bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of a measurement scale of the innovative culture in work teams
Authors: Solís Martín , Mora-Esquivel Ronald
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This study aims to develop and validate a scale to measure innovative culture in work teams of the public sector (ICT).

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed research design was followed. An initial literature review and a qualitative study identify the possible dimensions that give content to the construct of the innovative culture. Subsequently, two quantitative studies are carried out to explore the measurement scale and provide evidence of its reliability and validity.

Findings

The results show that the ICT construct is composed of ten dimensions and likewise, exhibit internal consistency and evidence of validity.

Originality/value

This study attempts to provide an additional contribution to the conceptualization and measurement of innovative culture, through the development of a scale that consolidates the different dimensions proposed by the authors. Besides, the scale developed is the only one, as far as we know, that has been created to evaluate innovative culture in work teams.
Financial intermediation analysis from financial flows
Authors: De Moraes Claudio Oliveira , Antunes José Americo Pereira , Rodrigues Adriano
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the financial friction effect of non-performing loans (NPLs) on financial intermediation (FI) through empirical evidence from the Brazilian experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a new variable, financial intermediation flow and a new indicator, FI, both measures of FI. To empirically test FI, the authors use a dynamic panel data framework that draws on 101 banks (December 2000 to December 2015).

Findings

An increase in NPL reduces FI. Thus, NPL amplifies financial friction in FI. This result holds in different time frames, such as the pre-crisis period, the crisis period and the post-crisis period.

Practical implications

The FI measure developed in this study offers the policymakers a possibility to monitor financial stability.

Originality/value

This study adds to this debate by proposing a measure of FI derived from financial flows. This measure allows one to estimate the role of NPL as a financial friction that can pose a threat to financial stability.
The importance of sources of meaning in life of community dwelling psychologically frail older people
Authors: Hoeyberghs Lieve Josée , Verté Emily , Verté Dominique , Schols Jos M.G.A. , De Witte Nico
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Psychological frailty adds most to overall feelings of frailty, but is often neglected, although meaning in life is important for psychological well-being. The purpose of this paper is to explore the sources of meaning in life within psychologically frail older people.

Design/methodology/approach

Data (n= 16,872) generated from the Belgian Ageing Studies were collected, using the Comprehensive Frailty Assessment Instrument and the Sources of Meaning Profile (SOMP-R) instrument. Psychometric properties of the SOMP-R were explored using factor and reliability analysis and one-way-ANOVA analysis were used to asses mean differences.

Findings

Financial security, meeting basic needs and personal relations play an important role as sources of meaning in life. Moreover, the SOMP-R showed excellent psychometric properties.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the cross-sectional design of this study, evolution in time and causal links could not be assessed.

Practical implications

The findings of this study emphasize that sources of meaning in life are relevant and can be assessed using the SOMP-R upon which individually tailored care plans can be developed. The results show that, meaning in life as such plays an important role for psychologically frail older people. As a consequence, this offers insights to support these older people. Caregivers and policymakers might therefore take these results into account. Guarantee and/or follow up a frail individual’s financial security, assessing and enabling one’s personal relationships and meeting their basic needs are very important when taking care of psychologically frail older individuals.

Social implications

Besides the practical implications, the social inclusion of psychologically frail older people seems to be relevant.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the association between meaning in life and psychological frailty in later life is not yet investigated. Further the findings of this study emphasize that sources of meaning in life are relevant and can be assessed using the SOMP-R upon which individually tailored care plans can be developed.
Patient preference for biologic treatments of psoriasis in Japan
Authors: Tada Yayoi , Ishii Kanako , Kimura Junko , Hanada Keigo , Kawaguchi Isao
Published: April 2019

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting skin which may also manifest in nails and joints. Several biologic treatments have been approved in Japan for psoriasis. Each biologic has a different profile for efficacy and safety, including different dosing regimens and co‐payment considerations which may complicate treatment decisions made by patients and physicians during short consultations. Elucidating patient preference is expected to contribute to shared decision‐making between patients and physicians to optimize treatment satisfaction and outcomes. However, the number of studies investigating this in Japan is very limited. The study used a discrete choice experiment methodology to elicit patient preferences for hypothetical options in an experimental framework. Participants were asked to choose their preferred treatment option from two hypothetical choices, defined by different levels of six attributes (i.e. early onset of efficacy, long‐term efficacy, sustained efficacy after drug withdrawal, dosing convenience, co‐payment and risk of serious infection). The survey included 16 treatment choice scenarios and was completed by 395 participants. Across all participants, the attribute regarded as most important was sustained efficacy after drug withdrawal, followed by dosing convenience, co‐payment, long‐term efficacy, early onset of efficacy and risk of serious infection. The study found that patients prefer treatments which have durable efficacy and lower treatment burden characterized as fewer injection frequency and lower co‐payment. These results may be helpful to understand patient preference for biologic treatments used for psoriasis in Japan and contribute to shared decision‐making between patients and physicians to improve patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes.
Two dimensions of demographic differentiation of species in a mountain grassland community: An experimental test
Authors: Herben Tomáš , Hadincová Věra , Krahulec František , Pecháčková Sylvie , Skálová Hana
Published: April 2019

There is remarkable variation in life histories of coexisting plant species. These “alternative designs” for the given set of environmental conditions are likely to play a role in species niche differences and thus may underlie species coexistence, although there is no clear demonstration of it. Currently available data on within‐community differentiation concern primarily easy and measurable traits that are not fully informative of life history variation. Their relevance for functional differentiation of species and species coexistence is far from clear.

