bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causal inference in obesity research
Authors: Franks P. W. , Atabaki‐Pasdar N.
Published: December 2016

Obesity is a risk factor for a plethora of severe morbidities and premature death. Most supporting evidence comes from observational studies that are prone to chance, bias and confounding. Even data on the protective effects of weight loss from randomized controlled trials will be susceptible to confounding and bias if treatment assignment cannot be masked, which is usually the case with lifestyle and surgical interventions. Thus, whilst obesity is widely considered the major modifiable risk factor for many chronic diseases, its causes and consequences are often difficult to determine. Addressing this is important, as the prevention and treatment of any disease requires that interventions focus on causal risk factors. Disease prediction, although not dependent on knowing the causes, is nevertheless enhanced by such knowledge. Here, we provide an overview of some of the barriers to causal inference in obesity research and discuss analytical approaches, such as Mendelian randomization, that can help to overcome these obstacles. In a systematic review of the literature in this field, we found: (i) probable causal relationships between adiposity and bone health/disease, cancers (colorectal, lung and kidney cancers), cardiometabolic traits (blood pressure, fasting insulin, inflammatory markers and lipids), uric acid concentrations, coronary heart disease and venous thrombosis (in the presence of pulmonary embolism), (ii) possible causal relationships between adiposity and gray matter volume, depression and common mental disorders, oesophageal cancer, macroalbuminuria, end‐stage renal disease, diabetic kidney disease, nuclear cataract and gall stone disease, and (iii) no evidence for causal relationships between adiposity and Alzheimer's disease, pancreatic cancer, venous thrombosis (in the absence of pulmonary embolism), liver function and periodontitis.
Does cell phone use increase the chances of parotid gland tumor development? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: de Siqueira Elisa Carvalho , de Souza Fabrício Tinoco Alvim , Gomez Ricardo Santiago , Gomes Carolina Cavalieri , de Souza Renan Pedra
Published: December 2016

Background

Prior epidemiological studies had examined the association between cell phone use and the development of tumors in the parotid glands. However, there is no consensus about the question of whether cell phone use is associated with increased risk of tumors in the parotid glands. We performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the existing literature about the mean question and to determine their statistical significance.

Methods

Primary association studies. Papers that associated cell phone use and parotid gland tumors development were included, with no restrictions regarding publication date, language, and place of publication. Systematic literature search using PubMed, SciELO and Embase followed by meta‐analysis.

Results and conclusion

Initial screening included 37 articles, and three were included in meta‐analysis. Using three independent samples including 5087 subjects from retrospective case–control studies, cell phone use seems to be associated with greater odds (1.28, 95%‐ confidence interval: 1.09–1.51) to develop salivary gland tumor. Results should be read with caution due to the limited number of studies available and their retrospective design.
Efficacy and safety of nucleoside antiviral drugs for treatment of recurrent herpes labialis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Fangman , Xu Hao , Liu Jinli , Cui Yuan , Luo Xiaobo , Zhou Yu , Chen Qianming , Jiang Lu
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of nucleoside antiviral drugs for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials that examined the effectiveness and/or safety of nucleoside antiviral drugs for recurrent herpes labialis were identified via a literature search. The parameters used to measure efficacy were time to healing of classic and all lesions, time to resolution of pain, and percentage of aborted lesions. Safety was assessed by evaluating the adverse events reported during treatment. Subgroup analyses based on the mode of application (topical/systemic) and type of nucleoside antiviral drugs were performed, as were sensitivity analyses of studies with a low risk of bias.

Results

Our analysis included 16 publications reporting 25 randomized controlled trials (8453 patients). Nucleoside antiviral drugs decreased the time to healing of all lesions (mean difference: −0.74 days; 95% confidence interval: −0.86, −0.62), especially classic lesions (mean difference: −1.09 days; 95% confidence interval: −1.27, −0.92). They also reduced the time to resolution of pain (mean difference: −0.38 days; 95% confidence interval: −0.58, −0.18) and increased the percentage of aborted lesions (rate ratio: 1.15; 95% confidence interval: 1.07, 1.23). Valaciclovir more effectively reduced the time to healing of all lesions and the time to resolution of pain than did aciclovir. Both nucleoside antiviral drugs increased the percentage of aborted lesions, whereas penciclovir and famciclovir did not.

Conclusions

Nucleoside antiviral drugs are safe and beneficial for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis; both systemic and topical formulations are recommended. Valaciclovir is more effective than aciclovir, especially in reducing the time to healing of lesions.
Outcome and cervical metastatic spread of squamous cell cancer of the buccal mucosa, a retrospective analysis of the past 25 years
Authors: Sagheb Keyvan , Blatt Sebastian , Kraft Ina Sophie , Zimmer Stefanie , Rahimi‐Nedjat Roman‐Kia , Al‐Nawas Bilal , Walter Christian
Published: December 2016

Objectives

Because of the low proportion of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the buccal mucosa within the carcinomas of the oral cavity in the Western population, data concerning metastatic pattern are sparse. Therefore, this retrospective study is focusing on the occurrence of cervical metastases (CM) and the overall outcome of this tumor entity.

