bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GPs' perspectives on prescribing for older people in primary care: a qualitative study
Authors: Riordan David O. , Byrne Stephen , Fleming Aoife , Kearney Patricia M. , Galvin Rose , Sinnott Carol
Published: January 2017

Aims

The aim of this study was firstly to reveal the determinants of GP prescribing behaviour for older adults in primary care and secondly to elicit GPs' views on the potential role for broad intervention strategies involving pharmacists and/or information technology systems in general practice.

Methods

Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were carried out with a purposive sample of GPs. Three multidisciplinary researchers independently coded the interview data using a framework approach. Emerging themes were mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), a tool used to apply behaviour change theories.

Results

Sixteen GPs participated in the study. The following domains in the TDF were identified as being important determinants of GP prescribing behaviour: ‘Knowledge’, ‘Skills’, ‘Reinforcement’, ‘Memory Attention and Decision Process’, ‘Environmental Context and Resources’, ‘Social Influences’, ‘Social/Professional Role and Identity’. Participants reported that the challenges associated with prescribing for an increasingly older population will require them to become more knowledgeable in pharmacology and drug interactions and they called for extra training in these topics. GPs viewed strategies such as academic detailing sessions delivered by pharmacists or information technology systems as having a positive role to play in optimizing prescribing.

Conclusion

This study highlights the complexities of behavioural determinants of prescribing for older people in primary care and the need for additional supports to optimize prescribing for this growing cohort of patients. Interventions that incorporate, but are not limited to interprofessional collaboration with pharmacists and information technology systems, were identified by GPs as being potentially useful for improving prescribing behaviour, and therefore require further exploration.
Stereotype threat and social function in opioid substitution therapy patients
Authors: von Hippel Courtney , Henry Julie D. , Terrett Gill , Mercuri Kimberly , McAlear Karen , Rendell Peter G.
Published: January 2017

Objectives

People with a history of substance abuse are subject to widespread stigmatization. It seems likely that this societal disapproval will result in feelings of stereotype threat, or the belief that one is the target of demeaning stereotypes. If so, stereotype threat has the potential to contribute to functional difficulties including poor social outcomes.

Methods

Eighty drug users on opioid substitution therapy and 84 demographically matched controls completed measures of mental health and social function. The opioid substitution therapy group were additionally asked to complete a measure that focused on their feelings of stereotype threat in relation to their drug use history. Bivariate correlations and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to establish the magnitude and specificity of the relationship between stereotype threat and social functioning.

Results

Relative to controls, the opioid substitution therapy group reported higher levels of negative affect and schizotypy, and poorer social functioning, with all three of these indices significantly correlated with their feelings of stereotype threat. The results also showed that stereotype threat contributed significant unique variance to social functioning in the opioid substitution therapy group, even after taking into account other background, clinical, and mental health variables.

Conclusions

Social functioning is an important aspect of recovery, yet these data indicate that people with a history of drug abuse who believe they are the target of stereotypical attitudes have poorer social functioning. This relationship holds after controlling for the impact of other variables on social functioning, including mental health. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

Practitioner points

Concerns about being stereotyped can shape the social experiences of opioid substitution therapy patients.

Opioid substitution therapy patients who feel negatively stereotyped experience greater social function deficits, and this relationship emerges after controlling for important clinical and mental health variables.

Understanding the relationship between feeling stereotyped and social function may assist practitioners in their treatment.

The study is cross‐sectional, and thus, experimental or longitudinal research is required to determine the causal direction between stereotype threat and social function.
Myocardial deformation in pediatric patients with mucopolysaccharidoses: A two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography study
Authors: Borgia Francesco , Pezzullo Enrica , Schiano Lomoriello Vincenzo , Sorrentino Regina , Lo Iudice Francesco , Cocozza Sara , Della Casa Roberto , Parenti Giancarlo , Strisciuglio Pietro , Trimarco Bruno , Galderisi Maurizio
Published: January 2017

Background

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are inherited lysosomal storage disorders caused by deficiency of required glycosaminoglycans breakdown enzymes, inducing cardiac involvement. Little is known about myocardial deformation involvement inMPS. Our aim was to assess biventricular structure and function in asymptomatic children withMPSusing standard echo Doppler and 2D speckle tracking (STE).

Methods

FifteenMPSchildren (one type I, six typeII, three typeIIIA, oneIIIB, threeIVA, oneVI), asymptomatic for cardiac symptoms, and 15 age and sex‐matched healthy controls underwent echo Doppler andSTE. Left ventricular (LV) wall thicknesses, diameters, and mass were normalized byz‐score.LVglobal longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global radial strain (GRS) at papillary muscles,LVtwisting, and right ventricular (RV)GLSwere measured.

Results

The two groups were comparable for body mass index, heart rate, and blood pressure.LVmass index and relative wall thickness were higher inMPS. Ejection fraction (EF), and s′ velocity did not differ between the two groups. E/A ratio was lower and E/e′ higher inMPS. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion,RVs′ and e′ were lower inMPS.LV GLSdid not differ between the two groups, butGCS(P=.014),GRS(P=.023), twisting (P=.012), andRV GLS(P<.001) were lower in theMPSgroup.