Here, we examined differentiation of coexisting species in demographic parameters and how it determines species’ response to neighbours. We determined these parameters for a set of 21 co‐occurring species by fitting a process‐based model to a long‐term (30 years) data series of shoot counts. We examined the functional relevance of these parameters using species responses in a field removal experiment. We further asked with which functional traits they are correlated.

Species were differentiated along two largely independent axes: (a) slow vs. fast, separating species according to instantaneous growth rate, competitive response and intraspecific density dependence; and (b) dispersal vs. local dynamics, which separated species with strong dispersal (by seeds or vegetative) from species that tended to stay in the occupied spot. While the slow‐fast axis was associated with commonly used leaf and seed traits, the dispersal axis was best predicted by lateral spreading distance.

Each of these two axes predicted different components of species’ responses to neighbour competition: the slow‐fast axis was a good predictor of the short‐term response, whereas dispersal axis was a good predictor of the long‐term response.

Synthesis. Demographic differentiation of coexisting species resembles to an important degree demographic differentiation known from large‐scale comparisons. This differentiation is functionally meaningful also at the fine scale; its role in species’ responses to competition implies it is involved in species niche differentiation and coexistence. While seed and leaf traits are important correlates of demographic differentiation, a hitherto underappreciated trait, viz. lateral spreading distance, is an important predictor of the dispersal axis at the fine scale and should be more widely used.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Parental sublethal insecticide exposure prolongs mating response and decreases reproductive output in offspring
Authors: Müller Thorben , Römer Clara Isis , Müller Caroline
Published: April 2019

Insecticide usage is steadily increasing, implying an ongoing threat of sublethal exposure for non‐target organisms in habitats close to farmland. The exposure to low insecticide doses is often associated with a fitness decline in affected organisms.

We determined the effects of exposure to the pyrethroid lambda‐cyhalothrin, at a concentration 20 times lower than the LC50, on the cuticle surface profile containing mating cues, the mating and aggression behaviour and fitness consequences for a beetle species (Phaedon cochleariae Fabricius), which faces agropollutants when occurring close to farmland. Traits were investigated in the insecticide‐exposed parental generation, and carry‐over effects into their unexposed offspring were studied.

In both the parental and the offspring generation, the chemical surface profile was unaffected by the insecticide exposure. Nevertheless, insecticide exposure and carry‐over effects decreased male mating acceptance of females in no‐choice situations. A reduced acceptance of insecticide‐exposed females may be related to changes in specific chemical surface cues, because males attempted to mate more readily with dummies treated with surface extracts of control females than of insecticide‐exposed females. Moreover, females became more aggressive in dual‐choice situations towards other females in the presence of an insecticide‐exposed compared to an unexposed male, potentially due to neuronal dysfunctions. Thus, both intersexual (chemical) communication during mating and intrasexual communication were altered in response to insecticide exposure.

Insecticide‐exposed parents and their offspring suffered from a decreased reproductive output, likely due to direct toxic effects or constraints induced by detoxification processes. The carry‐over effects might be mediated by a parental insecticide transfer or insecticide‐induced heritable epigenetic changes involved in detoxification processes.

Synthesis and applications. This study demonstrates that sublethal insecticide exposure can have far‐reaching consequences on (non‐target) herbivores. These results have implications for population dynamics and, ultimately, for ecological communities, as insects are highly important members of food chains. Therefore, long‐term effects of short‐term insecticide exposure should be considered in the evaluation of pesticides and the discussion about pesticide usage in agriculture.
Uncertainties in the value and opportunity costs of pollination services
Authors: Magrach Ainhoa , Champetier Antoine , Krishnan Smitha , Boreux Virginie , Ghazoul Jaboury
Published: April 2019

Pollination is an ecosystem service that directly contributes to agricultural production, and can therefore provide a strong incentive to conserve natural habitats that support pollinator populations. However, we have yet to provide consistent and convincing pollination service valuations to effectively slow the conversion of natural habitats.

We use coffee in Kodagu, India, to illustrate the uncertainties involved in estimating costs and benefits of pollination services. First, we fully account for the benefits obtained by coffee agroforests that are attributable to pollination from wild bees nesting in forest habitats. Second, we compare these benefits to the opportunity cost of conserving forest habitats and forgoing conversion to coffee production. Throughout, we systematically quantify the uncertainties in our accounting exercise and identify the parameters that contribute most to uncertainty in pollination service valuation.

