bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trimetazidine Protects Cardiomyocytes Against Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury by Promoting AMP-activated Protein Kinase–dependent Autophagic Flux
Authors: Zhong Yongkang , Zhong Peiyao , He Shangfei , Zhang Ya , Tang Lu , Ling Yuanna , Fu Shanshan , Tang Ying , Yang Pingzhen , Luo Tao , Chen Baihe , Chen Aihua , Wang Xianbao
Published: April 2017

Trimetazidine (TMZ), a metabolic agent, may protect against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Because of the critical role of autophagy in cardioprotection, we aimed to evaluate whether autophagy was involved in TMZ-induced protection during hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were subjected to H/R injury, and they were divided into 7 groups: control, control+TMZ, control+chloroquine (Cq)/compound C (com C), H/R, H/R+TMZ, H/R+Cq/com C, and H/R+TMZ+Cq/com C. Autophagic flux was primarily assessed by Western blot and tandem fluorescent mRFP-GFP-LC3. Assays for MTS, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick end labeling, and lactate dehydrogenase release were performed to assess cell injury. Our results showed that TMZ pretreatment had a cardioprotective effect against H/R injury. The H/R+TMZ group had an increased ratio of LC3-II to LC3-I and increased autophagic flux (degradation of p62 and increases in autophagosomes and autolysosomes). TMZ also reduced apoptosis and enhanced cell survival while inducing autophagy. Correspondingly, autophagy inhibition with Cq blocked this protective effect. Furthermore, TMZ-induced enhancement of autophagy could be related to increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and decreased Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation, which was abolished by an AMPK-specific inhibitor (com C). Our data provide evidence that TMZ pretreatment protects against H/R injury by promoting autophagic flux through the AMPK signaling pathway.
Valganciclovir Dosing for Cytomegalovirus Prophylaxis in Pediatric Solid-organ Transplant Recipients
Authors: Peled Orit , Berkovitch Matitiahu , Rom Eran , Bilavsky Efraim , Bernfeld Yael , Dorfman Lev , Pappo Adi , Ziv-Baran Tomer , Brandriss Nurit , Bar-Haim Adina , Amir Jacob , Ashkenazi-Hoffnung Liat
Published: April 2017

Background:

Valganciclovir is extensively used for prophylaxis and treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in solid-organ transplant recipients. However, pharmacokinetic data in children are scarce, and the pediatric dosing regimen is uncertain. This study sought to prospectively evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile, the clinical efficacy and safety of oral valganciclovir in pediatric transplant recipients and compare different dosing regimens.

Methods:

The cohort included solid-organ transplant recipients treated with valganciclovir for CMV prophylaxis in 2014–2015 at a tertiary pediatric medical center. All received a weight-based once-daily oral dose of 17 mg/kg. Ganciclovir concentrations were measured and the area under the curve (AUC0–24) was calculated.

Results:

Thirteen children of median age 7.3 years (interquartile range, 2.2–11.6) were included. Median ganciclovir AUC0–24 was 21.0 mcg·h/mL (interquartile range, 17.1–39.8); 10 patients (77%) attained AUC0–24 <40 mcg·h/mL. Exposure to ganciclovir was about 2-fold lower in young children (<9 years old; P = 0.01) and children with low body surface area (BSA; <0.7 m2; P = 0.006) than in their counterparts. Significantly lower doses were recommended with our weight-based protocol than with the manufacturer-recommended BSA- and glomerular filtration rate-based protocol (P = 0.002), reaching a 3-fold difference in infants. No evidence of CMV viremia or disease was observed while prophylaxis was given.

Conclusions:

The weight-based regimen of 17 mg/kg/dose oral valganciclovir results in relatively low ganciclovir exposure, especially in young children with low BSA, yet showed satisfactory clinical efficacy for CMV prophylaxis. The manufacturer’s dosing recommendation appears to result in supratherapeutic ganciclovir concentrations. Further studies are needed to establish target AUCs and valganciclovir dosing for CMV prophylaxis in pediatric transplant recipients.
High Prevalence of Abacavir-associated L74V/I Mutations in Kenyan Children Failing Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Dziuban Eric J. , DeVos Joshua , Ngeno Bernadette , Ngugi Evelyn , Zhang Guoqing , Sabatier Jennifer , Wagar Nick , Diallo Karidia , Nganga Lucy , Katana Abraham , Yang Chunfu , Rivadeneira Emilia D. , Mukui Irene , Odhiambo Francesca , Redfield Robert , Raizes Elliot
Published: April 2017

A survey of 461 HIV-infected Kenyan children receiving antiretroviral therapy found 143 (31%) failing virologically. Drug resistance mutations were found in 121; 37 had L74V/I mutations, with 95% receiving abacavir (ABC)-containing regimens. L74V/I was associated with current ABC usage (P = 0.0001). L74V/I may be more prevalent than previously realized in children failing ABC-containing regimens, even when time on treatment has been short. Ongoing rigorous pediatric drug resistance surveillance is needed.
Cerebrovascular, Cardiovascular, and Mortality Events in New Users of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
Authors: Leong Christine , Alessi-Severini Silvia , Enns Murray W. , Nie Yao , Sareen Jitender , Bolton James , Prior Heather J. , Chateau Dan
Published: April 2017

Background

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are widely prescribed for mood and anxiety disorders. However, it is not clear whether SNRIs are more strongly associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events than SSRIs.

