bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of polycythaemia vera: a critical review of current data
Authors: McMullin Mary F. , Wilkins Bridget S. , Harrison Claire N.
Published: October 2015

Polycythaemia vera (PV) is a chronic blood cancer; its clinical features are dominated by myeloproliferation (erythrocytosis, often leucocytosis and/or thrombocytosis) and a tendency for thrombosis and transformation to myelofibrosis or acute myeloid leukaemia. In the past 10 years the pathophysiology of this condition has been defined as JAK/STAT pathway activation, almost always due to mutations in JAK2 exons 12 or 14 (JAK2 V617F). In the same time period our understanding of the optimal management of PV has expanded, most recently culminating in the approval of JAK inhibitors for the treatment of PV patients who are resistant or intolerant to therapy with hydroxycarbamide. It has also been demonstrated that life expectancy for many patients with PV is not normal, nor is their quality of life. We critically explore these findings and discuss their impact. In addition, we highlight persisting gaps in our current management strategy; for example, what is the optimal first line cytoreductive therapy and, indeed, which patients need cytoreductive drugs.
Oral enclomiphene citrate raises testosterone and preserves sperm counts in obese hypogonadal men, unlike topical testosterone: restoration instead of replacement
Authors: Kim Edward D. , McCullough Andrew , Kaminetsky Jed
Published: October 2015

Objectives

To determine the effects of daily oral doses of enclomiphene citrate compared with topical testosterone gel treatment on serum total testosterone (TT), luteinising hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), and sperm counts in men with secondary hypogonadism.

Patients and Methods

Two parallel randomised, double‐blind, double‐dummy, placebo‐controlled, multicentre, phase III studies were undertaken to evaluate two doses of enclomiphene citrate vs testosterone gel (AndroGel®1.62%) on TT, LH, FSH, and sperm counts in overweight men aged 18–60 years with secondary hypogonadism. Men were screened and enrolled in the trials (ZA‐304 and ZA‐305). All enrolled men had early morning serum TT levels in the low or low normal range (≤300 ng/dL; ≤10.4 nmol/L) and had low or normal LH (<9.4 IU/L) levels measured on two separate occasions 2–10 days apart. Serum samples were obtained over the course of the study to determine relevant hormone levels at baseline and after 16 weeks of treatment. Men provided semen samples twice to enroll at the beginning and twice at the end of the study.

Results

TT levels increased between baseline and after 16 weeks of treatment in all the treatment groups. FSH and LH levels increased in the enclomiphene citrate groups and decreased in the testosterone gel group at 16 weeks. Enclomiphene citrate maintained sperm concentration in the normal range over the treatment period, while there was a marked reduction in spermatogenesis in the testosterone gel group.

Conclusions

Enclomiphene citrate consistently increased serum TT, LH and FSH, restoring normal levels of serum TT. Enclomiphene citrate treatment maintained sperm concentrations in the normal range. The effects on TT were also seen with testosterone replacement via testosterone gel but sperm counts were not maintained.
(Un)Real Animals: Anthropomorphism and Early Learning About Animals
Authors: Geerdts Megan S.
Published: October 2015

Children are frequently exposed to anthropomorphic depictions of animals. The impact of anthropomorphism on children's development of factual and biological knowledge about real animals has consequences for how we engage children in early learning about the natural world. In this article, I discuss recent cross‐cultural and experimental studies on children's exposure to differing representations of animals, and studies that highlight the role that experiences with and about animals play in the development of biological reasoning and factual learning. Continued research that considers the conditions in which anthropomorphism may support early learning can explain discrepancies in previous research and help advance the ways we address the place of anthropomorphism in early educational experiences.
Effect of acute and chronic glucocorticoid therapy on insulin sensitivity and postprandial vascular function
Authors: Radhakutty Anjana , Mangelsdorf Brenda L. , Drake Sophie M. , Samocha‐Bonet Dorit , Jenkins Arthur B. , Heilbronn Leonie K. , Smith Malcolm D. , Thompson Campbell H. , Burt Morton G.
Published: October 2015

Objective

Postprandial hyperglycaemia is associated with increased arterial stiffness and cardiovascular events. Low‐dose prednisolone causes insulin resistance that typically manifests as postprandial hyperglycaemia. We investigated whether prednisolone causes postprandial vascular dysfunction in a cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Design

An open interventional and cross‐sectional study was undertaken.

Patients and measurements

Eighteen subjects with rheumatoid arthritis who had not taken oral glucocorticoids for ≥6 months were studied before and after prednisolone 6 mg/day for 7 days to determine the acute effects of prednisolone. Pre‐prednisolone data were compared to 18 subjects with rheumatoid arthritis taking long‐term (>6 months) prednisolone (6·5 ± 1·8 mg/day) to assess the chronic effects of prednisolone. Augmentation index (by applanation tonometry) and reactive hyperaemia index (by peripheral artery tonometry) were measured before and after a mixed‐meal (10 kcal/kg, 45% carbohydrate, 15% protein, 40% fat). Insulin sensitivity was estimated by the Matsuda index and sympathetic nervous system activity from urinary noradrenaline excretion.

