bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On‐site test to detect syphilis in pregnancy: a systematic review of test accuracy studies
Authors: Rogozińska E , Kara‐Newton L , Zamora JR , Khan KS
Published: December 2016

Background

Syphilis in pregnancy can lead to fetal and neonatal death or congenital anomalies. Accurate on‐site tests are an essential part of effective prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of the disease.

Objective

This systematic review assessed the accuracy of on‐site tests to detect infection with Treponema pallidum in pregnant women.

Search strategy

Major databases were searched from inception to January 2016 using terms: ‘pregnancy’, ‘antenatal’, ‘syphilis’, ‘Treponema pallidum’ with their variations, and the search limit for the relevant study design.

Selection criteria

We included studies that used dual reference standard (non‐treponemal and treponemal tests) to detected syphilis in pregnancy.

Data collection and analysis

Extracted accuracy data were tabulated and pooled using hierarchical, bivariate random effects model.

Main results

Seven studies (combined sample 17 546) reporting the accuracy of four on‐site tests met the eligibility criteria. On average, Determine™ and SD BioLine Syphilis 3.0 had the highest sensitivity of all the evaluated tests: 0.83 (95% CI 0.58, 0.98) and 0.86 (95% CI 0.82, 0.89), respectively, with a high specificity 0.96 (95% CI 0.89, 1.00) and 0.99 (95% CI 0.94, 1.00), respectively. The Qualitative Rapid Plasma Reagin card commonly used in clinical practice had a pooled sensitivity of 0.70 (95% CI 0.54, 0.88) and specificity of 0.97 (95% CI 0.96, 0.99).

Conclusion

Immunochromatographic tests such as Determine™ and SD BioLine Syphilis 3.0 seem to be acceptable options in antenatal testing for syphilis, especially in resource‐limited settings. Future research should seek more evidence to strengthen this claim.

Tweetable abstract

On‐site test to detect syphilis—options during antenatal care.
Employee development and voluntary turnover: testing the employability paradox
Authors: Nelissen Jill , Forrier Anneleen , Verbruggen Marijke
Published: December 2016

The employability paradox is a concern among employers. It states that development activities enhancing employees' employability also increase the risk for employee turnover. This study examined this paradox and probed the relationship between six development activities and voluntary turnover mediated by perceived employability. We tested both a turnover‐stimulating path via perceived external employability (i.e. perceived job alternatives with other employers) and a retention path via perceived internal employability (i.e. perceived job alternatives with the current employer) by using two‐wave longitudinal data from 588 employees. The results put the turnover risk into perspective: only upward job transition positively influenced turnover via perceived external employability. Also, the retention path via perceived internal employability was not supported: several development activities were positively related with perceived internal employability, but perceived internal employability did not influence turnover. We did, however, find a direct retention effect of skill utilisation. Overall, the results downplay the employability paradox.
A Randomized Trial Evaluating Whether Topiramate Aids Smoking Cessation and Prevents Alcohol Relapse in Recovering Alcohol‐Dependent Men
Authors: Anthenelli Robert M. , Heffner Jaimee L. , Wong Esther , Tibbs Jessie , Russell Katie , Isgro Melodie , Dinh Elizabeth , Wehrle Chris , Worley Matthew J. , Doran Neal
Published: December 2016

Background

Alcohol and nicotine dependence frequently co‐occur, and quitting smoking might enhance long‐term alcohol abstinence. Topiramate appears to help non‐alcohol‐dependent individuals quit smoking, and our pilot work suggested efficacy only in men. It also prevents relapse to alcohol in recently detoxified alcoholics. We evaluated topiramate in abstinent alcohol‐dependent men to assess whether this medication (i) promotes smoking cessation and (ii) prevents alcohol and other drug relapse in the context of smoking cessation treatment.

Methods

One hundred and twenty‐nine alcohol‐abstinent (mean ~6 months) alcohol‐dependent male smokers (80% with other substance use disorders) participated in this 12‐week randomized, double blind, parallel group comparison of topiramate (up to 200 mg/d) and placebo with a 24‐week nontreatment follow‐up period. The study was carried out sequentially at 2 academic centers in the Midwest and Southern California between March 23, 2009 and November 20, 2014. All participants received manual‐guided smoking cessation counseling combined with medication‐focused compliance enhancement therapy. Randomization was block designed by the research pharmacist in a 1:1 ratio. Participants, investigators, and research personnel were masked to treatment assignment. The primary smoking end point was biochemically confirmed 4‐week continuous abstinence from smoking during weeks 9 to 12, while the secondary end point was relapse to any drinking or drug use during the entire 36‐week evaluation period. Logistic regression was used to determine the effects of topiramate on quitting smoking and alcohol relapse, controlling for relevant covariates. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (number NCT00802412) and is now closed.

Results

Only a small proportion (7.9%) of topiramate‐treated participants were able to quit smoking, and this cessation rate was similar to placebo (10.6%; odds ratio = 1.60; 95% confidence interval 0.4, 6.5; p = 0.51). Roughly 30% of the sample had a documented relapse to drinking or drug use during the study, and these rates were similar in the topiramate (20/63; 31.8%) and placebo groups (18/66; 27.3%; p = 0.58). Results of a longitudinal logistic regression model examining time to any alcohol relapse revealed no medication effect.

