bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The correlation between the microstructure of meibomian glands and ocular Demodex infestation
Authors: Cheng Shengnan , Zhang Mingchang , Chen Hua , Fan Wanlin , Huang Yukan
Published: May 2019

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a common disease in ophthalmic clinic. This study aimed to explore ocular Demodex infestation on the microstructure changes of the meibomian glands (MGs) in patients with MGD by in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM).

We retrospectively reviewed 103 eyes of 52 patients with MGD and 62 eyes of 31 non-MGD patients. All enrolled patients underwent IVCM examination. The following IVCM parameters were recorded: the MG acinar density (MAD), MG acinar longest diameter (MALD), MG acinar shortest diameter (MASD), MG orifice area (MOA), severity of MG fibrosis (MF), MG acinar irregularity (MAI), meibum secretion reflectivity (MSR), inhomogeneous appearance of walls of acinar units (AWI) and periglandular interstices of acinar units (API), and the number of Demodex.

The positive rate of Demodex infestation in MGDs was 89.32%, and statistically higher than control group (controls; P < .001). All parameters showed statistically significant differences between MGDs and controls (P < .001), and Demodex-negative group and Demodex-positive group (P < .05) in both MGDs and controls, except MAD (P = .826) in controls. The number of Demodex was positively correlated with MALD, MASD, MF, MAI, MSR, AWI, and API in MGDs and controls (P < .05), and negatively correlated with MAD and MOA in MGDs (P < .05). MOA showed a strong significant correlation with the number of Demodex in controls (P < .001), whereas there was no significant difference between the number of Demodex and the MAD in controls (P = .448).

Demodex can cause microstructural changes of MGs, which can cause or aggravate MGD, and the more the number of Demodex infestation, the more serious the structural damage.
Scleral patch grafting for scleral wound thinning after pars plana phacoemulsification and aspiration
Authors: Terubayashi Yuya , Morishita Seita , Fukumoto Masanori , Sato Takaki , Kida Teruyo , Ikeda Tsunehiko
Published: May 2019

Rationale:

Here we report the case of a patient who required closure with an autologous scleral patch graft during reoperation after developing marked scleral thinning in the late stage after pars plana phacoemulsification and aspiration (PPPEA). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reports of the procedure being used for the treatment of a thinned scleral section post PPPEA.

Patient concerns:

This study involved a 73-year-old woman who had undergone vitreous surgery combined with PPPEA for retinal detachment in her right eye 8 years earlier and subsequently underwent intraocular lens (IOL) ciliary sulcus suture fixation.

Diagnoses:

She became aware of visual disturbance in her right eye and slit-lamp examination revealed the dislocation of the IOL.

Interventions:

To remove the dislocated IOL and resuture the nasal loop back onto the ciliary sulcus of the patient's right eye, a 25-guage trocar was placed on the superior temporal side.

Outcomes:

Subsequent removal of the trocar from the patient's right eye left an approximately 3-mm-wide oval-shaped gap at the trocar insertion site due to extreme thinning of the sclera in that area; that is, the location where the PPPEA was performed. Since suture fixation failed to stop intraocular fluid leakage, an inferior free half-thickness scleral flap was created to patch the scleral wound. Postsurgery, the leakage in that eye stopped and the intraocular pressure was stable. No complications were observed during the 1-year-postoperative follow-up period.

Lessons:

Since thermal injuries during PPPEA may lead to postoperative scleral thinning, surgeons should avoid the site of a prior PPPEA when constructing a scleral wound during reoperation.
Feasibility of non-enhanced CT for assessing longitudinal changes in hepatic steatosis
Authors: Kim Min Gi , Lee Seung Soo , Jun Myung Joon , Byun Jieun , Sung Yu Sub , Shin Youngbin , Lee Moon-gyu
Published: May 2019

To evaluate the feasibility of computed tomography (CT) in the assessment of the change in hepatic steatosis (HS) in longitudinal follow-up by employing pathological HS as the reference standard.

We retrospectively evaluated 38 living liver donor candidates (27 men and 11 women; mean age, 29.5 years) who underwent liver biopsy twice and had liver CT scans within 1 week of each biopsy. Four readers independently calculated CTL-S index by subtracting spleen attenuation from liver attenuation on non-enhanced CT images. The changes in pathological HS (ΔHS) and CTL-S (ΔCTL-S) between the 1st and 2nd examinations were assessed. The correlation between ΔHS and ΔCTL-S was assessed using the linear regression analysis. Inter-observer measurement error for ΔCTL-S among the 4 readers was assessed using the repeatability coefficient.

ΔCTL-S showed a significant correlation with ΔHS in all readers (r = 0.571–0.65, P < .001). The inter-observer measurement error for ΔCTL-S was ±8.9. The ΔCTL-S values beyond the measurement error were associated with a consistent change in HS in 83.3% (13/15) to 100% (15/15), with sensitivities of 47.8 to 79.9% and specificities of 86.7 to 100% for detecting an absolute change of ≥10% in HS among the 4 readers. However, ΔCTL-S values within the measurement error were associated with a consistent change in HS in 43.5% (8/19) to 61.5% (16/26).