Materials and Methods

From January 1988 to October 2013, 113 patients were treated in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Mainz, for an oral SCC of the cheek. Metastatic pattern and clinical parameters that are possibly associated with an increased risk for CM as well as overall outcome were analyzed.

Results

The average follow‐up was 48 months (range: 1–248 months). A total of 55 (49%) patients were female and 58 (51%) male, with an average age of 65 ± 13 years (♀68 ± 14 years; ♂63 ± 11 years). In total, 55% of the patients either smoked and/or consumed alcohol. In total, 34% of the patients had a stage III or IV tumor, with overall 23% having CM at the time of diagnosis. During the follow‐up, 50% (n = 56) of the patients developed a relapse after 12 months (median). Tumor size (P = 0.002*) and grading (P < 0.001*) are significantly associated with the occurrence of CM. Metastases (P = 0.008*) and advanced tumor size (P = 0.018) had an influence on the survival, whereas the relapse had no significant influence (P = 0.928). Five‐year survival rate was 80%.

Conclusions

SCC of the buccal mucosa shows aggressive behavior with a considerably high proportion of relapse. Since overall outcome is significantly decreased by the cervical metastatic pattern, a selective, ipsilateral neck dissection for this patient group is recommended as the primary management.
Differences in utilization of dental procedures by children enrolled in Wisconsin Medicaid and Delta Dental insurance plans
Authors: Bhagavatula Pradeep , Xiang Qun , Szabo Aniko , Eichmiller Fredrick , Okunseri Christopher
Published: December 2016

Background

Few studies have directly compared dental procedures provided in public and private insurance plans for enrollees living in dental health professional shortage areas (DHPSAs). We examined the rates for the different types of dental procedures received by 0–18‐year‐old children living in DHPSAs and non‐DHPSAs who were enrolled in Medicaid and those enrolled under Delta Dental of Wisconsin (DDW) for years 2002 to 2008.

Methods

Medicaid and DDW dental claims data for 2002 to 2008 was analyzed. Enrollees were divided into DDW‐DHPSA and non‐DHPSA and Medicaid‐DHPSA and non‐DHPSA groups. Descriptive and multivariable analyses using over‐dispersed Poisson regression were performed to examine the effect of living in DHPSAs and insurance type in relation to the number of procedures received.

Results

Approximately 49 and 65 percent of children living in non‐DHPSAs that were enrolled in Medicaid and DDW received at least one preventive dental procedure annually, respectively. Children in DDW non‐DHPSA group had 1.79 times as many preventive, 0.27 times fewer complex restorative and 0.51 times fewer endodontic procedures respectively, compared to those in Medicaid non‐DHPSA group. Children enrolled in DDW‐DHPSA group had 1.53 times as many preventive and 0.25 times fewer complex restorative procedures, compared to children in Medicaid‐DHPSA group.

Conclusions

DDW enrollees had significantly higher utilization rates for preventive procedures than children in Medicaid. There were significant differences across Medicaid and DDW between non‐DHPSA and DHPSA for most dental procedures received by enrollees.
Sofosbuvir plus ribavirin in treatment‐naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1 or 3 infection in India
Authors: Shah S. R. , Chowdhury A. , Mehta R. , Kapoor D. , Duseja A. , Koshy A. , Shukla A. , Sood A. , Madan K. , Sud R. , Nijhawan S. , Pawan R. , Prasad M. , Kersey K. , Jiang D. , Svarovskaia E. , Doehle B. , Kanwar B. , Subramanian M. , Acharya S. K. , Sarin S.
Published: December 2016

Until 2014, pegylated interferon plus ribavirin was the recommended standard of care for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in India. This open‐label phase 3b study, conducted across 14 sites in India between 31 March 2014 and 30 November 2015, evaluated the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir plus ribavirin therapy among treatment‐naïve patients with chronic genotype 1 or 3 HCV infection. A total of 117 patients with genotype 1 or 3 HCV infection were randomized 1:1 to receive sofosbuvir 400 mg and weight‐based ribavirin (1000 or 1200 mg) daily for 16 or 24 weeks. Among those with genotype 1 infection, the primary efficacy endpoint of sustained virologic response at 12 weeks post‐treatment (SVR12) was reported in 90% (95% confidence intervals [CI], 73‐98) and 96% (95% CI, 82‐100) of patients following 16 and 24 weeks of treatment, respectively. For patients with genotype 3 infection, SVR12 rates were 100% (95% CI, 88‐100) and 93% (95% CI, 78‐99) after 16 and 24 weeks of therapy, respectively. Adverse events, most of which were mild or moderate in severity, occurred in 69% and 57% of patients receiving 16 and 24 weeks of treatment, respectively. The most common treatment‐emergent adverse events were asthenia, headache and cough. Only one patient in the 24‐week group discontinued treatment with sofosbuvir during this study. Overall, sofosbuvir plus ribavirin therapy achieved SVR12 rates ≥90% and was well tolerated among treatment‐naïve patients with chronic genotype 1 or 3 HCV infection in India.
Size of nest‐cavity entrance influences male attractiveness and paternal provisioning in house wrens
Authors: Will D. S. , Dorset E. E. , Thompson C. F. , Sakaluk S. K. , Bowers E. K.
Published: December 2016

