bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Group organizational citizenship behavior and knowledge sharing
Authors: Afshar Jalili Yasha , Salemipour Farideh
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of organizational citizenship behavior’s sub-constructs including altruism, civic virtue, sportsmanship, conscientiousness and courtesy on knowledge sharing behavior (KSB). It also pays attention to the effects of group emotional climate on the relationship between organizational citizenship behavior and knowledge sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was conducted based on the quantitative research strategy by applying structural equation modeling. Using a random sampling method, this research surveyed 116 participants and analyzed the data via partial least equation modeling.

Findings

The results claim that altruism, conscientiousness and civic virtue have a significant effect on KSB, while the relationship between courtesy and sportsmanship with KSB were not significant. Furthermore, the findings depict that positive and negative workgroup emotional climate would impede or enhance KSB among people with a high level of altruism, conscientiousness and civic virtue.

Practical implications

Given the importance of knowledge sharing in the today knowledge economy, by comprehending the influence of group organizational citizenship behavior’s sub-constructs on knowledge sharing, managers would improve organizational knowledge sharing by developing a culture encouraging altruism, conscientiousness and civic virtue as a substitute for incentive pay. Moreover, promoting an emotionally supportive climate fosters knowledge sharing within people.

Originality/value

This study makes three distinct additions to the knowledge sharing literature. First, although there are little studies that investigate the relationship between organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB) and KS, a few of them examine the effects of OCB’s sub-constructs on KS behavior. Second, this is one of the first studies that examined the moderating role of workgroup emotional climate regarding knowledge sharing. Finally, examining the effect of OCB’s sub-constructs on KS in an Iranian public sector would contribute to the literature by broadening the examination of the constructs in a different context.
Strategies for implementing innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Haddad Monther I. , Williams Irene A. , Hammoud Mohamad Saleh , Dwyer Rocky J.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore innovation strategies that managers of small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) used to implement innovation in their organizations to meet performance goals.

Design/methodology/approach

The participants in this multiple case study research comprised randomly selected managers from SMEs operating in Dubai, United Arab Emirates with specialist expertise in successfully implementing innovation in their organizations. Individual interviews were undertaken with participants to gain both an insight and understanding regarding which innovation strategies are best suited to improve performance goal outcomes. A further analysis of workplace internal documents, policies, procedures, SMEs’ websites, review websites and press releases afforded additional insights related to the application of innovative workplace practices which supported productivity improvements in relation to performance goal outcomes.

Findings

The findings of this study identified that the role of the top management in cultivating an innovative culture, the identification of ideas as the starting point for innovation and the recognition of customers as resources for the company.

Practical implications

Implementing the findings from this study may support job creation, economy protection in downturns and contribution to economic growth, since thriving SMEs have a positive impact on community development through the generation of the employment. Furthermore, the results of this study can help in creating an increase in improving the productivity of Dubai SMEs in Dubai’s GDP, improvement in investment opportunities; better working conditions for employees and possibilities for expanding the operations of Dubai SMEs globally.

Originality/value

This study is of value because its findings may contribute to local and global economic growth. Exploring successful innovation implementation strategies in SMEs can result in useful guidelines that SME managers can use to reach the performance goals of their SMEs. Since governmental policies are critical to improving business performance, the Government of Dubai may benefit from this study by addressing key success factors for SMEs through policies and regulations. This study has particular value given the lack of studies that address the issue of innovation implementation in SMEs, especially for SMEs in emerging economies.
Evidences of aromatic degradation dominantly via the phenylacetic acid pathway in marine benthic Thermoprofundales
Authors: Liu Wei‐Wei , Pan Jie , Feng Xiaoyuan , Li Meng , Xu Ying , Wang Fengping , Zhou Ning‐Yi
Published: November 2019

Thermoprofundales (Marine Benthic Group D archaea, MBG‐D) is a newly proposed archaeal order and widely distributed in global marine sediment, and the members in the order may play a vital role in carbon cycling. However, the lack of pure cultures of these oeganisms has hampered the recognition of their catabolic roles. Here, by constructing high‐quality metagenome‐assembled genomes (MAGs) of two new subgroups of Thermoprofundales from hydrothermal sediment and predicting their catabolic pathways, we here provide genomic evidences that Thermoprofundales are capable of degrading aromatics via the phenylacetic acid (PAA) pathway. Then, the gene sequences of phenylacetyl‐CoA ligase (PCL), a key enzyme for the PAA pathway, were searched in reference genomes. The widespread distribution of PCL genes among 14.9% of archaea and 75.9% of Thermoprofundales further supports the importance of the PAA pathway in archaea, particularly in Thermoprofundales where no ring‐cleavage dioxygenases were found. Two PCLs from Thermoprofundales MAGs, PCLM8‐3 and PCLM10‐15, were able to convert PAA to phenylacetyl‐CoA (PA‐CoA) in vitro, demonstrating the involvement of Thermoprofundales in aromatics degradation through PAA via CoA activation. Their acid tolerance (pH 5–7), high‐optimum temperatures (60°C and 80°C), thermostability (stable at 60°C and 50°C for 48 h) and broad substrate spectra imply that Thermoprofundales are capable of transforming aromatics under extreme conditions. Together with the evidence of in situ transcriptional activities for most genes related to the aromatics pathway in Thermoprofundales, these genomic, and biochemical evidences highlight the essential role of this ubiquitous and abundant archaeal order in the carbon cycle of marine sediments.
And now 2020…
Authors: Papageorghiou Aris T.
Published: November 2019

