bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cost-effectiveness of telestroke in the Pacific Northwest region of the USA
Authors: Nelson Richard E , Okon Nicholas , Lesko Alexandra C , Majersik Jennifer J , Bhatt Archit , Baraban Elizabeth
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Using real-world data from the Providence Oregon Telestroke Network, we examined the cost-effectiveness of telestroke from both the spoke and hub perspectives by level of financial responsibility for these costs and by patient stroke severity.

Methods

We constructed a decision analytic model using patient-level clinical and financial data from before and after telestroke implementation. Effectiveness was measured as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and was combined with cost per patient outcomes to calculate incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICERs). Outcomes were generated (a) overall; (b) by stroke severity, via the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at time of arrival, defined as low (<5), medium (5–14) and high (>15); and (c) by percentage of implementation costs paid by spokes (0%, 50%, 100%).

Results

Data for 864 patients, 98 pre- and 766 post-implementation, were used to parameterize our model. From the spoke perspective, telestroke had ICERs of US$1322/QALY, US$25,991/QALY and US$50,687/QALY when responsible for 0%, 50%, and 100% of these costs, respectively. Overall, the ICER ranged from US$22,363/QALY to US$71,703/QALY from the hub perspective.

Conclusions

Our results support previous models showing good value, overall. However, costs and ICERs varied by stroke severity, with telestroke being most cost-effective for severe strokes. Telestroke was least cost effective for the spokes if spokes paid for more than half of implementation costs.
Sociologies of the South and the actor-network-theory
Authors: Rosa Marcelo C.
Published: November 2015

This article analyses the contributions of the sociologies or theories of the South to the contemporary debates on the production of theory in the social sciences. Starting with the assumption that these projects adopt a critical view of how sociology has privileged certain objects over others in a colonial way, it proposes an analysis that makes use of certain aspects of the actor-network theory. This approach, it is suggested, will help the sociologies of the South to focus on the production of ontoforms as their specific object, ontoforms which expand and at times challenge the established hegemonic notions of the social and of agency in this area of knowledge.
Managing menu innovation in a saturated market: An empirical evidence from the Chain restaurants in Malaysia
Authors: Mifli Mazalan , Hashim Rahmat , Zainal Artinah
Published: November 2015

This paper presents the empirical results of a recently concluded research study about managing menu innovation in a consumer market that has reached to its saturation level. Such market condition resulting in increased competition and, therefore, a need for increased innovation is essential. In this study, an investigation was carried in substantiating the effect of market saturation toward the relationship between innovation orientations and new menu innovation process. The region of Klang Valley was chosen as the study setting for its dynamic and matured consumer foodservice market. In this investigation, the theoretical conceptualization and the empirical validation of the proposed menu innovation process as a second-order hierarchical model along with the moderating variable of market saturation as first-order constructs were first advanced using both Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 19) and partial least squares. Empirically, the measurement and structural models of this study confirmed adequate estimations based on partial least squares path modeling parameters. In line with the strength of partial least squares to explain complex relationships, the use of path modeling has made it possible to advance the theoretical contribution to this study. The results show that the moderating effect of market saturation on the link between the exogenous and endogenous variables found to have a medium effect size ( f2 = 0.289) and significant at ρ < 0.05). The findings point to managerial challenges in shaping competition as evidence of radical innovations is still being pursued, although slightly weaken. This study, apart from its contribution to the model development of menu innovation process, has meaningful implications for restaurateurs to stay afloat in such a market condition.
Comparison of luminous intensity distributions
Authors: Gassmann F , Krueger U , Bergen T , Schmidt F
Published: November 2015

Luminous intensity distributions enable an evaluation of the spatial radiation characteristic of a light source. This radiation characteristic is determined by the structural properties of the light source, its operating parameters and the properties of the measuring system. This paper describes some possible methods and rules for comparing luminous intensity distributions. The focus is on the development of calculation rules for quantifying the differences between two luminous intensity distributions. The difference measures developed allow the user to establish an objective comparison between luminous intensity distributions, this comparison being completely independent of the measuring system, the properties of the luminous intensity distributions and the users themselves. Further, the dependence of the properties of luminous intensity distributions resulting from measurement practice, such as adjustment uncertainties, regions that cannot be covered or measured, deviations of the total luminous flux, data noise and resolution differences, are discussed, and appropriate pre-processing and correction steps proposed. In addition, various visualisations of the differences between two luminous intensity distributions are demonstrated and the functionality of the difference measures developed is documented.
Strategic Cooperation
Authors: O’Geen Andrew J. , Parker Christopher M.
Published: November 2015

How do competing motivations influence the decisions of justices to author concurring opinions? Justices must balance their desire to shape the law and public policy toward their preferred position with the need for strong and stable coalitions. We construct a theoretical model of cooperative behavior that explicitly accounts for the competing individual- and group-level considerations of U.S. Supreme Court justices. Our theory identifies conditions specific to justices, coalitions, and cases that make the authoring of a separate opinion attractive to justices. We test these expectations using data from 40 years of justice votes within some 4,500 cases. The results of our empirical analyses support our theoretical expectations and show that the choice of a justice in the initial majority to write separately is conditional on characteristics of the justices and the coalition. We also highlight the important implications of our findings for the study of judicial decision making and policymaking more generally.
The Phenomenology of the “Other” in Computer Game Worlds
Authors: Scriven Paul
Published: November 2015