Conclusions

Topiramate at a daily dosage of up to 200 mg per day, combined with smoking cessation and medication adherence counseling, had no effects on smoking cessation or the prevention of alcohol or drug relapse in male smokers who were in early or sustained full remission from alcohol and motivated to make a quit attempt. Alternative approaches for treating this high‐risk, dually dependent population are needed.
Role of adjuvant chemotherapy in T2N0M0 periampullary cancers
Authors: Ostwal Vikas , Harris Caleb , Sirohi Bhawna , Goel Mahesh , Bal Munita , Kannan Sadhana , Shrikhande Shailesh V
Published: December 2016

Aims

Surgery is the only modality that offers cure for periampullary adenocarcinoma. However, surgery alone results in failure in 60% of patients. Studies have shown some benefits of chemotherapy in node positive and higher tumor stage patients. We sought to determine the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in early tumors with uninvolved nodes.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients resected of periampullary tumors from 2007 to 2014 was performed. Patients were studied for adverse risk factors, adjuvant therapy received and the survival.

Results

Of 105 patients, 14 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy and 85 were observed. After a median follow‐up of over 36 months, the overall 3‐year survival was 94.2% in the observed group and 100% in the group that received chemotherapy (P = 0.33), with the 3‐year disease‐free survival being 81.9% and 90.9%, respectively, (P = 0.477). Serum CA 19‐9 levels above 100 U/mL were a poor prognostic factor.

Conclusion

This study did not find a benefit with the use of adjuvant chemotherapy, but chemotherapy might improve survival. The benefit for adjuvant chemotherapy needs further confirmation in prospective trials.
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart diseases by fetal echocardiography in second trimester: a Chinese multicenter study
Authors: Chu Chen , Yan Yingliu , Ren Yunyun , Li Xiaotian , Gui Yonghao
Published: December 2016

Introduction

The objective of our study was to evaluate the performance of detailed fetal echocardiography by skilled obstetric physician sonologists in the diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) in a Chinese population.

Material and methods

This investigation included a multicenter prospective cohort of 10 259 pregnant women attending 10 regional tertiary hospitals in China. The inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancy and gestational age from 18 to ≤28 weeks. Women with multiple pregnancies were excluded. A detailed fetal echocardiography was performed by trained physicians with at least 3 years of experience. The primary outcome measures included sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of detailed fetal echocardiography in prenatal detection of CHD.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of fetal echocardiography in detecting any CHD were 33.9 and 99.8%, respectively, in the low‐risk population, and 68.8 and 99.4%, respectively, in the high‐risk population. For detecting major CHDs, fetal echocardiography had a high sensitivity and specificity, and satisfactory positive and negative likelihood ratios in both the low‐risk population (88.2, 100%, 6947.7, and 0.118, respectively) and high‐risk population (100, 99.9%, 833.3, and <0.0001, respectively). The sensitivity and likelihood ratios were substantially lower for detecting minor CHDs in both populations.

Conclusions

Detailed fetal echocardiography performed by skilled physicians had high detection rate for major CHD in both low‐risk and high‐risk populations. However, its value for detecting minor CHD was limited. The incorporation of fetal echocardiography with multiple cardiac views into routine ultrasound screening may improve the detection rate of fetal major CHD and facilitate appropriate parental counseling.
Localization of nucleic acid‐sensing toll‐like receptors in human and mouse pancreas
Authors: Helminen Olli , Huhta Heikki , Kauppila Joonas H. , Lehenkari Petri P. , Saarnio Juha , Karttunen Tuomo J.
Published: December 2016

Nucleic acid‐sensing toll‐like receptors (TLRs) (3, 7, 8, 9) have a role both in antiviral innate immunity and in autoimmune disorders. We assessed the expression of TLR3, 7, 8 and 9 in human and mouse pancreas focusing on the subpopulations of cells in the Langerhans islets. We studied eight human samples with normal pancreatic islets and two samples from patients with type 1 diabetes. Additionally, 10 CD‐1 mouse pancreases were analysed. Immunohistochemical double‐stainings for the TLRs and insulin, glucagon or somatostatin, respectively, were performed along with appropriate controls. In human pancreas, strong immunoreaction of TLR7 and TLR8 was observed in the insulin‐positive beta cells, whereas glucagon‐ or somatostatin‐expressing cells of the islets were weakly stained or negative. In type 1 diabetes, the expression in islets was weak or lost (TLR7: p = 0.014, TLR8: p = 0.053), correlating with loss of beta cells. TLR3 and 9 were expressed only weakly with no correlation with specific cell types. In mouse pancreas, only TLR9 was detected. Intra‐pancreatic nerve ganglia strongly expressed TLR7. The strong expression of TLR7 and TLR8 in the beta cells of normal human islets could be an important piece in the puzzle of type 1 diabetes pathogenesis, and be linked with destruction of this particular subpopulation of the islet cells. In normal mice, only TLR9 can be constantly detected in the islets, highlighting differences between the species.
Costa Rica's Outward‐Looking Development: From ‘Agriculture of Change’ to Food Insecurity
Authors: BOTELLA‐RODRÍGUEZ ELISA
Published: December 2016