The change in CTL-S roughly reflects the change in HS during longitudinal follow-up. A small change in CTL-S should not be considered meaningful, while a larger change in CTL-S beyond the measurement error strongly indicates a true change in HS.
Primary mixed adenocarcinoma and small-cell carcinoma of appendix
Authors: Kim Woo Seok , Lee Dong Gi
Published: May 2019

Rationale:

Primary extrapulmonary small-cell carcinoma (SCC) of appendix is reported very rarely. We report herein a case of mixed SCC and adenocarcinoma of appendix.

Patient's concern:

A 70-year-old female was consulted to our Emergency Department with the right lower abdominal pain and low-grade fever for 2 days.

Diagnosis:

Abdominal ultrasonography revealed the perforated appendicitis with periappendiceal abscess. Postoperative histology confirmed the diagnosis of mixed SCC and adenocarcinoma.

Interventions:

After laparoscopic appendectomy, she underwent right hemicolectomy for radical surgery.

Outcomes:

Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed and histological examination showed mixed SCC and adenocarcinoma. After confirming that there was no other organ metastasis, right hemicolectomy was performed for radical surgery. Five months after surgery, the patient expired due to multiple organ metastases.

Lessons:

Further studies are required for better understanding of disease entities, and clinical trials are needed to define adequate treatment strategies for extrapulmonary SCC.
Brain Abnormalities in Different Phases of Working Memory in Schizophrenia
Authors: Fan Feng-Mei , Xiang Hong , Wen Yun , Zhao Yan-Li , Zhu Xiao-Lin , Wang Yun-Hui , Yang Fu-De , Tan Yun-Long , Tan Shu-Ping
Published: May 2019

The current study aimed to examine both gray matter and functional activity changes in schizophrenia by combing both structural and task-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Nineteen patients with schizophrenia and 17 controls were recruited. The fMRI scan was performed while performing a working memory (WM) task. In terms of task performance, accuracy did not differ between groups, but there were significant differences in reaction time. Compared with controls, patients exhibited decreased functional activation in prefrontal areas, insula, lingual gyrus, and superior temporal gyrus during different phases of WM. The subcallosal cortex showed increased activation. Intriguingly, a structural-functional correlation was found in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and subcallosal cortex in patients when performing high-load WM task. This study demonstrated both impaired gray matter volume and functional activation during WM in schizophrenia, suggesting structural and functional impairments. The structural-functional correlation in schizophrenia suggested that structural damage in schizophrenia might induce a decreased ability to modulate functional response in accordance with increasing task difficulty.
Pharmacologic Treatment of Diabetes in Pregnancy
Authors: Bishop Katherine C. , Harris Benjamin S. , Boyd Brita K. , Reiff Emily S. , Brown Laura , Kuller Jeffrey A.
Published: May 2019

Importance

Diabetes affects 6% to 9% of pregnancies, with gestational diabetes mellitus accounting for more than 90% of cases. Pregestational and gestational diabetes are associated with significant maternal and fetal risks; therefore, screening and treatment during pregnancy are recommended. Recommendations regarding the preferred treatment of diabetes in pregnancy have recently changed, with slight differences between American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) recommendations.

Objective

Our review discusses the diagnosis, management, and treatment of pregestational and gestational diabetes with the oral hypoglycemic agents metformin and glyburide as well as insulin. We also review the evidence for the safety and efficacy of these medications in pregnancy.

Evidence Acquisition

Articles were obtained from PubMed, the ACOG Practice Bulletin on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, and the SMFM statement on the pharmacological treatment of gestational diabetes.

Results

Insulin does not cross the placenta and has an established safety profile in pregnancy and is therefore considered a first-line treatment for gestational diabetes. Metformin and glyburide have also been shown to be relatively safe in pregnancy but with more limited long-term data. Regarding maternal and fetal outcomes, metformin is superior to glyburide and similar to insulin.

Conclusions and Relevance

Insulin is the preferred pharmacologic treatment according to ACOG. However, SMFM has stated that outcomes with metformin are similar, and it may also be considered as first-line therapy. Both agree that the available data show that metformin is safer and superior to glyburide, and glyburide is no longer recommended as a first-line therapy for the treatment of gestational diabetes.

Target Audience

Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians.

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, the learner should be better able to compare the maternal/fetal risks associated with glyburide, metformin, and insulin therapy; describe how to initiate insulin therapy (dosing and type of insulin) in patients who fail initial management; and explain the intrapartum and postpartum treatment of preexisting and gestational diabetes.
The Opioid Epidemic in the United States—Overview, Origins, and Potential Solutions
Authors: Jones Greg H. , Bruera Eduardo , Abdi Salahadin , Kantarjian Hagop M.
Published: May 2019

(Abstracted from Cancer 2018;124:4279–4286)

Over the last 20 years, there has been a staggering increase in addiction to opiates and the number of deaths from opioids in the United States. The initial trigger for the epidemic was a letter to the editor published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1980 (N Engl J Med 1980;302:123), which reported that fewer than 1% of 11,000 patients who received opioids in a hospital setting became addicted.
Job Stress and Heart Rate Variability: Findings From the ELSA-Brasil Cohort
Authors: Oliveira Júnior Itamar Gusmão , Camelo Lidyane V. , Mill José Geraldo , Ribeiro Antonio Luiz , de Jesus Mendes da Fonseca Maria , Härter Griep Rosane , Bensenor Isabela Judith , Santos Itamar S. , Barreto Sandhi Maria , Giatti Luana
Published: May 2019

Objective

Evidence suggests that exposure to psychosocial stress at work can inhibit vagal tonus, influencing the capacity to respond to environmental stimuli. We investigated whether job strain and low control and high demand at work, as separate measures, are associated with a reduction in heart rate variability (HRV).