Deputy Editor‐in‐Chief, Prof Aris T. Papageorghiou, discusses the latest thinking in women’s health and highlights articles from this issue in an audio podcast available at: https://soundcloud.com/bjog/december-editorial-2019
Nonmetric Cranial Trait Variation and Ancestry Estimation in Asian and Asian‐Derived Groups
Authors: Atkinson Megan L. , Tallman Sean D.
Published: November 2019

Traditionally, precontact Native Americans and Asian groups have been conflated for aspects of the biological profile due to their distantly shared genetic history, although this grouping remains largely unexplored. This study examines craniomorphic variability to ascertain whether Asian groups can be differentiated from each other and from Asian‐derived groups using more fine‐tuned models. Cranial and mandibular data for 35 nonmetric traits were recorded on precontact Native Americans (n = 150) and modern Japanese (n = 150) and Thai (n = 150) individuals. Chi‐square analyses indicate that all groups exhibit statistically significant differences in most traits. Additionally, cross‐validated binary logistic regression equations resulted in correct classification rates in the range of 65.0–93.3% and demonstrate that sex does not contribute to statistical models. Therefore, numerous traits provide discriminatory resolution that detects differences between the samples, thus highlighting the potential utility of nonmetric traits in identifying individuals beyond the traditional African, European, and Asian forensic ancestry groupings.
Bioinformatics analysis of LINC00426 expression in lung cancer and its correlation with patients' prognosis
Authors: Du Wenjun , Sun Juan , Gu Jundong , Zhang Shiwu , Zhang Tao
Published: November 2019

Background

To investigate the expression of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00426 (long intergenic nonprotein coding RNA 426) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and its correlation with their prognosis.

Methods

The expression of long noncoding RNA LINC00426 of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was screened. According to the expression level of LINC00426 in tumor tissue of NSCLC patients, the patients were divided into high and low LINC00426 expression groups. The correlation between LINC00426 expression group and the prognosis of the patient was analyzed by log‐rank test. A total of 72 NSCLC patients who had undergone surgery were retrospectively included in this study. LINC00426 relative expression of tumor and normal lung tissue of the included 72 NSCLC patients were examined by real‐time quantitative PCR assay. The correlation between LINC00426 expression and the patients’ clinical characteristics were also evaluated.

Results

LINC00426 relative expression was not statistically different between cancer and normal tissue (P > 0.05) of NSCLC patients in the TCGA database. The amplification and deep deletion mutation of LINC00426 gene was found in 0.5% of NSCLC patients. The overall survival (OS) of the LINC00426 high expression group was significantly higher than that of the low expression group (HR = 0.81, P = 0.044), while there was no significant difference between the high and low expression group (HR = 0.97, P = 0.82) for disease‐free survival (DFS). LINC0042646 expression level was elevated in 46 cases in normal lung tissue compared to the tumor tissue of the 72 NSCLC patients. LINC0042646 expression level was significantly correlated with the clinical stage (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Long noncoding RNA LINC00426 was downregulated in the tumor tissue of NSCLC patients and correlated with poor prognosis.
Germination behaviour of Conyza bonariensis to constant and alternating temperatures across different populations
Authors: Valencia‐Gredilla Francisco , Supiciche María L. , Chantre Guillermo R. , Recasens Jordi , Royo‐Esnal Aritz
Published: November 2019

Conyza bonariensis is one of the most problematic weed species throughout the world. It is considered highly noxious due to its interference with human activities, and especially the competition it poses with economically important crops. This research investigated the temperature requirements for seed germination of four populations of C. bonariensis with distinct origin and the influence of daily alternating temperatures. For this, a set of germination tests were performed in growth chambers to explore the effect of constant and alternating temperatures. Seeds of the four populations (from Lleida, Badajoz and Seville, Spain and Bahía Blanca, Argentina) were maintained at constant temperatures ranging from 5 to 35°C. The final germination and cardinal temperatures (base, optimum and maximum) of each population were obtained. We also tested the influence of daily alternating temperatures on final germination. To do so, seeds were exposed to two temperature regimes: 5/15, 10/20, 15/25, 20/30 and 25/35°C night/day temperature (intervals increasing 5°C, with constant oscillation of 10°C) and to 18/22, 16/24, 14/26, 12/28 and 10/30°C night/day temperature (intervals with average of 20°C, but increasing the oscillation in 4°C between intervals). In general, all populations behaved similarly, with the highest germination percentages occurring in the optimum temperature range (between 21.7°C and 22.3°C) for both constant and alternating temperatures. In general, climatic origin affected germination response, where seeds obtained from the coldest origin exhibited the highest germination percentage at the lowest temperature assayed. In addition, we observed that the alternating temperatures can positively affect total germination, especially in oscillations that were further from the average optimum temperature (20°C), with high germination percentage for the oscillations of 15/25, 20/30, 18/22, 16/24, 14/26, 12/28 and 10/30°C in all populations. The cardinal temperatures obtained were significantly different across the populations. These results provide information that will facilitate a better understanding of the behaviour of Conyza and improve current field emergence models.
Acceptability of an eHealth Intervention to Prevent Alcohol‐Exposed Pregnancy Among American Indian/Alaska Native Teens
Authors: Hanson Jessica D. , Weber Tess L. , Shrestha Umit , Bares Valerie J. , Seiber Michaela , Ingersoll Karen
Published: November 2019