Methods

This was a propensity score–matched, population-based, cohort study of Manitobans who started an SSRI or SNRI between April 1, 1998, and March 31, 2014. The primary outcome was a composite of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke, or cardiovascular-related hospitalization within 1 year of drug initiation. Each component of the primary outcome and death were analyzed separately in secondary analyses.

Results

A total of 225,504 and 54,635 patients initiated treatment on an SSRI and SNRI, respectively. After propensity score matching, a higher risk was observed for the primary outcome among SNRI users (weighted hazards ratio [HR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06–1.21). Secondary analyses showed that the risk of nonfatal stroke was higher among SNRI users (weighted HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.08–1.33). The risk of death was higher among SNRI users without mood and/or anxiety disorders (weighted HR, 1.17; 95% CI; 1.03–1.32). No differences were observed in the risk of AMI or fatal stroke between SSRI and SNRI use.

Conclusions

New SNRI use was associated with a higher risk of nonfatal stroke relative to SSRI use. Further investigation is warranted regarding the higher risk of death observed in our subgroup analysis among incident SNRI users without mood and/or anxiety disorders.
A Phase 3, Multicenter, Open-Label, 12-Month Extension Safety and Tolerability Trial of Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate in Adults With Binge Eating Disorder
Authors: Gasior Maria , Hudson James , Quintero Javier , Ferreira-Cornwell M. Celeste , Radewonuk Jana , McElroy Susan L.
Published: April 2017

Background

A 12-month, open-label extension study assessed the long-term safety and tolerability of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) in adults with binge eating disorder (BED).

Methods

Adults (aged 18–55 y) with BED who completed 1 of 3 antecedent studies were enrolled in a 52-week, open-label extension study (dose optimization, 4 weeks [initial titration dose, 30-mg LDX; target doses, 50- or 70-mg LDX]; dose maintenance, 48 weeks). Safety evaluations included the occurrence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), vital sign and weight assessments, and Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale responses.

Results

Of the 604 enrolled participants, 599 (521 women and 78 men) comprised the safety analysis set, and 369 completed the study. Mean (SD) LDX exposure was 284.3 (118.84) days; cumulative LDX exposure duration was 12 months or longer in 344 participants (57.4%). A total of 506 participants (84.5%) reported TEAEs (TEAEs leading to treatment discontinuation, 54 [9.0%]; severe TEAEs, 42 [7.0%]; serious TEAEs, 17 [2.8%]). Treatment-emergent adverse events reported in greater than or equal to 10% of participants were dry mouth (27.2%), headache (13.2%), insomnia (12.4%), and upper respiratory tract infection (11.4%). Mean (SD) changes from antecedent study baseline in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse, and weight at week 52/early termination (n = 597) were 2.19 (11.043) and 1.77 (7.848) mm Hg, 6.58 (10.572) beats per minute, and −7.04 (7.534) kg, respectively. On the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, there were 2 positive responses for any active suicidal ideations; there were no positive responses for suicidal behavior or completed suicides.

Conclusions

In this 12-month, open-label, extension study, the long-term safety and tolerability of LDX in adults with BED were generally consistent with its established profile for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Influence of Floating-Mass Transducer Coupling Efficiency for Active Middle-Ear Implants on Speech Recognition
Authors: Müller Alexander , Mir-Salim Parwis , Zellhuber Nina , Helbig Ralf , Bloching Marc , Schmidt Tobias , Koscielny Sven , Dziemba Oliver C. , Plontke Stefan K. , Rahne Torsten
Published: April 2017

Objective:

The efficiency of vibroplasty (coupler-floating mass transducer [FMT] assembly) can be monitored by direct stimulation of the inner ear through the active middle-ear implant system and comparison of the vibroplasty in vivo threshold and the postoperative bone-conduction pure-tone threshold. The aim of this study was to compare the vibroplasty in vivo threshold with the postoperative speech recognition in patients with a high preoperative maximum word recognition score.

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study of German-speaking patients implanted with a vibrating ossicular prosthesis (VORP) 502 or VORP 503 and high preoperative maximum word recognition score between the years of 2011 and 2015.

Setting:

Multicenter study of four German centers.

Patients:

Twenty-three active middle-ear implant users.

Intervention:

Rehabilitative.

Main Outcome Measures:

Bone-conduction pure-tone and vibroplasty thresholds, postoperative aided word recognition score (WRS) at 65 dB SPL (sound pressure level) and preoperative maximum WRS with Freiburg monosyllabic words.

Results:

The mean postoperative aided WRS at 65 dB SPL was 82%. An increasing difference between vibroplasty thresholds and bone-conduction thresholds was associated with a higher discrepancy between the unaided maximum WRS and the postoperative aided WRS. Only if this difference was less than 20 dB, an articulation index of 0.5 (WRS = 75%) or more was achieved.

