bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short Stature in a Boy with Multiple Early-Onset Autoimmune Conditions due to a STAT3 Activating Mutation: Could Intracellular Growth Hormone Signalling Be Compromised?
Authors: Sediva Hana , Dusatkova Petra , Kanderova Veronika , Obermannova Barbora , Kayserova Jana , Sramkova Lucie , Zemkova Dana , Elblova Lenka , Svaton Michal , Zachova Radana , Kolouskova Stanislava , Fronkova Eva , Sumnik Zdenek , Sediva Anna , Lebl Jan , Pruhova Stepanka
Published: March 2017

Background: Germline STAT3 gain-of-function (GOF) mutations cause multiple endocrine and haematologic autoimmune disorders, lymphoproliferation, and growth impairment. As the JAK-STAT pathway is known to transduce the growth hormone (GH) signalling, and STAT3 interacts with STAT5 in growth regulation, we hypothesised that short stature in STAT3 GOF mutations results mostly from GH insensitivity via involving activation of STAT5. Case Report: A boy with a novel STAT3 c.2144C>T (p.Pro715Leu) mutation presented with short stature (–2.60 SD at 5.5 years). He developed diabetes mellitus at 11 months, generalised lympho­proliferation, autoimmune thyroid disease, and immune bicytopenia in the subsequent years. At 5.5 years, his insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) was 37 µg/L (–2.22 SD) but stimulated GH was 27.7 µg/L. Both a standard IGF-I generation test (GH 0.033 mg/kg/day sc; 4 days) and a high-dose prolonged IGF-I generation test (GH 0.067 mg/kg/day sc; 14 days) failed to significantly increase IGF-I levels (37–46 and 72–87 µg/L, respectively). The boy underwent haematopoietic stem cell transplantation at 6 years due to severe neutropenia and massive lymphoproliferation, but unfortunately deceased 42 days after transplantation from reactivated generalised adenoviral infection. Conclusions: Our findings confirm the effect of STAT3 GOF mutation on the downstream activation of STAT5 resulting in partial GH insensitivity.
Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide: A Potential Biomarker in Allergic Rhinitis?
Authors: Ciprandi Giorgio , Gallo Fabio , Ricciardolo Fabio Luigi Massimo , Cirillo Ignazio
Published: March 2017

Background: The fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a surrogate biomarker for Th2-dependent bronchial inflammation. The present study investigated whether FeNO may characterize allergic rhinitis (AR) patients. Methods: A total of 553 AR patients (497 males, mean age 28.8 years) were evaluated. Those patients with a high FeNO underwent a 2-year follow-up. Results: Increased FeNO was associated with a significantly longer AR duration, impaired lung function, more severe symptoms, and more frequent bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). At follow-up, 22 out of 82 patients (26.8%) with high FeNO levels (>50 ppb) developed asthma. Conclusions: AR patients may frequently have high FeNO values, exceeding 50 ppb. This might be associated with an initial impaired lung function, BHR, a perceived worsening of respiratory symptoms, and potential progression to asthma.
Genomic Characterization of a Metastatic Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma Case Using FISH Studies and CGH+SNP Microarray Revealing FOXO1-PAX7 Rearrangement with MYCN and MDM2 Amplification and RB1 Region Loss
Authors: Karunamurthy Arivarasan , Hoffner Lori , Hu Jie , Shaw Peter , Ranganathan Sarangarajan , Yatsenko Svetlana A. , Surti Urvashi
Published: March 2017

Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are rare, heterogeneous, soft tissue sarcomas and a common type of childhood malignancy with a distinct histomorphology. At the molecular level, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS), a subtype of RMS, harbors a signature genetic makeup characterized by specific translocations. The type of translocation and associated genetic aberrations correlate with disease progression, hence we used multiple molecular modalities including high-resolution array comparative genomic hybridization to explore the oncogenic gene fusion and associated copy number variations in a case of metastatic ARMS. We describe a case where traditional cytogenetic and molecular methods yielded inconclusive results in detecting the FOXO1 gene rearrangement. However, microarray analysis identified the essential FOXO1-PAX7 aberration and additional submicroscopic genomic alterations, including amplification of MYCN and MDM2 and deletion of RB1.
The Relationship between Stress and Severe Obesity: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Koski Marja , Naukkarinen Hannu
Published: March 2017

Background: Several etiological factors for obesity have been identified, whereas other factors related to obesity, such as stress, remain poorly understood. This study used psychiatric methods to examine the relationship between stress and obesity. Methods: Matched study and control groups were established, and the female and male control subjects were selected separately by random sampling. The control subjects were matched with the case subjects with respect to place of residence, sex, age, date that a pension was granted, and occupation. Psychiatric and psychological methods were assessed using a questionnaire and statistical analyses. Results: Psychiatric interviews indicated that stress was more prevalent in the study group than in the control group. Separation from parents was nearly significantly more frequently in the study group than in the control group. The questionnaire on coping mechanisms revealed that case subjects tended to resolve their problems in an active manner. Conclusions: The aim of this case-control study was to examine the relationship between stress and obesity in individuals receiving a disability pension. We identified stress factors that affect the development of obesity. We believe our study is both necessary and important, as these findings provide valuable insight into the relationship between severe obesity and stress.
Impact of Surgeon and Hospital Volume on the Safety of Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: A Multi-Institutional Study Based on a National Database
Authors: Hirasawa Yosuke , Yoshioka Kunihiko , Nasu Yasutomo , Yamamoto Masumi , Hinotsu Shiro , Takenaka Atsushi , Fujisawa Masato , Shiroki Ryoichi , Tozawa Keiichi , Fukasawa Satoshi , Kashiwagi Akira , Tatsugami Katsunori , Tachibana Masaaki , Terachi Toshiro , Gotoh Momokazu ,   on behalf of the Japanese Society of Endourology
Published: March 2017

