bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying Merton’s valuation adjustment for incomplete information … and do you need to?
Authors: O’Brien Thomas
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a “how to” guide for applying Merton’s (1987) valuation adjustment for incomplete information, which depends on market capitalization, idiosyncratic risk and extent of investor ownership.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper illustrates Bodnaruk and Ostberg’s (2009) formula for Merton’s adjustment, and presents some example empirical estimates of the adjustment for some US stocks.

Findings

The adjustment estimates are material for many example stocks, particularly volatile stocks with a low percentage of shares held by institutional funds. However, the adjustment estimates are modest for many other stocks, including some smaller cap. stocks.

Research limitations/implications

Measuring the model’s inputs requires using some judgment, particularly regarding the investor ownership variable. The paper will hopefully help stimulate useful empirical research on adjustment estimates and on best practices for applying the model.

Practical implications

The paper may encourage more use of the incomplete-information adjustment in practice, which should lead to improved discount rate estimates in valuation analyses.

Originality/value

No other “bridge the gap” coverage of the incomplete-information adjustment is available in textbooks or the applied literature.
Innovation to improve patient care in Australian Primary Health Network: an insider’s perspective
Authors: Briggs David Stewart , Nankervis Richard , Baillie John , Turner Catherine , Rigby Kevin , Livingstone Lorin
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the establishment of Primary Health Network (PHN) in Australia and its utility in commissioning Primary Health Care (PHC) services.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is an analysis of management practice about the establishment and development of a PHN as a case study over the three-year period. The PHN is the Hunter New England and Central Coast PHN (HNECCPHN). The study is based on “insiders perspectives” drawing from documentation, reports and evaluations undertaken.

Findings

HNECCPHN demonstrates a unique inclusive organisation across a substantial diverse geographic area. It has taken an innovative and evidence-based approach to its creation, governance and operation. HNECCPHN addresses the health challenges of a substantial Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander population. It contains significant and diverse urban, coastal and distinct rural, regional and remote populations. It can be described as a “virtual” organisation, using a distributed network of practice approach to engage clinicians, communities and providers. The authors describe progress and learning in the context of theories of complex organisations, innovation, networks of practice, knowledge translation and social innovation.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides initial publication into the establishment phase of a PHN in Australia.

Practical implications

The study describes the implementation and progress in terms of relevant international practice and theoretical concepts. This paper demonstrates significant innovative practice in the short term.

Social implications

The study describes significant engagement and the importance of that with and between communities, service providers and health professionals.

Originality/value

This is the first study of the results of the implementation of an important change in the funding and delivery of PHC in Australia.
Costs of hospitalization for chronic kidney disease in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhang Chao , Zhu Sufen , Zhu Feng , Wen Yan
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem which imposes a significant financial burden not only on patients but also on the healthcare systems, especially under the pressure of the rapid growth of the elderly population in China. The purpose of this paper is to examine the hospitalization costs of patients with CKD between two urban health insurance schemes and investigate the factors that were associated with their inpatient costs in Guangzhou, China.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a prevalence-based, observational study using data derived from two insurance claims databases during the period from January 2010 to December 2012 in the largest city, Guangzhou in Southern China. The authors identified 5,803 hospitalizations under two urban health insurance schemes. An extension of generalized linear model – the extended estimating equations approach – was performed to identify the main drivers of total inpatient costs.

Findings

Among 5,803 inpatients with CKD, the mean age was 60.6. The average length of stay (LOS) was 14.4 days. The average hospitalization costs per inpatient were CNY15,517.7. The mean inpatient costs for patients with Urban Employee-based Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) scheme (CNY15,582.0) were higher than those under Urban Resident-based Basic Medical Insurance (URBMI) scheme (CNY14,917.0). However, the percentage of out-of-pocket expenses for the UEBMI patients (19.8 percent) was only half of that for the URBMI patients (44.5 percent). Insurance type, age, comorbidities, dialysis therapies, severity of disease, LOS and hospital levels were significantly associated with hospitalization costs.

Originality/value

The costs of hospitalization for CKD were high and differed by types of insurance schemes. This was the first study to compare the differences in hospitalization costs of patients with CKD under two different urban insurance schemes in China. The findings of this study could provide economic evidence for understanding the burden of CKD and evaluating different treatment of CKD (dialysis therapy) in China. Such useful information could also be used by policy makers in health insurance program evaluation and health resources allocation.
The Amsterdam energy transition roadmap – introducing the City-zen methodology
Authors: Dobbelsteen Andy van den , Broersma Siebe , Fremouw Michiel , Blom Tess , Sturkenboom Jelle , Martin Craig
Published: December 2019

Purpose

City-zen is an EU-funded interdisciplinary project that aims to develop and demonstrate energy-efficient cities and to build methods and tools for cities, industries and citizens to achieve ambitious sustainability targets. As part of the project, an Urban Energy Transition Methodology is developed, elaborated and used to create Roadmaps, which indicate the interventions needed to get from the current situation to the desired sustainable future state of a city. For one of the partner cities, Amsterdam, such a Roadmap was developed. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses the approach and methodology behind the City-zen Urban Energy Transition Methodology, with its six steps from the initial energy analysis to the roadmap towards a desired future state. The paper will illustrate this by results from the Amsterdam Roadmap study, in numbers and figures.