Conclusions:

Audiological outcome after vibroplasty depends on the coupling efficiency reflected by the vibroplasty threshold.
Generating autologous hematopoietic cells from human-induced pluripotent stem cells through ectopic expression of transcription factors
Authors: Hwang Yongsung , Broxmeyer Hal E. , Lee Man Ryul
Published: April 2017

Purpose of review

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a successful treatment modality for patients with malignant and nonmalignant disorders, usually when no other treatment option is available. The cells supporting long-term reconstitution after HCT are the hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which can be limited in numbers. Moreover, finding an appropriate human leukocyte antigen-matched donor can be problematic. If HSCs can be stably produced in large numbers from autologous or allogeneic cell sources, it would benefit HCT. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) established from patients’ own somatic cells can be differentiated into hematopoietic cells in vitro. This review will highlight recent methods for regulating human (h) iPSC production of HSCs and more mature blood cells.

Recent findings

Advancements in transcription factor-mediated regulation of the developmental stages of in-vivo hematopoietic lineage commitment have begun to provide an understanding of the molecular mechanism of hematopoiesis. Such studies involve not only directed differentiation in which transcription factors, specifically expressed in hematopoietic lineage-specific cells, are overexpressed in iPSCs, but also direct conversion in which transcription factors are introduced into patient-derived somatic cells which are dedifferentiated to hematopoietic cells. As iPSCs derived from patients suffering from genetically mutated diseases would express the same mutated genetic information, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing has been utilized to differentiate genetically corrected iPSCs into normal hematopoietic cells.

IPSCs provide a model for molecular understanding of disease, and also may function as a cell population for therapy. Efficient differentiation of patient-specific iPSCs into HSCs and progenitor cells is a potential means to overcome limitations of such cells for HCT, as well as for providing in-vitro drug screening templates as tissue-on-a-chip models.
Complications of Heart Rhythm Management Devices After Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Authors: Rakhshan Mahnaz , Ansari Leyla , Molazem Zahra , Zare Najaf
Published: April 2017

Objective:

The aim of this study was to examine physical and heart rhythm management device malfunction complications after participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program intervention compared with usual care.

Method:

This study was a clinical trial of 100 patients. After randomization, intervention group patients received 8 cardiac rehabilitation program sessions for 8 weeks and follow-up phone calls. Each session consisted of exercise training, education, and psychological interventions. Data were collected at 3 points in both groups—baseline and 8 and 12 weeks after the first day of the intervention—using a researcher-designed case report form. Data were analyzed using descriptive and nonparametric tests.

Results:

Of the participants, 59% were men, and the sample was aged 40 to 60 years. At the 8- to 12-week follow-up, there were less physical complications among the cardiac rehabilitation group (P < .001) and no between-group differences in complications related to device malfunction. By heart rhythm device type, cardiac rehabilitation had the greatest efficacy in reducing physical complications in patients with cardioverter/defibrillators.

Conclusions:

Cardiac rehabilitation reduced physical complications in patients with cardiac rhythm management devices, especially in patients with cardioverter/defibrillators. Cardiac clinical nurse specialists should recommend rehabilitation programs as part of postimplantation rhythm device treatment to decrease the risk of physical complications.
Ten Years of Simulation in Healthcare
Authors: Nestel Debra
Published: April 2017

Summary Statement

In this commentary, I review 38 articles published as editorials in Simulation in Healthcare from inception to April 2016. Of the 27 authors, there was a predominance of medical doctors (63%), male authors (67%), and work originating in the United States (86%). The founding Editor-in-Chief Dr David Gaba contributed to half of the editorials. Using inductive thematic analysis, the following five themes were identified: “embedding” simulation, simulation responding to clinical practice, educational considerations for simulation, research practices, and communicating leadership and scholarship about the community. After thematic analysis, the theoretical notion of communities of practice was used to make further meaning of the themes. This theorizing process reveals that editorial content aligns with the features of an evolving community of practice. The editorials seem to have responded to and shaped contemporary simulation practices. The editorial is a powerful forum in which to frame issues relevant to the healthcare simulation community. As the founding Editor-in-Chief, Gaba has made an extraordinary contribution to the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, in these editorials and the broader healthcare simulation community. Under the leadership of the Editor-in-Chief, Dr Mark Scerbo, I am confident that the editorial voice will continue in the true spirit of scholarship.
Developmental and genetic regulation of the human cortex transcriptome in schizophrenia
Authors: Jaffe Andrew E , Straub Richard E , Shin Joo Heon , Tao Ran , Gao Yuan , Collado Torres Leonardo , Kam-Thong Tony , Xi Hualin S , Quan Jie , Chen Qiang , Colantuoni Carlo , Ulrich William S , Maher Brady J. , Deep-Soboslay Amy ,   The BrainSeq Consortium, Cross Alan , Brandon Nicholas J. , Leek Jeffrey T , Hyde Thomas M. , Kleinman Joel E. , Weinberger Daniel R
Published: April 2017

