bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in carotid artery intima-media thickness 3 years after cessation of menopausal hormone therapy: follow-up from the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study
Authors: Miller Virginia M. , Hodis Howard N. , Lahr Brian D. , Bailey Kent R. , Jayachandran Muthuvel
Published: July 2018

Objective:

Little is known regarding the progression of preclinical atherosclerosis upon cessation of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). This study evaluated changes in carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) in a subgroup of participants during 4 years and 3 years after the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS).

Methods:

Of the women enrolled in KEEPS at Mayo Clinic (n = 118), a subset (n = 76) agreed to participate in this follow-up study. KEEPS MHT assignments were placebo (PBO),n = 33; transdermal 17β-estradiol (tE2),n = 23; and oral conjugated equine estrogens group (oCEE),n = 20. CIMT was measured by B-mode ultrasonography. Longitudinal analysis of CIMT was performed using all available data from pre-, on-, and post-treatment periods.

Results:

At 7 years, median age of participants was 60.2 years; median time since menopause was 8.5 years. The mean difference in rates of increase was significantly greater over the post- than on-treatment period within the oCEE group (0.010 [0.002-0.017] mm/y), but not within the PBO (0.006 [−0.001 to 0.012] mm/y;P = 0.072)or tE2(0.002 [−0.005 to 0.010] mm/y;P = 0.312) groups. There were, however, no significant treatment differences in the linear trends over those intervals (P = 0.524).

Conclusions:

Cessation of MHT at the lower doses and formulations used in KEEPS did not appear to alter the trajectory of CIMT over a 3-year follow-up period. CIMT, however, increased in all groups over the entire 7-year timeframe as expected with age and timing of menopause possibly key contributors.
FIXATION STATUS AFTER RESOLUTION OF MACULAR EDEMA ASSOCIATED WITH BRANCH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION
Authors: Kogo Takahiro , Muraoka Yuki , Ooto Sotaro , Suzuma Kiyoshi , Murakami Tomoaki , Iida Yuto , Iida-Miwa Yuko , Ghashut Rima , Miyata Manabu , Tsujikawa Akitaka
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

To evaluate fixation status of eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and to investigate its association with other clinical parameters.

Methods:

This study included 57 consecutive eyes with BRVO after resolution of macular edema. Fixation status was determined by microperimetry. Defect length of the foveal ellipsoid zone band was measured by optical coherence tomography, and retinal perfusion status was assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography.

Results:

In microperimetry, the mean fixation rate around the gravitational center of all fixation points (defined as the fixation center) was found to be 79.8 ± 18.9%, which was significantly associated with defect length of the foveal ellipsoid zone band (P < 0.001) and distance between the foveal and fixation centers (P = 0.012). The integrity of the ellipsoid zone band at the fixation center was intact in 55 eyes (96.5%). Fixation centers were located within and outside the foveal avascular zone in 33 (57.9%) and 24 (42.1%) eyes, respectively; among the latter eyes, all fixation centers were perfused. Downward deviation of fixation points was rare, despite variations in the occluded area; there was a significant difference in distribution of deviation between eyes with superotemporal and inferotemporal BRVO (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

In eyes with BRVO, fixation status was strongly associated with visual acuity, morphologic damage, and retinal perfusion status both in the foveal area and at the fixation center after resolution of macular edema. This information regarding fixation status could facilitate vision management in patients with BRVO.
A Case Series and Literature Review: Isolated Traumatic First Rib Fracture in Athletes
Authors: Marcussen Britt , Negaard Matthew , Hosey Robert G. , Smoot Milton Kyle
Published: July 2018

Objective:

To present a case series of 14 isolated traumatic first rib fractures sustained in sport and review the literature on clinical presentation, mechanism of injury, diagnosis, and management of sport-related traumatic first rib fractures.

Design:

We compiled a series of isolated traumatic first rib fractures seen in 2 Division 1–associated sports medicine clinics. We also performed a literature search for additional publications of isolated traumatic first rib fractures in sport.

Setting:

Patients in our case series were all evaluated and treated at 2 tertiary care center sports medicine clinics.

Patients:

Patients were those who sustained isolated traumatic first rib fracture during sport.

Interventions:

None.

Main Outcome Measures:

None.

Results:

None.

Conclusions:

Traumatic fracture of the first rib in sport is certainly not a common diagnosis, but it is likely more widespread than sports medicine providers realize. Considering the diagnosis of first rib fracture for athletes with shoulder pain after trauma is essential for identifying this injury. Although more study is likely needed to make definitive recommendations on treatment and return to play protocols, the case series and literature review presented suggests that rehabilitation and return to play when the patient is asymptomatic may be appropriate care.
Interposition Vein Grafting in Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstruction
Authors: Maricevich Marco , Lin Lawrence O. , Liu Jun , Chang Edward I. , Hanasono Matthew M.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Many surgeons are hesitant to use interposition vein grafting in head and neck microvascular free flap surgery because of concerns for elevated risk of flap loss.