This article discusses the application of a phenomenological framework to inform research in computer game worlds like massively multiplayer online games. Based on the phenomenological sociology of Alfred Schutz, this article examines some of the key problems facing researchers in online spaces, such as the absence of the corporeal “Other.” In discussing these issues using the vocabulary of Schutz’s phenomenology, this article attempts to clarify some key concepts to contribute to a useful framework for conducting social research in computer game worlds. This article examines how the transcendent nature of online social experiences in game environments like World of Warcraft contribute to a distinct context of meaning. An understanding of the ways in which social game worlds can be constituted as sites of unique experience may be useful for researchers wishing to examine these spaces from ethnographic or similar perspectives.
Undersized angioplasty and stenting of symptomatic intracranial tight stenosis with Enterprise: Evaluation of clinical and vascular outcome
Authors: Lee Kun-Yu , Chen David Yen-Ting , Hsu Hui-Ling , Chen Chi-Jen , Tseng Ying-Chi
Published: November 2015

Background

Severe intracranial arterial stenosis results in more than 10% incidence of stroke and transient ischemic attack. Using undersized angioplasty with off-label closed-cell Enterprise stent may be a feasible alternative option for treating patients with intracranial atherosclerotic disease who fail dual-antiplatelet medical therapy. The results of the authors’ study are presented in this paper.

Materials and methods

Between January 2013 and July 2014, 24 symptomatic patients with a total of 30 intracranial arterial stenotic lesions refractory to medical therapy, who underwent undersized angioplasty and Enterprise stenting, were retrospectively reviewed in the authors’ institution. The results evaluated include technical success rate, clinical outcome measured as modified Rankin Scale at presentation and follow-up, peri-procedural morbidity within 30 days and 1 year, and follow-up vessel patency.

Results

Stent deployment was successfully achieved in all stenotic lesions (30/30). Mean pre-stent and post-stent diameter residual stenosis was 81% and 18%, respectively. The peri-procedural complication rate during 30 days after stenting was 10% per lesion (3/30), including intracranial hemorrhage, in-stent thrombosis and ischemic stroke. No further thromboembolic event or complication occurred in any patient more than 30 days after stenting. Modified Rankin scale ≤ 2 was observed in 64% and 83% of patients at initial presentation and follow-up (mean 15.8 months), respectively. Imaging follow-up was available in 17 of 24 patients (70.8%) and 20 of 30 treated lesions (66.6%) with a mean follow-up period of 15.4 months. Only one asymptomatic in-stent restenosis occurred in 20 available lesions (5.0%).

Conclusion

This preliminary study suggests that using undersized angioplasty and Enterprise stenting may effectively treat high-degree symptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis with favorable clinical and angiographic outcome.
Effect of a micro-copolymer addition on the thermal conductivity of fly ash mortars
Authors: Durán-Herrera A. , Campos-Dimas J.K. , Valdez-Tamez P.L. , Bentz Dale P.
Published: November 2015

In this study, a copolymer composed of hollow spherical particles with an average particle size of 90 µm was evaluated as a lightweight aggregate in Portland cement–fly ash mortars to improve the thermal conductivity ( k) of the composite. Mortars were produced for three different water/binder ratios by mass ( w/ b), 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6. Optimized proportions were obtained for a minimum target compressive strength of 35 kgf/cm2 (3.4 MPa) according to the requirements of Mexican standards for nonstructural masonry units. Thermal conductivity was determined for dry and saturated samples through the transient plane technique with average results of 0.16 and 0.31 W/(m K), respectively. These values represent an increment of 23% and a reduction of 33% in comparison to an efficient Portland cement–based commercially available thermal insulator.
Conservative management of midcarpal instability
Authors: Harwood C. , Turner L.
Published: November 2015

Midcarpal instability is a complex condition that can present in various forms, from mild pain to debilitating subluxation. Once diagnosed, treatment guidelines for hand therapy are limited by the scarcity of high-level evidence. Evidence does exist for use of proprioceptive awareness and neuromuscular rehabilitation for instability of the knee, shoulder and ankle joint, but studies of similar programmes for the wrist joint have not been published. The purpose of this review is to examine the evidence supporting current concepts in the non-operative management of midcarpal instability, and to provide recommendations for the management of this condition with hand therapy.
Faecal incontinence
Authors: Forbes Neil Christopher
Published: November 2015