Results

Matsuda index was lower after acute (2·0 ± 1·0 vs 3·6 ± 1·1, P = 0·01) and chronic (1·9 ± 1·0 vs 3·6 ± 1·1, P = 0·04) prednisolone. Postprandial augmentation index was lower after acute prednisolone (2551 ± 197 vs 2690 ± 272%*min, P ≤ 0·001), but not chronic prednisolone. There were no significant differences in reactive hyperaemia index with acute or chronic prednisolone. Noradrenaline excretion was lower after acute (54 ± 8 vs 93 ± 23 nmol/6 h, P = 0·02), but not chronic, prednisolone.

Conclusions

Prednisolone‐induced insulin resistance is not associated with postprandial vascular dysfunction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Reduced sympathetic activity may contribute to the reduction in postprandial arterial stiffness with acute prednisolone.
Health‐related quality of life in patients treated for nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas during the years 2000–2010
Authors: Karppinen Atte , Ritvonen Elina , Roine Risto , Sintonen Harri , Vehkavaara Satu , Kivipelto Leena , Grossman Ashley B. , Niemelä Mika , Schalin‐Jäntti Camilla
Published: October 2015

Objective

The published data on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) after treatment of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) are conflicting. We evaluated HRQoL in a recent series of patients who had surgery for an NFPA.

Design

Cross‐sectional study including a large control population.

Patients and Measurements

A HRQoL questionnaire (15D) was sent to all patients (n = 161) having undergone transsphenoidal surgery for NFPA in the years 2000–2010 at the Helsinki University Hospital. The 15D score and dimension scores of the study population (n = 137) were compared with those of a large (n = 4967) gender‐ and age‐standardized control population. Possible independent predictors of HRQoL in the patients were estimated with multivariate regression analysis.

Results

Postoperatively, 57% of the patients had normal visual function. After a mean follow‐up of 7·4 ± 3·2 years (mean ± SD), 62% suffered from hypopituitarism. Overall, HRQoL was near‐normal in patients compared to controls (15D scores 0·885 ± 0·114 vs 0·903 ± 0·093, respectively, P = 0·07). On single dimensions, patients had impaired vision and sexual activity (both P < 0·0005), more depression and distress (both P < 0·005) and less discomfort and symptoms (P < 0·05). Age, body mass index, diabetes, depression and reoperation were independent predictors of impaired HRQoL (all P < 0·05). Thyroxine substitution was associated with impaired and hydrocortisone and testosterone substitution (males only) with better HRQoL (all P < 0·05).

Conclusions

This recent series of NFPA patients demonstrates that overall HRQoL is near‐normal after medium term follow‐up; the most impaired dimensions were in vision and sexual activity. Comorbidities are strong predictors of impaired HRQoL.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Ussavarungsi Kamonpun , Thomas Colleen S. , Burger Charles D.
Published: October 2015

Background and Aims

To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) – a potential phenotypical risk for pulmonary hypertension (PH) – in patients with PH and by PH diagnostic group including group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); group 1.1 idiopathic PAH, groups 1.2 heritable PAH, 1.3 drug and toxin induced, 1.4 associated PAH, group 2 PH with left heart disease, group 3 PH associated with lung disease and/or hypoxemia, group 4 PH owing to chronic thrombotic and/or embolic disease, and group 5 PH from multifactorial mechanisms.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients referred to Mayo Clinic in Florida from January 1990 to October 2013 (N = 1287). Only patients whom PH was confirmed by right heart catheterization were included (N = 640). MetS was defined with at least three of the following: systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia and body mass index > 30.

Results

MetS was prevalent in 247 of 640 (39%) with PH: 13% in group 1.1 PAH, 12% in groups 1.2–1.4 PAH, 54% in group 2, 55% in group 3, 23% in group 4 and 24% in group 5. After adjusting for age, sex and race, diagnostic subgroup analysis revealed a higher prevalence of MetS in WHO Group 2 PH patients [adjusted odd ratios (OR): 2.58, P < 0.0001] and WHO group 3 PH (adjusted OR: 2.77, P < 0.0001) when compared to group 1 PH.

Conclusion

The prevalence of MetS was observed in 39% of patients with PH; however, among PH patients, the prevalence was higher in group 2 and 3 PH.
Genetic analysis along an invasion pathway reveals endemic cryptic taxa, but a single species with little population structure in the introduced range
Authors: Hill Matthew P. , Hoffmann Ary A. , Umina Paul A. , Cheng Xuan , Miller Adam D.
Published: October 2015

Aim

The invasion pathways of pest arthropods can be traced using genetic tools to develop an understanding of the processes that have shaped successful invasions and to inform both pest management and conservation strategies in their non‐native and native ranges, respectively. The redlegged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor, is a major economic pest in Australia, successfully establishing and spreading after arrival from South Africa more than 100 years ago. Halotydeus destructor has recently expanded its range and evolved resistance to numerous pesticides in Australia, raising questions around its origin and spread.

Location

South Africa and Australia.