Methods:

The authors conducted a review of patients who underwent head and neck free flap reconstruction between 2005 and 2015. The effect of vein grafts on flap compromise and flap loss was analyzed using univariate and multivariate models.

Results:

A total of 3240 free flaps were performed. Vein grafts were used in 241 flaps (7.4 percent). The free flap compromise rate was 14.5 percent with vein grafts and 3.4 percent without vein grafts (p< 0.001). The free flap loss rate was 6.4 percent with vein grafts and 1.1 percent without vein grafts (p< 0.001). Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, prior neck dissection, prior free flap, osteoradionecrosis, and multiple free flap surgery were more frequent within the vein graft group (allp< 0.001). Despite this, vein grafting was associated with an increased risk of flap compromise (adjusted OR, 4.8; 95 percent CI, 3.2 to 7.3;p< 0.001) and flap loss (adjusted OR, 5.5; 95 percent CI, 3.0 to 10.2;p< 0.001) on multivariable analysis. Individual review of each flap loss within the vein graft group identified no cases of thrombosis caused by anastomotic technical errors, arguing against the requirement of an additional anastomosis as a cause for loss of vein-grafted free flaps.

Conclusions:

An increased risk of free flap compromise and loss is associated with use of vein grafts. However, a 93.4 percent success rate was still achieved in notably more challenging cases where vein grafting was deemed necessary taking into consideration the pertinent risks and benefits.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Magnetic Resonance Arthrographic Demonstration of Association of Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior Lesions With Extended Anterior Labral Tears
Authors: Ogul Hayri , Ayyildiz Veysel , Pirimoglu Berhan , Polat Gokhan , Tuncer Kutsi , Kose Mehmet , Kantarci Mecit
Published: July 2018

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the full extent of anterior labral tear and associated other labral tears on magnetic resonance arthrographic images in patients with anterior shoulder instability.

Materials and Methods

One hundred ten magnetic resonance arthrography images with anterior labral tear were retrieved from the database of the Radiology Department. Two skeletal radiologists, one with 15 years of experience and the other with 5 years of experience analyzed the images in random order. Approval for the study was granted by the Ethics Committee. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software.

Results

The most common localization of the labral lesions was at the anterior-inferior part of the glenoid labrum (22.7%). The anterior labral tears were commonly associate with superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) lesions (45%). The most common type of SLAP lesion was type V (23.6%). Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior type V lesion was more often detected in patients with Bankart lesion (27.7%, P = 0.043).

Conclusions

Isolated anterior labral tears are less than expected. In majority of the cases, a distinct tear at a different site of the labrum accompanies the anterior labral tear. Massive anterior labral tears are mostly seen together with SLAP lesions.
Metal Artifact Reduction Computed Tomography of Arthroplasty Implants
Authors: Khodarahmi Iman , Haroun Reham R. , Lee Moses , Fung George S.K. , Fuld Matthew K. , Schon Lew C , Fishman Elliot K. , Fritz Jan
Published: July 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of combined virtual monoenergetic extrapolation (VME) of dual-energy computed tomography data and iterative metal artifact reduction (iMAR) at higher photon energies on low- and high-density metal artifacts and overall image quality of the ankle arthroplasty implants with iMAR, weighted filtered back projection (WFBP), and WFBP-based VME.

Materials and Methods

Total ankle arthroplasty implants in 6 human cadaver ankles served as surrogates for arthroplasty implants. All specimens underwent computed tomography with a 2 × 192-slice dual-source computed tomography scanner at tube voltages of 80 and tin-filtered 150 kVp to produce mixed 120 kVp equivalent polychromatic and virtual monoenergetic extrapolated images at 150 and 190 keV (VME 150 and VME 190, respectively). By implementing the WFBP and iMAR reconstruction algorithms on polychromatic, VME 150 and VME 190 data, 6 image datasets were created: WFBP-Polychromatic, iMAR-Polychromatic, WFBP-VME 150, WFBP-VME 190, iMAR-VME 150, and iMAR-VME 190. High-density and low-density artifacts were separately quantified with a threshold-based computer algorithm. After anonymization and randomization, 2 observers independently ranked the datasets for overall image quality. Repeated measures analysis of variance, Friedman, and Cohen weighted κ tests were applied for statistical analysis. A conservative P value of less than 0.001 was considered statistically significant.

Results

iMAR-VME 190 keV and iMAR-VME 150 keV created the least amount of high-density artifacts (all P < 0.001), whereas iMAR-Polychromatic was the most effective method to mitigate low-density streaks (P < 0.001). For low- and high-density artifacts, polychromatic iMAR acquisition was superior to WFBP-VME 150 keV and WFBP-VME 190 keV (all P < 0.001). On sharp kernel reconstructions, readers ranked the overall image quality of iMAR-Polychromatic images highest (all P < 0.001). Similarly, on soft tissue kernel reconstructions, readers ranked iMAR-Polychromatic images highest with a statistically significant difference over other techniques (all P < 0.001), except for iMAR-VME 150 keV (P = 0.356).