Costa Rica provides an excellent example of the neoliberal approach to agricultural policy implemented during the last two decades in Latin America. In the early 1980s, Costa Rica shifted from limited promotion of import substitution industrialisation to export‐led growth and non‐traditional crops. This article presents important findings about the effects of outward‐looking development policies since the 1990s on Costa Rica's patterns of food production and land tenure. While trade liberalisation has diversified agriculture and increased the levels of export production, it has also had negative effects on food security.
“I received a leaflet and that is all”: Father experiences of a diagnosis of autism
Authors: Potter Carol A.
Published: December 2016

Accessible summary

Little is known about what fathers think and feel about a diagnosis of autism.

Fathers experienced strong emotion around diagnosis and were given little support.

Services should support mother and fathers in ways which meet their individual needs.

More positive messages should be given to families at diagnosis.

Background: A diagnosis of childhood autism can be an extremely stressful experience for parents, but little is known concerning paternal perceptions of the process.

Methods: This study investigated father perspectives on a diagnosis of autism, through an online survey.

Results: An analysis of 184 replies to an open‐ended question identified the following themes: strong initial emotional response and a range of immediate anxieties about the future, struggle to gain a diagnosis; anger in response to insensitive delivery of diagnosis together with insufficient information at the time and lack of support afterwards.

Conclusion: Fathers experienced a range of significant challenges during a diagnostic process in which most felt unsupported. Service provision should be more gender‐differentiated, taking into account of the particular needs and perspectives of both mothers and fathers at this critical juncture in family life.
Thyroid abnormalities following the use of cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 and programmed death receptor protein‐1 inhibitors in the treatment of melanoma
Authors: Morganstein D.L. , Lai Z. , Spain L. , Diem S. , Levine D. , Mace C. , Gore M. , Larkin J.
Published: December 2016

Context

Checkpoint inhibitors are emerging as important cancer therapies but are associated with a high rate of immune side effects, including endocrinopathy.

Objective

To determine the burden of thyroid dysfunction in patients with melanoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and describe the clinical course.

Design and patients

Consecutive patients with melanoma treated with either ipilimumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab or the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab were identified. Baseline thyroid function tests were used to exclude those with pre‐existing thyroid abnormalities, and thyroid function tests during treatment used to identify those with thyroid dysfunction.

Results

Rates of overt thyroid dysfunction were in keeping with the published phase 3 trials. Hypothyroidism occurred in 13·0% treated with a programmed death receptor‐1 (PD‐1) inhibitor and 22·2% with a combination of PD‐1 inhibitor and ipilimumab. Transient subclinical hyperthyroidism was observed in 13·0% treated with a PD‐1 inhibitor, 15·9% following a PD‐1 inhibitor, and 22·2% following combination treatment with investigations suggesting a thyroiditic mechanism rather than Graves’ disease, and a high frequency of subsequent hypothyroidism. Any thyroid abnormality occurred in 23·0% following ipilimumab, 39·1% following a PD‐1 inhibitor and 50% following combination treatment. Abnormal thyroid function was more common in female patients.

Conclusion

Thyroid dysfunction occurs commonly in patients with melanoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, with rates, including subclinical dysfunction, occurring in up to 50%.
Clinical measures of obesity and cumulative cardiometabolic risk in adolescents
Authors: Jayawardene W. P. , Lohrmann D. , Dickinson S. , Talagala S. , Torabi M.
Published: December 2016

Obesity tracks from childhood to adulthood most strongly of all cardiometabolic risk factors. To determine relationship of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with cardiometabolic risk (dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia and elevated blood pressure) in a large U.S. population ages 12–19 and demographic subgroups. Pooled 1999–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data were analyzed (N = 23 438). In addition to standard cutoffs of BMI and WC, risk levels were identified for each laboratory variable: HDL‐cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol, triglycerides, total cholesterol (category = lipids); fasting glucose, glycated haemoglobin (category = glucose); systolic/diastolic pressures (category =blood pressure). Within each category, being high‐risk on any of the variables was high‐risk; being borderline‐risk on any, without being high‐risk on any, was borderline‐risk. Obesity severity was strongly associated with increased cardiometabolic risk, with prevalence of borderline‐risk greater than high‐risk. Anthropometric indicators in males and Hispanics, versus females and Whites/Blacks, respectively, had stronger associations with cardiometabolic risks. BMI and WC performed well for identifying adolescents with at least one borderline‐risk or high‐risk level measure for lipids, glucose and blood pressure; relationship strength varying by gender and race/ethnicity. Thus, to prevent or better manage clinical diseases of adolescents with elevated BMI and/or WC, all recommended laboratory tests are warranted.
Factors related to inter‐observer reproducibility of conventional Pap smear cytology: a multilevel analysis of smear and laboratory characteristics
Authors: Baena A. , Guevara E. , Almonte M. , Arias‐Stella J. , Sasieni P. , Sanchez G. I.
Published: December 2016

Objective

To identify factors that influence the inter‐observer reproducibility of the routine, conventional Pap smear cytology (Pap smear test) in a network of certificated laboratories in a middle‐income Latin American country.

