bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of Left Ventricular Function With Premature Ventricular Complexes Reveals Variable Hemodynamics
Authors: Contijoch Francisco , Rogers Kelly , Rears Hannah , Shahid Mohammed , Kellman Peter , Gorman Joseph , Gorman Robert C. , Yushkevich Paul , Zado Erica S. , Supple Gregory E. , Marchlinski Francis E. , Witschey Walter R.T. , Han Yuchi
Published: September 2018

Background—

Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are prevalent in the general population and are sometimes associated with reduced ventricular function. Current echocardiographic and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging techniques do not adequately address the effect of PVCs on left ventricular function.

Methods and Results—

Fifteen subjects with a history of frequent PVCs undergoing cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging had real-time slice volume quantification performed using a 2-dimensional (2D) real-time cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging technique. Synchronization of 2D real-time imaging with patient ECG allowed for different beats to be categorized by the loading beat RR duration and beat RR duration. For each beat type, global volumes were quantified via summation over all slices covering the entire ventricle. Different patterns of ectopy, including isolated PVCs, bigeminy, trigeminy, and interpolated PVCs, were observed. Global functional measurement of the different beat types based on timing demonstrated differences in preload, stroke volume, and ejection fraction. An average of hemodynamic function was quantified for each subject depending on the frequency of each observed beat type.

Conclusions—

Application of real-time cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in patients with PVCs revealed differential contribution of PVCs to hemodynamics.
Serum Bioavailable and Free 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels, but Not Its Total Level, Are Associated With the Risk of Mortality in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Yu Chao , Xue Hongliang , Wang Liqing , Chen Qian , Chen Xuechen , Zhang Yuan , Hu Gang , Ling Wenhua
Published: September 2018

Rationale:

Bioavailable and free 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) are emerging measurements of vitamin D. Whether serum bioavailable or free 25(OH)D level is associated with mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is unknown.

Objective:

Our aim is to determine the potential association between serum total, bioavailable, and free 25(OH)D levels and the risk of mortality among patients with CAD.

Methods and Results:

We measured serum 25(OH) levels in 1387 patients with angiographically confirmed CAD from the Guangdong Coronary Artery Disease Cohort. Serum DBP (vitamin D-binding protein) levels were measured using a polyclonal immunoassay, and serum-free 25(OH)D levels were measured using a 2-step immunoassay. Bioavailable 25(OH)D levels were calculated using a previously validated formula. By the median follow-up time of 6.7 years, 205 patients had died, including 134 deaths from cardiovascular diseases. In multivariate analyses, low serum bioavailable 25(OH)D level was significantly associated with increased risks of mortality, independent of established cardiovascular risk factors, features and treatments of CAD, factors associated with vitamin D and mineral metabolism, and CRP (C-reactive protein). The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios across quartiles of bioavailable 25(OH)D were 1.79, 1.35, 1.36, and 1.00 for all-cause mortality (
P
for trend=0.01) and 2.58, 1.85, 1.73, and 1.00 for cardiovascular mortality (
P
for trend=0.001), respectively. Serum-free 25(OH)D level was inversely associated with the risk of mortality, with the extreme-quartile hazard ratios of 1.64 for all-cause mortality (
P
for trend=0.024) and 1.97 for cardiovascular mortality (
P
for trend=0.013). In contrast, serum total 25(OH)D level was not significantly associated with all-cause mortality or cardiovascular mortality.

Conclusions:

Lower serum bioavailable and free 25(OH)D levels rather than total 25(OH)D level are independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in a population-based CAD cohort.
Incremental Value of Left Atrial Geometric Remodeling in Predicting Late Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Pulmonary Vein Isolation: A Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Study
Authors: Nakamori Shiro , Ngo Long H. , Tugal Derin , Manning Warren J. , Nezafat Reza
Published: September 2018

Background

Left atrial (
LA
) enlargement is a marker for increased risk of atrial fibrillation (
AF
). However,
LA
remodeling is a complex process that is poorly understood, and
LA
geometric remodeling may also be associated with the development of
AF
. We sought to determine whether
LA
spherical remodeling or its temporal change predict late
AF
recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation (
PVI
).

Methods and Results

Two hundred twenty‐seven consecutive patients scheduled for their first
PVI
for paroxysmal or persistent
AF
who underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance before and within 6 months after
PVI
were retrospectively identified. The LA sphericity index was computed as the ratio of the measured
LA
maximum volume to the volume of a sphere with maximum
LA
length diameter. During mean follow‐up of 25 months, 88 patients (39%) experienced late recurrence of
AF
. Multivariable Cox regression analyses identified an increased pre‐
PVI LA
sphericity index as an independent predictor of late
AF
recurrence (hazard ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.62,
P
=0.009). Patients in the highest
LA
sphericity index tertile were at highest risk of late recurrence (highest versus lowest: 59% versus 28%;
P
<0.001). The integration of the
LA
sphericity index to the
LA
minimum volume index and passive emptying fraction provided important incremental prognostic information for predicting late
AF
recurrence post
PVI
(categorical net reclassification improvement, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.16–0.69,
P
=0.001).

