bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual mechanisms of ictal high frequency oscillations in rhythmic onset seizures
Authors: Smith Elliot H. , Merricks Edward M. , Liou Jyun-You , Casadei Camilla , Melloni Lucia , Friedman Daniel , Doyle Werner , Emerson Ronald G. , Goodman Robert R. , McKhann Guy M. , Sheth Sameer A. , Rolston John D. , Schevon Catherine A.
Published: January 2020

Objective

High frequency oscillations (HFOs) recorded from intracranial electrodes during epileptiform discharges have been proposed as a biomarker of epileptic brain sites and may also be a useful feature for seizure forecasting, with mixed results. Currently, pathological subclasses of HFOs have been defined primarily by frequency characteristics. Despite this, there has been limited investigation into the spatial context of HFOs with recruitment of local cortex into seizure discharging. We sought to further understand the biophysical underpinnings of ictal HFOs.

Methods

Here we examine ictal HFOs from multi-scale electrophysiological recordings during spontaneous human rhythmic onset seizures. We compare features of ictal discharges in both the seizure core and penumbra, as defined by multiunit activity patterns.

Results

We show marked differences in spectral features, unit coupling, and information theoretic characteristics of HFOs during ictal discharges before and after local seizure invasion. Furthermore, we tie these timing-related differences to different spatial domains of seizures, showing that eccentric, penumbral discharges are widely distributed and less useful for seizure localization, which may explain the variable utility of HFOs in seizure localization and forecasting.

Interpretation

We thus identify two distinct classes of ictal HFOs, implying two different mechanisms underlying pathological HFOs with contrasting significance for seizure localization.
An end-to-end workflow for statistical analysis and inference of large-scale biomedical datasets
Authors: Heidari Elyas , Sadeghi Mohammad Amin , Balazadeh-Meresht Vahid , Ahmadi Nastaran , Sadr Mahmoud , Sharifi-Zarchi Ali , Mirzaei Masoud
Published: January 2020

Throughout time, as medical and epidemiological studies have grown larger in scale, the challenges associated with extracting useful and relevant information from these data has mounted. General health surveys provide a good example for such studies as they usually cover large populations and are conducted throughout long periods in multiple locations. The challenges associated with interpreting the results of such studies include: the presence of both categorical and continuous variables and the need to compare them within a single statistical framework; the presence of variations in data resulting from the technical limitations in data collection; the danger of selection and information biases in hypothesis-directed study design and implementation; and the complete inadequacy of p values in identifying significant relationships. As a solution to these challenges, we propose an end-to-end analysis workflow using the MUltivariate analysis and VISualization (MUVIS) package within R statistical software. MUVIS consists of a comprehensive set of statistical tools that follow the basic tenet of unbiased exploration of associations within a dataset. We validate its performance by applying MUVIS to data from the Yazd Health Study (YaHS). YaHS is a prospective cohort study consisting of a general health survey of more than 30 health-related measurements and a questionnaire with over 300 questions acquired from 10050 participants. Given the nature of the YaHS dataset, most of the identified associations are corroborated by a large body of medical literature. Nevertheless, some more interesting and less investigated connections were also found which are presented here. We conclude that MUVIS provides a robust statistical framework for extraction of useful and relevant information from medical datasets and their visualization in easily comprehensible ways.
IT governance enablers in relation to IoT implementation: a systematic literature review
Authors: Henriques David , Pereira Ruben Filipe , Almeida Rafael , Mira da Silva Miguel
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to obtain a list of recommendations addressed by the information technology (IT) governance enablers in relation to IoT implementation. The reason behind this it is the lack of information about these instances which could the organizations to be more effective when implementing IoT.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives will be obtained using the methodology – systematic literature review.

Findings

During the research, a list of recommendations was created on each IT governance enabler in relation to IoT implementation, showing the flaws that exist at the literature level for each enabler.

Originality/value

The state of art of this research is a creation of a list of recommendations according to IT governance enablers to be applied on an IoT implementation.
The march towards infinity – the impending era of deep thinking
Authors: Dasgupta Shiladitya , Sanyal Debashish
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The theory of dynamic capabilities (DC) was originally proposed as an improved alternative to the existing resource-based view theory of strategy to address the issue of renewing competences in fast changing environments. However, in an era of transition, how will the theory address the multiple challenges arising on technology, social and energy regime front? The paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes the approach of theoretical proposition building, supported by real-life examples.

Findings

Findings include a set of managerial practices that will help building DCs in rapidly changing environments.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical propositions offer further scope of research for other scholars to test and build the theory further.

