bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy related to treatment with MEK inhibitors in a patient with advanced melanoma
Authors: Taha Tarek , Tzuk-Shina Tzahala , Forschner Itay , Bar-Sela Gil
Published: September 2017

Approximately one-half of advanced cutaneous melanomas have a V600 mutation in theBRAFgene that activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. The combination ofBRAFplus MEK inhibitors is one of the most effective treatments for these patients. Severe neurological toxicities have been reported in the literature. However, these toxicities are very rare. Here, we present one patient with acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy, which is a subtype of Guillain–Barre syndrome, secondary to treatment with MEK inhibitors. This side effect had never been described as related to these agents. However, the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway can be involved in Guillain–Barre syndrome, and awareness of early neurological injury signs is important in patients treated with MEK inhibitors.
A Prospective, Open-Label Study of Hyaluronic Acid-Based Filler With Lidocaine (VYC-15L) Treatment for the Correction of Infraorbital Skin Depressions
Authors: Niforos Francois , Acquilla Raj , Ogilvie Patricia , Safa Marva , Signorini Massimo , Creutz Lela , Kerson Graeme , Silberberg Michael
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Infraorbital skin depressions are one of the most troublesome facial areas for aesthetically aware patients.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate effectiveness and safety of Juvéderm Volbella with Lidocaine (VYC-15L; Allergan plc, Dublin, Ireland) for correction of bilateral infraorbital depressions.

METHODS

In this 12-month, prospective, uncontrolled, open-label study, subjects aged ≥18 years with infraorbital depressions rated ≥1 on the Allergan Infra-oRbital Scale (AIRS) received injections of VYC-15L with optional touch-up treatment on Day 14. The primary efficacy measure was ≥1 AIRS grade improvement from baseline at month 1.

RESULTS

Of 80 subjects initially treated with VYC-15L, 75 (94%) completed the study. All injections were intentionally deep, most using multiple microbolus technique. At 1 month, 99.3% of eyes achieved ≥1 AIRS grade improvement. The responder rate (subjects with ≥1 AIRS grade improvement in both eyes) was 99% at month 1, 92% at month 6, and 54% at month 12. Most injection site reactions (e.g., bruising, redness, irregularities/bumps) were mild and resolved by day 14. Late-onset mild to moderate edema was observed in 11% of eyes at month 6% and 4% of eyes at month 12.

CONCLUSION

VYC-15L is effective and safe for the treatment of infraorbital depressions, with effectiveness lasting up to 12 months.
Varenicline and GZ-793A differentially decrease methamphetamine self-administration under a multiple schedule of reinforcement in rats
Authors: Kangiser Megan M. , Dwoskin Linda P. , Zheng Guangrong , Crooks Peter A. , Stairs Dustin J.
Published: August 2017

Methamphetamine is a potent psychostimulant with high abuse rates. Currently, there is no Food and Drug Administration-approved pharmacotherapy for methamphetamine addiction. Ideally, a pharmacotherapy should selectively decrease methamphetamine self-administration without affecting responding for other reinforcers. One way to test this is with the use of a multiple schedule of reinforcement, in which drug and food are available in alternating components within a session. The present study evaluated GZ-793A, a vesicular monoamine transporter-2 inhibitor, and varenicline, a partial agonist at α4β2 and full agonist at α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, for their ability to decrease methamphetamine and food self-administration using a multiple schedule of reinforcement. Male Sprague-Dawley rats self-administered methamphetamine (0.03 mg/kg/intravenous infusion) and food pellets under a multiple schedule of reinforcement. GZ-793A or varenicline was administered before multiple schedule sessions. GZ-793A (5 and 20 mg/kg) significantly decreased methamphetamine intake compared with saline and did not alter food-maintained responding. In contrast, varenicline decreased methamphetamine intake less specifically across time. The results suggest that vesicular monoamine transporter-2 inhibition may be a viable pharmacological target for the treatment of methamphetamine-use disorders.
Favorable Outcome in Coccidioides Endophthalmitis—A Combined Medical and Surgical Treatment Approach
Authors: Ling Jennifer J. , Bays Derek J. , Thompson George R. , Moshiri Ala , Mannis Mark J.
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

To describe a case of Coccidioides endophthalmitis that resulted in a favorable visual outcome after a combined medical and surgical approach.