Introduction: We aimed to perform a multi-institutional study using a national database led by the Japanese Society of Endourology to investigate the effect of surgeon or hospital volume on the safety of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Materials and Methods: Clinical data of 3,214 patients who underwent RARP for the treatment of clinically localized prostate cancer between April 2012 and March 2013 in Japan were evaluated. Surgical outcomes and all intra- and perioperative complications were collected. Results: The intraoperative complication rate was 0.56%. In a total number of 241 patients, 261 perioperative complications were observed. The following percentages of patients presented the Clavien-graded complications: 7.2%, grades 1-2; 0.84%, grade 3; and 0.093%, grade 4a. No cases of multiple organ dysfunction or death (grades 4b and 5) were found. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the hospital volume (OR 3.6; p = 0.010) for intraoperative complications and surgeon volume (OR 0.19; p < 0.0001) and extended lymph node discectomy (OR 3.9; p < 0.0001) for perioperative complications were significant independent risk factors. Conclusions: Hospital volume for intraoperative complications and surgeon volume and extended lymph node dissection for perioperative complications were significantly associated with increased risk of each complication in RARP.
Cold exposure down-regulates immune response pathways in ferret aortic perivascular adipose tissue
Authors: Reynés Bàrbara , van Schothorst Evert , García-Ruiz Estefanía , Keijer Jaap , Oliver Paula , Palou Andreu
Published: March 2017

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) surrounds blood vessels and releases paracrine factors, such as cytokines, which regulate local inflammation. The inflammatory state of PVAT has an important role in vascular disease; a pro-inflammatory state has been related with atherosclerosis development, whereas an anti-inflammatory one is protective. Cold exposure beneficially affects immune responses and, could thus impact the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of one-week of cold exposure at 4°C of ferrets on aortic PVAT (aPVAT) versus subcutaneous adipose tissue. Ferrets were used because of the similarity of their adipose tissues to those of humans. A ferret-specific Agilent microarray was designed to cover the complete ferret genome and global gene expression analysis was performed. The data showed that cold exposure altered gene expression mainly in aPVAT. Most of the regulated genes were associated with cell cycle, immune response and gene expression regulation, and were mainly down-regulated. Regarding the effects on immune response, cold acclimation decreased the expression of genes involved in antigen recognition and presentation, cytokine signalling and immune system maturation and activation. This immunosuppressive gene expression pattern was depot-specific, as it was not observed in the inguinal subcutaneous depot. Interestingly, this depression in immune response related genes was also evident in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). In conclusion, these results reveal that cold acclimation produces an inhibition of immune response-related pathways in aPVAT, reflected in PBMC, indicative of an anti-inflammatory response, which can potentially be exploited for the enhancement or maintenance of cardiovascular health.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Effect of restrictive versus liberal red cell transfusion strategies on haemostasis: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Colman Katherine , Prick Babette , Duvekot Johannes , Sweeney Connor , Odutayo Ayodele , Jairath Vipul , Doree Carolyn , Trivella Marialena , Hopewell Sally , Estcourt Lise , Stanworth Simon , Desborough Michael
Published: March 2017

Red cells play a key role in normal haemostasis in vitro but their importance clinically is less clear. The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess if correction of anaemia by transfusing red cells at a high haemoglobin threshold (liberal transfusion) is superior to transfusion at a lower haemoglobin threshold (restrictive transfusion) for reducing the risk of bleeding or thrombotic events. We searched for randomised controlled trials in any clinical setting that compared two red cell transfusion thresholds and investigated the risk of bleeding. We searched for studies published up to October 19, 2016 in The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, and the Transfusion Evidence Library and ISI Web of Science. Relative risks (RR) or Peto Odds Ratios (pOR) were pooled using a random-effect model. Nineteen randomised trials with 9852 participants were eligible for inclusion in this review. Overall there was no difference in the risk of any bleeding between transfusion strategies (RR 0.91, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.74 to 1.12). The risk of severe or life-threatening bleeding was lower with a restrictive strategy (RR 0.75, 95 % CI 0.57 to 0.99). There was no difference in the risk of thrombotic events (RR 0.83, 95 % CI 0.61 to 1.13). The risk of any bleeding was not reduced with liberal transfusion and there was no overall difference in the risk of thrombotic events. Data from the included trials do not support aiming for a high haemoglobin threshold to improve haemostasis. PROSPERO registration number CRD42016035519.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Sex Differences in Phenotypes of Bicuspid Aortic Valve and Aortopathy
Authors: Kong William K.F. , Regeer Madelien V. , Ng Arnold C.T. , McCormack Louise , Poh Kian Keong , Yeo Tiong Cheng , Shanks Miriam , Parent Sarah , Enache Roxana , Popescu Bogdan A. , Yip James W. , Ma Lawrence , Kamperidis Vasileios , van der Velde Enno T. , Mertens Bart , Ajmone Marsan Nina , Delgado Victoria , Bax Jeroen J.
Published: March 2017

