bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐distance dispersal of non‐native pine bark beetles from host resources
Authors: CHASE KEVIN D. , KELLY DAVE , LIEBHOLD ANDREW M. , BADER MARTIN K.‐F. , BROCKERHOFF ECKEHARD G.
Published: December 2016

1. Dispersal and host detection are behaviours promoting the spread of invading populations in a landscape matrix. In fragmented landscapes, the spatial arrangement of habitat structure affects the dispersal success of organisms.

2. The aim of the present study was to determine the long distance dispersal capabilities of two non‐native pine bark beetles (Hylurgus ligniperda and Hylastes ater) in a modified and fragmented landscape with non‐native pine trees. The role of pine density in relation to the abundance of dispersing beetles was also investigated.

3. This study took place in the Southern Alps, New Zealand. A network of insect panel traps was installed in remote valleys at known distances from pine resources (plantations or windbreaks). Beetle abundance was compared with spatially weighted estimates of nearby pine plantations and pine windbreaks.

4. Both beetles were found ≥25 km from the nearest host patch, indicating strong dispersal and host detection capabilities. Small pine patches appear to serve as stepping stones, promoting spread through the landscape. Hylurgus ligniperda (F.) abundance had a strong inverse association with pine plantations and windbreaks, whereas H. ater abundance was not correlated with distance to pine plantations but positively correlated with distance to pine windbreaks, probably reflecting differences in biology and niche preferences. Host availability and dispersed beetle abundance are the proposed limiting factors impeding the spread of these beetles.

5. These mechanistic insights into the spread and persistence of H. ater and H. ligniperda in a fragmented landscape provide ecologists and land managers with a better understanding of factors leading to successful invasion events, particularly in relation to the importance of long‐distance dispersal ability and the distribution and size of host patches.
Dental students' ability to locate emergency equipment‐lessons learned from aviation
Authors: Pinsky H. M. , Le J. M. , Sweier D. G. , Marti K.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dental student's ability to locate medical emergency equipment/items at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry clinic.

Methods

A total of 138 second‐year dental students (traditional group) participated in this study as part of a simulation‐based medical emergencies rotation course held during the winter term of 2014 and 2015. Without prior training, students were tested on their ability to locate nine predetermined items on the clinic floor using a self‐reported checklist. Six months later, a convenience sample of 18 students (novel group) from the same cohort were later trained on their location and retested individually.

Results

Of the 138 students tested, only 10.14% students could locate seven of the nine items when compared to 100% in the novel group. Only 5.07% of students in the traditional group could locate all items initially, compared with 72.22% students in the novel group.

Conclusion

Whilst our students have lecture‐based knowledge about medical emergencies, the results of our study identified a gap of knowledge of emergency equipment/item location amongst students. Therefore, an intervention performed with a similar group of second‐year dental students supported that proper training may be used to achieve retention of knowledge. Based on our “novel group” results, we have incorporated targeted training in the dental curriculum that leads to students being better prepared in locating emergency equipment/items. This study suggests that other populations, such as faculty or staff, may also benefit from hands‐on training.
Vaginal myxoma in a Kathiawari horse
Authors: Venkataramanan R. , Sreekumar C. , Krishnakumar S. , Anil Kumar R. , Selvaraj J.
Published: December 2016

This case report describes a rare case of vaginal myxoma in a Kathiawari mare. The tumour, located on the left lateral vaginal wall, measured approximately 20 cm in diameter and resulted in dysuria, inappetance and loss of condition of the animal. Surgical enucleation of the tumour via a vaginal approach resulted in uneventful recovery of the horse. Based on the gross and histopathological observations, the tumour was diagnosed as a myxoma.
Development of a simple predictive model for decreased skeletal muscle mass in patients with compensated chronic liver disease
Authors: Nishikawa Hiroki , Enomoto Hirayuki , Ishii Akio , Iwata Yoshinori , Miyamoto Yuho , Ishii Noriko , Yuri Yukihisa , Takata Ryo , Hasegawa Kunihiro , Nakano Chikage , Nishimura Takashi , Yoh Kazunori , Aizawa Nobuhiro , Sakai Yoshiyuki , Ikeda Naoto , Takashima Tomoyuki , Iijima Hiroko , Nishiguchi Shuhei
Published: December 2016

Aim

To develop and validate a simple predictive model using easily obtained clinical parameters to predict decreased skeletal muscle mass (DSMM) in chronic liver disease (CLD) patients (n = 652).

Methods

Study subjects were divided into a training set (n = 326) and a validation set (n = 326). Decreased skeletal muscle mass was diagnosed based on skeletal muscle mass index measured by bioimpedance analysis. Variables significantly associated with DSMM were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses in the training set and used to construct a predictive formula. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was carried out and the predictive model was validated in the validation set. Subgroup analyses were undertaken based on gender, age, or cirrhosis status of patients.

