bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-series depression: scale development and validation
Authors: Kottasz Rita , Bennett Roger , Randell Tom
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the development and validation of a scale for measuring “post-series depression” (PSD), a concept that describes the feelings of melancholy and longing that can occur when an individual’s all-consuming film or screen product comes to an end. Although largely ignored by academic research in the arts and leisure (A&L) domain, PSD has received wide coverage in grey literature concerning the termination of certain film or TV series.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory interviews were conducted with fans of a range of A&L products. Questionnaire surveys then examined the relationships between PSD, nostalgia and emptiness, and between PSD, binge-watching and compulsive consumption.

Findings

A 15-item scale to measure PSD was developed and its reliability demonstrated.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted within an A&L context. It only examined the abovementioned variables and no other potentially relevant psychological and behavioural considerations (e.g. audience involvement, narcissism and social anxiety).

Practical implications

The scale will be useful for investigating the marketing implications of fanship and its connections with addictive behaviour. It will help marketers when segmenting A&L markets, in understanding how to extend the period during which audiences purchase screen product-related memorabilia and to know how to market binge-watching-related items (e.g. box sets, clothing, books, theatre tickets and film studio visits).

Originality/value

This paper provides a rigorous examination of the concept of PSD and presents a scale for its measurement.
Police corruption and its control in the Philippines
Authors: Batalla Eric Vincent Celestial
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse police corruption in the Philippines and to assess measures to control it.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper identifies the causes of police corruption and assesses anti-corruption measures adopted by the Philippine National Police and other agencies. The paper utilizes surveys, interviews, reported cases and official documents to determine the extent of police corruption, identify its causes and assess the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures.

Findings

Police corruption is systemic in the Philippines. Political and economic circumstances, both historical and contemporary, combined with weak internal controls and other inadequate anti-corruption measures perpetuate systemic police corruption.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the academic literature on police corruption in the Philippines. It would be of interest to policymakers, scholars, as well as anti-corruption and development practitioners who are involved in institutional and governance reforms.
The determinants of food waste behavior in young consumers in a developing country
Authors: Bhatti Sabeen Hussain , Saleem Farida , Zakariya Ramsha , Ahmad Amna
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Every year a huge amount of food is wasted from food production till its consumption. The activity of food wastage has become a daily routine practice and a huge portion of this loss is contributed by the consumers all around the world. With a total estimated population of 207.7m, 64 percent of the population of Pakistan is below the age of 30. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that affect young consumer’s food waste behavior in a developing country context.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected in the month of Ramadan and Eid primarily by means of a web-based questionnaire. A two-step approach of structural equation modeling was used as a data analysis technique.

Findings

The findings of this research confirm the hypothesis that environmental concern and time pressure influence the attitude toward food waste reduction. The results further reveal that although attitude and injunctive norms lead toward higher intentions to reduce food waste, moral norms and perceived behavioral control do not significantly impact this intent.

Practical implications

This study contributes toward understanding the behavior of consumers in order to ensure the provision and execution of food waste prevention campaigns. This study has implications for policy makers and decision makers, and other stakeholders responsible for food waste reduction and environmental protection. Besides, social campaigns can be developed based on the results of this study, so as to improve the habits related to food wastage in consumers. Finally, the findings are beneficial to academics and scholars that are presently working on factors related to consumer behavior toward food waste.

Originality/value

Food waste behavior in young consumers from developing countries in general and from Pakistan in particular has not been analyzed before. The present study aims at analyzing some of the important predecessors of food waste behavior and thus it significantly adds to the existing body of knowledge of consumer behavior toward food waste.
Effect of supply chain technology internalization and e-procurement on supply chain performance
Authors: Pattanayak Durgesh , Punyatoya Plavini
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how e-procurement (EP) and supply chain technology internalization (SCTI) influence supply chain performance (SCP) through supply chain integration (SCI).

Design/methodology/approach

This research analyzed 214 survey responses from project managers who have prior experience in the field of supply chain management. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results show that EP and SCTI positively influence SCI and SCP. The effects of EP and SCTI on SCP are found to be mediated by SCI in the context for the construction industry.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies should focus on quantitative measures of SCP like budget overrun, supply chain efficiency and project success. Further research can be done through the exploration of moderating interactions of the proposed model.

Practical implications

First, the study highlights the importance of SCTI. Supply chain managers should first focus on effective utilization of different technologies used to support supply chain. Second, the research gives the guidelines to the supply chain managers and project managers about the benefits of EP. They should focus on proper implementation of EP in their organizations.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by proposing and testing the influences of EP and SCTI on SCI. This allows a strategic viewpoint when implementing SCTI, EP systems and SCI, intended to improve SCP.
Innoterms: a conceptual typology of attitudes that influence the implementation of adopted management innovations
Authors: November Eben David
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Aims to develop a typology of employee attitudes toward the introduction of externally sourced management innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

Draws on reflection upon personal experience and conceptual reasoning to develop the innoterms typology.