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study with 9658 active workers at the baseline (2008–2010) of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA–Brasil). HRV was estimated using electrocardiographic recordings for 10 minutes, at rest, examining the following indices were used: root mean square of successive difference, standard deviation of normal to normal, percentage of adjacent R-R intervals with a difference lasting more than 50 ms, low frequency (LF), and high frequency. Job strain was defined based on the demand-control model. Independent associations between job strain and HRV indices were verified using generalized linear models and the magnitude of the association was estimated by evaluating the ratios of arithmetic means.

Results

Neither the unfavorable demand-control relation nor job demand dimension separately was associated with HRV. However, the increase of one unit in the control dimension was associated with an increment of 2.2% (95% confidence interval = 1.014–1.029) in the LF mean. After adjustments for sociodemographic characteristics, assessment site, health-related behaviors, and depression, this association remained statistically significant (ratio of arithmetic means = 1.008; 95% confidence interval = 1.0002–1.017).

Conclusions

Job control was associated with HRV in a large cohort of civil servants. Nevertheless, it is important to emphasize that only the LF index remained associated with low job control. Further studies are needed to develop a greater understanding of the relationship of psychosocial aspects and autonomic balance.
Application of Contrast-Enhanced Sonography on the Diagnosis of Acute and Chronic Rejection After Renal Transplantation
Authors: Cai Ruiming , Tao Liu , Liang Weixiang , Lin Minzhuan , Guo Xuekun , Huang Xian-en
Published: May 2019

To test the reliability of CEUS on the diagnosis of acute (AR) or chronic rejection (CR) after renal transplantation, patients who received renal transplantation in our center from January 2011 and December 2015 were retrospectively included in the current study. All the included patients underwent contrast-enhanced ultrasonography tests. Two regions of interests were chosen to carry out time-intensity curves (TICs). The main indexes include time indexes, intensity indexes, and difference indexes. Separation of TIC1 and TIC2 was evaluated by the authors. Results revealed that time to peak 1 (TTP-1), TTP-2, absolute time to peak 1 (ATTP-1), and ATTP-2 in the CR group were significantly later than those in the graft function stable group. Peak intensity 2 is smaller in the AR group than that in the GFS group, velocity of intensity ascending 2 is slower in the CR group than that in the GFS group, terminal intensity 1 (TI-1) and TI-2 are lower in the CR group than those in the GFS group, and Vd-1 is faster in the CR group than that in the GFS group (P < 0.05). Those results indicated that contrast-enhanced ultrasonography test can satisfactorily reflect the microcirculation of transplanted kidney and can be used to assist in the early diagnosis of graft rejection.
Two Cases of De Novo Pathological Gambling Associated With Aripiprazole
Authors: Chen Hui-Yi , Ma Chia-Hao , Liu Chen-Chung
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Pathological gambling can be potentiated by treatment with dopamine agonists. Aripiprazole, bearing a partial agonist activity at dopamine D2 and D3 receptors, has also been linked to such a behavioral aberration, usually on subjects predisposed with tendency of impulsive or addictive behaviors.

Methods

Review of patient's medical records and literature review.

Results

Two young patients' pathological gambling emerged simply due to exposure to aripiprazole, neither related to manic or psychotic symptoms nor with history of addictive or impulsive behaviors. Their pathological gambling disappeared soon after switching aripiprazole to other antipsychotics. One patient has tested such a relationship by reexposure to aripiprazole while his compulsion to gamble recurred.

Conclusions

In addition to previously recognized risk factors, pathological gambling might occur in young patients whose history did not reveal an addictive tendency while they were sensitive to the pharmacological effect, as well as adverse effects, of psychotropic agents.
Sources of solar energetic particles
Authors: Vlahos Loukas , Anastasiadis Anastasios , Papaioannou Athanasios , Kouloumvakos Athanasios , Isliker Heinz
Published: May 2019

Solar energetic particles are an integral part of the physical processes related with space weather. We present a review for the acceleration mechanisms related to the explosive phenomena (flares and/or coronal mass ejections, CMEs) inside the solar corona. For more than 40 years, the main two-dimensional cartoon representing our understanding of the explosive phenomena inside the solar corona remained almost unchanged. The acceleration mechanisms related to solar flares and CMEs also remained unchanged and were part of the same cartoon. In this review, we revise the standard cartoon and present evidence from recent global magnetohydrodynamic simulations that support the argument that explosive phenomena will lead to the spontaneous formation of current sheets in different parts of the erupting magnetic structure. The evolution of the large-scale current sheets and their fragmentation will lead to strong turbulence and turbulent reconnection during solar flares and turbulent shocks. In other words, the acceleration mechanism in flares and CME-driven shocks may be the same, and their difference will be the overall magnetic topology, the ambient plasma parameters, and the duration of the unstable driver.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Solar eruptions and their space weather impact’.
Solar energetic particles in the inner heliosphere: status and open questions
Authors: Anastasiadis Anastasios , Lario David , Papaioannou Athanasios , Kouloumvakos Athanasios , Vourlidas Angelos
Published: May 2019

