bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validating a scale for measuring teachers’ expectations about generic competences in higher education
Authors: Serrano Rocio , Macias Washington , Rodriguez Katia , Amor María Isabel
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess the expectations of university teachers about the importance of generic competences in Higher Education Institutions of Ecuador (E-DUC, acronym in Spanish), based on the competences typology from the Tuning Latin America Project.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire with Likert scales was administered to 458 university teachers from seven universities in Ecuador. Exploratory and confirmatory analyzes have been carried out to validate the theoretical model.

Findings

After the validation process, four groups of generic competences were confirmed and the measurement model showed high levels of reliability, as well as content and construct validity.

Research limitations/implications

Since tuning project has an international scope, the research could be replicated in other Latin American countries for comparability purposes regarding teachers’ perceived importance of generic competences in teaching activity. In addition, further research can relate teachers’ expectations with teaching performance and other constructs, based on a broad theoretical framework.

Practical implications

These technical characteristics allow the use of E-DUC as an instrument to measure the expectations of teachers on the general competences that are worked on in higher education in Ecuador. Data about these perceptions are useful for the design of teachers’ training programs, curriculum reforms and other higher education policies.

Originality/value

It is the first research carried out in Ecuador and Latin America in order to validate a scale for measuring the expectations of teachers about the importance of the generic competences proposed in the Tuning Latin America Project.
Available study time and undergraduate student exam performance
Authors: Sansani Shahar , Rahamim Afik
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine whether the number of lecture-free and exam-free days before a final exam affects students’ scores overall and by gender.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper exploits scheduling differences in final exams between two groups of students who take identical final exams. The treatment group and the control group have similar exam spacing for one “early exam,” but the treatment group has four additional days between exams for another “later exam,” allowing for a difference-in-differences analysis. A survey of contemporary students is conducted to complement the empirical results.

Findings

Overall, there are no statistically significant differences in the grades on the exams between the control group and the group that had four more study days. When examined by gender, the point estimate on females is large in magnitude but statistically insignificant at conventional levels (p-value=0.087).

Research limitations/implications

The study uses data on undergraduate students studying economics in Israel. More research in other contexts is needed to determine the robustness of the findings.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to study the effect of the number of days students have between final exams on student final exam scores. The results can aid in determining optimal final exam schedules.
The performance implications of collaborative activities in international buyer–seller exchanges: a contingency approach
Authors: Khalil Shadab
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The study aims to investigate how the collaborative activities of joint action and knowledge-sharing between cross-border buyers and sellers influence the affect-state of buyers and eventually develop their strategic performance under the contingent condition of psychic distance.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data collected from 235 Taiwanese importers were analyzed using partial least squares to test the proposed conceptual framework.

Findings

Joint action and knowledge-sharing are found to increase buyer’s engagement and affective commitment. Psychic distance is found to weaken the effect of collaborative activities on engagement and affective commitment. Both engagement and affective commitment are found to increase strategic performance, and the findings confirm their intervening role in the collaborative activities-strategic performance relationship.

Originality/value

The study offers insights into the under researched areas of collaborative activities and strategic performance in international exchanges and highlights the role of psychic distance in the success or failure of relational exchanges in international environments. The study introduces the concept of engagement and advances the theoretical understanding of the concept’s significance and application in international buyer–seller exchanges.
Cost comparison of seismic damage resisting systems for modules in multi-storey buildings
Authors: Ashcroft Danielle , Egbelakin Temitope , Jing John , Rasheed Eziaku Onyeizu
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the economic viability of a new and innovative seismic damage resisting system (SDRS) device by conducting a feasibility study. The SDRS device has been patented and specifically designed to be implemented in multi-storey modular buildings in seismic regions such as New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case study approach, two sample modular multi-storey buildings were purposively selected for the study. A cost-comparison analysis was conducted using the SDRS device in the two buildings, by carrying out a measure and price exercise of the construction elements.

Findings

The research results showed that the SDRS device is an economically viable option for mitigating seismic damage in modular multi-storey buildings in New Zealand. There is an average of 7.34 per cent of cost reduction when SDRS is used in modular multi-storey buildings when compared to other seismic resistance systems such as base isolation, moment resisting frames and friction damper systems.

Practical implications

The economic viability of the SDRS presents an opportunity for its usage in modular design and construction of multi-storey buildings. SDRS system is also applicable to other building typologies and construction methods. The use of SDRS also aligns with the current national objective to provide more affordable and resilient housing within a limited time; the opportunity is considered significant in New Zealand, including for export and manufacturing.

Originality/value

The confirmation of the SDRS device’s economic feasibility is the original contribution of the authors.
Recent trends in money laundering and terrorism financing
Authors: Teichmann Fabian Maximilian
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how criminals launder money and finance terrorism through the financial system.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 70 interviews were conducted with criminals and white-collar crime prevention experts, whose responses were subjected to qualitative content analysis. Based on the findings, a quantitative survey of 200 compliance officers was carried out.