Findings

This paper suggests that addressing innoterms is integral to the successful implementation of externally sourced management innovations.

Originality/value

This paper provides a valuable framework for decision-makers to consider before the implementation of management innovations.
Household resilience to climate change hazards in Uganda
Authors: Oriangi George , Albrecht Frederike , Di Baldassarre Giuliano , Bamutaze Yazidhi , Mukwaya Paul Isolo , Ardö Jonas , Pilesjö Petter
Published: November 2019

Purpose

As climate change shocks and stresses increasingly affect urban areas in developing countries, resilience is imperative for the purposes of preparation, recovery and adaptation. This study aims to investigate demographic characteristics and social networks that influence the household capacity to prepare, recover and adapt when faced with prolonged droughts or erratic rainfall events in Mbale municipality in Eastern Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional research design was used to elicit subjective opinions. Previous studies indicate the importance of subjective approaches for measuring social resilience but their use has not been well explored in the context of quantifying urban resilience to climate change shocks and stresses. This study uses 389 structured household interviews to capture demographic characteristics, social networks and resilience capacities. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis.

Findings

The ability of low-income households to meet their daily expenditure needs, household size, and networks with relatives and non government organizations (NGOs) were significant determinants of preparedness, recovery and adaptation to prolonged droughts or erratic rainfall events.

Practical implications

The results imply that policymakers and practitioners have an important role vis-à-vis encouraging activities that boost the ability of households to meet their daily expenditure needs, promoting small household size and reinforcing social networks that enhance household resilience.

Originality/value

Even the low-income households are substantially more likely to prepare for and recover from prolonged droughts or erratic rainfall events if they can meet their daily expenditure needs. This finding is noteworthy because the poorest in society are generally the most vulnerable to hazards.
Optimal automatic path planner and design for high redundancy robotic systems
Authors: Tavares Pedro , Marques Daniel , Malaca Pedro , Veiga Germano , Costa Pedro , Moreira António P.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

In the vast majority of the individual robot installations, the robot arm is just one piece of a complex puzzle of components, such as grippers, jigs or external axis, that together compose an industrial robotic cell. The success of such installations is very dependent not only on the selection of such components but also on the layout and design of the final robotic cell, which are the main tasks of the system integrators. Consequently, successful robot installations are often empirical tasks owing to the high number of experimental combinations that could lead to exhaustive and time-consuming testing approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

A newly developed optimized technique to deal with automatic planning and design of robotic systems is proposed and tested in this paper.

Findings

The application of a genetic-based algorithm achieved optimal results in short time frames and improved the design of robotic work cells. Here, the authors show that a multi-layer optimization approach, which can be validated using a robotic tool, is able to help with the design of robotic systems.

Practical implications

The usage of the proposed approach can be valuable to industrial corporations, as it allows for improved workflows, maximization of available robotic operations and improvement of efficiency.

Originality/value

To date, robotic solutions lack flexibility to cope with the demanding industrial environments. The results presented here formalize a new flexible and modular approach, which can provide optimal solutions throughout the different stages of design and execution control of any work cell.
A longitudinal study of audit quality differences among independent auditors
Authors: Tran Manh Dung , Khairi Khairil Faizal , Laili Nur Hidayah
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the differences of audit quality of financial statements among auditors, including Big 4 and non-Big 4 auditors.

Design/methodology/approach

By employing cross-sectional analysis of compliance (a proxy of audit quality) of goodwill impairment testing of listed firms in the context of Hong Kong, the variation of audit quality of financial statements of auditees has been shown.

Findings

Audit quality of Big 4 auditors is viewed to be higher than that of non-Big 4 audit firms and the homogeneity of audit quality among Big 4 auditors is not long accepted, but variation.

Practical implications

Even though unqualified opinions have been given on the auditors’ reports, the quality of financial statements audit is a skeptical issue because of the high level of non-compliance of goodwill impairment testing under International Financial Reporting Standards.

Originality/value

This study does emphasize the higher audit quality of financial statements of Big 4 auditors than that of non-Big 4 auditors and stresses the variation of audit quality among Big 4 auditors.
Intracellular survival and innate immune evasion of Burkholderia cepacia: Improved understanding of quorum sensing‐controlled virulence factors, biofilm, and inhibitors
Authors: Ganesh Pitchaipillai Sankar , Vishnupriya Sivakumar , Vadivelu Jamuna , Mariappan Vanitha , Vellasamy Kumutha M. , Shankar Esaki M.
Published: November 2019

Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) are opportunistic pathogens implicated with nosocomial infections, and high rates of morbidity and mortality, especially in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). B. cepacia are naturally resistant to different classes of antibiotics, and can subvert the host innate immune responses by producing quorum sensing (QS) controlled virulence factors and biofilms. It still remains a conundrum as to how exactly the bacterium survives the intracellular environment within the host cells of CF patients and immunocompromised individuals although the bacterium can invade human lung epithelial cells, neutrophils, and murine macrophages. The mechanisms associated with intracellular survival in the airway epithelial cells and the role of QS and virulence factors in B. cepacia infections in cystic fibrosis remain largely unclear. The current review focuses on understanding the role of QS‐controlled virulence factors and biofilms, and provides additional impetus to understanding the potentials of QS‐inhibitory strategies against B. cepacia.
Niche separation within aerobic methanotrophic bacteria across lakes and its link to methane oxidation rates
Authors: Reis Paula C. J. , Thottathil Shoji D. , Ruiz‐González Clara , Prairie Yves T.
Published: November 2019

Lake methane (CH4) emissions are largely controlled by aerobic methane‐oxidizing bacteria (MOB) which mostly belong to the classes Alpha‐ and Gammaproteobacteria (Alpha‐ and Gamma‐MOB). Despite the known metabolic and ecological differences between the two MOB groups, their main environmental drivers and their relative contribution to CH4 oxidation rates across lakes remain unknown. Here, we quantified the two MOB groups through CARD‐FISH along the water column of six temperate lakes and during incubations in which we measured ambient CH4 oxidation rates. We found a clear niche separation of Alpha‐ and Gamma‐MOB across lake water columns, which is mostly driven by oxygen concentration. Gamma‐MOB appears to dominate methanotrophy throughout the water column, but Alpha‐MOB may also be an important player particularly in well‐oxygenated bottom waters. The inclusion of Gamma‐MOB cell abundance improved environmental models of CH4 oxidation rate, explaining part of the variation that could not be explained by environmental factors alone. Altogether, our results show that MOB composition is linked to CH4 oxidation rates in lakes and that information on the MOB community can help predict CH4 oxidation rates and thus emissions from lakes.
Risk of vaginal cancer among hysterectomised women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: a population‐based national cohort study
Authors: Alfonzo Emilia , Holmberg Erik , Sparén Pär , Milsom Ian , Strander Björn
Published: November 2019

Objective

To study the risk of vaginal cancer among hysterectomised women with and without cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).

Design

Population‐based national cohort study.

Setting and population

All Swedish women, 5 million in total, aged 20 and up, 1987–2011 using national registries.

Methods

The study cohort was subdivided into four exposure groups: hysterectomised with no previous history of CIN3 and without prevalent CIN at hysterectomy; hysterectomised with a history of CIN3/adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS); hysterectomised with prevalent CIN at hysterectomy; non‐hysterectomised.

Main outcome measure

Vaginal cancer.

Results

We identified 898 incident cases of vaginal cancer. Women with prevalent CIN at hysterectomy and those with a history of CIN3/AIS had incidence rates (IR) of vaginal cancer of 51.3 (95% CI 34.4–76.5) and 17.1 (95% CI 12.5–23.4) per 100 000, respectively. Age‐adjusted IR‐ratios (IRRs) compared with hysterectomised women with benign cervical history were 21.0 (95% CI 13.4–32.9) and 5.81 (95% CI 4.00–8.43), respectively. IR for non‐hysterectomised women was 0.87 (95% CI 0.81–0.93) and IRR was 0.37 (95% CI 0.30–0.46). In hysterectomised women with prevalent CIN, the IR remained high after 15 years of follow up: 65.7 (95% CI 21.2–203.6).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that hysterectomised women with prevalent CIN at surgery should be offered surveillance. Hysterectomised women without the studied risk factors have a more than doubled risk of contracting vaginal cancer compared with non‐hysterectomised women in the general population. Still, the incidence rate does not justify screening.

Tweetable abstract

High risk of contracting vaginal cancer among hysterectomised women having prevalent CIN at surgery.
Use and Understanding of the Role of Spontaneously Formed Nanocellulosic Fiber from Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) Residues to Improve Stability of Sterilized Coconut Milk
Authors: Kunchitwaranont Apimook , Chiewchan Naphaporn , Devahastin Sakamon
Published: November 2019

Feasibility of using nanocellulosic fiber (NF) from lime residues as a stabilizer for oil‐in‐water emulsion was investigated. One‐step process to simultaneously prepare an emulsion and NF is proposed. NF could spontaneously form by adding appropriately prepared fiber powder into the test emulsion viz. coconut milk, which was subsequently subject to homogenization and sterilization. Properties of the samples, that is, microstructure, rheological properties, emulsion stability, and color, after sterilization and after 8‐week storage at 30 °C were determined. Sterilized samples exhibited pseudoplastic behavior. Samples containing higher NF concentrations exhibited higher viscosity; viscosity remained constant throughout the whole storage period. High emulsion stabilities (>97%) were observed for samples containing 0.4 to 0.8% (w/v) of NF. L*, C*, and h* of the samples were 79 to 80, 8 to 10, and 90, respectively. Three‐dimensional network of NF (diameters < 50 nm) attached to fat globule surfaces formed during homogenization is postulated to help stabilize the emulsions.