Background—

This large multicenter, international bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) registry aimed to define the sex differences in prevalence, valve morphology, dysfunction (aortic stenosis/regurgitation), aortopathy, and complications (endocarditis and aortic dissection).

Methods and Results—

Demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic data at first presentation of 1992 patients with BAV (71.5% men) were retrospectively analyzed. BAV morphology and valve function were assessed; aortopathy configuration was defined as isolated dilatation of the sinus of Valsalva or sinotubular junction, isolated dilatation of the ascending aorta distal to the sinotubular junction, or diffuse dilatation of the aortic root and ascending aorta. New cases of endocarditis and aortic dissection were recorded. There were no significant sex differences regarding BAV morphology and frequency of normal valve function. When presenting with moderate/severe aortic valve dysfunction, men had more frequent aortic regurgitation than women (33.8% versus 22.2%,
P
<0.001), whereas women were more likely to have aortic stenosis (34.5% versus 44.1%,
P
<0.001). Men had more frequently isolated dilatation of the sinus of Valsalva or sinotubular junction (14.2% versus 6.7%,
P
<0.001) and diffuse dilatation of the aortic root and ascending aorta (16.2% versus 7.3%,
P
<0.001) than women. Endocarditis (4.5% versus 2.5%,
P
=0.037) and aortic dissections (0.5% versus 0%,
P
<0.001) occurred more frequently in men.

Conclusions—

Although there is a male predominance among patients with BAV, men with BAV had more frequently moderate/severe aortic regurgitation at first presentation compared with women, whereas women presented more often with moderate/severe aortic stenosis compared with men. Furthermore, men had more frequent aortopathy than women.
Pooled Safety Analysis of Evolocumab in Over 6000 Patients From Double-Blind and Open-Label Extension Studies
Authors: Toth Peter P. , Descamps Olivier , Genest Jacques , Sattar Naveed , Preiss David , Dent Ricardo , Djedjos Constantine , Wu Yuna , Geller Michelle , Uhart Magdalena , Somaratne Ransi , Wasserman Scott M.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Evolocumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody to PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9), markedly reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol across diverse patient populations. The objective of this study was to assess the safety and tolerability of evolocumab in a pooled safety analysis from phase 2 or 3 randomized and placebo or comparator-controlled trials (integrated parent trials) and the first year of open-label extension (OLE) trials that included a standard-of-care control group.

Methods:

This analysis included adverse event (AE) data from 6026 patients in 12 phase 2 and 3 parent trials, with a median exposure of 2.8 months, and, of those patients, from 4465 patients who continued with a median follow-up of 11.1 months in 2 OLE trials. AEs were analyzed separately for the parent and OLE trials. Overall AE rates, serious AEs, laboratory assessments, and AEs of interest were evaluated.

Results:

Overall AE rates were similar between evolocumab and control in the parent trials (51.1% versus 49.6%) and in year 1 of OLE trials (70.0% versus 66.0%), as were those for serious AEs. Elevations of serum transaminases, bilirubin, and creatine kinase were infrequent and similar between groups. Muscle-related AEs were similar between evolocumab and control. Neurocognitive AEs were infrequent and balanced during the double-blind parent studies (5 events [0.1%], evolocumab groups versus 6 events [0.3%], control groups). In the OLE trials, 27 patients (0.9%) in the evolocumab groups and 5 patients (0.3%) in the control groups reported neurocognitive AEs. No neutralizing antievolocumab antibodies were detected.

Conclusions:

Overall, this integrated safety analysis of 6026 patients pooled across phase 2/3 trials and 4465 patients who continued in OLE trials for 1 year supports a favorable benefit-risk profile for evolocumab.
β
2
-Glycoprotein I/IgA Immune Complexes
Authors: Serrano Manuel , Martínez-Flores José A. , Pérez Dolores , García Florencio , Cabrera Oscar , Pleguezuelo Daniel , Paz-Artal Estela , Morales José M. , González Esther , Serrano Antonio
Published: March 2017

Background:

Antiphospholipid syndrome is characterized by recurrent thrombosis and gestational morbidity in patients with antiphospholipid autoantibodies (aPLs). Predictive value of the presence of aPLs is low, and new markers are necessary to identify aPL carriers at higher risk and take preventive measures on them. The presence of circulating immune complexes of IgA bound to β
2
-glycoprotein I (B2A-CIC) has been associated with occurrence of acute thrombotic events. In this work we study its possible predictive value for the appearance of acute thrombotic events in patients who are going to undergo transplant surgery, a well-known trigger of acute thrombotic events in aPL carriers.