Methods

Twenty‐six laboratories provided each an average of 26 negative for malignancy (NILM) and high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) Pap smears. An external panel reviewed the slides. The kappa index and multilevel logistic regression were used to estimate the reproducibility and odds ratios (OR) of a false result with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), respectively. Results are presented for laboratories that collect (collector laboratories) and do not collect (non‐collector laboratories) samples.

Results

The agreements ranged widely (median kappa 0.51, range 0.16–0.70). The overall false‐positive (FP) and false‐negative (FN) rates were 31% (95% CI 27–35) and 11% (95% CI 7–17). Among collector laboratories (N = 14), a bigger sample collection volume decreased the probability of a FP (OR‐adjusted 0.05, 95% CI 0.02–0.1) whereas the number of quality defects (OR‐adjusted 1.67, 95% CI 1.25–2.24), high workload (OR‐adjusted 5.52, 95% CI 3.85–7.92) and collection by cytotechnologists (OR‐adjusted 1.28, 95% CI 1.15–1.42) or health professionals (OR‐adjusted 2.26, 95% CI 2.04–2.49) instead of nursing assistants increased it. Among non‐collector laboratories (N = 9), the FP rate increased with the number of quality defects (OR‐adjusted 1.86, 95% CI 1.06–3.26) but decreased if the samples were collected by health professionals instead of nursing assistants (OR‐adjusted 0.37, 95%CI 0.17–0.80). No significant associations were observed for FN.

Conclusions

Staff in charge of cervical sampling significantly determined the reproducibility of the Pap smear test, but this depended on whether the laboratory collects samples or read samples collected elsewhere.
New horizons in the understanding of the causes and management of diabetic foot disease: report from the 2017 Diabetes UK Annual Professional Conference Symposium
Authors: Clokie M. , Greenway A. L. , Harding K. , Jones N. J. , Vedhara K. , Game F. , Dhatariya K. K.
Published: December 2016

Diabetes‐related foot disease remains a common problem. For wounds, classic teaching recommends the treatment of any infection, offloading the wound and ensuring a good blood supply, as well as ensuring that the other modifiable risk factors are addressed and optimized. There remain, however, several questions about these and other aspects of the care of diabetes‐related foot disease. Some of these questions are addressed in the present report; in particular, the impact of newer technologies in the identification of any organisms present in a wound, as well as the use of novel approaches to treat infections. The use of new remote sensing technology to identify people at risk of developing foot ulceration is also considered, in an attempt to allow early intervention and prevention of foot ulcers. The psychological impact of foot disease is often overlooked, but with an increasing number of publications on the subject, the cause‐and‐effect role that psychology plays in foot disease, such as ulcers and Charcot neuroarthropathy, is considered. Finally, because of heterogeneity in diabetic foot studies, comparing results is difficult. A recently published document focusing on ensuring a standardized way of reporting foot disease trials is discussed.
Historical foundations and future directions in macrosystems ecology
Authors: Rose Kevin C. , Graves Rose A. , Hansen Winslow D. , Harvey Brian J. , Qiu Jiangxiao , Wood Stephen A. , Ziter Carly , Turner Monica G.
Published: December 2016

Macrosystems ecology is an effort to understand ecological processes and interactions at the broadest spatial scales and has potential to help solve globally important social and ecological challenges. It is important to understand the intellectual legacies underpinning macrosystems ecology: How the subdiscipline fits within, builds upon, differs from and extends previous theories. We trace the rise of macrosystems ecology with respect to preceding theories and present a new hypothesis that integrates the multiple components of macrosystems theory. The spatio‐temporal anthropogenic rescaling (STAR) hypothesis suggests that human activities are altering the scales of ecological processes, resulting in interactions at novel space–time scale combinations that are diverse and predictable. We articulate four predictions about how human actions are “expanding”, “shrinking”, “speeding up” and “slowing down” ecological processes and interactions, and thereby generating new scaling relationships for ecological patterns and processes. We provide examples of these rescaling processes and describe ecological consequences across terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. Rescaling depends in part on characteristics including connectivity, stability and heterogeneity. Our STAR hypothesis challenges traditional assumptions about how the spatial and temporal scales of processes and interactions operate in different types of ecosystems and provides a lens through which to understand macrosystem‐scale environmental change.
Limited effect of the massive tsunami caused by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake on the shallow sandy shore demersal fish assemblages in Sendai Bay
Authors: Okazaki Yuji , Kurita Yutaka , Uehara Shinji
Published: December 2016