Practical implications

The interplay of three forces outlined in the paper has significant strategic implications for firms.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a framework called deep thinking which has not been proposed before and which particularly addresses how firms can meet the challenge of transitioning into a new era with the help of this framework.
Uncovering the relationship between whistleblowing and organizational identity
Authors: Palumbo Rocco , Manna Rosalba
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Whistleblowing – i.e. the employees’ decision to report illegal, immoral and/or illegitimate practices performed by peers, supervisors and/or subordinates – involves a contestation of the existing organizational power. Therefore, it challenges the whistleblower’s identification with the organization. Nevertheless, whistleblowing has been rarely related to organizational identity. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap, investigating employees’ whistleblowing intentions in the context of higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative, exploratory analysis concerning the whistleblowing episodes that occurred in the whole population of Italian publicly owned universities and higher education institutions was performed (n=69). Secondary data about whistleblowing were retrieved from the annual reports arranged by the supervisor for the prevention of corruption and the promotion of transparency.

Findings

Most of Italian publicly owned higher education institutions did not experience whistleblowing. Conversely, less than a quarter of the sample reported at least ones whistleblowing procedure. The homogeneity of organizational identity seemed to discourage the willingness of academic employees to report organizational wrongdoings. ICT-based and anonymized whistleblowing systems were found to support the propensity of academics to blow the whistle.

Practical implications

Tailored interventions are needed to address the interplay between organizational identity and academic employees’ whistleblowing intentions. The culture of silence predominating in institutions characterized by a hegemonic organizational identity should be overwhelmed. Prevention measures intended to guarantee the whistleblower’s anonymity through the use of ICT-based platforms are useful to support the academic employees’ willingness to blow the whistle in case of organizational misconduct.

Originality/value

This is one of the first attempts to investigate the interplay between organizational identity and whistleblowing in public sector organizations.
Impact of food price volatility on child health and education attainment
Authors: Zehra Nigar
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find the impact of food price volatility on child health and education attainment in urban areas of Pakistan. This research also compares the two variables among the two time periods: the period of low volatile food prices (2014‒2015) and the period of high volatile food prices (2013‒2014). The rate of child immunization and the rate of child school attendance are used as proxies for child health and child education, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs propensity score matching (PSM) technique introduced by Rosenbaum and Rubin (1983), to overcome the selection bias problem in the observational studies.

Findings

The closing part of the paper concludes that both the rate of child immunization and the rate of child school attendance are significantly poorer for the households of Pakistan in the control period (of high food price volatility) as compared to the treated period (of low food price volatility). After controlling the problem of selection bias through PSM technique, it is found that there is a further increase in the rate of child immunization and the rate of child school attendance. It proves that the data were biased before applying the matching technique.

Originality/value

This study lengthens the literature by identifying the impact of food price volatility on child health and education of urban households of Pakistan, using high frequency data of PSLM/HIES, with the help of semi-parametric technique of matching. This type of micro-level research has not been conducted (nationally or internationally) so far; therefore, it would possibly open a sphere for policy makers to implement the suitable policies.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-04-2019-0275.
How different cost behaviour is in emerging economies? Evidence from Argentina
Authors: Stimolo María Inés , Porporato Marcela
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Cost behaviour literature is expanding its reach beyond developed economies; however, there is limited knowledge about its causes in emerging economies. This is an exploratory study of sticky costs behaviour determinants in Argentina, a country with periodic political and economic turbulence. The purpose of this paper is to test the effect of GDP, asset intensity, industry and cost type in an inflationary context.

Design/methodology/approach

Anderson et al. (2003) empirical regression (ABJ model) is replicated in Argentina with 667 observations from 96 firms between the years 2004 and 2012. It uses panel data and variables are defined as change rates between two periods. The sample excludes financial and insurance firms. It tests if sticky cost behaviour changes in periods of macroeconomic deceleration, or in firms belonging to industries with different asset intensity levels, or among different cost types.

Findings

The analysis shows that costs are sticky in Argentina, where a superb economic outlook is required to delay cutting resources or increasing costs. Cost behaviour is affected by social and cultural factors, such as labour inflexibility driven by powerful unions and not by protective employment laws, asset intensity (industry) and macroeconomic environment. Results suggest that costs are sticky for aggregate samples, but not for all subsamples.

Practical implications

Administrative costs are sticky when GDP grows; but when growth declines, managers or firms do not delay cost cutting actions. Some subsamples are extreme cases of stickiness while others are anti-sticky, casting some doubt on the usefulness of sticky costs empirical tests applied to country-wide samples. Careful selection of observations for sticky costs studies in emerging economies is critical.

Originality/value

Evidence from previous studies show that on average costs are remarkably sticky in Argentina; this study shows that cost reduction activities occur faster but are not persistent enough to change the aggregated long-term results of cost stickiness in the presence of moderate to high inflation. The study contributes to the literature by suggesting that observations used in sticky costs studies from emerging economies might be mainly from positive macroeconomic environments, might have skewed results due to extreme cases of stickiness or might be distorted by inflation.
A behavioural investigation of power and gender heterogeneity in operations management under uncertainty
Authors: Villa Sebastián , Castañeda Jaime Andrés
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The paper aims to explore how power and gender influence decision making in an operational and risky context.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors run a laboratory experiment. The experimental factors are power and operational profitability. Power is manipulated using an episodic priming task, while profitability, by changing a newsvendor-type product’s procurement cost. Participants’ risk attitude is captured using a risk lottery.