Methods:

A 33-year-old previously healthy woman was referred for evaluation of dyspnea and left-sided vision loss, which began 3 months before, after a trip to Nevada. She was found to have a pulmonary cavitary lesion and fluffy white material in the anterior chamber. An aqueous and vitreous paracentesis grew Coccidioides species. She was managed medically with a total of 7 weekly intravitreal injections of amphotericin B and intravenous liposomal amphotericin B followed by transition to oral posaconazole. Seven months after presentation, to ensure ocular sterilization and to clear the visual axis, she underwent temporary keratoprosthesis implantation, anterior segment reconstruction, removal of a cyclitic membrane and the crystalline lens, pars plana vitrectomy, placement of a pars plana Ahmed drainage device, and penetrating keratoplasty.

Results:

After surgical intervention and with maintenance posaconazole therapy, the patient had resolution of her dyspnea and improved uncorrected (aphakic) vision with a clear corneal graft, quiet anterior chamber, and normal optic nerve and retina.

Conclusions:

A combined medical and surgical approach resulted in a favorable visual outcome and avoided the need for enucleation.
Effect of Optic Nerve Disinsertion During Evisceration on Nonporous Implant Migration: A Comparative Case Series and a Review of Literature
Authors: Dave Tarjani V. , Ezeanosike Edak , Basu Sayan , Ali Mohammad Javed , Kaliki Swathi , Naik Milind N.
Published: September 2017

Aim:

To determine whether evisceration with optic nerve disinsertion and nonporous implant placement increases the risk of implant migration.

Methods:

This was a single-center, retrospective consecutive comparative interventional case series including patients undergoing evisceration with nonporous implant between January and December 2014. Patients were grouped into 2 groups: group I where the optic nerve was not disinserted (n = 37) and group II with optic nerve disinsertion (n = 50). Implant migration was assessed clinically and on patient photographs. Migration was subclassified as decentration that did not affect the prosthetic outcome and displacement that affected the prosthetic outcome. The secondary outcome measures were the mean implant diameter, volume of the custom ocular prosthesis, and implant-related complications like exposure and extrusion between the 2 groups.

Results:

At a mean follow up of 12.5 months, none of the sockets in group I and 3 (6%) sockets in group II (p = 0.35) had evidence of implant decentration. There were no cases of implant displacement in both groups. The mean implant diameter in group I was 16.97 mm ± 0.65 mm and in group II 19.2 mm ± 0.83 mm (p = 0.0001). Implant extrusion was not different between the 2 groups. The mean custom ocular prosthesis volume in group I was 3.86 ml ± 0.52 ml and in group II 2.50 ml ± 0.68 ml (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

The rate of nonporous implant migration due to optic nerve disinsertion is not statistically or clinically significant in evisceration with optic nerve disinsertion, allowing placement of a larger implant and fabrication of a custom ocular prosthesis with an ideal weight.
The Last State to Grant Nurse Practitioners DEA Licensure
Authors: Kellams Joni R. , Maye John P.
Published: August 2017

Nurse practitioners (NPs) now have prescriptive authority for controlled substances in all 50 states in the United States. Florida, the last state to grant NPs DEA licensure, has been wrought with prescription diversion practices for a number of years as pill mills, doctor shopping, and overprescribing proliferated. Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) help curb drug diversion activity and play a key role in reducing the abuse of controlled substances. The primary objective of this education improvement initiative was to increase knowledge of actively licensed NPs in the state of Florida regarding the state’s PDMP. The main themes included the drug abuse problem, description and progression of the PDMP, and how to use the Florida PDMP. Upon approval from the institutional review board, this education improvement initiative gauged NP knowledge of the PDMP and main themes before and after an educational PowerPoint intervention. A pretest/posttest questionnaire was administered for assessment of all knowledge questions. One hundred forty-five NPs with active advanced registered NP licenses in Florida completed both the pretest and posttest questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and paired t tests were used for statistical significance testing. Knowledge of the PDMP and the main themes of the education improvement initiative significantly increased (p < .001) from pretest to posttest results. This education improvement initiative had positive effects for NPs on the knowledge of the Florida PDMP and the main themes. This indicated that Florida NPs are able to acquire greater comprehension of the PDMP by an education intervention.
Intestinal Rehabilitation Programs in the Management of Pediatric Intestinal Failure and Short Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Merritt Russell J. , Cohran Valeria , Raphael Bram P. , Sentongo Timothy , Volpert Diana , Warner Brad W. , Goday Praveen S. ,   Nutrition Committee of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Published: September 2017

