bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of microfinance programs on monetary poverty reduction
Authors: Elsafi Mustafa Hassan , Ahmed Elsadig Musa , Ramanathan Santhi 
Published: November 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of microfinance programs sponsored by Sudanese microfinance institutions (SMFIs) on monetary poverty reduction in Sudan where poverty is widely spread.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted the control group approach, where income and expenditure are taken as welfare indicators. The updated World Bank’s international poverty line of 1.90 per person per day was adopted to separate the poor from non-poor. The data were collected by the means of a questionnaire distributed to a random sample of beneficiaries in the institution under study. The study adapted the Foster, Greer and Thorbecke (FGT) model to evaluate the role of microfinance programs in poverty reduction. Furthermore, to gain more insight into the impact of the program, a preliminary analysis was conducted using the independent-samplest-test to examine the difference in the welfare indicators for the sample of the control group and treatment group as well as that of the small loan group and micro-loan group.FindingsThe findings show that the microfinance program provided by SMFIs has reduced the monetary poverty among the participants. The results also reveal that beneficiaries who had received a larger volume of loan were noted lesser poverty than those who had received very small loan size. Moreover, the results demonstrate that poverty indices based on expenditure as a welfare indicator are far lower than those based on income for both groups.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the available literature by filling the gaps through including income and expenditure as monetary variables, which included separately in previous studies adopted the FGT model in the area of microfinance, in addition to exploring the role of loan size in the effect of microfinance on poverty reduction.
Approximate traveltime inversion in downhole microseismic monitoring
Authors: Yaskevich Sergey , Duchkov Anton A. , Ivanov Yuriy 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTIn downhole microseismic monitoring, accurate event location relies on the accuracy of the velocity model. The model can be estimated along with event locations. Anisotropic models are important to get accurate event locations. Taking anisotropy into account makes it possible to use additional data – two S‐wave arrivals generated due to shear‐wave splitting. However, anisotropic ray tracing requires iterative procedures for computing group velocities, which may become unstable around caustics. As a result, anisotropic kinematic inversion may become time consuming. In this paper, we explore the idea of using simplified ray tracing to locate events and estimate medium parameters. In the simplified ray‐tracing algorithm, the group velocity is assumed to be equal to phase velocity in both magnitude and direction. This assumption makes the ray‐tracing algorithm five times faster compared to ray tracing based on exact equations. We present a set of tests showing that given perforation‐shot data, one can use inversion based on simplified ray‐tracing even for moderate‐to‐strong anisotropic models. When there are no perforation shots, event‐location errors may become too large for moderately anisotropic media.
Water Use Efficiency and Storage Capacity in South Asia by 2050
Authors: Escurra Aguirre Jorge J. , Jones Charles A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMore than one billion South Asians are affected by water scarcity. Pressure on water resources is likely to grow as a result of population growth, urban expansion, and climate change. This paper assesses the impacts of these effects on the historical hydrological baseline, with particular focus on irrigation. A geospatial water balance model was developed for this purpose based on geo‐referenced information available in scientific public domain databases. Annual water supply and demand for a baseline period 1950–2000 were calculated and projected to 2050 using (1) outputs from 19 Global Circulation Models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 for a Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5; (2) population projections to 2050; and (3) historical land‐use patterns at the country level. Improvements in water use efficiency and storage capacity were analyzed using the Modified Water Scarcity Index of the baseline and the projected water balance in 2050 at the watershed scale.