Findings

The Roadmap study of Amsterdam revealed that the city can become energy neutral in its heat demand, but not in the production of sufficient electricity from renewables.

Research limitations/implications

Although as yet only applied to the City of Amsterdam, the methodology behind the roadmap can be applied by cities across the world.

Practical implications

An enormous effort is required in order to transform, renovate and adapt parts of the city. It was calculated, for instance, how many energy renovation projects, district heating pipes and photovoltaic panels will be annually needed in order to timely become carbon neutral, energy neutral and “fossil free”.

Social implications

The technical-spatial content of the Roadmap was presented to stakeholders of the Dutch capital city, such as politicians, energy companies, commercial enterprises, and not least citizens themselves. Although informed by scientific work, the Roadmap appealed too many, demonstrated by the extensive media coverage.

Originality/value

The City-zen Methodology builds upon earlier urban energy approaches such as REAP (Tillie et al., 2009), LES (Dobbelsteen et al., 2011) and Energy Potential Mapping (Broersma et al., 2013), but creates a stepped approach that has not been presented and applied to a city as a whole yet. As far as the authors know, so far, an energy transition roadmap has never been developed for an entire city.
Methane oxidation in anoxic lake water stimulated by nitrate and sulfate addition
Authors: van Grinsven Sigrid , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. , Abdala Asbun Alejandro , Engelmann Julia C. , Harrison John , Villanueva Laura
Published: December 2019

Methanotrophic bacteria play a key role in limiting methane emissions from lakes. It is generally assumed that methanotrophic bacteria are mostly active at the oxic‐anoxic transition zone in stratified lakes, where they use oxygen to oxidize methane. Here, we describe a methanotroph of the genera Methylobacter that is performing high‐rate (up to 72 μM day−1) methane oxidation in the anoxic hypolimnion of the temperate Lacamas Lake (Washington, USA), stimulated by both nitrate and sulfate addition. Oxic and anoxic incubations both showed active methane oxidation by a Methylobacter species, with anoxic rates being threefold higher. In anoxic incubations, Methylobacter cell numbers increased almost two orders of magnitude within 3 days, suggesting that this specific Methylobacter species is a facultative anaerobe with a rapid response capability. Genomic analysis revealed adaptations to oxygen‐limitation as well as pathways for mixed‐acid fermentation and H2 production. The denitrification pathway was incomplete, lacking the genes narG/napA and nosZ, allowing only for methane oxidation coupled to nitrite‐reduction. Our data suggest that Methylobacter can be an important driver of the conversion of methane in oxygen‐limited lake systems and potentially use alternative electron acceptors or fermentation to remain active under oxygen‐depleted conditions.
Association of modulation of pro‐inflammatory responses by dectin‐2 with preterm delivery: An experimental model
Authors: Liassidou Aspasia , Renieris Georgios , Droggiti Dionysia‐Irene , Gkavogianni Theologia , Liassides Christakis , Sabracos Labros , Giamarellos‐Bourboulis Evangelos J. , Siristatidis Charalampos S.
Published: December 2019

Problem

Pro‐inflammatory responses of pathogen recognition receptors (PRR) are implicated in preterm delivery (PTD). Dectin‐2 is one PRR recognizing unselective carbohydrate structures; its participation in PTD has never been studied before.

Method of study

In an experimental model, PTD was induced in female pregnant wild‐type (WT) mice and mice with homologous deficiency for dectin‐2 by the intraperitoneal injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on day 14 of pregnancy. Time to delivery and fetal mortality were recorded. Challenged mice were killed for tissue collection and splenocyte isolation 6 hours later. Concentrations of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFα), interleukin (IL)‐1α, and IL‐1β were measured.

Results

Delivery was induced significantly earlier in WT than dectin‐2‐/‐ mice; however, fetal mortality was higher among dectin‐2‐/‐ mice. Candida albicans challenge could not lead to these changes. Sacrifice experiments showed that LPS challenge led to significant increase of TNFα, IL‐1α, and IL‐1β in maternal tissues of WT; this was further enhanced for TNFα and IL‐1β in dectin‐2‐/‐ mice. Pre‐treatment with the prostaglandin inhibitor diclofenac delayed time to delivery of WT mice, but not of dectin2‐/‐ mice. TNFα stimulation of splenocytes of dectin2‐/‐ mice was enhanced with the addition of anti‐TLR4 and decreased in the presence of lipid A.