We examined the effects of the 11 March 2011 tsunami event on demersal fish assemblages in the shallow (3–17 m) waters of Sendai Bay, Japan. Fish samples were obtained during the 7 yr before the tsunami, the year of the tsunami (2011), and in two subsequent years (2012–2013) using an identical sampling procedure. During the 10 yr, 5757 fish from 70 taxa were sampled during 301 tows. Although the tsunami reached 6 m in height in Sendai Bay, fish abundance, diversity, and species composition in samples immediately after the tsunami (2011) and in 2012–2013 were generally within the range of variability observed over the previous 7 yr (2004–2010). Moreover, the percent occurrence of species varied during the sampling period, but the composition of the dominant species after the tsunami was similar to that before the tsunami. Only the small dragonet species Eleutherochir mirabilis decreased in abundance in 2011 among the dominant taxa, although their abundance recovered in 2012 and 2013. Furthermore, Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, increased in abundance after 2011. The reasons for these minimal effects on the shallow water demersal fish community are unclear. We can only speculate that the limited changes to habitat and the mobility of fish may have enabled the high survival rate of the shallow water fish assemblages in Sendai Bay during and after the tsunami. Thus, we conclude that the fish assemblages of the shallow sandy shore were highly resistant and resilient to unusual and extreme perturbations.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: Basic Principles and Clinical Applications in Migraine
Authors: Barker Anthony T. , Shields Kevin
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a neurophysiological technique with a long established pedigree of safety, tolerability, and efficacy. Initially TMS was used to study the function of the cerebral cortex, but it has now become a treatment for migraine, one of the most common and debilitating neurological conditions. In this review we discuss the scientific background and development of the technique. We explore its application for the treatment of migraine and ponder the possible mechanisms of action in this most common neurological condition.

Overview: The generation of brief magnetic pulses by a suitable coil can induce electrical fields in the body. When applied to the cerebral cortex, currents are painlessly induced in cortical neurons. These currents can lead to neuronal depolarization and may influence cortical excitability by means that are as yet not fully understood. This ability to modulate cortical excitability has been exploited as a treatment for migraine with aura. Aura is implicated in the pathophysiology of migraine. Experimental studies have shown that transcranial magnetic pulses can block waves of cortical spreading depression – the experimental equivalent of migrainous aura.

Discussion

Migraine is a debilitating condition characterized by headache, nausea, and sensory hypersensitivity. It may affect up to 15% of the population, yet current drug treatments are often poorly tolerated. Clinical studies have shown that TMS is an effective treatment for migraine. In addition, it has the added advantages of being safe and well tolerated by patients.
A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of the Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the Management of Pediatric Migraine
Authors: Ng Qin Xiang , Venkatanarayanan Nandini , Kumar Lakshmi
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Migraine headaches are common in children and adolescents. Current pharmacologic treatment options are limited despite the prevalence and debilitating effects of pediatric migraine. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence‐based practice that focuses on the development of coping strategies and cognitive restructuring to alter the pain experience. Till date, no meta‐analysis has been done to examine the use of CBT in pediatric migraine.

Methods

Using the keywords (cognitive behavioral therapy OR cognitive behavior therapy OR cognitive behavioral therapy OR cognitive behavior therapy OR CBT) AND (headache OR migraine), a preliminary search on the PubMed and Ovid database yielded 3841 articles published in English between 1 Jan 1980 and 1 May 2016. Full articles were also reviewed for references of interest. After data extraction, 14 studies were included in the meta‐analysis.

Results

The results of the meta‐analysis well‐support the clinical role of CBT in the management of pediatric migraine. The pooled odds ratios of clinically significant improvement, that is, 50% or greater headache activity reduction post‐treatment and at follow‐up (3 months or later) were OR 9.11 (95% CI: 5.01 to 16.58, P < .001) and OR 9.18 (95% CI: 5.69 to 14.81, P < .001) respectively, demonstrating significant clinical improvement with CBT as compared with wait‐list control, placebo, or standard medication. Furthermore, the clinical improvement was stable, even at a 1‐year follow‐up as evident in some of the studies.

Conclusion

There is good evidence that CBT is beneficial to children suffering from migraine, and may also augment the efficacy of standard medications such as amitriptyline.
The influence of Helicobacter pylori on the ethnic distribution of esophageal eosinophilia
Authors: Sonnenberg Amnon , Dellon Evan S. , Turner Kevin O. , Genta Robert M.
Published: December 2016

Background

Environmental factors associated with ethnicity may contribute to the occurrence of eosinophilic esophagitis. Our study aimed to investigate the influence of Helicobacter pylori on the ethnic variation of esophageal eosinophilia in a large national sample of patients undergoing esophago‐gastro‐duodenoscopy.

Methods

The Miraca Life Sciences Database is an electronic repository of histopathologic patient records. A case‐control study evaluated the influence of ethnicity on the occurrence of esophageal eosinophilia and how age, gender, and histologic diagnosis of H. pylori modify this relationship.