Conclusions

LVstrain abnormalities are detectable inMPSpediatric patients, independently ofMPStype, when EF is still normal.RV GLSis also involved consensually withTAPSEreduction.STEcan be useful for detection of subclinical myocardial damage inMPS.
Mitral valve resistance determines hemodynamic consequences of severe rheumatic mitral stenosis and immediate outcomes of percutaneous valvuloplasty
Authors: Sanati Hamidreza , Zolfaghari Reza , Samiei Niloufar , Rezaei Yousef , Chitsazan Mitra , Zahedmehr Ali , Shakerian Farshad , Kiani Reza , Firouzi Ata , Rezaei Tabrizi Reza
Published: January 2017

Introduction

The mitral valve area (MVA) poorly reflects the hemodynamic status of (MS). In this study, we compared the MVA with mitral valve resistance (MVR) with regard to the determination of hemodynamic consequences of MS and the immediate outcomes of percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV).

Methods

In a prospective study, 36 patients with severe rheumatic MS with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >50% were evaluated. They underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and catheterization. The MVA was measured by two‐dimensional planimetry and pressure half‐time (PHT), and the MVR was calculated using the equation: 1333 × transmitral pressure gradient mean transmitral diastolic flow rate.

Results

The patients’ mean age was 47.8±10.5 years. MVR ≥140.6 dynes·s/cm5 detected systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) >55 mm Hg with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 74%. The sensitivity and specificity of MVA<0.75 cm2 to discriminate elevated sPAP were 81% and 89%, respectively. PHT ≥323.5 mseconds had a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 96% to detect an elevated sPAP. To predict a successful PBMV, preprocedural MVR ≥106.1 dynes·s/cm5 had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 67% (area under the curve [AUC]=0.763; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.520‐1.006; P=.034); preprocedural MVA <0.95 cm2 had a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 73% (AUC=0.730; 95% CI=0.503‐0.956; P=.065); and preprocedural PHT ≥210.5 mseconds had a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 78% (AUC=0.707; 95% CI=0.474‐0.941; P=.095).

Conclusions

MVR seems to be more accurate than MVA in determining the hemodynamic consequences of severe MS as determined by sPAP. In addition, preprocedural MVR detected successful PBMVs.
Turnover and post‐bottleneck genetic structure in a recovering population of Peregrine Falcons Falco peregrinus
Authors: Ponnikas Suvi , Ollila Tuomo , Kvist Laura
Published: January 2017

Dispersal is a process that increases genetic diversity and genetic connectivity of populations. We studied the turnover rate of breeding adults and genetic population structure to estimate dispersal in Peregrine Falcons in Finland. We used relatedness estimates among Finnish Peregrine Falcons over a 5‐year period, genotyping over 500 nestlings with 10 microsatellite loci to reveal the rate of turnover. Our results reveal a high turnover rate (21.7%) that does not seem to be correlated with the breeding success of the previous year. The extent of population genetic structure and diversity, and possible signs of the population crash during the 1970s, was assessed with a reduced dataset, excluding relatives. We found genetic diversity to be similar to previously studied falcon populations (expected heterozygosity of 0.581) and no population genetic structuring among our sampled populations. We did not find a genetic imprint of the past population bottleneck that the Finnish Peregrine population experienced. We conclude that high dispersal rates are likely to have contributed to maintaining genetic diversity across the landscape, by mixing individuals within the species’ distribution in Finland and thus preventing genetic structuring and negative effects associated with the population decline in the 1970s.
Tape casting system for ULTCCs to fabricate multilayer and multimaterial 3D electronic packages with embedded electrodes
Authors: Chen Mei‐Yu , Vahera Timo , Hsi Chi‐Shiung , Sobocinski Maciej , Teirikangas Merja , Peräntie Jani , Juuti Jari , Jantunen Heli
Published: January 2017

A 3D multilayer structure built by two ultra‐low temperature co‐fired ceramic (ULTCC) compositions with silver embedded electrodes are co‐fired at a temperature of 450°C. The 3D multilayer module is prepared by laminating the ULTCC green tapes with a new binder system, which organics can be completely burned out at temperature of 250°C before the sintering of the ULTCC 3D modulus. High‐density microstructures are achieved for the sintered module. In this study, the ULTCC feasible binder system is introduced. Also, ULTCC multilayers and multimaterial structures with surface and embedded silver electrodes are fabricated. This research opens up a new horizon for fabrication of electroceramic devices with embedded electrodes in multimaterial devices.
Emission from Mo‐O charge‐transfer state and Yb3+ emission in Eu3+‐doped and nondoped molybdates under UV excitation
Authors: Qiao Xuebin , Tsuboi Taiju
Published: January 2017