In altricial birds, parental provisioning is plastic and can respond to a variety of environmental stimuli. In this study, we manipulated the size of entrances into artificial nest cavities (i.e. nestboxes) in a population of house wrens Troglodytes aedon as a means of manipulating a male's sexual attractiveness, and examined changes in parental provisioning. Nest cavities with large entrances are less desirable as nesting sites, and the males at these sites are less attractive to females. Therefore, we predicted that males at boxes that had large entrances would invest more in parental care (i.e. those that succeeded in finding a mate would provision their offspring at a higher rate) than males at nestboxes with small entrances. As predicted, males provisioned their offspring with food at the highest rates at nestboxes with enlarged entrances, and male provisioning effort positively predicted the number of fledglings they produced per egg. Males at these boxes provisioned more than their mates and more than females and males at nestboxes with small entrances. At nestboxes with small entrances, males provisioned at the same rate as females, and female provisioning did not differ significantly between treatments, on average. Male and female provisioning rates were negatively correlated, such that the increase in provisioning by males at nestboxes with enlarged entrances did not enhance nestling condition, likely because food delivery by females declined with increased provisioning by males. However, the amount of time females spent providing warmth for their ectothermic young increased with increases in male provisioning, suggesting that levels of male parental care altered the mode, not necessarily the extent, of care provided by females. These findings suggest that male provisioning is related to sexual attractiveness, and that sexual conflict over biparental care may not be as simple as the assessment of food provisioning might otherwise suggest.
Agents with other‐regarding preferences in the commons
Authors: Monroy Luisa , Caraballo M. Ángeles , Mármol Amparo M. , Zapata Asunción
Published: December 2016

We present a unified approach to study the problem of the commons for agents with other‐regarding preferences. This situation is modeled as a game with vector‐valued utilities. Several types of agents are characterized depending on the importance assigned to the components of their utility functions. We obtain the set of equilibria of the game with two types of agents, pro‐social and pro‐self, and some refinements of this set for conservative agents. The most relevant result is that only a pro‐social agent is required to avoid the tragedy of the commons, regardless of the behavior of the rest of the agents.
An Introduction to Frank Zappa's ‘Chord Bible’
Authors: CLEMENT BRETT
Published: December 2016

This article offers an introduction to a little‐known compositional system devised by Frank Zappa for his orchestral music: the Chord Bible. Through a close study of the orchestral works featuring Chord Bible harmony, I will attempt a partial recreation of its contents, focusing on seven‐ and eight‐note chords. This will reveal a hybrid system with important pitch and pitch‐class components. Regarding pitch, each chord manifests a precise intervallic spacing (or ‘density’, to use Zappa's term). Conversely, chords are conceived in a scalar harmonic universe derived from diatonic, minor Lydian and octatonic pitch‐class collections. These aspects will be described as a merging of features derived from the music of Edgard Varèse and from the scalar procedures characteristic of Zappa's popular output. I will demonstrate how different chord types within the Chord Bible are generated from a combination of scalar and intervallic transformations. The study concludes with an overview of the musical employment of Chord Bible harmony in three pieces. This analysis will reveal a progressive sophistication in technique that is directly related to the increased importance of the Chord Bible in Zappa's compositional process.
Kaolin‐activated thromboelastography and standard coagulation assays in cyanotic and acyanotic infants undergoing complex cardiac surgery: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Rizza Alessandra , Ricci Zaccaria , Pezzella Chiara , Favia Isabella , Di Felice Giovina , Ranucci Marco , Cogo Paola
Published: December 2016

Background and Aims

Several studies report the use of thromboelatography (TEG) to monitor coagulation in pediatric cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to compare baseline and intraoperative TEG, TEG‐functional fibrinogen, and standard coagulation assays in children with cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods

This is a prospective observational study of 63 children aged <24 months undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Exclusion criteria included preoperative anticoagulant therapy and hepatic failure.

We collected blood at anesthesia induction (T1), at lowest temperature after CPB start (T2), and after heparin neutralization (T3). Coagulation was evaluated by TEG (reaction time [R]), k, alpha‐angle, maximum amplitude (MA), MA‐fibrinogen (MA‐fib), and by standard coagulation assays (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen level, platelet [PLT] count).

Results

Sixty‐three patients were enrolled (38 cyanotic and 25 acyanotic). Median age was 4 [IQR 2–6] months and median weight was 5 [IQR 3.7–6.5] kg. Most common surgeries were: ventricular septal defect repair (n = 13), Fallot correction (n = 11), and arterial switch operation (n = 10). Cyanotic and acyanotic children were well matched: R, k, MA, and MA‐fib at T1, T2, and T3 were not significantly different between cyanotic and acyanotic children. At T2, significant correlations were showed between MA and PLT count (r = 0.4; P = 0.0008) and k and plasma fibrinogen level (r = −0.54; P < 0.0001). At T3, significant correlations were showed between MA and PLT count (r = 0.5; P < 0.0001), G and PLT count (r = 0.6; P < 0.0001), and MA‐fib and plasma fibrinogen level (r = 0.5; P = 0.002).