Conclusions

Dectin‐2 delays LPS‐induced PTD by enhancing the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines.
Happiness and Voting: Evidence from Four Decades of Elections in Europe
Authors: Ward George
Published: December 2019

There is a growing interest among policy makers in the use of subjective well‐being (or “happiness”) data to measure societal progress, as well as to inform and evaluate public policy. Yet despite a sharp rise in the supply of well‐being‐based policymaking, it remains unclear whether there is any electoral demand for it. In this article, I study a long‐run panel of general elections in Europe and find that well‐being is a strong predictor of election results. National measures of subjective well‐being are able to explain more of the variance in governing party vote share than standard macroeconomic indicators typically used in the economic voting literature. Consistent results are found at the individual level when considering subjective well‐being and voting intentions, both in cross‐sectional and panel analyses.
The role of drug, dose, and the tolerance/intolerance of new drugs in multiple drug hypersensitivity syndrome
Authors: Jörg Lukas , Yerly Daniel , Helbling Arthur , Pichler Werner
Published: December 2019

Background

Multiple drug hypersensitivity syndrome (MDH) is used to describe persons with a drug hypersensitivity reaction (DHR) to at least two chemically unrelated drugs, confirmed by skin test or in vitro assay.

Methods

Medical records of 25 patients with MDH, tested and confirmed at our allergy division, were retrospectively evaluated in terms of clinical course, involved drugs, daily drug dose, latency periods, test results of skin test and cellular assays, and tolerated drugs in subsequent pharmacological treatments.

Results

Multiple drug hypersensitivity syndrome almost exclusively appeared as a delayed, often severe DHR and started in 14/25 with a drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). Penicillins (13/25, 52.0%) and cephalosporins (6/25, 24.0%), typical high‐dose drugs, were most often identified as elicitors of MDH, especially at the first DHR, followed by aromatic antiepileptics (7/25, 28.0%), vancomycin (4/25, 16.0%), and antibiotic sulfonamides (4/25, 16.0%). Cephalosporins, clindamycin, and radio contrast media (RCM) were mainly involved in subsequent DHR. The median daily drug dose of all drug trigger was 1875.0 mg (662.5; 2100.0) at the first DHR and 600.0 mg (300.0; 1300.0) at subsequent DHR, P = .0420.

Conclusion

High‐dose drugs, especially beta‐lactam antibiotics, RCM and clindamycin, are common elicitors of subsequent DHR in patients with MDH. Macrolides, quinolones, doxycycline, nonaromatic antiepileptics, and paracetamol were often tolerated. As the same drugs elicited both flare‐up reactions and real DHR, drug‐induced flare‐up reactions may be precursors of a possible second DHR and MDH. The administration of highly dosed drugs should be avoided in patients at risk for MDH.
A cross‐lagged panel analysis of fear appeal appraisal and student engagement
Authors: Nicholson Laura J. , Putwain David W.
Published: December 2019

Background

Fear appeals are persuasive messages given by teachers to students about the importance of avoiding failure in an upcoming high‐stakes test. The relationship between the way that students appraise fear appeals and engagement in lessons has not previously been tested using a robust methodological and analytical design that fully controls for concurrent relationships between the variables and stability over time.

Aim

The present study addressed these limitations using a cross‐lagged panel design to probe reciprocal relationships between students’ appraisal of fear appeals as a threat and as a challenge, with their engagement in class.

Sample

A total of 2,025 Year 10 and 11 students took part.

Method

Fear appeal appraisal and student engagement were measured at two time points, 4 months apart.

Results

After controlling for unlagged and auto‐lagged correlations, and gender and year group, the model fit the data well and six cross‐lagged paths emerged as statistically significant. Threat appraisal and emotional engagement were reciprocally, negatively related. Threat appraisal also positively predicted emotional disaffection and challenge appraisal negatively predicted behavioural disaffection. In addition, prospective relations were revealed between specific components of student engagement.

Conclusions

Classroom teachers need to be aware of the possible consequences of making fear appeals and moderate this aspect of their practice accordingly. It would also be beneficial for educational interventions to focus on promoting challenge appraisals of fear appeals.
Social cognitions and smoking behaviour: Temporal resolution matters
Authors: Brinken Lillian , Schüz Benjamin , Ferguson Stuart G. , Scholz Urte , Schüz Natalie
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Health behaviour theories outline how cognitions predict behaviours, but rarely specify the temporal relation between cognitions and behaviours. It is not known whether these predictive relationships vary depending on temporal resolution or whether the relative influence of cognitions varies with measurement schedules.

The current exploratory study therefore investigates whether the associations between behavioural cognitions (self‐efficacy, intention, and risk perception) and smoking vary when measured momentarily, at day level, or using the more common baseline–follow‐up design.

Design

EMA study involving 36 continuing smokers over 17 days. Participants logged cigarettes and reported their cognitions at baseline, daily (evening), and in response to momentary surveys.

Methods

Random‐effects models were used to compare the effects of cognitions measured at different time points on (1) the number of cigarettes smoked daily and (2) the time interval until the next cigarette smoked.

Results

Self‐efficacy and risk perception measured at baseline significantly predicted cigarettes smoked each day, but this effect became non‐significant when daily measurements of cognitions were included in the model. Momentary smoking behaviour was predicted by momentary measurements of risk perception, with no significant effects of social cognitions at baseline.