Molybdates of Li+ and Yb3+ are studied to investigate the luminescence under UV excitation. LiYb(MoO4)2 and Eu3+‐doped LiYb1‐xEux(MoO4)2 (x=001–1.0) phosphors were synthesized by solid state reaction under mixing of Eu2O3, Yb2O3, Li2CO3 and MoO2 in air atmosphere. Two broad absorption bands centered at 333 and 236 nm are observed in LiYb(MoO4)2 compound. They are attributed to the 1A1→1T1 and 1T2 transitions due to the O2−→Mo6+ electron transfers in MoO4 tetrahedron. An emission band with a peak at about 440 nm is found, which is attributed to the 3T1→1A1 transition of MoO4. Appearance of near‐infrared (NIR) Yb3+ emission observed under UV excitation is understood by the MoO4→Yb3+ Foerster‐Type energy transfer due to spectral overlap between the low‐energy tail of the broad 440 nm emission band and the high‐energy tail of the broad Yb3+ absorption band and due to short Yb3+‐MoO4 distance. Yb3+ emission observed in LiYb1−xEux(MoO4)2 by Eu3+ excitation is understood by the Eu3+→Yb3+ energy transfer by cross‐relaxation (CR) process between the 5D0→7F6 Eu3+ transition and the 2F7/2→2F5/2 Yb3+ transition. The CR efficiency shows maximum efficiency of 0.24 at x=0.15 of higher acceptor Yb3+ concentration than donor Eu3+ concentration. Three Yb3+ emission bands with peaks at 994, 1002, and 1023 nm are observed, depending on the excitation wavelength. This is explained by less‐shielded 4f electrons of Yb3+ by the 5s25p6 outermost electron shells, which are also responsible for unusual broadband Yb3+ absorption and emission. From appearance of NIR Yb3+ emission under excitation by not only UV light but also red light, these compounds are expected to be suitable for efficient photovoltaic application to Si‐based solar cells.
Fabrication of Ti(C,N)‐based cermets by in situ carbothermal reduction of MoO3 and subsequent liquid sintering
Authors: Zhou Wei , Zheng Yong , Zhao Yijie , Zhang Guotao , Dong Zuowei , Xiong Weihao
Published: January 2017

Ti(C,N)‐based cermets were fabricated by in situ carbothermal reduction of MoO3 and subsequent liquid sintering in a single heating process. The densification behavior, phase formation, and microstructure evolution of the cermets were characterized by DSC, XRD, SEM, and TEM. The results showed that near‐fully dense Ti(C,N)‐based cermets with fine carbonitride grains could be obtained by the above‐mentioned method. The carbonitride grains of the cermets still exhibited typical core/rim structures and evenly distributed in the binder phase, but the rim phase was more complete and thinner compared with traditional cermets. In addition, the interfaces between the ceramic phase and binder phase of the cermets were atomically smooth, having the orientation relationship of ()R//(110)B with a perfect coherency state. The prepared Ti(C,N)‐based cermets produced with MoO3 showed excellent comprehensive mechanical properties having a transverse rupture strength of 2461±62 MPa, a Rockwell hardness of 88.0±0.1 HRA, and a fracture toughness of 22.3±0.4 MPa·m1/2, respectively.
Abused women's experiences of a primary care identification and referral intervention: a case study analysis
Authors: Bradbury‐Jones Caroline , Clark Maria , Taylor Julie
Published: January 2017

Aims

The aim of this study was to report the findings of a qualitative case study that investigated abused women's experiences of an identification and referral intervention and to discuss the implications for nurses, specifically those working in primary and community care.

Background

Domestic violence and abuse is a significant public health issue globally but it is a hidden problem that is under‐reported. In the UK, Identification and Referral to Improve Safety is a primary care‐based intervention that has been found to increase referral rates of abused women to support and safety services. This paper reports on the findings of an evaluation study of two sites in England.

Design

Qualitative study with a case study design.

Methods

In line with case study design, the entire evaluation study employed multiple data collection methods. We report on the qualitative interviews with women referred through the programme. The aim was to elicit their experiences of the three aspects of the intervention: identification; referral; safety. Data collection took place March 2016.

Findings

Ten women took part. Eight had exited the abusive relationship but two remained with the partner who had perpetrated the abuse. Women were overwhelmingly positive about the programme and irrespective of whether they had remained or exited the relationship all reported perceptions of increased safety and improved health.

Conclusion

Nurses have an important role to play in identifying domestic violence and abuse and in referral and safety planning. As part of a portfolio of domestic violence and abuse interventions, those that empower women to take control of their safety (such as Identification and Referral to Improve Safety) are important.
Jewish Cuba's Contact Zone: Transnational Encounters in Havana's Adath Israel Synagogue
Authors: Weinreb Amelia Rosenberg
Published: January 2017