Conclusions

In computed tomography imaging of ankle arthroplasty implants, iMAR reconstruction results in fewer metal artifacts and better image quality than WFBP reconstruction for both polychromatic and virtual monoenergetic data. The combination of iMAR and VME at higher photon energies results in mixed effects on implant-induced metal artifacts, including decreased high-density and increased low-density artifacts, which in combination does not improve image quality over iMAR reconstruction of the polychromatic data. Our results suggest that, for ankle arthroplasty implants, the highest image quality is obtained by iMAR reconstruction of the polychromatic data without the need to implement VME at high-energy levels.
Oral Myiasis in a Patient With HIV Manifestations and Neurologic Toxoplasmosis Treated by Ivermectin
Authors: Pires Willian Ricardo , Puttini Igor de Oliveira , Oliva André Hergesel de , Jacob Ricardo Garcia Mureb , Figueira Heldo Cesar , Sonoda Celso Koogi , Faverani Leonardo Perez , Souza Francisley Ávila , Garcia Júnior Idelmo Rangel
Published: July 2018

Myiasis has been defined as a pathologic condition where dipterous larvae are lodged in mammalian hosts causing an infestation, which feeds on living or dead tissue for at least a certain period inside the host and develops itself as parasites. In humans, the most commonly affected sites are the nose, eyes, skin wounds, sinuses, lungs, ears, gut, gall bladder, vagina, nasal cavities, and rarely the mouth because the oral tissues are rarely exposed to the external environment. The etiology of oral myiasis is usually related to local factors such as poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease and labial incompetence, and systemic factors such as neurologic deficits.
Clinical Efficacy and Patient Perceptions of Pyogenic Granuloma Excision Using Diode Laser Versus Conventional Surgical Techniques
Authors: Isola Gaetano , Matarese Giovanni , Cervino Gabriele , Matarese Marco , Ramaglia Luca , Cicciù Marco
Published: July 2018

The use of laser in oral surgery and periodontology is a matter of debate, mainly because of the lack of consensual therapeutic protocols. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical advantages of diode laser versus traditional surgery with a cold blade for the surgical excision of pyogenic granuloma (PG). Twenty-one patients (10 males, 11 females, aged 19–66 years; mean age: 46.5 years), requiring PG excision, were enrolled in the study. Through a randomized clinical trial design, all patients were randomly subjected to PG surgical excision with either diode laser or cold blade. Parameters analyzed were the speed of incision, time of intervention, intraoperative bleeding, number of stitches, and patient compliance. Histologic examination was performed before and after surgical excision of the lesions. Patients compiled a subjective evaluation questionnaire. Both treatments were successful in surgical excision of PG. However, the mean speed of incision was significantly reduced in diode laser group (0.61 ± 0.29 mm/s) compared with cold blade group (1.47 ± 1.23 mm/s) (P < 0.05). The mean lengths of time for the whole surgical intervention were significantly lower in diode laser group (221.15 ± 220.89 s) compared with cold blade group (316.10 ± 248.69 s) (P < 0.05). Moreover, diode laser induced a reduced intrasurgical bleeding, and a better gingival healing compared with cold blade surgical treatment. This study demonstrated that the use of diode laser showed additional advantages compared with cold blade in terms of less postoperative discomfort and pain for surgical removal of PG.
Treatment of hormone-naïve metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Hamilou Zineb , Saad Fred , Fizazi Karim
Published: July 2018

Purpose of review

Until 2015, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) alone was the standard-of-care for metastatic hormone-naïve prostate cancer (mHNPC). In the last decade, important landmark therapeutic advances occurred in the management of these patients permitting improvement of their survival.

Recent findings

At least two prospective randomized trials proved upfront docetaxel (DOC) + ADT benefit consequently providing strong evidence for guidelines modifications. Second, similar benefit results were demonstrated when using upfront abiraterone acetate + ADT in mHNPC.