Conclusions

According to our findings, cyanosis does not affect TEG parameters in children with CHD. PLT count and plasma fibrinogen significantly correlated (are significantly associated) with MA and MA‐fib respectively, suggesting that use of TEG after protamine administration may be prompted for improved hemostatic monitoring in the perioperative phase.
Are Fictional Characters and Literary Works Ontologically on a Par?
Authors: Motoarcă Ioan‐Radu
Published: December 2016

This article is a reaction to the following argument that has been offered in favor of abstract realism about fictional characters: fictional characters do not impose any extra ontological cost on our ontology, because they belong to the same ontological kind as literary works, which we already accept. I address arguments that have been adduced by Jeffrey Goodman in defense of this argument, and I show that there is no relevant parallelism between fictional entities and literary works that the abstract fictional realist can use to bolster her theory.
Intellectual outcomes of extremely preterm infants at school age
Authors: Asami Maya , Kamei Atsushi , Nakakarumai Misato , Shirasawa Satoko , Akasaka Manami , Araya Nami , Tanifuji Sachiko , Chida Shoichi
Published: December 2016

Background

The survival rate of extremely preterm (EP) infants (<28 weeks of gestation) has improved dramatically, and there is great interest in the long‐term prognosis. The aim of this study was to elucidate the influence of prenatal and postnatal care on long‐term intellectual outcome in EP infants.

Methods

Subjects were EP infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from 1982 to 2005. The survival rate and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 6 years of age were analyzed for the periods 1982–1991 (period 1) and 1992–2005 (period 2). Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine risk factors for intellectual impairment.

Results

Survival rate improved significantly from 84.5% (period 1) to 92.4% (period 2; P = 0.007). Follow‐up data were obtained from 92 children in period 1 (69.7% of survivors) and from 245 in period 2 (72.3% of survivors). The incidence of intellectual impairment increased from 16.3% (period 1) to 31.0% (period 2). Significant factors associated with intellectual impairment were period 2 (OR, 3.53; P = 0.007), supplemental oxygen at 36 weeks’ corrected age (OR, 2.22; P = 0.012), number of days in the hospital (OR, 1.01; P = 0.012), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH; OR, 3.05; P = 0.024), and later tube‐feeding commencement date (OR, 1.10; P = 0.032).

Conclusions

Despite an increase in survival rate, the rate of intellectual impairment increased in period 2. According to risk factor analysis, reducing the incidence of chronic lung disease and/or apnea, IVH, and nutritional deprivation is a key factor in improving the intellectual outcomes of EP infants.
Risks and treatment strategies for de novo hepatitis B virus infection from anti‐HBc‐positive donors in pediatric living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Dong Chong , Gao Wei , Ma Nan , Sun Chao , Zheng Wei‐Ping , Wang Kai , Shen Zhong‐Yang
Published: December 2016

The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and risk factors of de novo HBV infection in pediatric patients receiving living donor liver transplants (LDLT) from HBcAb‐positive donors, and to explore its treatment strategies. The data of 101 pediatric recipients receiving LDLT in Tianjin First Central Hospital between September 2006 and December 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. The HBV markers were regularly tested before and after the surgery, including HBsAb, HBsAg, HBeAg, HBeAb, and HBcAb. The median follow‐up period was 25.6 months, during which eight cases (7.92%) were diagnosed with de novo HBV infection. Forty‐four (43.6%) of the children received HBcAb‐positive allografts. The rate of de novo HBV in the children that received HBcAb+ livers vs those received HBcAb− livers was 15.9% (7/44) vs 1.7% (1/57) (P=.037). The rates of de novo HBV in the children who received HBcAb‐positive allografts were significantly less than in those that received preventative therapy with HBIG and lamivudine treatment (2/31, 6.4%) vs those that did not (5/13, 38.5%) (P<.01). HBcAb‐positive liver donors are strongly associated with de novo HBV in HBsAg‐negative pediatric patients receiving LDLT. However, the incidence of de novo HBV infection is significantly less with the use of prophylactic treatment strategies.
Metabolomic analyses of the haemolymph of the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri, the vector of huanglongbing
Authors: Killiny Nabil , Hijaz Faraj , El‐Shesheny Ibrahim , Alfaress Serine , Jones Shelley E. , Rogers Michael E.
Published: December 2016

The Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama is currently threatening the citrus industry by transmitting the causative agent Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) of huanglongbing. Multiplication of CLas in haemolymph of D. citri indicates that it contains the necessary nutrients for CLas. Although many studies examine D. citri, the haemolymph composition of this dangerous pest remains to be investigated. In the present study, the haemolymph of D. citri is collected using a nanolitre syringe after the removal of one of its forelegs. The haemolymph is either derivatized with methyl chloroformate (MCF) or trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatizing reagent and analyzed with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Nineteen amino acids, two organic acids and seven fatty acids are detected in the haemolymph after MCF derivatization. More metabolites are detected after TMS derivatization. Sugars are the most abundant metabolites in the haemolymph. Glucose and fructose are the main monosaccharides. Trehalose and sucrose are the major disaccharides. Furthermore, three inositol isomers (myo‐inositol, scyllo‐inositol and chiro‐inositol) are detected in the haemolymph. Organic acids are found in low amounts, whereas phosphoric acid is found at a higher concentration. Twenty‐four nucleotides and sugar nucleotides, including ATP, ADP and AMP, are detected using high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography. Adenine nucleotides are the most abundant nucleotides followed by uridine and guanosine. The adenylate energy charge for the haemolymph is 0.77. Our results show that many metabolites found in the citrus phloem sap are also found in the haemolymph of D. citri.
The Anthocyanins, Oenin and Callistephin, Protect RPE Cells Against Oxidative Stress
Authors: Yacout Sally M. , Gaillard Elizabeth R.
Published: December 2016