Conclusions

Relationships between cognitions and behaviours vary according to the temporal resolution of the measurement schedule. Ensuring that the temporal resolution of assessment is appropriate for the temporal dynamics of the behaviour being assessed is important. Future research is needed to investigate the potential for leveraging specific cognitive processes depending on temporal importance in order to increase health‐promoting behaviours.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Social cognitions including intentions, risk perception, and self‐efficacy have been observed to predict smoking.

Little is known about the role of time in the cognition–behaviour relationship.

Cognitions have been observed to fluctuate, but instability is typically not considered in research design.

What does this study add?

Daily measurement of social cognitions predicts behaviour better than measurements taken at baseline.

Momentary smoking behaviour is predicted by momentary cognitions at the intra‐individual level.

Temporal resolution of measurement should be considered when investigating cognition–behaviour relationships.
Remote ischemic conditioning for the treatment of ischemic moyamoya disease
Authors: Ding Jia‐yue , Shang Shu‐ling , Sun Zhi‐shan , Asmaro Karam , Li Wei‐li , Yang Qi , Ding Yu‐chuan , Ji Xun‐ming , Meng Ran
Published: December 2019

Aims

This study investigated the safety and efficacy of remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) on ameliorating the sequelae of ischemic moyamoya disease (iMMD).

Methods

A total of 30 iMMD patients underwent long‐term RIC and were followed up at 0.5, 1, and 2 years for clinical outcomes, including frequency of stroke recurrence, Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale, peak systolic velocities (PSV), and cerebral perfusion.

Results

During the whole RIC treatment process, no RIC‐related adverse event occurred. Only one of 30 patients suffered a onetime infarction (3.3%), and the ratios of acceptable PGIC were 88.2%, 64.3%, and 92.3% at 0.5, 1, and 2 years follow‐up. Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed the frequency of stroke recurrence was significantly reduced after RIC (P = .013). The frequency of TIA per week was 1.1 (0.6, 2.8) prior to RIC and 0.1 (0.0, 0.5) post‐RIC (P < .01). Compared to baseline, PSV values were significantly reduced after RIC treatment (P = .002 at 0.5, P = .331 at 1, and P = .006 at 2 years). In patients undergoing perfusion studies, 75% obtained improvement on followed‐up SPECT and 95% on followed‐up PET maps.

Conclusions

Remote ischemic conditioning may be beneficial on controlling iMMD‐induced ischemic events, relieving symptoms, and improving cerebral perfusion, without incidence of complications in this case series.
Modelling species distributions limited by geographical barriers: A case study with African and American primates
Authors: Aliaga‐Samanez Alisa , Real Raimundo , Vermeer Jan , Olivero Jesús
Published: December 2019

Aim

The boundaries of species distributions are often shaped by natural barriers, such as mountains and rivers, but species distribution models usually fail to include these constraints. We tested several approaches that include barriers as explanatory variables in species distribution models.

Location

Africa and South America.

Time period

Current.

Major taxa studied

Primates.

Methods

We modelled the ranges of pairs of species separated by a river, taking into account three explanatory components: the environment (ecosystems, topohydrography, climate and human pressure), the spatial structure shaped by history and population dynamics (using a trend‐surface approach) and rivers as naturals barriers to dispersal (using a binary cis–trans variable that describes both sides of the river). To assess how the addition of a spatial structure and the barrier could improve distribution models, we used a nested approach by comparing models based on: (a) the environment; (b) the environment and the spatial structure; and (c) the environment, the spatial structure and the river. These models were constructed using favourability functions.

Results

There was a decreased occurrence of high‐favourability values on the opposite side of the rivers in models that included the spatial structure of distributions compared with models based on the environment alone. This decrease was more marked when the description of the spatial structure was made more flexible. However, model performance was significantly improved by the inclusion of cis–trans variables that identified areas on the opposite side as totally unfavourable.

Main conclusions

The performance of distribution models can be improved by the use of approaches that describe barriers. Although adding the location of geographical units in relationship to a river appears to be the most accurate way to define the presence of a barrier, defining this variable may be challenging. A suitable alternative is to analyse the spatial structure of distributions using a flexible approach.
Mapping careful epidemiology: Spatialities, materialities, and subjectivities in the management of animal disease
Authors: Enticott Gareth , Ward Kim
Published: December 2019