Faecal incontinence (FI) affects between 2 and 24% of the general population. It is a distressing problem that can lead to social isolation and stigmatisation. The most significant risk factor for the development of FI is obstetric injury via vaginal delivery in nulliparous women. Its incidence increases with advancing age and affects more women than men (4:1); however, women are more likely to present to their GP. It is thought that the true incidence of the condition is likely to be much higher if reluctance to consult is taken into account. FI is defined as: ‘The involuntary loss of flatus, liquid or stool that is a social or hygiene problem’ occurring for at least 1 month according to the International Continence Society. Treatment of FI and its symptoms places a considerable financial burden on the NHS – the cost exceeds the total combined cost of all cardiac and anti-inflammatory medications. This review summarises the diagnosis and management of FI, with an emphasis on the role of the primary care physician in its management. This common condition can often be managed successfully in the community and the GP plays a key role in this process.
Emergency contraception
Authors: Taylor Siân
Published: November 2015

In 2013, one-in-six pregnancies among women in Britain were unplanned, and 21% of all pregnancies resulted in an abortion. Emergency contraception can be used to prevent an unintended pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or potential contraceptive failure; primary care can play a key role in provision of this option. This article will cover when emergency contraception should be offered, an overview of the three different methods available in the UK, as well as special circumstances, such as breastfeeding and the post-partum period, and the use of concomitant liver-enzyme-inducing drugs.
A Question of Time? A Longitudinal Analysis of the Relationship between News Media Consumption and Political Trust
Authors: Strömbäck Jesper , Djerf-Pierre Monika , Shehata Adam
Published: November 2015

Although there is plenty of research investigating the linkages between news media use and political distrust, virtually all of these studies focus on the impact of media use on political distrust at a particular point in time. At the same time, the transition from low-choice to high-choice media environments suggests that the relationship might not be stable across time. Whatever the linkages between news media use and political distrust were in the 1980s, 1990s, or 2000s, it cannot a priori be assumed that those linkages are the same or of equal strength today. Against this background, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the changing relationship between news media use and political trust across time. Among other things, the results show that there is a positive linkage between news media use and political trust but also that for some media, this relationship weakens across time.
Nurses’ perceptions of medication adherence in schizophrenia: results of the ADHES cross-sectional questionnaire survey
Authors: Emsley Robin , Alptekin Koksal , Azorin Jean-Michel , Cañas Fernando , Dubois Vincent , Gorwood Philip , Haddad Peter M. , Naber Dieter , Olivares José Manuel , Papageorgiou Georgios , Roca Miguel , Thomas Pierre , Hargarter Ludger , Schreiner Andreas ,   on behalf of the EMEA ADHES group
Published: November 2015

Objectives:

Poor adherence to antipsychotic treatment is a widespread problem within schizophrenia therapy with serious consequences including increased risks of relapse and rehospitalization. Mounting evidence supports the key roles that nurses play in monitoring patient progress and facilitating long-term treatment adherence. The Adherencia Terapéutica en la Esquizofrenia (ADHES) nurses’ survey was designed to assess the opinions of nurses on the causes and management of partial/nonadherence to antipsychotic medication.

Methods:

A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey of 4120 nurses from Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Interpretation of results was based on a descriptive comparison of responses.

Results:

Nurses perceived 54% of patients seen in the preceding month to be partially/nonadherent to treatment. Most nurses (90%) reported some level of experience with administration of long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics, with 24% of nurses administering >10 injections per month. The majority (85%) of nurses surveyed believed that improving adherence would improve patient outcomes. Nearly half (49%) reported that most of their patients depend on a family member or other nonprofessional carer to remind them to take their medication as prescribed. A similar proportion of nurses (43%) reported that most of their patients relied on a professional to remind them to take medication. Most nurses (92%) felt that ensuring continuous medication with LAI antipsychotics would yield long-term benefits for patients, but their opinion was that over a third of patients were unaware of LAI antipsychotic treatments. In a series of forced options, the strategy used most often by respondents (89%) to promote medication adherence was to build trusting relationships with patients while listening to and interpreting their needs and concerns. Respondents also rated this as the most effective strategy that they used (48%).

Conclusion:

Nurses are highly aware of adherence issues faced by their patients; further patient education on treatment options is needed.
Malicious practice of fake reviews: Experimental insight into the potential of contextual indicators in assisting consumers to detect deceptive opinion spam
Authors: Munzel Andreas
Published: November 2015

Consumers often rely on experiences from other individuals shared online when making purchase decisions; however, the trustworthiness of consumers’ online opinions is jeopardized by fake reviews. Three experimental studies were conducted that included different potential detection support mechanisms to identify fake reviews. The results show that a self-protection prime and two of the three tested detection support mechanisms affect the source’s trustworthiness. This research contributes to the field of online interactions by highlighting the potential of contextual – instead of textual – indicators, such as third-party labels and social proof, which assist Internet users in their efforts to detect fake reviews.
Temptation and prevention provided by the gambling industry: Main and interactive effects on gamblers
Authors: Lemarié Linda , Chebat Jean-Charles
Published: November 2015

Our study investigates the effects of pro versus anti-gambling messages funded by the gambling industry. Paradoxically, our results show that anti-gambling ads funded by the gambling industry enhance gambling intent as do pro-gambling ads. We propose some suggestions related to the ways this finding should guide public policies.
Understanding Poverty
Authors: Jerneck Anne
Published: November 2015