Both DOC-based chemotherapy and abiraterone acetate provide survival improvement when added to ADT in mHNPC. In the current article, we review the evidence behind this progress and discuss ongoing clinical controversies.
Datamining a medieval medical text reveals patterns in ingredient choice that reflect biological activity against the causative agents of specified infections
Authors: Connelly Erin , del Genio Charo I. , Harrison Freya
Published: July 2018

The pharmacopeia used by physicians and lay people in medieval Europe has largely been dismissed as placebo or superstition. While we now recognise that some of themateria medicaused by medieval physicians could have had useful biological properties, research in this area is limited by the labour-intensive process of searching and interpreting historical medical texts. Here, we demonstrate the potential power of turning medieval medical texts into contextualised electronic databases amenable to exploration by algorithm. We use established methodologies from network science to reveal statistically significant patterns in ingredient selection and usage in a key text, the fifteenth-centuryLylye of Medicynes, focusing on remedies to treat symptoms of microbial infection. We discuss the potential that these patterns reflect rational medical decisions. In providing a worked example of data-driven textual analysis, we demonstrate the potential of this approach to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and to shine a new light on the ethnopharmacology of historical medical texts.
Illuminating spatial A-to-I RNA editing signatures within the Drosophila brain
Authors: Sapiro Anne L. , Shmueli Anat , Henry Gilbert Lee , Li Qin , Shalit Tali , Yaron Orly , Paas Yoav , Li Jin Billy , Shohat-Ophir Galit
Published: July 2018

Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing, catalyzed by ADAR enzymes, is a ubiquitous mechanism that generates transcriptomic diversity. This process is particularly important for proper neuronal function; however, little is known about how RNA editing is dynamically regulated between the many functionally distinct neuronal populations of the brain. In this resource paper, we present a spatial RNA editing map in the Drosophila brain and show that different neuronal populations possess distinct RNA editing signatures. After purifying and sequencing RNA from genetically marked neuronal nuclei, we identified a large number of novel editing sites and compared editing levels in hundreds of transcripts across nine functionally different neuronal populations. We found distinct editing repertoires for each population, including novel sites in repeat regions of the transcriptome and differential editing in highly conserved and likely functional regions of transcripts that encode essential neuronal genes. These changes are site-specific and not driven by changes in Adar expression, suggesting a complex, targeted regulation of editing levels in key transcripts. This fine-tuning of the transcriptome between different neurons by RNA editing may account for functional differences between distinct populations in the brain.

Significance Statement

A fundamental question in contemporary neuroscience is how the remarkable cellular diversity required for the intricate function of the nervous system is achieved. In this manuscript, we bridge the gap between a cellular machinery that is known to diversify the transcriptome and the existence of distinct neuronal populations that compose Drosophila brain. Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA-editing is a ubiquitous mechanism that generates transcriptomic diversity in cells by recoding certain adenosines within the pre-mRNA sequence into inosines. We present a spatial map of RNA editing across different neuronal populations in Drosophila brain. Each neuronal population has a distinct editing signature, with the majority of differential editing occurring in highly conserved regions of transcripts that encode ion channels and other essential neuronal genes.
Parameterized expertise: Evidence for gradations of musical expertise from electroencephalographic monitoring of auditory decision-making
Authors: Sherwin Jason Samuel , Sajda Paul
Published: July 2018

A musician’s nervous system is thought to specialize to their mode of music production. For instance, the pianist’s control of hands and arms develops to facilitate greater dexterity at the keyboard, while the cellist develops control to play notes using both the fret board and/or bow. Our previous work, employing an anomalous musical event (AME) detection task, identified neural and behavioral correlates that differentiated between a specific class of musicians, cellists, and those without professional musical training and expertise. Here we investigate a fine-grain differentiation between musicians having different modes of musical production, specifically in terms of how these differences are manifested in the neural correlates identified in the AME task. We show, using electroencephalography (EEG), that both event related potentials (ERPs) and single-trial analysis of the EEG can grade musical expertise by mode of sound production. Important is that these fine-grained EEG correlates are observable absent any motor response or active music production by the individuals. We find evidence that these grades of expertise are mediated by different sensory-motor interactions emblematic of the sound production mode. More broadly, our results show that neural markers can both define types of musical expertise and decompose their source components when behavioral differences are either minute or indistinguishable.
Tensional homeostasis in multicellular clusters: effects of geometry and traction force dynamics
Authors: Li J. , Barbone P. E. , Smith M. L. , Stamenović D.
Published: July 2018

The ability of cells to maintain a constant level of their cytoskeletal tension in response to external and internal disturbances is referred to as tensional homeostasis. It is essential for the normal physiological function of cells and tissues, and for protection against disease progression, including atherosclerosis and cancer. It has been shown recently that some cell types, such as endothelial cells, can maintain tensional homeostasis only when they form multicellular clusters, whereas other cell types, such as fibroblasts, do not require clustering for tensional homeostasis. For example, measurements of cell-extracellular matrix traction forces have shown that temporal fluctuations of the traction field in clusters of endothelial cells become progressively attenuated with increasing number of cells in the cluster, whereas in fibroblasts cell clustering does not influence traction field variability. Mechanisms that are responsible for these observations are largely unknown. In this study, a theoretical analysis and mathematical modeling have been applied to analyze experimental data obtained previously from traction microscopy measurements in order to investigate possible physical mechanisms that influence temporal variability of the traction field in multicellular forms. The focus of the analysis is on the contribution of dynamics and distribution of focal adhesion traction forces in conjunction with geometrical shape and size of multicellular clusters. Results of the analysis revealed that cluster size, magnitude and temporal fluctuations of focal adhesion traction forces have a major influence on traction field variability, whereas the influence of cluster shape appears to be minor.
Exploring how structural and cognitive social capital influence preventive health behavior
Authors: Limbu Yam B. , Jayachandran C. , McKinley Christopher , Choi Jeonghwan
Published: July 2018