Results

Body mass index (BMI), age, serum albumin, and branched‐chain amino acid to tyrosine ratio (BTR) were determined to be significant predictive factors for DSMM. A composite formula “BALB score” was constructed [−7.740 + (0.539 × BMI) + (−0.112 × age) + (1.358 × albumin) + (−0.264 × BTR)]. The BALB score had the best predictive characteristics among all variables in both population sets (area under the ROC curve, 0.877–0.898). Patients with DSMM were stratified into three BALB score categories (>4, 0–4, and <0). Subgroup analyses also showed that BALB scoring was predictive of DSMM irrespective of gender, age, or cirrhosis status. The BALB score significantly correlated with psoas muscle index on computed tomography (rs = 0.6083 for men; rs = 0.6814 for women).

Conclusion

The BALB scoring system based on routinely used clinical parameters offers a convenient and non‐invasive method for predicting DSMM in compensated CLD patients with high accuracy.
Use of finger‐piece method for indocyanine green clearance test
Authors: Sagawa Eri , Okubo Hironao , Sorin Yushi , Nakadera Eisuke , Fukada Hiroo , Igusa Yuki , Kokubu Shigehiro , Miyazaki Akihisa , Watanobe Ikuo , Sugo Hiroyuki , Kojima Kuniaki , Watanabe Sumio
Published: December 2016

Aim

The indocyanine green (ICG) finger‐piece method (FPM), which allows measurement of the ICG concentration by mounting a light sensor onto a finger, is used to assess liver function. We compared the ICG FPM with the conventional ICG blood sampling method (BSM) in patients with liver disorders.

Methods

Ninety consecutive patients simultaneously underwent the ICG BSM and ICG FPM. After ICG administration, blood samples were collected at 5, 10, and 15 min for the ICG BSM. The ICG concentration was measured through the finger piece by an ICG clearance meter.

Results

Seventy‐one patients (78.9%) had Child–Pugh class A liver disease, and 19 (21.1%) had class B or C. The FPM‐measured ICG plasma disappearance rate was positively correlated with the BSM‐measured values (r = 0.886, P < 0.001). Bland–Altman analysis showed good agreement between the two methods (mean difference, 0.012 ± 0.018). The FPM‐measured ICG plasma disappearance rate was positively correlated with the BSM‐measured values both in patients with Child–Pugh class A liver disease (r = 0.821, P < 0.001) and class B or C liver disease (r = 0.859, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The ICG FPM may be an alternative to the ICG BSM for liver function assessment.
Breast and ovarian cancer referrals to the ACT Genetic Service: are we meeting guidelines?
Authors: Aitken Lucy , Warwick Linda , Davis Alison
Published: December 2016

Background

The ACT Genetic Service at The Canberra Hospital evaluates the genetic risk of individuals for inherited diseases, and provides counselling and genetic testing where appropriate.

Aim

To evaluate the current referral practice for patients with a personal and/or family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer, and to assess whether these referrals are made according to eviQ cancer referral guidelines.

Methods

A retrospective clinical audit of patients seen by the ACT Genetic Service for evaluation of genetic risk of breast and/or ovarian cancer between 1 January 2013 and 30 June 2015. Statistical analysis included Chi‐squared and Poisson distribution tests.

Results

Of the 711 patients referred during the 30‐month period, 671 were seen by the service. The number of patients seen increased steadily over the time period, as did waiting times. The majority of referrals were made by general practitioners (403/711; 57%) and oncologists (172/711; 24%). Of note, 300 of 711 (42%) of all referrals made to the service during this time period did not meet eviQ referral guidelines. Patients who met guidelines for referral were more likely both to be offered genetic testing and to have a positive result.

Conclusion

Demand on the ACT Genetic Service increased over the time period assessed. As a significant proportion of patients did not meet eviQ cancer referral guidelines, it is worth reviewing the referral process in order to optimise utility of this limited resource.
Using iron studies to predict HFE mutations in New Zealand: implications for laboratory testing
Authors: O'Toole Rebecca , Romeril Kenneth , Bromhead Collette
Published: December 2016

Background

The diagnosis of hereditary haemochromatosis (HH) is not straightforward because symptoms are often absent or non‐specific. Biochemical markers of iron‐overloading may be affected by other conditions.

Aim

To measure the correlation between iron studies and
HFE
genotype to inform evidence‐based recommendations for laboratory testing in New Zealand.

Methods

Results from 2388 patients genotyped for C282Y, H63D and S65C in Wellington, New Zealand from 2007 to 2013 were compared with their biochemical phenotype as quantified by serum ferritin (SF), transferrin saturation (TS), serum iron (SI) and serum transferrin (ST). The predictive power of these markers was evaluated by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and if a statistically significant association for a variable was seen, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were calculated.

Results

Test ordering patterns showed that 62% of
HFE
genotyping tests were ordered because of an elevated SF alone and only 11% of these had a C‐reactive protein test to rule out an acute phase reaction. The association between SF and significant
HFE
genotypes SF was low. However, TS values ≥45% predicted HH mutations with the highest sensitivity and specificity. A SF of >1000 µg/L was found in one at‐risk patient (C282Y homozygote) who had a TS <45%.