Policies and strategies to fight global environmental degradation, gender inequality, and poverty are often inadequate, ineffective, or insufficient. In response, this article seeks potential synergies and leverage points between three significant interrelated discourses that are often treated separately—development, gender, and environment. Proceeding from a brief history of development thinking and poverty definitions, I describe indicators, strategies, and approaches to poverty reduction and gender equality. Second, I analyze how targeting, mainstreaming, and market-based initiatives all fail both to distinguish empirical from analytical gender and to incorporate environment and gender into development policy and action—despite their key role in meeting the normative goal of poverty reduction. Third, through a political-ecology lens, I suggest an integrated approach to poverty, inequality, and socioenvironmental challenges that arise at the intersections of development, gender, and environment, and for that, I draw examples from research on social and environmental change and action in sub-Saharan Africa.
Semiotics and Sport Communication Research: Theoretical and Methodological Considerations
Authors: Lee Jung Woo
Published: November 2015

This article offers a discussion on the application of semiotics to sport and communication studies. It considers the theoretical orientations of semiotics and the key analytical foci to which semiotic research pays attention. Initially, this article reviews a linguistic theory of structuralism and poststructuralism. It also contemplates three paired concepts within the semiotic discipline that are particularly relevant to sport communication research. These include (1) the notion of denotation and connotation, (2) metaphoric and metonymic signs, and (3) syntagmatic and paradigmatic relations. This article also considers Derrida’s notions of différance and deconstruction. In addition, this article presents a case study of analysing the content of the Procter and Gamble Company’s marketing communication campaign associated with the Olympics in order to show how the conceptual tools of semiotics can be used for sport and communication studies. This case study indicates that the Olympic sponsor’s commercial messages naturalise the gender order underpinned by the notion of hegemonic masculinity. This work concludes that while semiotics is, by no means, a research tool without limitations, it can be a useful interpretative method for analysing meaning-making processes in sport communication and for identifying underlying ideological assumptions embedded in sport as a cultural text.
Tumour islet Foxp3+T-cell infiltration predicts poor outcome in nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: O'Callaghan Dermot S. , Rexhepaj Elton , Gately Kathy , Coate Linda , Delaney David , O'Donnell Dearbhaile M. , Kay Elaine , O'Connell Finbarr , Gallagher William M. , O'Byrne Kenneth J.
Published: November 2015

The impact of host immunity on outcome in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is controversial. We examined the relationship between lymphoid infiltration patterns in NSCLC and prognosis.

Tumour- and stroma-infiltrating CD3+, CD8+and forkhead box P3 (Foxp3)+T-lymphocytes were identified using immunohistochemistry and a novel image analysis algorithm to assess total, cytotoxic and regulatory T-lymphocyte counts, respectively, in 196 NSCLC cases. The median cell count was selected as a cut-point to define patient subgroups and the ratio of the corresponding tumour islet:stroma (TI/S) counts was determined.

There was a positive association between overall survival and increased CD8+TI/S ratio (hazard ratio (HR) for death 0.44, p<0.001) but an inverse relationship between Foxp3+TI/S ratio and overall survival (HR 4.86, p<0.001). Patients with high CD8+islet (HR 0.48, p<0.001) and Foxp3+stromal (HR 0.23, p<0.001) counts had better survival, whereas high CD3+and CD8+stromal counts and high Foxp3+islet infiltration conferred a worse survival (HR 1.55, 2.19 and 3.14, respectively). By multivariate analysis, a high CD8+TI/S ratio conferred an improved survival (HR 0.48, p=0.002) but a high Foxp3+TI/S ratio was associated with worse survival (HR 3.91, p<0.001).

Microlocalisation of infiltrating T-lymphocytes is a powerful predictor of outcome in resected NSCLC.
Sleep apnoea and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis in men and women: effects of continuous positive airway pressure
Authors: Kritikou Ilia , Basta Maria , Vgontzas Alexandros N. , Pejovic Slobodanka , Fernandez-Mendoza Julio , Liao Duanping , Bixler Edward O. , Gaines Jordan , Chrousos George P.
Published: November 2015

Previous findings on the association of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis are inconsistent, partly due to the confounding effect of obesity and infrequent sampling. Our goal was to examine whether in a relatively nonobese population, OSA is associated with elevated cortisol levels and to assess the effects of a 2-month placebo-controlled continuous positive airway pressure (sham-CPAP) use.

72 subjects (35 middle-aged males and post-menopausal females with OSA, and 37 male and female controls) were studied in the sleep laboratory for four nights. 24-h blood sampling was performed every hour on the fourth day and night in the sleep laboratory at baseline, after sham-CPAP and after CPAP treatment.

In both apnoeic men and women, OSA was associated with significantly higher 24-h cortisol levels compared with controls, whereas CPAP lowered cortisol levels significantly, close to those of controls.