Practical Application

One‐step process to simultaneously prepare oil‐in‐water emulsion as well as nanocellulosic fiber (NF) is proposed. Such a formed NF can serve as natural ingredient to stabilize the emulsion. The proposed procedures should be of great interest to an industry producing oil‐in‐water emulsions (for example, canned coconut milk) that is looking for a natural alternative to synthetic stabilizer.
α‐mangostin attenuates pristane‐induced lupus nephritis by regulating Th17 differentiation
Authors: Zhou Xiaoqing , Chen Huanpeng , Wei Fengjiao , Zhao Qingyu , Su Qiao , Lei Yu , Yin Meng , Tian Xuyan , Liu Zhonghua , Yu Bolan , Bai Chuan , He Xixin , Huang Zhaofeng
Published: November 2019

Aim

α‐mangostin, a polyphenolic xanthone derivative of mangosteen, has been reported to possess multiple therapeutic properties, such as anti‐cancer, anti‐allergy and anti‐inflammatory activity. However, its anti‐inflammatory effects in autoimmune diseases such as lupus nephritis (LN) remain unclear. In this study, we want to investigate the therapeutic effect of α‐mangostin in LN.

Methods

First, we elucidated the retinoic acid receptor related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt) inhibitory activity of α‐mangostin in cell‐based assay and T helper 17 (Th17) differentiation in vitro assay. Then, we established a pristane‐induced LN mouse model and randomly divided these into a normal control group, model control group, α‐mangostin group and prednisone acetate group. Finally, anti‐double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) level in serum was detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, interleukin (IL)‐17A and interferon (IFN)‐γ expression in spleen cells by flow cytometry; histomorphology examination of kidneys was performed by periodic acid‐Schiff staining and immunofluorescence analysis with an anti‐immunoglobulin G (anti‐IgG) and anti‐IgM antibodies.

Results

We found that α‐mangostin inhibited RORγt transcription activity in a cell‐based assay and also polarized Th17 cells in an in vitro induction experiment. Our results also showed that α‐mangostin could significantly decrease serum anti‐dsDNA antibody levels, IL‐17A and IFN‐γ expression and alleviate renal pathological damage in the α‐mangostin‐treated group mice than in the model group mice.

Conclusion

Thus, α‐mangostin demonstrated its potential as a candidate therapeutic drug for LN and other Th17‐mediated autoimmune diseases by inhibiting the function of Th17.
Osteonecrosis and spontaneous exfoliation of dental implants associated with oral bisphosphonate therapy: a case report
Authors: Rawal SY , Hilal G
Published: November 2019

Bisphosphonates (BPs) have long been used for the treatment of osteoporosis and diseases like bone malignancies, active Paget's disease of bone, severe osteogenesis imperfecta and fibrous dysplasia among others. They bond highly to the bone surface and inhibit bone resorption. As BPs have a long half‐life in bone because of their irreversible binding to bone, patients retain their risk profile even after drug cessation. This property also explains the complications wherein the cessation of bone resorption leads to halt in bone turnover. Usually with alendronate the risk of bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of jaw (BRONJ) wears off after 12 months. Reporting of the development of BRONJ is commonly associated with the intravenous BPs. Invasive surgical procedure associated with the placement of implants has been shown to be a major reason for the occurrence or initiation of BRONJ in susceptible patients. The prognosis of implants placed in the jaws of patients under or past BP medication is still uncertain. The present case report describes a patient on long‐term oral BP therapy with spontaneous exfoliation of implant supported bone due to osteonecrosis.
Medication use among older Australians seeking alcohol and other drug treatment
Authors: Bright Stephen , Milroy John , Walsh Katherine , Blatchford Emily
Published: November 2019

Objective

To describe the use of medications that interact with alcohol or for which alcohol reduces the medication's efficacy in older adults consuming alcohol at hazardous levels.

Method

Retrospective file audit of patients discharged from Australia's only older adult‐specific alcohol and other drug treatment service.

Results

Seventy‐two patients aged between 58 years and 87 years (M = 65.88; SD = 5.67) drinking alcohol at hazardous or harmful levels were taking between 1 and 12 pharmaceutical drugs (M = 4.03; SD = 2.42). The majority (92%) of patients were taking at least one medication that placed them at high risk of serious adverse side effects when consumed with alcohol. The efficacy of most patients’ (97%) medication was deemed to be significantly reduced when consumed with alcohol.