Methods:

We performed a follow-up study based on the Magnum 12+12 Cohort of patients who received a kidney transplant (n=1339). Three groups were established: group 1 patients who were positive for IgA anti-β
2
-glycoprotein I (aB2GP1) and B2A-CIC (n=125); group 2 patients who were positive only for IgA aB2GP1 (n=240); and control group, patients who were negative for IgA aB2GP1 (n=974). Levels of autoantibodies and B2A-CIC were quantified immediately before the transplant surgery and patients were followed up for 6 months.

Results:

In group 1, 46.4% of patients experienced any type of thrombosis versus 10.4% in group 2 (
P
<0.001) and 8.6% in the control group (
P
<0.001). The incidence of graft thrombosis in group 1 (31.2%) was significantly higher than that observed in group 2 (3.3%,
P
<0.001) and the control group (2.6%,
P
<0.001). In a multivariate analysis, the presence of B2A-CIC was an independent variable to experience any type of posttransplant thrombosis (hazard ratio, 6.72; 95% confidence interval, 4.81–9.37) and, prominently, for graft thrombosis (hazard ratio, 14.75; 95% confidence interval, 9.11–23.89). No significant differences were found between B2A-CIC–negative and control group patients.

Conclusions:

The presence of B2A-CIC is a predictor of acute thrombotic events. Patients who were positive for IgA aB2GP1 only are at risk of experiencing thrombosis if they are B2A-CIC positive. If they are B2A-CIC–negative patients, they have the same risk as the control group. Treatments to prevent acute thrombotic events should focus on B2A-CIC–positive patients.
Two new and one newly recorded species of Polypedilum Kieffer 1912 with DNA barcodes from Oriental China (Chironomidae: Diptera)
Authors: YAN CHUNCAI , SONG CHAO , LIU TING , ZHAO GUANGJUN , HOU ZIYUAN , CAO WEI , WANG XINHUA
Published: March 2017

Polypedilum (Tripodura) enshiense Song & Wang sp. n. and P. (Tripodura) jianfengense Song & Wang sp. n. are described and illustrated as male imagines from China. P. (Uresipedilum) paraconvictum Yamamoto, Yamamoto & Hirowatari, 2016 is recorded from China for the first time. Cytochrome coxidase subunit I (COI) sequence of above species are uploaded to Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD).
Adsorption of Water to Collagen as Studied Using Infrared (IR) Microspectroscopy Combined with Relative Humidity Control System and Quartz Crystal Microbalance
Authors: Kudo Sachie , Ogawa Hiromi , Yamakita Eri , Watanabe Shio , Suzuki Toshiyuki , Nakashima Satoru
Published: March 2017

Infrared (IR) microspectroscopy combined with a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) together with an original relative humidity (RH) control system has been developed for studying water adsorption on a collagen film. The adsorbed water weights measured by QCM are almost similar for wetting and drying processes at 28 ℃, indicating that the collagen film is close to the water adsorption/desorption equilibria. A broad OH + NH stretching band area (3000–3700 cm−1) in the IR spectra of the collagen film increased linearly with the adsorbed weight until about 1.2 μg/8.0 μg dry collagen film at relative humidity (RH) = 40%, while at higher RH (60%, 80%), the band area deviates from the linear trend to the lower side, due to viscoelasticity and others. The OH + NH band can be simulated by four Gaussian components at 3440, 3330, 3210, and 3070 cm−1 with the relatively constant band areas of 3330 and 3070 cm−1 components due to amide A and B (NH) for increasing and decreasing RH. Bound water (3210 cm−1 component: short H bond) constitutes around 70% of total water (3440 + 3210 cm−1 band areas) at RH = 4.9% but decreases to 23% at RH = 80.3%, where free water (3440 cm−1 component: long H bond) becomes dominant over 70%. The peak shifts of C=O stretching (Amide I) and N–H bending (Amide II) can be understood by increasing hydrogen bonding of water molecules (bound water) bound to peptides at lower RH. The higher wavenumber shifts of CH stretching can be due to the loose binding of water molecules (free water) to aliphatic chains on the collagen surface, especially at higher RH. The present combined QCM-IR method is useful for studying amounts and natures of water adsorbing on biomolecules.
Measurements of Strontium Levels in Human Bone In Vivo Using Portable X-ray Fluorescence (XRF)
Authors: Specht Aaron J. , Mostafaei Farshad , Lin Yanfen , Xu Jian , Nie Linda H.
Published: March 2017

Measurement of bone strontium (Sr) is vital to determining the effectiveness of Sr supplementation, which is commonly used for the treatment of osteoporosis. Previous technology uses radioisotope sources and bulky equipment to measure bone Sr. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for bone Sr measurement and validates it using data from a population of 238 children. We identified correlations between bone Sr and age in our participants.
Who Is Ahead in the Labor Queue? Institutions’ and Employers’ Perspective on Overeducation, Undereducation, and Horizontal Mismatches
Authors: Di Stasio Valentina
Published: March 2017