These results suggest that OSA in nonobese men and slightly obese women is associated with HPA axis activation, similar albeit stronger compared with obese individuals with sleep apnoea. Short-term CPAP use decreased cortisol levels significantly compared with baseline, indicating that CPAP may have a protective effect against comorbidities frequently associated with chronic activation of the HPA axis,e.g.hypertension.
Obstructive sleep disordered breathing in 2- to 18-year-old children: diagnosis and management
Authors: Kaditis Athanasios G. , Alonso Alvarez Maria Luz , Boudewyns An , Alexopoulos Emmanouel I. , Ersu Refika , Joosten Koen , Larramona Helena , Miano Silvia , Narang Indra , Trang Ha , Tsaoussoglou Marina , Vandenbussche Nele , Villa Maria Pia , Van Waardenburg Dick , Weber Silke , Verhulst Stijn
Published: November 2015

This document summarises the conclusions of a European Respiratory Society Task Force on the diagnosis and management of obstructive sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in childhood and refers to children aged 2–18 years. Prospective cohort studies describing the natural history of SDB or randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials regarding its management are scarce. Selected evidence (362 articles) can be consolidated into seven management steps. SDB is suspected when symptoms or abnormalities related to upper airway obstruction are present (step 1). Central nervous or cardiovascular system morbidity, growth failure or enuresis and predictors of SDB persistence in the long-term are recognised (steps 2 and 3), and SDB severity is determined objectively preferably using polysomnography (step 4). Children with an apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) >5 episodes·h−1, those with an AHI of 1–5 episodes·h−1and the presence of morbidity or factors predicting SDB persistence, and children with complex conditions (e.g.Down syndrome and Prader–Willi syndrome) all appear to benefit from treatment (step 5). Treatment interventions are usually implemented in a stepwise fashion addressing all abnormalities that predispose to SDB (step 6) with re-evaluation after each intervention to detect residual disease and to determine the need for additional treatment (step 7).
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, respiratory outcomes and atopy in childhood
Authors: Shaheen Seif O. , Macdonald-Wallis Corrie , Lawlor Debbie A. , Henderson A. John
Published: November 2015

Few epidemiological studies have investigated the role of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in the aetiology of childhood respiratory and atopic outcomes.

In the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children we examined associations of maternal gestational hypertension, hypertension before pregnancy and pre-eclampsia with wheezing at 18 months, wheezing and asthma at 7 years and lung function at 8–9 years, after controlling for potential confounders (n=5322–8734, depending on outcome).

Gestational hypertension was not associated with any of the outcomes. There was weak evidence for a positive association between pre-eclampsia and early wheezing (adjusted OR 1.31, 95% CI 0.94–1.82, compared to normotensive pregnancies) and for negative associations between pre-eclampsia and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (adjusted mean difference insdscore −0.14, 95% CI −0.33–0.06) and maximal mid-expiratory flow (−0.15, 95% CI −0.34–0.04). Hypertension before pregnancy was positively associated with wheezing (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.16–2.31) and asthma (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.00–1.79).

Gestational hypertension is unlikely to be a risk factor for childhood respiratory disorders; hypertension before pregnancy may be a risk factor for childhood wheezing and asthma, but this finding needs replication. Larger studies are needed to confirm whether pre-eclampsia is associated with impaired childhood lung function.
Lung cancer survival in Norway, 1997–2011: from nihilism to optimism
Authors: Nilssen Yngvar , Strand Trond Eirik , Fjellbirkeland Lars , Bartnes Kristian , Møller Bjørn
Published: November 2015

We examine changes in survival and patient-, tumour- and treatment-related factors among resected and nonresected lung cancer patients, and identify subgroups with the largest and smallest survival improvements.

National population-based data from the Cancer Registry of Norway, Statistics Norway and the Norwegian Patient Register were linked for lung cancer patients diagnosed during 1997–2011. The 1- and 5-year relative survival were estimated, and Cox proportional hazard regression, adjusted for selected patient characteristics, was used to assess prognostic factors for survival in lung cancer patients overall and stratified by resection status.

We identified 34 157 patients with lung cancer. The proportion of histological diagnoses accompanied by molecular genetics testing increased from 0% to 26%, while those accompanied by immunohistochemistry increased from 8% to 26%. The 1-year relative survival among nonresected and resected patients increased from 21.7% to 34.2% and 75.4% to 91.5%, respectively. The improved survival remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, stage and histology. The largest improvements in survival occurred among resected and adenocarcinoma patients, while patients ≥80 years experienced the smallest increase.

Lung cancer survival has increased considerably in Norway. The explanation is probably multifactorial, including improved attitude towards diagnostic work-up and treatment, and more accurate diagnostic testing that allows for improved selection for resection and improved treatment options.
Occupational exposure to organic solvents: a risk factor for pulmonary veno-occlusive disease
Authors: Montani David , Lau Edmund M. , Descatha Alexis , Jaïs Xavier , Savale Laurent , Andujar Pascal , Bensefa-Colas Lynda , Girerd Barbara , Zendah Inès , Le Pavec Jerome , Seferian Andrei , Perros Frédéric , Dorfmüller Peter , Fadel Elie , Soubrier Florent , Sitbon Oliver , Simonneau Gérald , Humbert Marc
Published: November 2015

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare form of pulmonary hypertension characterised by predominant remodelling of pulmonary venules. Bi-allelic mutations in the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α kinase 4 (EIF2AK4) gene were recently described as the major cause of heritable PVOD, but risk factors associated with PVOD remain poorly understood. Occupational exposures have been proposed as a potential risk factor for PVOD, but epidemiological studies are lacking.