Conclusion

Our analysis highlights the need for clear guidelines for investigation of hyperferritinaemia and HH in New Zealand. Using our findings, we developed an evidence‐based laboratory testing algorithm based on a TS ≥45%, a SF ≥1000 µg/L and/or a family history of HH which identified all C282Y homozygotes in this study.
Taking care of teenagers, taking care of me: Profiling parental caregiving burden and activity restriction in a sample of Australian parents
Authors: Bhullar Navjot , Rickwood Debra , Carter Tegan , Haridas Serena
Published: December 2016

The current study extends the Activity Restriction Model of Depressed Affect by exploring the relationship between parental caregiving burden, activity restriction, and depressive symptoms. It investigated the mediating role of restriction in three types of activities (daily routine, personal control, and social) in the relationship between parental caregiving burden and carer depression. Respondents (n = 203, Meanage = 45.45 years, standard deviation = 7.81, females = 84.7%) were parent carers of a young person with mental illness and based in Australia. They completed a set of measures assessing caregiving burden, participation in daily routine, personal control and social activities, and depressive symptoms. A multiple mediation analysis revealed that restriction of daily routine, personal control, and social activities indirectly mediated the relationship between parental caregiving burden and parent carers’ symptoms of depression. A latent profile analysis suggested an optimal three‐profile solution. As predicted, profile membership distinguished parent carers on depressive symptoms ranging from normal to severe levels based on participation in the specific activities. Our results suggest a typology of parent carers perceiving differential levels of caregiving burden and activity restriction. Strategies addressing these specific areas provide preventative and promotion measures to optimize carer mental health and well‐being.
Experiences of mental health services for ‘black’ men with schizophrenia and a history of disengagement: A qualitative study
Authors: Wagstaff Christopher , Graham Hermine , Farrell Derek , Larkin Michael , Nettle Mary
Published: December 2016

Whilst mental disorders can be disabling they are also treatable, yet engagement with services is often poor and disengagement from treatment is a major concern for mental health nurses. Participants were service users typically perceived as the most disengaged from mental health services, yet they were willing to engage in the research interviews. The seven participants were all male with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, a history of disengagement from mental health services and described their ethnicity as ‘black’. Participants were under the care of Assertive Outreach Teams and were recruited after the researcher was introduced to them by clinicians who were working with them. After ethical approval, in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were used to elicit the experiences of participants. Through interpretative phenomenological analysis, themes were developed. Interpretative Phenomenological analysis generated four themes: (i) “People just keep hounding me”, (ii) Antipathy to Medication, (iii) Choice and the value of services, (iv) Stigmatisation and identity. By rigorously examining how service users with schizophrenia make sense of their experience of their relationship with mental health services, there is potential to give voice to the experiences of the recipients of mental health services. This study uncovered the complex nature of disengagement and in view of this there may never be a straightforward mechanism developed to engage all people with schizophrenia with mental health services. When the participants’ experiences are considered in a broader social context it may be possible to reflect on how services can be adapted to facilitate better engagement.
Fine‐scale demographic processes resulting from multiple overseas colonization events of the Japanese stream tree frog, Buergeria japonica
Authors: Komaki Shohei , Lin Si‐Min , Nozawa Masafumi , Oumi Shohei , Sumida Masayuki , Igawa Takeshi
Published: December 2016

Aim

Amphibians are considered poor transoceanic dispersers because of their permeable skin. However, overseas dispersal of amphibian species has been revealed by recent phylogeographical studies and the role of overseas colonization of amphibians on their evolution and diversification has also been highlighted. However, no studies have investigated in detail the demographic processes related to these overseas colonization events. To clarify how amphibians achieve overseas colonization, we estimated the demographic history of the Japanese stream tree frog, Buergeria japonica, which is distributed on Amami Island and four northern neighbouring islands of the Tokara Archipelago, Japan.

Location

South‐western islands of Japan and Taiwan.

Methods

We analysed the mitochondrial cytb gene and 20 microsatellite loci, and constructed phylogenetic trees based on these data. We also performed demographic analyses by applying approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) method and an isolation‐with‐migration model.

Results

Phylogenetic and demographic analyses based on cytb and 20 microsatellite genotype data revealed that divergence among island populations took place recently, mostly within the last few thousand years. Populations from the northern islands had reduced genetic diversity compared with southern islands, and ABC analyses supported the hypothesis that the species colonized islands from south to north.

Main conclusions

Given that the islands are separated from each other by deep sea, the recent divergences observed indicate overseas colonization events among the five islands. ABC analyses support the hypothesis that B. japonica underwent a stepping‐stone overseas colonization from southern to northern neighbouring islands during the past few thousand years accompanied by multiple founder effects. These results support the hypothesis that overseas colonization could have had a substantial impact on amphibian evolution and diversification.
Autonomic Modulation for the Treatment of Ventricular Arrhythmias: Therapeutic Use of Percutaneous Stellate Ganglion Blocks
Authors: FUDIM MARAT , BOORTZ‐MARX RICHARD , PATEL CHETAN B. , SUN ALBERT Y. , PICCINI JONATHAN P.
Published: December 2016