Conclusions

The assessment of pre‐
PVI LA
geometric remodeling provides incremental prognostic information regarding late
AF
recurrence and may be useful to identify those for whom
PVI
has reduced success or for whom more aggressive ablation or medications may be useful.
Comparison Between Aspirin and Clopidogrel in Secondary Stroke Prevention Based on Real‐World Data
Authors: Chi Nai‐Fang , Wen Chi‐Pang , Liu Chung‐Hsiang , Li Jie‐Yuan , Jeng Jiann‐Shing , Chen Chih‐Hung , Lien Li‐Ming , Lin Ching‐Huang , Sun Yu , Chang Wei‐Lun , Hu Chaur‐Jong , Hsu Chung Y. ,   Taiwan Stroke Registry Investigators
Published: September 2018

Background

Clopidogrel was thought to be superior to aspirin for secondary prevention of vascular diseases in clinical trials. In this study we assessed the safety and efficacy of clopidogrel versus aspirin in real‐world practice by using the Taiwan Stroke Registry.

Methods and Results

Patients with ischemic stroke (2006–2016) on aspirin or clopidogrel for secondary stroke prevention were identified in the Taiwan Stroke Registry. Stroke recurrence and mortality rates in patients receiving aspirin (N=34 679) were compared with those receiving clopidogrel (N=7611) during a 12‐month follow‐up period. Propensity score matching and conditional Cox proportional hazards regression model were applied to control confounding factors with 6443 patients in each group. After propensity score matching, stroke recurrence rates were comparable between groups, with 223 patients in the aspirin (3.46%) and 244 in the clopidogrel group (3.79%) (hazard ratio=1.13, 95% confidence interval=0.89–1.43,
P
=0.311). However, the mortality rate was significantly higher in the clopidogrel group (362 patients, 5.62%) than in the aspirin group (302 patients, 4.69%) (hazard ratio=1.30, 95% confidence interval=1.07–1.58,
P
=0.008). Results were consistent before and after propensity score matching.

Conclusions

Clopidogrel was as effective as aspirin for prevention of recurrent stroke in real‐world practice. However, the mortality rate was significantly higher in the clopidogrel than in the aspirin group.
CRISPR‐Mediated Expression of the Fetal
Scn5a
Isoform in Adult Mice Causes Conduction Defects and Arrhythmias
Authors: Pang Paul D. , Alsina Katherina M. , Cao Shuyi , Koushik Amrita B. , Wehrens Xander H.T. , Cooper Thomas A.
Published: September 2018

Background

The sodium channel, Na
v
1.5, encoded by

SCN
5A

, undergoes developmentally regulated splicing from inclusion of exon 6A in the fetal heart to exon 6B in adults. These mutually exclusive exons differ in 7 amino acids altering the electrophysiological properties of the Na
v
1.5 channel. In myotonic dystrophy type 1,

SCN
5A

is mis‐spliced such that the fetal pattern of exon 6A inclusion is detected in adult hearts. Cardiac manifestations of myotonic dystrophy type 1 include conduction defects and arrhythmias and are the second‐leading cause of death.

Methods and Results

This work aimed to determine the impact of

SCN
5A

mis‐splicing on cardiac function. We used clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (
CRISPR)
/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) to delete
Scn5a
exon 6B in mice, thereby redirecting splicing toward exon 6A. These mice exhibit prolonged
PR
and
QRS
intervals, slowed conduction velocity, extended action potential duration, and are highly susceptible to arrhythmias.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight a nonmutational pathological mechanism of arrhythmias and conduction defects as a result of mis‐splicing of the predominant cardiac sodium channel. Animals homozygous for the deleted exon express only the fetal isoform and have more‐severe phenotypes than heterozygotes that also express the adult isoform. This observation is directly relevant to myotonic dystrophy type 1, and possibly pathological arrhythmias, in which individuals differ with regard to the ratios of the isoforms expressed.
Late Detection of Supraclinoid Carotid Artery Aneurysm After Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Occlusion of the Ipsilateral Cervical Internal Carotid Artery
Authors: Suzuki Hidenori , Muramatsu Masatoshi , Shimizu Takeo , Kusano Itsuo , Kojima Tadashi
Published: September 2018

Background and Purpose—

We report the first case of traumatic aneurysm of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA), which we speculate may have developed or grown after traumatic occlusion of the ipsilateral cervical ICA.

Case Description—

A 26-year-old man presented with severe traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and occlusion of the right cervical ICA after a motor vehicle accident. Three-dimensional CT angiography on admission showed no aneurysm. However, cerebral angiography 3 weeks after the injury showed a large aneurysm of the right supraclinoid ICA. The aneurysm was trapped, and pathological examination showed that it was a traumatic aneurysm.

