bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NEAT1: A novel cancer‐related long non‐coding RNA
Authors: Yu Xin , Li Zheng , Zheng Heyi , Chan Matthew T. V. , Wu William Ka Kei
Published: January 2017

Aberrant overexpression of the long non‐coding RNA NEAT1 (nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1) has been documented in different types of solid tumours, such as lung cancer, oesophageal cancer, colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma, in which its high levels are associated with poor prognosis. In contrast, NEAT1 is downregulated in acute promyelocytic leukaemia where it promotes leucocyte differentiation. In this review, we provide an overview of current evidence concerning the oncogenic role and potential clinical utilities of NEAT1. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the upstream and downstream mechanisms of NEAT1 overexpression.
Amplifying accountability by benchmarking results at district and national levels
Authors: Evans Alice
Published: January 2017

This multi‐level ethnography of the Zambian health system illustrates the importance of top‐down accountability, and how it has emerged in a historically neglected sector. Maternal healthcare indicators are prioritized when they are benchmarked, at district and national levels. The realization that Zambia was lagging behind African countries in making progress towards Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5 (to reduce the maternal mortality ratio by three quarters) appears to have evoked reputational concerns and revealed inspirational possibilities. Growing prioritization also stems from a change in incentives, with some partner funding being conditional on the proportion of deliveries attended by skilled health personnel.
Clinical study evaluating the accuracy of injecting the distal tarsal joints in the horse
Authors: Seabaugh K. A. , Selberg K. T. , Mueller P. O. E. , Eggleston R. B. , Peroni J. F. , Claunch K. M. , Markwell H. J. , Baxter G. M.
Published: January 2017

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the centrodistal (CD) and tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints is a common cause of lameness in horses. Intra‐articular diagnostic anaesthesia and/or therapeutic injection are relied upon to help diagnose and treat many horses with OA of these joints.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of arthrocentesis of the CD and TMT joints using a sample population of equine surgeons and surgery residents.

Study design

Randomised experimental study.

Methods

Six operators each injected four CD and four TMT joints in 12 sedated horses. The operators were randomly assigned to inject either the left CD and right TMT or the right CD and left TMT on four randomly assigned horses. The joints were injected with a 4 ml solution of contrast medium (2 ml), sterile saline (1.5 ml) and amikacin (0.5 ml). A minimum of two radiographs of each joint was obtained to evaluate the presence of contrast medium within the target joint.

Results

The TMT joint was successfully injected in 23/24 joints (96% accuracy). The CD joint was successfully injected in 10/24 joints (42% accuracy). Communication between the TMT and CD joints was visible in 26% of successful TMT injections. Communication between the CD and TMT joints was visible in 20% of successful CD injections.

Main limitations

Despite specific requests to do so, we were unable to standardise the injection technique across all operators.

Conclusions

The accuracy of injecting the TMT and CD joints of sedated horses was 96 and 42%, respectively. The CD joint was frequently missed with contrast medium being placed in the periarticular tissues. These data support the clinical impression of the difficulty of injecting the CD joint and suggests that practitioners should utilise ancillary methods, such as radiographs, to ensure proper needle placement.
Motivations of recreational fishers involved in fish habitat management
Authors: Copeland C. , Baker E. , Koehn J. D. , Morris S. G. , Cowx I. G.
Published: January 2017

This study profiled the motivations of recreational fishers involved in habitat management activities in Australia, USA, UK and Ireland. Fishers were surveyed using an online questionnaire. Primary motivations for involvement were social (‘putting something back’) rather than to increase fish numbers or improve fishing experience. Fishers were more likely to participate in habitat management if they were members of a club or organisation or self‐rated their knowledge of various aspects of fish ecology as very good. Most activities undertaken were relatively simple tasks such as picking up litter and contacting government or the media. Fishers that did not take part in habitat management cited lack of time as the principal reason, but organisational issues (lack of contacts, funding and ideas) were also important. There are considerable opportunities for government agencies and recreational fishing organisations to increase the participation of recreational fishers in habitat management as well as their involvement in more complex tasks through targeted programmes providing contact points, ecological information and administrative support.
RNA/DNA ratio as a growth indicator of stream periphyton
Authors: Mewes Daniela , Spielvogel Sandra , Winkelmann Carola
Published: January 2017

The quantification of periphyton growth in situ poses numerous difficulties.

The RNA/DNA ratio is widely used as a growth indicator in marine ecology. We tested its applicability as a growth indicator of periphyton in streams of different sizes.

Periphyton‐covered stones sampled from two different watercourses during two seasons were exposed in laboratory flumes to different light levels to induce different growth rates. The relationship between rate of biomass accrual and RNA/DNA ratio was analysed by measuring the chlorophyll‐a content and the RNA and DNA content of total nucleic acid extract of the periphyton respectively.

The RNA/DNA ratios showed a linear relationship with the biomass accrual at all sampling times. The slopes of these relationships varied significantly between the two watercourses, but not between seasons within the same watercourse.