Stellate Ganglion Block for Ventricular Arrhythmia

Ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), and electrical storm are commonly encountered emergency conditions in cardiac and surgical intensive care units. In most cases, recurrent ventricular arrhythmias or electrical storm are associated with a heightened sympathetic tone. These arrhythmias can be difficult to treat and may be refractory to beta‐blockade, antiarrhythmic therapy, sedation, and mechanical hemodynamic support. While monomorphic ventricular tachycardia and PVC‐triggered polymorphic ventricular tachycardia may sometimes be amenable to successful ablation, some patients may be too critically ill to make such an approach feasible. We present 2 cases of minimally invasive stellate ganglion blocks for the treatment of electrical storm in patients with advanced heart failure on mechanical life support. These cases are part of a collaborative initiative at our institution to use percutaneous stellate ganglion block as an adjunctive intervention to achieve control of life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
East Asian perspective on the interaction between proton pump inhibitors and clopidogrel
Authors: Zou Duowu , Goh Khean‐Lee
Published: December 2016

Both proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and clopidogrel are widely prescribed in the Asia‐Pacific population. PPIs are the mainstay therapeutic agents for prophylaxis against aspirin gastropathy and for acid‐related disorders including gastroesophageal reflux disease. They are also co‐prescribed with oral anticoagulant agents and with dual‐antiplatelet therapy for the treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal bleeding. Clopidogrel belongs to the drug class of thienopyridines and is currently the most widely prescribed oral anticoagulant agent either alone or in combination with aspirin. Platelet inhibition by clopidogrel is prone to significant inter‐individual variability and is believed to be affected by several factors such as genetics and drug–drug interactions. Since it was first reported in 2009, the potential for drug–drug interactions between PPIs and clopidogrel has remained headline news, and its significance in clinical practice is the subject of an ongoing debate. For East Asian patients in particular, the clinical relevance of the interaction between PPIs and clopidogrel remains unclear because of conflicting data, as well as underrepresentation of East Asian subjects in landmark trials. Increased CYP2C19 genetic polymorphisms in individuals from Asia‐Pacific countries only fuel the confusion.

Recent studies in East Asian cohorts suggests that the potential of PPIs to attenuate the efficacy of clopidogrel could be minimized by the use of newer PPIs with weaker affinity for the CYP2C19 isoenzyme, namely, pantoprazole, dexlansoprazole, and rabeprazole. This review aims to help clinicians choose the most appropriate PPI for co‐prescription with clopidogrel in patients from Asia‐Pacific countries.
Utility of newly developed short‐type double‐balloon endoscopy for endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in postoperative patients
Authors: Shimatani Masaaki , Tokuhara Mitsuo , Kato Kota , Miyamoto Sachi , Masuda Masataka , Sakao Masayuki , Fukata Norimasa , Miyoshi Hideaki , Ikeura Tsukasa , Takaoka Makoto , Okazaki Kazuichi
Published: December 2016

Background and Aim

The utility of conventional short‐type double‐balloon endoscopy (DBE) for pancreatobiliary disease in patients with postoperative anatomy had been widely acknowledged and accepted. However, some technical difficulties yet remained. In an attempt to solve these problems, the new short‐type DBE (N‐short DBE) was uniquely designed for therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) in postoperative patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of N‐short DBE for ERC in postoperative patients.

Methods

From August 2015 to April 2016, ERC using N‐short DBE (DB‐ERC) was performed in 100 postoperative patients (112 procedures). We retrospectively studied the success rate of reaching the blind end, the median time to reach the blind end, the diagnostic success rate, the therapeutic success rate, the median time to complete ERC‐related interventions, the overall success rate, the median time to complete DB‐ERC, and adverse events.

Results

The success rate of reaching the blind end was 99.1%. The median time to reach the blind end was 10 min (interquartile range [IQR], 6–19 min). The diagnostic success rate was 98.2%. The therapeutic success rate was 100%. The median time to complete ERC‐related interventions was 36 min (IQR, 22–62 min). The overall DB‐ERC success rate was 97.3%. The median time to complete DB‐ERC was 54 min (IQR, 37–73 min). The occurrence of adverse events was 2.7%.

Conclusions

The N‐short DBE for ERC in postoperative patients is useful and safe. DB‐ERC is promising therapeutic modality in such patients and should be selected as the first‐line policy.
Cost‐Effectiveness of the 4 Pillars Practice Transformation Program to Improve Vaccination of Adults Aged 65 and Older
Authors: Smith Kenneth J. , Zimmerman Richard K. , Nowalk Mary Patricia , Lin Chyongchiou J.
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To estimate the cost‐effectiveness of an intervention to increase pneumococcal, influenza, and pertussis‐containing vaccine uptake in adults aged 65 and older in primary care practices.

Design

Markov decision analysis model, comparing the cost‐effectiveness of the 4 Pillars Practice Transformation Program with no intervention.

Setting

Diverse primary care practices in two U.S. cities.

Participants

Clinical trial participants aged 65 and older.

Measurements

Quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), public health outcomes, and costs. Vaccination rates and intervention costs were derived from a randomized controlled cluster trial. Other parameters were derived from the medical literature and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. All parameters were individually and simultaneously varied over their distributions.