Intestinal failure is a rare, debilitating condition that presents both acute and chronic medical management challenges. The condition is incompatible with life in the absence of the safe application of specialized and individualized medical therapy that includes surgery, medical equipment, nutritional products, and standard nursing care. Intestinal rehabilitation programs are best suited to provide such complex care with the goal of achieving enteral autonomy and oral feeding with or without intestinal transplantation. These programs almost all include pediatric surgeons, pediatric gastroenterologists, specialized nurses, and dietitians; many also include a variety of other medical and allied medical specialists. Intestinal rehabilitation programs provide integrated interdisciplinary care, more discussion of patient management by involved specialists, continuity of care through various treatment interventions, close follow‐up of outpatients, improved patient and family education, earlier treatment of complications, and learning from the accumulated patient databases. Quality assurance and research collaboration among centers are also goals of many of these programs. The combined and coordinated talents and skills of multiple types of health care practitioners have the potential to ameliorate the impact of intestinal failure and improve health outcomes and quality of life.
The Spiritual Nature of Uncertainty Among Hospice Patients
Authors: Stephenson Pam Shockey , Sheehan Denice , Hansen Dana , Mayo M. Murray
Published: August 2017

People with protracted and life-limiting illness engage in end-of-life transitions as they prepare for death. The end of life is a time of mystery that elicits uncertainties in the form of questions, worries, and doubts. If not managed properly, uncertainties can contribute to emotional distress and feelings of lost control. Currently, uncertainty occurring at the end of life is underresearched. Phenomenology was used to explore the experience of uncertainty for 6 hospice patients using semistructured interviews. A 4-member, interpretive team analyzed the data. The participants were asked to describe the uncertainties that they had while they were dying. Interestingly, most of the stories about uncertainty were spiritual in nature. An overall theme of “uncertainty as a bridge” emerged from the data as the way uncertainties affected their dying. Two subthemes of “uncertainties about dying” and “uncertainties about important relationships” also emerge as the areas of greatest concern for participants. These findings support uncertainty as an important phenomenon for people preparing for death and one that providers of end-of-life care should understand.
Early and Delayed 99mTc-MDP SPECT/CT Findings in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
Authors: Abdelhafez Yasser G. , Hagge Rosalie J. , Badawi Ramsey D. , Raychaudhuri Siba P. , Chaudhari Abhijit J.
Published: September 2017

We report the case of a 74-year-old man with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) who underwent dual-phase high-resolution 99mTc-MDP SPECT/CT. Early radiotracer enhancement was noted in 2 RA joints of the right hand, both presenting with a ring-like uptake pattern around the joint, consistent with synovitis. Insignificant early enhancement was noted at the first carpometacarpal joint, despite presentation of CT features of OA. The delayed-phase enhancement patterns were distinct, showing asymmetry in RA joints, but a symmetric, joint-centered pattern for the OA joint.
The Effects of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Differentiated Into Endothelial Cells and Osteoblasts on Healing of Critical Size Calvarial Defects
Authors: Orbay Hakan , Busse Brittany , Leach Jonathan Kent , Sahar David E.
Published: September 2017