These results indicate that the RNA/DNA ratio can be used as a growth indicator for the periphyton studied here. We recommend that it be used to detect differences in growth rate of the same periphyton community either over time or between different treatments in ecological or ecotoxicological experiments. However, for long‐term monitoring studies, we recommend taxonomic analyses of the assemblages because the observed differences in the relationship between the RNA/DNA ratio and growth rate might be attributed to community structure differences in the assemblages.
Crowdsourcing: A Review and Suggestions for Future Research
Authors: Ghezzi Antonio , Gabelloni Donata , Martini Antonella , Natalicchio Angelo
Published: January 2017

As academic and practitioner studies on crowdsourcing have been building up since 2006, the subject itself has progressively gained in importance within the broad field of management. No systematic review on the topic has so far appeared in management journals, however; moreover, the field suffers from ambiguity in the topic's definition, which in turn has led to its largely unstructured evolution. The authors therefore investigate the existing body of knowledge on crowdsourcing systematically through a penetrating review in which the strengths and weakness of this literature stream are presented clearly and then future avenues of research are set out. The review is based on 121 scientific articles published between January 2006 and January 2015. The review recognizes that crowdsourcing is ingrained in two mainstream disciplines within the broader subject matter of innovation and management: (1) open innovation; and (2) co‐creation. The review, in addition, also touches on several issues covered in other theoretical streams: (3) information systems management; (4) organizational theory and design; (5) marketing; and (6) strategy. The authors adopt a process perspective, applying the ‘Input–Process–Output’ framework to interpret research on crowdsourcing within the broad lines of: (1) Input (Problem/Task); (2) Process (session management; problem management; knowledge management; technology); and (3) Outcome (solution/completed task; seekers’ benefits; solvers’ benefits). This framework provides a detailed description of how the topic has evolved over time, and suggestions concerning the future direction of research are proposed in the form of research questions that are valuable for both academics and managers.
Triggering of acute myocardial infarction by respiratory infection
Authors: Ruane Lorcan , Buckley Thomas , Hoo Soon Y. S. , Hansen Peter S. , McCormack Catherine , Shaw Elizabeth , Fethney Judith , Tofler Geoffrey H.
Published: January 2017

Background

Respiratory infection has been associated with an increased short‐term risk of myocardial infarction (MI). However, previous studies have predominantly been conducted without angiographic confirmation of MI. The possibility can therefore not be excluded that raised troponin levels or electrocardiogram abnormalities that may be seen with respiratory infections are due to non‐ischaemic causes.

Aims

To investigate the association between respiratory infection and angiographically confirmed MI.

Methods

Interviews were conducted within 4 days of hospitalisation in 578 patients with angiographically confirmed MI, to assess for recent exposure to respiratory infection symptoms and the usual annual frequency of these symptoms. Using case‐crossover methodology, exposure to respiratory infection prior to the onset of MI was compared against the usual frequency of exposure in the past year.

Results

Symptoms of respiratory infection were reported by 100 (17%) and 123 (21%) within 7 and 35 days, respectively, prior to MI. The relative risk (RR) for MI occurring within 1–7 days after respiratory infection symptoms was 17.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 13.2–21.8), and declined with subsequent time periods. In a subgroup analysis, the RR tended to be lower in groups taking regular cardiac medications. For those who reported milder, upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, the RR for the 1–7‐day time period was 13.5 (95% CI 10.2–17.7).

Conclusion

These findings confirm that respiratory infection can trigger MI. Further study is indicated to identify treatment strategies to decrease this risk, particularly in individuals who may have increased susceptibility.
Massive plasmablast response elicited in the acute phase of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
Authors: García Marina , Iglesias Ayelén , Landoni Verónica I. , Bellomo Carla , Bruno Agostina , Córdoba María Teresa , Balboa Luciana , Fernández Gabriela C. , Sasiain María del Carmen , Martínez Valeria P. , Schierloh Pablo
Published: January 2017

Beside its key diagnostic value, the humoral immune response is thought to play a protective role in hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. However, little is known about the cell source of these antibodies during ongoing human infection. Herein we characterized B‐cell subsets circulating in Andes‐virus‐infected patients. A notable potent plasmablast (PB) response that increased 100‐fold over the baseline levels was observed around 1 week after the onset of symptoms. These PB present a CD3neg CD19low CD20neg CD38hi CD27hi CD138+/− IgA+/− surface phenotype together with the presence of cytoplasmic functional immunoglobulins. They are large lymphocytes (lymphoblasts) morphologically coincident with the ‘immunoblast‐like’ cells that have been previously described during blood cytology examinations of hantavirus‐infected patients. Immunoreactivity analysis of white blood cell lysates suggests that some circulating PB are virus‐specific but we also observed a significant increase of reactivity against virus‐unrelated antigens, which suggests a possible bystander effect by polyclonal B‐cell activation. The presence of this large and transient PB response raises the question as to whether these cells might have a protective or pathological role during the ongoing hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and suggest their practical application as a diagnostic/prognostic biomarker.
Maternal Lifetime Trauma Exposure, Prenatal Cortisol, and Infant Negative Affectivity
Authors: Bosquet Enlow Michelle , Devick Katrina L. , Brunst Kelly J. , Lipton Lianna R. , Coull Brent A. , Wright Rosalind J.
Published: January 2017