Results

With the intervention program and extrapolating over 10 years, there would be approximately 60,920 fewer influenza cases, 2,031 fewer pertussis cases, and 13,842 fewer pneumococcal illnesses in adults aged 65 and older. Total per‐person vaccination and illness costs with the intervention were $23.93 higher than without the intervention, with a concurrent increase in effectiveness of 0.0031QALYs, or $7,635 perQALYgained. In sensitivity analyses, no individual parameter variation caused the intervention to cost more than $50,000 perQALYgained.

Conclusions

Implementing an intervention based on the 4 Pillars Practice Transformation Program is a cost‐effective undertaking in primary care practices for individuals aged 65 and older, with predicted public health benefits.
Leisure‐Time Physical Activity Reduces Total and Cardiovascular Mortality and Cardiovascular Disease Incidence in Older Adults
Authors: Barengo Noël C. , Antikainen Riitta , Borodulin Katja , Harald Kennet , Jousilahti Pekka
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To determine whether leisure‐time physical activity (LTPA) is independently associated with all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality and with incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke in older adults.

Design

Population‐based cohort study (median follow‐up 11.8 years).

Setting

Community, five Finnish provinces.

Participants

Men and women aged 65 to 74 who participated in a baseline risk factor survey between 1997 and 2007 in Finland (N = 2,456).

Measurements

The study protocol included a self‐administered questionnaire, health examination at the study site, and blood sample for laboratory analysis. LTPA was classified into three levels: low, moderate, high. Mortality data were obtained from the National Causes of Death Register and data on incident CVD (coronary heart disease, stroke) events from the National Hospital Discharge Register.

Results

Multifactorial‐adjusted (age, area, study year, sex, smoking, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, serum cholesterol, education, marital status) risks of total mortality (moderate: hazard ratio (HR) = 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.50–0.74; high: HR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.34–0.63, P for trend <.001), CVD mortality (moderate: HR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.33–0.64; high: HR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.20–0.59, P for trend <.001), and an incident CVD event (moderate HR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.54–0.88; high: HR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.38–0.79, P for trend <.001) were lower for those with moderate or high LTPA levels than for those with low LTPA levels. Further adjustment for self‐reported inability to perform LTPA did not change the associations remarkably.

Conclusions

Baseline LTPA reduces the risk of total and CVD mortality and incident CVD events in older adults independently of the major known CVD risk factors. The protective effect of LTPA is dose dependent.
‘Am I Still One of Them?’: Bicultural Immigrant Managers Navigating Social Identity Threats When Spanning Global Boundaries
Authors: Kane Aimée A. , Levina Natalia
Published: December 2016

We examine the practice of nominating bicultural immigrants to manage knowledge‐intensive projects sourced from their host to their home countries. We focus on their actions vis‐à‐vis global collaborators and unpack psychological processes involved. Managers in these positions have to navigate the workplace social identity threat that arises from being associated with the home country group – a lower status group in this context. How they navigate this threat shapes the way they use their bicultural competencies and authority as managers. When they embrace their home country identity, immigrant managers tend to enable knowledge‐based boundary spanning through actions empowering home country collaborators, such as teaching missing competencies, connecting to important stakeholders, and soliciting input. Instead, when distancing from their home country identity, they tend to hinder collaborators by micromanaging, narrowing communication channels, and suppressing input. We develop theoretical implications for the study of global boundary spanning, bicultural managers, and workplace social identity.
Boundary Spanning Activities of Corporate HQ Executives Insights from a Longitudinal Study
Authors: Birkinshaw Julian , Ambos Tina C. , Bouquet Cyril
Published: December 2016

What are the boundary spanning activities undertaken by the Corporate Headquarters (HQ) executives of a Multinational Corporation? We address this question through a five‐year longitudinal case study of one company as it shifted from a traditional HQ in one location, to a dual HQ in two locations, to a virtual HQ split across multiple locations. By observing how HQ executives prioritized their time over the course of this transition, we identified four generic boundary spanning activities: two (spearheading and facilitating) focused on making connections across boundaries, two (reconciling and lubricating) focused on overcoming differences in worldview across boundaries. By considering these activities together, and how they vary in importance over time, we show how each boundary spanning activity adds value to the MNC and improves the effectiveness of the internal and external network. An important feature of our study is that we operationalize boundary spanning at the activity level, i.e., in terms of the specific actions taken by corporate HQ executives, to provide a more granular understanding of how boundary spanning works in practice.
Facial phenotype in obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Agha Bahn , Johal Ama
Published: December 2016

This systematic review and meta‐analysis explores the association between facial phenotype and obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome in adults. A comprehensive electronic (Medline via Ovid, Scopus, and Embase) database and reference search were undertaken in relation to imaging modalities for surface craniofacial assessments in subjects with sleep apnea. The outcome measures were surface facial dimensions, morphology and profile. The quality of studies was assessed and a meta‐analysis conducted. The studies were weighted using the inverse variance method, and the random effects model was used to analyse data. This systematic review identified eight case–control studies. In five studies (906 participants), adults with sleep apnea showed increased weighted mean differences in neck circumference by 1.26 mm (P = 0.0001) with extensive heterogeneity between studies (I² = 93%). Only two studies (467 participants) shared the following outcomes: mandible length, lower facial height, mandible width and anterior mandible height parameters. The pooled results demonstrated obstructive sleep apnea syndrome was associated with larger parameters than controls. In conclusion, the surface facial assessment was able to demonstrate some characteristic morphological features, facilitating a meta‐analysis, in adults with obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome. The strength of these findings, however, was limited by the heterogeneity of the studies precluding the identification of a clear phenotype.
Proteinuria in Apparently Healthy Elderly Dogs: Persistency and Comparison Between Free Catch and Cystocentesis Urine
Authors: Marynissen S.J.J. , Willems A.L. , Paepe D. , Smets P.M.Y. , Picavet P. , Duchateau L. , Daminet S.
Published: December 2016

Background

Up to 25% of elderly humans have proteinuria, often associated with underlying lesions. Data concerning the presence of proteinuria in elderly dogs is scarce.