Findings

The interviews and survey revealed concrete techniques of laundering money and financing terrorism through the financial services industry and its affiliates. Evidently, the compliance mechanisms aimed at preventing money laundering and terrorism financing can be easily circumvented.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s findings are limited to the perspectives of 70 interviewees. Hence, it is possible that a study with a larger sample conducted in different countries or at a different time could have yielded different results.

Practical implications

Identifying the concrete methods of laundering money and financing terrorism should provide both compliance officers and legislators with valuable insights into criminal activity. By better understanding the specific steps taken by criminals, compliance officers should be able to more effectively combat both money laundering and terrorism financing.

Originality/value

While prior literature focuses on the organizations and mechanisms involved in combating money laundering and terrorism financing, this paper instead explores how criminals avoid detection by taking into account existing compliance mechanisms and criminal perspectives.
Power, trust and motivation in hospitals
Authors: Håvold Jon Ivar , Håvold Ole Kristian
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve understanding of how different kinds of power influence trust and motivation in hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

To analyze the links between power, trust and motivation, a framework of social power is tested on measures of trust in managers and motivation. Quantitative data from 137 respondents were collected. Partial least square is used to evaluate the theoretical model.

Findings

Legitimate, referent and reward power has a positive influence on trust, while coercive power has a negative influence on trust. In total, 41.8 per cent of the variation in trust in managers was explained by power. Trust, reward power and expert power explained 30.9 per cent of the variation in motivation.

Practical implications

The research indicates that in knowledge organizations such as hospitals, leaders should be careful in using coercive power. Expert power seems to influence motivation but not trust, while legitimate power seems to influence trust directly and motivation only through trust. Referent power seems to have a weak influence on trust and no direct influence on motivation. Reward power has a very strong influence both on trust and motivation.

Originality/value

It is important for leaders to consider how power can influence trust, motivation and the performance of a health organization. Although this study was conducted in Norway and Finland, the findings may have relevance on a broader scale.
Environmental knowledge strategy: driving success of the hospitality industry
Authors: Martínez-Martínez Aurora , Cegarra Navarro Juan Gabriel , García-Pérez Alexeis , Moreno-Ponce Ana
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The dynamics of tourism as both an activity and an industry, combined with the growing concerns about the environment, call for continuous efforts in seeking new approaches, tools and perspectives for the acquisition of environmental knowledge by organisations in the hospitality sector. The purpose of this research is to examine the relationships between environmental knowledge, organisational learning and business performance in the context of the tourism industry. Emphasis is made on understanding the process of updating the environmental knowledge base of an organisation through appropriate learning processes within the business.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a structural equation model, feedback received from 87 companies from the Spanish hospitality sector in a longitudinal study consisting of two distinct phases in 2008 and 2014 was studied.

Findings

The results of the analysis indicate that environmental knowledge has a positive impact on business performance. Also, the study found that a review of the levels of awareness about environmental problems across the organisation is required at regular intervals (in this research, six years after the initial analysis).

Practical implications

The focus on the hospitality sector makes this research relevant for a significant number of hotels and their supply chains around the world.

Originality/value

The research has addressed the challenges of sustainability and environmental performance from a perspective not previously covered in the extant literature, an approach further improved by the longitudinal nature of this study, performed over a period of six years.
Optimisation of resource management in construction projects: a big data approach
Authors: Kusimo Habeeb , Oyedele Lukumon , Akinade Olugbenga , Oyedele Ahmed , Abioye Sofiat , Agboola Alirat , Mohammed-Yakub Naimah
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify challenges faced in resource management in the UK construction industry and to propose some solutions to these problems.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a qualitative research methodology, 14 experts from the UK construction industry were chosen to be participants in the study. The participants were equally divided into two focus groups to discuss resource management using five projects as case studies. Thematic analysis of the discussion reveals seven key factors that affect resource management.

Findings

The results show that most of the problems identified are due to poor data management processes and the practice of having data in silos. Overcoming this challenge requires the adoption of big data approaches for resource management to allow the integration of large and different forms of data.

Originality/value

This study seeks to bring to the fore challenges faced in resource management by the UK construction industry and to outline some solutions to address them.
Drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms due to lamotrigine differs from that due to other drugs
Authors: Tashiro Yasuya , Azukizawa Hiroaki , Asada Hideo , Niihara Hiroyuki , Morita Eishin , Yamauchi Teruo , Mizukawa Yoshiko , Kusakabe Yoshio , Numazawa Satoshi , Izumi Miki , Sueki Hirohiko , Watanabe Hideaki
Published: January 2019

Drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS), also referred to as drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), is a multi‐organ systemic drug reaction characterized by hematological abnormalities and reactivation of human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6). DIHS/DRESS is typically associated with a limited number of drugs, such as the anticonvulsants. Our group has treated 12 patients for DIHS/DRESS due to lamotrigine (LTG), but their presentation differed from that of patients with DIHS/DRESS caused by other drugs. The aim of the present study was to identify significant differences between DIHS/DRESS caused by LTG versus other drugs. We retrospectively reviewed data of 12 patients with DIHS/DRESS caused by LTG and 32 patients with DIHS/DRESS due to other drugs. The increase in alanine aminotransferase level was significantly milder in the LTG group than the DIHS/DRESS group due to other drugs. The percentage of atypical lymphocytes in the blood during DIHS/DRESS was lower in the LTG group. Serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase and thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine were also lower in the LTG group. There were fewer DIHS/DRESS patients with HHV‐6 reactivation in the LTG group than in the group treated with other drugs. Lymphocyte transformation after DIHS/DRESS onset was faster in the LTG group. The two groups did not differ with respect to the interval from first drug intake to rash, white blood cell count, blood eosinophilia or DRESS score. There were no significant histopathological differences between the two groups. The features of LTG‐associated DIHS/DRESS and DIHS/DRESS due to other drugs differ.
Contested Development: Homeless Property, Police Reform, and Resistance in Skid Row, LA
Authors: Dozier Deshonay
Published: January 2019

Since the late 1990s, Downtown Los Angeles’ Skid Row has undergone private and state‐sanctioned policing practices within the fifty‐block neighborhood. These policing practices are fueled by increased commercial and real‐estate development to dispossess and contain the mostly Black homeless and housed residents. Grassroots organizations and residents have responded to gentrification‐induced policing by claiming a homeless right to property, transforming neighborhood politics. This article examines these neighborhood politics as a process of contested development. Contested development reveals the push‐and‐pull contradictions that occur when spatial difference is challenged and reproduced. Through the sphere of urban property, the contested development of property in Skid Row restores or resists the generation of spatial difference. In so doing, the claims of homeless residents and grassroots organizations to a right to property engender transformative police reforms while at the same time igniting revanchist policing methods.
A study of the relation between special education burnout and job satisfaction
Authors: Robinson Olivia P. , Bridges Shannon A. , Rollins Lauren H. , Schumacker Randall E.
Published: January 2019

The ongoing shortage of special education teachers coupled with increasing attrition rate has caused for a further analysis into why teachers are choosing to leave the field. A quantitative (n = 363) study was completed on the factors that lead to attrition among special education teachers from 34 states in the United States. Canonical correlation analysis was used to determine if there was a statistical significance in job satisfaction (as measured by a set of teaching characteristics) related to teacher burnout (as measured by a set of burnout factors) among public school special education teachers. Results indicate that there was a statistically significant relationship between job satisfaction and burnout among special education teachers. Implications for pre‐service education programs, school districts and administrators are discussed as well as retention strategies such as mentoring and providing meaningful professional development opportunities.
Homicidal Ideation and Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
Authors: Frizzell William , Howard Lindsay , Norris Henry Cameron , Chien Joseph
Published: January 2019

Interest in the relationship between autism and violence has increased in recent years; however, no link has clearly been established between them. Researchers remain curious if autistic people with certain traits (e.g., a history of trauma) are at greater risk of violence than those individuals with autism alone. In this article, we detail two individuals with homicidal ideation (HI) admitted to inpatient psychiatric units who were found to have a diagnosis of autism without language impairment. These cases illustrate the need for mental health providers to consider autism in their differential diagnosis when evaluating an individual with HI. Broadly, we consider how an autistic individual could be susceptible to developing HI and explore treatments specific to autistic individuals that may be helpful in such cases.
Measuring Desiccation Using Qualitative Changes: A Step Toward Determining Regional Decomposition Sequences
Authors: Connor Melissa , Baigent Christiane , Hansen Eriek S.
Published: January 2019

The creation of a regional decomposition scoring system for western Colorado provides a model for the creation of regional systems. The development of a scoring system requires: (1) human remains, not proxies, (2) longitudinal observations, and (3) large sample size. First, an enhanced system (total body desiccation score; TBDS) was developed through observations of 40 human remains. This effort produced a categorical scoring model augmented by qualitative categories of gross tissue change. The new model was tested with retrospective photographic packets. A sample of eight donors with data collected over 3 years was selected. Monthly data points over a maximum of a 3‐year period yielded 112 data points. Correlations between TBDS and accumulated degree‐days (ADD), and total body score (TBS) and ADD were approximately equal for a TBS below ~20, but the TBDS correlated better with ADD at higher TBS scores >20. The TBDS may be used to refine postmortem interval (PMI) models in areas where remains desiccate.
Quenching autofluorescence in the alimentary canal tissues ofBactericera cockerelli(Hemiptera: Triozidae) for immunofluorescence labeling
Authors: Tang Xiao‐Tian , Ibanez Freddy , Tamborindeguy Cecilia
Published: January 2019