Methods

We sampled H. destructor populations in South Africa and Australia and developed a microsatellite marker library. We then examined genetic variation using mtDNA and microsatellite markers across both native and invasive ranges to determine endemic genetic diversity within South Africa, identify the likely origin of invasive populations and test genetic divergence across Australia.

Results

The data show that H. destructor comprises a cryptic species complex in South Africa, with putative climatic/host plant associations that may correspond to regional variation. A lineage similar to that found near Cape Town has spread throughout Western and eastern Australia, where populations remain genetically similar.

Main conclusions

Tracing the invasion pathway of this economically important pest revealed cryptic lineages in South Africa which points to the need for a taxonomic revision. The absence of significant genetic structure across the wide invasive range of H. destructor within Australia has implications for the development (and spread) of pesticide resistance and also points to recent local adaptation in physiological traits.
Incretin therapies: highlighting common features and differences in the modes of action of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors
Authors: Nauck M.
Published: October 2015

Over the last few years, incretin‐based therapies have emerged as important agents in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). These agents exert their effect via the incretin system, specifically targeting the receptor for the incretin hormone glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1), which is partly responsible for augmenting glucose‐dependent insulin secretion in response to nutrient intake (the ‘incretin effect’). In patients with T2D, pharmacological doses/concentrations of GLP‐1 can compensate for the inability of diabetic β cells to respond to the main incretin hormone glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, and this is therefore a suitable parent compound for incretin‐based glucose‐lowering medications. Two classes of incretin‐based therapies are available: GLP‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors. GLP‐1RAs promote GLP‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) signalling by providing GLP‐1R stimulation through ‘incretin mimetics’ circulating at pharmacological concentrations, whereas DPP‐4 inhibitors prevent the degradation of endogenously released GLP‐1. Both agents produce reductions in plasma glucose and, as a result of their glucose‐dependent mode of action, this is associated with low rates of hypoglycaemia; however, there are distinct modes of action resulting in differing efficacy and tolerability profiles. Furthermore, as their actions are not restricted to stimulating insulin secretion, these agents have also been associated with additional non‐glycaemic benefits such as weight loss, improvements in β‐cell function and cardiovascular risk markers. These attributes have made incretin therapies attractive treatments for the management of T2D and have presented physicians with an opportunity to tailor treatment plans. This review endeavours to outline the commonalities and differences among incretin‐based therapies and to provide guidance regarding agents most suitable for treating T2D in individual patients.
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Cardiac Pseudotumors: Echocardiographic Evaluation and Review of the Literature
Authors: Maybrook Ryan J. , Afzal Muhammad R. , Parashar Sonya , Deibert Brent , Chivington Mary , Walker Jacquelyn Y. , Dawn Buddhadeb , Parashara Deepak
Published: October 2015

Echocardiography is the most common imaging modality for the assessment of cardiovascular tumors, followed by more advanced imaging modalities, such as cardiac computed tomography or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Non‐neoplastic lesions that may simulate a true neoplasm on imaging are termed “cardiac pseudotumors.” As echocardiography is the initial imaging modality where pseudotumors are identified, it is imperative to have a fundamental understanding of pseudotumors evaluation using echocardiography. There is paucity of the literature describing the different kinds of pseudotumors. This review is an attempt to describe common cardiac pseudotumors and to classify them based on their origin. The tumors arising from cardiac structures, such as epicardium, endocardium, or myocardium, were termed as “intrinsic” while the pseudotumors with no cardiac origin were termed as “extrinsic.” The more common pseudotumors are described in detail with pertinent echocardiographic features and examples.
Intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke in the elderly: data from the Baden‐Wuerttemberg stroke registry
Authors: Reuter B. , Gumbinger C. , Sauer T. , Wiethölter H. , Bruder I. , Rode S. , Ringleb P. A. , Kern R. , Hacke W. , Hennerici M. G. ,   Stroke Working Group of Baden‐Wuerttemberg
Published: October 2015

Background and purpose

In Europe intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for ischaemic stroke is still not approved for patients aged >80 years. However, elderly patients are frequently treated based on individual decision making. In a retrospective observational study a consecutive and prospective stroke registry in southwest Germany was analysed.

Methods

The data registry collected 101 349 patients with ischaemic stroke hospitalized from January 2008 to December 2012. Of these, 38 575 (38%) were aged 80 years and older and 10 286 (10.1%) underwent IVT. Favourable outcome at discharge was defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤1 or not worse than prior to stroke. Multiple logistic regression models stratified by 10‐year age groups were used to assess the relationship between IVT and mRS at discharge, adjusted for patient characteristics, admitting facility and length of hospital stay.

Results

The highest IVT rate was 15% in patients aged <50 years, with a continuous decline down to 8% in patients aged ≥90 years. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for patients 80–89 years of age were 2.20 (1.95–2.47) (P < 0.0001) and 1.25 (0.88–1.78) (P = 0.21) for patients >90 years of age, compared to patients of the same age decade not treated with IVT.