Inmediatamente después de la liberalización constitucional de 1991 en la que Cuba se declaró ser un estado laico, en lugar de un estado ateo, Adath Israel, la única sinagoga ortodoxa de La Habana, reabrió sus puertas. La sinagoga pronto dio la bienvenida acogió a un flujo de viajeros internacionales, que llegaron con entusiasmo, curiosidad y fondos. La consiguiente revitalización de Cuba judía ha recibido una cantidad desproporcionada de atención académica, periodística y turística en los últimos veinte años, y el interés mundial en esta pequeña comunidad sigue creciendo. Sin embargo, se ha prestado poca atención analítica explícita a la relación que ha surgido entre los cubanos judíos y sus invitados extranjeros . Mi argumento central, basado en la observación‐participante en Adath Israel, es que la Cuba judía ya no constituye un objeto cultural de análisis, sino que se entiende mejor como una “zona de contacto” transnacional, caracterizada por las tensiones y las conexiones del afecto colectivo, una economía del regalo, y los cambios de sentidos que se producen en en el seno del Pueblo Judío a través del encuentro.
Src and phospho‐FAK kinases are activated by allopregnanolone promoting Schwann cell motility, morphology and myelination
Authors: Melfi Simona , Montt Guevara Maria Magdalena , Bonalume Veronica , Ruscica Massimiliano , Colciago Alessandra , Simoncini Tommaso , Magnaghi Valerio
Published: January 2017

Schwann cells' (SCs) development and maturation require coordinate and complementary activation of several signals and intracellular pathways. Among factors controlling these processes, the signalling intermediates Src tyrosine kinase and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) are relevant for SCs', participating in regulation of their adhesion, motility and migration. Recently, the progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone (ALLO) was proved to be synthesized by SCs, whereas it acts autocrinally on SCs motility and proliferation, which are crucial processes for nerve development, maturation and regeneration.

Herein, we investigate the hypothesis that the molecular mechanisms behind the ALLO's action on SCs involve the signalling intermediates Src and FAK. We first demonstrated that ALLO 10−6 M regulates SCs morphology, motility and myelination, also increasing the internode distance in the in vitro myelination model of neuron/SCs co‐culture. ALLO's actions were mediated by the modulation of Src/FAK pathway, since they were counteracted by PP2 10−5 M, a selective inhibitor of Src kinase. Then, we proved that Src/FAK activation in SCs involves GABA‐A dependent mechanisms and actin re‐arrangements. In conclusion, our findings are the first to corroborate the importance of the neuroactive steroid ALLO in regulating SCs development and maturation via the Src and phospho‐FAK signalling activation.

image

Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.13795.
Structural Reconstruction of the Perivascular Space in the Adult Mouse Neurohypophysis During an Osmotic Stimulation
Authors: Nishikawa K. , Furube E. , Morita S. , Horii‐Hayashi N. , Nishi M. , Miyata S.
Published: January 2017

Oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) neuropeptides in the neurohypophysis (NH) control lactation and body fluid homeostasis, respectively. Hypothalamic neurosecretory neurones project their axons from the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei to the NH to make contact with the vascular surface and release OXT and AVP. The neurohypophysial vascular structure is unique because it has a wide perivascular space between the inner and outer basement membranes. However, the significance of this unique vascular structure remains unclear; therefore, we aimed to determine the functional significance of the perivascular space and its activity‐dependent changes during salt loading in adult mice. The results obtained revealed that pericytes were the main resident cells and defined the profile of the perivascular space. Moreover, pericytes sometimes extended their cellular processes or ‘perivascular protrusions’ into neurohypophysial parenchyma between axonal terminals. The vascular permeability of low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) molecules was higher at perivascular protrusions than at the smooth vascular surface. Axonal terminals containing OXT and AVP were more likely to localise at perivascular protrusions than at the smooth vascular surface. Chronic salt loading with 2% NaCl significantly induced prominent changes in the shape of pericytes and also increased the number of perivascular protrusions and the surface area of the perivascular space together with elevations in the vascular permeability of LMW molecules. Collectively, these results indicate that the perivascular space of the NH acts as the main diffusion route for OXT and AVP and, in addition, changes in the shape of pericytes and perivascular reconstruction occur in response to an increased demand for neuropeptide release.
Violated and vulnerable: women's experiences of contracting a sexually transmitted infection from a male partner
Authors: East Leah , Peters Kath , Jackson Debra
Published: January 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore women's stories of contracting a sexually transmitted infection from a male partner and elucidate the gendered constructs and violence experienced that made the women vulnerable to these infections.

Background

Violence against women can result in both physical and psychological consequences and expose women to multiple health risks including sexual health adversity.

Design

Feminist storytelling approach.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 women. All data underwent thematic analysis.

Findings

Findings from this study revealed the women were vulnerable to contracting sexually transmitted infection/s from their male sexual partners as a result of unequal gender and abusive relationship dynamics. Subsequently, contracting a sexual infection within this context potentially increased their vulnerability in both current and future relationships, through their loss of self‐confidence and perceived ability to have a trusting loving heterosexual relationship as women with sexually transmitted infection/s.