Findings

Participants deviate from the optimal order regardless of the power condition and their risk profile. Risk-seeking women order consistently more than risk-seeking men, which allow women to offer a higher service level. In the low-profit condition, men prefer to make more conservative decisions, which allow them to place orders that are closer to the economical benchmark, where both men’ induced power and the risk-seeking tendencies from both genders play a role. Behavioural models in the high-power condition explain the observed differences in ordering behaviours.

Originality/value

This paper provides behavioural research to explore how differences in power and gender, and their links with risky decision making, influence decision making in an uncertain operations management context, representing thus an important departure from mainstream studies.
A hybrid approach to compute seismic travel times in three‐dimensional tetrahedral meshes
Authors: Nasr Maher , Giroux Bernard , Dupuis J. Christian
Published: January 2020

We propose an optimized method to compute travel times for seismic inversion problems. It is a hybrid method combining several approaches to deal with travel time computation accuracy in unstructured meshes based on tetrahedral elementary cells. As in the linear travel time interpolation method, the proposed approach computes travel times using seismic ray paths. The method operates in two sequential steps: At a first stage, travel times are computed for all nodes of the mesh using a modified version of the shortest path method. The difference with the standard version is that additional secondary nodes (called tertiary nodes) are added temporarily around seismic sources in order to improve accuracy with a reasonable increase in computational cost. During the second step, the steepest travel time gradient method is used to trace back ray paths for each source–receiver pair. Travel times at each receiver are then recomputed using slowness values at the intersection points between the ray path and the traversed cells. A number of numerical tests with an array of different velocity models, mesh resolutions and mesh topologies have been carried out. These tests showed that an average relative error in the order of 0.1% can be achieved at a computational cost that is suitable for travel time inversion.
Enhancing effects of anagliptin on myoblast differentiation and the expression of mitochondrial biogenetic factors in C2C12 mouse skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Han Se Eun , Kim Su Jin , Kim Young Il , Nam‐Goong Il Sung , Jung Hyo Won , Kim Eun Sook
Published: January 2020

To investigate the regulatory effects of anagliptin, a DPP‐IV inhibitor used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), on myoblast differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis in C2C12 mouse skeletal muscle cells. C2C12 myoblasts were differentiated into myotubes and then treated with anagliptin (10, 25, and 50 μmol/L) for 24 hours. In C2C12 myotubes, anagliptin treatment was significantly increased the expression of MHC, PGC1α, Sirt‐1, NRF‐1, and TFAM and the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC in a concentration‐dependent manner. Anagliptin also significantly increased the total ATP levels in the myotubes. These results suggest that anagliptin can help prevent skeletal muscle dysfunction in T2DM by promotion of myoblast differentiation and enhancement of energy production via upregulation of mitochondrial biogenetic factors and activation of the AMPK/ACC signalling pathway.
An economic analysis of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy by polar body biopsy in advanced maternal age
Authors: Neumann K , Sermon K , Bossuyt P , Goossens V , Geraedts J , Traeger‐Synodinos J , Parriego M , Schmutzler A , van der Ven K , Rudolph‐Rothfeld W , Vonthein R , Griesinger G
Published: January 2020

Objective

What are the cost per live birth and the incremental cost of preventing a miscarriage with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT‐A) by polar body biopsy and array‐based comprehensive genome hybridisation (aCGH) versus regular IVF/ICSI without PGT‐A for infertility treatment in women 36–40 years of age?

Design

Decision tree model.

Population

A randomised clinical trial on PGT‐A (ESTEEM study).

Methods

Two treatment strategies were compared: one cycle of IVF/ICSI with or without PGT‐A. Costs and effects were analysed with this model for four different cost scenarios: high‐, higher medium, lower medium and low‐cost. Base case, sensitivity, threshold, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were used to examine the cost‐effectiveness implications of PGT‐A.

Results

PGT‐A increased the cost per live birth by approximately 15% in the high‐cost scenario to approximately 285% in the low‐cost scenario. Threshold analysis revealed that PGT‐A would need to be associated with an absolute increase in pregnancy rate by 6% to >39% or, alternatively, would need to be US$2,969 (high‐cost scenario) to US$4,888 (low‐cost scenario) cheaper. The incremental cost to prevent one miscarriage by PGT‐A using the base case assumptions was calculated to be US$34,427 (high‐cost scenario) to US$51,146 (low‐cost scenario). A probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed cost‐effectiveness for PGT‐A from 1.9% (high‐cost scenario) to 0.0% (low‐cost scenario) of calculated samples.