Little research has examined the impact of maternal lifetime trauma exposure on infant temperament. We examined associations between maternal trauma history and infant negative affectivity and modification by prenatal cortisol exposure in a sociodemographically diverse sample of mother–infant dyads. During pregnancy, mothers completed measures of lifetime trauma exposure and current stressors. Third‐trimester cortisol output was assessed from maternal hair. When infants were 6 months old, mothers completed the Infant Behavior Questionnaire‐Revised. In analyses that controlled for infant sex and maternal age, education, race/ethnicity, and stress during pregnancy, greater maternal trauma exposure was associated with increased infant distress to limitations and sadness. Higher and lower prenatal cortisol exposure modified the magnitude and direction of association between maternal trauma history and infant rate of recovery from arousal. The association between maternal trauma history and infant distress to limitations was somewhat stronger among infants exposed to higher levels of prenatal cortisol. The analyses suggested that maternal lifetime trauma exposure is associated with several domains of infant negative affectivity independently of maternal stress exposures during pregnancy and that some of these associations may be modified by prenatal cortisol exposure. The findings have implications for understanding the intergenerational impact of trauma exposure on child developmental outcomes.
Cognitive, behavioural and psychosocial factors associated with successful and maintained quit smoking status among patients who received smoking cessation intervention with nurses’ counselling
Authors: Taniguchi Chie , Tanaka Hideo , Saka Hideo , Oze Isao , Tachibana Kazunobu , Nozaki Yasuhiro , Suzuki Yukio , Sakakibara Hisataka
Published: January 2017

Aim

To identify cognitive, behavioural and psychosocial factors associated with successful and maintained quit smoking status after patients received smoking cessation intervention with nurses’ counselling.

Background

Although nurses’ intervention for smoking cessation is effective for patients, few studies have been conducted to identify cognitive, behavioural and psychosocial factors associated with the success of quitting smoking.

Design

Prospective cohort study

Methods

In a multi‐institutional study between October 2008 ‐ October 2014, we administered the Japanese smoking cessation therapy, which consists of smoking cessation intervention five times with nurses’ counselling over 12 weeks. Log‐binomial regression analysis was performed in 1,320 participants using the following independent variables: age, gender, having a present illness, prescription, Fagerström test for nicotine dependence, strength of desire to quit, age at smoking initiation, previous abstinence, motivation of quit smoking, self‐efficacy of quit smoking and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Factors associated with maintained cessation for 12 months were identified in the 541 abstainers at the end of the intervention.

Results

Having higher self‐efficacy to quit smoking as assessed before the intervention was significantly associated with the success of quitting smoking at the end of the intervention. Strong desire to smoke as assessed at the end of the intervention was associated with significantly increased risk of discontinuing cessation during the 12 months after the end of the intervention.

Conclusion

It is important for nurses who provide smoking cessation intervention to reinforce patients’ self‐efficacy and to control the strength of the patients’ desire to smoke by behavioural counselling.
The economic burden of nurse‐sensitive adverse events in 22 medical‐surgical units: retrospective and matching analysis
Authors: Tchouaket Eric , Dubois Carl‐Ardy , D'Amour Danielle
Published: January 2017

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the economic burden of nurse‐sensitive adverse events in 22 acute‐care units in Quebec by estimating excess hospital‐related costs and calculating resulting additional hospital days.

Background

Recent changes in the worldwide economic and financial contexts have made the cost of patient safety a topical issue. Yet, our knowledge about the economic burden of safety of nursing care is quite limited in Canada in general and Quebec in particular.

Design

Retrospective analysis of charts of 2699 patients hospitalized between July 2008 – August 2009 for at least 2 days of 30‐day periods in 22 medical‐surgical units in 11 hospitals in Quebec.

Methods

Data were collected from September 2009 to August 2010. Nurse‐sensitive adverse events analysed were pressure ulcers, falls, medication administration errors, pneumonia and urinary tract infections. Descriptive statistics identified numbers of cases for each nurse‐sensitive adverse event. A literature analysis was used to estimate excess median hospital‐related costs of treatments with these nurse‐sensitive adverse events. Costs were calculated in 2014 Canadian dollars. Additional hospital days were estimated by comparing lengths of stay of patients with nurse‐sensitive adverse events with those of similar patients without nurse‐sensitive adverse events.

Results

This study found that five adverse events considered nurse‐sensitive caused nearly 1300 additional hospital days for 166 patients and generated more than Canadian dollars 600,000 in excess treatment costs.