Conclusions

The evidence from routine hospital care in southwest Germany indicates that IVT is an effective treatment also for aged patients with ischaemic stroke in an age range between 80 and 89 years. Although no clear evidence for the effectiveness of IVT beyond 90 years was found, treatment should also be carefully considered in these patients. High age should not discourage from treatment.
Is an Outside Chair Always Better? The Role of Non‐CEO Inside Chairs on Corporate Boards
Authors: Mobbs Shawn
Published: October 2015

Proponents of separating the CEO and chairman positions advocate having an outside chairperson, although having an inside chairperson can be valuable for some firms. I find inside chairs are more likely where firm‐specific human capital is more important and, in these firms, inside chairs are associated with higher firm valuation and better operating performance. Furthermore, skilled inside chairs increase forced CEO turnover sensitivity to performance. The evidence suggests that certain inside chairs can be valuable when firm‐specific information is important for monitoring and an outside chair may be costly.
Aboveground biomass of understorey vegetation has a negligible or negative association with overstorey tree species diversity in natural forests
Authors: Zhang Yu , Chen Han Y. H. , Taylor Anthony R.
Published: October 2015

Aim

The positive relationships between tree species diversity, aboveground biomass and productivity of overstorey tree layers have been widely reported in tropical, temperate and boreal forest ecosystems. However, no consensus has been arrived at on the association between overstorey tree species diversity and the functions of understorey vegetation, such as the biomass of understorey tree, shrub, herb and bryophyte layers, despite their critical contributions to the diversity and functions of natural forests.

Location

Canadian forest (42°37′ to 68°14′ N; 53°25′ to 134°46′ W; 4 to 2170 m elevation).

Methods

We employed Canada's National Forest Inventory dataset to evaluate the influences of overstorey tree species diversity on the aboveground biomass of each forest stratum by accounting for the effects of climate, site condition and stand age.

Results

We found that aboveground biomass of overstorey trees and total aboveground biomass were positively associated with overstorey tree species richness; however, the aboveground biomass of understorey trees, shrubs, herbs and bryophytes were not associated or were negatively associated with overstorey tree species richness, evenness and life‐history trait variations.

Main conclusions

Our results show positive associations between aboveground biomass of the overstorey tree layer and overstorey tree species diversity over a wide range of climate, local site conditions and stand ages in natural forests. However, contrary to previous findings that more tree species result in higher levels of multiple ecosystem functions, including understorey plant functions, our results demonstrate that the aboveground biomass of understorey vegetation has either a negligible or negative association with overstorey tree species diversity. The negative associations between overstorey tree species diversity and understorey biomass possibly resulted from greater resource filtering by overstorey trees in ecosystems with more diverse overstorey tree species.
Impact of potentially inappropriate medication and continuity of care in a sample of Taiwan elderly patients with diabetes mellitus who have also experienced heart failure
Authors: Lai Yung‐Rung , Yang Yi‐Sun , Tsai Min‐Ling , Lu Ying‐Li , Kornelius Edy , Huang Chien‐Ning , Chiou Jeng‐Yuan
Published: October 2015

Aims

Continuity of care (COC) and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) can affect the elderly healthcare outcome. We evaluated the COC and PIM effects in older diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods

The Longitudinal Health Insurance Database of 2005 was multiple‐year claim data collected from 2005 to 2010 in Taiwan. There were both 823 DM and non‐DM subjects aged 65 years and older in this observational study. The COC index and 2012 Beers criteria were applied to evaluate the COC and HF‐PIM in older DM patients with heart failure. The dependent variables were either hospital admissions or emergency department visits. Generalized estimating equation was used to adjust all covariates.

Results

During 2005–2010, the rate of HF‐PIM in the elderly DM group was 86.1%, the mean COC index was 0.28 ± 0.19, the admission rate was 31.9% and the emergency department rate was 38.8 %. Lower COC index was associated with HF‐PIM and HF‐PIM duration in older DM patients with HF. Lower COC index was associated with hospitalizations (OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.05–0.11) and ED visits (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.07–0.13), but HF‐PIM was not significant. The duration of HF‐PIM was related with poor health outcomes over 90 and 180 days for hospitalization and emergency department visit, respectively.

Conclusion

Among elderly DM patients with HF, COC had positive effects on healthcare outcomes. Improving COC and reducing PIM duration for elderly DM patients with HF seems warranted. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1117–1126.
Age and sex differences in the taste sensitivity of young adult, young‐old and old‐old Japanese
Authors: Yoshinaka Masaki , Ikebe Kazunori , Uota Masahiro , Ogawa Taiji , Okada Tadashi , Inomata Chisato , Takeshita Hajime , Mihara Yusuke , Gondo Yasuyuki , Masui Yukie , Kamide Kei , Arai Yasumichi , Takahashi Ryutaro , Maeda Yoshinobu
Published: October 2015

Aim

The present study examined sex and age differences in taste sensitivity among young adult, young‐old and old‐old Japanese.

Methods

Participants were divided into three groups comprising 477 men and 519 women in the young‐old group (aged 69–71 years), 449 men and 500 women in the old‐old group (aged 79–81 years), and 35 men and 35 women in the young adult group (aged 24–32 years). Recognition thresholds for the four basic tastes were measured using the 1‐mL whole mouth gustatory test, in which taste solutions of the four basic tastes were tested in five concentrations.