Background

A tribally led Changing High‐Risk Alcohol Use and Increasing Contraception Effectiveness Study (CHOICES) Program has successfully decreased the risk of alcohol‐exposed pregnancies (AEPs) among adult American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) women by either reducing risky drinking or increasing contraception use. However, a community needs assessment revealed a need to implement a similar intervention with AI/AN teens. The goal of the project was to develop and establish the acceptability of CHOICES for AI/AN teens.

Methods

Key informant interviews were conducted to review the existing OST CHOICES intervention. After modifications to the existing program, focus groups with AI/AN teens were conducted to ensure validity and to finalize the OST CHAT (CHOICES for American Indian Teens) intervention.

Results

Key informant (N = 15) participants suggested that a Web‐based intervention may increase teen engagement by making the intervention more interactive and visually stimulating. Based on this formative research, CHAT was developed via Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). Feedback on the online CHAT curriculum was given by focus groups comprised of AI/AN adolescents, and participants felt that this type of intervention would be both acceptable and able to implement with a community of reservation‐based teens.

Conclusions

This study outlines the development of a Web‐based intervention for an AEP intervention for AI/AN teens and will inform future prevention efforts. Implications include an expansion of the evidence‐based CHOICES intervention for AI/AN teens and also development of a Web‐based intervention for rural, reservation‐based AI/AN communities.
Non‐chewing diets and cerumen impaction in the external ear canal in a residential aged care population
Authors: Morley Hannah , Panak Vanessa , Mulders Wilhelmina H. A. M. , Goulios Helen , Martini Angelita , Langdon Claire
Published: November 2019

Objective

To examine whether diets involving reduced chewing affect the degree of cerumen impaction in older people in residential care.

Methods

A total of 51 people (53% male) over 65 years (80.5 ± 9.3) were recruited from two residential aged care facilities in Perth, Australia. Participants were classified as “chewers” (on unrestricted or soft food diets), or “non‐chewers” (on pureed or nil by mouth diets), and completed a survey about predisposing factors for cerumen impaction. Otoscopy and tympanometry were used to assess cerumen impaction and ear canal occlusion. Participants with excess cerumen were referred for wax removal.

Results

No significant difference in cerumen accumulation was found between groups. However, 57% of participants showed excess cerumen requiring removal.

Conclusion

Diets involving reduced chewing are not associated with increased cerumen in older people in residential care. The prevalence of cerumen impaction is high in this population, and improved cerumen screening and management is needed in residential aged care.
Erythema papulatum centrifugum and new diagnostic criteria
Authors: Zhang Li‐wen , Wang Wen‐ju , Jiang Cun‐huo , Lu Yong‐hong , Li Cong‐hui , Li Lin , Fu Li‐xin , Li Jia‐yi , Chen Tao , Li Fen
Published: November 2019

Erythema papulatum centrifugum (EPC), also known as erythema papulosa semicircularis recidivans (EPSR), is distinct from eczema and other well‐described figurate erythemas characterised by annular erythematous lesions. We report 7 cases of EPC and propose new diagnostic criteria including the following: (i) EPC is characterised by single or multiple recurrent expanding annular or semi annular erythema with central regression, surrounded by tiny red papules; (ii) the lesions regularly relapse and resolve; (iii) the histopathologic feature shows superficial perivascular inflammation with or without mild inflammation around sweat glands in the mid dermis and (iv) patients lack other associated cutaneous or internal abnormalities.
Impact on quality of life in patients with dermatophytosis
Authors: Mushtaq Sabha , Faizi Nafis , Amin Syed S. , Adil Mohammad , Mohtashim Mohammad
Published: November 2019

Background/Objectives

Dermatophytosis can have a significant effect on patient’s psychosocial and economic life. Despite this, knowledge on the quality of life (QoL) in patients with dermatophytosis is limited. The objective of the present study was to assess the quality of life in patients with dermatophytosis.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study conducted in the Department of Dermatology at a tertiary care hospital from August 2018 to December 2018. All the patients with dermatophytosis aged ≥16 years were included and evaluated for impact on quality of life. The association of Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores with disease characteristics was assessed using t‐test, ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation test, as applicable.