We find the value of pollination services provided by one hectare of forest to be 25% lower than the profits obtained from converting that same surface to coffee production using average values for all parameters. However, our results show this value is not robust to moderate uncertainty in parameter values, particularly that driven by variability in pollinator density.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings emphasize the need to develop robust estimates of both value and opportunity costs of pollination services that take into account landscape and management variables. Our analysis contributes to strengthening pollination service arguments used to help stakeholders make informed decisions on land use and conservation practices.
Metabolomics revealed decreased level of omega‐3 PUFA‐derived protective eicosanoids in pregnant women with pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Liu Yantao , Zu Lingjie , Cai Wenbin , Cheng Qian , Hua Tong , Peng Liyuan , Li Gang , Zhang Xu
Published: April 2019

Pre‐eclampsia (PE) is considered a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in pregnant women worldwide. Eicosanoids derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) might play an important role in the occurrence and development of PE. Omega‐3 PUFAs are nutrients that are popular supplements for pregnant women and can reduce blood pressure. However, the levels of eicosanoids derived from omega‐3 PUFAs in women with PE is not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the eicosanoid metabolic signature of PE. We performed a case–control study using data for pregnant women (n = 10) with PE and normotensive pregnant women (n = 10). We investigated the difference in eicosanoid profile between the groups by LC‐MS/MS‐based metabolomics. The plasma levels of arachidonic acid metabolites and some of the lipoxygenase metabolites of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) showed an increasing trend, and those of the cytochrome P450 metabolites of EPA and DHA were decreased in women with PE. Levels of leukotriene B4, 14,15‐dihydroxy‐eicosatetraenoate, 16‐hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid and 8,9‐epoxy eicosatetraenoic acid were significantly correlated with PE occurrence. These eicosanoids might take part in the progression of PE in pregnant women.
Impact of climate change on food security of small islands: The case of Mauritius
Authors: Brizmohun Roshini
Published: April 2019

This paper studies the implications of high food prices resulting from climate change on food security in small islands, using Mauritius as a case‐study. Climate change may adversely impact prices of agricultural commodities. The study derives and calculates the government costs and the welfare effects of an increase in the world price of rice on consumers in Mauritius. Using an equilibrium displacement model, this study finds that an increase in the price of rice by 35%, as predicted by the literature on climate change and rice prices, will result in an increase of 28.8% in government spending, representing the additional outlays to support the subsidy scheme for food security. Using 2012 as the baseline, the welfare analysis results suggest that consumer surplus for ration rice consumers increases by 626 million Mauritian Rupees (MUR) or US$18 million while consumer surplus decreases by MUR454 million (US$13 million) for basmati rice consumers.
Climate migrants’ survival threatened by “C” shaped anthropic barriers
Authors: BUTIKOFER Luca , JI Weihong , SACCHI Roberto , MANGIACOTTI Marco
Published: April 2019

Despite studies on range shifts being abundant, the problem of dispersal barriers limiting climate migrants’ movement is yet to be fully included into any modeling framework. For this reason, we introduce a novel concept whereby the interplay of range shifts and dispersal barriers of a particular spatial configuration can threaten the persistence of populations under a climate change scenario. We named this concept “C‐trap,” based on the topographic shape of such barriers. After elaborating on the theoretical features of C‐traps, we provide a simple method that combines environmental data and future climate projections to locate them spatially. We use this method to determine where high C‐trap densities have the potential to further threaten the conservation of endangered, endemic animals across the world's terrestrial realm, in a climate change scenario. Our methodology detected potential C‐traps for the study system, with areas of high density mostly located in east Europe, south Asia and North America. However, finer‐scale analyses are required to assess the magnitude of the threat locally. Dispersal barriers add an additional dimension to range shift studies and can ultimately prevent otherwise successful climate migrants from tracking their climatic niche. The methodology presented here is simple and flexible enough to be adapted to a wide range of taxa and locations as well as the fast development of range shift modeling. Therefore, we encourage researchers to include the effects of anthropogenic dispersal barriers in range shifts models and in the planning of effective conservation strategies with reference to climate change.
Interactions between rodents and weeds in a lowland rice agro‐ecosystem: the need for an integrated approach to management
Authors: HTWE Nyo Me , SINGLETON Grant R. , JOHNSON David E.
Published: April 2019