Solar energetic particle (SEP) events are related to both solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and they present energy spectra that span from a few keV up to several GeV. A wealth of observations from widely distributed spacecraft have revealed that SEPs fill very broad regions of the heliosphere, often all around the Sun. High-energy SEPs can sometimes be energetic enough to penetrate all the way down to the surface of the Earth and thus be recorded on the ground as ground level enhancements (GLEs). The conditions of the radiation environment are currently unpredictable due to an as-yet incomplete understanding of solar eruptions and their corresponding relation to SEP events. This is because the complex nature and the interplay of the injection, acceleration and transport processes undergone by the SEPs in the solar corona and the interplanetary space prevent us from establishing an accurate understanding (based on observations and modelling). In this work, we review the current status of knowledge on SEPs, focusing on GLEs and multi-spacecraft events. We extensively discuss the forecasting and nowcasting efforts of SEPs, dividing these into three categories. Finally, we report on the current open questions and the possible direction of future research efforts.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Solar eruptions and their space weather impact’.
Understanding the ionosphere thermosphere response to solar and magnetospheric drivers: status, challenges and open issues
Authors: Sarris Theodore E.
Published: May 2019

The ionosphere and thermosphere (IT) constitutes a coupled, complex and dynamical electromagnetic and photochemical system, which is sensitive to a combination of external factors: particle precipitation and electrical currents from the Earth's magnetosphere and incoming solar radiation produce dramatic effects in the IT and significantly alter its energetics, dynamics and chemistry in a way that is not well understood. This sensitivity of the IT to external factors results in large, yet often unpredictable changes in many of the variables in the IT, such as in its density, temperature, neutral and ion winds, total electron content, neutral and ion composition, electric fields, currents and conductivities. External forcing of the IT system varies over different time-scales, such as solar cycle (11-year), inter-annual (e.g. quasi-biennial), seasonal and diurnal; on top of these, geomagnetic disturbances caused by solar storms and substorms can lead to abrupt reconfigurations of the magnetospheric field-aligned and horizontal currents, setting a number of electrodynamics processes in motion. The overlapping physical and chemical phenomena occur at a range of temporal and spatial scales that are highly difficult to understand as a whole. The importance of the behaviour of this region to multiple issues related to aerospace technology, such as orbital calculations, vehicle re-entry, space debris lifetime, etc., and its potential threats to modern, technology-dependent society via geomagnetically induced currents and ionospheric scintillation of Global Navigation Satellite System signals, dictate that a more detailed understanding and accurate modelling are urgently needed. In this paper, we review the status of characterization and some of the key open issues and challenges of the IT, focusing on measurement gaps in this region as well as areas of largest discrepancies between models and data.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Solar eruptions and their space weather impact’.
Introduction to the physics of solar eruptions and their space weather impact
Authors: Archontis Vasilis , Vlahos Loukas
Published: May 2019

The physical processes, which drive powerful solar eruptions, play an important role in our understanding of the Sun–Earth connection. In this Special Issue, we firstly discuss how magnetic fields emerge from the solar interior to the solar surface, to build up active regions, which commonly host large-scale coronal disturbances, such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Then, we discuss the physical processes associated with the driving and triggering of these eruptions, the propagation of the large-scale magnetic disturbances through interplanetary space and the interaction of CMEs with Earth's magnetic field. The acceleration mechanisms for the solar energetic particles related to explosive phenomena (e.g. flares and/or CMEs) in the solar corona are also discussed. The main aim of this Issue, therefore, is to encapsulate the present state-of-the-art in research related to the genesis of solar eruptions and their space-weather implications.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Solar eruptions and their space weather impact’.
The regenerating skeletal muscle niche guides muscle stem cell self-renewal
Authors: Cutler Alicia A. , Pawlikowski Bradley , Wheeler Joshua R. , Betta Nicole Dalla , Elston Tiffany , O’Rourke Rebecca , Jones Kenneth , Olwin Bradley B.
Published: May 2019