Conclusions

While avoiding unnecessary embryo transfers and miscarriages are important goals, patients and doctors need to be aware of the high‐cost implications of applying PGT‐A using aCGH on polar bodies.

Tweetable abstract

PGT‐A by polar body biopsy and comprehensive genome hybridisation increases cost per live birth and requires high financial spending per miscarriage averted.
Particle Analysis for the Detection of Gunshot Residue (GSR) in Nasal Samples Using Scanning Laser Ablation and Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Mass Spectrometry (SLA‐ICPMS)
Authors: Aliste Marina , Arranz Sandra , Sánchez‐Ortega Alicia , Sampedro M. Carmen , Unceta Nora , Gómez‐Caballero Alberto , Vallejo Asier , Goicolea Maria Aranzazu , Barrio Ramón J.
Published: January 2020

Currently, aluminum stub with carbon adhesive devices are used to collect inorganic gunshot residues (GSR) from the hands of a shooter. In an ideal shooting case, the gunshot particles do not persist for more than 2 h in the hands of the shooter, provided that the hands have not been washed. However, for forensic analysis and inference, the extended persistence of GSR would be desirable. This study investigates a novel GSR sampling and detection protocol. Sampling was performed in the nostrils using swab devices impregnated in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The GSRs persisted for longer periods in nasal mucus than on the hands, and particles were detected 6 h after shooting occurred. The analytical determination was conducted by scanning laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (SLA‐ICPMS) which enable the identification of the number of particles and their elemental composition. Seventeen isotope signals corresponding to13C,205Tl and 15 analytes that are usually associated with the composition of GSR residues were monitored:27Al,29Si,31P,33S,35Cl,39K,44Ca,57Fe,60Ni,63Cu,66Zn,118Sn,121Sb,137Ba, and208Pb. The SLA technique enabled the reduction of the swab analysis time to 40 min. The effectiveness of this methodology was evaluated with two types of firearms: a pistol and a shotgun. The results indicated that the methodology proposed for the analysis of the nasal GSR was effective and that it can improve or complement the forensic analyses and inferences presented in a court.
Formation and characterization of plant‐based emulsified and crosslinked fat crystal networks to mimic animal fat tissue
Authors: Dreher Johannes , Blach Carolin , Terjung Nino , Gibis Monika , Weiss Jochen
Published: January 2020

Animal fat tissue (that is, pork or beef fat) is composed of liquid and solid fat incorporated in a network of connective tissue. Hence, their rheological and thermal properties may differ significantly from plant‐derived fats. Specifically, animal fats have elastic and melting properties that give rise to not only a certain comminution behavior during processing, but also provide meat products such as sausages with certain organoleptic properties. To mimic key properties of animal fat tissue with plant‐derived materials, a new structuring approach was used. Canola oil was mixed with <30% (w/w) of fully hydrogenated canola oil at 65 °C, hot‐emulsified with a soy protein suspension (8%, w/w) at a lipid content of 70% (w/w) using a high‐shear disperser, and cooled to 37 °C. The concentrated, emulsified fat crystal networks were then incubated with transglutaminase for 1 hr to induce protein crosslinking. Microscopy images showed that samples were composed of tightly packed lipid particles with regions of coalesced or unemulsified lipids appearing at higher solid fat concentrations. Texture analysis and rheological measurements showed that crosslinked samples possessed elasticities that decreased with increasing solid fat concentration. Above 30% solid fat, matrices reverted back to exhibiting a mainly plastic behavior. Results were attributed to the formation of either a droplet‐filled protein network, a particulate fat crystal network, or a mixture thereof. Taken together, results show that plant‐based crosslinked emulsified fat crystal networks are able to mimic mechanical properties of animal fat provided that not too much solid fat (<30% in this study) is used. This makes them useful for the manufacture of meat products or analogues.

Practical Application

This study introduced a new structuring approach to mimic properties of animal fat tissue with only plant‐derived materials. The structured lipids can, for example, be used for the manufacture of processed meat analogues.
Longitudinal Associations Between Perceptions of Peer Group Drinking Norms and Students' Alcohol Use Frequency Within College Sport Teams
Authors: Graupensperger Scott , Turrisi Rob , Jones Damon , Evans M. Blair
Published: January 2020

Background

Students' alcohol use behaviors are shaped by the attitudes and behaviors of others, especially the peers within students' proximal social groups. Explaining the association between perceived drinking norms and alcohol use, researchers propose contradicting pathways that focus on conformity (i.e., social norms predict alcohol use) and projection (i.e., alcohol use predicts perceived norms). The current study examined the extent to which conformity and projection processes were evident in the association between college student alcohol use and the perceived alcohol use norms for students' club sport teams.

Methods

The sample comprised 1,054 college students (61% female) nested in 35 intact same‐sex club sport teams. On 3 separate occasions during a single school year (3‐month lag), participants reported drinking frequency and perceptions of descriptive and injunctive group drinking norms. We employed random intercepts cross‐lagged panel modeling to estimate prospective within‐person associations separately from stable trait‐like between‐person associations.