Rodents and weeds are important pests to rice crops in Southeast Asia. The interaction between these 2 major pests is poorly documented. In temperate cereal systems, seeds of grass weeds can be an important food source for rodents and weed cover along crop margins provides important refuge for rodents. In 2012 and 2013, a replicated study (n = 4) in Bago, Myanmar compared 4 treatments (rodents and weeds; no rodents and weeds; rodents and no weeds; no rodents and no weeds) each of 0.25 ha in transplanted rice. Weeds were managed with hand weeding in the wet season, and hand weeding and herbicides in the dry season. Plastic fences were installed to exclude rodents. We examined the weed cover and relative abundance of weed species, rodent damage, rodent population dynamics and rice yield loss caused by rodents and weeds. The dominant rodent species was Bandicota bengalensis. In the dry season, Cyperus difformis was dominant at the tillering stage and Echinochloa crus‐galli was the dominant weed species at the booting stage. In the wet season E. crus‐galli was a dominant weed throughout the season. Damage by rodents was higher in the dry season. There were larger economic benefits for best weed management and effective rodent control in the dry season (258 US$/ha) than in the wet season (30 US$/ha). Concurrent control of weeds in and around rice fields combined with coordinated community trapping of rodents during the early tillering stage and ripening stage of rice are recommended management options.
Genome analyses of the new model protist Euplotes vannus focusing on genome rearrangement and resistance to environmental stressors
Authors: Chen Xiao , Jiang Yaohan , Gao Feng , Zheng Weibo , Krock Timothy J. , Stover Naomi A. , Lu Chao , Katz Laura A. , Song Weibo
Published: April 2019

As a model organism for studies of cell and environmental biology, the free‐living and cosmopolitan ciliate Euplotes vannus shows intriguing features like dual genome architecture (i.e., separate germline and somatic nuclei in each cell/organism), “gene‐sized” chromosomes, stop codon reassignment, programmed ribosomal frameshifting (PRF) and strong resistance to environmental stressors. However, the molecular mechanisms that account for these remarkable traits remain largely unknown. Here we report a combined analysis of de novo assembled high‐quality macronuclear (MAC; i.e., somatic) and partial micronuclear (MIC; i.e., germline) genome sequences for E. vannus, and transcriptome profiling data under varying conditions. The results demonstrate that: (a) the MAC genome contains more than 25,000 complete “gene‐sized” nanochromosomes (~85 Mb haploid genome size) with the N50 ~2.7 kb; (b) although there is a high frequency of frameshifting at stop codons UAA and UAG, we did not observe impaired transcript abundance as a result of PRF in this species as has been reported for other euplotids; (c) the sequence motif 5′‐TA‐3′ is conserved at nearly all internally‐eliminated sequence (IES) boundaries in the MIC genome, and chromosome breakage sites (CBSs) are duplicated and retained in the MAC genome; (d) by profiling the weighted correlation network of genes in the MAC under different environmental stressors, including nutrient scarcity, extreme temperature, salinity and the presence of ammonia, we identified gene clusters that respond to these external physical or chemical stimulations, and (e) we observed a dramatic increase in HSP70 gene transcription under salinity and chemical stresses but surprisingly, not under temperature changes; we link this temperature‐resistance to the evolved loss of temperature stress‐sensitive elements in regulatory regions. Together with the genome resources generated in this study, which are available online at Euplotes vannus Genome Database (http://evan.ciliate.org), these data provide molecular evidence for understanding the unique biology of highly adaptable microorganisms.
Evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis by ultrasound radiofrequency data technology in patients with Behçet's disease
Authors: Ozisler Cem , Kaplanoglu Hatice
Published: April 2019

Aim

We aimed to evaluate subclinical atherosclerosis based on carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) and arterial stiffness measurements in patients with Behçet's disease (BD), using ultrasound (US) radiofrequency (RF) data technology.

Methods

We included 33 BD patients and 33 healthy controls in this study. The participants did not have any primary cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and obesity. All participants were evaluated using Doppler ultrasonography. Arterial stiffness and CIMT measurements were performed in bilateral common carotid arteries using the US RF data technology.

Results

The right, left and mean CIMT values were similar between the patient and control groups (P > 0.05). There was also no statistically significant difference in the right side α and β stiffness indices despite higher values in the patient group (P > 0.05). The right, left and mean distensibility coefficient (DC) and compliance coefficient (CC) values of the patient group were significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.05). The left and mean α‐ and β‐stiffness indices, and the right, left and mean pulse wave velocity (PWV) values were significantly higher in the patient group (P < 0.05). We found higher mean CIMT and PWV values, and α‐ and β‐stiffness indices in patients with mucocutaneous involvement compared with those with major organ involvement, while the mean DC and CC values were lower in the former. However, these results did not reach a statistically significant level.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated evidence of subclinical atherosclerosis in BD in the absence of major atherosclerotic risk factors.
Waiting for ICU admission may increase the risk of death—A plea for better resource organization
Authors: Castro Sílvia , Jesus Pereira Isabel , Dias Cláudia Camila , Granja Cristina
Published: April 2019

Background

Mortality is high in critically ill patients. In order to study the risk factors associated with mortality in these patients, we conducted an observational retrospective study in the general Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Faro Hospital.