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a highly metabolic layer of postmitotic cells lining Bruch's membrane in the retina. While these cells contain endogenous photosensitizers that mediate blue light‐induced damage, it has also been shown that blue light exposure damages mitochondrial DNA in RPE cells resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction and unregulated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). As RPE cells are postmitotic, it is imperative to decrease oxidative stress to these cells and preserve function. Dietary plant‐derived antioxidants such as anthocyanins offer a simple and accessible solution for decreasing oxidative stress. The anthocyanins malvidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (oenin) and pelargonidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (callistephin) were tested for their ability and efficacy in decreasing ROS generation and preserving mitochondrial redox activity in blue light‐irradiated ARPE‐19 cells. A significant decrease in intracellular ROS with concurrent increase in mitochondrial redox activity was observed for tested concentrations of oenin, while callistephin was beneficial to stressed cells at higher concentrations. These findings suggest anthocyanins are effective antioxidants in blue light‐stressed RPE cells in vitro. Additionally, oxidation products of these anthocyanins were examined using LC/MS and findings suggest the possibility of multiple oxidation sites for these compounds.
Chemiluminescence of Cigarette Smoke: Salient Features of the Phenomenon
Authors: Fedorova Galina F. , Menshov Valery A. , Trofimov Aleksei V. , Tsaplev Yury B. , Vasil'ev Rostislav F. , Yablonskaya Olga I.
Published: December 2016

The study disclosed herein provides for the first time a detailed experimental support for the general mechanism of the cigarette‐smoke‐derived chemiluminescence, as an example par excellence of the excited‐state generation in a chemically complex aerosol medium. The mechanism involves chemiexcitation in a unimolecular transformation of the smoke‐borne free radical species. However, the concentration of these radicals, , obeys a bimolecular (second‐order) kinetics and depends on a particulate‐phase content (total particulate matter, TPM) of the cigarette smoke. The decrease in with increasing the TPM amount manifests radical‐scavenging propensity of the smoke particulate phase. Astonishingly, no energy transfer takes place from the primary excited light‐emitting species to luminophoric molecules abundant in the smoke. The reported results build up fundamentals of a facile chemiluminescence assay for free radical properties of the smoke. The experimental approaches developed for this study are of general scope and may be used for mechanistic elucidation of the excited‐state generation in chemical systems and environments of an arbitrary complexity.
Subcellular Targeting as a Determinant of the Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Kessel David
Published: December 2016

In prior studies, we have identified the ability of low‐level lysosomal photodamage to potentiate the phototoxic effect of subsequent photodamage to mitochondria. The mechanism involves calpain‐mediated cleavage of the autophagy‐associated protein ATG5 to form a proapoptotic fragment (tATG5). In this report, we explore the permissible time lag between the two targeting procedures along with the effect of simultaneously targeting both lysosomes and mitochondria. This was found to be as effective as the sequential protocol with no gap between the irradiation steps. Inhibition of calpain reversed the enhanced efficacy of the “simultaneous” protocol. It appears that even a minor level of lysosomal photodamage can have a significant effect on the efficacy of subsequent mitochondrial photodamage. We propose that these results may explain the efficacy of Photofrin, a photosensitizing product that also targets both lysosomes and mitochondria for photodamage.
Profitability of Service‐Level‐Based Price Differentiation with Inventory Rationing
Authors: Schulte Benedikt , Pibernik Richard
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we study the profitability of service‐level‐based price differentiation (SLBPD) in an inventory‐rationing context. SLBPD implies that a company offers several combinations of prices and guaranteed service levels, from which customers self‐select; different customers choose different offerings because they incur different shortage costs if an order is not fulfilled immediately. We develop an analytical model for SLBPD and explore if and when such a service differentiation strategy yields higher profits than a single undifferentiated offering. The results of our analyses suggest that SLBPD is profitable only if a company faces pricing restrictions, e.g., because of competitive pressure or regulatory restrictions. We develop necessary and sufficient conditions under which a specific and relevant form of SLBPD (called “service‐level‐based upselling”) is profitable, and provide an algorithm to compute the optimal parameters of such a policy. Based on this algorithm we carry out numerical analyses that allow us to characterize the profit increment of service‐level‐based upselling. We derive managerial insights into the attractiveness of SLBPD and explain how our basic analytical framework can be extended to account for more complex practical features.
Product Upgrades with Stochastic Technology Advancement, Product Failure, and Brand Commitment
Authors: Kirshner Samuel Nathan , Levin Yuri , Nediak Mikhail
Published: December 2016