Results

Young adults showed significantly lower recognition thresholds than the young‐old group, and the young‐old group showed significantly lower recognition thresholds than the old‐old group. Among the young‐old and old‐old groups, women showed significantly lower recognition thresholds than males for sour, salty and bitter tastes, but there was no sex difference in the sweet taste threshold between the two groups.

Conclusions

The present study confirmed that there are age and sex differences in taste sensitivity for the four basic tastes among young adult, young‐old, and old‐old Japanese, and that the sensitivity of sweet taste is more robust than the other tastes. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1281–1288.
European AIDS Clinical Society Standard of Care meeting on HIV and related coinfections: The Rome Statements
Authors: Mussini C , Antinori A , Bhagani S , Branco T , Brostrom M , Dedes N , Bereczky T , Girardi E , Gökengin D , Horban A , Lacombe K , Lundgren JD , Mendao L , Mocroft A , Oprea C , Porter K , Podlekareva D , Battegay M , d'Arminio Monforte A ,   the European Aids Clinical Society
Published: October 2015

Objectives

The objective of the 1st European AIDS Clinical Society meeting on Standard of Care in Europe was to raise awareness of the European scenario and come to an agreement on actions that could be taken in the future.

Methods

Data‐driven presentations were given on specific topics followed by interactive panel discussions.

Results

In Eastern European countries, the epidemic is largely driven by injecting drug use, in contrast with Western Europe where the infection mainly occurs through heterosexual contact. A high proportion of people living with HIV remain unaware of their infection. Substantial differences exist in Eastern Europe and Central Asia with respect to treatment coverage, regimen availability and continuity of drug supply. In 2012, tuberculosis case notification rates were 5–10 times higher in Eastern Europe compared with Western Europe, with an alarming proportion of newly diagnosed multi‐drug‐resistant cases. Hepatitis C is widespread in selected geographical areas and risk groups.

Conclusions

The key conclusion from the meeting was that a high‐priority group of actions could be identified, including: increasing HIV awareness and testing, improving training for health care providers, ensuring equitable patient access to treatments and diagnostics for HIV and comorbidities, and implementing best practices in infection control and treatment of HIV‐infected patients coinfected with tuberculosis and hepatitis C virus, for whom direct acting antiviral treatment. should be considered.
Pollution effects on labor supply and growth
Authors: Bosi Stefano , Desmarchelier David , Ragot Lionel
Published: October 2015

Recent empirical contributions have observed a significant negative impact of pollution on labor supply. These impacts have been largely ignored in the theoretical literature, which has focused on the effects of pollution on consumption demand. In this paper we study the short‐ and long‐run effects of pollution in a Ramsey model where pollution and labor supply are non‐separable arguments in households’ preferences. We determine sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of a long‐term equilibrium and we show how large (negative) effects of pollution on labor supply may promote macroeconomic volatility (deterministic cycles near the steady state) through a flip bifurcation.
Volatility smirk as an externality of agency conflict and growing debt
Authors: Jaskowski Marcin , McAleer Michael
Published: October 2015

Since the work of Black in the mid‐1970s, the source of the stock market volatility smirk has remained controversial. The volatility smirk is a side effect of agency conflict, and occurs in the optimum, even after resolving the agency conflict. The slope of the smirk increases with the severity of the initial agency conflict between management and investors. It is predicted that the higher is the compensation of the manager, the steeper is the volatility smirk, for both time series and cross‐sections of companies. These results help to disentangle the leverage effect from alternative explanations such as volatility feedback, time‐varying risk premium, and down‐market effects.
Interorganizational Relationships in Marketing: A Critical Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Agostini Lara , Nosella Anna
Published: October 2015

Over recent decades, the area of marketing interorganizational relationships (IORs) has received increasing attention from both academics and practitioners, even if a comprehensive portrayal of past research is still lacking. Hence, the aim of the present paper is to review the literature on marketing IORs in order to develop a framework meant to organize the different contributions in this area and suggest new paths for future research. The analysis suggests that three main streams of research can be identified with regard to the type of relationship between variables investigated by each article. Moreover, taking into account the purpose of the IOR, common patterns within each stream may be identified. A critical analysis of articles grounded on both the streams and the purpose of marketing IORs suggests there are still substantial gaps in knowledge, which open new paths for future research regarding both methodological issues and hot topics.
Gordon's model applied to nursing care of people with depression
Authors: Temel M. , Kutlu F.Y.
Published: October 2015

Background

Psychiatric nurses should consider the patient's biological, psychological and social aspects. Marjory Gordon's Functional Health Pattern Model ensures a holistic approach for the patient.

Aim

To examine the effectiveness of Gordon's Functional Health Pattern Model in reducing depressive symptoms, increasing self‐efficacy, coping with depression and increasing hope in people with depression.

Design

A quasi‐experimental two‐group pre‐test and post‐test design was adopted.