Substance abuse‐related admissions in a mixed Norwegian intensive care population
Authors: Tollisen Karen Hunting , Bjerva Marianne , Hadley Cathrine Lund , Dahl Gry T. , Högvall Lisa Maria , Sandvik Leiv , Heyerdahl Fridtjof , Jacobsen Dag 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundAlcohol and drug abuse are potentially modifiable risk factors for critical illness. The aims of this study were to describe patients with substance abuse‐related admissions (abbreviated SARA) in a mixed intensive care (ICU) population in Oslo, and to compare these patients with patients with non‐SARA.MethodsCross‐sectional prospective study of a mixed medical and surgical ICU‐population in Oslo, Norway. Data were collected consecutively using a questionnaire, medical records, and toxicology results. SARA included admissions due to acute or chronic complications of alcohol or drug abuse, as well as substance abuse‐related injuries.ResultsOf the 852 patients included, 168 (20%) had SARA; 102 (12%) alcohol‐related and 66 (8%) drug‐related. Male patients aged 18‐39 had the highest proportion of SARA (47/97, 49%). Among the trauma patients, 69/182 (38%) were influenced by alcohol and drugs at the time of injury. Patients with SARA were significantly younger (median age 48 vs 66), had lower Charlson comorbidity index (mean 1.4 vs 2.5) and shorter length of stay (median days 2.4 vs 4.9), than non‐SARA patients. Hospital mortality was similar when adjusting for age (OR 0.8, P = .27, non‐SARA as reference).ConclusionOverall, one in five ICU admissions was associated with substance abuse. For male patients aged 18‐39 this ratio was nearly half. More than one third of the trauma patients were influenced by alcohol or drugs at time of injury.
Longevity in response to lowered insulin signaling requires glycine N‐methyltransferase‐dependent spermidine production
Authors: Tain Luke S. , Jain Chirag , Nespital Tobias , Froehlich Jenny , Hinze Yvonne , Grönke Sebastian , Partridge Linda 
Published: November 2019

AbstractReduced insulin/IGF signaling (IIS) extends lifespan in multiple organisms. Different processes in different tissues mediate this lifespan extension, with a set of interplays that remain unclear. We here show that, in Drosophila, reduced IIS activity modulates methionine metabolism, through tissue‐specific regulation of glycine N‐methyltransferase (Gnmt), and that this regulation is required for full IIS‐mediated longevity. Furthermore, fat body‐specific expression of Gnmt was sufficient to extend lifespan. Targeted metabolomics showed that reducing IIS activity led to a Gnmt‐dependent increase in spermidine levels. We also show that both spermidine treatment and reduced IIS activity are sufficient to extend the lifespan of Drosophila, but only in the presence of Gnmt. This extension of lifespan was associated with increased levels of autophagy. Finally, we found that increased expression of Gnmt occurs in the liver of liver‐specific IRS1 KO mice and is thus an evolutionarily conserved response to reduced IIS. The discovery of Gnmt and spermidine as tissue‐specific modulators of IIS‐mediated longevity may aid in developing future therapeutic treatments to ameliorate aging and prevent disease.
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) activity and firm performance: a review and consolidation
Authors: Huang Danny Z. X. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractInterest in why firms conduct environmental, social and governance (ESG) activity is longstanding and increasing. Our understanding, however, remains fragmented with alternative accounts that seek to explain the relationship between ESG performance (ESGP) and corporate financial performance (CFP). This paper reviews alternative accounts for the relationship and finds that the weight of empirical evidence shows a positive, statistically significant but economically modest ESGP–CFP link, consistent with theoretical expectations. This economically modest relationship suggests ESG activity is unlikely to be primarily motivated by narrow measures of CFP. Further scholarship viewing ESG as part of overall firm activity would be constructive.