Conclusions

Among older adults who consume alcohol at hazardous levels, many take prescribed medications that adversely interact with alcohol or have reduced efficacy when consumed alongside alcohol. Targeted education is required for patients and health‐care workers to mitigate these risks.
Monopoly and Anti‐Monopoly in China Today
Authors: Huang Yi
Published: November 2019

For three decades after liberation in 1949, the Chinese economy consisted almost entirely of state monopolies. Economic reforms, starting in 1979, sought to increase the efficiency of the economy by introducing competitive practices in many sectors of the economy. But the Chinese economy has been partially administered by the state for over two millennia. As a result, both state‐managed and private monopolies are still an intrinsic part of the Chinese economy today. Despite two decades of anti‐monopoly reforms, state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) continue to dominate key sectors of the economy, particularly in resource extraction and financial services. The government is aware of the inefficiencies and corruption caused by monopolies, both public and private. But Chinese tradition takes a balanced view of social harms and weighs the damage caused by monopoly against the stability that SOEs have provided China in recent decades. There is less reason for China to tolerate private monopolies, but most of them have arisen in conjunction with digital technology because of its distinctive cost structure (high entry costs, low marginal costs). China has made some use of antitrust law, but most economic regulation in China is administrative. Thus the anti‐monopoly activities that are used to restrain monopoly power in China are different from Western practices.
Economic Democracy: The Role of Privilege in Advancing Civilization
Authors: Harris Drew L. , Twomey Teresa M.
Published: November 2019

What characterizes the progress of civilization? We propose that it can be understood as expanding democratic principles in governance and economic affairs. In both cases, progress involves advance followed by retreat. Advances come from democratizing and de‐concentrating privileges. This counterbalances the opposing tendency towards monopolization. A two‐by‐two typology of privilege identifies four distinct categories: formal (state sanctioned) vs. informal (culture‐based) privileges on one axis, and efficient vs. inefficient privileges on the other. This matrix leads to a set of propositions that, taken together, should aid in understanding how to advance economic democracy and hinder concentration of economic power: 1) remove inefficient, formal privileges, 2) collect economic rents from efficient, formal privileges, and 3) recognize sovereign rights of individuals in economic activity (which leads to removing taxes on labor and savings). We define our core terms, provide examples to illustrate meaning, provide historic examples to illustrate the feasibility of our analysis, and analyze the dynamic implications of putting our propositions into action.
Fifteen‐year analysis of prostate biopsies in Western Australia including recent impact of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: England Thomas , Li Jian , Cohen Ronald J.
Published: November 2019

Background

The number of men undergoing prostate biopsy and subsequent cancer detection rates has changed significantly over the past 15 years. We aim to evaluate changes in the diagnostic pathway of prostate cancer between 2003 and 2018.

Methods

A total of 13 844 Western Australian biopsy‐naive men were assessed to determine trends in age, prostate‐specific antigen levels, number of core samples, positive cores and tumour grade (Gleason) between 2003 and 2018. Further, in 2018, the impact of pre‐biopsy multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) was also assessed.

Results

Between 2003 and 2012, the number of men undergoing biopsy increased from 1445 to 3100. During this time, the prostate cancer detection rate (%) remained unchanged. However, in 2018, 2042 men underwent prostate biopsy (reduction of 34.1%) and the detection rate increased to 72.6%. The incidence of low‐grade cancer (Gleason score <7) increased from 28.1% in 2003 to 36.2% in 2012, but it decreased significantly to 15.1% by 2018. High‐grade cancer (Gleason score >7) declined from 21.3% in 2003 to 15.2% in 2012 but then increased to 35.7% in 2018. The use of mpMRI in 2018 improved the detection rate of high‐grade cancer. However, its specificity remains low (29.7%) and a considerable proportion of low Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score lesions was later diagnosed with cancer unsuitable for active surveillance.

Conclusion

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the diagnosis high‐grade cancer and a reduction in cancer suitable for active surveillance. mpMRI identifies high‐grade tumours but is not a reliable alternative to prostate biopsy.
Is it safe to irradiate the newest generation of ventricular assist devices? A case report and systematic literature review
Authors: Spano Giancarlo , Stutz Emanuel , Elicin Olgun , Hugi Beate , Henzen Dominik , Fürholz Monika , Wieser Monika , Rhyner Daniel , Dobner Stephan , Pavlicek‐Bahlo Maryam , Robson Desiree , Nadel James , Hayward Christopher , Hunziker Lukas , Martinelli Michele , Schnegg Bruno
Published: November 2019

An increasing number of mechanical assist devices, especially left ventricular assist devices (VADs), are being implanted for prolonged periods and as destination therapy. Some VAD patients require radiotherapy due to concomitant oncologic morbidities, including thoracic malignancies. This raises the potential of VAD malfunction via radiation‐induced damage. So far, only case reports and small case series on radiotherapy have been published, most of them on HeartMate II (HMII, Abbott, North Chicago, IL, USA). Significantly, the effects of irradiation on the HeartMate 3 (HM3, Abbott) remain undefined, despite the presence of controller components engineered within the pump itself. We report the first case of a patient with a HM3 who successfully underwent stereotactic hypofractionated radiotherapy due to an early‐stage non‐small‐cell lung cancer. The patient did not suffer from any complications, including toxicity or VAD malfunction. Based on this case report and on published literature, we think that performing radiotherapy after VAD implantation with the aid of a multidisciplinary team could be performed, but more in vitro studies and cases series are needed to reinforce this statement.
Genome‐wide association study and genomic evaluation of feed efficiency traits in Japanese Black cattle using single‐step genomic best linear unbiased prediction method
Authors: Takeda Masayuki , Uemoto Yoshinobu , Inoue Keiichi , Ogino Atushi , Nozaki Takayoshi , Kurogi Kazuhito , Yasumori Takanori , Satoh Masahiro
Published: November 2019