Immunofluorescence has been widely used to localize microbes or specific molecules in insect tissues or cells. However, significant autofluorescence is frequently observed in tissues which can interfere with the fluorescent identification of target antigens, leading to inaccurate or even false positive fluorescent labeling. The alimentary canal of the potato psyllid,Bactericera cockerelliŠulc, exhibits intense autofluorescence, hindering the application of immunolocalization for the detection and localization of the economically important pathogen transmitted by this insect, “CandidatusLiberibacter solanacearum” (Lso). In the present study, we tested the use of irradiation, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and Sudan black B (SBB) treatments to reduce the autofluorescence in theB. cockerellialimentary canal tissues. Furthermore, we assessed the compatibility of the above‐mentioned treatments with Lso immunolocalization and actin staining using phalloidin. Our results showed that the autofluorescence in the alimentary canal was reduced by irradiation, H2O2, or SBB treatments. The compatibility assays indicated that irradiation and H2O2treatment both greatly reduced the fluorescent signal associated with Lso and actin. However, the SBB incubation preserved those target signals, while efficiently eliminating autofluorescence in the psyllid alimentary canal. Therefore, herein we propose a robust method for reducing the autofluorescence in theB. cockerellialimentary canal with SBB treatment, which may improve the use of immunofluorescence labeling in this organism. This method may also have a wide range of uses by reducing the autofluorescence in other arthropod species.
NMR‐based lipoprotein analysis for patients with severe hypercholesterolemia undergoing lipoprotein apheresis or PCSK9‐inhibitor therapy (NAPALI‐Study)
Authors: Schettler Volker JJ , Muellendorff Florian , Schettler Elke , Platzer Christina , Norkauer Sabine , Julius Ulrich , Neumann Claas‐Lennart
Published: January 2019

Taking into account the discordance between low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and LDL particle (LDL‐P) number, cardiovascular risk more closely correlates with LDL‐P in patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate the number of lipid particles in patients with severe hypercholesterolemia treated with different lipid‐lowering regimens. Four groups of patients differing with respect to lipid‐lowering therapy were recruited from hypercholesterolemic outpatients and lipoprotein apheresis (LA) facilities, and were treated with statins alone (group A), with statins and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors (PCSK9i) (group B), with statins and LA (group C), or with statins, PCSK9i, and LA (group D). Cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL‐C, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), LDL‐P number and size, HDL‐P number and size were determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The lowest LDL‐P number was achieved at the end of LA sessions in combination with statins or in combination with statins and a monoclonal PCSK9i (median; 25th and 75th percentile) (group C: 244 nmoL/L: 237, 244, P < 0.05; group D: 244 nmoL/L: 99, 307, P < 0.05). Comparing LDL‐P number at the start of LA (group C: 978 nmoL/L: 728, 1404; group D: 954 nmoL/L: 677, 1521) to the other patient groups (groups A and B), the lowest LDL‐P number was measured in patients treated with PCSK9i and a statin (group B): LDL‐P (762 nmoL/L: 604, 1043, P < 0.05), large LDL‐P (472 nmoL/L: 296, 574, P < 0.05), and small LDL‐P (342 nmoL/L: 152, 494, P < 0.05). Very low‐density lipoprotein and HDL particle sizes remained approximately the same in all groups. LA in combination with statins or in combination with statins and PCSK9i most reduced LDL‐P numbers in hypercholesterolemic patients.
The Extended Treatment Window's Impact on Emergency Systems of Care for Acute Stroke
Authors: Miller Joseph B. , Heitsch Laura , Madsen Tracy E. , Oostema John , Reeves Mat , Zammit Christopher G. , Sabagha Noor , Sozener Cemal , Lewandowski Christopher , Schrock Jon W.
Published: January 2019

The window for acute ischemic stroke treatment was previously limited to 4.5 hours for intravenous tissue plasminogen activator and to 6 hours for thrombectomy. Recent studies using advanced imaging selection expand this window for select patients up to 24 hours from last known well. These studies directly affect emergency stroke management, including prehospital triage and emergency department (ED) management of suspected stroke patients. This narrative review summarizes the data expanding the treatment window for ischemic stroke to 24 hours and discusses these implications on stroke systems of care. It analyzes the implications on prehospital protocols to identify and transfer large‐vessel occlusion stroke patients, on issues of distributive justice, and on ED management to provide advanced imaging and access to thrombectomy centers. The creation of high‐performing systems of care to manage acute ischemic stroke patients requires academic emergency physician leadership attentive to the rapidly changing science of stroke care.
Impulsiveness as a predictor of topiramate response for cocaine use disorder
Authors: Blevins Derek , Wang Xin‐Qun , Sharma Sana , Ait‐Daoud Nassima
Published: January 2019

Background/Objectives

Topiramate has been studied in the treatment of substance use disorders and is often used off‐label in the treatment of other disorders with impaired impulse control. We sought to determine whether impulsiveness could predict topiramate treatment response in individuals with cocaine use disorder (CUD).

Methods

In a post‐hoc analysis of a 12‐week, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of topiramate for CUD, we examined the relationship between response to treatment and participants’ baseline score on the Barrett Impulsiveness Scale (BIS‐11). During the original trial, topiramate was titrated up to 300 mg/day over 6 weeks and maintained for 6 weeks. All participants received weekly cognitive behavioral therapy.

