe
Authors: Reif Jiří , Hanzelka Jan
Published: October 2020

Aim

To investigate spatial gradients in population trends of European birds in relation to their association with farmland, dietary dependence on insects, and the intensity of agricultural practices.

Location

Europe.

Time period

2001–2012.

Major taxa studied

Birds.

Methods

We collected population trends for 197 species in 32 European countries. For the same time period, we used agricultural variables (annual yields of five major crops and the per‐hectare application of pesticides and fertilizers) to express the agricultural intensity level (mean values of variables over the years) and intensification rate (slopes of agricultural variables over the years) in each country. We employed spatial generalized additive mixed models accounting for the effects of 11 species' traits and phylogeny to test for spatial gradients in bird population trends in relation to species' associations with farmland and their diet dependence on insects and the interaction of these traits with agricultural intensity levels and intensification rates.

Results

Open‐habitat insectivores showed the strongest spatial gradient in population trends, from insignificant trends in south‐eastern Europe to steep declines in north‐western Europe. Insectivorous species breeding in semi‐open habitats showed very similar but weaker spatial gradient in trends. More negative bird trends were related to higher mean crop yields and fertilizer amounts across countries, whereas the temporal trends in yields and fertilizer amounts, and the mean and temporal trend in the amount of pesticides, were unrelated to bird declines or showed the opposite patterns.

Main conclusions

Our results indicate that high agricultural intensity levels are stronger drivers of spatial gradients in population declines of insectivorous farmland birds than intensification rates. Therefore, approaches to the conservation of farmland birds may differ regionally: introducing more management for birds and insects into highly intensive agriculture in north‐western Europe and preventing further intensification in south‐eastern Europe.
Contrasting environmental preferences of photosynthetic and non‐photosynthetic soil cyanobacteria across the globe
Authors: Cano‐Díaz Concha , Maestre Fernando T. , Eldridge David J. , Singh Brajesh K. , Bardgett Richard D. , Fierer Noah , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel
Published: October 2020

Aim

Cyanobacteria have shaped the history of life on Earth and continue to play important roles as carbon and nitrogen fixers in terrestrial ecosystems. However, their global distribution and ecological preferences remain poorly understood, particularly for two recently discovered non‐photosynthetic cyanobacterial classes (Sericytochromatia and Melainabacteria).

Location

Two hundred and thirty‐seven locations across six continents encompassing multiple climates (arid, temperate, tropical, continental and polar) and vegetation types (forests, grasslands and shrublands).

Time period

Sampling was carried out between 2003 and 2015.

Major taxa studied

Photosynthetic and non‐photosynthetic cyanobacterial taxa.

Methods

We conducted a field survey and used co‐occurrence network analysis and structural equation modelling to evaluate the distribution and environmental preferences of soil cyanobacteria across the globe. These ecological preferences were used to create a global atlas (predictive distribution maps) of soil cyanobacteria.

Results

Network analyses identified three major groups of cyanobacterial taxa, which resembled the three main cyanobacterial classes: the photosynthetic Oxyphotobacteria‐dominated cluster, which were prevalent in arid and semi‐arid areas, and the non‐photosynthetic Sericytochromatia‐ and Melainabacteria‐dominated clusters, which preferred hyper‐arid oligotrophic and acidic/humid environments, respectively.

Main conclusions

This study provides new insights into the environmental preferences of non‐photosynthetic cyanobacteria in soils globally. Our findings highlight the contrasting environmental preferences among the three clusters of cyanobacteria and suggest that alterations in environmental conditions linked to climate change might result in important changes in the ecology and biogeography of these functionally important microorganisms.