Skeletal muscle stem cells (MuSCs) are essential for muscle regeneration and maintenance. While MuSCs typically are quiescent and reside in an asymmetric niche between the basal lamina and myofiber membrane: to repair or maintain muscle, MuSCs activate, proliferate and differentiate to repair injured tissue, and self-renew to replenish MuSCs. Little is known about the timing of MuSC self-renewal during muscle regeneration and the cellular processes that direct MuSC self-renewal fate decisions. Using DNA-based lineage tracing, we find that during muscle regeneration most MuSCs self-renew from 5-7 days post-injury, following fusion of myogenic cells to regenerate myofibers. Single cell sequencing of the myogenic cells in regenerating muscle reveals that non-cell autonomous signaling networks regulate MuSC self-renewal allowing identification of asymmetrically distributed proteins in self-renewing MuSCs. Cell transplantation experiments verified that the regenerating environment signals MuSC self-renewal. Our results define the critical window for MuSC self-renewal emphasizing the temporal contribution of the regenerative muscle environment on MuSC fate, establishing a new paradigm for restoring the MuSC pool during muscle regeneration.
Design, preparation, characterization and formation mechanism of a novel kinetic CL-20-based cocrystal
Authors: Sun Shanhu , Zhang Haobin , Xu Jinjiang , Wang Hongfan , Wang Shumin , Yu Zhihui , Zhu Chunhua , Sun Jie
Published: May 2019

2,4,6,8,10,12-Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20)-based cocrystals have gained increasing attention as a means of obtaining insensitive high explosives. However, the design of ideal candidates for these cocrystals remains difficult. This work compares the crystal energies of the CL-20–dinitrobenzene (DNB) and CL-20–2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) cocrystals with those of the respective pure coformers. The results indicate that the cocrystal formation is driven by the differences in the energies of the cocrystals and the coformers. Furthermore, analysis via Hirshfeld surfaces and two-dimensional fingerprint plots confirms that the O...O, O...H, O...N and C...O interactions were the main force for stabilizing the CL-20-based cocrystal structure. Based on these findings, a novel energetic–energetic cocrystal of CL-20–2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) was designed and prepared by means of a rapid method for solvent removal. The crystal structure was investigated via powder X-ray diffraction methods, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results revealed that the O—H...O hydrogen bonding interaction between the phenolic hydroxyl group of TNP and nitro groups of CL-20, as well as nitro...π, nitro...nitro and ONO2...π(N)NO2 interactions, based on the benzene ring and nitro groups, are the main interactions occurring in the cocrystal.
Continuance use intention with mobile augmented reality games
Authors: Jang Seongsoo , Liu Yi
Published: May 2019

Purpose

As mobile augmented reality (AR) games enter the maturity stage, understanding how to improve players’ continuance use intention with mobile AR games is critical. Drawing upon the uses and gratifications (U&G) theory, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of four major gratifications – content, process, social and technology – and other factors on continuance intention to play mobile AR games.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected from 280 Pokémon Go players were used to address research questions. Partial least squares method was employed to assess the relationships in the model and multigroup analysis was conducted based on survey participants’ demographics and their gaming experience.

Findings

Content gratification (i.e. catching Pokémon), process gratification (i.e. entertainment), game knowledge and achievement drive players’ continuance use intention. However, social and technology gratifications do not influence players’ continuance use intention. Multigroup analysis suggests that mobile AR game developers should capitalize on the fact that different types of gratifications prompt continuance use intention of different user segments in terms of demographics and experience in general mobile games and Pokémon Go.

Originality/value

The user behavior of mobile AR games has been studied at the early stage of the games, with less attention to variable continuance use intentions across different user segments. This paper attempts to fill the gap by extending the U&G theory to continuance use intention of mobile AR games at the maturity stage and further investigating the importance of player heterogeneity in continuance use intention with mobile AR games. The findings of this study contribute to the literature on U&G, continuance use intention and mobile AR games.
Leveraging procurement-related knowledge through a fuzzy-based DSS: a refinement of purchasing portfolio models
Authors: Aloini Davide , Dulmin Riccardo , Mininno Valeria , Zerbino Pierluigi
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to model a decision support system (DSS) that could overcome the oversimplified, subjective, compensatory decision logic of extant purchasing portfolio models (PPMs) by leveraging the firms’ procurement-related knowledge base.

Design/methodology/approach

The DSS was developed through a fuzzy-based approach, whose design and application were framed within a case study in a multinational company.

Findings

The application of the fuzzy-based DSS to a product class suggests investing in the relationship with two specific suppliers and to loosen the relationship with a third one.

Research limitations/implications

Exploiting the fuzzy set theory and fostering the elicitation of procurement-related knowledge from the decision-makers, the DSS effectively tackles the concerns about the existing PPMs by including strategic-oriented priorities and contextual constraints in the evaluation.

Practical implications

The recommendations in output from the DSS are feasible, more analytical and easy to interpret, enabling knowledge sharing, group decision processes and better decision-making.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this manuscript is the first attempt to effectively integrate traditional PPMs with contextual, strategy-related factors to refine the purchasing directions and make them objective.
How location-based advertising elicits in-store purchase
Authors: Shieh Chih-Hui , Xu Yingzi , Ling I-Ling
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how location-based advertising (LBA) elicits in-store purchase intention. To deepen the understanding of LBA’s effect on consumers’ purchase decision, the research examines the role of consumers’ time consciousness in click intention in pull or opt-out LBA approaches. The study also explores how consumers react to LBA with an asymmetric dominance decoy versus a compromise decoy message.

Design/methodology/approach

Two field experiments were conducted, and a total of 363 volunteers within 3 km of a shopping mall participated. The participants were asked to turn on their global positioning system and then informed that a convenience store was planning to launch a mobile coupon subscription service. Data collected were analysed using analysis of variance, regression analysis, bootstrapping and spotlight tests.