Results

The total study population comprised 596 479 subjects, of whom 25 969 harbored a diagnosis of esophageal eosinophilia. Young age, male sex, and H. pylori infection in declining order exerted the strongest influence on the occurrence of esophageal eosinophilia. In comparison with the population comprising of Caucasians and African‐Americans, esophageal eosinophilia was less common among patients of African (OR=0.10, 95% CI=0.01‐0.46), Middle Eastern (0.22, 0.15‐0.31), East Asian (0.32, 0.26‐0.38), Indian (0.28, 0.21‐0.37), Hispanic (0.40, 0.37‐0.43), or Jewish descent (0.58, 0.51‐0.66), but more common among patients of Northern European descent (1.25, 1.07‐1.45). With the exception of Northern Europeans, all ethnic subgroups were characterized by a higher prevalence of H. pylori than the comparison group. A low prevalence of H. pylori was significantly associated with a high prevalence of esophageal eosinophilia (R2=0.90, P<.001).

Conclusion

Esophageal eosinophilia prevalence markedly varies by patient ethnicity. As there is a strong inverse correlation between H. pylori and esophageal eosinophilia, H. pylori infection may be in part responsible for the observed ethnic distribution of esophageal eosinophilia.
Immunoprofile of metaplastic carcinomas of the breast
Authors: Rakha Emad A , Coimbra Nuno D M , Hodi Zsolt , Juneinah Enaam , Ellis Ian O , Lee Andrew H S
Published: December 2016

Aims

Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) is a rare type of breast cancer; its diagnosis in routine practice can be challenging, and may require immunohistochemical (IHC) characterization if no conventional invasive or in‐situ carcinoma is present. Previous IHC studies of MBC often had a small sample size and did not investigate the different histological subtypes. This study aimed to assess the immunoprofile of MBC subtypes in a large series.

Methods and results

A total of 172 MBC diagnosed in routine and referral practice in Nottingham during 26 years were reviewed by three breast pathologists. In addition, data on the immunoprofile of 730 MBC in 61 published studies were analysed. The antibodies to a broad spectrum of cytokeratins (AE1/AE3 and MNF116) are most frequently positive in MBC (approximately 80%). Basal cytokeratins (34βE12, CK5/6, CK14 and CK17) are positive in approximately 70%. Luminal cytokeratins (CK8/18, CK7 and CK19) are positive in approximately 30–60%. Myoepithelial markers are also frequently positive, particularly p63. Oestrogen receptor (ER), progestogen receptor (PR) and HER2 are usually all negative. CD34 (a marker often positive in phyllodes tumours) is consistently negative in MBC.

Conclusion

This study provides data on the frequency of expression of a wide range of markers in MBC based on a large number of tumours. No consistent immunophenotype was identified and no individual marker was positive in all tumours, most probably reflecting the morphological and molecular heterogeneity of this tumour class and the practical need to use a panel of different antibodies when trying to establish the diagnosis of metaplastic breast carcinoma.
Population genetic structure of Grauer's Swamp Warbler Bradypterus graueri, an Albertine Rift endemic
Authors: Kahindo Charles M. , Bates John M. , Bowie Rauri C. K.
Published: December 2016

The endangered warbler Bradypterus graueri is endemic to the Albertine Rift, where it is restricted to montane swamps above 1900 m across the region. We studied genetic structure among six populations sampled across the species' distribution in northern Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. A total of 2117 base pairs of mitochondrial data were sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses and network reconstruction of B. graueri haplotypes recovered three clades with a defined geographical pattern: clade 1, Virunga Volcanoes and Kigezi Highlands; clade 2, Rugege Highlands; and clade 3, Kahuzi‐Biega Highlands; clades 2 and 3 are sisters to each other. Both landscape dynamics and historical climate are likely to have played a role in the diversification of this species. The divergence between clade 1 and clades 2 and 3 (168.5 ka, 95% HPD 108.5, 244.4) coincides with a prolonged period of aridity in tropical Africa between 130 and 270 ka. Similarly, the divergence between clades 2 and 3 (99.4 ka, 95% HPD 55.4, 153.8) corresponds with a period of aridity just prior to 94 ka. Populations sampled from the eastern arm of the central Albertine Rift (Kigezi and Rugege Highlands) show a coincident increase in effective population size after the Last Glacial Maximum at c. 15 ka, whereas those sampled from Kahuzi‐Biega on the western arm of the rift do not. Despite the perceived higher vagility of bird species relative to other vertebrates, the degree of phylogeographical structure among populations of B. graueri is similar to that reported for small mammals (Hylomyscus vulcanorum, Lophuromys woosnami, Sylvisorex vulcanorum) and a frog Hyperolius castaneus sampled across the central Albertine Rift. Collectively our results suggest that climate dynamics associated with late Pleistocene cycles had a significant influence on driving the population genetic structure and associated levels of genetic diversity in B. graueri and other small terrestrial vertebrates. Our results have implications for the conservation of B. graueri and other endemics to the Albertine Rift, particularly in the context of other phylogegeographical studies centred on this biodiversity hotspot.
Free radical scavenging properties of mannitol and its role as a constituent of hyaluronic acid fillers: a literature review
Authors: André P. , Villain F.
Published: December 2016