Delayed vascularization and resultant resorption limits the clinical use of tissue engineered bony constructs. The objective of this study is to develop a strategy to accelerate the neovascularization of tissue-engineered bony constructs using endothelial differentiated adipose-derived stem cells (ASC). The authors harvested ASC from inguinal fat pads of male Lewis rats (n = 5) and induced toward endothelial and osteoblastic lineages. The authors created critical size calvarial defects on male Lewis rats (n = 30) and randomized the animals into 4 groups. For the repair of the defects the authors used hydroxyapatite/poly(lactide-co-glycolide) [HA-PLG] scaffolds in group I, HA-PLG scaffolds seeded with ASC in group II, HA-PLG scaffolds seeded with ASC-derived endothelial cells in group III, and HA-PLG scaffolds seeded with ASC-derived osteoblasts in group IV. The authors evaluated the bone healing histologically and with micro-computed tomography (CT) scans 8 weeks later. Adipose-derived stem cells exhibited the characteristics of endothelial and osteogenic lineages, and attached on HA-PLG scaffolds after differentiation. Micro-CT analysis revealed that highest bone mineral density was in group IV (1.46 ± 0.01 g/cm3) followed by groups III (1.43 ± 0.05 g/cm3), I (1.42 ± 0.05 g/cm3), and II (1.3 ± 0.1 g/cm3). Hematoxylin–Eosin and Masson Trichrome staining revealed similar results with the highest bone regeneration in group IV followed by groups II, III, and I. Regenerated bone in group IV also had the highest vascular density, but none of these differences achieved statistical significance (P > 0.05). The ASC-derived endothelial cells and osteoblasts provide a limited increase in calvarial bone healing when combined with HA-PLG scaffolds.
Elucidating the genetic architecture of reproductive ageing in the Japanese population
Authors: Horikoshi Momoko , Day Felix R. , Kamatani Yoichiro , Hirata Makoto , Akiyama Masato , Matsuda Koichi , Wright Hollis , Toro Carlos A. , Ojeda Sergio R. , Lomniczi Alejandro , Kubo Michiaki , Ong Ken K. , Perry John R. B.
Published: August 2017

Population studies over the past decade have successfully elucidated the genetic architecture of reproductive ageing. However, those studies were largely limited to European ancestries, restricting the generalizability of the findings and overlooking possible key genes poorly captured by common European genetic variation. Here, in up to 67,029 women of Japanese ancestry, we report 26 loci (all P<5×10¯8) for puberty timing or age at menopause, representing the first loci for reproductive ageing in any non-European population. Highlighted genes for menopause includeGNRH1,which supports a primary, rather than passive, role for hypothalamic-pituitary GnRH signalling in the timing of menopause. For puberty timing, we demonstrate an aetiological role for receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatases by combining evidence across population genetics and pre- and peri-pubertal changes in hypothalamic gene expression in rodent and primate models. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate widespread differences in allele frequencies and effect estimates between Japanese and European populations, highlighting the benefits and challenges of large-scale trans-ethnic approaches.
High throughput expression profiling and in situ screening of circular RNAs in tissues
Authors: Zaghlool Ammar , Ameur Adam , Wu Chenglin , Westholm Jakub Orzechowski , Niazi Adnan , Manivannan Manimozhi , Bramlett Kelli , Nilsson Mats , Feuk Lars
Published: September 2017

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) were recently discovered as a class of widely expressed noncoding RNA and have been implicated in regulation of gene expression. However, the function of the majority of circRNAs remains unknown. Studies of circRNAs have been hampered by a lack of essential approaches for detection, quantification and visualization. We therefore developed a target-enrichment sequencing method suitable for high-throughput screening of circRNAs and their linear counterparts. We also applied padlock probes and in situ sequencing to visualize and determine circRNAs localization in human brain tissue at subcellular levels. We measured circRNA abundance across different human samples and tissues. Our results demonstrate the potential of this RNA class to act as a specific diagnostic marker in blood and serum, by detection of circRNAs from genes exclusively expressed in the brain. The powerful and scalable tools we present will enable studies of circRNA function and facilitate screening of circRNA as diagnostic biomarkers.
Structural-Kinetic-Thermodynamic Relationships Identified from Physics-based Molecular Simulation Models
Authors: Rudzinski Joseph F. , Bereau Tristan
Published: September 2017