Results

Descriptive and injunctive group drinking norms were both positively related to students' alcohol use frequency at the between‐person level. Individuals nevertheless demonstrated variability at the within‐person level. Results revealed a strong contemporaneous association between descriptive norms and alcohol use frequency within each timepoint, but no prospective associations. Models including perceptions of injunctive drinking norms demonstrated similar contemporaneous associations with alcohol use frequency, but also identified significant prospective associations signifying conformity.

Conclusions

Findings align with previous research reporting a strong and positive association between student's self‐reported alcohol use and subjective peer alcohol use norms. After disentangling within‐ and between‐person effects to probe for conformity and projection processes, the current findings are somewhat contrary to previous research that has reported reciprocal relationships between social norms and alcohol use behavior. Further investigation of the potential conformity and projection mechanisms of social norms is critical to advance norm‐based strategies to reduce harm.
Equity of access to post‐mastectomy breast reconstruction at a regional plastic surgery centre
Authors: Li Ye , Sheene Sandra , Locke Michelle
Published: January 2020

Background

The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department at the Counties Manukau District Health Board provides tertiary‐level access to post‐mastectomy breast reconstruction for all women in the northern region of New Zealand. Access to breast reconstruction is not always equitable. We aim to assess equity of access to breast reconstruction in this department.

Methods

A retrospective review of all women referred to this service for immediate and delayed post‐mastectomy breast reconstruction between January 2013 and June 2018 was performed. Demographic information and progression to reconstruction were assessed in comparison to expected population figures available from health statistics.

Results

A total of 882 women were referred for breast reconstruction during this period. Significant discrepancies in ethnicity and geographical location were found between expected population proportions and the women referred for reconstruction. European women were more likely to be referred for, and receive, reconstruction. Māori women were proportionally represented in the cohort, whereas Asian and Pacific women were under‐represented (P = 0.0016). Within the referral cohort, Māori and Asian women were less likely to proceed to reconstruction following first specialist assessment than European women (P = 0.0015 and 0.0193, respectively). Proportionally fewer referrals for reconstruction were received from health services further away from the treatment centre than were received from closer health services.

Conclusion

There is inequity in the rates of tertiary referral for breast reconstruction across ethnicities and geographical location in the northern region of New Zealand. Strategies to identify potential barriers such as access to transport may improve equity of access to breast reconstruction.
Visualization of endometriosis with laparoscopy and near‐infrared optics with indocyanine green
Authors: Siegenthaler Franziska , Knabben Laura , Mohr Stefan , Nirgianakis Konstantinos , Imboden Sara , Mueller Michael D.
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Endometriosis is a common health problem, affecting 10% of women of reproductive age. Laparoscopic surgery is proven to relieve pain and to improve fertility in women with endometriosis. However, identifying peritoneal endometriosis lesions may be difficult due to their polymorphic aspects. Endometriosis lesions harbor a high degree of neovascularization. The visualization of tissue perfusion by the additional use of near infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) may improve the detection of endometriosis lesions.

Material and methods

In a single‐center, prospective, single‐arm pilot study, patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for suspected endometriosis and/or infertility were recruited. All patients first had white light imaging with systematical documentation of all suspicious areas. ICG was then administered intravenously at .3 mg/kg bodyweight and the near infrared imaging was activated and an identical documentation of suspected lesions was performed again. After removal, the specimen were sent to pathology. Clinical trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov NCT03850158.

Results

In total, 173 suspected lesions were identified and excised, of which 150 had histologically proven endometriosis. Of the total number, 166 suspected lesions were detected using white‐light and 32 with ICG. Among the 32 suspected lesions found with ICG, 22 were confirmed to be endometriosis. Seven additional lesions were identified with ICG alone, of which only one was histologically proven endometriosis. Positive predictive values were 89.8%, 68.8% and 86.7% for white‐light laparoscopy alone, near‐infrared (NIR)‐ICG visualization alone, and the combination of white‐light and NIR‐ICG, respectively. ICG exposure time, previous abdominal surgery and rARSM stage showed a statistically significant impact on the ICG detection rate. In seven patients, ICG was used for the resection of deep infiltrating nodules from the rectum. In these cases, NIR fluorescence imaging with ICG was useful to define the borders between an endometriotic nodule and healthy tissue.

Conclusions

The diagnostic value of NIR‐ICG imaging in identifying endometriosis appears to be minimal. ICG exposure time over 20 minutes, no previous abdominal surgery and low rASRM stages have a significant positive effect on the ICG detection rate. NIR fluorescence imaging with ICG was helpful in the resection of deep infiltrating nodules in providing a better visualization of endometriosis.
Minimally invasive technique for gastrostomy tube insertion: A novel laparoscopic approach
Authors: Sayadi Shahraki Masoud , Berjis Nezamoddin , Bighamian Afshin , Mahmoudieh Mohsen , Shahabi Shahmiri Shahab , Sheikhbahaei Erfan
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the most common way of inserting a gastrostomy tube. If PEG is not appropriate for a patient, then the laparoscopic or open technique should be used. Here, we introduce a new laparoscopic technique for inserting a gastrostomy tube.