Purpose

People living on poverty-level incomes in developing nations face unique health challenges as compared to those in developed nations. New insights emerge from a bottom of the pyramid context (India) where culture-based health notions, preventive orientation and health resources differ from developed western health orientations and resources. The purpose of this paper is to explore how structural and cognitive social capital indirectly influence preventive health behavior (PHB) through perceived health value.

Design/methodology/approach

The participants for this study include rural people from Tamil Nadu, a state of India who are classified as those living below poverty level based on a per capita/per day consumption expenditure of Rupees 22.50 (an equivalent of US$0.40 a per capita/per day) (Planning Commission, Government of India, 2012). The study included a total number of 635 participants (312 males and 323 females). Relatively a high response rate (79 percent) was achieved through personal contacts and telephone solicitation, cash incentive and multiple follow-ups. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing structural and cognitive social capital, preventative health behavior, perceived health value, and health locus of control (HLC).

Findings

The results show that perceived health value mediates the relationship between cognitive social capital and PHB. Specifically, cognitive social capital influences BoP people’s assessment of benefits of engaging in PHB, that, in turn, influences PHB. In addition, the findings showed that HLC moderates the effect of social capital on PHB. Social capital positively related to enhanced PHB only among those who believe that health outcomes are controllable.

Originality/value

The authors findings indicate that cognitive social capital has enormous potential in promoting health intervention and the health of poor communities, a sentiment shared by prior researchers (Glenane-Antoniadis et al., 2003; Fisher et al., 2004; Martin et al., 2004; Weitzman and Kawachi, 2000). Overall, from a theoretical, empirical and methodological perspective, the current study offers a unique contribution to the social capital and PHB literature. First, drawing from the HBM and HLC, the findings provide a more nuanced explanation of how distinct aspects of social capital predict PHB. Specifically, the relationship between social capital and PHB is qualified by the extent one perceives personal control over her health. In addition, the cognitive component of social capital influences PHB through perceptions of health value.
Rapid video assessment for monitoring testing facility fraud
Authors: Souza Rosembergue Pereira , Carmo Luiz Fernando Rust da Costa , Pirmez Luci
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a procedure for finding unusual patterns in accredited tests using a rapid processing method for analyzing video records. The procedure uses the temporal differencing technique for object tracking and considers only frames not identified as statistically redundant.

Design/methodology/approach

An accreditation organization is responsible for accrediting facilities to undertake testing and calibration activities. Periodically, such organizations evaluate accredited testing facilities. These evaluations could use video records and photographs of the tests performed by the facility to judge their conformity to technical requirements. To validate the proposed procedure, a real-world data set with video records from accredited testing facilities in the field of vehicle safety in Brazil was used. The processing time of this proposed procedure was compared with the time needed to process the video records in a traditional fashion.

Findings

With an appropriate threshold value, the proposed procedure could successfully identify video records of fraudulent services. Processing time was faster than when a traditional method was employed.

Originality/value

Manually evaluating video records is time consuming and tedious. This paper proposes a procedure to rapidly find unusual patterns in videos of accredited tests with a minimum of manual effort.
Strategic human resource management and its impact on performance – do Chinese organizations adopt appropriate HRM policies?
Authors: Szierbowski-Seibel Klaas
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to separately consider studies from the three major economies, the USA, Europe and China, to illustrate differences and similarities. A comparison of these three clusters allows the author to conclude that the US human resource management (HRM) model was adopted by European and, subsequently, Chinese organizations through the mechanism of mimetic isomorphism. In addition, the majority of studies have confirmed that certain HR procedures have a positive impact on organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The essay reviews and reappraises existing empirical studies in the field of HRM and organizational performance.

Findings

As European organizations adopted HRM configurations and the notion that HR should play a more strategic role from US organizations, the review suggests that Chinese organizations are now imitating US and European HRM. In all summarized studies, there is robust empirical evidence that the HR function is able to directly add value and improve organizational performance.