Mannitol has both hydrating and antioxidant properties that make it an ideal excipient for use with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. This review examines the role of reactive oxygen species in the ageing process and their effects on both endogenous HA and HA products developed for aesthetic use. Evidence is presented to show that the free radical scavenging properties of mannitol provide it with a two‐fold mechanism of action when combined with HA fillers: reducing the inflammation and swelling associated with the injection procedure itself, and preventing the degradation of the injected HA by free radicals. Mannitol also has a long‐ and well‐established safety profile in both the food and pharmaceutical industry. Having established the rationale for using mannitol in combination with an HA filler, the products using this strategy are then reviewed. The addition of mannitol to HA fillers is a viable and safe option for improving both short‐ and long‐term HA aesthetic effects.
An International Perspective on Audit Report Lag: A Synthesis of the Literature and Opportunities for Future Research
Authors: Abernathy John L. , Barnes Michael , Stefaniak Chad , Weisbarth Alexandria
Published: December 2016

Audit report lag (ARL) is the length of time from a company's fiscal year‐end to the audit report date, and is often viewed as the most important financial reporting timeliness determinant. Given that timeliness is an area of interest to investors, managers, regulators, auditors and academics, an understanding of ARL determinants is extremely important. As financial markets become more globally oriented, an international understanding of ARL determinants becomes even more important. This paper summarizes the extant literature on ARL and its determinants with an emphasis on international literature. Our review categorizes prior research based on company‐specific and audit‐related factors, and explores the associations that have been identified with respect to ARL. Finally, we identify possible areas of interest not currently present in the literature and speculate on several opportunities for future research.
Managers’ informal learning: a trait activation theory perspective
Authors: Noe Raymond A. , Tews Michael J. , Michel John W.
Published: December 2016

Research focusing on how individual differences and the work context influence informal learning is growing but incomplete. This study contributes to our understanding of the antecedents of informal learning by examining the relationships of goal orientation, job autonomy and training climate with informal learning. Based on trait activation theory, this study examines how job autonomy and training climate, two work context factors, affect the influence of individuals’ goal orientation on informal learning. The sample included managers from a national restaurant chain in the United states. Higher levels of learning goal orientation, job autonomy and a supportive training climate were found to result in more informal learning. Congruent with trait activation theory, training climate moderated the goal orientation‐informal learning relationship, but not in the expected direction for avoid goal orientation. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Widening the lens: a structuration theory perspective on European works councils and transnational labour relations
Authors: Hertwig Markus
Published: December 2016

This article outlines a concept for analysing practices of European works councils. Much previous research has focused its attention merely on a single institution or actor, for instance the European works council, transnational agreements or trade union federations. However, previous research in the field suggests that transnational labour relations often involve many actors on different levels inside and outside an MNC who interact, refer to different cultural patterns and draw power to act from various sources. To cover those processes, a structuration theory framework is developed that models different ‘action fields’, which actors refer to in their social practices of cross‐border employee representation. The framework is illustrated with case studies of Toyota and General Motors. The benefits and limitations of the new perspective are discussed with reference to previous accounts.
Islands in the stream? The challenges and resilience of the Danish industrial relations model in a liberalising world
Authors: Refslund Bjarke , Sørensen Ole Henning
Published: December 2016

Nordic industrial relations models have often been highlighted as being successful ‘highroads’ in advanced capitalism. However, the economic crisis has increased pressures to liberalise and deregulate labour markets. Although this challenges the Danish industrial relations model, there are several countermeasures, in particular strong unions and the supportive institutional context, which have prevented erosion indicating the resilience and adaptability of the model.
Health and safety risks in Britain's workplaces: where are they and who controls them?
Authors: Bryson Alex
Published: December 2016

This is the first paper to identify the correlates of workplace managers' perceptions of the health and safety risks faced by workers and the degree to which workers have control over those risks. The risks that workers face and the control they have over those risks are weakly negatively correlated. Managerial risk ratings are positively associated with both injury and illness rates, but not with absence rates. The control rating is also positively associated with injury and illness rates, but it is negatively correlated with absence rates. Workers are more likely to be exposed to health and safety risks when their workplace is performing poorly and where it has been adversely affected by the recession. Union density is positively associated with risks but is not associated with workers' control over risks. Having on‐site worker representatives dealing with health and safety is linked to lower risks than direct consultation between management and employees over health and safety. However, there is no evidence that particular types of health and safety arrangement are related to workers' control over health and safety risks.
The effectiveness of interventions to enhance self‐management support competencies in the nursing profession: a systematic review
Authors: Duprez Veerle , Vandecasteele Tina , Verhaeghe Sofie , Beeckman Dimitri , Van Hecke Ann
Published: December 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness and effective components of training interventions to enhance nurses' competencies in self‐management support in chronic care.

Background

The growing burden of chronic diseases puts an increasing focus on nurses' self‐management support of people living with a chronic illness. The most effective method to train nurses' competencies in self‐management support remains unclear.

Design

Systematic literature review.

Data sources

PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, Web of Science, ERIC and PsycARTICLES databases were searched up to August 2015.