Results

A total of 348 patients were analysed. The mean ± SD DLQI score in our study was 13.4 ± 7.3. Dermatophytosis was found to have a very large effect on the QoL in majority (44.8%) of our patients. DLQI questions pertaining to symptoms and feelings and daily activity had the highest impact on patients. The DLQI score was significantly affected by the number of sites involved (P < 0.001), body surface area (P < 0.001) and the severity of symptoms (P = 0.007).

Conclusion

Dermatophytosis was found to have a significant impact on the QoL of affected patients. The DLQI score was influenced by the severity of the disease. This study also underscores the feasibility of DLQI score based QoL assessment in dermatophytosis.
The current status and future of andrology: A consensus report from the Cairo workshop group
Authors:   Cairo Consensus Workshop Group
Published: November 2019

Background

In attempting to formulate potential WHO guidelines for the diagnosis of male infertility, the Evidence Synthesis Group noted a paucity of high‐quality data on which to base key recommendations. As a result, a number of authors suggested that key areas of research/evidence gaps should be identified, so that appropriate funding and policy actions could be undertaken to help address key questions.

Objectives

The overall objective of this Consensus workshop was to clarify current knowledge and deficits in clinical laboratory andrology, so that clear paths for future development could be navigated.

Materials and Methods

Following a detailed literature review, each author, prior to the face‐to‐face meeting, prepared a summary of their topic and submitted a PowerPoint presentation. The topics covered were (a) Diagnostic testing in male fertility and infertility, (b) Male fertility/infertility in the modern world, (c) Clinical management of male infertility, and (d) The overuse of ICSI. At the meeting in Cairo on February 18, 2019, the evidence was presented and discussed and a series of consensus points agreed.

Results

The paper presents a background and summary of the evidence relating to these four topics and addresses key points of significance. Following discussion of the evidence, a total of 36 consensus points were agreed.

Discussion

The Discussion section presents areas where there was further debate and key areas that were highlighted during the day.

Conclusion

The consensus points provide clear statements of evidence gaps and/or potential future research areas/topics. Appropriate funding streams addressing these can be prioritized and consequently, in the short and medium term, answers provided. By using this strategic approach, andrology can make the rapid progress necessary to address key scientific, clinical, and societal challenges that face our discipline now and in the near future.
Donor approaches to food security in the Pacific: Sustainable development goal 2 and the need for more inclusive agricultural development
Authors: Stronge Dean , Scheyvens Regina , Banks Glenn
Published: November 2019

As part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, sustainable development goal 2 (SDG2) specifically seeks to ‘End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture’. However, there is no clear prescription for how this goal should be achieved which allows various donors adopting diverse strategies to all claim they are contributing to SDG2. This article examines whether policies of five donors on food security and agriculture in the Pacific Islands region are likely to help to achieve SDG2. Fundamentally, the current and future wellbeing of many Pacific Island peoples, many of whom live on small, geographically dispersed islands with limited market access, is strongly tied to their abilities to produce food for themselves. This is somewhat overlooked by bilateral donors from Australia and New Zealand who invest relatively small amounts in the agriculture sector of Pacific countries and show little interest in supporting people's food security through local sourcing and production for subsistence. From an SDG2 perspective of ending hunger for all people, it is positive to see that, by contrast, two multilaterals have shown commitment to a more balanced and holistic approach to food production in the Pacific Islands region.
Laparoscopic surgery in patients with interstitial lung disease: A single‐center retrospective observational cohort study
Authors: Hayashi Kentaro , Nakashima Kei , Noma Satoshi , Aoshima Masahiro , Kusanagi Hiroshi
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Laparoscopic surgery requiring longer operative times and artificial pneumoperitoneum may affect pulmonary function; its feasibility in patients with interstitial lung disease remains unknown. Therefore, we examined the feasibility of laparoscopic surgery in patients with interstitial lung disease.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study and examined the clinical data of patients with interstitial lung disease who had undergone abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. The primary end‐point was the incidence of pulmonary complications. The secondary end‐points were non‐pulmonary complications and in‐hospital mortality.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients who had undergone abdominal surgery were diagnosed with interstitial lung disease after a review of their clinical and imaging records. Laparoscopic surgery and open surgery were performed in 11 and 18 patients, respectively. Acute exacerbation occurred in one (9%) patient in the laparoscopic group and three patients (17%) in the open group; all had undergone emergency surgery. Postoperative pneumonia did not occur in any patients. Non‐pulmonary complications occurred in one patient (9%) in the laparoscopic group and two patients (11%) in the open group. One patient in each group died of acute exacerbation during hospitalization.