The objectives of this study were to better understand the genetic architecture and the possibility of genomic evaluation for feed efficiency traits by (i) performing genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), and (ii) assessing the accuracy of genomic evaluation for feed efficiency traits, using single‐step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (ssGBLUP)‐based methods. The analyses were performed in residual feed intake (RFI), residual body weight gain (RG), and residual intake and body weight gain (RIG) during three different fattening periods. The phenotypes from 4,578 Japanese Black steers, which were progenies of 362 progeny‐tested bulls and the genotypes from the bulls were used in this study. The results of GWAS showed that a total of 16, 8, and 12 gene ontology terms were related to RFI, RG, and RIG, respectively, and the candidate genes identified in RFI and RG were involved in olfactory transduction and the phosphatidylinositol signaling system, respectively. The realized reliabilities of genomic estimated breeding values were low to moderate in the feed efficiency traits. In conclusion, ssGBLUP‐based method can lead to understand some biological functions related to feed efficiency traits, even with small population with genotypes, however, an alternative strategy will be needed to enhance the reliability of genomic evaluation.
How deaths can help clinicians and policy‐makers understand the risks of novel psychoactive substances
Authors: Corkery John Martin , Schifano Fabrizio , Martinotti Giovanni
Published: November 2019

Novel psychoactive substances (NPS), especially those newly created, are largely an unknown quantity, particularly in terms of their potential serious adverse effects. This means that policy‐makers and clinicians are under‐informed about appropriate responses. Collation of detailed information on deaths related to NPS use can help in providing knowledge and understanding these aspects of the NPS phenomenon. The purpose of this review is to outline the role(s) which such evidence‐based data can play in this respect. UK NPS‐related cases demonstrate differences in definitions used by the General Mortality Registers, and differences between countries, not only in terms of the type of NPS implicated in deaths, but the number and extent of such deaths over time. NPS deaths are continuing to increase numerically and as a proportion of all drug‐poisoning deaths. In order to better understand how specific molecules contribute to and/or cause death, detailed information collected by Special Mortality Registers can provide examples of substances' modes of action, adverse effects, symptomatology, treatment interventions, mechanisms of death, etc. This information can provide clinicians and policy‐makers with objective information on the serious harms from such emerging molecules. Such evidence‐based advice informs public health interventions, service provision and policy decisions on regulation and control of NPS. However, without reliable, accurate and complete information that is correctly collated, scientifically analysed and disseminated in a timely manner, an understanding of the phenomenon of what deaths can be ascribed to NPS, their characteristics and nature will remain unachieved, and thus limit what can be done to reduce them.
Hyperlipidaemia and cardioprotection: Animal models for translational studies
Authors: Andreadou Ioanna , Schulz Rainer , Badimon Lina , Adameová Adriana , Kleinbongard Petra , Lecour Sandrine , Nikolaou Panagiota‐Efstathia , Falcão‐Pires Ines , Vilahur Gemma , Woudberg Nicholas , Heusch Gerd , Ferdinandy Péter
Published: November 2019

Hyperlipidaemia is a well‐established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and therefore, many animal model have been developed to mimic the human abnormal elevation of blood lipid levels. In parallel, extensive research for the alleviation of ischaemia/reperfusion injury has revealed that hyperlipidaemia is a major co‐morbidity that attenuates the cardioprotective effect of conditioning strategies (preconditioning, postconditioning and remote conditioning) and that of pharmacological interventions by interfering with cardioprotective signalling pathways. In the present review article, we summarize the existing data on animal models of hypercholesterolaemia (total, low density and HDL abnormalities) and hypertriglyceridaemia used in ischaemia/reperfusion injury and protection from it. We also provide recommendations on preclinical animal models to be used for translations of the cardioprotective strategies into clinical practice.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Risk factors, comorbidities, and comedications in cardioprotection. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.23/issuetoc
Linking dung beetle‐mediated functions to interactions in the Atlantic Forest: Sampling design matters
Authors: Raine Elizabeth H. , Mikich Sandra B. , Lewis Owen T. , Slade Eleanor M.
Published: November 2019

Interactions between dung beetles and vertebrate dung are intimately linked to a suite of ecosystem functions in tropical forests. We show that the trapping method and the type of dung used affect the suite of beetles captured, with the potential to influence the outcome of experiments linking functions to interactions.
Age‐Related Differences in Sensitivity to Facial Trustworthiness: Perceptual Representation and the Role of Emotional Development
Authors: Baccolo Elisa , Macchi Cassia Viola
Published: November 2019