Originality/value

The study compares Chinese to Western HR functions and examines the effectiveness of strategic HRM by evaluating the existing research. At a minimum, in response to the title of the manuscript and the question, “do Chinese organizations adopt appropriate HRM policies?”, the general answer is yes. Given the mechanism of mimetic isomorphism, it can be assumed that Chinese organizations adopt the most efficient HR configurations from Western organizations. The summarized studies also support the prediction that subsidiaries of Western multinational organizations accelerate the development of the Chinese HR functions.
Concurrent direct assessment of foundation skills for general education
Authors: Rhodes Anthony , Danaher Maurice , Ater Kranov Ashley
Published: July 2018

Purpose

There is considerable agreement around the foundation skills required by employers that will enable graduates to integrate and devise promising solutions for the challenges faced by knowledge and globalized societies. These are life skills (communication skills, teamwork and leadership skills, language skills in reading and writing and information literacy), transferable skills (such as problem-solving, including critical thinking, creativity and quantitative reasoning) and technology skills (search for knowledge and build upon it). Foundation skills, however, are recognized to be difficult both to teach and assess. This paper aims to describe a performance assessment method to assess and measure these skills in a uniquely concurrent way – the General Education Foundation Skills Assessment (GEFSA).

Design/methodology/approach

The GEFSA framework comprises a scenario/case describing an unresolved contemporary issue, which engages student groups in online discussions, and a task-specific analytic rubric to concurrently assess the extent to which students have attained the targeted foundation skills. The method was applied in three semesters – during 2016 and 2017. These students were non-native English speaking students in a General Education program at a university in the UAE.

Findings

Results obtained from the rubric for each foundation skill were analyzed and interpreted to ensure robustness of method and tool usability and reliability, provide insight into, and commentary on, the respective skill attainment levels and assist in establishing realistic target ranges for General Education student skill attainment. The results showed that the method is valid and provides valuable data for curriculum development.

Originality/value

This is the first method in published literature that directly assesses the foundation skills for General Education students simultaneously, thus providing educators with valuable data on the skill level of the students. Additionally, repeated use of the method is a valuable way of teaching skills.
Does the level of assurance statement on environmental disclosure affect investor assessment?
Authors: Rivière-Giordano Géraldine , Giordano-Spring Sophie , Cho Charles H.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether different levels of assurance statements of environmental disclosures affect investment choices in the French context where environmental assurance was voluntary until 2012 and became regulated and mandatory since then.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an experiment during the voluntary context – which represents the vast majority of countries – on a sample of 108 financial analysts.

Findings

Environmental disclosure has a positive impact on investment recommendations. More surprisingly, financial analysts are less likely to give recommendations in favor of a company that displays environmental disclosure with low-level assurance than for a company with no assurance statement at all.

Research limitations/implications

When assurance is voluntary and there are at least two levels, this study results suggest that firms should avoid selecting the lowest level of assurance because it negatively affects investor decisions. From this perspective, firms should devote sufficient effort and resources to obtain at least Level 2 environmental disclosure assurance.

Practical implications

Given the recommendations made by financial analysts, the authors could expect that firms may prefer to engage in a higher level of assurance or to provide no assurance rather than minimize their financial efforts and resources to select a lower level of voluntary assurance regarding environmental disclosure.

Social implications

This study has implications for the voluntary assurance practices of environmental disclosure and can provide support to regulators to promote higher standards in environmental assurance. It documents the relevance to increase the level of requested assurance for environmental disclosure.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, very few studies have examined the additional effect of assurance on environmental disclosure in investors’ decisions. The experiment is conducted with financial analysts in the context of voluntary assurance.
The Measure of a Nation
Authors: Hampshire James
Published: July 2018

In his ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech, and in several speeches in subsequent years, Enoch Powell claimed that immigration was an ‘issue of numbers’. Britain could not, he believed, accommodate a significant number of non‐white people without threatening the existence of the nation. I argue that Powell's opposition to immigration, and his numerical framing of it, rested upon his racialised conception of British, or English, nationhood. As he was shunned by political elites, Powell articulated an increasingly populist nationalism. Drawing repeated references to Britain's wartime experiences, Powell claimed that the British, or more often the English, were being attacked by an immigrant enemy without, and betrayed by an establishment enemy within. I conclude with some reflections on the similarities between Powellite nationalism and contemporary discourses about national identity during and since the European Union referendum.
‘Nausicaa’ compression suture: a simple and effective alternative to hysterectomy in placenta accreta spectrum and other causes of severe postpartum haemorrhage
Authors: Shih J‐C , Liu K‐L , Kang J , Yang J‐H , Lin M‐W , Yu C‐U
Published: July 2018

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), especially resulting from placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), has become a worldwide concern in maternity care. We describe a novel method of uterine compression sutures (the ‘Nausicaa’ technique) as an alternative to hysterectomy for patients who have suffered from major PPH. We applied this technique in 68 patients with major PPH during caesarean section (including 43 patients with PAS, 20 patients with placenta praevia totalis, and five patients with uterine atony), and none of these patients required further hysterectomy. We conclude that our Nausicaa suture is a simple and feasible alternative to hysterectomy in patients suffering from major PPH.
The Monitoring Effectiveness of Co‐opted Audit Committees
Authors: Cassell Cory A. , Myers Linda A. , Schmardebeck Roy , Zhou Jian
Published: July 2018