Conclusion

Neither acute exacerbation nor pulmonary complications occurred after elective laparoscopic or open surgery in patients with interstitial lung disease. The risk of acute exacerbation after elective laparoscopic surgery may not be as high as that after elective thoracic surgery.
Effect of varying fermentation conditions with ensiling period and inoculum on photosynthetic pigments and phytol content in Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) silage
Authors: Lv Renlong , Elsabagh Mabrouk , Obitsu Taketo , Sugino Toshihisa , Kurokawa Yuzo , Kawamura Kensuke
Published: November 2019

This study aimed to investigate the effect of an ensiling period (Experiment 1) and adding lactic acid bacteria (LAB, Experiment 2) on the changes in carotenoid, chlorophyll, and phytol in ensiled Italian ryegrass (IR, Lolium multiflorum Lam.). In Experiment 1, the IR herbage ensiled into plastic bags was analyzed for the contents of photosynthetic pigments and phytol over a 5‐week period. During the ensiling process, the β‐carotene content decreased (p < .05), whereas the lutein content did not change. Although the chlorophyll content decreased (p < .05) after ensiling, the phytol content barely changed until week 5. In Experiment 2, IR herbage was ensiled without additive, as a Control, or with LAB for 60 days. The pH was lower (p < .05) and lactic acid content was higher (p < .05) for the LAB silage than for the Control. The chlorophyll content in silage was not affected by the LAB; however, the β‐carotene content was higher (p < .05) for the LAB silage than for the Control. Phytol and lutein contents in the herbage did not change after ensiling. These results indicate that phytol and lutein in IR herbage can be preserved well in silage, irrespective of their fermentation condition.
A new mechanism for cannabidiol in regulating the one‐carbon cycle and methionine levels in Dictyostelium and in mammalian epilepsy models
Authors: Perry Christopher J. , Finch Paul , Müller‐Taubenberger Annette , Leung Kit‐Yi , Warren Eleanor C. , Damstra‐Oddy Joseph , Sharma Devdutt , Patra Pabitra H. , Glyn Sarah , Boberska Joanna , Stewart Balint , Baldwin Amy , Piscitelli Fabiana , Harvey Robert J. , Harwood Adrian , Thompson Christopher , Claus Sandrine P. , Greene Nicholas D.E. , McNeish Alister J. , Williams Claire M. , Whalley Benjamin J. , Williams Robin S.B.
Published: November 2019

Background and Purpose

Epidiolex™, a form of highly purified cannabidiol (CBD) derived from Cannabis plants, has demonstrated seizure control activity in patients with Dravet syndrome, without a fully elucidated mechanism of action. We have employed an unbiased approach to investigate this mechanism at a cellular level.

Experimental Approach

We use a tractable biomedical model organism, Dictyostelium, to identify a protein controlling the effect of CBD and characterize this mechanism. We then translate these results to a Dravet syndrome mouse model and an acute in vitro seizure model.

Key Results

CBD activity is partially dependent upon the mitochondrial glycine cleavage system component, GcvH1 in Dictyostelium, orthologous to the human glycine cleavage system component H protein, which is functionally linked to folate one‐carbon metabolism (FOCM). Analysis of FOCM components identified a mechanism for CBD in directly inhibiting methionine synthesis. Analysis of brain tissue from a Dravet syndrome mouse model also showed drastically altered levels of one‐carbon components including methionine, and an in vitro rat seizure model showed an elevated level of methionine that is attenuated following CBD treatment.

Conclusions and Implications

Our results suggest a novel mechanism for CBD in the regulating methionine levels and identify altered one‐carbon metabolism in Dravet syndrome and seizure activity.
Toward Fortress Capitalism: The Restrictive Transformation of Migration and Border Regimes as a Reaction to the Capitalist Multicrisis
Authors: Georgi Fabian
Published: November 2019

The article develops the concept of “fortress capitalism.” The concept has two dimensions. First, it describes those elements within today's migration and border regimes that aim to control the mobility of the global working class in repressive ways. Second, it designates a dystopian future scenario, in which these repressive elements have massively expanded. Such a formation might develop as part of a twenty‐first‐century fascism. Based on historical materialism and critical theory, the article makes four points. First, it asserts that migration regimes are being transformed toward a new level of restrictiveness. Second, it argues that fortress capitalism complements theoretical motives that emphasize the uncontrollability of migration. Third, it contends that migration and border regimes in their emergence, dynamics, forms, and effects are closely linked to the intersectional dynamics of global capitalism as a whole. Fourth, it points out that global capitalism fundamentally depends on border regimes to regulate its contradictions.
Black Neofascism? The Economic Freedom Fighters in South Africa
Authors: Satgar Vishwas
Published: November 2019