The ability to discriminate social signals from faces is a fundamental component of human social interactions whose developmental origins are still debated. In this study, 5‐year‐old (N = 29) and 7‐year‐old children (N = 31) and adults (N = 34) made perceptual similarity and trustworthiness judgments on a set of female faces varying in level of expressed trustworthiness. All groups represented perceived similarity of the faces as a function of trustworthiness intensity, but such representation becomes more fine‐grained with development. Moreover, 5‐year‐olds' accuracy in choosing the more trustworthy face in a pair varied as a function of children's score at the Test of Emotion Comprehension, suggesting that the ability to perform face‐to‐trait inferences is related to the development of emotional understanding.
The effect of a nurse‐led self‐management program on outcomes of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Wang Lian Hong , Zhao Yan , Chen Ling Yun , Zhang Li , Zhang Yong Mei
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To examine the effectiveness of a nurse‐led self‐management program on outcomes of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Design

A randomized controlled, single‐blind trial, carried out from October 2017 to December 2018, included 154 participants admitted with COPD to the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University in Guizhou, (randomized into intervention (n = 77) and control groups (n = 77)).

Materials and Methods

Participants in the intervention group underwent a nurse‐led self‐management program in addition to routine care, and participants of the control group received only routine care. The main outcome measures were COPD‐related readmission and emergency department visits, the 6‐minute walk distance (6MWD) test for measurement of exercise capacity, the St George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) for measurement of health‐related quality of life, and the COPD Transitional Care Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (CTCPSQ) for measurement of satisfaction. Data collection was conducted at baseline (T1) and after 3 (T2), 6 (T3) and 12 mo (T4).

Findings

Compared to the control group, participants in the intervention group showed significantly fewer COPD‐related hospital admissions (P = 0.03) and emergency department visits (P = 0.001) and higher total CTCPSQ scores (P = 0.001) at 12 mo. Meanwhile, analysis of variance showed a significantly greater improvement in exercise capacity and health status over time in the nurse‐led program group than in the control group, P < 0.001.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the nurse‐led self‐management program was effective in decreasing hospital readmissions and emergency department visits and improving exercise capacity, health‐related quality of life and satisfaction for patients with COPD.
Specific infiltrate of Hodgkin lymphoma at site of cellulitis mimicking secondary cutaneous involvement
Authors: Facheris Paola , Valenti Mario , Pavia Giulia , Grizzi Fabio , Narcisi Alessandra , Costanzo Antonio , Borroni Riccardo G.
Published: November 2019

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) usually involves the lymph nodes, but concomitant cutaneous manifestations can also occur. The diagnosis of cutaneous involvement by HL must be supported by specific clinical and histopathological findings. We describe the case of a 56‐year‐old man recently diagnosed with HL of the left axillary nodes who developed cellulitis of the left trunk. Histopathological examination of a skin biopsy specimen revealed the presence of large atypical lymphoid cells with the same immunophenotype of those located in the lymph node affected by HL. Our case adds to the many cutaneous infiltrations by neoplastic cells during the course of an inflammatory skin disease, namely cellulitis.
Assisted reproduction and justice: Threats to a new model in a low‐ and middle‐income country
Authors: Hall David R. , Hanekom Gerhard
Published: November 2019

Infertility is an unpredictable but widespread condition. While high‐income countries grapple with when, or how to cover the costs of assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as in‐vitro fertilisation (IVF), these services are generally only available to wealthy persons at private facilities in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Although the principle of non‐interference with normal individual reproductive rights is robust, whether it is also the responsibility of collective society to provide the means (when ART applies) to achieve pregnancy, is controversial. Recently, a low‐cost model was developed at a South African public institution. The target population for this model was “helpless and marginalised, childless couples”, but a new threat has arisen, namely, infertile couples who could conceivably afford private care. In the allocation of this scarce resource, we argue for a prioritarian response that first addresses the worst‐off, in order to even out unequal access imposed by sharp differences in income.
More recent, better designed studies have weakened links between antidiabetes medications and cancer risk
Authors: Dankner R. , Roth J.
Published: November 2019

Background

An increasing number of studies have investigated associations of antidiabetes medications with cancer risk. Antidiabetes medications are classified by their mechanisms of action on tissues and organs. They potentially act as both causative and confounding factors in the temporal association of diabetes and cancer.

Aim

To present the current evidence regarding both the carcinogenic and anti‐carcinogenic effects of antidiabetes medications on cancer in humans.

Methods

A review of the scientific literature.

Results

The most conclusive evidence shown of an association of antidiabetes medication with a specific cancer was for that of the thiazolidinedione pioglitazone with bladder cancer. Currently, there is inconclusive evidence regarding a possible association of incretin therapies, drugs of the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor class, with the risk of pancreatic cancer. Insulin, sulfonylureas, metformin and sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors appear not to be associated with increased risk of any cancer. Sparse evidence suggests possible protective effects against cancer incidence of metformin, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, incretin‐based drugs and sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors.