Results

Individuals with total BIS‐11 scores above the median had 11.2% more cocaine‐free days with topiramate versus placebo (Bonferroni corrected p = 0.047). Individuals with first‐order factor scores above the median in self‐control (Bonferroni corrected p = 0.020) and at or below the median in attention (Bonferroni corrected p = 0.022), and second‐order factor scores at or below the median in attentional (Bonferroni corrected p = 0.024) and motor impulsiveness (Bonferroni corrected p = 0.046) were all associated with a greater improvement with topiramate.

Discussion/Conclusion

The results indicate an association between higher within‐group impulsiveness and response to topiramate for CUD. The subscore findings may suggest a complex interaction between effectiveness and known cognitive side effects. The finding that trait impulsiveness is associated with treatment response is a promising discovery that may help guide treatment for CUD.

Scientific Significance

This analysis suggests a possible endophenotype based on impulsiveness that can predict treatment response to topiramate. (Am J Addict 2019;XX:1–6).
Association of physical activity and cardiorespiratory function or BMI and body composition in preterm‐born individuals: a systematic review
Authors: Spiegler Juliane , Eves Robert , Mendonça Marina , Wolke Dieter
Published: January 2019

Aim

To evaluate the association of physical activity (PA) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak oxygen consumption (pVO2), body mass index (BMI) and body composition in preterm‐born individuals.

Methods

Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, AMED, ERIC, Web of Science and PsycInfo were searched with no restriction on language and date of publication from inception to January 2018. Data were extracted comparing preterm‐born individuals with different frequencies of PA and the outcome of interest.

Results

One randomized controlled, two longitudinal and thirteen cross‐sectional studies comprising 1922 preterm‐born individuals aged 5–25 were included. Assessment varied from a PA program to accelerometer data, interviews and self‐report questionnaires. In preterm‐born children, more PA was associated with better cardiorespiratory function in those groups with impaired lung function or with lower BMI in those groups with increased risk factors, but no association was found in unimpaired children. In preterm‐born adults, more PA was associated with higher pVO2 and lower BMI.

Conclusion

Only tentative conclusions can be drawn, especially regarding differences of the association of PA between preterm‐ and term‐born populations. Further studies are needed to analyse the association of PA in preterm‐born individuals with reduced cardiorespiratory function.
Editorial: moving towards a robust definition of sarcopenia in cirrhosis
Authors: Sinha Rohit
Published: January 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Engelmann et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15026 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15086.
Randomised clinical trial: pregabalin vs placebo for irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Saito Yuri A. , Almazar Ann E. , Tilkes Katherine E. , Choung Rok Seon , Van Norstrand Michael D. , Schleck Cathy D. , Zinsmeister Alan R. , Talley Nicholas J.
Published: January 2019

Background

Pregabalin is a calcium channel α2δ ligand that modifies visceral hypersensitivity in IBS patients. Clinical data for pregabalin in IBS are lacking.

Aim

To test the efficacy of pregabalin on gastrointestinal symptoms in IBS patients.

Methods

A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was performed. Adults meeting IBS Rome III criteria with ≥3 pain attacks per month were randomised to pregabalin 225 mg vs placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. Questionnaires were completed weekly. The primary endpoint was average pain Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) scores weeks 9‐12. An intention‐to‐treat analysis of covariance evaluated treatment effects on quantitative endpoints, adjusting for age and gender. Adequate relief and change in pain score were assessed using a chi‐squared test.

Results

Eighty‐five patients were recruited and randomised. Sample characteristics include: mean age 39.4 (SD = 14.6); 73 (86%) female; 37 (44%) IBS‐D, 29 (35%) IBS‐M, 18 (21%) IBS‐C. The pregabalin arm had lower average pain‐BSS scores weeks 9‐12 (25 vs 42, P = 0.008). Compared with placebo, the overall IBS BSS severity score was lower in the pregabalin arm (26 vs 42, P = 0.009). Differences were observed for the diarrhoea‐BSS and bloating‐BSS scores (P = 0.049 and 0.016, respectively). No differences between groups were seen for constipation‐BSS scores. Adequate relief was not different between the two arms (46% vs 36%, P = 0.35). 63% pregabalin vs 45% placebo had a change in pain score ≥30 at week 12 from baseline (P = 0.10). Post‐treatment IBS‐QoL scores did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

This trial suggests that pregabalin may be beneficial for IBS abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhoea.
Editorial: moving towards a robust definition of sarcopenia in cirrhosis—authors' reply
Authors: Engelmann Cornelius , Schob Stefan , Seehofer Daniel , Berg Thomas
Published: January 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Engelmann et al and Sinha papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15026 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15070.
Editorial: the role of vitamin D in autoimmune hepatitis—authors' reply
Authors: Ebadi Maryam , Czaja Albert J. , Montano‐Loza Aldo J.
Published: January 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Ebadi et al and Imga and Efe papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15029 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15075.
Mucosal IL13RA2 expression predicts nonresponse to anti‐TNF therapy in Crohn's disease
Authors: Verstockt Bram , Verstockt Sare , Creyns Brecht , Tops Sophie , Van Assche Gert , Gils Ann , Ceuppens Jan L. , Vermeire Séverine , Ferrante Marc , Breynaert Christine
Published: January 2019

Background

Ileocolonic expression of IL13RA2 has been identified as a predictive marker for nonresponsiveness to infliximab (IFX) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

Aim

To validate the IL13RA2 biomarker, study its anti‐TNF specificity and get a better understanding of the underlying biology driving its expression.