This article argues that twenty‐first century fascism is variegated and shaped by complex socioecological conditions. While enabled by the specific conditions of contemporary capitalist crisis, it is actually different from its antecedents. This requires actual in situ case studies. Hence, this article focuses on the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in South Africa and explores its emergence in the conjuncture of hegemonic crisis faced by the ruling African National Congress. Moreover, the article challenges current liberal classificatory discourses that seek to define the EFF in South Africa's democratic order and also revisits the history of fascism from a decolonial perspective. It is argued there where two moments of fascism in the twentieth century, interwar fascism, and militarized fascism in the peripheries supported by U.S. imperialism. The EFF does not share anything in common with these twentieth century fascisms and therefore has to be analyzed and explained on its own terms.
Anti‐aquaporin‐4 antibody‐positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder associated with central nervous system tuberculosis
Authors: Gomez‐Figueroa Enrique , Garcia‐Estrada Christian , Casallas-Vanegas Adriana , Zabala-Angeles Indhira , Lopez-Martinez Ramon , Corona-Vázquez Teresita , Rivas‐Alonso Verónica , Flores‐Rivera José
Published: November 2019

Background

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOsd) is an inflammatory astrocytopathy that has both genetic and environmental cause. The exact etiology and pathogenesis of NMOsd is partially known, complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors are thought to be involved in its development. Infectious diseases have received particular attention, as they have long been considered to be triggers of many autoimmune disorders.

Case presentation

Here, we report two cases of positive aquaporin‐4 serostatus NMOsd in relation to granulomatous infection of the central nervous system. Both patients initially presented with active tuberculosis meningitis signs and symptoms with posterior development of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis positive for anti‐aquaporin‐4 antibodies. Cerebral spinal fluid hypercellularity and elevated proteins were initially documented. The evolution was rather favorable, with clinical and radiological improvement based on antituberculous treatment and a cycle of i.v. steroids.

Conclusions

Although various cases of active pulmonary, renal and abdominal tuberculosis have been documented in association with NMOsd, no mechanism of association has been discovered; interestingly, the seropositive for NMOsd is variable. We theorized that a genetic background in our population might be associated with this uncommon phenotype. If this phenomenon corresponds to an immune dysfunction caused directly by the bacillus, direct tuberculosis infection or a cross‐reaction is to be determined.
Application of D‐optimal design in the analysis and modelling of dyeing of plasma‐treated wool with three natural dyes
Authors: Haji Aminoddin
Published: November 2019

Both the dyeing and finishing of textiles with natural compounds are gaining increasing attention because of various environmental and health problems associated with the use of synthetic reagents. In this study, wool fibres were dyed with three natural dyes, namely, Arnebia euchroma, cotton pods and harmal seeds. Alum was used as the mordant, and samples were mordanted by the premordanting method. Oxygen plasma was employed for the surface modification of wool. Plasma treatment time, alum concentration, dyebath temperature and pH were selected as the process variables, and their effects on the K/S of the dyed samples were analysed using D‐optimal design. The surface topography, morphology and chemistry of the wool fibres after plasma treatment were studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform–infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. FTIR confirmed the creation of new oxygen‐containing groups on the surface of wool fibres after plasma treatment. SEM and AFM images confirmed the surface etching and increase in the roughness of plasma‐treated fibres. Increasing the dyebath pH and temperature increased the K/S of the dyed samples. Increasing the amount of alum mordant increased the K/S of samples dyed with cotton pods but decreased the K/S of samples dyed with A. euchroma and harmal seeds. Increasing the plasma treatment time improved the K/S of samples dyed with A. euchroma and cotton pods but had no significant effect on the K/S of samples dyed with harmal seeds.
Intensive monitoring of adverse drug events associated with the use of new glucose‐lowering drugs: results from an inception cohort study in Portugal
Authors: Torre C. , Guerreiro J. , Longo P. , Raposo J. F. , Leufkens H. , Martins A. P.
Published: November 2019

Aims

To determine the frequency and the time‐course profile of adverse drug events associated with new glucose‐lowering drugs in daily practice and to explore factors potentially associated to these events.

Methods

An inception cohort study was implemented. Adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus initiating a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist or a sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor were eligible for inclusion. Data were collected through baseline and follow‐up telephone questionnaires, administered at 2 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. Kaplan–Meier curves and log‐rank were computed to compare the time to adverse drug event onset. Cox models were used to explore potential factors associated with adverse drug events.

Results

A total of 1328 participants were recruited to the study. In all, 1118 adverse drug events were reported (of which 36% were not listed in the summary of product characteristics) by 41% of participants. The median latency time of adverse drug events reported in ≥1% of participants ranged from 0 to 2 days. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist and sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor subgroups were associated with an increased likelihood of adverse drug event reporting when compared with the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor subgroup. A total of 328 glucose‐lowering drugs were withdrawn, more than half as a result of an adverse drug event.

Conclusions

More than two‐fifths of participants reported an adverse drug event; dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors led to the highest proportion of unlabelled adverse drug events. Adverse drug event latency time data show that counselling and adverse drug event management should be proactively addressed from treatment initiation. There should be greater focus on prevalent new users of glucose‐lowering drugs, who were more complex participants in this study in terms of type 2 diabetes disease, as they were more likely to report an adverse drug event than the incident new users.
Efficacy and safety of empagliflozin as add‐on to insulin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Sone Hirohito , Kaneko Tatsuroh , Shiki Kosuke , Tachibana Yoshifumi , Pfarr Egon , Lee Jisoo , Tajima Naoko
Published: November 2019

Aim

To assess the efficacy and safety of empagliflozin as add‐on to insulin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Materials and methods

This multicentre, double‐blind, parallel‐group study randomized Japanese patients with T2D insufficiently controlled with insulin (1:1:1) to empagliflozin 10 mg (n=89), empagliflozin 25 mg (n=90) or placebo (n=90) for 52 weeks. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) at 16 weeks.