Methods

Data were collected from April 2013 to May 2014 from people with depression at the psychiatry clinic of a state hospital in Turkey; they were assigned to the intervention (n = 34) or control group (n = 34). The intervention group received nursing care according to Gordon's Functional Health Pattern Model and routine care, while the control group received routine care only. The Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Hopelessness Scale and Depression Coping Self‐Efficacy Scale were used.

Results

The intervention group had significantly lower scores on the Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Hopelessness Scale at the post‐test and 3‐month follow‐up; they had higher scores on the Depression Coping Self‐Efficacy Scale at the 3‐month follow‐up when compared with the control group.

Limitation

The study was conducted at only one psychiatry clinic. The intervention and control group patients were at the clinic at the same time and influenced each other. Moreover, because clinical routines were in progress during the study, the results cannot only be attributed to nursing interventions.

Discussion

Nursing models offer guidance for the care provided. Practices based on the models return more efficient and systematic caregiving results with fewer health problems.

Conclusion

Gordon's Functional Health Pattern Model was effective in improving the health of people with depression and could be introduced as routine care with ongoing evaluation in psychiatric clinics. More research is needed to evaluate Gordon's Nursing Model effect on people with depression. Future studies could focus on the effects of this nursing model on people with other psychiatric disorders.

Implications for nursing and health policy

This study highlighted that psychiatric nurses' role decreased depressive symptoms and hopelessness, and increased coping and self‐efficacy in people with depression.
Rhinovirus‐associated pulmonary exacerbations show a lack of FEV1 improvement in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Cousin Mathias , Molinari Nicolas , Foulongne Vincent , Caimmi Davide , Vachier Isabelle , Abely Michel , Chiron Raphael
Published: October 2015

Background

Respiratory viral infections lead to bronchial inflammation in patients with cystic fibrosis, especially during pulmonary exacerbations. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of viral‐associated pulmonary exacerbations in children with cystic fibrosis and failure to improve forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) after an appropriate treatment.

Methods

We lead a pilot study from January 2009 until March 2013. Children with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis were longitudinally evaluated three times: at baseline (Visit 1), at the diagnosis of pulmonary exacerbation (Visit 2), and after exacerbation treatment (Visit 3). Nasal and bronchial samples were analyzed at each visit with multiplex viral respiratory PCR panel (qualitative detection of 16 viruses). Pulmonary function tests were recorded at each visit, in order to highlight a possible failure to improve them after treatment. Lack of improvement was defined by an increase in FEV1 less than 5% between Visit 2 and Visit 3.

Results

Eighteen children were analyzed in the study. 10 patients failed to improve by more than 5% their FEV1 between Visit 2 and Visit 3. Rhinovirus infection at Visit 2 or Visit 3 was the only risk factor significantly associated with such a failure (OR, 12; 95% CI, 1·3–111·3), P = 0·03.

Conclusions

Rhinovirus infection seems to play a role in the FEV1 recovery after pulmonary exacerbation treatment in children with cystic fibrosis. Such an association needs to be confirmed by a large‐scale study because this finding may have important implications for pulmonary exacerbation management.
New insights into the evolutionary history of white sharks, Carcharodon carcharias
Authors: Andreotti Sara , von der Heyden Sophie , Henriques Romina , Rutzen Michael , Meÿer Michael , Oosthuizen Herman , Matthee Conrad A.
Published: October 2015

Aim

To determine the genetic structure of the white shark population around the South African coastline and, by including data from animals sampled elsewhere in the world, to provide new insights into white shark evolution at the global scale.

Methods

Mitochondrial and microsatellite analyses were performed on 302 free‐ranging white sharks collected from five sites along the South African coastline. This was augmented with 58 GenBank sequences originating from five distinct global populations. Genetic diversity, local population sub‐structuring analyses and global phylogeographical patterns were determined.

Results

Four mtDNA haplotypes restricted to South Africa were recovered. One common haplotype was shared by 89% of all the individuals and was 13 bp different from the second most common haplotype shared by 10% of the remaining sharks. No local geographical sub‐structuring was evident for either mtDNA or nuclear DNA. Both data sets show a remarkably low level of genetic diversity (mtDNA: h = 0.205, π = 0.0027; nDNA: Na = 7.6, Ho = 0.675). At the global scale, three distinct geographical clades were detected which could not be connected with 95% confidence in the haplotype network.