GWAS have identified 108 loci that confer risk for schizophrenia, but risk mechanisms for individual loci are largely unknown. Using developmental, genetic, and illness-based RNA sequencing expression analysis, we characterized the human brain transcriptome around these loci and found enrichment for developmentally regulated genes with novel examples of shifting isoform usage across pre- and post-natal life. We found widespread expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs), including many with transcript specificity and previously unannotated sequence that were independently replicated. We leveraged this eQTL database to show that 48.1% of risk variants for schizophrenia associated with nearby expression. Within patients and controls, we implemented a novel algorithm for RNA quality adjustment, and identified 237 genes significantly associated with diagnosis that replicated in an independent case-control dataset. These genes implicated synaptic processes and were strongly regulated in early development (p < 10-20). These data offer new targets for modeling schizophrenia risk in cellular systems.
Intracellular passage of Na+in an active state g-protein coupled receptor
Authors: Vickery Owen N. , Carvalheda Catarina A. , Zaidi Saheem A. , Pisliakov Andrei V. , Katritch Vsevolod , Zachariae Ulrich
Published: April 2017

Playing a central role in cell signalling, GPCRs have evolved into the largest superfamily of membrane proteins and form the majority of drug targets in humans. How extracellular agonist binding triggers the activation of GPCRs and associated intracellular effector proteins remains, however, poorly understood. High resolution structural studies have recently revealed that inactive class-A GPCRs harbour a conserved binding site for Na+ions in the centre of their transmembrane domain, accessible from the extracellular space. Here, we show that the opening of a conserved hydrated channel in the activated state receptors allows the Na+ion to egress from its binding site into the cytosol. Coupled with protonation changes, this ion movement occurs without significant energy barriers, and can be driven by physiological transmembrane ion and voltage gradients. We propose that Na+ion exchange with the cytosol is a key step in GPCR activation, which locks receptors in long-lived active-state conformations.
SeedVicious: analysis of microRNA target and near-target sites
Authors: Marco Antonio
Published: April 2017

Here I describe seedVicious, a versatile microRNA target site prediction software that can be easily fitted into annotation pipelines and run over custom datasets. SeedVicious finds microRNA canonical sites plus other, less efficient, target sites. The program also detects near-target sites, which have one nucleotide different from a canonical site. Near-target sites are important to study population variation in microRNA regulation. Here I show that near-target sites can also be functional sites. Among other features, seedVicious can also compute evolutionary gains/losses of target sites using maximum parsimony. SeedVicious does not aim to outperform but to complement existing microRNA prediction tools. For instance, the precision of TargetScan is doubled (from 11% to ~22%) when we filter predictions by the distance between target sites using our program. The software is written in Perl and runs on 64-bit Unix computers (Linux and MacOS X). Users can also try the program in a dedicated web-server by uploading custom data, or browsing pre-computed predictions. SeedVicious and its associated web-server and database (SeedBank) are distributed under the GPL/GNU license.
SOMSC: Self-Organization-Map for High-Dimensional Single-Cell Data of Cellular States and Their Transitions
Authors: Peng Tao , Nie Qing
Published: April 2017

Measurement of gene expression levels for multiple genes in single cells provides a powerful approach to study heterogeneity of cell populations and cellular plasticity. While the expression levels of multiple genes in each cell are available in such data, the potential connections among the cells (e.g. the cellular state transition relationship) are not directly evident from the measurement. Classifying the cellular states, identifying their transitions among those states, and extracting the pseudotime ordering of cells are challenging due to the noise in the data and the high-dimensionality in the number of genes in the data. In this paper we adapt the classical self-organizing-map (SOM) approach for single-cell gene expression data (SOMSC), such as those based on single cell qPCR and single cell RNA-seq. In SOMSC, a cellular state map (CSM) is derived and employed to identify cellular states inherited in the population of the measured single cells. Cells located in the same basin of the CSM are considered as in one cellular state while barriers among the basins in CSM provide information on transitions among the cellular states. A cellular state transitions path (e.g. differentiation) and a temporal ordering of the measured single cells are consequently obtained. In addition, SOMSC could estimate the cellular state replication probability and transition probabilities. Applied to a set of synthetic data, one single-cell qPCR data set on mouse early embryonic development and two single-cell RNA-seq data sets, SOMSC shows effectiveness in capturing cellular states and their transitions presented in the high-dimensional single-cell data. This approach will have broader applications to analyzing cellular fate specification and cell lineages using single cell gene expression data
Feeling better when buying more? Harmonious passion and obsessive passion in online food group buying
Authors: Wang Yao-Chin , Tsai Chen-Tsang Simon
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand consumers’ passion types in online food group buying (OFGB) and the following outcomes in buying behavior and mental status.

Design/methodology/approach

The research setting of this study is a Facebook group specifically for food buying, with population of 2,387 members who are interested in OFGB. Among 2,387 members in the case group, there were 1,286 members clicked on the questionnaire, and 254 of them participated in the survey and returned valid responses. In total, 254 valid questionnaires were collected for 19.75 percent usable response rate (254 out of 1,286).

Findings

Results of this study proved that harmonious passion can improve both long-term intrinsic enjoyment and short-term positive feelings, while exert no effects on impulse buying. On the other hand, obsessive passion can significantly stimulate both impulse buying and compulsive buying, and strengthen short-term positive feelings as well.