Conclusion

The results present the financial consequences of the nurse‐sensitive adverse events. Government should invest in prevention and in improvements to care quality and patient safety. Managers need to strengthen safety processes in their facilities and nurses should take greater precautions.
Three interaction patterns on asynchronous online discussion behaviours: A methodological comparison
Authors: Jo I. , Park Y. , Lee H.
Published: January 2017

An asynchronous online discussion (AOD) is one format of instructional methods that facilitate student‐centered learning. In the wealth of AOD research, this study evaluated how students' behavior on AOD influences their academic outcomes. This case study compared the differential analytic methods including web log mining, social network analysis and content analysis which were selected by three interaction patterns: person to system (P2S), person to person (P2P) and person to content (P2C) interaction. Forty‐three undergraduate students participated in an online discussion forum for 12 weeks. Multiple regression analyses with the predictor variables from P2S, P2P and P2C and with a criterion variable of a final grade indicated several interesting findings. For P2S analysis, visits on board (VOB) had a significant variable to predict final grades. Also, the result of P2P analysis proved that in‐degree and out‐degree centrality predicted final grades. The P2C results based on cognitive presence represent that students' messages were mostly affiliated to the exploration and integration levels and also predicted the final grades. This study ultimately demonstrated the effectiveness of using multiple analytic methodologies to address and facilitate students' participation at AOD.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, dose‐escalation first‐in‐man study (phase 0) to assess the safety and efficacy of topical cytosolic phospholipase A2 inhibitor, AVX001, in patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis
Authors: Omland S.H. , Habicht A. , Damsbo P. , Wilms J. , Johansen B. , Gniadecki R.
Published: January 2017

Background

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2α) is an enzyme suggested as a therapeutic target in inflammatory skin diseases. AVX001, a cPLA2α inhibitor, was investigated in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, split‐design, first‐in‐man study in patients with mild to moderate psoriasis.

Objectives

The primary objective was to evaluate cutaneous safety and tolerability of AVX001 in doses from 0.002% to 5.0%. Safety was assessed as local skin reaction adverse events (LSRAE) grades 3‐4. The secondary objective was assessment of efficacy on modified PASI (mPASI) score compared with placebo.

Methods

Of 94 randomized men, 88 completed treatment with AVX001 and placebo. The treatment period was four weeks with two‐week follow‐up with assessment at screening, randomization and once weekly until study end. AVX001 and placebo were applied blinded at symmetrically affected areas once daily.

Results

AVX001 was safe with no grades 3‐4 LSRAE. A 29% reduction in mPASI was seen at the 5% dose level at week four. Post hoc analysis of combined doses of 3% and 5% showed a clinical relevant effect with 31% reduction in mPASI (P = 0.058) and statically significant reduction of the infiltration (P = 0.036). The actively treated side showed improvement in mPASI score after one week of treatment, and the observed improvement continued throughout the four weeks of treatment.

Conclusions

Treatment with AVX001 is well tolerated in doses up to 5%, and showed placebo‐adjusted, clinical effects at a level of statistical significance. The improvement throughout the treatment period suggests that longer treatment could conceivably result in superior efficacy.
Non‐invasive anaesthetic methods for dermatological laser procedures: a systematic review
Authors: Greveling K. , Prens E.P. , Liu L. , van Doorn M.B.A.
Published: January 2017

Pain is a common side‐effect of dermatological laser procedures. Non‐invasive anaesthetic drugs and anaesthetic procedures can be used to provide pain relief and increase patient satisfaction and treatment efficacy. However, it remains unclear which method provides the best pain relief. The objective of this systematic review was therefore to assess the efficacy and safety of non‐invasive anaesthetic methods during dermatological laser procedures. A systematic literature search was conducted. Randomized and non‐randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs and CCTs) were included. Two authors independently assessed study eligibility, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. The quality of evidence was rated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Twenty RCTs and 12 CCTs were included, involving nine different laser indications: hair removal (n = 9), resurfacing/rejuvenation (n = 5), port wine stains (n = 8), leg telangiectasia (n = 3), facial telangiectasia (n = 2), tattoo removal (n = 2), naevus of Ota (n = 1), solar lentigines (n = 1) and HPV lesions (n = 1). The non‐invasive anaesthetic methods (i.e. topical anaesthetic drugs, skin cooling, and pneumatic skin flattening [PSF]), types of lasers, laser settings, application time, and types of pain scales varied widely among the included studies. All of the studies had an unclear or high risk of bias, and the overall quality of evidence was rated as low. In general, active non‐invasive anaesthetic methods seemed to provide favourable results compared to placebo or no anaesthesia, and topical anaesthetic drugs and PSF seemed to result in a better pain reduction than skin cooling. However, the current evidence is insufficient to provide recommendations for daily clinical practice. There is a need for more high‐quality (head‐to‐head) RCTs. Future studies should also evaluate sex differences in pain perception, have uniformity with regard to validated pain measurement scales and address clinically significant differences in pain reduction besides statistically significant differences.
Transgenerational effects alter plant defence and resistance in nature
Authors: Colicchio J.
Published: January 2017