Anatomical and radiographic study of the scapula in juveniles and adults of Tamandua mexicana (Xenarthra: Myrmecophagidae)
Authors: Vélez‐García Juan Fernando , Torres‐Suárez Sharith Valentina , Echeverry‐Bonilla Diego Fernando 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTamandua mexicana is a mammal of the superorder Xenarthra geographically located between Mexico and Peru that remains insufficiently studied. These species are characterized by their movement, resting, and eating of termites and ants in arboreal and terrestrial environments, and therefore, their thoracic limbs have been adapted morphologically to move in these environments. Tamandua mexicana is a species constantly threatened by different causes, and their thoracic limbs can be affected in the scapular and shoulder regions as a result; therefore, specific anatomical knowledge of the scapula allows for better clinical procedures, surgical approaches, radiological diagnosis and muscular reconstructions in extinct species of anteaters. The main objective of this study was to report the anatomical and radiographic features of the scapula in juvenile and adult specimens of T. mexicana. Gross dissections and radiographic study were performed in six cadavers. The scapula had large differences compared with other mammals, such as two spines, a foramen for the suprascapular nerve, a long acromion, a cranial transverse scapular ligament and caudolateral fossa for the origin of the muscles teres major, tensor fasciae antebrachii and subscapular. In juvenile specimens, a scapular cartilage, an acromial cartilage, craniomedial and caudolateral coracoscapular ligaments forming the foramen for the suprascapular nerve, and progressive ossification of those ligaments and the cranial transverse scapular ligament were observed. These findings were corroborated by radiography; therefore, these characteristics change with age. The bony reliefs of the scapula of T. mexicana corroborate the specialization of the shoulder in this species.
Prior or concurrent radiotherapy and nivolumab immunotherapy in non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ratnayake Gishan , Shanker Mihir , Roberts Kate , Mason Robert , Hughes Brett G. M. , Lwin Zarnie , Jain Vikram , O'Byrne Kenneth , Lehman Margot , Chua Benjamin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundStudies suggest that combining radiotherapy (RT) with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) blockade may elicit a synergistic antitumor response. We aimed to assess whether prior or concurrent RT was associated with improved disease control in patients with metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with nivolumab.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of patients receiving nivolumab as second or subsequent line therapy for metastatic NSCLC. Patients were categorized into those who received any RT for NSCLC prior to or during nivolumab therapy, and those with no history of RT for NSCLC.ResultsA total of 85 patients received nivolumab between July 2015 and December 2016 and were followed up for a median of 15 months. Sixty‐five patients (76.4%) received RT prior to or during nivolumab and 20 patients (23.6%) received nivolumab alone. Baseline characteristics of age, performance status, histology, smoking status and previous therapy were similar between the two groups. Prior or concurrent RT was associated with a superior PFS, median 2.8 months with RT versus 1.3 months without RT (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.494; 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 0.279–0.873; P = 0.02). The median OS of the group receiving RT was 6.4 months versus 4.2 months for the no RT group (P = 0.20). RT was not associated with an increase in toxicity.ConclusionRT prior to or concurrent with nivolumab for metastatic NSCLC was associated with a modest improvement in PFS over nivolumab alone with no evidence of increase in adverse effects. RT may potentiate the effect of anti–PD‐1 immunotherapy in NSCLC.
Retrospective analysis of treatment and prognosis for uterine leiomyosarcoma: 10‐year experience of a single institute
Authors: Kodama Keisuke , Sonoda Kenzo , Kijima Masako , Yamaguchi Shinichiro , Yagi Hiroshi , Yasunaga Masafumi , Ohgami Tatsuhiro , Onoyama Ichiro , Kaneki Eisuke , Okugawa Kaoru , Yahata Hideaki , Ohishi Yoshihiro , Oda Yoshinao , Kato Kiyoko 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimUterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS) is a highly aggressive and lethal disease. This malignancy remains the most common type of uterine sarcoma, affecting approximately 0.4/100 000 women each year. Our aim was to assess the treatment and prognosis of ULMS patients.MethodsA total of 14 patients were treated at our institution between January 2008 and July 2017. We retrospectively analyzed their clinicopathological variables, treatment and prognosis.ResultsThe median patient age was 63 years (range, 35–83 years). The largest group of patients had stage IB disease (stage IB, n = 8; IIB, n = 2; IIIB, n = 1; IVB, n = 3) and the largest group by histological subtype was ordinary (ordinary, n = 11; myxoid, n = 2; epithelioid, n = 1). Total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy were performed for all patients, with additional surgical procedures (e.g., tumor resection, lymphadenectomy) performed if necessary. Twelve patients received adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) consisting of gemcitabine and docetaxel. Ten patients experienced recurrence and received multidisciplinary therapies, including tumor resection, chemotherapy, radiation and targeted therapies. The median observation period was 17 months (range, 5–75 months), and 11 patients were alive (without disease, n = 5; with disease, n = 6). Intriguingly, five of eight stage IB patients who received postoperative ACT were alive without disease.ConclusionULMS is rare but is associated with a poor prognosis, even if multidisciplinary therapies are administered. However, ACT appears to be effective in improving the prognosis of patients with stage IB disease.