A case–control study was conducted in consecutive PVOD (cases, n=33) and pulmonary arterial hypertension patients (controls, n=65). Occupational exposure was evaluatedviaquestionnaire interview with blinded assessments using an expert consensus approach and a job exposure matrix (JEM).

Using the expert consensus approach, PVOD was significantly associated with occupational exposure to organic solvents (adjusted OR 12.8, 95% CI 2.7–60.8), with trichloroethylene being the main agent implicated (adjusted OR 8.2, 95% CI 1.4–49.4). JEM analysis independently confirmed the association between PVOD and trichloroethylene exposure. Absence of significant trichloroethylene exposure was associated with a younger age of disease (54.8±21.4 years, p=0.037) and a high prevalence of harbouring bi-allelicEIF2AK4mutations (41.7%versus0%, p=0.015).

Occupational exposure to organic solvents may represent a novel risk factor for PVOD. Genetic background and environmental exposure appear to influence the phenotypic expression of the disease.
Proposal of a prognostically relevant grading scheme for pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Weichert Wilko , Kossakowski Claudia , Harms Alexander , Schirmacher Peter , Muley Thomas , Dienemann Hendrik , Warth Arne
Published: November 2015

Recent studies in lung adenocarcinoma established a clinically relevant histomorphology-based classification. In contrast, no morphological classifiers have yet been implemented into routine diagnostics for lung squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC). However, morphology-based characteristics putatively impacting on survival have been proposed.

We analysed a cohort of 541 SQCC patients with complete clinical follow-up data for morphological characteristics (keratinisation, tumour cell budding, size of tumour cell nests, nuclear size and stromal content). Morphological characteristics were correlated with clinical data and patient outcome.

Keratinisation, budding, stromal content and tumour cell nest size, but not nuclear size, were associated with distinct clinicopathological characteristics and survival. SQCC patients with keratinisation, small cell nest size, high stromal content and extensive budding had shorter overall survival. A combined grading scheme composed of the two most reliable validated prognostic markers,i.e.budding and nest size, resulted in an age-, stage- and sex-independent prognosticator for overall survival with a hazard ratio of 1.6 for grade 2 tumours and a hazard ratio of 3.7 for grade 3 tumours when compared with grade 1 neoplasms (p<0.001).

Morphological characteristics of SQCC have significant prognostic impact and could constitute the basis for a diagnostically relevant future SQCC grading scheme.
Obstructive sleep apnoea in the general population: highly prevalent but minimal symptoms
Authors: Arnardottir Erna S. , Bjornsdottir Erla , Olafsdottir Kristin A. , Benediktsdottir Bryndis , Gislason Thorarinn
Published: November 2015

The aim was to assess the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) as defined by an apnoea–hypopnea index (AHI) ≥15 in the middle-aged general population, and the interrelationship between OSA, sleep-related symptoms, sleepiness and vigilance.

A general population sample of 40–65-year-old Icelanders was invited to participate in a study protocol that included a type 3 sleep study, questionnaire and a psychomotor vigilance test (PVT).

Among the 415 subjects included in the study, 56.9% had no OSA (AHI <5), 24.1% had mild OSA (AHI 5–14.9), 12.5% had moderate OSA (AHI 15–29.9), 2.9% had severe OSA (AHI ≥30) and 3.6% were already diagnosed and receiving OSA treatment. However, no significant relationship was found between AHI and subjective sleepiness or clinical symptoms. A relationship with objective vigilance assessed by PVT was only found for those with AHI ≥30. Subjects already on OSA treatment and those accepting OSA treatment after participating in the study were more symptomatic and sleepier than others with similar OSA severity, as assessed by the AHI.

In a middle-aged general population, approximately one in five subjects had moderate-to-severe OSA, but the majority of them were neither symptomatic nor sleepy and did not have impaired vigilance.
NTPDase1/CD39 and aberrant purinergic signalling in the pathogenesis of COPD
Authors: Lazar Zsofia , Müllner Nina , Lucattelli Monica , Ayata Cemil Korcan , Cicko Sanja , Yegutkin Gennady G. , De Cunto Giovanna , Müller Tobias , Meyer Anja , Hossfeld Madelon , Sorichter Stephan , Horvath Ildiko , Virchow Christian J. , Robson Simon C. , Lungarella Giuseppe , Idzko Marco
Published: November 2015

Purinergic receptor activationviaextracellular ATP is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1/CD39 hydrolyses extracellular ATP and modulates P2 receptor signalling.