Trichomes, or leaf hairs, are epidermal extensions that take a variety of forms and perform many functions in plants, including herbivore defence. In this study, I document genetically determined variation, within‐generation plasticity, and a direct role of trichomes in herbivore defence for Mimulus guttatus. After establishing the relationship between trichomes and herbivory, I test for transgenerational effects of wounding on trichome density and herbivore resistance. Patterns of interannual variation in herbivore density and the high cost of plant defence makes plant–herbivore interactions a system in which transgenerational phenotypic plasticity (TPP) is apt to evolve. Here, I demonstrate that parental damage alters offspring trichome density and herbivore resistance in nature. Moreover, this response varies between populations. This is among the first studies to demonstrate that TPP contributes to variation in nature, and also suggests that selection can modify TPP in response to local conditions.
Virulence and genotypes of white spot syndrome virus infecting Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei in north‐western Mexico
Authors: Ramos‐Paredes J , Grijalva‐Chon J M , Ibarra‐Gámez J C
Published: January 2017

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) has caused substantial global economic impact on aquaculture, and it has been determined that strains can vary in virulence. In this study, the effect of viral load was evaluated by infecting Litopenaeus vannamei with 10‐fold serial dilution of tissue infected with strain WSSV Mx‐H, and the virulence of four WSSV strains from north‐western Mexico was assessed along with their variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) genotypes in ORF75, ORF94 and ORF125. The LD50 of the Mx‐H strain was a dilution dose of 10−7.5; the mortality titre was 109.2 LD50 per gram. In shrimp injected with 102.5 to 106.5 LD50, no significant virulence differences were evident. Using mortality data, the four WSSV strains grouped into three virulence levels. The Mx‐F strain (intermediate virulence) and the Mx‐C strain (high virulence) showed more genetic differences than those observed between the Mx‐G (low‐virulence) and Mx‐H (high‐virulence) strains, in ORF94 and ORF125. The application of high‐viral‐load inocula proved useful in determining the different virulence phenotypes of the WSSV strains from the Eastern Pacific.
Diagnostic considerations for cholestatic liver disease
Authors: Pollock Galia , Minuk Gerald Y
Published: January 2017

Cholestatic liver disease results from insufficient bile synthesis, secretion and/or flow through the biliary tract. Common presenting features include fatigue, pruritus, and cholestatic liver enzyme abnormalities wherein elevations of serum alkaline phosphatase and gamma‐glutamyltransferases levels exceed those of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases. With prolonged cholestasis, fat soluble vitamin deficiencies, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and, on occasion, carcinoma of the biliary tract or liver can occur. Once mechanical obstruction to bile flow has been ruled out, the majority of causes can be classified as immune‐mediated, infectious, or miscellaneous. Because specific therapeutic options are increasing for many causes of cholestasis, an accurate diagnosis is an important first step towards treatment. Thus, this review focuses on the diagnostic features of non‐mechanical causes of cholestasis.
A Population‐Based Study Examining Injury in Older Adults with and without Dementia
Authors: Meuleners Lynn B. , Hobday Michelle B.
Published: January 2017

Objectives

To estimate the incidence of and risk factors for injuries in older adults with and without dementia.

Design

Retrospective, population‐based cohort study.

Setting

Western Australian Data Linkage System (WADLS).

Participants

Cases included 29,671 (47.9%) older adults aged 50 and older with an index hospital admission for dementia between 2001 and 2011. Comparison participants without dementia included a random sample of 32,277 (52.1%) older adults aged 50 and older from the state electoral roll.

Measurements

Hospital admission to a metropolitan tertiary hospital for at least 24 hours with an injury.

Results

Age‐standardized all‐cause injury rates for older adults with dementia (≥60) were 117 per 1,000 population and 24 per 1,000 population for older adults without dementia. Falls caused the majority of injuries for both groups (dementia, 94%; without dementia, 87%), followed by transport‐related injuries and burns. Multivariate modeling found that older adults with a diagnosis of dementia had more than twice the risk of hospital admission for an injury than those without dementia (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 2.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.96–2.15). Other significant risk factors for a hospital admission for injury were age 85 and older (IRR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.13–1.81), being unmarried (IRR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.03–1.12), and a history of falls (IRR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01–1.06). Women were at lower risk then men of a hospital admission due to an injury (IRR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.87–0.97).

Conclusions

Older adults with dementia are at greater risk of a hospital admission for an injury. Multifactorial injury prevention programs would benefit older adults with and without dementia, especially those aged 85 and older, living alone, and with a history of previous falls.
Effect of empowerment on the quality of life of the survivors of breast cancer: The moderating effect of self‐help group participation
Authors: Shin Sunhwa , Park Hyojung
Published: January 2017

Aim

To analyze the moderating effect of self‐help group participation on the relationship between empowerment and quality of life for survivors of breast cancer.

Methods

This study was conducted in breast cancer centers in general hospitals and long‐term care hospitals with 264 survivors of breast cancer. The Cancer Empowerment Questionnaire and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Breast were used for the data collection. Differences between the regularly attending participants in the self‐help groups and those who did not regularly attend were studied and these groups were dichotomized.