Brand commitment and the risk of product failure play an important role in the timing of upgrades for a durable product in the presence of stochastic technology advancements. Higher brand commitment makes a firm less vulnerable to sales erosion in an incumbent product due to a technology lag. However, the firm is more susceptible to profit loss from the risk of a failed product. We show that under these circumstances, a firm's optimal upgrade strategy is characterized by a threshold policy based on the level of pent‐up demand for their next generation product. Contrary to previous research, we find that a threshold policy based on technology may be suboptimal, since the risk of product failure is nonmonotonic in terms of the technology lag. We extend the model to determine whether a firm should offer a temporary price reduction and show that price promotions can be used to mitigate the risk of lost sales associated with a risky product upgrade. We perform numerical experiments to examine the impact of brand commitment under different market scenarios related to the stochastic dynamics of technology advancements. The implications of the findings are discussed in the context of the smartphone industry.
NO accumulation alleviates H2O2‐dependent oxidative damage induced by Ca(NO3)2 stress in the leaves of pumpkin‐grafted cucumber seedlings
Authors: Li Lin , Shu Sheng , Xu Qing , An Ya‐hong , Sun Jin , Guo Shi‐rong
Published: December 2016

Nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), two important signaling molecules, are stimulated in plants by abiotic stresses. In this study, we investigated the role of NO and its interplay with H2O2 in the response of self‐grafted (S‐G) and salt‐tolerant pumpkin‐grafted (Cucurbita maxima × C. moschata) cucumber seedlings to 80 mM Ca(NO3)2 stress. Endogenous NO and H2O2 production in S‐G seedlings increased in a time‐dependent manner, reaching maximum levels after 24 h of Ca(NO3)2 stress. In contrast, a transient increase in NO production, accompanied by H2O2 accumulation, was observed at 2 h in rootstock‐grafted plants. Nw‐Nitro‐l‐Arg methyl ester hydrochloride (l‐NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), tungstate, an inhibitor of nitrate reductase (NR), and 2‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethy‐limidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide (cPTIO), a scavenger of NO, were found to significantly inhibit NO accumulation induced by salt stress in rootstock‐grafted seedlings. H2O2 production was unaffected by these stress conditions. Ca(NO3)2 stress‐induced NO accumulation was blocked by pretreatment with an H2O2 scavenger (dimethylthiourea, DMTU) and an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase (diphenyleneiodonium, DPI). In addition, maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), as well as the activities and transcript levels of antioxidant enzymes, were significantly decreased by salt stress in rootstock grafted seedlings after pretreatment with these above inhibitors; antioxidant enzyme transcript levels and activities were higher in rootstock‐grafted seedlings compared with S‐G seedlings. These results suggest that rootstock grafting could alleviate the oxidative damage induced by Ca(NO3)2 stress in cucumber seedlings, an effect that may be attributable to the involvement of NO in H2O2‐dependent antioxidative metabolism.
Building relationship innovation in global collaborative partnerships: big data analytics and traditional organizational powers
Authors: Akhtar Pervaiz , Khan Zaheer , Rao‐Nicholson Rekha , Zhang Minhao
Published: December 2016

This study examines how relationship innovation can be developed in global collaborative partnerships (alliances, joint ventures, mergers, and acquisitions). The recently emerging theory of big data analytics linked with traditional organizational powers has attracted a growing interest, but surprisingly little research has been devoted to this important and complex topic. Therefore, after developing the theoretical foundations, our study empirically quantifies the links between the theoretical constructs based on the data collected from chief executive officers, managing directors, and heads of departments who work in contemporary global data‐and‐information driven collaborative partnerships. The results from structural equation modeling indicate that the relationship innovation depends on the power of big data analytics and non‐mediated powers (NMP, expert and referent). The power of big data analytics also mediates the correlation between NMP and relationship innovation. However, mediated powers (coercive and manipulative) negatively affect the power of big data analytics and relationship innovation. The interaction effects further depict that analytically powered partnerships have better relationship innovation compared with those which focus less on the analytical power. Consequently, the contributions of this study provide a deeper understanding of mechanisms of how modern collaborative partnerships can use big data analytics and traditional organizational powers to co‐create relationship innovation.
Antisperm antibodies in repeat‐breeding cows: Frequency, detection and validation of threshold levels employing sperm immobilization, sperm agglutination and immunoperoxidase assay
Authors: Srivastava SK , Shinde S , Singh SK , Mehrotra S , Verma MR , Singh AK , Nandi S , Srivastava N , Singh SK , Goswami TK , Bhure SK , Kumar H , Ghosh SK
Published: December 2016