Using vignettes, this study compares employers’ assessments of matched and mismatched job applicants in England and the Netherlands. It contributes to the overeducation literature in several ways. First, matching is measured from the perspective of employers, who are better informed about job requirements than employees. Second, overeducated applicants are compared to matched applicants competing for the same job opening. This shift in focus toward applicant pools is necessary to properly test whether overeducation is rewarded during the hiring process, the central tenet of job competition theory. Third, vertical and horizontal mismatches are analyzed jointly: This more fine-grained differentiation refines sociological perspectives on credentialism and reveals the complex ways in which employers assign applicants to jobs. Results show that Dutch employers apply more rigid hiring floors and more strongly penalize horizontal mismatches: Compared to England, in the Netherlands, overeducation cannot compensate for the lack of occupation-specific training.
The Failed Conversion of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield to For-Profit Status: Part 1, the Whole Story
Authors: Mcpherson Bruce
Published: March 2017

This article presents in detail the relevant facts surrounding CareFirst's failed attempt to convert to for-profit status and be acquired by the for-profit company, Wellpoint Health Networks, Inc. It chronicles events and describes the political environment leading up to the Maryland insurance commissioner's review of the application, the review process and roles played by various stakeholders and the media, the commissioner's decision and rationale, and the aftermath of actions and reactions by various parties, including state legislation to reform CareFirst. This case study was based on interviews with several key players, as well as a review of numerous newspaper articles and the wealth of documents prepared for, and emanating from the review process. Providing an in-depth look at the missteps by CareFirst's board and executives, this article sets the stage for a second one translating these details into lessons for other states and for all types of nonprofit health care organizations involved in any kind of strategic decision making that affects the public interest.
The Effects of HMO Ownership on Hospital Costs and Revenues: Is there a Difference between For-Profit and Nonprofit Plans?
Authors: Shen Yu-Chu , Melnick Glenn
Published: March 2017

We conducted multivariate analyses to examine whether high health maintenance organization (HMO) penetration and large share of for-profit health plans in a market reduced hospital cost and revenue growth rates between 1989 and 1998. We found that hospitals in high HMO areas experienced revenue and cost growth rates that were 21 and 18 percentage points, respectively, below hospitals in low HMO areas. We also found that, conditional on overall HMO penetration level, hospitals in areas with high for-profit HMO penetration experienced revenue and cost growth rates that were 10 percentage points below hospitals in areas with low for-profit penetration areas; the difference was especially evident within high HMO penetration areas.
Does Open Enrollment Control Premiums? A Case Study from the “Medigap” Market
Authors: Rice Thomas , Desmond Katherine A. , Fox Peter D.
Published: March 2017

This article analyzes a change in “Medigap” regulations that occurred in Missouri in 1999. It allows Medicare beneficiaries in the state to switch to a different carrier each year so long as they retain the same standardized policy type, without losing their open enrollment privileges. The analysis is based on a comparison of various outcomes in Missouri and those in two comparison states, Kansas and Florida. We found little evidence that the policy change affected premiums charged by insurance carriers in Missouri, but conclude that other desirable aspects of the change make it potentially attractive for other states to follow.
Doing the Same and Earning Less: Male and Female Physicians in a New Medical Specialty
Authors: Hoff Timothy J.
Published: March 2017

This study presents findings from a national survey of physicians working in the emerging career of hospital medicine. It finds that female hospitalists earn significantly less annually than male hospitalists, despite similar work schedules and commitments; that these similarities in work and differences in pay remain even for male and female hospitalists who are married and have children; and that female hospitalists maintain positive feelings toward their work careers despite assuming multiple work and nonwork roles simultaneously. The results present a unique picture of female physicians career experiences in toto. They have implications for how health care organizations and managers should think about the contemporary female physician (e.g., her career development needs and workplace challenges); for female physicians need to gain greater equity vis-à-vis men within the profession; and for the kinds of questions researchers should raise around physician gender in their work.
WIDE Research Center as an Incubator for Graduate Student Experience
Authors: Turner Heather Noel , Nguyen Minh-Tam , Keller Beth , Sackey Donnie Johnson , Ridolfo Jim , Pigg Stacey , Lauren Benjamin , Potts Liza , Hart-Davidson Bill , Grabill Jeff
Published: March 2017

This article describes graduate mentorship experiences at the Writing, Information, and Digital Experience (WIDE) research center at Michigan State University and offers a stance on graduate student mentorship. It describes WIDE’s mentorship model as feminist and inclusive and as a means to invite researchers with different backgrounds to engage in knowledge-making activities and collaborate on projects. Additionally, the article explains how WIDE enables growth for its researchers, teachers, and leaders. To illustrate these ideas, the authors provide multiple perspectives across faculty mentors, former graduate students, and current graduate students in order to discuss how WIDE researchers practice mentorship and how this mentorship prepares students for future work as scholars and researchers. Finally, the article suggests ways other research centers can adapt WIDE’s approach to their own institutional context.
Treating Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Within an Emotional Disorders Framework: Acceptability and Feasibility of the Unified Protocol in an Inpatient Setting
Authors: Bentley Kate H. , Sauer-Zavala Shannon , Cassiello-Robbins Clair F. , Conklin Laren R. , Vento Stephanie , Homer Danyele
Published: March 2017