As a geographical tool, epidemiology represents a distinct way of seeing and knowing disease. Used as a governmental rationality to control animal disease, changes in epidemiological practice have been understood as technological evolutions. In doing so, however, this view disguises the “messy realities” of epidemiology, the relationship between different epidemiological practices, and the work required to make epidemiology “matter.” Drawing on a case study of the management of bovine tuberculosis in England and Wales, the paper examines how epidemiological practices are developed, replaced, and contested. By focusing on practices of epidemiological record keeping and mapping, the paper argues that epidemiology arranges different spatialities, materialities, and subjectivities in order to enact the presence of animal disease. The paper tracks changes to these arrangements over time, showing how they seek to redefine the appropriate people, places, and practices that allow disease to be seen. In doing so, however, the paper shows how versions of epidemiology deposit “residues of practice” that influence how new epidemiological arrangements are received and negotiated in use. A central theme to these negotiations is an attempt to accommodate complexity by employing a caring and/or careful approach to epidemiology, as revealed through the practices of “re‐recording” and “re‐mapping.” Whilst this demonstrates the contextual and in‐situ nature of epidemiology, highlighting the contribution of a caring/careful epidemiology also serves to make these practices relevant for future iterations of epidemiological practice by making them “matter.”
High blood pressure in dementia: How low can we go?
Authors: Turana Yuda , Tengkawan Jeslyn , Chia Yook‐Chin , Teo Boon Wee , Shin Jinho , Sogunuru Guru Prasad , Soenarta Arieska Ann , Minh Huynh Van , Buranakitjaroen Peera , Chen Chen‐Huan , Nailes Jennifer , Hoshide Satoshi , Park Sungha , Siddique Saulat , Sison Jorge , Sukonthasarn Apichard , Tay Jam Chin , Wang Tzung‐Dau , Verma Narsingh , Zhang Yu‐Qing , Wang Ji‐Guang , Kario Kazuomi
Published: December 2019

Hypertension is an important public health concern. The prevalence keeps increasing, and it is a risk factor for several adverse health outcomes including a decline in cognitive function. Recent data also show that the prevalence of hypertension and age‐related dementia is rising in Asian countries, including in the oldest old group. This study aims to discuss possible treatments for high blood pressure in the elderly and propose an optimal target for BP relative to cognitive outcomes. This review discusses several studies on related blood pressure treatments that remain controversial and the consequences if the treatment target is too low or aggressive. Longitudinal, cross‐sectional, and RCT studies were included in this review. An optimum systolic blood pressure of 120‐130 mm Hg is recommended, especially in nondiabetic hypertensive patients with significant risk factors. In the oldest old group of patients, hypertension might have a protective effect. The use of calcium channel blockers (CCB) and angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) is independently associated with a decreased risk of dementia in older people. However, personalized care for patients with hypertension, especially for patients who are frail or very old, is encouraged.
Experience of a ‘Screen and treat’ program for secondary prevention of cervical cancer in Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Shikha Srivastava , Smita Joshi , Nayanjeet Chaudhury , Ruchi Pathak , Parul Saxena , Uma Mahajan , Shubhra Trivedi , Phillip George , Pritpal Marjara
Published: December 2019

Aim

Considering the burden of cervical cancer in India, innovative approaches are needed to improve coverage of cervical cancer screening.

Methods

From May 2014 to January 2017, we implemented a project in 10 cities in Uttar Pradesh, India using World Health Organization‐recommended ‘screen and treat’ approach for cervical cancer prevention. We involved private practitioners (obstetricians and gynecologists and general practitioners) in these cities to provide affordable cervical cancer screening to women mobilized by our community health workers. A pilot phase was implemented in three cities during May 2014 and December 2015 and the project was scaled‐up to additional seven cities between January 2016 and January 2017.

Results

A total of 100 836 women aged between 30 and 60 years were screened with visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) of which 5477 (5.4%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.29, 5.57) were VIA positive. Treatment with cryotherapy was given to 3735 (68.2%, 95% CI 66.96, 69.43) women. In the three cities that piloted the program, VIA positivity rates significantly declined from 6.6% (95% CI 6.31, 6.84) to 4.0% (95% CI 3.82, 4.24) during the scale‐up phase (P < 0.0001) and the rates of cryotherapy significantly increased from 66.8% (95% CI 64.78, 68.77) to 76.7% (95% CI 74.42, 78.96) (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

We observed a significant decline in the VIA positivity rates during the scale‐up phase in the three cities that participated in the pilot phase. We have reported successful engagement of private practitioners to provide affordable cervical cancer screening and it is possible to replicate it in other states in India as well.
Plasma metabolite biomarkers of boiled and filtered coffee intake and their association with type 2 diabetes risk
Authors: Shi L. , Brunius C. , Johansson I. , Bergdahl I.A. , Rolandsson O. , van Guelpen B. , Winkvist A. , Hanhineva K. , Landberg R.
Published: December 2019

Background

Habitual coffee intake has been associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D), but few studies used biomarkers to reflect intake and investigated different coffee brews, that is boiled and filtered, separately.

Objectives

To identify plasma metabolites associated with boiled or filtered coffee intake and to examine their association with T2D risk in Swedish adults.

Methods

In a case–control study nested within the Västerbotten Intervention Programme, baseline plasma samples from 421 case–control pairs and samples from a subset of 149 pairs at a 10‐year follow‐up were analysed using untargeted LC‐MS metabolomics. We identified metabolites associated with food frequency questionnaires (FFQ)‐estimated coffee intake and assessed odds ratios of T2D.

Results

In total, 24 and 32 metabolites were associated with boiled or filtered coffee intake. We determined robust metabolite panels for highly specific prediction of boiled or filtered coffee. We observed an inverse association between the metabolite panel of filtered coffee and T2D risk. No association with T2D was observed for the panel of boiled coffee intake. Similar results were observed for FFQ‐estimated coffee intake.