Contents

Antisperm antibodies have been found in repeat‐breeding(RB) cows, and those causing agglutination and/or immobilization of sperm are considered to be closely related to unexplained infertility. However, a standard protocol for identifying antisperm antibodies (ASA) in cattle is not validated. Therefore, an investigation was undertaken to evaluate sperm immobilization (SIT), sperm agglutination (SAT) and immunoperoxidase (IPT)assays for detection of ASA in serum and their respective threshold levels for confirmation. Animals (heifers, normally breeding, repeat‐breeding and pregnant animals) that were free from IBR, brucellosis and uterine infections (screened by clinical examination) were included in the study. Sperm agglutinating, sperm immobilizing and antisperm antibodies evaluated by respective assay were significantly higher (p < .05) in RB cows compared to other groups. The SIT assay was able to identify 61% of RB caused by ASA, more than those employing SAT and IPT. Furthermore, a dilution rate of 1:5 and 1:80 (confirms 59.0 and 57.0% RB+ve)were sufficient to diagnose ASA by SAT and IPT, respectively. Results indicate the presence of __12.6% clumped spermatozoa and __ 2.6%(cut‐off value) peroxidase‐positive spermatozoa at 1:5 and 1:80 dilutions diagnosed with SAT and IPT, respectively, may be considered as repeaters arising out of ASA. Furthermore, study also showed the presence of lower incidence of ASA positivity in other groups of animals (heifer<normal breeder<pregnant animals) compared to repeaters. Study results show that although IPT is more specific and accurate but SAT and SIT are comparatively simple and cost‐effective assays suitable for detecting ASA under field conditions and thus can be recommended for screening of repeaters.
Resilience of Cyber Systems with Over‐ and Underregulation
Authors: Gisladottir Viktoria , Ganin Alexander A. , Keisler Jeffrey M. , Kepner Jeremy , Linkov Igor
Published: December 2016

Recent cyber attacks provide evidence of increased threats to our critical systems and infrastructure. A common reaction to a new threat is to harden the system by adding new rules and regulations. As federal and state governments request new procedures to follow, each of their organizations implements their own cyber defense strategies. This unintentionally increases time and effort that employees spend on training and policy implementation and decreases the time and latitude to perform critical job functions, thus raising overall levels of stress. People's performance under stress, coupled with an overabundance of information, results in even more vulnerabilities for adversaries to exploit. In this article, we embed a simple regulatory model that accounts for cybersecurity human factors and an organization's regulatory environment in a model of a corporate cyber network under attack. The resulting model demonstrates the effect of under‐ and overregulation on an organization's resilience with respect to insider threats. Currently, there is a tendency to usead‐hocapproaches to account for human factors rather than to incorporate them into cyber resilience modeling. It is clear that using a systematic approach utilizing behavioral science, which already exists in cyber resilience assessment, would provide a more holistic view for decisionmakers.
Comparison of established and novel methods for the detection and enumeration of microparticles in canine stored erythrocyte concentrates for transfusion
Authors: McEntire Meredeth C. , Wardrop K. Jane , Davis William C.
Published: December 2016

Background

Microparticles (MP) are submicron, phosphatidylserine (PS)‐bearing lipid vesicles with physiologic and pathologic roles in coagulation and inflammation. Microparticles accumulate in packed RBC (pRBC) stored for transfusion, potentially increasing recipient morbidity. Historically, canine MP have been detected with the PS label annexin V in supernatant samples. Other detection methods are available but have not been evaluated in dogs.

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to detect and enumerate MP in canine pRBC using annexin V, lactadherin, and bio‐maleimide to compare label performance and assess microparticle accumulation under standard storage conditions.

Methods

Microparticles (0.5–1.0 μm) in canine dog erythrocyte antigen 1.1 positive, nonleukoreduced pRBC were labeled with FITC‐annexin V, FITC‐lactadherin, and the fluorescent dye bio‐maleimide, and were counted using flow cytometry at 3 time points (days 7, 21, and 35) of storage. Unprocessed pRBC, rather than supernatant, were used.

Results

Annexin V and bio‐maleimide labeling produced comparable microparticle counts (P = .16), while lactadherin labeling resulted in higher microparticle counts than annexin V (P = .002) and bio‐maleimide (P = .006), particularly on day 7. Bio‐maleimide‐ and annexin V‐based microparticle counts increased significantly from day 7 to 35 (P = .04), and increases from day 21 to 35 approached statistical significance (P = .05).

Conclusions

Bio‐maleimide‐ and annexin V‐mediated microparticle counts were comparable in unprocessed canine pRBC using flow cytometry. Whether the increased microparticle counts with lactadherin were due to increased sensitivity for small, PS‐bearing MP or due to labeling of membrane fragments and debris requires further investigation.
Detection of DNA sequences from a novel papillomavirus in a feline basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Munday John S. , French Adrienne , Thomson Neroli
Published: December 2016

Background

Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are uncommon feline skin neoplasms of uncertain cause.

Case

A 14‐year‐old Abyssinian cat developed a soft dermal nodule on the dorsal thorax. This mass grew slowly over a six month period before being surgically excised.

Methods and results

Histology revealed a BCC. Additionally, changes suggestive of an early Bowenoid in situ carcinoma (BISC) were present in the overlying epidermis. Both the BCC and the BISC contained papillomavirus‐induced cell changes and prominent basophilic intracytoplasmic bodies. PCR using consensus primers and primers specific for Felis catus papillomavirus types 2 and 3 (FcaPV‐2 and ‐3) was used to amplify papillomaviral DNA. The same papillomaviral DNA sequence was present in the BCC and the BISC. This sequence was most similar to FcaPV‐3, but with just 70.5% similarity, was from a novel papillomavirus type. No recurrence or further masses developed.