We investigate the relation between audit committee co‐option and financial reporting quality, where audit committee co‐option is measured as the proportion of audit committee members who joined the board after the appointment of the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Because CEOs are often actively involved in the director nomination and selection process, we expect that higher levels of audit committee co‐option will be associated with less effective monitoring, as evidenced by more financial statement misstatements and greater absolute discretionary accruals. Consistent with our expectations, we find a positive relation between audit committee co‐option and misstatements as well as between audit committee co‐option and absolute discretionary accruals. Our findings should be of interest to regulators, investors, and other stakeholders because we provide new evidence about how potential CEO influence on director nominations and audit committee appointments impacts the effectiveness of monitoring by the audit committee.
Discussion of “Information Asymmetries about Measurement Quality”
Authors: Krishnan Ranjani
Published: July 2018

This article discusses Glover and Levine (2019). It summarizes Glover and Levine's model, its contributions, and practical implications. It also suggests empirical extensions based on the predictions of the model.
The Information Content of Short Selling Around Close Supply Chain Relationships
Authors: Evans Jocelyn D. , Outlaw Dominique G.
Published: July 2018

Close supply chain relationships are sometimes detrimental to the partnering firms, and short sellers recognize this before the rest of the market. Suppliers and customers that are in linked, close supply chain relationships have higher short interest on average. Further, higher short interest increases the likelihood of large, linked customers reporting negative earnings surprises, whereas suppliers with high short interest are more likely to report negative earnings surprises, irrespective of the supply chain structure. Short selling is informative to capital markets because these suboptimal relationships eventually lead to dependent suppliers being delisted from a stock exchange for financial distress reasons.
Linking Cigarette Smoking/Tobacco Exposure and Cluster Headache: A Pathogenesis Theory
Authors: Rozen Todd D.
Published: July 2018

Introduction

To propose a hypothesis theory to establish a linkage between cigarette smoking and cluster headache pathogenesis.

Background

Cluster headache is a primary headache syndrome grouped under the trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. What distinguishes cluster headache from all other primary headache conditions is its inherent connection to cigarette smoking. It is undeniable that tobacco exposure is in some manner related to cluster headache. The connection to tobacco exposure for cluster headache is so strong that even if an individual sufferer never smoked, then that individual typically had significant secondary smoke exposure as a child from parental smoking behavior and in many instances both scenarios exist. The manner by which cigarette smoking is connected to cluster headache pathogenesis is unknown at present. If this could be determined this may contribute to advancing our understanding of cluster headache pathophysiology.

Methods/results

Hypothesis statement.

Conclusion

The hypothesis theory will include several principles: (1) the need of double lifetime tobacco exposure, (2) that cadmium is possibly the primary agent in cigarette smoke that leads to hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis toxicity promoting cluster headache, (3) that the estrogenization of the brain and its specific sexually dimorphic nuclei is necessary to develop cluster headache with tobacco exposure, and (4) that the chronic effects of smoking and its toxic metabolites including cadmium and nicotine on the cortex are contributing to the morphometric and orexin alterations that have been previously attributed to the primary headache disorder itself.
Clinical subtypes and molecular basis of epidermolysis bullosa in Kuwait
Authors: Nanda Arti , Liu Lu , Al‐Ajmi Hejab , Al‐Saleh Qasem A. , Al‐Fadhli Suad , Anim John T. , Ozoemena Linda , Mellerio Jemima E. , McGrath John A.
Published: July 2018

Background

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous blistering skin disease, but in countries such as Kuwait, there are very limited data on the clinical and molecular pathology of EB. To improve understanding of EB in Kuwait, we report the experience of a local tertiary referral center over a 17.5 year period (January 2000–June 2017) in establishing clinical and molecular diagnoses.

Methods

Review of hospital records and diagnostic reports. Individual cases were diagnosed by combinations of clinical assessment, skin biopsy (immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy), Sanger sequencing of EB genes, and whole exome sequencing.

Results

Fifty‐four families with EB were registered with the clinic over this period, 41 of whom (84 patients) participated in diagnostic studies. Thirty‐seven of these 41 families had consanguineous marriages; 34 had recessive forms of EB, while only seven had dominant subtypes. Recurrent mutations were observed in epidermal dystonin, transglutaminase 5, and type VII collagen.

Conclusions

The prevalence of EB in Kuwait is approximately three times that of internationally cited rates with an over‐representation of autosomal recessive variants. Establishing the molecular basis of EB in Kuwait with accurate diagnostic subtyping provides a basis for determining healthcare requirements and improving patient management of EB.
Transcatheter aortic valve‐in‐valve implantation in failed stentless bioprostheses
Authors: Huczek Zenon , Grodecki Kajetan , Scisło Piotr , Wilczek Krzysztof , Jagielak Dariusz , Fil Wojciech , Kubler Piotr , Olszówka Piotr , Dąbrowski Maciej , Frank Marek , Grygier Marek , Kidawa Michał , Wilimski Radosław , Żelazowska Katarzyna , Witkowski Adam , Kochman Janusz , Zembala Marian , Opolski Grzegorz , Dvir Danny , Wojakowski Wojciech
Published: July 2018

Objective

To compare the safety and efficacy of transcathether aortic valve‐in‐valve implantation (ViV‐TAVI) in degenerated stentless bioprostheses with failed stented valves and degenerated native aortic valves.