Conclusions—

In this case we cannot be sure that the aneurysm was not present on admission. In view of the significant SAH, a lesson of this case may be to suspect such an aneurysm early on and perform early diagnostic cerebral angiography.
War
Authors: Glants Musya
Published: September 2018

When Germany declared war on the Soviet Union, for me, a child, the world turned upside down to become an alien condition of cruelty and death, hunger and fear. Evacuated, our family faced the War far away from Riga, our hometown, in Uzbekistan—with its strange and unfamiliar landscapes, exotic people, and very different lifestyle. Normal life ended long before the outbreak of World War II.
Low-Grade Papillary Schneiderian Carcinoma of the Sinonasal Cavity and Temporal Bone
Authors: Brown C. Scott , Abi Hachem Ralph , Pendse Avani , Madden John F. , Francis Howard W.
Published: September 2018

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to further characterize a newly described neoplasm, low-grade papillary Schneiderian carcinoma, occurring simultaneously in the sinonasal cavity and mastoid. Additionally, the authors review the only 2 similar cases within the literature and describe the common clinical features, radiographic findings, and pathologic characteristics of this exceptionally rare disease process.

Methods:

Chart review for single patient, review of literature.

Results:

The patient presented with bilateral nasal obstruction. Computed tomography revealed a left sinonasal mass with skull base hyperostosis, and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging showed a concomitant olfactory groove meningioma. Examination showed a bilateral, completely obstructing sinonasal mass with skip areas, and biopsy confirmed inverted papilloma (human papilloma virus strains 16 and 18 indeterminate). The patient underwent bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery, left medial maxillectomy, and left partial nasopharyngectomy. Given her multifocal disease, she was advised that she would require additional excision, but was lost to follow up. One year later she developed acute left facial paralysis. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an enhancing mass in the left mastoid with enhancement along the Eustachian tube in addition to her known recurrent sinonasal disease. Simultaneous endoscopic sinus surgery and mastoidectomy were performed. Polypoid tissue was removed from the nasopharynx, mesotympanum, epitympanum, and retrofacial air cells. Immunohistochemistry showed that cells stained positive for p63 and dermCK and negative for synaptophysin. Morphologically, cells were bland, without classic stromal invasion, retaining their smooth, cystic, and papillary features, despite their increased depth within the tissue. Upon further review and consultation with an outside pathologist, a diagnosis of low-grade papillary Schneiderian carcinoma was made. The patient was referred for radiation therapy and is disease free at 3-month follow-up, with return of her facial function.

Conclusions:

This case represents the first report of concurrent low-grade papillary Schneiderian carcinoma of both the nasal cavity and mastoid. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing this new entity through pathologic analysis and suspecting it when the clinical course does not follow an expected pattern.
Cultural Factors, Depressive and Somatic Symptoms Among Chinese American and European American College Students
Authors: Kalibatseva Zornitsa , Leong Frederick T. L.
Published: September 2018

This study seeks to fill a gap in the existing empirical literature about the relationship between somatic and depressive symptoms and their associations with cultural factors among Chinese American and European American college students. In particular, the study examined how three culturally relevant psychological constructs, self-construal, loss of face, and emotion regulation, associate with depressive and somatic symptoms among Chinese American and European American college students and if they can explain possible group differences in depressive symptoms. The sample consisted of 204 Chinese American and 315 European American college students who completed an online survey. Based on multiple regression analyses, European American students reported higher levels of somatic symptoms on the Patient Health Questionnaire–15 (PHQ-15) than Chinese Americans. There was no initial group difference in depressive symptoms based on Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression Scale (CES-D) scores. Correlations between depressive and somatic symptoms, independent and interdependent self-construal, and cognitive reappraisal and independent self-construal were stronger for European Americans than Chinese Americans. Somatic symptoms, loss of face, and expressive suppression were positively associated with depressive symptoms, whereas independent self-construal and cognitive reappraisal were negatively associated with depressive symptoms for both groups. When controlling for gender and somatic symptoms, being Chinese American and male was significantly and positively associated with depressive symptoms measured with the CES-D. These ethnic and gender differences in depressive symptoms were explained by independent self-construal, loss of face, cognitive reappraisal, and expressive suppression. Clinical implications include the incorporation of specific culturally relevant constructs and avoidance of race-, ethnicity-, and gender-based stereotypes to reduce health disparities in depression treatment.
The Adverse Effects of Economic Inequality on Educational Outcomes: An Examination of PISA Scores, 2000–2015
Authors: Thorson Gregory R. , Gearhart Sera M.
Published: September 2018