Findings

The results demonstrate that consumers had a higher intention to click pull LBA than to click opt-out push LBA. Consumers with high time-consciousness had greater click intentions for pull LBA than for opt-out push LBA. Consumers with low time-consciousness, however, showed no difference in click intention for either LBA approach. Further, click intention mediates the effect of LBA on in-store purchase intention, and the asymmetric dominance decoy message is a more powerful strategy for LBA to increase the likelihood of in-store purchase.

Originality/value

This research provides insight into location-based services marketing by revealing how time-consciousness and decoy promotional messages affect consumers’ reaction to LBA and in-store purchase intentions. The findings offer practical suggestions for retailers on how to reach and engage with consumers more effectively through the use of LBA.
Does more sense make sense? An empirical test of high and low interactive retail technology
Authors: Riedel Aimee , Mulcahy Rory Francis
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into whether “more sense makes sense” when attempting to encourage consumers to purchase retail products using technology; that is, does engaging senses in addition to visual and aural senses, such as haptic touch, through interactive retail technology lead to an easier and more enjoyable consumption experience of retail products for consumers, while also enhancing service provider outcomes? To test this assumption (“more sense makes sense”), this study empirically examines whether differences are present in the consumer experience (usefulness, ease of use and customer-perceived value) and service provider outcomes (satisfaction and purchase intentions) across retail technologies with and without haptic touch enabled.

Design/methodology/approach

The study randomly allocated participants to either the haptic touch (haptic touch, visual and aural senses, n = 135) or no haptic touch (visual and aural senses only, n = 182) interactive retail technology condition. The data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance.

Findings

The data provide support for the use of high-interactive technology achieved through the inclusion of haptic touch by showing it to provide a more visually appealing, easy to use, enjoyable and entertaining experience. However, the results also provide insight into boundaries of where the use of haptic touch does not significantly increase outcomes. Overall, the results suggest high-interactive retail technology using haptic touch provides a more entertaining experience for consumers, which leads to increased satisfaction with service providers, but this does not translate into a significant increase in purchase intentions.

Originality/value

This study examines the consumer and service provider benefits and limitations of using haptic touch in interactive retail technology. The effects of haptic touch for both the consumer and service provider have not previously been empirically examined thoroughly in a technological setting.
Blockchain, herding and trust in peer-to-peer lending
Authors: Gonzalez Laura
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The gradual implementation of blockchain technology in peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms facilitates safer, transparent and quick access to funds without having to deal with the more complex and costly processes of banks. Beyond that, the purpose of this paper is to examine trust-enhancing heuristics that show a need for blockchain to assist in monitoring and bad loan recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines 909 lending decisions by 303 finance students on a mock P2P site. Each participant was asked to make three lending decisions. The loan applications were identical with the exception of a female or male photo (vs an icon) and reports of having raised half the loan in either 2 or 11 days (vs 7).

Findings

Investors who have experienced financial trauma are more likely to herd and lend higher amounts to loan applicants that are highly trusted by other lenders. This effect is more pronounced for male investors lending to highly trusted female loan applicants.

Practical implications

Blockchain can compensate for behavioral biases and improve monitoring by helping track digital money transactions and assisting in bad loan recovery efforts.

Originality/value

This study is the first behavioral experiment to examine herding in P2P lending. The findings complement and corroborate those by Gonzalez and Komarova (2014, 2015) and emphasize the need for blockchain to assist beyond trusted records and safe transfers of funds.
Enriching m-banking perceived value to achieve reuse intention
Authors: Prodanova Jana , Ciunova-Shuleska Anita , Palamidovska-Sterjadovska Nikolina
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to model the perceived value and customers’ intention to continue using m-banking services, assuming the existence of multiple consumption values. Specifically, it is proposed that entertainment (hedonic value), ubiquity (utilitarian value) and novelty seeking (epistemic value) impact m-banking overall perceived value, which in turn influences customers’ reuse intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey with 260 Macedonian current users of m-banking services was carried out, using questionnaires as a method of data collection. Five-point Likert scales adapted from the relevant literature to the context of m-banking services were used to measure the variables. PLS-SEM approach was employed to estimate the proposed model.

Findings

The findings indicate that bank entities can increase customers’ intention to reuse m-banking, by providing an enriched perceived value of m-banking services, precisely putting emphasis on perceived value drivers related to utilitarian value (ubiquity) and epistemic value (novelty seeking). Hedonic value (perceived entertainment) does not show a significant influence on the perception of m-banking value.

Originality/value

This study provides a different perspective of the perceived value observation, by contemplating not only the well-established hedonic and utilitarian aspects of value, but also the epistemic component, considered as a vital element in contexts of mobile technologies adoption. Moreover, this is the first study to explore the m-banking perceived value in a developing country in the Balkans.
Justice “cost points”
Authors: Harris Alexes , Smith Tyler , Obara Emmi
Published: May 2019

Research Summary

In addition to outsourcing the management of correctional facilities, many local and state authorities contract with private companies to provide a variety of services and processes within U.S. courthouses, jails, and prisons. In this article, we explore the various “cost points” at which individuals who make contact with public systems of justice are charged by private entities. We provide two case studies with an in‐depth look at how private companies make money within U.S. justice facilities—court‐ordered programs and prison services.