Conclusion

Women in relationships in which they are subordinate to their male partner are at heightened risk of sexual health adversity, including contracting a sexually transmitted infection. Contracting a sexually transmitted infection within the context of an abusive relationship can further increase women's vulnerability to dominant male partners, thus further exposure to sexual risk and adversity.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses working in clinical settings are well placed to conduct opportunistic screening of women's sexual health, including assessment of sexually transmitted infections and the nature of the encounter in which they were contracted. Thorough assessment can potentially identify relationship and personal factors that can increase a woman's risk to both sexual adversity and forms of abuse. Also, if women do divulge that they have suffered abuse, nurses are positioned to provide support and guidance in implementing strategies to minimise risk as well as referring them to specialised services.
Automated measurement of pressure injury through image processing
Authors: Li Dan , Mathews Carol
Published: January 2017

Aims and objectives

To develop an image processing algorithm to automatically measure pressure injuries using electronic pressure injury images stored in nursing documentation.

Background

Photographing pressure injuries and storing the images in the electronic health record is standard practice in many hospitals. However, the manual measurement of pressure injury is time‐consuming, challenging and subject to intra/inter‐reader variability with complexities of the pressure injury and the clinical environment.

Design

A cross‐sectional algorithm development study.

Methods

A set of 32 pressure injury images were obtained from a western Pennsylvania hospital. First, we transformed the images from an RGB (i.e. red, green and blue) colour space to a YCbCr colour space to eliminate inferences from varying light conditions and skin colours. Second, a probability map, generated by a skin colour Gaussian model, guided the pressure injury segmentation process using the Support Vector Machine classifier. Third, after segmentation, the reference ruler – included in each of the images – enabled perspective transformation and determination of pressure injury size. Finally, two nurses independently measured those 32 pressure injury images, and intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated.

Results

An image processing algorithm was developed to automatically measure the size of pressure injuries. Both inter‐ and intra‐rater analysis achieved good level reliability.

Conclusions

Validation of the size measurement of the pressure injury (1) demonstrates that our image processing algorithm is a reliable approach to monitoring pressure injury progress through clinical pressure injury images and (2) offers new insight to pressure injury evaluation and documentation.

Relevance to clinical practice

Once our algorithm is further developed, clinicians can be provided with an objective, reliable and efficient computational tool for segmentation and measurement of pressure injuries. With this, clinicians will be able to more effectively monitor the healing process of pressure injuries.
The impact of evidence‐based sepsis guidelines on emergency department clinical practice: a pre‐post medical record audit
Authors: Romero Bernadine , Fry Margaret , Roche Michael
Published: January 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore the number of patients presenting with sepsis before and after guideline implementation; the impact of sepsis guidelines on triage assessment, emergency department management and time to antibiotics.

Background

Sepsis remains one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity within hospitals. Globally, strategies have been implemented to reduce morbidity and mortality rates, which rely on the early recognition and management of sepsis. To improve patient outcomes, the New South Wales government in Australia introduced sepsis guidelines into emergency departments. However, the impact of the guidelines on clinical practice remains unclear.

Design/Methods

A 12‐month pre‐post retrospective randomised medical record audit of adult patients with a sepsis diagnosis. Data were extracted from the emergency department database and paper medical record. Data included patient demographic (age, gender), clinical information (time of arrival, triage code, seen by time, disposition, time to antibiotic, pathology, time to intravenous fluids) and patient assessment data (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, temperature, oxygen saturations, medication).

Results

This study demonstrated a statistically significant 230‐minute reduction in time to antibiotics post implementation of the guidelines. The post group (n = 165) received more urgent triage categories (n = 81; 49·1%), a 758‐minute reduction in mean time to second litre of intravenous fluids and an improvement in collection of lactate (n = 112, 67·9%), also statistically significant.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the impact the guidelines can have on clinician decision‐making and behaviour that support best practice and positive patient outcomes. The sepsis guidelines improved the early assessment, recognition and management of patients presenting with sepsis in one tertiary referral emergency department.

Relevance to clinical practice

The use of evidenced‐based guidelines can impact clinical decision‐making and behaviour, resulting in the translation and support of best practice and improving patient care.
Multi Cumulative Prospect Theory and the Demand for Cliquet‐Style Guarantees
Authors: Ruß Jochen , Schelling Stefan
Published: January 2017

Expected Utility Theory (EUT) and Cumulative Prospect Theory (CPT) face problems explaining preferences of long‐term investors. Previous research motivates that the subjective utility of a long‐term investment also depends on interim value changes. Therefore, we propose an approach that we call Multi Cumulative Prospect Theory. It is based on CPT and considers annual changes in the contract values. As a first application, we can show that in contrast to EUT and CPT, this approach is able to explain the demand for guaranteed products with lock‐in features, which in this framework generate a higher subjective utility than products without or with simpler guarantees.
Hepatitis B virus reactivation in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A review and meta‐analysis of prophylaxis management
Authors: Liu Z. , Jiang L. , Liang G. , Song E. , Jiang W. , Zheng Y. , Gong C.
Published: January 2017