Results

The empowerment of the survivors of breast cancer significantly influenced their quality of life. Depending on their participation in the self‐help group, there was a significant difference in their quality of life. After controlling for empowerment, however, participation in the self‐help group did not significantly influence the survivors' quality of life. Participation in the self‐help group had a significant effect on the survivors' sense of empowerment, which in turn positively influenced their quality of life.

Conclusion

It is essential to provide emotional support, including valuable information, to the survivors of breast cancer who do not participate in self‐help groups.
Mortgage Debt Overhang: Reduced Investment by Homeowners at Risk of Default
Authors: MELZER BRIAN T.
Published: January 2017

Homeowners at risk of default face a debt overhang that reduces their incentive to invest in their property: in expectation, some value created by investments in the property will go to the lender. This agency conflict affects housing investments. Homeowners at risk of default cut back substantially on home improvements and mortgage principal payments, even when they appear financially unconstrained. Meanwhile, they do not reduce spending on assets that they may retain in default, including home appliances, furniture, and vehicles. These findings highlight an important financial friction that has stifled housing investment since the Great Recession.
Politically Connected Private Equity and Employment
Authors: FACCIO MARA , HSU HUNG‐CHIA
Published: January 2017

We investigate the employment consequences of private equity buyouts. We find evidence of higher job creation, on average, at the establishments operated by targets of politically connected private equity firms than at those operated by targets of nonconnected private equity firms. Consistent with an exchange of favors story, establishments operated by targets of politically connected private equity firms increase employment more during election years and in states with high levels of corruption. In additional analyses, we provide evidence of specific benefits experienced by target firms from their political connections. Our results are robust to tests designed to mitigate selection concerns.
Asset Market Participation and Portfolio Choice over the Life‐Cycle
Authors: FAGERENG ANDREAS , GOTTLIEB CHARLES , GUISO LUIGI
Published: January 2017

Using error‐free data on life‐cycle portfolio allocations of a large sample of Norwegian households, we document a double adjustment as households age: a rebalancing of the portfolio composition away from stocks as they approach retirement and stock market exit after retirement. When structurally estimating an extended life‐cycle model, the parameter combination that best fits the data is one with a relatively large risk aversion, a small per‐period participation cost, and a yearly probability of a large stock market loss in line with the frequency of stock market crashes in Norway.
Designing the Buyer–Supplier Contract for Risk Management: Assessing Complexity and Mission Criticality
Authors: Eckerd Adam , Girth Amanda M.
Published: January 2017

In this study, we argue that contract design is a predominant strategy to set contractual expectations among supply chain partners to manage risk. We draw upon resource dependence theory and transaction cost economics to suggest that variation in risk management strategies is dependent upon both the complexity of the procured product or service and the extent to which it is mission critical. In this preliminary study of public‐sector supply chains, we find evidence based on an analysis of over 240,000 buyer–supplier contracts that when both mission criticality and service complexity are low, suppliers tend to bear most of the disruption risk by agreeing to fixed‐price contracts. When mission criticality is high, we find that the federal government is more likely to share risk with suppliers by utilizing incentive contracts. Evidence suggests that cost‐reimbursement and incentive contracts are preferred when service complexity is high.
Opinion Construction in the Roberts Court
Authors: Feldman Adam
Published: January 2017

The Supreme Court's main output is the decision on the merits. Little is known, however, about how such decisions are constructed. This article is one of the first to look at the way Supreme Court opinions are constructed by examining the impact of the core linguistic resources at the Court's disposal. It does so in a novel manner by measuring the Court's reliance on wording from parties’ merits filings, amicus briefs, and lower‐court opinions between the 2005 and 2014 terms. To accomplish this goal, the article compares language in over 13,000 documents in the Court's docket during this period with their respective majority opinions. The article then looks at the relative impact of parties’ briefs and filings, amicus curiae briefs, and lower‐court opinions on the Court's majority opinion language. This article provides both macro– and microlevel analyses by locating the relative effects of these linguistic resources on the Court's overall opinion language as well as by breaking these findings down by individual justice. In the aggregate, this article finds that, of the three resources analyzed, the Court tends to use language from parties’ merits briefs most frequently, then wording from lower‐court opinions, and the least from amicus briefs, but that differences in case level factors shift the relative utility of each of these three resources.
Conserved two‐component Hik34‐Rre1 module directly activates heat‐stress inducible transcription of major chaperone and other genes in Synechococcus elongatusPCC 7942
Authors: Kobayashi Ikki , Watanabe Satoru , Kanesaki Yu , Shimada Tomohiro , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Tanaka Kan
Published: January 2017