We provide a theoretical rationale for applying a transdiagnostic, shared mechanism treatment (the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders [UP]) to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. We also present results from a proof of concept study examining the feasibility and acceptability of adding a modified UP to treatment as usual (TAU) in an inpatient setting for individuals reporting a recent suicide attempt or active suicidal ideation. Participants ( N = 12) were randomly assigned to receive UP + TAU or TAU alone. Findings indicate good feasibility and acceptability of the adjunctive intervention. Among participants who were responsive to contact attempts postdischarge ( n = 6), there were no observable differences in suicidal thoughts or behaviors during a 6-month follow-up. This application represents a promising initial extension of a cognitive-behavioral, emotion-focused treatment to suicidal individuals within an inpatient setting. Future studies adequately powered to speak to efficacy of the modified UP intervention are warranted.
Practical Significance of Item Misfit in Educational Assessments
Authors: Köhler Carmen , Hartig Johannes
Published: March 2017

Testing item fit is an important step when calibrating and analyzing item response theory (IRT)-based tests, as model fit is a necessary prerequisite for drawing valid inferences from estimated parameters. In the literature, numerous item fit statistics exist, sometimes resulting in contradictory conclusions regarding which items should be excluded from the test. Recently, researchers argue to shift the focus from statistical item fit analyses to evaluating practical consequences of item misfit. This article introduces a method to quantify potential bias of relationship estimates (e.g., correlation coefficients) due to misfitting items. The potential deviation informs about whether item misfit is practically significant for outcomes of substantial analyses. The method is demonstrated using data from an educational test.
Undiscovered Diamonds: The Minority Gifted Child
Authors: Baldwin Alexinia Y.
Published: March 2017

A disproportionately low number of minority students have been identified and placed in programs for gifted students. The realities of the situation relate to the attitudes of planners and teachers, the identification process itself, inadequate research verifying the use of appropriate identification tools, and an inadequate picture of how a program should be designed.

Empirical research on identification and planning for the minority gifted child is sparse, but that which is available highlights the need for more extensive research in this area. Exploratory research using The Raven Matrices and chronometric devices as part of the identification process appear to hold promise for developing new hypotheses and proving or disproving those that are presently proposed. More flexibility of planning, more funding for research, more dissemination of information, and improved teacher training on how to recognize clues for identifying exceptional intellectual processing abilities are among the recommendations proposed here to alleviate the problem of discovering the gifted among minority populations.
‘All mouth and no trousers?’ How many Conservative Party members voted for UKIP in 2015 – and why did they do so?
Authors: Webb Paul , Bale Tim , Poletti Monica
Published: March 2017

A survey of ordinary members of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party carried out in 2013 revealed that nearly 30% of them would seriously consider voting for the country’s radical right wing populist party (United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP)). However, we show that at the general election in 2015, only a very small proportion of them – around 5% of Tory grassroots members – actually did so, driven it seems mainly by alienation from the leadership and David Cameron in particular, as well as, perhaps, by concerns about the Conservative-led government’s austerity policies. However, those party members who did eventually vote for UKIP were still much more likely to have expressed a propensity to vote for it in 2013 than those who did not. Since the Conservative Party has not experienced the same increase in membership as some of its competitors, and since members are an important part of parties’ electoral campaigning, they should avoid alienating those members they do have – something of which Theresa May appears to be aware.
Adsorption of Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions by gelatin/activated carbon composite bead form
Authors: Hayeeye Fareeda , Yu Qiming J , Sattar Memoon , Chinpa Watchanida , Sirichote Orawan
Published: March 2017

Gelatin and activated carbon materials have been combined together to obtain a gelatin/activated carbon composite bead form which is ecofriendly, nontoxic, biocompatible, and inexpensive material. In this paper, gelatin/activated carbon adsorption for Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions was studied experimentally under various conditions. The experimental conditions such as contact time, solution pH, and gelatin/activated carbon dosage were examined and evaluated by using batch adsorption experiments. The maximum adsorption capacity of gelatin/activated carbon for Pb2+ ions was obtained to be 370.37 mg g−1. This maximum capacity was comparable with that of commercial ion exchange resins and it was much higher than those of natural zeolites. The uptake process for Pb2+ ions was found to be relatively fast with 92.15% of the adsorption completed in about 5 min in batch conditions. The adsorption capacity was also strongly solution pH dependent. Adsorption was observed at pH value as low as 2.0 and maximum adsorption was achieved at a pH of approximately 5. The results indicated that the gelatin/activated carbon was effective to be used as an adsorbent for Pb2+ ions removal in wastewater treatment.
Entrepreneurial leadership: Insights and directions
Authors: Leitch Claire M , Volery Thierry
Published: March 2017

This Special Issue focuses on entrepreneurial leadership, an area which is very much in its infancy. Even though leadership has been a major topic of research in psychology and management for almost a century, many of its concepts and debates have not yet been adopted in entrepreneurship and small business management. As a field, entrepreneurial leadership is still evolving, lacks definitional clarity and has not yet developed appropriate tools to assess it characteristics and behaviours. The conceptual and empirical papers in this Special Issue address some of these limitations by consolidating existing embryonic theory development, stimulating new conceptual thinking and highlighting unanswered questions and opportunities for further research.
How continuity of care is experienced within the context of integrated palliative care: A qualitative study with patients and family caregivers in five European countries
Authors: den Herder-van der Eerden Marlieke , Hasselaar Jeroen , Payne Sheila , Varey Sandra , Schwabe Sven , Radbruch Lukas , Van Beek Karen , Menten Johan , Busa Csilla , Csikos Agnes , Vissers Kris , Groot Marieke
Published: March 2017

Background:

Patients with advanced diseases often experience deficient continuity of care. Although integrated palliative care promotes continuity of care, it is not clear how it can be optimized to improve continuity of care experiences.