Policy Implications

Through our examples, we show the extent to which private companies generate profits within U.S. systems of justice and the potential impacts of justice “cost points” on those involved in these systems. We end by suggesting policy makers more thoroughly explore the reasons for the privatization of justice system practices and services and develop transparent oversight to ensure private arrangements do not impose undue burdens on justice‐involved individuals and their families.
Factors associated with sarcopenia and undernutrition in older adults
Authors: Sousa‐Santos Ana Rita , Afonso Cláudia , Borges Nuno , Santos Alejandro , Padrão Patrícia , Moreira Pedro , Amaral Teresa F.
Published: May 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe sarcopenia frequency, to identify the factors associated with sarcopenia and undernutrition, and to evaluate their coexistence.

Methods

A total of 1500 Portuguese older adults aged ≥65 years from the Nutrition UP 65 study were evaluated using a cross‐sectional analysis. Sarcopenia was defined according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP)2 guidelines (2018), using anthropometric measures. Undernutrition status was evaluated by Mini‐Nutritional Assessment‐Short Form.

Results

Sarcopenia frequency was 4.4% (n = 66). Sarcopenia coexists with undernutrition or undernutrition risk in 1.5% of this sample. In the multivariate analysis, sarcopenia was directly associated with age >75 years (odds ratio (OR): 2.14; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19–3.84), undernutrition or undernutrition risk (OR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.01–3.43) and inversely associated with male gender (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29–0.97), overweight (OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.13–0.42) or obesity (OR: 0.02; 95% CI: 0.01–0.09) and moderate alcohol consumption (OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.24–0.90). Undernutrition or undernutrition risk was associated with a poor or very poor self‐perception of health status (OR: 3.53; 95% CI: 2.32–5.37), a low physical activity level (OR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.23–2.47), sarcopenia (OR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.02–3.36), and being overweight (OR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.27–0.59) or obese (OR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.28–0.65).

Conclusions

The majority of the older adults presented low muscle strength (probable sarcopenia), but only a small number had concomitantly low muscle quantity or quality (sarcopenia). Coexistence between these conditions is low which reinforces the need to assess them both individually during geriatric assessment.
Alcohol‐Induced Interleukin‐17 Expression Causes Murine Lung Fibroblast‐to‐Myofibroblast Transdifferentiation via Thy‐1 Down‐Regulation
Authors: Neveu Wendy A. , Staitieh Bashar S. , Mills Stephen T. , Guidot David M. , Sueblinvong Viranuj
Published: May 2019

Background

Alcohol exposure induces TGFβ1 and renders the lung susceptible to injury and disrepair. We determined that TGFβ1 regulates myofibroblast differentiation through the loss of Thy‐1 expression and consequent induction of α‐SMA. TGFβ1 is important for T helper 17 (Th17) differentiation and IL‐17 secretion, which in turn participates in tissue repair. We hypothesized that alcohol induces Th17 differentiation via TGFβ1 and that IL‐17 produced by these cells contributes to the development of profibrotic lung myofibroblasts.

Methods

Primary lung fibroblasts (PLFs) were treated with alcohol, TGFβ1, and IL‐17 and then analyzed for Thy‐1 expression and cell morphology. Naïve and Th17‐polarized CD4+ T cells were exposed to alcohol and assessed for IL‐17 expression. CD4+ T cells from alcohol‐fed mice were analyzed for Th17 and IL‐17 expression. Lungs of control‐fed, bleomycin‐treated and alcohol‐fed, bleomycin‐treated mice were analyzed for IL‐17 protein expression.

Results

Alcohol‐treated PLFs expressed lower levels of Thy‐1 than untreated cells. TGFβ1 or IL‐17 exposure suppressed PLF Thy‐1 expression. When administered together, TGFβ1 and IL‐17 additively down‐regulated Thy‐1 expression. Exposure of naïve and Th17‐polarized CD4+ T cells to alcohol induced the Th17 phenotype and augmented their production of IL‐17. CD4+ Th17+ levels are elevated in the peripheral compartment but not in the lungs of alcohol‐fed animals. Treatment of the PLFs with IL‐17 and alcohol induced α‐SMA expression. Induction of α‐SMA and myofibroblast morphology by IL‐17 occurred selectively in a Thy‐1− fibroblast subpopulation. Chronic alcohol ingestion augmented lung‐specific IL‐17 expression following bleomycin‐induced lung injury.