One of the most important economic trends of the past 30 years has been the escalating levels of within‐country income inequality. Much of the developed world is currently experiencing large increases in income inequality. Indeed, income inequality in the United States now exceeds the previous highs of the 1930s. Recent research has found that increases in income inequality can produce a wide variety of societal ills. This article examines the effects of economic inequality on educational outcomes. Drawing on data provided by the World Bank and the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) from 2000 through 2015, we find that a country's level of economic inequality has large, negative effects on its student academic achievement. The effect sizes are largest in math. We examine a variety of potential solutions to lessen within‐country economic inequality.
Watching Others Receive Unearned Superior Treatment: Examining the Effects on Tourists Who Receive Less Than Their Peers
Authors: Colliander Jonas , Söderlund Magnus , Marder Ben
Published: September 2018

Different treatment of different customers has traditionally been seen as a typical characteristic of tourism services. This research investigates unearned superior treatment in the tourism industry as taking place in a social setting where customers are able to compare the service they receive to that of other customers. Moreover, we take the disadvantaged customers’ point of view and investigate the reactions of customers who receive comparably less than others in such situations. Our results indicate that those customers who receive less than others perceive the service exchanges as more unjust and therefore report lower levels of customer satisfaction and repatronizing intentions as well as higher levels of intentions to talk to others about their experiences. We further investigate whether decisions made by a single versus a group of employees affect the justice perceptions of the encounter. Implications for both research and practice are discussed.
The Effect of Stock Liquidity on Corporate Risk-Taking
Authors: Hsu Charles , Ma Zhiming , Wu Liansheng , Zhou Kaitang
Published: September 2018

This study examines the effect of stock liquidity on corporate risk-taking behavior. We find that stock liquidity has a positive and significant effect on corporate risk-taking. We find consistent results when we use the split share structure reform (SSSR) in China as an exogenous shock to stock liquidity. We also investigate the channels through which stock liquidity affects risk-taking and find that increases in stock liquidity lower the cost of capital and increase the pay-for-performance sensitivity of managers. Finally, we conduct cross-sectional tests to rule out privatization as an alternative explanation for our results. Our study sheds light on the real effects of stock liquidity and contributes to the understanding of capital market development.
Role Ambiguity and Role Conflict Among Partners of Trans People
Authors: Dierckx Myrte , Mortelmans Dimitri , Motmans Joz
Published: September 2018

Experiences of family members are often overlooked in social research on gender transitions. The current article aims to address this gap by considering the experiences of partners during a gender transition, approaching this topic through role theory and the concepts of role ambiguity and role conflict. Seventeen partners and former partners were interviewed. First, we distinguished three different roles of partners during the transition: the co-parental role, the ally role and the romantic partner role. We found that ambiguity was most apparent for the romantic partner role. Second, we observed that the expectations which accompany these different roles often contradict each other during gender transition. This leads to role conflict. We discuss how this role conflict may influence the acceptance and adaptation process of the partner and steer certain relationship outcomes. In the discussion, we construct three types of adaptation processes of partners.
Toward a language-theoretic foundation for planning and filtering
Authors: Saberifar Fatemeh Zahra , Ghasemlou Shervin , Shell Dylan A , O’Kane Jason M
Published: September 2018

We address problems underlying the algorithmic question of automating the co-design of robot hardware in tandem with its apposite software. Specifically, we consider the impact that degradations of a robot’s sensor and actuation suites may have on the ability of that robot to complete its tasks. We introduce a new formal structure that generalizes and consolidates a variety of well-known structures including many forms of plans, planning problems, and filters, into a single data structure called a procrustean graph, and give these graph structures semantics in terms of ideas based in formal language theory. We describe a collection of operations on procrustean graphs (both semantics-preserving and semantics-mutating), and show how a family of questions about the destructiveness of a change to the robot hardware can be answered by applying these operations. We also highlight the connections between this new approach and existing threads of research, including combinatorial filtering, Erdmann’s strategy complexes, and hybrid automata.
Differences in Control and Regulatory Structures of Public Transport within the United Kingdom and Ireland: Implications for Quality and Effectiveness of Service Delivery
Authors: Smyth Austin , Kelleher Luke
Published: September 2018

Regulation and control of public transport is the subject of continuing debate in the United Kingdom and Ireland. In Great Britain, e.g., this stems from dissatisfaction with market liberalization. Elsewhere the concerns stem from pressures to liberalize the market and funding constraints. Such concerns and calls for further reform pose questions about the relative effectiveness of greater or reduced state involvement in public transport. This paper reviews evidence on the performance of public transport operators under a variety of control and regulations informed by benchmarking alternatives as well as funding under different regulatory systems. Various secondary data sources informed development of performance indicators for both bus and rail including level of service (vehicle kilometers) by per capita population, by region, population size, and population density; quality of service by fares and level of comfort; passenger satisfaction by operator across a suite of level of service parameters; and passengers per capita population, region, population size, and population density. This paper provides a commentary on the relative performances of the different types of public transport operator and informs an understanding of possible reasons for variations in performance under differing regulatory and control “models.”
Discovering Regularity in Mobility Patterns to Identify Predictable Aggregate Supply for Ridesharing
Authors: Mendoza Ivan , Rydergren Clas , Tampère Chris M. J.
Published: September 2018