Conclusions

We identified plasma metabolites specifically associated with boiled or filtered coffee intake, which might be used as selective biomarkers. Our study supports a protective role of habitual intake of filtered coffee on T2D development. The lack of association for boiled coffee intake might be due to the lack of a protective effect of boiled coffee or due to the limited number of boiled coffee consumers in this population, but it warrants further investigation.
Gender Differences in Socio‐ecological Determinants of Alcohol Use Among Hispanic Adolescents
Authors: Jacobs Wura , Barry Adam E. , Merianos Ashley L. , Becker Kelsi J. , Valente Thomas W.
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Compared to other racial groups, Hispanic/Latino(a) adolescents experience higher rates of alcohol (ab)use and alcohol‐related problems. Evidence suggests there are gender differences in alcohol use patterns indicating the likelihood of gender differences in how various determinants influence alcohol use among the genders. Assessing the mechanisms that contribute to Hispanic adolescents' alcohol use requires an understanding of the multidimensional social and environmental processes that operate together to impact their alcohol use. In this study, we examined socio‐ecological determinants of Hispanic adolescent alcohol use by gender.

METHODS

Data from 10th grade Hispanic/Latino(a) students (N = 781) from four high schools in Los Angeles were used to examine associations between socio‐ecological characteristics and adolescent alcohol use by gender.

RESULTS

Overall, 37.5% of participants reported past 30‐day alcohol use. Among boys, alcohol use was associated with intrapersonal (not qualifying for reduced lunch), interpersonal (mother's education and peer drinking), and institutional (alcohol‐prone school club membership) determinants. Among girls, alcohol use was associated with intrapersonal (academic achievement) and interpersonal (parent and peer alcohol use behavior) determinants.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevention and intervention efforts need to take into consideration the gender differences in social‐ecological risk and protective factors when designing educational or intervention programs and services targeted at Hispanic adolescents. This is crucial to addressing multi‐component factors that influence their substance use behavior.
Echocardiographic and biomarker evidence of plasma volume expansion after short‐term steroids administered orally in cats
Authors: Block Chloё L. , Oyama Mark A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Steroids administered PO and intramuscularly are associated with development of congestive heart failure in cats without prior signs of heart disease, but criteria to identify cats at increased risk for steroid‐induced heart failure are not established.

Hypothesis

Cats administered steroids PO for 5 to 7 days will develop increased N terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) concentration and heart size.

Animals

Ten client‐owned cats.

Methods

Observational cohort study. Cats intended to initiate at least a 5‐day course of steroids administered PO were consecutively recruited.

Results

Steroids administered PO to cats are not associated with differences in absolute concentration of NT‐proBNP (baseline: 49 pmol/L [range, 24‐1013]; after steroids: 85 pmol/L [range, 46‐1367]; P = .23), blood pressure (baseline: 145 mm Hg [range, 116‐163]; after steroids: 145 mm Hg [range, 115‐230]; P = .94), nor blood glucose concentration (baseline: 125 mg/dL [range, 92‐254]; after steroids: 144 mg/dL [range, 114‐307]; P = .43), but are associated with increased median left atrial dimension (baseline: 1.26 cm [range, 0.96‐2.03; after steroids: 1.38 [range, 1.03‐2.20]; P = .02) and mean left ventricular internal diameter (baseline: 1.55 cm [standard deviation—SD, 0.28; after steroids: 1.72 cm [SD, 0.28]; P = .03). Six of 10 (60%) cats had a percentile change in NT‐proBNP >60% after steroids, and 3 of 8 (38%) cats with baseline BNP <100 pmol/L had an NT‐proBNP >100 pmol/L after steroids.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Increased heart size and percentage change in individual NT‐proBNP concentration suggests plasma volume expansion secondary to steroids administered PO in cats. A serial assessment of an individual cat's change in NT‐proBNP might be clinically useful for judging risk for volume expansion.
Whistleblowing vs. Random Audit: An Experimental Test of Relative Efficiency
Authors: Bazart Cécile , Beaud Mickael , Dubois Dimitri
Published: December 2019

This paper reports an experimental test of the relative efficiency of a whistleblowing‐based audit scheme compared to a random‐based audit scheme. We design a between‐subjects laboratory experiment with two treatments: a benchmark with a random‐based audit scheme and an alternative treatment in which taxpayers can blow the whistle. Compared to the benchmark, the whistleblowing‐based audit scheme (i) improves the targeting of evaders, (ii) decreases the monetary amount of tax evasion, and (iii) raises the tax levy.
Contribution of animal studies to migraine research
Authors: Shibata Mamoru
Published: December 2019