Objectives

To describe the presence and persistence of proteinuria and to compare urinary protein : creatinine ratio (UPC) between free catch and cystocentesis urine samples in apparently healthy elderly dogs.

Animals

Hundred apparently healthy elderly dogs.

Methods

Prospective study. Owners of 100 elderly dogs were asked to collect 2 free catch urine samples. Dogs were considered healthy based on owner's perception and an age chart, based on ideal bodyweight, was used to define dogs as senior or geriatric.UPCof urine collected by free catch and cystocentesis were compared. Overt proteinuria and borderline proteinuria were defined asUPC>0.5 and between 0.2 and 0.5, respectively, if examination of sediment did not explain proteinuria. Proteinuria was considered persistent if present at both sampling times.

Results

At baseline, 71 owners succeeded in collecting urine. Eleven percent of dogs had overt proteinuria, 14% were borderline proteinuric, and 75% nonproteinuric. Thirty‐seven repeated urine samples, with a median time interval of 31 days (range 10–90), were available. Nineteen percent of dogs had a persistently increasedUPC(>0.2), with persistent overt proteinuria present in 8%. A strong correlation (ρ = 0.88) was found betweenUPCof urine collected by free catch and cystocentesis.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

As 19% of study dogs had persistent proteinuria, our findings emphasize that measurement of proteinuria should be part of geriatric health screening. ForUPCin dogs, free catch urine provides a good alternative to cystocentesis.
Dynamic Effects of the Minimum Wage on Informality in Colombia
Authors: Mora Jhon James , Muro Juan
Published: December 2016

Informality is a common phenomenon in developing countries and is not uncommon in industrialized societies. Although persistent aggregate rates of informal employment for a certain period of time may be indicative of low rates of employment status change among individuals, more intensive studies regarding persistent individual informal employment are needed. We used a reduced‐form dynamic pseudo panel data model approach that accounted for unobserved heterogeneity and initial conditions to present empirical evidence of the extent of persistent informality in a developing country, where education is the primary force of mitigating permanent informality. Using data from Colombia, we also provide results on the complex effect of minimum wage levels on informality. An increase in the minimum wage resulted in increased informality and increased the persistence of informality. Our results may be a basis with which to discuss the persistence of informality in other developing countries.
Vesicle dynamics during the atmospheric entry heating of cosmic spherules
Authors: Genge M. J.
Published: December 2016

Cosmic spherules are unique igneous objects that form by melting due to gas drag heating during atmospheric entry heating. Vesicles are an important component of many cosmic spherules since they suggest their precursors had finite volatile contents. Vesicle abundances in spherules decrease through the series porphyritic, glassy, barred, to cryptocrystalline spherules. Anomalous hollow spherules, with large off‐center vesicles occur in both porphyritic and glassy spheres. Numerical simulation of the dynamic behavior of vesicles during atmospheric flight is presented that indicates vesicles rapidly migrate due to deceleration and separate from nonporphyritic particles. Modest rotation rates of tens of radians s−1 are, however, sufficient to impede loss of vesicles and may explain the presence of small solitary vesicles in barred, cryptocrystalline and glassy spherules. Rapid rotation at spin rates of several thousand radians s−1 are required to concentrate vesicles at the rotational axis and leads to rapid growth by coalescence and either separation or retention depending on the orientation of the rotational axis. Complex rapid rotations that concentrate vesicles in the core of particles are proposed as a mechanism for the formation of hollow spherules. High vesicle contents in porphyritic spherules suggest volatile‐rich precursors; however, calculation of volatile retention indicates these have lost >99.9% of volatiles to degassing prior to melting. The formation of hollow spherules, by rapid spin, necessarily implies preatmospheric rotations of several thousand radians s−1. These particles are suggested to represent immature dust, recently released from parent bodies, in which rotations have not been slowed by magnetic damping.
Revealing the inventory of type III effectors in Pantoea agglomerans gall‐forming pathovars using draft genome sequences and a machine‐learning approach
Authors: Nissan Gal , Gershovits Michael , Morozov Michael , Chalupowicz Laura , Sessa Guido , Manulis‐Sasson Shulamit , Barash Isaac , Pupko Tal
Published: December 2016