Originality/value

It is interesting to find that buying more does not make consumers feel better based on the evidence that impulse buying and compulsive buying performed no positive influences to both short-term and long-term mental status.
Corporate social responsibility as shared value creation: toward a communicative approach
Authors: Høvring Christiane Marie
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The debate on corporate social responsibility (CSR) as shared value creation is trapped between management scholars and business ethics scholars, focusing merely on the distribution of values from an outcome-oriented perspective. The result is a juxtaposition of shared value from either a corporate or a societal perspective, providing only little attention to the actual communication processes supporting the creation of shared value. The purpose of this paper is to re-conceptualize shared value creation from a communicative approach as an alternative to the current situation caught between the management and societal perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

Building upon recent constitutive models of CSR communication, this conceptual paper explores the potentials and implications of re-conceptualizing shared value creation as an alternative approach that recognizes the tensional interaction processes related to shared value creation.

Findings

The paper suggests a new conceptualization of shared value creation, which is sensitive to and able to advance the understanding of the tensional and conflictual interaction processes in which the continuous negotiation of corporate and stakeholder interests, values and agendas may facilitate a new understanding of shared value creation.

Practical implications

In order to succeed with the shared purpose of creating shared value (CSV), the company and the multiple stakeholders should neither disregard nor idealize the interaction processes related to shared value creation; rather, they should acknowledge that processes filled with tensions and conflicts are prerequisites for CSV.

Originality/value

A re-conceptualization of shared value creation that provides an alternative approach that is sensitive toward the tensions and conflicts occurring between corporate voice and multiple stakeholder voices.
Extra care: viable for couples living with dementia?
Authors: Poyner Christopher , Innes Anthea , Dekker Francesca
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The perspectives of people with dementia and their care partners regarding “extra care” housing are currently unknown. The purpose of this paper is to report findings of a consultation study exploring the perceived barriers and facilitators of a relocation to extra care housing, from the perspective of people living with dementia, and their care partners.

Design/methodology/approach

Fieldwork consisted of paired or 1-1 interviews and small focus groups with potential users of an alternative model of extra care support for people living with dementia in the South of England. The consultation took place between June and August 2013. The interviews and focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were analysed thematically.

Findings

Benefits of extra care were identified as the opportunity for couples to remain living together for longer, creating a supportive, dementia-friendly community, and a reduction in the strain experienced by the care partners. Barriers centred on a sense of loss, stress and uncertainty. Living and caring at home was perceived as preferable to shared care.

Research limitations/implications

The findings presented here have limited generalisability for two reasons. First, the shared care approach consulted on was very specific. Second, the participants form a purposive sample and as such are not representative of a wider population. Despite best intentions, the voice of people with dementia, are underreported in this consultation. Only one person with early on-set dementia was interviewed and the remaining two people with dementia were interviewed alongside their care partner.

Practical implications

The findings cast doubt on the viability of extra care facilities, designed for couples living with dementia, if extra care continues to be conceptualised and marketed as a preventative lifestyle choice. The findings indicate the value of consulting with people with dementia, and their care partners, when designing new forms of housing with care specifically for people living with dementia.

Social implications

The findings of this consultation exemplify the wish of couples living with dementia to remain together, in what they perceive to be “home”, for as long as possible. Couples living with dementia are therefore unlikely to wish to move into an extra care facility as a lifestyle choice option, early into their journey with dementia. This raises questions about the suitability of extra care, as a form of housing with care, for couples living with dementia.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the body of literature, exploring the feasibility of new and innovative alternative care and housing options, for people with dementia. This paper is one of the first to explore extra care as a housing and social care option for couples with dementia.
Outliers in data envelopment analysis
Authors: Boyd Taylor , Docken Grace , Ruggiero John
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the estimation of the production frontier in cases where outliers exist. We focus on the case when outliers appear above the true frontier due to measurement error.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use stochastic data envelopment analysis (SDEA) to allow observed points above the frontier. They supplement SDEA with assumptions on the efficiency and show that the true frontier in the presence of outliers can be derived.

Findings

This paper finds that the authors’ maximum likelihood approach outperforms super-efficiency measures. Using simulations, this paper shows that SDEA is a useful model for outlier detection.

Originality/value

The model developed in this paper is original; the authors add distributional assumptions to derive the optimal quantile with SDEA to remove outliers. The authors believe that the value of the paper will lead to many citations because real-world data are often subject to outliers.
Factors affecting consumer acquisition of secondhand clothing in the USA
Authors: Norum Pamela , Norton Marjorie
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore factors affecting secondhand clothing acquisition among a sample of US female consumers based on an economic perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is descriptive in nature, utilizing a survey of 500 US female consumers to explore relationships between five modes of secondhand clothing acquisition and selected consumer characteristics. Logistic regression was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The significant variables were income, age, number of toddlers and children ages 6-17 present in households, and sewing and repair skills. Income was found to be negatively related to purchasing secondhand clothing, suggesting that consumers view used clothing as an inferior good. Consumers in Gen Y were more likely to be involved in various means of secondhand clothing acquisition, holding income constant, than Baby Boomers.

Practical implications

Overcoming the stigma of inferiority associated with secondhand clothing, encouraging repair skills, and the repair of clothing, reaching out to consumers to build on their interest in DIY projects, and utilizing new technology (e.g. apps for sharing clothes) are practical implications.