Bacteria and other organisms, including cyanobacteria, employ two‐component signal transducing modules comprising histidine kinases and response regulators to acclimate to changing environments. While the number and composition of these modules differ among cyanobacteria, two response regulators that contain DNA binding domains, RpaB and Rre1, are conserved in all sequenced cyanobacterial genomes and are essential for viability. Although RpaB negatively or positively regulates high light and other stress‐responsive gene expression, little is known about the function of Rre1. Here, they investigated the direct regulatory targets of Rre1 in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and high‐density tiling array analysis were used to map Rre1 binding sites. The sites included promoter regions for chaperone genes such as dnaK2, groESL‐1, groEL‐2, hspA and htpG, as well as the group 2 sigma factor gene rpoD2. In vivo and in vitro analyses revealed that Rre1 phosphorylation level, DNA binding activity and adjacent gene transcription increased in response to heat stress. These responses were much diminished in a knock‐out mutant of Hik34, a previously identified heat shock regulator. Based on our results, we propose Hik34‐Rre1 is the heat shock‐responsive signaling module that positively regulates major chaperone and other genes in cyanobacteria.
Phlebotomine sandfly ecology on the Indian subcontinent: does village vegetation play a role in sandfly distribution in Bihar, India?
Authors: POCHÉ D. M. , POCHÉ R. M. , MUKHERJEE S. , FRANCKOWIAK G. A. , BRILEY L. N. , SOMERS D. J. , GARLAPATI R. B.
Published: January 2017

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a disease that results in approximately 50 000 human deaths annually. It is transmitted through the bites of phlebotomine sandflies and around two‐thirds of cases occur on the Indian subcontinent. Indoor residual spraying (IRS), the efficacy of which depends upon sandfly adults resting indoors, is the only sandfly control method used in India. Recently, in Bihar, India, considerable sandfly numbers have been recorded outdoors in village vegetation, which suggests that IRS may control only a portion of the population. The purpose of this study was to revisit previously published results that suggested some sandflies to be arboreal and to rest on outlying plants by using Centers for Disease Control light traps to capture sandflies in vegetation, including banana plants and palmyra palm trees, in two previously sampled VL‐endemic Bihari villages. Over 3500 sandflies were trapped in vegetation over 12 weeks. The results showed the mean number of sandflies collected per trap night were significantly higher in banana trees than in other vegetation (P = 0.0141) and in female rather than male palmyra palm trees (P = 0.0002). The results raise questions regarding sandfly dispersal, oviposition and feeding behaviours, and suggest a need to refine current control practices in India and to take into account an evolving understanding of sandfly ecology.
Desmopressin (Octostim®) before a native kidney biopsy can reduce the risk for biopsy complications in patients with impaired renal function: A pilot study
Authors: Peters Björn , Hadimeri Henrik , Mölne Johan , Nasic Salmir , Jensen Gert , Stegmayr Bernd
Published: January 2017

Aim

To evaluate whether the administration of desmopressin alters the risk for renal biopsy complications.

Methods

A multicenter registry containing 576 native kidney biopsies (NKb) with a serum creatinine above 150 μmol/L in 527 patients (372 men and 155 women, median age 61 years) was used. Most of the data were prospective. At one of the hospitals all biopsies with creatinine above 150 μmol/L received desmopressin before biopsies (NKb 204). These were compared to outcome of biopsy complications against other centres where desmopressin was not given (NKb 372). Fisher's exact test, χ2 analyses, univariate and multiple binary logistic regression were used. Data were given as odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI). A two sided P‐value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

In NKb with creatinine >150 μmol/L, those with desmopressin had less overall (3.4% vs 8.4%, OR 0.39, CI 0.17–0.90) whereas major or minor complications were not different. While desmopressin did not exhibit difference in complications in men, women received less major (0% vs 8.6%, P = 0.03) and overall complications (0% vs 12.1%, P = 0.006). A multiple logistic regression revealed that, after adjusting for BMI, age and sex, prophylaxis with desmopressin showed less major (OR 0.38, CI 0.15–0.96) and overall complications (OR 0.36, CI 0.15–0.85).

Conclusion

Desmopressin given before a native kidney biopsy in patients with impaired renal function can reduce the risk for complications.
Autumn photosynthetic decline and growth cessation in seedlings of white spruce are decoupled under warming and photoperiod manipulations
Authors: Stinziano Joseph R. , Way Danielle A.
Published: January 2017

Climate warming is expected to increase the seasonal duration of photosynthetic carbon fixation and tree growth in high‐latitude forests. However, photoperiod, a crucial cue for seasonality, will remain constant, which may constrain tree responses to warming. We investigated the effects of temperature and photoperiod on weekly changes in photosynthetic capacity, leaf biochemistry and growth in seedlings of a boreal evergreen conifer, white spruce [Picea glauca (Moench) Voss]. Warming delayed autumn declines in photosynthetic capacity, extending the period when seedlings had high carbon uptake. While photoperiod was correlated with photosynthetic capacity, short photoperiods did not constrain the maintenance of high photosynthetic capacity under warming. Rubisco concentration dynamics were affected by temperature but not photoperiod, while leaf pigment concentrations were unaffected by treatments. Respiration rates at 25 °C were stimulated by photoperiod, although respiration at the growth temperatures was increased in warming treatments. Seedling growth was stimulated by increased photoperiod and suppressed by warming. We demonstrate that temperature is a stronger control on the seasonal timing of photosynthetic down‐regulation than is photoperiod. Thus, while warming can stimulate carbon uptake in boreal conifers, the extra carbon may be directed towards respiration rather than biomass, potentially limiting carbon sequestration under climate change.
A possible role for flowering locus T‐encoding genes in interpreting environmental and internal cues affecting olive (Olea europaea L.) flower induction
Authors: Haberman Amnon , Bakhshian Ortal , Cerezo‐Medina Sergio , Paltiel Judith , Adler Chen , Ben‐Ari Giora , Mercado Jose Angel , Pliego‐Alfaro Fernando , Lavee Shimon , Samach Alon
Published: January 2017