Methods

IL13RA2 mucosal expression was studied in a cohort of adalimumab and vedolizumab treated patients. To identify the upstream regulators of anti‐TNF nonresponsiveness, weighted gene co‐expression network analysis was applied on publicly available microarray data of IFX‐treated patients. Selected serum proteins, including TNF, were measured prior to first IFX exposure and compared between healers and nonhealers.

Results

Increased mucosal IL13RA2 expression prior to start of biological therapy was predictive for anti‐TNF nonresponsiveness specifically (AUROC, area under the curve = 0.90, P < 0.001 in anti‐TNF vs AUROC = 0.63, P = 0.30 in vedolizumab treated patients). In baseline biopsies, TNF‐driven pathways were significantly enriched in future anti‐TNF nonhealers (P = 5.0 × 10−34). We found an increased baseline mucosal TNF burden in nonhealers (P = 0.02), and TNF mRNA correlated significantly with IL13RA2 expression (ρ = 0.55, P = 0.02). Baseline serum TNF levels were significantly lower in nonhealers (P = 0.04), and correlated inversely with IFX serum induction levels (r = −0.45, P = 0.002 at week 6).

Conclusions

Increased mucosal IL13RA2 expression is associated with an increased mucosal TNF burden in CD patients. In view of its specificity for prediction of anti‐TNF therapy resistance, mucosal IL13RA2 expression is a potential biomarker for therapy selection and/or for the need of increased anti‐TNF drug dosing.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION BETWEEN A MATURE MARKET AND SELECTED EMERGING MARKETS INDICES IN THE PRESENCE OF STRUCTURAL BREAKS
Authors: Njegić Jovan , Živkov Dejan , Momčilović Mirela
Published: January 2019

The paper examines the influence of the structural breaks on the optimal weights, hedge ratios and hedge effectiveness index (HEI) of risk‐minimizing portfolios composed of S&P500 and selected emerging markets’ indices from East Europe, Asia and South America. We employ a bivariate DCC‐EGARCH models without and with structural breaks and we find better estimation features when structural breaks are included in the model. However, we do not find evidence that insertion of structural breaks increases portfolio hedging performances. The differences that exist between optimal weights, hedge ratios and HEI values are so small that tangible economic benefit for international investors do not exist.
Impacts of an invasive ant species on roosting behavior of an island endemic flying‐fox
Authors: Dorrestein Annabel , Todd Christopher M. , Westcott David A. , Martin John M. , Welbergen Justin A.
Published: January 2019

Introduced species can cause major disruptions to ecosystems, particularly on islands. On Christmas Island, the invasive yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) has detrimental impacts on many animals ranging from the iconic red crabs (Gecarcoidea natalis) to the Christmas Island Thrush (Turdus poliocephalus erythropleurus). However, the full extent of its effects on the island's fauna is not yet known. In this study, we investigated the impact of the yellow crazy ants on the island's last native mammal: the Christmas Island flying‐fox (Pteropus natalis). This species has been described as a keystone species, but has recently experienced substantial population decline to the extent that it is now listed as Critically Endangered. We examined the impacts of the yellow crazy ants on the roosting behavior of the Christmas Island flying‐fox, and on its local and island‐wide distribution patterns. We showed that the crazy ants increased behaviors in the flying‐foxes that were associated with avoidance of noxious stimuli and decreased behaviors associated with resting. Roost tree selection and roost site location were not related to variation in the abundance of crazy ants on the island. Our results indicate that the crazy ants interfere with the activity budgets of the flying‐foxes. However, the flying‐foxes failed to relocate to ant‐free roost trees or roost sites when confronted with the noxious ant, suggesting that the flying‐foxes are either not sufficiently disturbed to override strong cultural attachment to roosts, or, are behaving maladaptively due to ecological naïveté.
Pharmacologic characterization of fluzoparib, a novel poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase inhibitor undergoing clinical trials
Authors: Wang Lei , Yang Changyong , Xie Chengying , Jiang Jiahua , Gao Mingzhao , Fu Li , Li Yun , Bao Xubin , Fu Haoyu , Lou Liguang
Published: January 2019

Poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzymes play an important role in repairing DNA damage and maintaining genomic stability. Olaparib, the first‐in‐class PARP inhibitor, has shown remarkable clinical benefits in the treatment of BRCA‐mutated ovarian or breast cancer. However, the undesirable hematological toxicity and pharmacokinetic properties of olaparib limit its clinical application. Here, we report the first preclinical characterization of fluzoparib (code name: SHR‐3162), a novel, potent, and orally available inhibitor of PARP. Fluzoparib potently inhibited PARP1 enzyme activity and induced DNA double‐strand breaks, G2/M arrest, and apoptosis in homologous recombination repair (HR)‐deficient cells. Fluzoparib preferentially inhibited the proliferation of HR‐deficient cells and sensitized both HR‐deficient and HR‐proficient cells to cytotoxic drugs. Notably, fluzoparib showed good pharmacokinetic properties, favorable toxicity profile, and superior antitumor activity in HR‐deficient xenografts models. Furthermore, fluzoparib in combination with apatinib or with apatinib plus paclitaxel elicited significantly improved antitumor responses without extra toxicity. Based on these findings, studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fluzoparib (phase II) and those two combinations (phase I) have been initiated. Taken together, our results implicate fluzoparib as a novel attractive PARP inhibitor.
Prevention of psychological distress and promotion of resilience amongst unaccompanied refugee minors in resettlement countries
Authors: Mitra Ritu , Hodes Matthew
Published: January 2019

Aim

As increasing numbers of unaccompanied refugee minors (URMs) are arriving in Europe, there is a need to investigate which factors promote psychological resilience and improve their mental health. This review aims to identify preventive post settlement influences, including living arrangements, access to mental health services, and effective treatments that may improve mental health outcomes.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted of published papers in any language for children (<18 years) entering a host country, unaccompanied and seeking asylum. Specific studies were eligible if they examined any treatment or nontreatment influences on mental health or psychological resilience for the URM. Thirteen published quantitative studies were identified.

Results

URMs in more supportive living arrangements including foster care had lower risk of PTSD and lower depressive symptoms compared with those in semi‐independent care arrangements. URMs living in reception settings that restricted freedom had more anxiety symptoms. Regarding help seeking, one study found only 30% of URMs had foster parents or guardians who could detect a mental health need. Two papers found the URMs had low levels of contact with mental health services despite the high prevalence of psychiatric symptoms. URMs were less likely than accompanied children to receive trauma‐focused interventions, cognitive therapy, or even practical assistance with basic social needs.

With regard to treatment evaluation, only case series were identified. Three studies found cognitive behavioural therapy improved PTSD symptoms and mental health outcomes. A less structured approach (mental health counselling alone) did not improve functional health outcomes.

Conclusion

Higher support living arrangements with low restrictions are associated with lower psychological distress. Most URMs are not receiving psychological interventions, and there is a dearth of studies evaluating treatment effectiveness for this group. There is an urgent need for more research to investigate pathways to mental health services and treatment efficacy in this vulnerable group.
Clinical burden and healthcare resource utilization associated with myasthenia gravis: Assessments from a Japanese claims database
Authors: Murai Hiroyuki , Hasebe Miki , Murata Tatsunori , Utsugisawa Kimiaki
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To compare the burden of illness for refractory and non‐refractory myasthenia gravis (MG) in Japanese patients.

Methods

Adults in a large Japanese health insurance claims database (1 September 2008 to 31 October 2016) were included in this retrospective, observational study if they had: at least two separate claims coded asMGby a neurologist; and continuous enrollment for 12 months after anyMGclaim (non‐refractory cohort) or the earliest claim associated with refractory disease (refractory cohort). A cohort with Parkinson's disease was used as the reference for the burden of illness ofMG, and comprised patients matched (sex, age and index date) to patients withMG. Outcomes included respiratory failure, myasthenic exacerbations, outpatient hospital and emergency room visits, and hospitalizations.

Results

A significantly greater proportion of the refractory cohort (n = 165) than the non‐refractory cohort (n = 3137) experienced respiratory failure (17.0%vs5.5%, respectively;P < 0.001) and/or exacerbations (57.6%vs5.8%, respectively;P < 0.001) over 12 months. The mean numbers of hospitalizations (0.68vs0.09/year), emergency room visits (0.07vs0.03/year) and outpatient hospital visits (16.79vs11.88/year), and the mean duration of hospital stays (22.19vs2.81 days/year) were also significantly greater for the refractory cohort (allP < 0.001). Except for emergency room visits, healthcare resource utilization was significantly greater for non‐refractoryMGthan for Parkinson's disease (n = 3168).