Conclusion

The conflicting evidence regarding associations of antidiabetes medications with cancer risk is apparently attributable to both methodological issues and to the complexity of the subject. More recent and better‐designed studies have weakened the evidence for links between antidiabetes medications and cancer risk.
Diabetes self‐management education exposure and glycated haemoglobin levels among Marshallese participants in a randomized controlled study
Authors: McElfish P. A. , Long C. R. , Bursac Z. , Scott A. J. , Felix H. C. , Schulz T. K. , Worley M. A. , Rowland B.
Published: November 2019

Aims

A randomized control trial (RCT) of diabetes self‐management education (DSME), undertaken by a community‐based participatory research (CBPR) partnership between the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and the Marshallese community in Arkansas. The RCT examined the effect of hours of intervention exposure, with the hypothesis that increased exposure is one reason the Adapted‐Family DSME was found to be more effective than the Standard DSME.

Methods

Some 221 Marshallese with type 2 diabetes were randomized to an Adapted‐Family DSME group (in‐home setting) (n = 110) or a Standard DMSE group (community setting) (n = 111). The Adapted‐Family DSME included 10 h of education that covered the core self‐care elements recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American Association of Diabetes Educators’ (AADE) recommendations. The Standard DSME included 10 h of intervention with all ADA and AADE core elements.

Results

The number of hours of intervention exposure in the Adapted‐Family DSME arm (mean = 8.0; median = 10.0) was significantly higher than the number of hours of intervention received in the Standard DSME arm (mean = 1.5; median = 0.0). As hypothesized, higher exposure was associated with a significant reduction in HbA1c in a model including only study arm and exposure (P = 0.01), and in a model including study arm, exposure, and all demographic variables (P = 0.046).

Conclusions

This finding is consistent with previous reviews that showed increased exposure to DSME produced improved glycaemic control and ≥ 10 h of DSME produces clinically meaningful reductions in HbA1c.
Antibody‐ and macrophage‐mediated segmental demyelination in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: clinical, electrophysiological, immunological and pathological correlates
Authors: Vallat J.‐M. , Mathis S. , Vegezzi E. , Richard L. , Duchesne M. , Gallouedec G. , Corcia P. , Magy L. , Uncini A. , Devaux J.
Published: November 2019

Background and purpose

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disorder critically lacking diagnostic biomarkers. Autoantibodies to nodal and paranodal components have recently been described in a small subset of patients. Here, the diagnostic value of immune reactivity toward the myelin compartment was investigated.

Methods

Ninety‐four French CIDP patients were retrospectively studied. The reactivity toward the peripheral nerve was investigated. Sural nerve biopsies were examined by electron microscopy and immunofluorescence.

Results

Twenty‐one patients (22%) and three patients (3%) presented with a strong immunoglobulin G or immunoglobulin M reactivity respectively against the myelin compartment. The clinical, electrophysiological and morphological features were examined in nine of these patients for whom sural nerve biopsies were available. Seven patients were electrodiagnosed with definite CIDP, one with possible CIDP and one was unclassifiable but sural nerve biopsy argued for CIDP diagnosis. Electron microscopy of sural nerve biopsies demonstrated the presence of macrophage‐mediated demyelination restricted to the internode in all nine patients. Immunolabelling for voltage‐gated sodium channels, myelin and axonal markers confirmed the presence of segmental demyelination and of remyelination. The nodal and paranodal regions, however, were unaffected in these patients. Nerve conduction studies corroborated the multifocal and segmental profile, and seven patients showed increased duration of proximal (1.5–5.1 times) and/or distal (1.2–3.4 times) compound muscle action potential in at least two nerves.

Conclusion

Antibody‐ and macrophage‐mediated demyelination appears responsible for conduction alterations in CIDP patients and nerve immunostaining assays may serve as a supportive diagnostic biomarker.
Skin DNA methylation profile in atopic dermatitis patients: A case–control study
Authors: Olisova Olga Yu. , Kochergin Nikolay G. , Kayumova Lyailya N. , Zavarykina Tatiana M. , Dmitriev Alexey A. , Asanov Aliy Yu.
Published: November 2019

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a worldwide disease with a complex aetiology. Both genetic and environmental factors cause a predisposition to AD. DNA methylation may be an additional predisposing factor. The goal of our study was to investigate genome‐wide methylation profiles of skin from patients with AD and healthy persons. This case–control study included 12 AD patients and 6 healthy volunteers. DNA methylation levels in skin samples were analysed using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. We found that the methylation profile of skin from patients with AD was significantly different from that of healthy controls. Differential DNA methylation was observed for genes involved in a number of AD‐related processes including regulation of the immune response, activation of lymphocytes, cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation of the epidermis. Our study indicates the involvement of epigenetic regulation in the development of atopic dermatitis.