Results

At 16 weeks, empagliflozin 10 mg and 25 mg significantly decreased HbA1c: adjusted mean difference −0.92% (95% confidence interval [CI] −1.11, −0.73) and −1.00% (95% CI −1.18, −0.82; both P<0.0001) compared with placebo. This difference was maintained up to 52 weeks: adjusted mean difference at 52 weeks −0.90% (95% CI −1.09, −0.70) and −0.96% (95% CI −1.15, −0.77; both P<0.0001). At 52 weeks, significant improvements in fasting plasma glucose (adjusted mean difference −27.62 mg/dL [95% CI −36.15, −19.08] and −31.99 mg/dL [95% CI −40.35, −23.62]) and in body weight (−1.78 kg [95% CI −2.46, −1.10] and −1.92 kg [95% CI −2.58, −1.25]) were also seen with empagliflozin 10 mg and 25 mg compared with placebo (all P<0.0001). At 52 weeks, the frequency of adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs was similar in the three treatment groups; confirmed hypoglycaemia was reported slightly more in participants in the empagliflozin 10 mg and 25 mg groups (23.3% and 22.2% vs 14.4%). All hypoglycaemic events were mild in severity; no episodes required assistance.

Conclusions

In Japanese patients with insufficiently controlled T2D, adding empagliflozin 10 mg or 25 mg to insulin treatment was associated with clinically meaningful reductions in HbA1c at 16 weeks and was generally well tolerated.
Acute cardiac disease in the postpartum: What to think
Authors: Sozzi Fabiola B. , Schiavone Marco , Maalouf Joseph F. , Gherbesi Elisa , Zilocchi Massimo , Canetta Ciro , Colombo Federico
Published: November 2019

A rare case of a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) in the postpartum of a 32‐year‐old woman is presented. Pregnancy‐related SCAD is a potentially life‐threatening condition. SCAD is triggered by nonatherosclerotic disease, typically affects young‐aged women and is still often underdiagnosed. Cardiac magnetic resonance is crucial to demonstrate the ischemic origin of the disease. A conservative management is generally preferred in stable SCAD as most dissected segments will heal spontaneously over a few months. Additionally, the percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with high rate of complications and procedural failure. The aim of this case was to improve awareness of SCAD and to advise clinicians seeking aid with patient management.
A case of left atrial compression secondary to angioedema
Authors: Heckle Mark , Garg Nadish , Romero Legro Ivan H. , DeLeeuw Peter , Lanfranco Molina Julio
Published: November 2019

Angioedema due to angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors is an uncommon, but deadly adverse reaction with an overall incidence of 0.1%‐0.2%. Rapid accumulation of interstitial fluid and vasodilation classically involves the mucus membranes of the mouth and face but has the ability to affect other areas. We describe a case of angioedema secondary to ACE inhibitor that affected the esophagus causing left atrial compression and hemodynamic compromise.
A standardized assessment of forest mammal communities reveals consistent functional composition and vulnerability across the tropics
Authors: Rovero Francesco , Ahumada Jorge , Jansen Patrick A. , Sheil Douglas , Alvarez Patricia , Boekee Kelly , Espinosa Santiago , Lima Marcela Guimarães Moreira , Martin Emanuel H. , O'Brien Timothy G. , Salvador Julia , Santos Fernanda , Rosa Melissa , Zvoleff Alexander , Sutherland Chris , Tenan Simone
Published: November 2019

The understanding of global diversity patterns has benefitted from a focus on functional traits and how they relate to variation in environmental conditions among assemblages. Distant communities in similar environments often share characteristics, and for tropical forest mammals, this functional trait convergence has been demonstrated at coarse scales (110–200 km resolution), but less is known about how these patterns manifest at fine scales, where local processes (e.g. habitat features and anthropogenic activities) and biotic interactions occur. Here, we used standardized camera trapping data and a novel analytical method that accounts for imperfect detection to assess how the functional composition of terrestrial mammal communities for two traits – trophic guild and body mass – varies across 16 protected areas in tropical forests and three continents, in relation to the extent of protected habitat and anthropogenic pressures. We found that despite their taxonomic differences, communities generally have a consistent trophic guild composition, and respond similarly to these factors. Insectivores were found to be sensitive to the size of protected habitat and surrounding human population density. Body mass distribution varied little among communities both in terms of central tendency and spread, and interestingly, community average body mass declined with proximity to human settlements. Results indicate predicted trait convergence among assemblages at the coarse scale reflects consistent functional composition among communities at the local scale, suggesting that broadly similar habitats and selective pressures shaped communities with similar trophic strategies and responses to drivers of change. These similarities provide a foundation for assessing assemblages under anthropogenic threats and sharing conservation measures.
Museums and cradles of diversity are geographically coincident for narrowly distributed Neotropical snakes
Authors: Azevedo Josué A. R. , Guedes Thaís B. , Nogueira Cristiano de C. , Passos Paulo , Sawaya Ricardo J. , Prudente Ana L. C. , Barbo Fausto E. , Strüssmann Christine , Franco Francisco L. , Arzamendia Vanesa , Giraudo Alejandro R. , Argôlo Antônio J. S. , Jansen Martin , Zaher Hussam , Tonini João F. R. , Faurby Søren , Antonelli Alexandre
Published: November 2019