Aim:

To examine how relational, informational and management continuity of care are experienced by patients with advanced diseases and their family caregivers receiving care from several integrated palliative care initiatives in five European countries.

Design:

We adopted a longitudinal qualitative study design including two interviews (interval 3 months) with patients and family caregivers focusing on how health care professionals responded to their needs. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analysis involved a two-step qualitative content approach.

Setting/participants:

A total of 22 integrated palliative care initiatives (established local palliative care collaborations) were selected in Belgium, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. We recruited 152 patients (63% cancer, 24% chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 13% heart failure; life expectancy <1 year; mean age 68 years, 56% female) and 92 family caregivers (mean age 61 years, 66% female).

Results:

Trusted relationships with a small number of key health care professionals to receive tailored care and easily access help were essential. Relational continuity was often deficient, especially with general practitioners. Although informational and management continuity was often lacking in care provision, collaborative integrated palliative care initiatives were related to consistent and coherent care.

Conclusion:

Patients and family caregivers most likely experience continuity of care by having a small number of trusted health care professionals who are available, provide multidisciplinary care and regularly transfer information to all health care professionals involved. Optimizing continuity of care requires further integration of integrated palliative care initiatives with other health care professionals involved in the patients’ care networks.
Interventions That Target Criminogenic Needs for Justice-Involved Persons With Serious Mental Illnesses: A Targeted Service Delivery Approach
Authors: Wilson Amy Blank , Farkas Kathleen , Bonfine Natalie , Duda-Banwar Janelle
Published: March 2017

This research describes the development of a targeted service delivery approach that tailors the delivery of interventions that target criminogenic needs to the specific learning and treatment needs of justice-involved people with serious mental illnesses (SMIs). This targeted service delivery approach includes five service delivery strategies: repetition and summarizing, amplification, active coaching, low-demand practice, and maximizing participation. Examples of how to apply each strategy in session are provided, as well as recommendations on when to use each strategy during the delivery of interventions that target criminogenic needs. This targeted service delivery approach makes an important contribution to the development of interventions for justice-involved people with SMI by increasing the chances that people with SMI can participate fully in and benefit from these interventions that target criminogenic needs. These developments come at a critical time in the field as the next generation of services for justice-involved people with SMI are being developed.
Remembrance of Cars and Buses Past: How Prior Life Experiences Influence Travel
Authors: Smart Michael J. , Klein Nicholas J.
Published: March 2017

Does living in a neighborhood with high-quality public transit influence travel behavior later in life, even if you move to a neighborhood with worse transit service? To test this, we construct residential histories of individuals using decades of data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. We find that past experiences shape transportation futures. Exposure to transit during young adulthood in particular is associated with an auto-light lifestyle and greater transit usage later in life. This research suggests a long-term benefit for encouraging transit at younger ages to foster a “transit habit.”
Greening healthcare at Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare
Authors: Stone Debra
Published: March 2017

Waste diversion is fundamental to reducing the ecological footprint. Until 2012, waste generated by Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) was not incorporated into any formal waste diversion efforts. In 2012, the Reduce, Recycle, Waste Diversion Program was initiated. Support for the program was endorsed by the senior leadership team, staff, and the community, and incorporated into the strategic plan, which was instrumental in the program’s success. The goal of the waste diversion program was to help MAHC work towards a sustainable future and make MAHC a leading hospital in making responsible environmental choices. By increasing the number of recycle stations at MAHC’s two hospital sites and providing education and promotion on the importance of waste diversion, MAHC has been successful in reducing the amount of waste going to the landfill to a 48% level between 2012 and 2015. The following case study illustrates and discusses MAHC’s successful waste diversion efforts.
La santé des Premières nations, des Inuits et des Métis: les facteurs que doivent envisager les leaders en santé canadiens dans la foulée du rapport de la Commission de vérité et réconciliation du Canada
Authors: McNally Mary , Martin Debbie
Published: March 2017

Les peuples des Premières nations, inuits et métis qui habitent au Canada sont aux prises avec de profondes disparités en matière de santé par rapport aux Canadiens non autochtones, et ce, dans presque toutes les mesures liées à la santé et au bien-être. Pour faire progresser les services de santé auprès des peuples autochtones, il faut passer à l’action dans tous les ordres de prestation des soins et des politiques en santé. Il est donc essentiel que les leaders et les prestataires des établissements, des systèmes et des installations de santé du Canada comprennent et prennent en main les déterminants de la santé propres aux peuples autochtones, y compris l’héritage du colonialisme et le racisme ancien et actuel. La Commission de vérité et réconciliation du Canada est le point de départ pour réagir de manière positive aux injustices.
Evaluation of the concurrent use of dolutegravir and metformin in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients
Authors: Masich Anne , Badowski Melissa E , Liedtke Michelle D , Fulco Patricia P
Published: March 2017