Originality/value

The paper examined multiple modes of clothing acquisition rather than a single mode, and contributes insight regarding the economic concept of secondhand clothing as an inferior good.
The effect of shift work on the diet of accident and emergency nurses at a general hospital in Malta
Authors: Seychell Jesmond , Reeves Sue
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the effect of shift work on diet and lifestyle in nurses working in the accident and emergency department in a general hospital in Malta.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was a cross-sectional, quantitative survey, whereby data were collected by the use of anonymous questionnaires consisting of a demographic and anthropometric questionnaire, a lifestyle questionnaire and a food frequency questionnaire to assess dietary intakes. In total, 110 nurses completed the study and were divided into three groups: day nurses, rotating-shift nurses and night-shift nurses.

Findings

Shift working nurses consumed significantly more energy compared to day nurses (night-shift nurses 1,963 ± 506 kcal; rotating-shift nurses 2,065 ± 655 kcal; day nurses 1,722 ± 486 kcal; p = 0.04). Shift working nurses also consumed more protein (p = 0.04), fat (p = 0.047) and fibre (p = 0.005) compared to day nurses; however, day nurses were the most likely to smoke (p = 0.009).

Practical implications

Shift work does influence the diet of nurses in Malta. It is recommended that access to healthy food, and time and facilities for physical activity are made available across all working hours and that nurses aim to exercise regularly, eat healthily, quit smoking if necessary and get good-quality sleep where possible.

Originality/value

In total, 22 per cent of workers in Malta work shifts, and Malta currently has one of the highest rates of obesity in Europe. This study considers the impact of shift work on diet.
Nutrients intake in elderly residing in Lebanese nursing homes
Authors: Doumit Jacqueline , Nasser Ramzi
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess nutrient intakes in elderly living in Lebanese nursing homes (NHs).

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 36 long-term care institutions from all over Lebanon. Out of 2,094 residents, 98 (69 women and 29 men) elderly met the inclusion criteria and successfully completed the interview question. Dietary food intake was assessed using the 24-h food recall. The analysis used a Chi-square test and independent samplest-test or Mann–Whitney test, as appropriate.

Findings

A high percentage of elderly (reaching 100 per cent) had a low intake of energy, protein, linolenic acid, linoleic acid, fibers, vitamins and minerals, and the prevalence of nutrient inadequacy was significantly different between sexes for copper intake (p= 0.02). The results of this study highlight the nutrient inadequacies among the majority of elderly living in long-term care institutions and particularly in women and elderly residing in NHs located away from the capital Beirut.

Originality/value

This study is quite original; this is the first study performed nationwide in Lebanon covering not only the largest number of NHs in various locations but also elderly under custodial settings and with diverse backgrounds.
Geometric size effect on IMC growth and elements diffusion in Cu/Sn/Cu solder joints
Authors: Zhu Yan , Sun Fenglian
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of geometric size on intermetallic compound (IMC) growth and elements diffusion of Cu/Sn/Cu solder joint and establish the correlation model between the thickness of the IMC layer and size of the solder joint on the dozens of microns scale.

Design/methodology/approach

The sandwich-structured Cu/Sn/Cu solder joints with different gaps between two copper-clad plates (δ) are fabricated using a reflow process. The microstructure and composition of solder joints are observed and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

After reflow, the thickness of the IMC and Cu concentration in solder layers increase with the reduction of δ from 50, 40, 30, 20 to 10 μm. During isothermal aging, the thickness of the IMC fails to increase according to the traditional parabolic rule due to changes in Cu concentration. The reduction of δ is the root cause of changes in Cu concentration and the growth rule of the IMC layer. A correlation model between the thickness of the IMC layer and δ is established. It is found that the thickness of the IMC layer is the function of aging time and δ. With δ reducing, the main control element of IMC growth transfers from Cu to Sn.

Originality/value

This paper shows the changes of IMC thickness and elements concentration with the reduction of the size of solder joints on the dozens of microns scale. A correlation model is established to calculate the thickness of the IMC layer during aging.
Preconcentration of yoghurt base by ultrafiltration for reduction in acid whey generation during Greek yoghurt manufacturing
Authors: Uduwerella Gangani , Chandrapala Jayani , Vasiljevic Todor
Published: April 2017

The feasibility of applying ultrafiltration (UF) to concentrate a yoghurt base prior to fermentation during Greek yoghurt manufacturing was studied as a way of minimising acid whey (AW) generation. Two Greek yoghurts were prepared by concentrating a milk base through UF to 13.8% and 17.5% (w/w) (GY‐2, GY‐3). Production of GY‐3 resulted in zero AW discharge, while the GY‐2 production discharged 78% lower AW compared to the control (GY‐1). GY‐2 exhibited a hard gel structure, low syneresis, maximum viscosity properties and a high protein and fat content. Applying both, UF and straining, resulted yoghurts with required structural attributes while substantially reducing the generation of AW.
Accuracy and Reliability of the Klales et al. (2012) Morphoscopic Pelvic Sexing Method
Authors: Lesciotto Kate M. , Doershuk Lily J.
Published: April 2017