Predicted future distribution of the African skimmer in response to a changing climate, land cover and distance from water in the mid‐Zambezi Valley
Authors: Gamundani Pioneer Taashwa , Mpakairi Kudzai , Magadza Christopher , Kativu Shakkie , Dhlomo Elmon 
Published: November 2019

AbstractClimate models project a hot and dry future for Southern Africa. In this research, Maximum Entropy was used to model the extent to which climate change, land cover and distance from water edges may influence current and future distribution of the African skimmer in the mid‐Zambezi Valley. Global Biodiversity Information Facility data collected between the years 2000–2019 were used to develop the models. Three models were built: one for current distribution and two for future distribution under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 2.6 and 6.0. Results revealed that annual precipitation and distance from water edges were the most important predictors of habitat suitability for the African skimmer under current and future climate. Temperature and land cover were least important in explaining current and future distribution of the species. The RCP 2.6 predicted future decrease in suitable habitat for the African skimmer in the mid‐Zambezi Valley, while RCP 6.0 predicted future increase in suitable habitat for the species. This research conclusively revealed that precipitation and distance from water edges were consistently key predictors of suitable habitat for the African skimmer.
Pollen season is reflected on symptom load for grass and birch pollen‐induced allergic rhinitis in different geographic areas—An EAACI Task Force Report
Authors: Pfaar Oliver , Karatzas Kostas , Bastl Katharina , Berger Uwe , Buters Jeroen , Darsow Ulf , Demoly Pascal , Durham Stephen R. , Galán Carmen , Gehrig Regula , Gerth van Wijk Roy , Jacobsen Lars , Katsifarakis Nikos , Klimek Ludger , Saarto Annika , Sofiev Mikhail , Thibaudon Michel , Werchan Barbora , Bergmann Karl‐Christian 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe effectiveness of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) in seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis (AR) depends on the definition of pollen exposure intensity or time period. We recently evaluated pollen and symptom data from Germany to examine the new definitions of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) on pollen season and peak pollen period start and end. Now, we aim to confirm the feasibility of these definitions to properly mirror symptom loads for grass and birch pollen‐induced allergic rhinitis in other European geographical areas such as Austria, Finland and France, and therefore their suitability for AIT and clinical practice support.MethodsData from twenty‐three pollen monitoring stations from three countries in Europe and for 3 years (2014‐2016) were used to investigate the correlation between birch and grass pollen concentrations during the birch and grass pollen season defined via the EAACI criteria, and total nasal symptom and medication scores as reported with the aid of the patient's hay‐fever diary (PHD). In addition, we conducted a statistical analysis, together with a graphical investigation, to reveal correlations and dependencies between the studied parameters.ResultsThe analysis demonstrated that the definitions of pollen season as well as peak pollen period start and end as proposed by the EAACI are correlated to pollen‐induced symptom loads reported by PHD users during birch and grass pollen season. A statistically significant correlation (slightly higher for birch) has been found between the Total Nasal Symptom and Medication Score (TNSMS) and the pollen concentration levels. Moreover, the maximum symptom levels occurred mostly within the peak pollen periods (PPP) following the EAACI criteria.ConclusionsBased on our analyses, we confirm the validity of the EAACI definitions on pollen season for both birch and grass and for a variety of geographical locations for the four European countries (including Germany from a previous publication) analyzed so far. On this basis, the use of the EAACI definitions is supported in future clinical trials on AIT as well as in daily routine for optimal patient care. Further evaluation of the EAACI criteria in other European regions is recommended.