Introduction

Little is known about ViV‐TAVI in degenerated stentless valves.

Methods

Out of 45 ViV‐TAVI procedures reported in the POL‐TAVI registry, 20 failed stentless valves were compared with 25 stented prostheses and propensity‐matched with 45 native TAVI cases. The mean follow‐up was 633 (95% confidence interval [CI], 471–795) days and Valve Academic Research Consortium‐2 (VARC‐2) definitions were applied.

Results

Patients with degenerated stentless valves were younger (65.6, CI 58‐73.1 years vs 75.6, CI 72.2–78 [stented] vs 80.1, CI 78.7–81.6 y. [native], P < 0.001). Implantation was required later after surgery (11.5, CI 8–14.9 years) in the stentless cohort as compared with the stented one (6.2, CI 4.7–7.6 years, P = 0.006). ViV‐TAVI in the stentless group was also associated with larger amount of contrast (211, CI 157–266 mL vs 135, CI 104‐167 mL [stented] vs 132 (119–145) mL [native], P = 0.022). Using VARC‐2 composite endpoints, ViV‐TAVI in stentless prostheses was characterized by a lower device success (50% vs 76% in stented vs 88.9% in native TAVI, P < 0.001), but comparable early safety up to 30 days (73.7% vs 84% vs 81.8%, respectively, log‐rank P = 0.667) and long‐term clinical efficacy beyond 30 days (72.2% vs 72% vs 73.8%, respectively, log‐rank P = 0.963).

Conclusions

Despite technical challenges and a lower device success, ViV‐TAVI in stentless aortic bioprostheses achieves similar safety, efficacy, and functional improvement as in stented or degenerated native valves.
Do Disruptive Visions Pay Off? The Impact of Disruptive Entrepreneurial Visions on Venture Funding
Authors: van Balen Timo , Tarakci Murat , Sood Ashish
Published: July 2018

Entrepreneurs often articulate a vision for their venture that purports to fundamentally change, disturb, or re‐order the ways in which organizations, markets, and ecosystems operate. We call these visions disruptivevisions. Neglected in both the disruption and the impression management literature, disruptive visions are widespread in business practice. We integrate real options and impression management theories to hypothesize that articulating a disruptive vision increases the likelihood of the venture receiving funding but reduces the amount of funding obtained. A novel dataset of Israeli start‐ups shows that a standard deviation increase in disruptive vision communication increases the odds of receiving a first round of funding by 22 per cent, but reduces amounts of funds received by 24 per cent. A randomized online experiment corroborates these findings and further demonstrates that the expectation of extraordinary returns is the key mechanism driving investors’ sensemaking.
The effects of iatrogenic blood contamination on total nucleated cell counts and protein concentrations in canine cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: MacNeill Amy L. , Andre Barbara G. , Zingale Yenlie , Packer Rebecca A. , McGrath Stephanie
Published: July 2018

Background

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) might be altered by iatrogenic blood contamination, precluding accurate diagnostic interpretation.

Objectives

Available formulas to correct for iatrogenic blood contamination are likely unreliable. Study objectives were to determine the effects of blood contamination on total nucleated cell counts (NCCs) and protein concentrations in canineCSF.

Methods

Two methods were followed to evaluate the effect of blood contamination on total NCC and protein concentrations inCSF. First, records from the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital were retrospectively searched for dogs whereCSFanalysis was performed. TotalNCCs,RBCcounts, protein concentrations, and cytologic interpretations were recorded. Second,CSFfrom 4 canine patients and 3 research hounds was prospectively analyzed before and after known dilutions of whole blood were added.

Results

Of the 787 clinical samples analyzed, 108 samples had a cytologic diagnosis of blood contamination.RBCcounts for all clinical samples ranged from 0 to 210,000 cells/μL. No correlation between totalNCCs or protein concentrations withRBCcounts were found when all samples were evaluated. TotalNCCs andRBCs were weakly correlated in samples with a cytologic diagnosis of blood contamination and when ≥500RBC/μL was present. When serial dilutions of whole blood were added to normalCSF, no significant changes were observed in the totalNCCs of uncontaminated aliquots and contaminated aliquots containing up to 8480RBC/μL.

Conclusions

Erythrocyte counts in blood‐contaminated canineCSFpoorly correlate with totalNCCs and protein concentrations. Using formulas to correct totalNCCs and protein concentrations for the number ofRBCs inCSFis inappropriate.