Klales et al. (2012) devised an ordinal scoring system for the morphoscopic pelvic traits described by Phenice (1969) and used for sex estimation of skeletal remains. The aim of this study was to test the accuracy and reliability of the Klales method using a large sample from the Hamann‐Todd collection (n = 279). Two observers were blinded to sex, ancestry, and age and used the Klales et al. method to estimate the sex of each individual. Sex was correctly estimated for females with over 95% accuracy; however, the male allocation accuracy was approximately 50%. Weighted Cohen's kappa and intraclass correlation coefficient analysis for evaluating intra‐ and interobserver error showed moderate to substantial agreement for all traits. Although each trait can be reliably scored using the Klales method, low accuracy rates and high sex bias indicate better trait descriptions and visual guides are necessary to more accurately reflect the range of morphological variation.
Secondary biopsy of non‐oncogenic‐driven lung cancer may reveal a clinically sensible histologic change. A brief report of two paradigmatic cases
Authors: Mengoli Maria C. , Orsi Giulia , Lococo Filippo , Grizzi Giulia , Barbieri Fausto , Bertolini Federica , Rossi Giulio , Novello Silvia
Published: April 2017

After an initial benefit, non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors develop drug resistance through a variety of mechanisms. Among these, tumor histology changes are a mechanism of acquired resistance in epidermal growth factor receptor‐mutated and anaplastic lymphoma kinase‐rearranged NSCLC cases. The current availability of therapeutic approaches to overcome tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance in oncogenic‐driven lung cancers justifies secondary tumor biopsy in these patients. On the other hand, little is known about the mechanism of disease progression in non‐oncogenic driven NSCLC. Nevertheless, NSCLC lacking “druggable” genetic alterations are not considered for secondary biopsy, as it is commonly believed that these tumors cannot develop histologic or molecular changes. Herein, we report two paradigmatic cases of wild‐type NSCLC showing histologic “change” on secondary biopsy, allowing for a successful switch in therapeutic strategy.
DIVIDE AND RULE
Authors: MARKIDES COSTAS
Published: April 2017

Often established companies believe that combining an innovative approach with existing strengths is sufficient for continued success. Is it really that simple? By Costas Markides
SHARING THE SPOILS
Authors: KESEBIR SELIN , OISHI SHIGEHIRO
Published: April 2017

Governments try to improve the lives of their citizens by increasing economic output ‐ but politicians should also look at the way income is shared out
A WORLD TRANSFORMED
Authors: DIMSON ELROY , MARSH PAUL , STAUNTON MIKE
Published: April 2017

The history of stock markets reflects the history of the world. The past century has seen spectacular change. By Ben Laurance
TRUMP'S HIGH‐RISK TRIUMPH
Authors: FARO DAVID
Published: April 2017

The victorious presidential candidate tapped into voters' attitudes to risk, uncertainty, loss and controversy, says David Faro
DO YOU SPEAK FI NANCE?
Authors: TUNA IREM
Published: April 2017

All executives ‐ not just ‘numbers people’ ‐ need to be able to speak the language of accounting and finance. Only then can leaders make the right decisions for allocating resources. irem Tuna explains why
Prenatal and adult androgen activities in alcohol dependence
Authors: Lenz B. , Mühle C. , Braun B. , Weinland C. , Bouna‐Pyrrou P. , Behrens J. , Kubis S. , Mikolaiczik K. , Muschler M.‐R. , Saigali S. , Sibach M. , Tanovska P. , Huber S. E. , Hoppe U. , Eichler A. , Heinrich H. , Moll G. H. , Engel A. , Goecke T. W. , Beckmann M. W. , Fasching P. A. , Müller C. P. , Kornhuber J.
Published: April 2017

Objective

Alcohol dependence is more prevalent in men than in women. The evidence for how prenatal and adult androgens influence alcohol dependence is limited. We investigated the effects of prenatal and adult androgen activity on alcohol dependence. Moreover, we studied how the behaviours of pregnant women affect their children's prenatal androgen load.

Method

We quantified prenatal androgen markers (e.g., second‐to‐fourth finger length ratio [2D : 4D]) and blood androgens in 200 early‐abstinent alcohol‐dependent in‐patients and 240 controls (2013–2015, including a 12‐month follow‐up). We also surveyed 134 women during pregnancy (2005–2007) and measured the 2D : 4D of their children (2013–2016).

Results

The prenatal androgen loads were higher in the male alcohol‐dependent patients compared to the controls (lower 2D : 4D, P = 0.004) and correlated positively with the patients’ liver transaminase activities (P < 0.001) and alcohol withdrawal severity (P = 0.019). Higher prenatal androgen loads and increasing androgen levels during withdrawal predicted earlier and more frequent 12‐month hospital readmission in alcohol‐dependent patients (P < 0.005). Moreover, stress levels (P = 0.002), alcohol (P = 0.010) and tobacco consumption (P = 0.017), and lifetime stressors (P = 0.019) of women during pregnancy related positively to their children's prenatal androgen loads (lower 2D : 4D).

Conclusion

Androgen activities in alcohol‐dependent patients and behaviours of pregnant women represent novel preventive and therapeutic targets of alcohol dependence.
Systematic review indicates postnatal growth in term infants born small‐for‐gestational‐age being associated with later neurocognitive and metabolic outcomes
Authors: Castanys‐Muñoz Esther , Kennedy Kathy , Castañeda‐Gutiérrez Eurídice , Forsyth Stewart , Godfrey Keith M. , Koletzko Berthold , Ozanne Susan E. , Rueda Ricardo , Schoemaker Marieke , van der Beek Eline M. , van Buuren Stef , Ong Ken K.
Published: April 2017

We systematically reviewed papers published in English between 1994 and October 2015 on how postnatal weight gain and growth affect neurodevelopment and metabolic outcomes in term‐born small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) infants. Two randomised trials reported that enriched infant formulas that promoted early growth also increased fat mass, lean mass and blood pressure (BP), but had no effect on early neurocognitive outcomes. Meanwhile, 31 observational studies reported consistent positive associations between postnatal weight gain and growth with neurocognitive outcomes, adiposity, insulin resistance and BP.