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation during or after chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer has become a remarkable clinical problem. Prophylactic nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) are recommended for patients with breast cancer who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive before chemotherapy. We performed an up‐to‐date meta‐analysis to compare the efficacy of prophylactic lamivudine use with nonprophylaxis in HBsAg‐positive breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. PubMed, the Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were searched for relevant articles until June 2016. Eligible articles comparing the efficacy of prophylactic lamivudine use with nonprophylaxis in HBsAg‐positive breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were identified. Eight studies which had enrolled 709 HBsAg‐positive breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were analysed. Lamivudine prophylaxis significantly reduced the rates of chemotherapy‐associated hepatitis B flares in chronic hepatitis B in breast cancer compared with patients with nonprophylaxis (odds ratio [OR]=0.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.07‐0.35, P<.00001). Chemotherapy disruption rates attributed to HBV reactivation in the prophylaxis groups were significantly lower than the nonprophylaxis groups (OR=0.17, 95% CI: 0.07‐0.43, P=.0002). Patients with lamivudine prophylaxis had a higher risk for tyrosine‐methionine‐aspartate‐aspartate (YMDD) motif mutations than patients with nonprophylaxis (OR=6.33, 95% CI: 1.01‐39.60, P=.05). Prophylactic antiviral therapy management is necessary for HBsAg‐positive breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, in spite of high correlation with lamivudine‐resistant HBV variants with YMDD motif mutations.
Global patterns in biomass models describing prey consumption by big cats
Authors: Khorozyan Igor , Lumetsberger Tanja , Ghoddousi Arash , Soofi Mahmood , Waltert Matthias
Published: January 2017

Widespread prey depletion forces carnivores to rely more on livestock, which may lead to increased persecution by humans. Reliable quantification of livestock consumption is essential for understanding depredation scales, but a comparative analysis of extant biomass models used for this purpose has never been done before.

We conducted a global meta‐analysis of two linear and three non‐linear biomass models used to estimate consumption of prey biomass and individuals by seven big cat species. We applied the z‐test to perform pairwise comparisons of estimates produced by five models for each prey record. Further, we used logistic regression to assess the effects of species of big cats and their prey, scat sample size, prey body mass, and study sites on significantly different and similar estimates.

The analysis of 769 prey records from 47 sites demonstrated that, in over 95% of cases, linear and non‐linear biomass models produced similar estimates of prey biomass and individuals consumed. Significantly different estimates of prey biomass consumed (in 1.5% of cases) and prey individuals consumed (4%) were obtained only in certain study sites and for a few big cat species (tiger Panthera tigris, leopard Panthera pardus, and puma Puma concolor). Due to the paucity of different estimates, the effects of predictors could not be ascertained.

Our study demonstrated that linear models tend to estimate higher biomass of large prey, lower biomass of medium‐sized prey and fewer individuals of large and medium‐sized prey consumed than non‐linear models. This disagreement in estimates suggests that the numbers of livestock lost to depredation can be underestimated by linear models, and that re‐calculation by non‐linear models is required. However, the difference between estimates produced by linear and non‐linear models is generally small and such re‐calculation may be recommended only for tiger, puma and leopard in certain areas.
β‐Adrenergic blockade does not impair the skin blood flow sensitivity to local heating in burned and nonburned skin under neutral and hot environments in children
Authors: Rivas Eric , McEntire Serina J. , Herndon David N. , Mlcak Ronald P. , Suman Oscar E.
Published: January 2017

Objective

We tested the hypothesis that propranolol, a drug given to burn patients to reduce hypermetabolism/cardiac stress, may inhibit heat dissipation by changing the sensitivity of skin blood flow (SkBF) to local heating under neutral and hot conditions.

Methods

In a randomized double‐blind study, a placebo was given to eight burned children, while propranolol was given to 13 burned children with similar characteristics (mean±SD: 11.9±3 years, 147±20 cm, 45±23 kg, 56±12% Total body surface area burned). Nonburned children (n=13, 11.4±3 years, 152±15 cm, 52±13 kg) served as healthy controls. A progressive local heating protocol characterized SkBF responses in burned and unburned skin and nonburned control skin under the two environmental conditions (23 and 34°C) via laser Doppler flowmetry.

Results

Resting SkBF was greater in burned and unburned skin compared to the nonburned control (main effect: skin, P<.0001; 57±32 burned; 38±36 unburned vs 9±8 control %SkBFmax). No difference was found for maximal SkBF capacity to local heating between groups. Additionally, dose‐response curves for the sensitivity of SkBF to local heating were not different among burned or unburned skin, and nonburned control skin (EC50, P>.05) under either condition.

Conclusion

Therapeutic propranolol does not negatively affect SkBF under neutral or hot environmental conditions and further compromise temperature regulation in burned children.
Pituitary adenoma with adipose tissue: A new metaplastic variant
Authors: Caporalini Chiara , Buccoliero Anna Maria , Pansini Luigi , Moscardi Selene , Novelli Luca , Baroni Gianna , Bordi Lorenzo , Ammannati Franco , Taddei Gian Luigi
Published: January 2017

Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors representing approximately 15–20% of intracranial neoplasms. There have been few reports of metaplastic osseous transformation and about 60 cases of neuronal metaplasia in pituitary adenoma but adipose metaplasia has not been previously described in the English literature. Here we report a case of pituitary adenoma with metaplastic adipose tissue in a 58‐year‐old male patient. Histologically this case fulfilled the criteria of a non‐functioning pituitary adenoma, and moreover a central area of adipose tissue, made by mature adipocytes, and many tumor cells, containing fat droplet were evident. Lipomatous transformation of tumor cells in the CNS has been previously observed but, to the best of our knowledge, our case is the first pituitary adenoma with such change. The histogenesis of the adipose element in pituitary adenoma is not well understood, and could be a result of a metaplastic change or divergent differentiation from a common progenitor cell.
Exploring the Impact of Delivery Performance on Customer Transaction Volume and Unit Price: Evidence from an Assembly Manufacturing Supply Chain
Authors: Peng David Xiaosong , Lu Guanyi
Published: January 2017

This study examines the effect of delivery performance on customer transactions. We propose that different delivery performance dimensions (on‐time delivery rate, early delivery inaccuracy, late delivery inaccuracy, and delivery speed) have varying impacts on future customer transaction quantities and unit prices. We further explore the effect of customer types on the proposed relationships. Trade customers (resellers) and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) customers generally have different operational needs for deliveries and therefore may value these metrics differently. Using instrumental variable regression, we analyze a proprietary transaction‐level dataset. The information was compiled by a Fortune 500 manufacturer from its Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) control product supply chain, consisting of the manufacturer and its customers. The results indicate that measures of delivery performance affect customer transaction quantity and unit price differently. Furthermore, these impacts can differ significantly between trade customers and OEM customers. These findings provide fine‐grained insights about tuning delivery capabilities to increase sales volume or boost price.
Designing Energy Supply Chains: Dynamic Models for Energy Security and Economic Prosperity
Authors: Rafique Raza , Mun Kwon Gi , Zhao Yao
Published: January 2017

Many developing countries suffer severe energy deficiencies despite their ample reserves of resources – the so‐called predicament of “ resource rich, energy poor." A leading driver is the energy‐economy cycle, where poor economic status, inefficient utilization of limited budget, and energy deficiency reinforced each other and led these countries into a spiral of economic downfall. How to turn this cycle around? It is a classic question but not well answered in the energy policy/economics literature and barely studied in the operations management literature. We apply supply chain design and location optimization models to address the unique features of the energy sector in these countries and present a new class of mathematical models for designing coal‐fired energy supply chains. The model captures the interaction among different parts of an integrated energy supply chain, the unique economics of power transmission such as yield losses, the political issues associated with equity, and the dynamic interaction among energy consumption, economy and budget. The model attempts to answer the classic question by determining the optimal and politically feasible ways to build up an energy supply chain under limited budgets for energy security and economic prosperity. Applying the model to Pakistan's recent energy crises, we show that the solutions can significantly outperform the government's plan by reducing the energy gaps faster, boosting the economy stronger with less greenhouse gas emissions. We develop insights as to how an energy supply chain should be built up strategically for developing countries, and how various system parameters may affect the results.
Reliability of the electrocortical response to gains and losses in the doors task
Authors: Levinson Amanda R. , Speed Brittany C. , Infantolino Zachary P. , Hajcak Greg
Published: January 2017

The ability to differentiate between rewards and losses is critical for motivated action, and aberrant reward and loss processing has been associated with psychopathology. The reward positivity (RewP) and feedback negativity (FN) are ERPs elicited by monetary gains and losses, respectively, and are promising individual difference measures. However, few studies have reported on the psychometric properties of the RewP and FN—crucial characteristics necessary for valid individual difference measures. The current study examined the internal consistency and 1‐week test‐retest reliability of the RewP and FN as elicited by the doors task among 59 young adults. The RewP, FN, and their difference score (ΔRewP) all showed significant correlations between Time 1 and Time 2. The RewP and FN also achieved acceptable internal consistency at both time points within 20 trials using both Cronbach's α and a generalizability theory‐derived dependability measure. Internal consistency for ΔRewP was notably weaker at both time points, which is expected from two highly intercorrelated constituent scores. In conclusion, the RewP and FN have strong psychometric properties in a healthy adult sample. Future research is needed to assess the psychometric properties of these ERPs in different age cohorts and in clinical populations.
Paradoxical bradycardia during surgical caudal vena cava occlusion in an anesthetized dog
Authors: Davis Jennifer , Raisis Anthea L. , Haitjema Hildegriet , Drynan Eleanor A. , Hosgood Giselle L.
Published: January 2017

Objective

To describe the anesthetic management of a dog undergoing caudal vena cava (CVC) occlusion during adrenalectomy, and to discuss a reflex bradycardia that was observed during the procedure.

Case Summary

General anesthesia of a 10‐year‐old Rhodesian ridgeback for excision of an adrenal mass and associated CVC tumor thrombus was performed. The dog was premedicated with IV methadone and anesthesia was induced with IV alfaxalone and maintained with isoflurane in 100% oxygen. An IV remifentanil infusion was administered for intraoperative analgesia. Surgical removal of the thrombus necessitated temporary complete occlusion of the CVC. During CVC occlusion an acute paradoxical bradycardia occurred, which was successfully treated with IV atropine. The cardiovascular change resembled a Bezold–Jarisch or reverse Bainbridge reflex, and was believed to be mediated by cardiac mechanoreceptors following the sudden decrease in preload. Increased myocardial contractility subsequent to increased sympathetic nervous system activity may also have contributed. A decrease in urine output was observed following CVC occlusion but had returned to normal 2 hours following the end of anesthesia. Recovery from anesthesia was otherwise uneventful.