Conclusions

This case is unusual due to the presence of a large dermal BCC associated with minimal BISC changes in the overlying epidermis. Additionally, papillomavirus‐induced cell changes have not been described previously in a BCC. Furthermore, both the BCC and the BISC contained sequences from a novel papillomavirus type. These observations suggest that the development of some BCCs could be influenced by papillomavirus infection. The novel papillomavirus type detected is the third papillomavirus type to be associated with skin cancer in cats.
The use of non-invasive thermometers in healthcare facilities: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Mordiffi Siti Zubaidah , Peters Micah D.J. , Ang Emily N.K.
Published: December 2016

Review objective and questions:

The objective of the review is to map the available evidence to provide an overview of the use of non-invasive thermometers in the general context of health care. The specific questions, in regards to the available international published and unpublished literature, are:

What types of non-invasive thermometers have been used?

What manufacturers/brand of thermometers have been used?

What routes have been used for the thermometers?

What thermometers have been used as reference thermometers?

What measures of accuracy have been reported in studies comparing different thermometers and routes of temperature measurement?

How have included studies reported on comparisons of different thermometers in terms of frequency of thermometer readings, time that temperature is measured and factors affecting accuracy?
Parents’ and families’ experiences of palliative and end-of-life neonatal care in neonatal settings: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Foster Jann , Kain Victoria , Patterson Tiffany
Published: December 2016

Review question/objective:

The overall objective of this systematic review is to identify, critically appraise and synthesize the parents' and families' experiences of palliative and end-of-life neonatal care at facilities/services globally. The specific review question is: what are parents’ and families’ experiences of palliative and end-of-life neonatal care?
Relationship between birth weight or fetal growth rate and postnatal allergy: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Wooldridge Amy L. , McMillan Mark , Marshall Helen S. , Gatford Kathryn L.
Published: December 2016

Review question/objective:

The objective of this systematic review is to synthesize the best available evidence on the relationship between size at birth or fetal growth and postnatal allergy. Specifically, this review aims to assess evidence regarding relationships between absolute birth weight at term, birth weight corrected for gestational age, expressed as relative to population or customized growth data, or fetal growth measures and physician-diagnosed or parent- and self-reported postnatal clinical allergic disease (eczema/atopic dermatitis, hay fever/rhinitis, allergic asthma or anaphylaxis).

The specific review question is: what is the association between the absolute birth weight at full-term or birth weight relative to population or customized data and corrected for gestational age or direct measures of fetal growth, and physician-diagnosed or parent- and self-reported clinical allergic disease (eczema/atopic dermatitis, hay fever/rhinitis, allergic asthma or anaphylaxis)?
Prevention, assessment and management of post-dialysis fatigue in patients attending in-center hemodialysis: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Oliver Veronica , Stephenson Matthew
Published: December 2016

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background:

The hemodialysis (HD) population experiences a myriad of disease-related symptoms that are often not recognized and/or not treated. Post-dialysis fatigue is a frequent complaint of HD patients following a dialysis session, and there is currently no evidence-based approach to alleviate this problem.

Objectives:

The object of this best practice implementation project was to implement evidence-based strategies for the prevention, assessment and management of post-dialysis fatigue, with a view to lessening the disease burden experienced by in-center HD patients.

Methods:

The project used the Joanna Briggs Institute's Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research Into Practice audit tool for promoting change in clinical practice. A baseline audit was conducted, followed by implementation of evidence-based strategies with a focus on staff and patient education. A follow-up audit was performed to assess the effects of the interventions on compliance with best practice.

Results:

The baseline audit showed that there was no evidence-based approach to prevention, assessment and management of post-dialysis fatigue in place, with only two of the 11 audit criteria showing compliance greater than 50%. Education programs for nursing staff and patients were established, along with the implementation of additional strategies to prevent, assess and manage post-dialysis fatigue. The follow-up audit showed a dramatic increase in the utilization of evidence-based strategies, with ten of the 11 audit criteria achieving above 75% compliance.

Conclusion:

An evidence-based program to prevent, assess and manage post-dialysis fatigue was successfully implemented. Future studies may reveal if this project has lessened the disease burden experienced by in-center HD patients.
Experiences of midwives and nurses in policy development in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Etowa Josephine , Vukic Adele , Aston Megan , Boadu Nana Yaa , Helwig Melissa , Macdonald Danielle , Sikora Lindsey , Wright Erica , Babatunde Seye , George Awoala Nelson
Published: December 2016

Review question/objective:

The objective of this review is to identify, appraise and synthesize the qualitative evidence on the experiences of midwives’ and nurses’ involvement in policy development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This qualitative review seeks to address the following question:

What are midwives’ and nurses’ experiences of being involved in policy development in LMICs?
Perceptions of patients, significant others and health professionals of the role of significant others in programs for chronic non-malignant pain patients: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Hansen Carrinna A. , Bjerrum Merete Bender
Published: December 2016

Review question/objective:

The objective of this review is to identify and synthesize the perceptions of patients, significant others and health professionals regarding the role of significant others in chronic pain programs or healthcare regimens that target patients with chronic non-malignant pain. More specifically, the objective is to identify the role of significant others in chronic pain programs and healthcare regimens for adult patients with chronic non-malignant pain in primary, secondary or tertiary healthcare settings.