Conclusion: Few intervention studies exist, despite consistent positive associations between early growth and neurocognition in term‐born SGA infants.
Mutational analysis of PHEX, FGF23 and CLCN5 in patients with hypophosphataemic rickets
Authors: Guven Ayla , Al‐Rijjal Roua A. , BinEssa Huda A. , Dogan Durmuş , Kor Yılmaz , Zou Minjing , Kaya Namik , Alenezi Anwar F. , Hancili Suna , Tarım Ömer , Baitei Essa Y. , Kattan Walaa E , Meyer Brian F. , Shi Yufei
Published: April 2017

Context

Hypophosphataemic rickets (HR) is a group of rare hereditary renal phosphate wasting disorders caused by mutations in PHEX, FGF23, DMP1, ENPP1, CLCN5 or SLC34A3.

Objective

To investigate underlying genetic defects in patients with hypophosphataemic rickets.

Methods

We analysed genomic DNA from nine unrelated families for mutations in the entire coding region of PHEX, FGF23, DMP1, ENPP1, CLCN5 or SLC34A3 by PCR sequencing and copy number analysis.

Results

A total of 14 patients were studied. PHEX mutations were identified in 12 patients from seven families. Five of them were novel mutations present in eight patients: c.154G>T (p.E52*), c.401_402insGCCAAA (p.Q134_K135insPK), c.1600C>T (p.P534S), g.22016715_22056805del (40‐kb deletion including promoter and exons 1‐3) and c.2242_2243delCT (p.L748 fs*48). Four patients had previously reported mutations: c.1768+1G>A and c.1807G>A (p.W602*). Novel CLCN5 (c.1205G>A, p.W402*) and FGF23 (c.526C>G, p.R176G) mutations were found in two patients from the remaining two families. Many of the mutations were de novo: c.154G>T and c.2242_2243delCT in PHEX and c.526C>G in FGF23. Furthermore, we characterized the breakpoint of the novel PHEX g.22016715_22056805del and the c.2242_2243delCT, which is 6 bp from the stop codon, resulting in a frameshift and extension of the reading frame by 42 amino acids.

Conclusions

Novel and de novo mutations are frequent and PHEX mutations are still the most common genetic defects in the Turkish population. Gene copy number analysis should be considered in patients with negative results by conventional PCR‐based sequencing analysis. The current study further expands the mutation spectrum underlying HR.
Implantation of two second‐generation trabecular micro‐bypass stents and topical travoprost in open‐angle glaucoma not controlled on two preoperative medications: 18‐month follow‐up
Authors: Berdahl John , Voskanyan Lilit , Myers Jonathan S , Hornbeak Dana M , Giamporcaro Jane Ellen , Katz L Jay , Samuelson Thomas W
Published: April 2017

Importance

Additional data are sought regarding treatment options for glaucoma, a major cause of global blindness.

Background

The study assessed outcomes following standalone implantation of two second‐generation trabecular micro‐bypass stents and postoperative topical prostaglandin in eyes with open‐angle glaucoma not controlled on two preoperative medications.

Design

The study design is a prospective, nonrandomized, open‐label study at a tertiary‐care ophthalmology centre.

Participants

Subjects had open‐angle glaucoma with preoperative intraocular pressure of 18–30 mmHg on two medications, a medication washout phase, and post‐washout intraocular pressure of 22–38 mmHg. All subjects (N = 53) have been followed for 18 months.

Methods

One day following implantation of two second‐generation trabecular micro‐bypass stents, subjects started topical travoprost. Medication washout was repeated at month 12.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measure was the proportion of eyes with intraocular pressure reduction ≥ 20% versus medicated baseline intraocular pressure with reduction of one medication at 12 months.

Results

At 12 months, 91% of eyes achieved intraocular pressure reduction ≥ 20% with reduction of one medication. All eyes had intraocular pressure ≤ 18 mmHg with reduction of one medication, and 87% had intraocular pressure ≤ 15 mmHg. Mean intraocular pressure on one medication was ≤ 13.0 mmHg (≥ 34% reduction) through 18 months. Mean post‐washout intraocular pressure at month 13 was 33% lower than preoperative unmedicated intraocular pressure. No adverse events occurred through 18 months.

Conclusions and Relevance

In open‐angle glaucoma eyes on two preoperative medications, treatment with two second‐generation trabecular stents and one postoperative prostaglandin resulted in mean intraocular pressure ≤ 13 mmHg with reduction of one medication, with favourable safety. These findings show the utility of second‐generation trabecular bypass with postoperative prostaglandin in patients with open‐angle glaucoma.
Mindfulness and rehabilitation
Authors: Dan Bernard
Published: April 2017

Video Podcast: https://youtu.be/GjfTmkLAfuk