Heterogeneous data collected by smartphone sensors offer new opportunities to study a person’s mobility behavior. The mobility patterns extracted from the travel histories found in these data enable agents residing in mobile devices to model transitions between visited locations, so that upcoming trips can be predicted after observing a set of events, and assistance can be planned in advance. When several agents cooperate, the forecasted trips made by multiple users can provide a potential supply for shared mobility systems such as dynamic ridesharing. These trips must be sufficiently regular and frequent to be reliably announced as shareable trips. This paper describes a methodology to identify a predictable aggregate supply for ridesharing via mobility patterns discovered in users’ travel histories. The methodology empirically quantifies measures like the regularity and frequency of these patterns on a dataset consisting of 967 users scattered across different geographical areas. The sample exhibits high heterogeneity with respect to these measures (hence, of predictability, regardless of the prediction method). This paper shows how frequency of trip patterns decreases, while regularity increases, when additional dimensions such as departure times are added to the analysis. It was concluded that the traveler flexibility with regard to accepting less regular trips is vital to discover a larger supply. These results provide insights to develop future applications able to take advantage of this approach, to increase ridesharing rates, allowing a critical mass to be more easily attained.
Psychological Intimate Partner Violence and Childhood Cumulative Trauma: The Mediating Role of Affect Dysregulation, Maladaptive Personality Traits, and Negative Urgency
Authors: Dugal Caroline , Girard Marianne , Bélanger Claude , Sabourin Stéphane , Bates Elizabeth A. , Godbout Natacha
Published: September 2018

The current study examined the mediating role of affect dysregulation, maladaptive personality traits, and negative urgency in the association between childhood cumulative trauma (CCT) and psychological intimate partner violence (IPV). A total of 241 men and women from the general population answered self-report questionnaires assessing these variables. Results indicated that 70% of participants reported at least two different types of childhood trauma, while, over the past year, 80% indicated having perpetrated or experienced psychological IPV. Path analyses of a sequential mediation model confirmed that the CCT–IPV association is explained by affect dysregulation, maladaptive personality traits, and negative urgency. These findings support the need to assess affect regulation and personality traits in CCT survivors. Psychosocial interventions should aim to increase self-soothing skills and decrease negative urgency to prevent psychological IPV.
Exploring the Experiences, Challenges, and Approaches of Parish Nurses in Their Community Practice
Authors: Devido Jessica A. , Doswell Willa M. , Braxter Betty J. , Terry Martha Ann , Charron-Prochownik Denise
Published: September 2018

Purpose: To explore the personal experiences, challenges, and practices of parish nurses in their communities. Method/Design: The overall study used a mixed methods concurrent embedded design to describe parish nurses’ experiences with diabetes education and preconception counseling in their practice. Also included were descriptions of generalized practices. Therefore, this current report will focus on these broader experiences. Focus group data were collected using face-to-face, teleconference, and video conferencing formats with 48 nurses who consider themselves to be parish nurses and analyzed with content analysis. Findings: Four qualitative themes were identified in the data: (1) Gaining Entry Through Trust, (2) Enhanced Focus on Spiritual Caring, (3) Accomplishing Much Despite Challenges, and (4) Practice Making a Difference. Parish nurses are uniquely situated to provide holistic care for the mind, body, and spirit of their patients. Despite the many positive aspects, parish nurses experience unique challenges, such as funding their practice and working independently. Conclusions: The parish nurses can play a vital role in providing holistic care to patients in a faith-based community. Future work is needed to address the challenges of parish nurses such as access to continuing education programs related to health topics of concern to their community members.
Who cares? Provision of Care and Assistance Among Older Persons in the Philippines
Authors: Abalos Jeofrey B. , Saito Yasuhiko , Cruz Grace T. , Booth Heather
Published: September 2018

Objective: This study aims to examine the provision of assistance among older persons in the Philippines who experience difficulty with activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Method: Data for this research are drawn from the 2007 Philippine Study on Aging (PSOA). Cross-tabulations and regression analyses are used to identify who provides assistance to older Filipinos. Results: The study shows that the Filipino family, particularly spouse and daughters, plays an important role in providing assistance to older Filipinos who need help in carrying out functional activities. This provision of caregiving, however, follows a gendered pattern. Specifically, the spouse provides assistance to older men, whereas daughters provide assistance to older women. Grandchildren and noncoresident family members, to some extent, are also active in providing care to older Filipinos. Discussion: The Filipino family remains faithful to its filial duty toward older persons, but who provides care and the way it is provided are likely to change due to the demographic changes and values shifts that have swept the country.
Crowdfunding Entrepreneurial or Humanitarian Needs? The Influence of Signals and Biases on Decisions
Authors: Moleskis Melina , Alegre Inés , Canela Miguel Angel
Published: September 2018