Conclusions

In Japanese patients, refractoryMGis associated with a greater clinical burden and healthcare resource utilization than non‐refractoryMG.
Functional Maps Representation On Product Manifolds
Authors: Rodolà E. , Lähner Z. , Bronstein A. M. , Bronstein M. M. , Solomon J.
Published: January 2019

We consider the tasks of representing, analysing and manipulating maps between shapes. We model maps as densities over the product manifold of the input shapes; these densities can be treated as scalar functions and therefore are manipulable using the language of signal processing on manifolds. Being a manifold itself, the product space endows the set of maps with a geometry of its own, which we exploit to define map operations in the spectral domain; we also derive relationships with other existing representations (soft maps and functional maps). To apply these ideas in practice, we discretize product manifolds and their Laplace–Beltrami operators, and we introduce localized spectral analysis of the product manifold as a novel tool for map processing. Our framework applies to maps defined between and across 2D and 3D shapes without requiring special adjustment, and it can be implemented efficiently with simple operations on sparse matrices.
Piroxicam‐induced fixed drug eruption: Cross‐reactivity with meloxicam
Authors: Ben Romdhane Haifa , Ammar Helmi , Ben Fadhel Najeh , Chadli Zohra , Ben Fredj Nadia , Boughattas Naceur A. , Chaabane Amel , Aouam Karim
Published: January 2019

Background

Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs constitute a main cause of fixed drug eruption (FDE). A few cases of piroxicam‐induced FDE have been reported; however, the cross‐reactivity among oxicams has rarely been evaluated.

Objectives

To describe a series of patients with piroxicam‐induced FDE, mostly confirmed by a positive patch test reaction, in whom cross‐reactivity to meloxicam was assessed.

Methods

We included all cases of piroxicam‐induced FDE diagnosed in the department of pharmacovigilance of Monastir. Patch tests for piroxicam and meloxicam were performed in the involved skin according to the European Network on Drug Allergy recommendations. Oral provocation tests (OPTs) were performed for patients with negative skin test results.

Results

Seven patients were included in this study. FDE was multiple for five patients and solitary for two. Bullous eruption was noticed in two cases. Lesional patch tests for piroxicam gave positive results in six patients. To assess cross‐reactivity with meloxicam, this was patch tested. The test gave a positive result in only one patient. OPTs with meloxicam gave positive results in two patients with negative patch test results.

Conclusion

Meloxicam is not a safe alternative for the treatment of piroxicam‐induced FDE, and OPTs can be used to confirm tolerance before this drug is prescribed as a safer alternative.
A comparison between point‐of‐care testing and venous glucose determination for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus 6–12 weeks after gestational diabetes
Authors: Coetzee A. , van de Vyver M. , Hoffmann M. , Hall D. R. , Mason D. , Conradie M.
Published: January 2019

Aim

To evaluate point‐of‐care‐testing (POCT) for the diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus 6–12 weeks post‐partum in women with gestational diabetes (GDM).

Methods

Post‐partum glucose assessment (75‐mg oral glucose tolerance test, OGTT) was performed prospectively in 122 women with GDM (1 November 2015 to 1 November 2017) at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. Individuals with known pre‐existing diabetes were excluded. The accuracy and clinical utility of POCT (capillary finger‐prick) were compared with laboratory plasma glucose (hexokinase and glucokinase methods). The OGTT consisted of two time points (fasting and 2 h) during which concurrent glucose samples (POCT and laboratory) were obtained. Bland–Altman plots and paired analysis were used to assess the analytical accuracy of POCT, whereas its diagnostic performance was determined using positive and negative predictive values to calculate specificity and sensitivity.

Results

Spearman's ranked correlation analysis indicated a strong association between POCT and laboratory glucose values at both OGTT time points (fasting, r = 0.95, P < 0.0001; 2 h, r = 0.88, P < 0.0001). Thirty‐six women were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes based on gold standard laboratory glucose levels (fasting > 7 mmol/l; 2 h > 11.1 mmol/l). POCT correctly identified Type 2 diabetes in 78% of women (28 of 36) with a positive predictive value of 89.3% and a negative predictive value of 96.7% at the fasting time point. The sensitivity and specificity of POCT to diagnose Type 2 diabetes were 89% (fasting), 85.7% (2 h) and 96.7% (fasting), 98.5% (2 h) respectively. POCT proved less sensitive to diagnose pre‐diabetes (69%) but displayed satisfactory specificity (92%) at both time points assessed.

Conclusion

POCT accurately identifies women with Type 2 diabetes 6–12 weeks after GDM.
Transnational European research collaboration to tackle plant health threats: Euphresco and its contribution to the new EU Plant Health Regulation
Authors: Giovani B. , Anthoine G. , Blümel S. , Cruz M. L. , de la Peña A. I. , Maes M. , Phillipson B. , Schenk M. , Steinmöller S.
Published: January 2019

The new EU Plant Health Regulation published in December 2016 is intended to modernize the EU plant health regime and to address the challenges posed by globalization of trade and climate change, overcoming the limits of the previous Directive. The main weaknesses of the approach taken so far are linked to the discontinuous links between phytosanitary policy (determined at EU level) and research supporting such a policy, implemented at country level. Since 2006 Euphresco has developed a platform for research coordination that supports capacity building and streamlines the delivery and use of research evidence to support plant health policy. The paper provides an opinion on how Euphresco (research) activities could support the implementation of the new EU Plant Health Regulation.