We aimed to investigate the expression and function of CD39 in the pathogenesis of cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation in patients and preclinical mouse models.CD39expression and soluble ATPase activity were quantified in sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells in nonsmokers, smokers and COPD patients or mice with cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation. In mice, pulmonary ATP and cytokine concentrations, inflammation and emphysema were analysed in the presence or absence of CD39.

Following acute cigarette smoke exposureCD39was upregulated in BALF cells in smokers with further increases in COPD patients. Acute cigarette smoke exposure induced CD39 upregulation in murine lungs and BALF cells, and ATP degradation was accelerated in airway fluids. CD39 inhibition and deficiency led to augmented lung inflammation; treatment with ATPase during cigarette smoke exposure prevented emphysema.

Pulmonary CD39 expression and activity are increased in COPD. CD39 deficiency leads to enhanced emphysema in mice, while external administration of a functional CD39 analogue partially rescues the phenotype. The compensatory upregulation of pulmonary CD39 might serve as a protective mechanism in cigarette smoke-induced lung damage.
Risk of COPD with obstruction in active smokers with normal spirometry and reduced diffusion capacity
Authors: Harvey Ben-Gary , Strulovici-Barel Yael , Kaner Robert J. , Sanders Abraham , Vincent Thomas L. , Mezey Jason G. , Crystal Ronald G.
Published: November 2015

Smokers are assessed for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using spirometry, with COPD defined by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) as airflow limitation that is not fully reversible with bronchodilators. There is a subset of smokers with normal spirometry (by GOLD criteria), who have a low diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), a parameter linked to emphysema and small airway disease. The natural history of these “normal spirometry/lowDLCO” smokers is unknown.

From a cohort of 1570 smokers in the New York City metropolitian area, all of whom had normal spirometry, two groups were randomly selected for lung function follow-up: smokers with normal spirometry/normalDLCO(n=59) and smokers with normal spirometry/lowDLCO(n=46). All had normal history, physical examination, complete blood count, urinalysis, HIV status, α1-antitrypsin level, chest radiography, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio and total lung capacity. Throughout the study, all continued to be active smokers.

In the normal spirometry/normalDLCOgroup assessed over 45±20 months, 3% developed GOLD-defined COPD. In contrast, in the normal spirometry/lowDLCOgroup, followed over 41±31 months, 22% developed GOLD-defined COPD.

Despite appearing “normal” according to GOLD, smokers with normal spirometry but lowDLCOare at significant risk of developing COPD with obstruction to airflow.
New result on fixed point theorems for φ-contractions in Menger spaces
Authors: Hua Huichun , Chen Minjiang , Wang Shenghua
Published: November 2015

Very recently, Fang (Fuzzy Sets Syst. 267:86-99, 2015) gave some fixed point theorems for probabilistic φ-contractions in Menger spaces. Fang’s results improve the one of Jachymski (Nonlinear Anal. 73:2199-2203, 2010) by relaxing the restriction on the gauge function φ. In this paper, inspired by the results of Fang, we prove a new fixed point theorem for a probabilistic φ-contraction in Menger spaces in which a weaker condition on the function φ is required. Our result improves the corresponding one of Fang and some others. Finally, an example is given to illustrate our result.
Seismic imaging of incomplete data and simultaneous-source data using least-squares reverse time migration with shaping regularization
Authors: Xue Zhiguang , Chen Yangkang , Fomel Sergey , Sun Junzhe
Published: November 2015

Simultaneous-source acquisition improves the efficiency of the seismic data acquisition process. However, direct imaging of simultaneous-source data may introduce crosstalk artifacts in the final image. Likewise, direct imaging of incomplete data avoids the step of data reconstruction, but it can suffer from migration artifacts. We have proposed to incorporate shaping regularization into least-squares reverse time migration (LSRTM) and use it for suppressing interference noise caused by simultaneous-source data or migration artifacts caused by incomplete data. To implement LSRTM, we have applied lowrank one-step reverse time migration and its adjoint iteratively in the conjugate-gradient algorithm to minimize the data misfit. A shaping operator imposing structure constraints on the estimated model was applied at each iteration. We constructed the shaping operator as a structure-enhancing filtering to attenuate migration artifacts and crosstalk noise while preserving structural information. We have carried out numerical tests on synthetic models in which the proposed method exhibited a fast convergence rate and was effective in attenuating migration artifacts and crosstalk noise.
Premature mortality in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Hirvikoski Tatja , Mittendorfer-Rutz Ellenor , Boman Marcus , Larsson Henrik , Lichtenstein Paul , Bölte Sven
Published: November 2015

Background

Mortality has been suggested to be increased in autism spectrum disorder
(ASD).

Aims

To examine both all-cause and cause-specific mortality in ASD, as well as
investigate moderating role of gender and intellectual ability.

Method

Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for a population-based cohort of ASD
probands (n = 27 122, diagnosed between 1987 and 2009)
compared with gender-, age- and county of residence-matched controls
(n = 2 672 185).