Crowdfunding platforms have become a valid alternative for raising funds for both entrepreneurial and humanitarian projects. The aim of our study is to investigate the factors influencing the likelihood of funding success across these two project types. Building on the charitable giving and entrepreneurial finance literature streams, we employ the lenses of signaling theory and behavioral decision making to hypothesize how the impact of certain factors varies contingent on the nature of the project, from a humanitarian plea to an entrepreneurial venture. We conduct our investigation on Kiva and find that gender bias and risk signals exhibit a stronger impact on the likelihood of funding success for entrepreneurial projects, whereas humanitarian projects are more affected by home bias. By reconciling prior inconsistencies in crowdfunding research and bringing forward new ideas, we aim to support the vigorous growth of an emergent phenomenon that is of growing social and economic importance.
Validation of the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument with a looked after population
Authors: Reilly Claire , Johnson Dan R , Ferguson Kirstin
Published: September 2018

The Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument–version 2 (MAYSI-2) was developed to help identify mental health needs of young people admitted to youth detention centres. Only one study has applied the tool to a UK population and none have looked at young people who live in residential and secure care in Scotland. This study aimed to assess the validity of the MAYSI-2 in Scotland with a looked after and accommodated population. Boys and girls in a large education and care centre were asked to complete the MAYSI-2 within 72 hours of being accommodated. A total of 168 males and 69 females with a mean age of 15 completed the tool. Substantial levels of mental health need were identified. Girls appeared to have higher needs on all areas, bar alcohol and substance misuse. The MAYSI-2 had good internal consistency and exploratory factor analysis showed good overlap with the tool’s original factor model. As a result, there can be more confidence in the validity and consistency of the tool with this population. This is also further evidence of the high need of this population, particularly girls.
Physical function tests predict incident falls: A prospective study of 2969 men in the Swedish Osteoporotic Fractures in Men study
Authors: Cöster Marcus E. , Karlsson Magnus , Ohlsson Claes , Mellström Dan , Lorentzon Mattias , Ribom Eva , Rosengren Björn
Published: September 2018

Aims: Falls are common in the elderly population, and fall-related injuries are a major health issue. We investigated the ability of simple physical tests to predict incident falls. Methods: The Swedish Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study includes 3014 population-based men aged 69–81 years at the start of the study. These men performed five different physical tests at baseline: right-hand grip strength, left-hand grip strength, timed stand test, 6 m walking test (time and steps) and narrow walking test. During the first study year, we asked participants to fill out questionnaires regarding falls 4, 8 and 12 months after baseline. A total of 2969 men completed at least one questionnaire and were included in this study. We used generalised estimating equations and logarithmic regression models to estimate odds ratios for fallers and recurrent fallers (more than one fall during the one-year examination period) in each quartile of men for each physical test. Results: The proportions of fallers and recurrent fallers were higher in the lowest quartile of the physical tests than in the other three quartiles combined for all physical tests. A reduction of one standard deviation in respective physical test resulted in a 13–21% higher risk of becoming a faller and a 13–31% higher risk of becoming a recurrent faller. Conclusions: Low results on simple physical tests is a risk factor for incident falls in elderly Swedish men and may facilitate identification of high-risk individuals suitable for fall-intervention programs.
Weight change among normal weight, overweight and obese employees and subsequent diagnosis-specific sickness absence: A register-linked follow-up study
Authors: Svärd Anna , Lahti Jouni , Mänty Minna , Roos Eira , Rahkonen Ossi , Lahelma Eero , Lallukka Tea
Published: September 2018

Aims: Obesity and weight change are associated with sickness absence; however, less is known about the diagnoses for sickness absence. We examined the association between stable and changing weight by body mass index groups with sickness absence due to any, musculoskeletal and mental diagnoses among midlife female and male employees. Methods: The Finnish Helsinki Health Study phase 1 survey took place in 2000–2002 (response rate 67%) and phase 2 in 2007 (response rate 83%). Based on self-reported body mass index, we calculated the weight change between phases 1 and 2 (body mass index change ⩾5%). The data were linked with registers of the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, including information on diagnoses (ICD-10) for sickness absence >9 days. We used a negative binom ial model to examine the association with sickness absence among 3140 women and 755 men during the follow-up (2007–2013). Results are presented as rate ratios. Covariates were age, sociodemographic factors, workload, health behaviors and prior sickness absence. Results: Weight-gain (rate ratio range=1.27–2.29), overweight (rate ratio range=1.77–2.02) and obesity (rate ratio range=2.16–2.29) among women were associated with a higher rate of sickness absence due to musculoskeletal diseases, compared to weight-maintaining normal-weight women. Similarly, obesity among men was associated with sickness absence due to musculoskeletal diseases (rate ratio range=1.55–3.45). Obesity among women (rate ratio range=1.54–1.72) and weight gain among overweight men (rate ratio=3.67; confidence interval=1.72–7.87) were associated with sickness absence due to mental disorders. Conclusions: Obesity and weight gain were associated with a higher rate of sickness absence, especially due to musculoskeletal diseases among women. Preventing obesity and weight gain likely helps prevent sickness absence.
Completeness and correctness of acute myocardial infarction diagnoses in a medical quality register and an administrative health register
Authors: Govatsmark Ragna Elise Støre , Janszky Imre , Slørdahl Stig Arild , Ebbing Marta , Wiseth Rune , Grenne Bjørnar , Vesterbekkmo Elisabeth , Bønaa Kaare Harald
Published: September 2018