Main conclusions

Results indicate that the observed South African mtDNA biogeographical pattern and diversity levels may be a consequence of a severe bottleneck or a recent colonization event from one or two sources. Globally, the population of white sharks can be differentiated into three mtDNA clades confined to (1) the Mediterranean and Indo‐Pacific Oceans (Australia and California), (2) the North West Atlantic (Florida) and Indian Ocean (South Africa), and (3) a single divergent haplotype restricted to South Africa. The pattern is most likely the result of a combination of site philopatry, isolation by distance, infrequent long‐distance dispersal, isolated founder events and the closure of the Isthmus of Panama.
A knowledge‐structure‐based adaptive dynamic assessment system for calculus learning
Authors: Ting M.‐Y. , Kuo B.‐C.
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a calculus system that was designed using an adaptive dynamic assessment (DA) framework on performance in the “finding an area using an integral”. In this study, adaptive testing and dynamic assessment were combined to provide different test items depending on students’ abilities. Prompts were provided from among various options. Two hundred fifty‐seven freshmen from one public university in Taiwan participated in the study. The pre‐test was held within one week after the examinees learned how to find an area using an integral. Remedial instruction was completed within two weeks, and the students were administered the post‐ test. Two weeks after the administration of the post‐test, a delayed post‐test was administered to evaluate the students’ retention. When an examinee responded to an item correctly, he received a score. Otherwise, the student was given a prompt. In this study, five experimental groups were compared: three different DA groups, one self‐study group and one remedial group instruction. The results of the study revealed that the instructive effect of the adaptive dynamic assessment approach (the third DA group) was the best and that the proposed methods helped students improve their learning performance.
Prolonged silencing of diacylglycerol acyltransferase‐1 induces a dedifferentiated phenotype in human liver cells
Authors: Chang Soyoung , Sung Pil Soo , Lee Jungsul , Park Junseong , Shin Eui‐Cheol , Choi Chulhee
Published: October 2015

Diacylglycerol acyltransferase‐1 (DGAT1), a key enzyme in triglyceride (TG) biogenesis, is highly associated with metabolic abnormalities, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, the effects of DGAT1 silencing in the human liver have not been elucidated. To investigate the effects of DGAT1 silencing in human liver cells, we compared the cellular behaviours of DGAT1‐deficient Huh‐7.5 cell lines with those of control Huh‐7.5 cells. DGAT1‐deficient cells acquired dedifferentiated and stem cell‐like characteristics, such as formation of aggregates in the presence of high levels of growth factors, high proliferation rates and loss of albumin secretion. In relation to aggregate formation, the expression level of various adhesion molecules was significantly altered in DGAT1‐deficient cells. Microarray data analysis and immunostaining of patient tissue samples clearly showed decreased expression levels of DGAT1 and integrin β1 in patients who have nodular cirrhosis without fatty degeneration.
Long‐term assessment of effectiveness and quality of life of OnabotulinumtoxinA injections in provoked vestibulodynia
Authors: Pelletier F. , Girardin M. , Humbert P. , Puyraveau M. , Aubin F. , Parratte B.
Published: October 2015

Background

Provoked vestibulodynia is a relatively common condition that affects sexual activity. Multidisciplinary care is indicated and OnabotulinumtoxinA injections are safe and effective treatment in this indication.

Aims

To assess the long‐term efficacy of OnabotulinumtoxinA in provoked vestibulodynia.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐one patients treated with OnabotulinumtoxinA injections (50U in each bulbospongiosus muscle) 24 months prior to the study were included. Data on pain [assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS)], quality of life [measured by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)] and quality of sex life [assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)] were collected before treatment, and 3 and 24 months after injection.

Results

Nineteen patients participated in the study and 37% had no pain after 24 months. Significant improvements were noted in the VAS, DLQI and FSFI scores between baseline and 24 months post treatment (P < 0.0001). After 24 months, 18 patients (95%) were able to have sexual intercourse.

This study was open and non‐controlled.

Discussion and conclusion

100U OnabotulinumtoxinA injections constitute an effective treatment in provoked vestibulodynia with results maintained after 2 years. They significantly improve pain, and have a positive impact on patient quality of life and sex life. Beneficial effects continue in the long‐term, allowing patients to resume sexual activity.
Back to the future: assessing the damage of 2004 Dhaka flood in the 2050 urban environment
Authors: Khan D.M. , Veerbeek W. , Chen A.S. , Hammond M.J. , Islam F. , Pervin I. , Djordjević S. , Butler D.
Published: October 2015

Planning to make a city flood resilient needs proper assessment of future conditions. Urban growth models are being used as a planning tool for city development. Within the project Collaborative Research in Flood Resilience in Urban Areas (CORFU), flood management strategies suitable for cities with varied geographic and socio‐economic conditions have been developed. In the paper, we adopted urban growth model to project the possible future conditions of Dhaka City, the rapidly developing capital of Bangladesh. Bangladesh lies in the delta of the Himalayan Mountain range and experiences frequent flooding. In 2004 an extreme nationwide flood event occurred, which caused major damage to Dhaka City. If the same event were to occur in 2050, it can be expected that the damage would increase significantly. Through the application of the urban growth, hydraulic and damage assessment models, we were able to determine the damage that can be expected to happen in 2050. The paper also describes the key factors that are important to determine this impact and the associated uncertainties.
Effect of Hospital Volume on Outcomes of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair: An Early US Experience
Authors: Patel Nileshkumar J. , Badheka Apurva O. , Jhamnani Sunny , Panaich Sidakpal S. , Singh Vikas , Patel Nilay , Arora Shilpkumar , Grines Cindy L. , Cleman Micheal , Forrest John K.
Published: October 2015

Background

Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) is a complex procedure for patients with mitral regurgitation who cannot get surgery. However, there is a lack of data on how hospital volumes affect these outcomes.