Material and Surgical Technique

We used this new laparoscopic approach in 21 patients for whom PEG was not suitable. After marking on the abdominal skin and inserting the trocars, two 2‐0 silk sutures were passed. Two stitches were placed 2 cm apart in the stomach with one hand. Each suture was pulled out with the fascia closure, the stomach was pulled out with a Babcock, and a purse‐string suture using a round 2‐0 silk suture was placed outside the stomach, creating a mushroom‐retained gastrostomy.

Conclusion

This new laparoscopic technique is minimally invasive. It provides full control through only two trocars and required smaller incisions than common laparoscopic approaches. This method can be used to insert a gastrostomy tube in indicated patients when PEG placement is not suitable.
Long‐term testosterone undecanoate replacement therapy: Impact of ethnicity
Authors: Kempegowda Punith , Quinn Lauren M. , Chandan Joht Singh , Shepherd Lisa , Kauser Samina , Rahim Asad , Bates Andrew
Published: January 2020

Background

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is indicated for symptomatic male hypogonadism. However, the safety and efficacy profiles across different ethnicities for long‐term TRT remain unclear.

Objective

To measure the impact of ethnicity on various biochemical parameters following testosterone undecanoate (TU) replacement.

Method

A retrospective analysis of 50 male patients treated with TU from 2006 to 2017 in a large secondary care centre was performed. Changes in total testosterone, PSA, haematocrit, haemoglobin, total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) over eight years of treatment were analysed. Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to assess differences in these parameters between Caucasians and South Asians.

Results

Thirty‐one Caucasians (age: median (IQR) 55.0 years (49.0‐68.0); total duration of follow‐up 6.1 years (2.9‐9.3)) and 19 South Asians (age: median (IQR) 52.0 years (38.0‐69.0); duration of follow‐up 6.5 years (1.3‐8.4)) were treated with TU during the study period. There was no significant difference in total testosterone levels between the two ethnicities. We noted a higher free and bioavailable testosterone in South Asians than Caucasians, albeit within their reference range. PSA was higher in Caucasians than South Asians at two and eight years of TU therapy. After one year of TRT, haematocrit was higher in South Asians than Caucasians at one year, whereas LDL and total cholesterol were significantly higher in Caucasians than South Asians.

Conclusions

Caucasians have a tendency towards increased PSA, total cholesterol and LDL compared with South Asians with TU replacement therapy. There is a higher increment of haematocrit in South Asians following one year of TU replacement therapy. All biochemical changes following TRT were within the respective reference ranges suggesting no apparent risk of prostate cancer and venous thromboembolism.
A species‐level total evidence phylogeny of the microteiid lizard family Alopoglossidae (Squamata: Gymnophthalmoidea)
Authors: Hernández Morales Cristian , Sturaro Marcelo J. , Nunes Pedro M. Sales , Lotzkat Sebastian , Peloso Pedro L.V.
Published: January 2020

Alopoglossidae is a family of Neotropical lizards composed of 23 species allocated in two genera (AlopoglossusandPtychoglossus). There is a lack of knowledge about the phylogenetic relationships and systematics of this family. Published phylogenies that include alopoglossid species have very low taxon coverage within the family, and are usually based on limited character sampling. Considering these shortcomings, we infer the phylogenetic relationships of Alopoglossidae—including all but one species in the family—based on the combined analyses of DNA sequences and morphological characters. We use four loci (the mitochondrial12S,16SandND4; the nuclear C‐mos) and a matrix of 143 phenotypic characters from scutellation, tongue morphology, hemipenis morphology, and osteology. The dataset is analyzed with Maximum Parsimony, with four alternative weighting schemes: three under Extended Implied Weighting, and one with equal weighting. The respective resulting topologies are compared in a sensitivity analysis framework. Our analyses support the paraphyly ofPtychoglossus, withAlopoglossusnested within it. We provide an updated classification for the family, wherePtychoglossusBoulenger, 1890 is considered a junior synonym ofAlopoglossusBoulenger, 1885.
Prevention of biofouling on aquaculture nets with eco‐friendly antifouling paint formulation
Authors: Sen Korhan , Erdogan Umit Halis , Cavas Levent
Published: January 2020