Aims: Health registers are used for administrative purposes, disease surveillance, quality assessment, and research. The value of the registers is entirely dependent on the quality of their data. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the completeness and correctness of the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) diagnosis in the Norwegian Myocardial Infarction Register and in the Norwegian Patient Register. Methods: All Norwegian patients admitted directly to St Olavs hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital from 1 July to 31 December 2012 and who had plasma levels of cardiac troponin T measured during their hospitalization ( n=4835 unique individuals, n=5882 hospitalizations) were identified in the hospital biochemical database. A gold standard for AMI was established by evaluation of maximum troponin T levels and by review of the information in the medical records. Cases of AMI in the registers were classified as true positive, false positive, true negative, and false negative according to the gold standard. We calculated sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), specificity, and negative predictive value (NPV). Results: The Norwegian Myocardial Infarction Register had a sensitivity of 86.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 82.8–89.3%), PPV of 97.9% (96.4–99.3%), and specificity of 99.9% and NPV of 98.9% (98.6-99.2%) (99.8–100%). The corresponding figures for the Norwegian Patient Register were 85.8% (95% CI 82.5–89.1%), 95.1% (92.9–97.2%), and 99.7% (99.5–99.8%) and 98.9% (98.6-99.2%), respectively. Both registers had a sensitivity higher than 95% when compared to hospital discharge diagnoses. The results were similar for men and women and for cases below and above 80 years of age. Conclusions: The Norwegian Myocardial Infarction Register and the Norwegian Patient Register are adequately complete and correct for administrative purposes, disease surveillance, quality assessment, and research.
Responding to devious demands for co-authorship: A rejoinder to Bülow and Helgesson’s ‘dirty hands’ justification
Authors: Tang Bor Luen
Published: September 2018

Bülow and Helgesson discussed the practice of gift/honorary authorships and expounded on a most devious form of these, termed ‘hostage authorship’. The authors drew a parallel of such situations in research and publishing with the problem of ‘dirty hands’. In this case, acceding, albeit with regrets, may well be ‘… what we ought to do, even if it requires us to do something that is intrinsically bad’, especially if ‘this is both practically necessary and proportionate to the end’. Here, I caution against this being a morally cogent, normative course of action. Tangible benefits from research not yet performed or published could not be predicted with any certainty, and as such could not be deemed sufficiently important to override moral constraints of justice and fairness. The utilitarian argument for any measure of beneficence with ‘dirty hands’ could therefore be nothing more than a self-serving act, or a self-exonerating form of moral disengagement. Such actions could have lasting ill effects on junior researchers and perpetuate a dark research culture, which will ultimately undermine the research enterprise and the pursuit of knowledge. One could further argue that what ‘ought to be’ done when coerced or held hostage in an authorship context is to break the cycle by reporting on the perpetrators, and ultimately for the community to devise consensus measures that could deter such predatory free riders.
Multiple Symmetric Lipomatosis (Madelung Disease) in a Large Canadian Family With the Mitochondrial MTTK c.8344A>G Variant
Authors: Perera Uththara , Kennedy Brooke A. , Hegele Robert A.
Published: September 2018

Background. Multiple symmetric lipomatosis (MSL), also known as Madelung disease, is a rare adult-onset disorder characterized by benign lipomatosis usually localized to the nuchal and upper thoracic region. A subset of these patients has germline variants in mitochondrial DNA. Methods. Three siblings of Northern European descent with MSL were assessed initially and provided whole blood for DNA analysis. Family history revealed several additional affected siblings who were dispersed across Canada. Targeted histories were obtained from 6 additional affected family members by telephone interviews using a standardized questionnaire, and genomic DNA was obtained from saliva. Sequencing of mitochondrial DNA was performed. Genetic analysis. Eight affected individuals who were studied each had the MTTK gene c.8344A>G variant. None of the affected individuals had epilepsy, ataxia, or myopathy. Conclusion. In this extended Canadian family, the rare MTTK c.8344A>G variant was linked with Madelung disease in multiple family members. Knowing the likely basis of MSL in this family may help with diagnosis, genetic counseling, monitoring for associated phenotypes, and potential future targeted interventions.
Send more data: a systematic review of mathematical models of antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Birkegård Anna Camilla , Halasa Tariq , Toft Nils , Folkesson Anders , Græsbøll Kaare
Published: September 2018

Background

Antimicrobial resistance is a global health problem that demands all possible means to control it. Mathematical modelling is a valuable tool for understanding the mechanisms of AMR development and spread, and can help us to investigate and propose novel control strategies. However, it is of vital importance that mathematical models have a broad utility, which can be assured if good modelling practice is followed.