Pantoea agglomerans, a widespread epiphytic bacterium, has evolved into a hypersensitive response and pathogenicity (hrp)‐dependent and host‐specific gall‐forming pathogen by the acquisition of a pathogenicity plasmid containing a type III secretion system (T3SS) and its effectors (T3Es). Pantoea agglomerans pv. betae (Pab) elicits galls on beet (Beta vulgaris) and gypsophila (Gypsophila paniculata), whereas P. agglomerans pv. gypsophilae (Pag) incites galls on gypsophila and a hypersensitive response (HR) on beet. Draft genome sequences were generated and employed in combination with a machine‐learning approach and a translocation assay into beet roots to identify the pools of T3Es in the two pathovars. The genomes of the sequenced Pab4188 and Pag824‐1 strains have a similar size (∼5 MB) and GC content (∼55%). Mutational analysis revealed that, in Pab4188, eight T3Es (HsvB, HsvG, PseB, DspA/E, HopAY1, HopX2, HopAF1 and HrpK) contribute to pathogenicity on beet and gypsophila. In Pag824‐1, nine T3Es (HsvG, HsvB, PthG, DspA/E, HopAY1, HopD1, HopX2, HopAF1 and HrpK) contribute to pathogenicity on gypsophila, whereas the PthG effector triggers HR on beet. HsvB, HsvG, PthG and PseB appear to endow pathovar specificities to Pab and Pag, and no homologous T3Es were identified for these proteins in other phytopathogenic bacteria. Conversely, the remaining T3Es contribute to the virulence of both pathovars, and homologous T3Es were found in other phytopathogenic bacteria. Remarkably, HsvG and HsvB, which act as host‐specific transcription factors, displayed the largest contribution to disease development.
Carbohydrate antigen 19–9 is significantly elevated in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Fukasawa Hirotaka , Kaneko Mai , Niwa Hiroki , Yasuda Hideo , Kumagai Hiromichi , Furuya Ryuichi
Published: December 2016

Aim

Liver cysts are the most common extrarenal manifestation in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (CA19–9) is generally used as a marker for biliopancreatic malignancies, although CA19–9 levels in patients with ADPKD are largely unknown.

Methods

A prospective observational study of 53 ADPKD patients and 83 non‐ADPKD control subjects was performed. The serum levels of CA19–9 were studied to evaluate the association with clinical parameters and liver cysts.

Results

The serum CA19–9 levels were significantly higher in the ADPKD group than in the control group (32.9 U/mL vs. 9.8 U/mL, respectively, P < 0.001). The serum CA19–9 levels in the ADPKD group were positively correlated with the mean blood pressure (rho = 0.335, P < 0.05), gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GTP) levels (rho = 0.541, P < 0.001), the largest cyst size (rho = 0.536, P < 0.001) and the liver cyst volume (rho = 0.682, P < 0.001). Multiple regression analyses showed that the gamma‐GTP levels (P < 0.001) and the liver cyst volumes (P < 0.001) were independent predictors for serum CA19–9 levels.

Conclusions

Serum CA19–9 levels are significantly elevated and appear to be dependent on the gamma‐GTP levels and the volume of liver cysts in patients with ADPKD. Our findings indicate that the measurement of the baseline CA19–9 level in each patient with ADPKD may be useful for the interpretation of the value and the differential diagnosis of liver diseases, particularly the liver cyst infection.
Opioid analgesic use among patients presenting with acute abdominal pain and factors associated with surgical diagnoses
Authors: Khemani D. , Camilleri M. , Roldan A. , Nelson A. D. , Park S.‐Y. , Acosta A. , Zinsmeister A. R.
Published: December 2016

Background

The prevalence of chronic opioid use among non‐cancer patients presenting with acute abdominal pain (AAP) is unknown. The aim was to characterize opioid use, constipation, diagnoses, and risk factors for surgical diagnoses among non‐cancer patients presenting with AAP to an emergency department (ED).

Methods

We performed a retrospective, observational cohort study of all (n=16,121) adult patients (88% from MN, IA and WI) presenting during 2014 with AAP. We used electronic medical records, and focused on 2352 adults with AAP who underwent abdominal CT scan within 24 hours of presentation. We determined odds ratios of association with constipation and features predicting conditions that may require surgery (surgical diagnosis).

Key Results

There were 2352 eligible patients; 18.8% were opioid users. Constipation was more frequent in opioid (35.1%) compared to non‐opioid users [OR 2.88 (95% CI 2.28, 3.62)]. Prevalence of surgical diagnosis in the opioid and non‐opioid users was 35.3% and 41.7% respectively (P=.019). By univariate analysis, age and neutrophil count independently predicted increased risk, and chronic opioid use decreased risk of surgical diagnosis. Internal validation of logistic models using a randomly selected validation subset (25% of entire cohort, 587/2352) showed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the validation and full cohorts were similar.