Methods

All patients discharged from the general ICU in the year 2015 were evaluated for inclusion. Mortality was characterized in the first 48 hours of ICU stay, at the time of discharge from ICU, and at discharge from hospital. Collected variables included demographic variables (age), and ICU variables: type of ICU admission (scheduled surgery, urgent surgery, medical and trauma), Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II), main diagnosis, hospital length of stay (HLS) before ICU (BICULS), in ICU (ICULS) and after ICU (AICULS).

Results

When comparing survivors with non‐survivors, we found that age, disease severity expressed by SAPS II and BICULS were significantly higher in non‐survivors. After multivariate regression analysis, BICULS was still significantly associated with mortality in the hospital.

Conclusion

Further studies are needed to characterize whether this longer BICULS is related to non‐modifiable prior conditions or whether it is related to delayed ICU admission, which is a modifiable factor.
Critical Evaluation of the Association Between Elevated Mean Corpuscular Volume and Alcohol‐Related Traffic Accidents: A Retrospective Study on 6244 Car Crash Cases
Authors: Porpiglia Nadia M. , Bortolotti Federica , Dorizzi Romolo M. , Micciolo Rocco , Tagliaro Franco
Published: April 2019

Background

Erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume (MCV) has been used for decades as a biomarker of chronic alcohol abuse and in the treatment of alcohol dependence. More recently, it has also been adopted to investigate the fitness of subjects to hold the driving license to prevent traffic accidents. So far, however, the studies on the association of MCV with an increased risk of alcohol‐associated car accidents are extremely scarce, if not totally absent. To the best of our knowledge, the present work is the first specifically aimed at studying a plausible association between elevated MCV and crash accidents correlated with alcohol abuse.

Methods

A total of 6,244 drivers involved in traffic accidents underwent mandatory laboratory analyses including blood alcohol concentration (BAC) determination and MCV analysis. BAC and MCV determinations were performed by headspace gas chromatography and complete blood count, respectively.

Results

The chi‐square test evaluating the proportions of subjects with elevated MCVs (>95 fl) yielded a highly significant result (χ2 = 68.0; p < 0.001) in the blood samples where the BAC was above the legal limit (i.e., >0.5 g/l). However, when considering only drivers showing BACs in the range of 0.51 to 1.5 g/l, the frequencies of elevated MCV values are fairly comparable (χ2 = 0.062, p = 0.80). In contrast, limiting the evaluation to BACs > 1.5 g/l, the frequency of elevated MCVs raised to 19.1% (χ2 = 58.9, p value < 0.001 vs. the group with BAC within the legal limits).

Conclusions

The present observations show that MCV increases are typically associated with drivers involved in accidents only if driving under severe alcohol intoxication, leading to a preliminary conclusion that, in the context of the certification of the fitness to the driving license, MCV fails to reveal individuals at risk who tend to drive in a condition of low‐to‐moderate alcohol intoxication.
Assessing the cutting efficiency of different burs on zirconia substrate
Authors: Peters Ove A. , Du Daniel , Ho Mei Ying , Chu Rick , Moule Alex
Published: April 2019

Cutting dental zirconia for endodontic access preparation is difficult. Therefore, this study aimed to determine cutting efficiency of various burs when cutting this material. An air turbine handpiece was used in a customised test rig to cut sintered zirconia specimens, using a conventional blue band diamond, two different zirconia‐cutting diamond and a zirconia‐cutting tungsten carbide bur. Position and speed of the bur were continuously determined using wireless data acquisition over two successive five‐minute runs. Differences in cutting efficiency were statistically analysed. Burs were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All diamond burs cut zirconia more efficiently than the tungsten carbide bur. Overall, all burs showed decreasing cutting efficiency over time. SEM images showed discernible wear and damage to the cutting portion of each bur head. It is concluded that zirconia‐cutting burs are advantageous regarding durability, and carbide burs are rather ineffective against carbide substrate.
Climatic effects on the sociocultural and psychological adaptation of migrants within China: A longitudinal test of two competing perspectives
Authors: English Alexander S. , Kunst Jonas R. , Sam David L.
Published: April 2019

Little is known about how climatic differences may psychologically impact individuals who migrate from one geographical area to another. A climatic demand theory perspective suggests that migration from more demanding climatic areas to less demanding climatic areas would lead to better psychological outcomes while predicting the opposite for migration from less demanding to more demanding climates. In contrast, a climatic‐fit perspective would predict that moving to areas that climatically are similar to one's home would lead to the best psychological outcomes whereas any major deviation would lead to worse outcomes. To test these competing perspectives, a longitudinal, multisite study was conducted with over 1,000 student migrants who moved from various areas in China to 12 cities. Participants’ life satisfaction and perceived stress were assessed upon arrival and at the end of the semester together with their sociocultural adaptation. Supporting the climatic‐fit perspective, multilevel analyses showed that participants reported the least stress and highest sociocultural adaptation when they migrated to host sites that were climatically similar to their homes. Conversely, individuals who migrated from very demanding to less demanding climatic regions and vice versa reported an increase in stress and lower sociocultural adaptation.
The Patient Needs in Asthma Treatment (NEAT) questionnaire: Further evidence on its psychometric properties
Authors: Schreitmüller Julia , Apfelbacher Christian , Sheikh Aziz , Loerbroks Adrian
Published: April 2019