Can normal inflammatory markers rule out acute appendicitis? The reliability of biochemical investigations in diagnosis
Authors: Kim Jason J. Y. , Dobson Benjamin H. , L. H. Ng Cedric , Thong Da Wei , Arthur Thomas , Parker David ,   QUEST Collaboration
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundAcute appendicitis is a common general surgical condition where diagnosis is predominantly clinical, with the aid of adjunct investigations. This study reviews the relationship between normal and elevated biochemical inflammatory markers, duration of symptoms and proven appendicitis.MethodsA multicentre prospective observational study was performed across 27 centres and included a total of 949 patients with clinical suspicion of appendicitis, who had both white cell count (WCC) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) recorded and underwent appendicectomy.ResultsA total of 90.4% of patients with raised WCC and CRP had appendicitis with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.9 and negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.4. Sensitivity and specificity of elevated WCC (sensitivity 66.5%, specificity 66.0%) and elevated CRP (sensitivity 77.3%, specificity 52.0%) lie within ranges identified by previous studies. A total of 39.8% of patients with normal CRP and WCC had appendicitis. Sensitivity and PPV for patients with elevated inflammatory markers were high until 48 h of symptoms (sensitivity 94%, PPV 0.87). NPV was elevated after 24 h (NPV 0.65 in patients with 24–48 h of symptoms, and 0.61 after 48 h), whilst those with symptoms less than 24 h had a lower NPV of 0.52.ConclusionWhilst elevated inflammatory markers are a helpful aid in the diagnosis of appendicitis, they should not be relied on by themselves. Nor can normal inflammatory markers be used to exclude appendicitis, even in those with prolonged duration of symptoms. The diagnosis of appendicitis should be guided by a combination of clinical judgement with the assistance of inflammatory markers.
Long‐term clinical outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis delta: the role of persistent viraemia
Authors: Palom Adriana , Rodríguez‐Tajes Sergio , Navascués Carmen A. , García‐Samaniego Javier , Riveiro‐Barciela Mar , Lens Sabela , Rodríguez Manuel , Esteban Rafael , Buti Maria 
Published: November 2019

SummaryBackgroundChronic hepatitis delta is a severe liver disease with rapid progression to cirrhosis. The impact of hepatitis delta virus (HDV)‐RNA on disease progression and interferon treatment in a real‐world cohort has been barely explored.AimTo assess the development of clinical events in a cohort of chronic hepatitis delta patients according to the presence or absence of HDV‐RNAMethodsMulticentre study at four academic hospitals in Spain included anti‐HDV‐positive patients with compensated liver disease with a follow‐up ≥12 months.ResultsAmong 2888 HBsAg‐positive subjects, 151 (5.2%) tested positive for anti‐HDV, and 118 were included (58% men; median age, 49 years; 73% detectable HDV‐RNA and 30% cirrhosis, most often in subjects with HDV‐RNA). After a median follow‐up of 8 years, subjects with initially detectable HDV‐RNA were more prone to developing cirrhosis (31% vs 0%, P = .002) and/or liver decompensation (28% vs 3%, P = .019). Mortality rate was 0.44 per 1000 person‐months. The probability of a clinical event was 6%, 25%, and 80% according to initial baseline‐event‐anticipation score. HDV‐RNA became undetectable in 21 (24%) subjects either due to interferon or spontaneously (48% vs 52%, P = .29). Liver decompensation was reduced in interferon‐treated patients (13% vs 38%, P = .026).ConclusionsSubjects with persistently positive HDV‐RNA had a worse prognosis in terms of clinical events. Baseline‐event‐anticipation score is useful in predicting the risk of developing liver decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma. Interferon was beneficial in reducing liver decompensation, even in the absence of virological response.