The pathophysiology of migraine is still largely unknown. Since migraine is a paroxysmal functional disorder without established biomarkers, it is extremely hard to capture migraine‐related abnormalities in a tangible manner. There have been numerous attempts to recapitulate disease processes relevant to migraine using animal disease models. By combining scientific data from human studies with those from animal experiments, researchers have been trying to elucidate the pathophysiology of migraine little by little, and such endeavors also contributed to the development of novel therapy. In the past, migraine was considered purely as a vascular disease. However, histological studies on trigeminal nerves innervating the cranial structures in combination with the discovery of neuropeptides, such as calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), and the trigeminal fibers innervating the dura mater were found to play a pivotal role in the development of headache. Cortical spreading depolarization/depression (CSD) is defined as a wave of abrupt and sustained near‐complete breakdown of transmembrane ion gradient and mass depolarization concentrically spreading at ∼2‐3 mm/min in the genetic mutations relevant to familial hemiplegic migraine illustrated the importance of ion homeostasis in determining the threshold of CSD occurrence and the metabolic burden on the brain tissue incurred from CSD. In typical migraine aura attacks, aura is experienced prior to the headache phase. Animal studies have provided scientific basis that explains this unique temporal relationship between aura and headache. Despite many limitations, there is no doubt that animal experiments are indispensable for advancing migraine research.
Are long working hours associated with weight‐related outcomes? A meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Zhu Yi , Liu Jianxin , Jiang Heng , Brown Tracey J. , Tian Qingfeng , Yang Yudi , Wang Chao , Xu Hongbin , Liu Junan , Gan Yong , Lu Zuxun
Published: December 2019

The relationship between long working hours and body weight outcomes remains inconclusive; thus, we conducted a meta‐analysis to assess the effect of long working hours on weight‐related outcomes. PubMed and Embase databases were searched from their inception to June 2019. A random‐effects model was used to assess the pooled odds ratio (OR) and corresponding confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated by the Begg's and Egger's tests. A total of 29 articles involving 374 863 participants were included. The pooled OR of long working hours on weight‐related outcomes was 1.13 (95% CI, 1.07‐1.19). In subgroup analysis stratified by definition of outcomes, the pooled ORs of long working hours on “weight gain/BMI increase,” “BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2,” and “BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2” were 1.19 (95% CI, 1.02‐1.40), 1.07 (95% CI, 1.00‐1.14), and 1.23 (95% CI, 1.09‐1.39), respectively. We found evidence of publication bias, but correction for this bias using the trim‐and‐fill method did not alter the combined OR substantially. There was evidence to suggest that long working hours are associated with adverse weight‐related outcomes. Preventative interventions such as improved flexibility and healthy working schedules should be established for employees.
Maternal experiences of caring for a child with a ventricular assist device
Authors: DiFusco Leigh Ann , Saylor Jennifer L. , Schell Kathleen A.
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of maternal experiences of caring for their child with a VAD at home as a bridge to transplant. A descriptive, qualitative study was conducted via telephone‐recorded guided interviews. Participants were caring for or had a child with a VAD between 4 and 16 years old. Data collection occurred over a 12‐month period. Using the snowball sampling technique, a purposeful sample of mothers (n = 6) was consented and completed the interview. The data were analyzed using an iterative process of thematic analysis. Five themes emerged: physical modifications, the loss of independence, the emotional rollercoaster, support from others, and transitions on and off the device. We introduced new evidence about sleep, contraception, and heart transplantation, and how VAD therapy impacts childhood development. The mean duration of VAD support was 263 ± 170 days. Five children had heart transplants by the time of interview. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study in the US that explores maternal experiences of caring for a child who is living at home with a VAD. VAD therapy is a novel approach to managing advanced heart failure among children and presents unique challenges when caring for them at home. Results provide insight into the education, physical environment, and support needed by parents.
Transplant renal artery stenosis in a child with BK nephropathy
Authors: Mannemuddhu Sudha , Pekkucuksen Naile , Bush Rachel , Johns Felicia , Upadhyay Kiran
Published: December 2019

TRAS and BK nephropathy are known complications of RT, but the association between both has not been reported. A 2‐year‐old girl underwent a deceased donor renal transplant from a 20‐year‐old donor, along with bilateral native nephrectomies. She had a DGF due to a renal artery thrombus and required thrombectomy with re‐anastomosis. Heparin and aspirin were used. Immunosuppressive agents included thymoglobulin, steroid, tacrolimus, and MMF. CMV and EBV DNA PCRs were negative, but she developed BK viremia at 2 months with stable allograft function. Immunosuppression was reduced, and leflunomide was initiated. Blood pressures were well controlled on low‐dose amlodipine. Five months after RT, she presented with hypertensive emergency, following a respiratory infection, and required dialysis for oliguric acute kidney injury. Allograft biopsy showed evidence of BK nephropathy. Immunosuppression was further minimized. Doppler renal US and renal artery duplex studies were both suggestive of TRAS. Angiogram showed severe proximal anastomotic TRAS (>95% occlusion). PTA with stenting was done with immediate improvement in the blood flow and reduction in the pressure gradient. BPs and renal function normalized. Ten months post‐RT, she remains normotensive with stable renal function and resolution of BK viremia. Although ureteral stenosis and nephropathy are known to occur with BK infection, TRAS is an interesting association and possibly suggest the tropism of BK virus to the vascular endothelial cells. Timely recognition and management of both is important to prevent uncontrolled hypertension and allograft dysfunction.
The condensin subunits SMC2 and SMC4 interact for correct condensation and segregation of mitotic maize chromosomes
Authors: Wang Hefei , Liu Yang , Yuan Jing , Zhang Jing , Han Fangpu
Published: December 2019

Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes 2 (SMC2) and Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes 4 (SMC4) are the core components of the condensin complexes, which are required for chromosome assembly and faithful segregation during cell division. Because of the crucial functions of both proteins in cell division, much work has been done in various vertebrates, but little information is known about their roles in plants. Here, we identified ZmSMC2 and ZmSMC4 in maize (Zea mays) and confirmed that ZmSMC2 associates with ZmSMC4 via their hinge domains. Immunostaining revealed that both proteins showed dynamic localization during mitosis. ZmSMC2 and ZmSMC4 are essential for proper chromosome segregation and for H3 phosphorylation at Serine 10 (H3S10ph) at pericentromeres during mitotic division. The loss of function of ZmSMC2 and ZmSMC4 enlarges mitotic chromosome volume and impairs sister chromatid separation to the opposite poles. Taken together, these findings confirm and extend the coordinated role of ZmSMC2 and ZmSMC4 in maintenance of normal chromosome architecture and accurate segregation during mitosis.
Faeces as a novel material to estimate lyssavirus prevalence in bat populations
Authors: Begeman Lineke , Kooi Engbert A. , van Weezep Erik , van de Bildt Marco W. G. , Reusken Chantal B. E. M. , Lina Peter H. C. , Koopmans Marion P. G. , van den Brand Judith M. A. , Kuiken Thijs
Published: December 2019

Rabies is caused by infection with a lyssavirus. Bat rabies is of concern for both public health and bat conservation. The current method for lyssavirus prevalence studies in bat populations is by oral swabbing, which is invasive for the bats, dangerous for handlers, time‐consuming and expensive. In many situations, such sampling is not feasible, and hence, our understanding of epidemiology of bat rabies is limited. Faeces are usually easy to collect from bat colonies without disturbing the bats and thus could be a practical and feasible material for lyssavirus prevalence studies. To further explore this idea, we performed virological analysis on faecal pellets and oral swabs of seven serotine bats (Eptesicus serotinus) that were positive for European bat 1 lyssavirus in the brain. We also performed immunohistochemical and virological analyses on digestive tract samples of these bats to determine potential sources of lyssavirus in the faeces. We found that lyssavirus detection by RT‐qPCR was nearly as sensitive in faecal pellets (6/7 bats positive, 86%) as in oral swabs (7/7 bats positive, 100%). The likely source of lyssavirus in the faeces was virus excreted into the oral cavity from the salivary glands (5/6 bats positive by immunohistochemistry and RT‐qPCR) or tongue (3/4 bats positive by immunohistochemistry) and swallowed with saliva. Virus could not be isolated from any of the seven faecal pellets, suggesting the lyssavirus detected in faeces is not infectious. Lyssavirus detection in the majority of faecal pellets of infected bats shows that this novel material should be further explored for lyssavirus prevalence studies in bats.
Genre-based Analysis of Travel Guides: A Study on Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines
Authors: Alali Bashar Abdulkareem , Mohamad Ali Afiza , Mohamad Ali Afida
Published: December 2019

The language of travel guides can help highlight the importance of modelling the mind of the readers and changing them from readers to actual clients. This paper reports a genre- based analysis study of a move-structure of online tourist travel guides of three Asian countries: Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines. Kathpalia’s nine-move structure (1992) for advertising is adopted as a framework to analyse the selected travel guides using Atlas ti (a qualitative data analysis software). Data selection is based on the latest edition of Asian online travel guides. The main purposes of this study are to analyze the move structures, their strategies and communicative purposes, identify the prevalent move(s) in the selected travel guides, as well as to find out whether the selected travel guides have the same move structures. The findings of this study show that the travel guides have different quantity of moves. The prevalent moves in these three travel guides were also identified. Results highlight the diversity and strategies of moves in the online travel guides which are related to the nature of the country, perception and aims of the writer to promote or persuade readers. A brief discussion on these categories, and teaching implications follow these findings.
The Effect of Instructing Multi-word Verbs on EAP Learners’ Presentation Skills: A Comparison with Native Academic Presentations
Authors: Salmani Nahla , Alipour Mohammad
Published: December 2019

This study attempted to examine the effect of instructing multi-word verbs on intermediate EAP learners’ presentations compared to native English speakers’ academic presentations. To fulfill this end, 15 EAP learners were selected and delivered on presentation before and one after seven teaching sessions. Moreover, 15 native academic presentations were downloaded from YouTube. All the presentations were transcribed and then multi-word verbs were classified according to the coding measures presented by Biber at al. (1999) and Quirk et al. (1985) to disambiguate between the three chosen sub-categories of the study (phrasal verbs, prepositional verbs, phrasal prepositional verbs). The results obtained from this investigation reveal that there are significant differences in using multi-word verbs in natives and learners’ presentations after treatment in terms of the preferred order, polysemy usage and the frequency. Although EAP learners were able to improve their use of these verbs in many aspects, they still differed from natives with respect to the preferred types and polysemous meanings of the verbs. The findings of this study have implications for EAP speaking classes, teachers, and learners.