Background

Building on previous psychometric work, we sought to assess the Patient Needs in Asthma Treatment (NEAT) questionnaire's validity, responsiveness to change, and the minimal important change (MIC) over a 3‐year period (Study 1) and its reliability and the smallest detectable change (SDC) in a test‐retest study (Study 2) among patients self‐reporting physician‐diagnosed asthma.

Methods

In Study 1, a total of 207 patients completed a survey which included the NEAT, the Asthma Control Test (ACT), the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Sydney (AQLQ‐S), and a question on treatment satisfaction in 2014 and 2017. In Study 2, a total of 78 patients completed NEAT twice on average four weeks apart in 2018.

Results

Concurrent validity: In linear regressions, unmet patient needs were cross‐sectionally associated with poorer asthma control (β = −0.21; P = 0.01), asthma‐related quality of life (QoL) (β = 0.31; P < 0.01), and treatment satisfaction (β = −0.59; P < 0.01). Predictive Validity: Higher unmet needs at baseline predicted worse treatment satisfaction at follow‐up (β = −0.28; P < 0.01), but neither asthma control nor asthma‐related QoL. Responsiveness to change was demonstrated by linear regressions of changes in the total NEAT score and changes in AQLQ‐S (β = 0.21; P < 0.01) and treatment satisfaction (β = −0.36; P < 0.01). MIC: Patients whose NEAT score increased between baseline and follow‐up by the identified MIC (0.301) reported lower treatment satisfaction at follow‐up (β = −0.17; P = 0.01). Test‐retest reliability was demonstrated by correlations between NEAT baseline and follow‐up scores (eg, intra‐class correlation coefficients for total score = 0.78). The SDC (0.384) was slightly larger than MIC.

Conclusion

NEAT is a promising tool for assessing asthma treatment needs.
Prolonged P‐wave duration in sinus rhythm pre‐ablation is associated with atrial fibrillation recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pranata Raymond , Yonas Emir , Vania Rachel
Published: April 2019

Introduction

A prolonged P‐wave duration (PWD) in sinus rhythm pre‐ablation has been hypothesized to be a non‐invasive ECG marker associated with increased atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). This systematic review and meta‐analysis will assess the latest evidence on the association of prolonged PWD pre‐ablation with AF recurrence after PVI.

Hypothesis

Prolonged PWD pre‐ablation is associated with AF recurrence after PVI.

Methods

The inclusion criteria for this study are all cohort studies that assess prolonged PWD on ECG during sinus rhythm pre‐ablation and its association with AF recurrence in post‐PVI patients.

Results

There were 1,482 patients with AF post‐PVI from twelve cohort studies. The cut‐off points for prolonged PWD ranges from >120 ms to >150 ms. Meta‐analysis on six studies showed a pooled mean difference of PWD in subjects with recurrent AF and non‐recurring AF was 12.54 ms [8.76–16.31], p < 0.001; I2 78%. Pooled odds ratio was 4.17 [2.10–8.31], p < 0.001; I2 72% and pooled hazard ratio was 1.93 [1.10–3.39], p = 0.02; I2 80%. Upon subgroup analysis, the association between prolonged PWD and AF recurrence was significant in signal‐averaged ECG, 12‐lead ECG, paroxysmal AF, >120–130 ms, and >140–150 ms PWD cut‐off point subgroups.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that prolonged PWD with a cutoff of >120 ms to >150 ms in sinus rhythm before ablation may be associated with AF recurrence after PVI regardless of age, gender, left atrial size, and the presence of structural heart disease. We also encouraged further studies that investigate predicting models to include prolonged PWD as one of their parameters.
State Discourses of Indigenous “Inclusion”: Identity and Representation in the Arctic
Authors: Medby Ingrid A.
Published: April 2019

Arctic decision‐making processes are often praised for including Indigenous peoples. Yet, state practices of “inclusion” may also inadvertently delimit what can be meaningfully said from a stage already set for a highly specific role as “Arctic voices”. This paper draws on reflections offered by Norwegian and Icelandic state personnel on the meanings of Arctic statehood and identity, showing how often well‐meaning attempts to “include” may serve the includer more than the included—indeed, may serve to uphold the same power structures they seemingly seek to improve. In so doing, the paper contributes both to understandings of Arctic statecraft and to work seeking the “peopling” of geopolitical concepts such as the state. By focusing on the operation of dominant discourses, the paper argues that current prescribed performances of “inclusion” are not enough in a region marked by histories of dispossession, assimilation, and colonisation.
Near‐infrared image‐guided laparoscopic omental flap for breast cancer
Authors: Park Shin‐Hoo , Suh Yun‐Suhk , Park Ji‐Ho , Kim Tae‐Han , Son Young‐Gil , Huh Yeon‐Ju , Kim Yumi , Lee Han‐Byoel , Kong Seong‐Ho , Lee Hyuk‐Joon , Han Wonshik , Yang Han‐Kwang
Published: April 2019

Background

Near‐infrared (NIR) imaging with indocyanine green (ICG)‐enhanced fluorescence is widely used in laparoscopic surgery. This study aimed to evaluate this technique's feasibility and usefulness in intraoperatively assessing vascular perfusion in a laparoscopically harvested omental flap.