Conclusions and Inferences

Approximately 19% of adults presenting with AAP were opioid users; constipation is almost three times as likely in opioid users compared to non‐opioid users presenting with AAP. Factors significantly associated with altered risk of surgical diagnoses were age, opioid use, and neutrophil count.
Finance and growth in oil‐dependent economies: does crude oil price matter? evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Nwani Chinazaekpere
Published: December 2016

This study examines three possible causal relationships between financial sector development, economic growth and crude oil price in Nigeria using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach to cointegration analysis over the period 1981 to 2011. First, the causal effect of financial sector development on economic growth is found to be negatively insignificant in the long‐run and negatively significant in the short‐run suggesting the weakness of financial intermediary sector in resource mobilisation and allocation in Nigeria. Crude oil price is found to be the key driver of economic growth in Nigeria. Second, the causal effect of economic growth on financial sector development is as well found to be negatively insignificant in the long‐run and negatively significant in the short‐run. Third, the causal effect of crude oil price on financial sector development is found to be positive and significant in the long‐run, suggesting that crude oil price is the underlying factor that determines the amount of economic activities passing through the Nigerian financial sector. The results highlight the need for a well‐articulated policy framework that will lessen the high dependence of the Nigerian economy on crude oil.
On the mixed indirect effects of oil prices on international trade
Authors: Akman Engin , Bozkurt Ibrahim
Published: December 2016

This study concentrates on the indirect effects of oil prices on the international trade of oil‐exporting countries and their trade partners. We analysed the total imports of the leading oil‐exporting countries (Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Venezuela, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Algeria and Mexico) and exports of the major trade partners exporting to them (China, United States, India, France, Korea, Germany and Japan). VAR models, Granger Causality Tests, Impulse Response Function and Variance Decomposition analysis are used as empirical methods. We find that oil price increases have a negative impact on the imports of oil‐exporting countries in general. However, effects on the exports of their trade partners are varied across the countries. Oil prices have positive indirect effects on the foreign trade of China, India and France while a negative effect is observed for Korea and the United States.
Mutation load in melanoma is affected by MC1R genotype
Authors: Johansson Peter A. , Pritchard Antonia L. , Patch Ann‐Marie , Wilmott James S. , Pearson John V. , Waddell Nicola , Scolyer Richard A. , Mann Graham J. , Hayward Nicholas K.
Published: December 2016

Whole‐genome sequencing of matched germline and tumour pairs in a well‐characterized cohort of melanoma patients allowed investigation of associations between melanoma body site, age at melanoma onset and MC1R variant status with overall mutation burden and specific base pair changes observed in the corresponding melanoma. We observed statistically significant associations between mutation burden in melanoma and body site, age at onset and MC1R genotype, for both ultraviolet radiation (UVR) signature changes (C>T and CC>TT) and non‐UVR base pair substitutions, as well as with overall variant load.
Complete resolution of trichodysplasia spinulosa in a pediatric renal transplant patient: Case report and literature review
Authors: Coogle Lauren P. , Holland Kristen E. , Pan Cynthia , Van Why Scott K.
Published: December 2016

TS of immunosuppression is a rare, disfiguring dermatologic condition caused by TS‐associated polyomavirus in immunosuppressed patients. It is difficult to treat, with no clearly described approach to resolve the condition completely and safely. We report a child with a renal transplant who developed TS and was treated with significant reduction in immunosuppression and transient use of cidofovir cream. The combined approach, primarily with significant long‐term reduction in immunosuppression guided by monitoring BK viremia in our patient, led to complete resolution of TS without recurrence or graft rejection by 5 years after transplant. This outcome was superior to all other reports of TS in children after transplantation. Closely monitoring for BK viremia, as a surrogate marker of over‐immunosuppression, can guide adjustment in immunosuppressant medication to treat polyomavirus disease without developing the complication of graft rejection in a patient at significant risk.
Two Southern Ocean diatoms are more sensitive to ocean acidification and changes in irradiance than the prymnesiophyte Phaeocystis antarctica
Authors: Trimborn Scarlett , Thoms Silke , Brenneis Tina , Heiden Jasmin P. , Beszteri Sara , Bischof Kai
Published: December 2016

To better understand the impact of ocean acidification (OA) and changes in light availability on Southern Ocean phytoplankton physiology, we investigated the effects of pCO2 (380 and 800 µatm) in combination with low and high irradiance (20 or 50 and 200 µmol photons m−2 s−1) on growth, particulate organic carbon (POC) fixation and photophysiology in the three ecologically relevant species Chaetoceros debilis, Fragilariopsis kerguelensis and Phaeocystis antarctica. Irrespective of the light scenario, neither growth nor POC per cell was stimulated by OA in any of the tested species and the two diatoms even displayed negative responses in growth (e.g. C. debilis) or POC content (e.g. F. kerguelensis) under OA in conjunction with high light. For both diatoms, also maximum quantum yields of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) were decreased under these conditions, indicating lowered photochemical efficiencies. To counteract the negative effects by OA and high light, the two diatoms showed diverging photoacclimation strategies. While cellular chlorophyll a (Chl a) and fucoxanthin contents were enhanced in C. debilis to potentially maximize light absorption, F. kerguelensis exhibited reduced Chl a per cell, increased disconnection of antennae from photosystem II reaction centers and strongly lowered absolute electron transport rates (ETR). The decline in ETRs in F. kerguelensis might be explained in terms of different species‐specific strategies for tuning the available flux of adenosine triphosphate and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. Overall, our results revealed that P. antarctica was more tolerant to OA and changes in irradiance than the two diatoms, which may have important implications for biogeochemical cycling.