Olive (Olea europaea L.) inflorescences, formed in lateral buds, flower in spring. However, there is some debate regarding time of flower induction and inflorescence initiation. Olive juvenility and seasonality of flowering were altered by overexpressing genes encoding flowering locus T (FT). OeFT1 and OeFT2 caused early flowering under short days when expressed in Arabidopsis. Expression of OeFT1/2 in olive leaves and OeFT2 in buds increased in winter, while initiation of inflorescences occurred i n late winter. Trees exposed to an artificial warm winter expressed low levels of OeFT1/2 in leaves and did not flower. Olive flower induction thus seems to be mediated by an increase in FT levels in response to cold winters. Olive flowering is dependent on additional internal factors. It was severely reduced in trees that carried a heavy fruit load the previous season (harvested in November) and in trees without fruit to which cold temperatures were artificially applied in summer. Expression analysis suggested that these internal factors work either by reducing the increase in OeFT1/2 expression or through putative flowering repressors such as TFL1. With expected warmer winters, future consumption of olive oil, as part of a healthy Mediterranean diet, should benefit from better understanding these factors.
Thoracic ultrasound recognition of competence: A position paper of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Williamson Jonathan P. , Twaddell Scott H. , Lee Y.C. Gary , Salamonsen Matthew , Hew Mark , Fielding David , Nguyen Phan , Steinfort Daniel , Hopkins Peter , Smith Nicola , Grainge Christopher
Published: January 2017

The ability to perform bedside thoracic ultrasound is increasingly recognized as an essential skill for thoracic clinicians, extending the clinical examination and aiding diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Thoracic ultrasound reduces complications and increases success rates when used prior to thoracentesis or intercostal chest tube insertion. It is increasingly difficult to defend performing these procedures without real or near‐real time image guidance. To assist thoracic physicians and others achieve and demonstrate thoracic ultrasound competence, the Interventional Pulmonology Special Interest Group (IP‐SIG) of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) has developed a new pathway with four components: (i) completion of an approved thoracic ultrasound theory and hands‐on teaching course. (ii) A log of at least 40 relevant scans. (iii) Two formative assessments (following 5–10 scans and again after 20 scans) using the Ultrasound‐Guided Thoracentesis Skills and Tasks Assessment Tool (UG‐STAT). (iv) A barrier assessment (UG‐STAT, pass score of 90%) by an accredited assessor not directly involved in the candidate's training. Upon completion of these requirements a candidate may apply to the TSANZ for recognition of competence. This pathway is intended to provide a regional standard for thoracic ultrasound training.
Diagnostic value of endobronchial ultrasound elastography for the differentiation of benign and malignant intrathoracic lymph nodes
Authors: Korrungruang Potjanee , Boonsarngsuk Viboon
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) findings can be used for benign/malignant differentiation of lymph nodes (LNs). Recently, EBUS elastography has been introduced as a complementary modality in the evaluation of intrathoracic lymphadenopathy. We evaluated the ability of EBUS elastography to differentiate between benign and malignant LNs.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted on patients sent for evaluation of intrathoracic lymphadenopathy. LNs were classified qualitatively according to elastographic colour pattern: type 1, predominantly non‐blue; type 2, partly blue, partly non‐blue and type 3, predominantly blue. Quantitative elastography of LNs was measured by the strain ratio (SR). Qualitative and quantitative elastographies were compared for the final diagnosis of LNs.

Results

There were 120 LNs from 72 patients who underwent EBUS elastography. The final diagnosis included 96 malignant and 24 benign LNs. All of the 16 type 1 LNs proved to be benign diseases, while 95 of the 101 type 3 LNs were finally diagnosed as malignancies. Three LNs classified as type 2 proved to be two benign and one malignant. Malignant LNs presented a higher median SR than benign LNs (73.50 vs 1.29, P = 0.001). An SR of >2.5 and non‐type 1 elastographic pattern achieved similar diagnostic performance in benign/malignant differentiation (sensitivity, 100% vs 100%; specificity, 70.8% vs 66.7%; positive predictive value, 93.2% vs 92.3%; negative predictive value, 100% vs 100%).

Conclusion

EBUS elastography is a promising diagnostic modality for the differentiation of benign and malignant LNs during EBUS‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA). Qualitative and quantitative EBUS elastographies provide similar diagnostic performance.