New or unique information provided

Although the mechanism is unclear, a paradoxical bradycardia may occur during complete CVC occlusion in the dog. Factors that increase sympathetic nervous system outflow, such as administration of dopamine, may have contributed to the occurrence of the reflex.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Gibbs Nikki
Published: January 2017

Applied Economics and Finance (AEF) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from October 30, 2014 to January 30, 2015. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Redfame Publishing appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period.     Aleksandar Vasilev Encarnación Alvarez-Verdejo Eyup Dogan George Theocharides Ghazi Al-Assaf Haitham Nobanee Jeo Lee Jin Yong Yang Jolita Vveinhardt Magdalena Zioło Oluchukwu Anowor Sarika Mahajan Shahram Fattahi Steven V. Cates SzabolcsBlazsek Uwuigbe Olubukunola Ranti UwuigbeUwalomwa Vilas Gaikar Yao Zheng             Nikki Gibbs Editorial Assistant On behalf of, The Editorial Board of Applied Economics and Finance Redfame Publishing 9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416 Beaverton, OR 97008, USA URL: http://aef.redfame.com
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Gibbs Nikki
Published: January 2017

Applied Economics and Finance [AEF] would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue. Reviewers for Volume 3, Number 4   Aaron Morey Abbas Khandan Ali Massoud Andrey Kudryavtsev Arash Riasi Ayoub Taha Sidahmed Byson Beracah Majanga Dilshodjon Rakhmonov Erdal Gumus Eyup Kadioglu Farhat Iqbal Getamesay Bekele Ian Mcfarlane Igor Matyushenko Iulia Lupu Jin Yong Yang Jolita Vveinhardt Magdalena Radulescu Magdalena Zioło Marta Borda Martin Jaekel Marwa Biltagy Mevlut Tatliyer Patrycja Kowalczyk-Rólczynska Payal Chadha Ramona Orastean Ruhet Genc Seyyed Ali Zeytoon Nejad Moosavian Steven V. Cates Szabolcs Blazsek Taro Abe Y. Saidi Zachary A. Smith           Nikki Gibbs Editorial Assistant On behalf of, The Editorial Board of Applied Economics and Finance Redfame Publishing 9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416 Beaverton, OR 97008, USA URL: http://aef.redfame.com
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Willianms Ellery
Published: January 2017

Business and Management Studies (BMS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether BMS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue. Reviewers for Volume 2, Number 3 Arash Riasi Ashford Chea Christer Thörnqvist Florin Peci Fouad Jawab Gabriela Antošová Gordon Terkpeh Sabutey İzlem Gözükara Jayalakshmy Ramachandran Julia Stefanova Julio Cesar Puche Regaliza Kenichi Shimizu Lucie Andreisová Martin Sung Mike Rayner Mohammad Soliman Mythili Kolluru Olha Komelina Raimundo Lima Filho Rashedul Hasan Regina Lenart-Gansiniec Taro Abe Tetiana Paientko Waeibrorheem Waemustafa Xhavit Islami Yang Zhao Zeki Atıl Bulut               Ellery Willianms Editorial Assistant On behalf of, The Editorial Board of Business and Management Studies Redfame Publishing 9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416 Beaverton, OR 97008, USA URL: http://bms.redfame.com
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Willianms Ellery
Published: January 2017

Business and Management Studies (BMS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether BMS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue. Reviewers for Volume 2, Number 4 Arash Riasi Asad Ghalib Ashford Chea Athina Qendro Christer Thörnqvist Florin Peci Gabriela Antošová Gongyan Yang İzlem Gözükara Julia Stefanova Julio Cesar Puche Regaliza Kenichi Shimizu Mike Rayner Mythili Kolluru Olha Komelina Rashedul Hasan Regina LenartGansiniec Rocsana Tonis Ruoniu Wang Taro Abe Tetiana Paientko Yao Liu Yun Lin Zeki Atıl Bulut Zoran Mastilo               Ellery Willianms Editorial Assistant On behalf of, The Editorial Board of Business and Management Studies Redfame Publishing 9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416 Beaverton, OR 97008, USA URL: http://bms.redfame.com
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Young James
Published: January 2017

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue. Reviewers for Volume 4, Number 12Abdul Azim Akhtar Ahmet Yıkmış Anastasia Panagakos António Calha Begoña Montero-Fleta Emanuele Achino Henry Poduthas Julia M. Mack K. O. Aramide Katja Eman Oluwagbemiga Paul Agboola Ombretta Caldarice Rachita Shrivastava Roy Sandro Serpa Yanzhe Zhang Zafer İbrahimoğlu