Results

During the observed period, 24 358 (0.91%) individuals in the general
population died, whereas the corresponding figure for individuals with
ASD was 706 (2.60%; OR = 2.56; 95% CI 2.38–2.76). Cause-specific analyses
showed elevated mortality in ASD for almost all analysed diagnostic
categories. Mortality and patterns for cause-specific mortality were
partly moderated by gender and general intellectual ability.

Conclusions

Premature mortality was markedly increased in ASD owing to a multitude of
medical conditions.
Well, He May Could Have Sounded Nicer: Perceptions of the Double Modal in Doctor-Patient Interactions
Authors: Hasty J. Daniel
Published: November 2015

In light of Mishoe and Montgomery's 1994 analysis of the double modal's pragmatic function in mitigating face-threatening situations this article assesses the perception of the double modal in the context of a medical consultation. In an experiment using a modified matched-guise technique and a between-subjects design, a group of respondents listened to a recording of a doctor using a naturally occurring double modal in consultation with a patient, while a control group heard the same recording with one of the modals removed. Attitudes of the respondents were measured indirectly though responses to a semantic differential test, and the ratings of the two groups were compared. While previous language attitude studies of nonprestige varieties show the usage of nonstandard features has a downgrading effect on the perception of a speaker's competence, this study found no downgrading effects. Instead, double modal guises were rated significantly higher for adjectives measuring solidarity, particularly the single adjective Polite. That is, a doctor heard using a double modal was perceived as being more polite than the same doctor when the double modal was removed with no downgrading of the competence of the doctor, indicating that the double modal perceived—at least in doctor-patient consultations—as a good faith means to negotiate an imbalanced and face-threatening situation.
Effect of bromocriptine alginate nanocomposite (BANC) on a transgenic Drosophila model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Siddique Yasir Hasan , Khan Wasi , Fatima Ambreen , Jyoti Smita , Khanam Saba , Naz Falaq , Rahul  , Ali Fahad , Singh Braj Raj , Naqvi Alim Hussain
Published: November 2015

The effect of bromocriptine, a dopamine agonist, administered in the form of bromocriptine alginate nanocomposite (BANC) was studied on Parkinson's disease (PD) model flies. The synthesized BANC was subject to characterization and, at a final concentration of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 µM, was mixed in diet. The PD flies were allowed to feed on it for 24 days. A significant dose-dependent delay in the loss of climbing activity and activity pattern was observed in PD flies exposed to 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 µM BANC. The PD flies exposed to BANC also showed a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation and glutathione-S-transferase activity, and an increase in glutathione content. However, no gross morphological changes were observed in the brains of PD flies compared with controls. The results suggest that BANC is effective in reducing the PD symptoms in these transgenic flies.
Spatial and temporal translational control of germ cell mRNAs mediated by the eIF4E isoform IFE-1
Authors: Friday Andrew J. , Henderson Melissa A. , Morrison J. Kaitlin , Hoffman Jenna L. , Keiper Brett D.
Published: November 2015

Regulated mRNA translation is vital for germ cells to produce new proteins in the spatial and temporal patterns that drive gamete development. Translational control involves the de-repression of stored mRNAs and their recruitment by eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs) to ribosomes. C. elegans expresses five eIF4Es (IFE-1–IFE-5); several have been shown to selectively recruit unique pools of mRNA. Individual IFE knockouts yield unique phenotypes due to inefficient translation of certain mRNAs. Here, we identified mRNAs preferentially translated through the germline-specific eIF4E isoform IFE-1. Differential polysome microarray analysis identified 77 mRNAs recruited by IFE-1. Among the IFE-1-dependent mRNAs are several required for late germ cell differentiation and maturation. Polysome association of gld-1, vab-1, vpr-1, rab-7 and rnp-3 mRNAs relies on IFE-1. Live animal imaging showed IFE-1-dependent selectivity in spatial and temporal translation of germline mRNAs. Altered MAPK activation in oocytes suggests dual roles for IFE-1, both promoting and suppressing oocyte maturation at different stages. This single eIF4E isoform exerts positive, selective translational control during germ cell differentiation.
Adolescence and the Path to Maturity in Global Retail
Authors: Bronnenberg Bart J. , Ellickson Paul B.
Published: November 2015

We argue that, over the past several decades, the adoption and diffusion of “modern retailing technology” represents a substantial advance in productivity, providing greater product variety, enhanced convenience, and lower prices. We first describe modern retailing, highlighting the role of modern formats, scale (often transcending national boundaries), and increased coordination with upstream and downstream partners in production and distribution. In developed markets, the transition to modern retailing is nearly complete. In contrast, many low-income and emerging markets continue to rely on traditional retail formats, that is, a collection of independent stores and open air markets supplied by small-scale wholesalers, although modern retail has begun to spread to these markets as well. E-commerce is a notable exception: the penetration of e-commerce in China and several developing nations in Asia has already surpassed that of high-income countries for some types of consumer goods. To understand the forces governing the adoption of modern technology and the unique role of e-commerce, we propose a framework that emphasizes the importance of scale and coordination in facilitating the transition from traditional to modern retailing. We conclude with some conjectures regarding the likely impact of increased retail modernization for the developing world.