Aquaculture, which is an important part of food supply, is usually carried out in cage nets made of textile materials. Fouling organisms settle on the cage nets over time, close the mesh openings, and cause unwanted weight gain. In order to prevent fouling, aquaculture nets are generally treated with antifouling paints. In this paper, warp knitted cage nets made from various raw materials were treated with three different antifouling paints. Econea was used as a biocide to prepare an eco‐friendly antifouling paint formulation, and two copper‐based commercial antifouling paints were supplied for comparison. Antifouling paint‐treated and untreated net samples were immersed in a marine ecosystem next to an aquaculture zone for 6 months. Settlement of fouling organisms on nets was observed by taking underwater photographs at periodic intervals. Following the field study, changes in the structure of the nets and antifouling performance of the paints were evaluated considering the results of underwater photographs, biomass growth, variation in mass and strength tests. Colour fastness of the antifouling paints to sea water was also measured to learn about biocide release and surface hydrophobicity. The results show that copper‐free eco‐friendly antifouling paint is just as effective against the fouling mechanism for all types of nets as copper‐based commercial antifouling paints. The novel eco‐friendly formulation has promising results, which provides an alternative for producers when considering the selection of raw materials.
The continuing quest for better subcutaneously administered prandial insulins: a review of recent developments and potential clinical implications
Authors: Owens David R. , Bolli Geremia B.
Published: January 2020

The class of rapid‐acting insulin analogues were introduced more than 20 years ago to control postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) excursions better than unmodified regular human insulin. Insulins, lispro, aspart and glulisine all achieved an earlier onset of action, greater peak effect and shorter duration of action resulting in lower PPG levels and a reduced risk of late postprandial hypoglycaemia. However, the subcutaneous absorption rate of these analogues still fails to match the physiological profile of insulin in the systemic circulation following a meal. Recent reformulations of aspart and lispro have generated a second generation of more rapid‐acting insulin analogue candidates, including fast‐acting aspart (faster aspart), ultra‐rapid lispro and BioChaperone Lispro. These modifications have the potential to mimic physiological prandial insulin secretion better with an even earlier onset of action with improved PPG control, shorter duration of effect and reduced risk of hypoglycaemia. Recent phase 3 trials in type 1 and type 2 diabetes show that faster aspart and ultra‐rapid lispro compared with conventional aspart and lispro, achieved fewer PPG excursions with a small increase in post‐meal hypoglycaemia but similar or marginally superior glycated haemoglobin levels, and suggest the need for parallel optimization of basal insulin replacement. Phase 1 trials for BioChaperone Lispro are equally encouraging with phase 3 trials yet to be initiated. Comparative analysis of the clinical and pharmacological evidence for these new prandial insulin candidates in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes is the main focus of this review.
DNA methylation analysis within the IL2RA gene promoter in youth with autoimmune thyroid disease
Authors: Kyrgios Ioannis , Fragou Aikaterini , Kotanidou Eleni P. , Mouzaki Konstantina , Efraimidou Smaragda , Tzimagiorgis Georgios , Galli‐Tsinopoulou Assimina
Published: January 2020

Background

Alpha‐subunit of the interleukin‐2 receptor (IL2RA) is involved in the regulation of T‐cell function and has been related to autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, promoter methylation might account for differences in gene expression. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in the percentage of DNA methylation within the IL2RA gene promoter in young patients with AITD.

Materials and methods

In a cross‐sectional design, the presence of DNA methylation in the IL2RA gene promoter was quantified, by real‐time PCR and melting curve analysis, in modified genomic DNA isolated from blood samples of a total of 149 children and adolescents with AITD, including patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis (ΗΤ) (n = 60), Graves' disease (GD) (n = 9), concurrent diagnosis of HT and type 1 diabetes (T1DM + HT) (n = 25), and healthy controls (n = 55).

Results

The percentage of DNA methylation in the IL2RA gene promoter was significantly decreased in patients with GD (26.0 ± 4.2%) but not in those with HT (36.3 ± 1.4%) in comparison with controls (41.3 ± 1.5%).

Conclusions

The observed DNA hypomethylation in the IL2RA gene promoter in patients with GD might be related to its increased expression, thus contributing to the etiopathogenesis of GD in childhood and adolescence.
Numerical investigation of matrix cracking propagation in cross‐ply laminated composites subjected to three‐point bending load using concurrent multiscale model
Authors: Madadi Hamidreza , Naghdinasab Mohsen , Farrokhabadi Amin
Published: January 2020

The purpose of the present study is to analyze fiber‐matrix debonding and induced matrix cracking formation as two major micromechanical damage modes in cross‐ply composite laminates using a two‐dimensional numerical approach. To this aim, the cross‐ply laminates containing 90‐degree layers are modeled, where the fibers are arranged randomly in transverse plies. Damage modes in this numerical model are simulated by the cohesive surface method. The performed analyses reveal that in the laminates with 90‐degree layers located in the outer positions, the primary micro damage mode is micro matrix cracking which is initiated from the fiber‐matrix debonding damage mode and will be followed by matrix cracking. The main benefit of the present study in comparison to other numerical methods is proposing a virtual test method for damage analysis of different cross‐ply laminates in which, the matrix cracking formation will emerge physically in a random and antisymmetric pattern similar to the experimental observations.
The climate change mitigation effect of bioenergy from sustainably managed forests in Central Europe
Authors: Schulze Ernst Detlef , Sierra Carlos A. , Egenolf Vincent , Woerdehoff Rene , Irslinger Roland , Baldamus Conrad , Stupak Inge , Spellmann Hermann
Published: January 2020