Conclusions

Alcohol exposure skews T cells toward a Th17 immune response that in turn primes the lung for fibroproliferative disrepair through loss of Thy‐1 expression and induction of myofibroblast differentiation. These effects suggest that IL‐17 and TGFβ1 contribute to fibroproliferative disrepair in the lung and targeting these proteins could limit morbidity and mortality following lung injury in alcoholic individuals.
Characterization of CD4+ T cell subsets and HIV susceptibility in the inner and outer foreskin of Ugandan men
Authors: Galiwango Ronald Moses , Yegorov Sergey , Joag Vineet , Prodger Jessica , Shahabi Kamnoosh , Huibner Sanja , Muyanja Enoch , Kabuubi Brian Roy , Namuniina Annmarie , Nalutaaya Annet , Ssemaganda Aloysius , Lutwama Fredrick , Kitandwe Paul Kato , Nanvubya Annet , Mpendo Juliet , Bagaya Bernard , Kiwanuka Noah , Kaul Rupert
Published: May 2019

Problem

Biological mechanisms of foreskin HIV acquisition are poorly defined. The inner foreskin is preferentially infected in explant models, so we hypothesized that this site would be enriched for HIV‐susceptible CD4+ T cells and proinflammatory/chemoattractant cytokines.

Method of study

A total of 42 HIV‐uninfected Ugandan men without genital symptoms provided foreskin tissues and swabs at the time of elective penile circumcision. The immune phenotype of foreskin‐derived CD4+ T cells and entry of a CCR5‐tropic HIV pseudovirus was characterized, and specific cytokine levels assayed by multiplexed chemiluminescent ELISA.

Results

Unexpectedly, outer foreskin CD4+ T cells more frequently expressed CCR5 (median 29.2% vs 22.9%, P = 0.01) and CD69 (median 36.5% vs 15%, P < 0.01), and on a per‐cell basis, HIV entry was higher. However, overall CD4+ T cell density was approximately twofold higher in the inner foreskin, and several highly susceptible T cell subsets were increased at this site, including Th17 cells (20.0% vs 14.1%, P = 0.0021). Specific pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels were also higher on the inner foreskin surface (IL‐17, IL‐8, RANTES and IL‐1β; all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

There was marked heterogeneity in CD4+ T cell populations and immune milieu between inner and outer foreskin tissues. Despite higher per‐cell viral entry into CD4+ T cells from the outer foreskin, the higher target cell density and enriched pro‐inflammatory cytokines of the inner foreskin suggest that this may be a preferential site for HIV acquisition.
Distal locked or unlocked nailing for stable intertrochanteric fractures? A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yan Wen‐Shan , Cao Wei‐Li , Sun Ming , Ma Deng‐Yue , Zhang Peng
Published: May 2019

Background

To date, there are just several studies comparing distal locked nails with distal unlocked nails in treating intertrochanteric fractures. We report the first meta‐analysis about this issue.

Methods

Systematic search was conducted for studies in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library. Meta‐analyses were performed regarding intra operative outcomes, complications and functional outcomes.

Results

Pooled results showed insignificant difference between distal locking group and distal unlocking group in hip pain (relative risk (RR) 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59–2.19), distal tip fracture (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.37–3.11), lag screw cut‐out (RR 1.60, 95% CI 0.54–4.78), delayed or nonunion (RR 1.32, 95% CI 0.25–7.06), deep vein thrombosis (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.23–4.84), wound infection (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.28–1.22), Harris hip score (standard mean deviation (SMD) 0.03, 95% CI −0.15 to 0.21) and walking ability. However, significant difference was detected in operation time (SMD 0.77, 95% CI 0.36–1.17), fluoroscopy exposure time (SMD 1.02, 95% CI 0.52–1.52), blood loss (SMD 0.80, 95% CI 0.62–0.99) and total incision length (SMD 1.16, 95% CI 0.86–1.47). Result of trial sequential analysis indicated conclusive evidence.

Conclusion

Current evidence indicates that the distal locked intramedullary nails should not be recommended as routine choice for stable intertrochanteric fractures.
Beta diversity of aquatic invertebrates increases along an altitudinal gradient in a Neotropical mountain
Authors: Castro Diego M. P. , Callisto Marcos , Solar Ricardo R. C. , Macedo Diego R. , Fernandes Geraldo W.
Published: May 2019

Mountains harbor rich biodiversity and high levels of endemism, particularly due to changes in environmental conditions over short spatial distances, which affects species distribution and composition. Studies on mountain ecosystems are increasingly needed, as mountains are highly threatened despite providing ecosystem services, such as water supply for half of the human population. We aimed to understand the patterns and drivers of alpha and beta diversities of aquatic invertebrates in headwater streams along an altitudinal gradient in the second largest South American mountain range, the Espinhaço mountains. Headwater streams were selected at each 100 m of elevation along an altitudinal gradient ranging from 800 to 1400 m asl, where three substrate types per stream were sampled: leaf litter, gravel, and cobbles. Environmental variables were sampled to represent local riparian canopy cover, instream physical habitat, water quality, climatic data, and land use. Generalized linear models and mixed models were used to test relationships between altitude and the richness and abundance of invertebrates and to assess the influence of environmental variables on the same metrics. Patterns of spatial variation in aquatic invertebrate assemblages along the altitudinal gradient were assessed using multiplicative beta diversity partitioning. The richness and abundance of aquatic invertebrates decreased with increasing altitude, whereas beta diversity increased with increasing altitude. Significant differences in assemblage composition and in relative abundance of invertebrates were observed for both substrates and altitude. We thus show that the high regional beta diversity in aquatic ecosystems in the studied site is due to the high turnover among areas.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.