Methods

We performed a cross sectional study based on Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Nationwide Inpatient Sample database of 2012 and identified subjects using the ICD‐9‐CM procedure code of 35.97, which was introduced in October 2010 for percutaneous mitral valve repair if present in the primary or secondary procedure field. Hospital volumes were divided into tertiles. The primary outcome was a composite of in‐hospital mortality and peri‐procedural complications. Length of stay and hospitalization cost were also assessed.

Results

A total of 95 (weighted n = 475) TMVR procedures were identified. The mean age of the overall cohort was 70 years; 43.2% were female and 63.2% had a significant baseline burden of co‐morbidities. The composite of in‐hospital mortality and peri‐procedural complications decreased with increasing TMVR hospital volume: 48.7% in the first tertile, 17.4% in the second tertile, and 9.1% in the third tertile. Additionally, we saw a decrease in the length of stay and a trend in decrease in the hospitalization cost.

Conclusion

In hospitals performing TMVR, higher hospital volumes are associated with a reduction in a composite of in‐hospital mortality and post‐procedural complications, in addition to the shorter length of stay. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:464–471)
A Multivariate Analysis of Intercompany Loss Triangles
Authors: Shi Peng
Published: October 2015

The prediction of insurance liabilities often requires aggregating experience of loss payment from multiple insurers. The resulting data set of intercompany loss triangles displays a multilevel structure of claim development where a portfolio consists of a group of insurers, each insurer several lines of business, and each line various cohorts of claims. In this article, we propose a Bayesian hierarchical model to analyze intercompany claim triangles. A copula regression is employed to join multiple triangles of each insurer, and a hierarchical structure is specified on major parameters to allow for information pooling across insurers. Numerical analysis is performed for an insurance portfolio of multivariate loss triangles from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. We show that prediction is improved through borrowing strength within and between insurers based on training and holdout observations.
Party Unity, Ideology, and Polarization in Primary Elections for the House of Representatives: 1956–2012
Authors: Pyeatt Nicholas
Published: October 2015

Increasing party polarization in Congress is a vexing phenomenon for political scientists, as it offers a theoretical conundrum. Members of Congress have become increasingly ideologically divided by party in recent years, which seems counterintuitive as the public electorally punishes representatives for excessive partisanship and ideological behavior. One explanation for this result is that members receive benefits for such behavior during primaries. This article examines the effect of ideological and partisan behavior on primary challenges and primary vote totals for incumbent House members. The results show that incumbents receive benefits in the primary from greater levels of partisanship but not greater levels of ideological extremity. This finding is substantively important as it provides further insight into the motivation of congressional incumbents and offers a partial explanation for the rise in congressional polarization.
Meta‐Analysis of Efficacy and Safety of Apixaban in Patients Undergoing Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: LU DASHENG , LIU QIAN , WANG KAI , ZHANG QI , SHAN QI‐JUN
Published: October 2015

Background

The efficacy and safety of apixaban in patients undergoing catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) are little investigated.

Methods

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, and EMBASE were searched up to September 2015. Four literatures comparing apixaban with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) were included. Data were pooled in Review Manager Software, using Mantel‐Haenszel methods with a fixed‐effects model. The funnel plots and Egger's test were used to examine publication bias. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of each study were calculated and pooled.

Results

No significant differences were observed in rates of total bleeding (RR = 0.91, 95% CI [0.57, 1.46], I2 = 0.0%), thromboembolic complications (RR = 0.75, 95% CI [0.03, 18.22], I2 = 0.0%), or total events (RR = 0.90, 95% CI [0.56, 1.44], I2 = 0.0%) between apixaban and VKAs group. The frequency of major bleeding was similar between apixaban and VKAs group (RR = 1.34, 95% CI [0.34, 5.30], I2 = 0.0%).

Conclusion

Apixaban was as effective and safe as VKAs in the periprocedural period of CA.
Tacrolimus interaction with dexmedetomidine—a case report
Authors: Stiehl Sarah R. , Squires James E. , Bucuvalas John C. , Hemmelgarn Trina S.
Published: October 2015

Drugs and xenobiotics that inhibit the CYP‐450 isoenzyme 3A4 are associated with increased serum tacrolimus levels. We sought to determine whether there was a temporal association between initiation of dexmedetomidine and increased serum tacrolimus levels. An interaction has not been previously documented. We reviewed tacrolimus levels and dosing in a pediatric patient aged 8 months who had undergone deceased‐donor liver transplantation for biliary atresia and later required sedation with dexmedetomidine continuous infusion during the POD (212–216). Serum tacrolimus trough levels increased 4‐fold from 3.4 to 13.1 ng/mL (tacrolimus regimen: 1 mg every 12 h) within 21 h of initiating dexmedetomidine. During dexmedetomidine infusion, serum tacrolimus trough levels were maintained with doses that were 25% of baseline tacrolimus dose. Tacrolimus trough levels decreased to below goal range within 30–40 h of discontinuation of dexmedetomidine. Data submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration demonstrate that dexmedetomidine inhibits CYP 3A4 and may produce adequate liver concentrations that could interfere with tacrolimus metabolism. We suggest that tacrolimus levels should be carefully monitored in children receiving prolonged infusions of dexmedetomidine to avoid adverse events associated with elevated tacrolimus levels.