We compare sustainably managed with unmanaged forests in terms of their contribution to climate change mitigation based on published data. For sustainably managed forests, accounting of carbon (C) storage based on ecosystem biomass and products as required by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is not sufficient to quantify their contribution to climate change mitigation. The ultimate value of biomass is its use for biomaterials and bioenergy. Taking Germany as an example, we show that the average removals of wood from managed forests are higher than stated by official reports, ranging between 56 and 86 mill. m3 year−1 due to the unrecorded harvest of firewood. We find that removals from one hectare can substitute 0.87 m3 ha−1 year−1 of diesel, or 7.4 MWh ha−1 year−1, taking into account the unrecorded firewood, the use of fuel for harvesting and processing, and the efficiency of energy conversion. Energy substitution ranges between 1.9 and 2.2 t CO2 equiv. ha−1 year−1 depending on the type of fossil fuel production. Including bioenergy and carbon storage, the total mitigation effect of managed forest ranges between 3.2 and 3.5 t CO2 equiv. ha−1 year−1. This is more than previously reported because of the full accounting of bioenergy. Unmanaged nature conservation forests contribute via C storage only about 0.37 t CO2 equiv.  ha−1 year−1 to climate change mitigation. There is no fossil fuel substitution. Therefore, taking forests out of management reduces climate change mitigation benefits substantially. There should be a mitigation cost for taking forest out of management in Central Europe. Since the energy sector is rewarded for the climate benefits of bioenergy, and not the forest sector, we propose that a CO2 tax is used to award the contribution of forest management to fossil fuel substitution and climate change mitigation. This would stimulate the production of wood for products and energy substitution.
The implementation and evaluation of a resilience enhancement programme for nurses working in the forensic setting
Authors: Henshall Catherine , Davey Zoe , Jackson Debra
Published: January 2020

This study aimed to implement and evaluate a work‐based personal resilience enhancement intervention for forensic nurses. A mixed methods design consisting of surveys, interviews, and a case study approach, whereby the experiences of a group of nurses were studied in relation to their experiences of an intervention programme to enhance personal resilience, was utilized. Nurses working on forensic inpatient wards were invited to participate. Senior nurses were recruited as mentors. Data were collected via pre‐ and post‐programme surveys to evaluate nurses' levels of resilience. Post‐programme interviews were undertaken with nurses and mentors to explore their experiences of the programme. Descriptive statistics of survey data examined changes in nurses' resilience levels pre‐ and post‐intervention. Free‐text survey data and interview data were analysed thematically. The SQUIRE 2.0 checklist was adhered to. Twenty‐nine nurses participated. Levels of personal resilience (M = 4.12, SD = 0.60) were significantly higher post‐programme than pre‐programme (M = 3.42, SD = 0.70), (t49 = 3.80, P = 0.000, 95% CI = 0.32, 1.07). Nurses felt the programme had a marked impact on their personal resilience, self‐awareness, confidence, and professional relationships. The benefits of the programme demonstrate the advantages of providing a nurturing environment for nurses to consolidate their resilience levels. Findings demonstrated that resilience enhancement programmes can increase nurses' levels of resilience and confidence and improve inter‐professional relationships. Our findings are important for clinicians, nurse managers, and policymakers considering strategies for improving the workplace environment for nurses. The long‐term impact of resilience programmes may improve nurse retention and recruitment.
Effects of sizes of additive particles on suspensions, microstructures, and electrical properties of ZnO varistors
Authors: Yan Ying , Ren Xin , Cheng Qi , Ruan Xuejun , Wang Manyu , Yu Wenqi , Yao Zheng
Published: January 2020

The effects of the sizes of the additives on the dispersion of the mixed suspensions, the microstructures, and the comprehensive electrical properties of the ZnO varistors were investigated. The particle size distribution, the viscosity, and the zeta potential of the suspension were characterized to evaluate the effect of the sizes of the additives on the dispersion of the metal oxide particles. The potential gradient, the leakage current, the nonlinear coefficient, the voltage ratio, and the aging coefficient were considered to estimate the effect of the sizes of the additives on the performance of the ZnO varistors. The electrical testing results showed that a proper amount of milling of the additive particles could improve the comprehensive electrical properties, while an excessive milling produced the opposite effect. When the milling time of the additive particles reached 30 minutes, the dispersion of ZnO‐additive mixed suspension was the best. The as‐prepared varistors showed the optimal electrical performance with potential gradient of 310 V/mm, leakage current of 1 μA, nonlinear coefficient of 32.7, voltage ratio of 1.69, and aging coefficient of 0.59.