Materials and Surgical Techniques

From March 2015 to February 2016, we prospectively evaluated patients undergoing breast cancer surgery followed by immediate breast reconstruction using a laparoscopically harvested omental flap. After laparoscopic preparation of the pedicled graft, the perfusion area of the omental graft was evaluated by using intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography and NIR imaging with intravenous ICG injection. Graft viability was evaluated by using Doppler ultrasonography 2 days postoperatively; for cosmetic outcome, Breast Cancer Conservative Treatment Cosmetic Results software was used 1 month postoperatively.

Discussion

The laparoscopic harvesting of an omental flap was successfully performed in eight patients without conversion to open surgery. The mean time to the initial detection of ICG‐enhanced fluorescence uptake was 3.25 ± 1.16 minutes. On intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography, a pulseless area ≥10% was detected in five patients (62.5%). However, NIR imaging revealed no patients had an ischemic portion ≥10%. There were no ICG‐related intraoperative or postoperative complications. All patients showed patent vessels on Doppler ultrasonography 2 days postoperatively. Cosmetic outcomes were mostly favorable 1 month postoperatively. The Breast Cancer Conservative Treatment Cosmetic Results evaluation 1 month postoperatively showed excellent, good, and fair results, with no poor scores. With regard to vascular perfusion, ICG‐enhanced NIR imaging is a feasible and useful tool for harvesting a laparoscopic omental flap in breast cancer patients.
Seasonal differences in rumen bacterial flora of wild Hokkaido sika deer and partial characterization of an unknown bacterial group possibly involved in fiber digestion in winter
Authors: Yamano Hidehisa , Ichimura Yasuhiro , Sawabe Yoshihiko , Koike Satoshi , Suzuki Yutaka , Kobayashi Yasuo
Published: April 2019

Rumen digesta was obtained from wild Hokkaido sika deer to compare bacterial flora between summer and winter. Bacterial flora was characterized with molecular‐based approaches and enrichment cultivation. Bacteroidetes was shown as a major phylum followed by Firmicutes, with similar proportions in both seasons. However, two phylogenetically unique groups in Bacteroidetes were found in each season: unknown group A in winter and unknown group B in summer. The ruminal abundance of unknown group A was the highest followed by Ruminococcus flavefaciens in winter. Moreover, the abundance of these two was higher in winter than in summer. In contrast, the abundance of unknown group B was higher in summer than in winter. In addition, this group showed the highest abundance in summer among the bacteria quantified. Unknown group A was successfully enriched by cultivating with oak bark and sterilized rumen fluid, particularly that from deer. Bacteria of this group were distributed in association with the solid rather than the liquid rumen fraction, and were detected as small cocci. Accordingly, unknown group A is assumed to be involved in degradation of fibrous materials. These results suggest that wild Hokkaido sika deer develop a rumen bacterial flora in response to changes in dietary conditions.
Confidence Bands for Multiplicative Hazards Models: Flexible Resampling Approaches
Authors: Dobler Dennis , Pauly Markus , Scheike ThomasH.
Published: April 2019

We propose new resampling-based approaches to construct asymptotically valid time-simultaneous confidence bands for cumulative hazard functions in multistate Cox models. In particular, we exemplify the methodology in detail for the simple Cox model with time-dependent covariates, where the data may be subject to independent right-censoring or left-truncation. We use simulations to investigate their finite sample behavior. Finally, the methods are utilized to analyze two empirical examples with survival and competing risks data.
Seasonal dynamics of waterbird assembly mechanisms revealed by patterns in phylogenetic and functional diversity in a subtropical wetland
Authors: Che Xianli , Chen Daojian , Zhang Min , Quan Qing , Møller Anders Pape , Zou Fasheng
Published: April 2019