Objective

The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive systematic review of published models of AMR development and spread. Furthermore, the study aimed to identify gaps in the knowledge required to develop useful models.

Methods

The review comprised a comprehensive literature search with 38 selected studies. Information was extracted from the selected papers using an adaptation of previously published frameworks, and was evaluated using the TRACE good modelling practice guidelines.

Results

None of the selected papers fulfilled the TRACE guidelines. We recommend that future mathematical models should: a) model the biological processes mechanistically, b) incorporate uncertainty and variability in the system using stochastic modelling, c) include a sensitivity analysis and model external and internal validation.

Conclusion

Many mathematical models of AMR development and spread exist. There is still a lack of knowledge about antimicrobial resistance, which restricts the development of useful mathematical models.
Association between household dietary diversity and nutritional status of children (6–36 months) in Wenchi Municipality, Brong Ahafo Region, Ghana
Authors: Wemakor Anthony , Laari Joyce
Published: September 2018

Background

One in five Ghanaian children is chronically malnourished. Childhood undernutrition remains a public health concern in Ghana; therefore, research is needed to identify modifiable risk factors to inform health programming. This study evaluated household dietary diversity (HDD) as a determinant of nutritional status of pre-school children in Wenchi Municipality, Ghana.

Methods

An analytical cross-sectional study involving 590 mother-child pairs was conducted in Wenchi Municipality. A two-stage cluster sampling procedure was used; clusters were first selected followed by the selection of children using simple random sampling. Socio-demographic, dietary, and anthropometric data were collected in face-to-face interviews. HDD scores were calculated using data from 24-h dietary recalls based on 12 standard food groups consumed by the households in the past 24 h preceding the survey and categorised into low (1–5 food groups) and high (6–12 food groups) HDD categories using the mean HDD score. Anthropometric indices (stunting, wasting, and underweight) were defined as anthropometric z-scores < − 2 standard deviations using the WHO growth standards. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used to study the association between HDD categories and stunting or wasting while controlling for potential confounders.

Results

The mean age of the respondents was 27.3 [95% confidence interval = 26.8–27.8] years, and majority of them (58.3%) were within the age group 20–29 years. The prevalence rates of stunting, wasting, and underweight in the children were 38.6%, 11.0%, and 13.1%, respectively, while 36.4% of the households had low dietary diversity. There was no association between HDD categories and stunting (adjusted OR = 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.79–1.76, p = 0.409) or wasting (adjusted OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.54–1.73, p = 0.910).

Conclusions

There was a high prevalence of stunting in children and many households consumed less diverse diet in Wenchi Municipality. There is a lack of evidence of an association between HDD and stunting or wasting in the population studied. Interventions to improve child growth and HDD are needed to promote and protect child health.
Genital Reconstructive Surgery in Females With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Almasri Jehad , Zaiem Feras , Rodriguez-Gutierrez Rene , Tamhane Shrikant U , Iqbal Anoop Mohamed , Prokop Larry J , Speiser Phyllis W , Baskin Laurence S , Bancos Irina , Murad M Hassan
Published: September 2018

Background

Females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and atypical genitalia often undergo complex surgeries; however, their outcomes remain largely uncertain.

Methods

We searched several databases through 8 March 2016 for studies evaluating genital reconstructive surgery in females with CAH. Reviewers working independently and in duplicate selected and appraised the studies.

Results

We included 29 observational studies (1178 patients, mean age at surgery, 2.7 ± 4.7 years; mostly classic CAH). After an average follow-up of 10.3 years, most patients who had undergone surgery had a female gender identity (88.7%) and were heterosexual (76.2%). Females who underwent surgery reported a sexual function score of 25.13 using the Female Sexual Function Index (maximum score, 36). Many patients continued to complain of substantial impairment of sensitivity in the clitoris, vaginal penetration difficulties, and low intercourse frequency. Most patients were sexually active, although only 48% reported comfortable intercourse. Most patients (79.4%) and treating health care professionals (71.8%) were satisfied with the surgical outcomes. Vaginal stenosis was common (27%), and other surgical complications, such as fistulas, urinary incontinence, and urinary tract infections, were less common. Data on quality of life were sparse and inconclusive.

Conclusion

The long-term follow-up of females with CAH who had undergone urogenital reconstructive surgery shows variable sexual function. Most patients were sexually active and satisfied with the surgical outcomes; however, some patients still complained of impairment in sexual experience and satisfaction. The certainty in the available evidence is very low.