Factors driving the spatial configuration of centres of endemism have long been a topic of broad interest and debate. Due to different eco‐evolutionary processes, these highly biodiverse areas may harbour different amounts of ancient and recently diverged organisms (paleo‐ and neo‐endemism, respectively). Patterns of endemism still need to be measured at distinct phylogenetic levels for most clades and, consequently, little is known about the distribution, the age and the causes of such patterns. Here we tested for the presence of centres with high phylogenetic endemism (PE) in the highly diverse Neotropical snakes, testing the age of these patterns (paleo‐ or neo‐endemism), and the presence of PE centres with distinct phylogenetic composition. We then tested whether PE is predicted by topography, by climate (seasonality, stability, buffering and relictualness), or biome size. We found that most areas of high PE for Neotropical snakes present a combination of both ancient and recently diverged diversity, which is distributed mostly in the Caribbean region, Central America, the Andes, the Atlantic Forest and on scattered highlands in central Brazil. Turnover of lineages is higher across Central America, resulting in more phylogenetically distinct PE centres compared to South America, which presents a more phylogenetically uniform snake fauna. Finally, we found that elevational range (topographic roughness) is the main predictor of PE, especially for paleo‐endemism, whereas low paleo‐endemism levels coincide with areas of high climatic seasonality. Our study highlights the importance of mountain systems to both ancient and recent narrowly distributed diversity. Mountains are both museums and cradles of snake diversity in the Neotropics, which has important implications for conservation in this region.
Childhood adversity and depressive symptoms among young adults: Examining the roles of individuation difficulties and perceived social support
Authors: Kealy David , Rice Simon M. , Cox Daniel W.
Published: November 2019

Aim

While childhood adversity is a known risk for depressive symptoms, little is known about the contributing role of individuation difficulties among young adults. The present study examined individuation difficulties and perceived social support—and their interaction—as moderators of the relationship between childhood adversity exposure and depressive symptoms.

Methods

Young adults (N = 119; M = 20.8 years) completed self‐report assessments of childhood adversity, depressive symptoms, individuation difficulties, and perceived social support. Regression analyses were used to examine interaction effects regarding depressive symptom severity.

Results

A significant moderated moderation effect was found whereby individuation difficulties interacted with adversity exposure as perceived social support was reduced. Thus, at high levels of individuation difficulties, young adults with exposure to childhood adversity reported elevated depressive symptoms. This effect was buffered by social support such that when individuation difficulties were high, the association between adversity and depressive symptoms decreased from low to moderate and high support.

Conclusion

Individuation difficulties and social support are important factors in the development of depressive symptoms from exposure to childhood adversity among young adults.
Impact of emotion dysregulation and cognitive insight on psychotic and depressive symptoms during the early course of schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Authors: Liu Jianlin , Chan Tommy C. T. , Chong Siow Ann , Subramaniam Mythily , Mahendran Rathi
Published: November 2019

Objective

Emotion dysregulation is relevant to the aetiology of schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). While most studies have focused on the chronic phase of SSD, little is known about the effects of emotion dysregulation and associated cognitive risk factors during the early phase of the illness, with negative implications for early intervention. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies, global emotion dysregulation, and cognitive insight on psychotic and comorbid depressive symptoms in patients with early SSD.

Method

Participants included 150 newly diagnosed outpatients with SSD who were seeking treatment at the Early Psychosis Intervention Program. All participants completed the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Difficulties with Emotion Regulation Scale, and Beck Cognitive Insight Scale. Severity of psychotic and depressive symptoms were rated on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale.

Results

Multivariate regression adjusting for gender and psychiatric comorbidity revealed that global emotion dysregulation was associated with more severe positive and depressive symptoms. Further moderation analyses revealed a significant interaction between global emotion dysregulation and cognitive insight (self‐certainty) on depression such that for patients with high self‐certainty, greater global emotion dysregulation was associated with increased severity of depressive symptoms. There was no interaction between global emotion dysregulation and cognitive insight on positive symptoms.

Conclusions

Our findings provide preliminary support for the associations between emotion dysregulation and psychopathology in early SSD. Further research is needed to examine the transdiagnostic role of emotion dysregulation in the aetiology and treatment of a wider range of psychotic disorders.