Despite growing interest in using phylogenetic and functional methods to understand community assembly, few studies have examined how these methods can be used to assess seasonal variation in assembly mechanisms among migrant species. Migration can rapidly alter the relative influence of stochastic processes, species interactions, or environmental factors in shaping communities across seasons. Here, we describe seasonal dynamics in the phylogenetic and functional diversity of waterbirds in Mai Po Wetland, a subtropical region with significant and predictable temporal variation in climate and migratory bird density. Phylogenetic α diversity varied seasonally, exhibiting a clustered structure (indicative of environmental filtering) in summer, and over‐dispersed structure (indicative of biotic filtering) in winter. Phylogenetic diversity in spring and autumn exhibited a more intermediate, random structure, consistent with stochastic arrivals and departures of migrants. Functional diversity was clustered in spring but showed over‐dispersion in the other three seasons. Phylogenetic β diversity in summer and winter assemblages was characterized by two distinct groups, while spring and autumn assemblages were mixed. Our results suggest that waterbird assemblages were primarily shaped by interspecific competition in winter, while random processes tended to shape assemblages in spring and fall. Environmental factors played a more important role in summer, during periods of high heat stress. In addition, species co‐occurrence patterns were significantly more strongly related to phylogenetic similarity in winter than in summer. Our results suggest that the relative importance of assemblage mechanisms can vary seasonally in response to changing environmental conditions, suggesting that studies attempting to infer a single dominant assembly mechanism may ignore important assembly processes. Temporal shifts in assembly mechanisms may play an important role in maintaining diversity in subtropical and temperate wetlands and perhaps also in other dynamic systems.
Prevalence of endoparasitic mites on four West African leaf‐litter frogs depends on habitat humidity
Authors: Kpan Tokouaho Flora , Ernst Raffael , Kouassi Philippe K. , Rödel Mark‐Oliver
Published: April 2019

Amphibian species are known to carry endoparasitic mites. The infestation probability, prevalence, and intensity of mites vary among species and habitats. Mites of the genus Endotrombicula are known to infest African and Malagasy frogs. However, the factors leading to an increase in the probability of mite infestation are unknown. To test for inter‐ and intraspecific differences in infestation probability and its potential correlation with sex, age, habitat preferences, and/or season within a species‐rich West African leaf‐litter frog assemblage, we examined more than 6,800 individual frogs for the presence of mites throughout two independent time increments, 1999–2000 and 2016–2017. We found only members of the leaf‐litter frog genus Phyrnobatrachus to be infested, while other syntopically occurring genera were not affected. Within Phrynobatrachus, only four out of eight species were infested. Mites prevalence differed between species (highest P. phyllophilus, followed by P. alleni), sex (males higher than females in P. alleni and P. phyllophilus), and age (adults higher than juveniles in P. alleni), as well as season (more mites during wet than dry season in P. phyllophilus). The prevalence of mite infestation did not influence mate choice in P. alleni. Increased humidity showed a clear positive effect on infestation prevalence. We also detected a marked decrease in the prevalence of mites from 1999–2000 to 2016–2017, a period during which climatological changes within the study area have been reported with a tendency toward drier conditions. The decrease in mite infestation prevalence over time might be a signal of increasingly drier conditions.
Investigation of lymphoid lesions of the head and neck using combined fine needle aspiration cytology and flow cytometry: Accuracy and pitfalls
Authors: Crous Heinrich , Gillam Amanda , Kalokerinos Mary‐Anne , Knezevic Sasenka , Hobson Peter , Papadimos David J , Shield Paul W
Published: April 2019

Objective

We reviewed the diagnostic utility of combined fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and flow cytometry (FC) in the diagnosis of lymphoid lesions of the head and neck.

Method

In total, 1402 patients with combined FNAC‐FC reports were correlated with follow‐up information. Rapid on‐site evaluation (ROSE) of cytological specimens was performed in 52% of cases.

Results

In total, 211 lymphoid malignancies were identified, including 198 non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and 13 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Accuracy measures for NHL were: sensitivity 95.5%; specificity 99.9%; PPV 99.5%; NPV 99.2%; accuracy 99.3%. Only seven of 13 cases of HL were detected by FNAC‐FC. False negative cases included HL (six cases), diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (four), T‐cell lymphoma (two), follicular lymphoma (one), marginal zone cell lymphoma (one) and B‐cell NHL, not otherwise specified (one). Two false positive results were identified: one immunoblastic hyperplasia reported as suspicious for HL and one case reported as suggestive of NHL that was found to be reactive hyperplasia. Cases collected with ROSE had a significantly lower rate (P < 0.0001) of insufficient cells for FC analysis (7.0%) than cases where ROSE was not performed (16.4%). Sensitivity (P < 0.0001) and NPV (P = 0.0023) were significantly higher for ROSE‐collected specimens. None of the false‐negative NHL cases had ROSE performed.

Conclusions

FNAC‐FC is a highly sensitive and specific test for NHL. Diagnostic errors mostly involved HL, large cell lymphomas and T‐cell lymphomas. ROSE results in a significantly higher adequacy rate for FC and higher sensitivity for NHL.
Modified laser‐based photodynamic endoscopic diagnosis for early gastric cancer
Authors: Sakaguchi Takuki , Kinoshita Hedehito , Isomoto Hajime
Published: April 2019

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