Review method

Eligible studies reported on training interventions to enhance chronic care self‐management support competencies in nurses. Outcomes were defined as trainees' reactions to the training (level 1), changes in trainees' competencies (level 2) or changes in trainees' performance in practice (level 3) concerning self‐management support. Risk of bias was assessed. Level 1 outcomes were synthesized narratively. Standardized mean differences were calculated per study for level 2 and 3 outcomes.

Results

In total, 25 studies were included. Twelve of these studies included level 1 outcomes, eight studies included level 2 outcomes and 10 studies included level 3 outcomes. Effect sizes in favour of training ranged from −0·36 ‐ 1·56 (level 2) and from 0·06 ‐ 5·56 (level 3). Theory‐driven training interventions with time to practice, (video) feedback and follow‐up generated the most training effects. Caution is needed due to the inconsistent study quality.

Conclusion

To date, there is a knowledge gap concerning the most effective method to train nurses' competencies in self‐management support. More well‐designed, longitudinal studies are needed.
Following the Antarctic Circumpolar Current: patterns and processes in the biogeography of the limpetNacella(Mollusca: Patellogastropoda) across the Southern Ocean
Authors: González‐Wevar Claudio A. , Hüne Mathias , Segovia Nicolas I. , Nakano Tomoyuki , Spencer Hamish G. , Chown Steven L. , Saucède Thomas , Johnstone Glenn , Mansilla Andrés , Poulin Elie
Published: December 2016

Aim

We use an integrative biogeographical approach to further understand the evolution of an important Southern Ocean marine benthic element, the limpet genusNacella(Mollusca: Patellogastropoda).

Location

Southern Ocean.

Methods

We used multi‐locus time‐calibrated phylogeny ofNacellaat the scale of the whole Southern Ocean to elucidate the underlying processes involved in the origin and diversification of the genus.

Results

Divergence‐time estimates suggest that soon after its origin during the mid‐Miocene (c. 12.5 Ma),Nacellaseparated into two main lineages currently distributed in (1) South America and (2) Antarctica and the sub‐Antarctic islands. We identified two pulses of diversification, during the late Miocene (8 to 5.5 Ma) and the Pleistocene (< 1 Ma).

Main conclusions

Major periods of climatic and oceanographical change strongly affected the biogeography ofNacellaand demonstrate both the long‐ and short‐term influence of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current across the Southern Ocean. Our analyses support the validity of all currently recognizedNacellaspecies and reveal a new South‐American lineage. This work constitutes the most detailed molecular‐based study of an ecologically important, near‐shore invertebrate Southern Ocean group and in so doing contributes to the improved understanding of the underlying patterns and processes in the origin and diversification of marine benthic fauna across this globally important region.
Phylogeography of the reef‐building polychaetes of the genus Phragmatopoma in the western Atlantic Region
Authors: Nunes Flavia L. D. , Van Wormhoudt Alain , Faroni‐Perez Larisse , Fournier Jérôme
Published: December 2016

Aim

To verify the synonymy of the reef‐building polychaete Phragmatopoma caudata (described for the Caribbean) and Phragmatopoma lapidosa (described for Brazil) using molecular data. To evaluate the patterns of genetic diversity and connectivity among populations from Florida to South Brazil.

Location

Intertidal zone in the western Atlantic biogeographical Region: Brazil, eastern Caribbean and Florida (USA).

Methods

DNA sequence data from one mitochondrial (cox‐1) and one nuclear ribosomal (ITS‐1) loci were obtained from 11 populations of P. caudata spanning the coasts of Brazil, eastern Caribbean and Florida. Phylogenetic relationships among populations of P. caudata and other members of the genus were inferred by Bayesian methods. Population differentiation was evaluated by Bayesian analysis of population structure (baps), AMOVA and pairwise φst. Demographic history was inferred by Bayesian skyline plots.

Results

Phylogenetic inference supported the interpretation of a single species of Phragmatopoma spanning the Brazilian and Caribbean Provinces of the western Atlantic Region. Little population structure was observed across the species distribution, with the exception of the Florida population. The baps analysis supported a 2‐population model, with population differentiation being strong and significant between Florida and all other Atlantic populations for cox‐1, and significant between Florida and most populations for ITS‐1. Differences in genetic diversity were not significant between Caribbean and Brazilian populations, although several populations in Brazil had low values for diversity indices. Bayesian skyline plots indicate population expansion starting at c. 200 ka.

Main conclusions

Phragmatopoma caudata is able to maintain genetic connectivity across most of its geographical range, with population differentiation being observed only between Florida and all other localities, possibly due to ecological speciation in the transition zone between tropical and subtropical environments. Long‐distance connectivity across much of the species range is likely the result of long‐lived larvae that are tolerant to a wide range of environmental conditions.
Adding Relevance to Rigor in Research: The JBL Practitioner Panel
Authors: Goldsby Thomas J. , Zinn Walter
Published: December 2016

The logistics and supply chain fields find themselves at an interesting point in time, where disruptive technologies and innovative business models reframe our notions of relevance. Business professionals face unprecedented challenges for which academic research can enlighten and lead practice. We call for the research community to take up this challenge, and we feature a new JBL Practitioner Panel that can help to illuminate the most pressing issues calling for research focus.