An analysis of the interaction between dolutegravir and metformin was conducted in the HIV ambulatory clinic setting. This was a multicenter, retrospective case series evaluating adult, HIV-infected patients concurrently prescribed dolutegravir and metformin. Historical electronic medical records were utilized to collect case-specific data. Laboratory parameters including serum creatinine (SCr), hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c), plasma HIV RNA, CD4 cell count, and lactate were reviewed. Adverse drug reactions were assessed using patient-reported gastrointestinal intolerance and hypoglycemic symptoms. Metformin dose reduction or discontinuation was also recorded. Nineteen patients identified as concurrently taking metformin and dolutegravir were included. Eighteen patients were on metformin prior to dolutegravir initiation, with 13 having received metformin for at least six months prior to dolutegravir. At the time of dolutegravir initiation, one patient had a preemptive metformin dose reduction. Seven patients were initiated on dolutegravir with a metformin dose greater than 1000 mg daily. Eleven patients had baseline and three- to six-month follow-up HgbA1c. Of those 11 patients, eight had stable or decreased values. Thirteen of the 19 patients had an increase in SCr, with a median increase of 0.3 mg/dl (0.03–0.43). Gastrointestinal distress (N = 3) and hypoglycemic symptoms (N = 3) were reported in a total of five patients. Adverse drug reactions resulted in metformin dose reduction (N = 2) and/or discontinuation (N = 2). There were no reported cases of lactic acidosis. Providers concurrently prescribing dolutegravir and metformin should be aware of potential consequences with this combination and may consider an empiric metformin dose reduction to prevent intolerable adverse drug reactions.
A rare occurrence of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita in a patient with retroviral disease
Authors: Uddhao Zambare , Aditi Chhonkar , Chitra Nayak , Swagata Tambe
Published: March 2017

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita is a chronic subepidermal blistering disease associated with autoimmunity to type-VII collagen within anchoring fibrils located at the dermo-epidermal junction. This entity is rarely reported from India. It can have a variety of presentations. Its occurrence with retroviral disease has rarely been reported. Here, we present a case of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita in a patient with HIV infection.
Production logistics and participation of biogas in obtaining primary energy in Poland
Authors: Kwaśny Justyna , Balcerzak Wojciech
Published: March 2017

One of the primary wastes generated in wastewater treatment process is the sewage sludge. Sewage sludges are a substrate of methane fermentation process, from which biogas is obtained. Biogas is a renewable energy source obtained by processing the biomass. In accordance with European Union directives, we should strive to increase biogas production and its share in primary energy acquisition. In this article, the characteristics of biogas from sewage sludges, in terms of the chemical composition of the gas mixture, were noted and its participation in obtaining energy from renewable sources and in total primary energy in the case of Poland was analyzed. Moreover, logistics biogas from sewage sludges production issues, which relate to, among others, location production plants, sourcing activities, as well as feedstock management and digestate waste management were discussed.
Doing and undoing femininities: An intersectional analysis of young women’s smoking
Authors: Triandafilidis Zoi , Ussher Jane M , Perz Janette , Huppatz Kate
Published: March 2017

Previous research has found that young women’s smoking relates to their performance of feminine gender identities. Using an intersectional approach, we explore in this study how young women’s smoking is implicated in the doing and undoing of femininities, as well as other intersecting identities. Discourse analysis was used to examine interviews and a photography activity conducted with young women, both current and ex-smokers. This analysis revealed four culturally dominant repertoires: “cigarettes and smoking styles as gendered”, “smoking as controlling weight”, “smoking as a sexual tool”, and “smoking as compromising appearance”. Young women’s experiences and negotiations of discourse surrounding smoking and femininity were shaped by intersecting social class and sexual identities. These findings can be used to inform the development of smoking cessation interventions which recognise the diversity in how young women perform femininity.
A Bayesian approach to the g-formula
Authors: Keil Alexander P , Daza Eric J , Engel Stephanie M , Buckley Jessie P , Edwards Jessie K
Published: March 2017

Epidemiologists often wish to estimate quantities that are easy to communicate and correspond to the results of realistic public health interventions. Methods from causal inference can answer these questions. We adopt the language of potential outcomes under Rubin’s original Bayesian framework and show that the parametric g-formula is easily amenable to a Bayesian approach. We show that the frequentist properties of the Bayesian g-formula suggest it improves the accuracy of estimates of causal effects in small samples or when data are sparse. We demonstrate an approach to estimate the effect of environmental tobacco smoke on body mass index among children aged 4–9 years who were enrolled in a longitudinal birth cohort in New York, USA. We provide an algorithm and supply SAS and Stan code that can be adopted to implement this computational approach more generally.