Coarse-grained molecular simulation models have provided immense, often general, insight into the complex behavior of condensed-phase systems, but suffer from a lost connection to the true dynamical properties of the underlying system. In general, the physics that is built into a model shapes the free-energy landscape, restricting the attainable static and kinetic properties. In this work, we perform a detailed investigation into the property interrelationships resulting from these restrictions, for a representative system of the helix-coil transition. Inspired by high-throughput studies, we systematically vary force-field parameters and monitor their structural, kinetic, and thermodynamic properties. The focus of our investigation is a simple coarse-grained model, which accurately represents the underlying structural ensemble, i.e., effectively avoids sterically-forbidden configurations. As a result of this built-in physics, we observe a rather large restriction in the topology of the networks characterizing the simulation kinetics. When screening across force-field parameters, we find that structurally-accurate models also best reproduce the kinetics, suggestingstructural-kinetic relationshipsfor these models. Additionally, an investigation into thermodynamic properties reveals a link between the cooperativity of the transition and the network topologyat a single reference temperature.
Discovery of Resistance Pathways to Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor inhibition in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Pal Sumanta K , He Miaoling , Jones Jeremy O
Published: September 2017

Background

Aberrant fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling drives the growth of many bladder cancers. NVP-BGJ398 is a small molecule with potent inhibitory activity of FGFRs 1, 2, and 3, and has been shown to selectively inhibit the growth of bladder cancer cell lines that over-express FGFR3 or have oncogenic FGFR3 fusions. As with many agents targeting receptor tyrosine kinases, resistance is known to develop.

Objective

We sought to identify potential mechanisms of resistance to NVP-BGJ398 in cell culture models of bladder cancer.

Methods

RT-112 bladder cancer cell lines were derived that were resistant to growth in 3uM NVP-BGJ398. RNA-sequencing was performed on resistant and parental cell lines to identify potential resistance mechanisms and molecular experiments were carried out to test these predictions.

Results

RNA-seq demonstrated decreased expression of FGFR3 and increased expression of FGFRs 1 and 2 in resistant cell lines. Over-expression of FGFR3 in NVP-BGJ398 resistant cells decreased their proliferation. Pathway analysis of RNA-seq data also implicated PIM kinase signaling, among other pathways, as a potential mediator of resistance. Treatment of BGJ398 resistant cells with the PIM kinase inhibitor SGI-1776 reduced the growth of the cells.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that altered FGFR expression and PIM kinase activity could mediate resistance to NVP-BGJ398. These pathways should be investigated in samples from patients resistant to this drug.
Born into luxury: Paris Gallery of Dubai
Authors: Ahmad Syed Zamberi , Buchanan Frederick Robert , Ahmad Norita
Published: August 2017

Subject area

Entrepreneurship, venture creation and business management.

Study level/applicability

The case is suitable for analysis in an undergraduates program specializing in entrepreneurship, business and management. The case could also be discussed in an executive development program on business ventures/business strategy/business management.

Case overview

Since its inception in 1981, Abdul Rahim Al Fahim, CEO Paris Gallery decided that Paris Gallery would foray into French perfumes. At that time, he would have never thought that such a move would ever make him more than a shopkeeper. Now in 2016, Mr Abdul Rahim Al-Fahim has much to be pleased about the success that his organization Paris Gallery (Luxury stores in Dubai) has been able to achieve. He has been twice named as the Arab World’s most powerful retail sector entrepreneur. Certainly, it was his good fortune to be based in the great city, and his business venture has paralleled the exponential success of Dubai. As the concept of grand malls developed and flourished in UAE, Paris Gallery stores emerged and also prospered. Currently, Paris Gallery has 80 stores in the finest locations of the Middle East. This encourages family business owners in UAE to have ambitions for success and growth of their enterprises. This is especially true in a developing region that has rarely hosted such a high-end homegrown success story as Paris Gallery. The study of strategic positioning of Paris Gallery with a workforce of 4,000 employees and representing more than 550 international brands today shall help us in weighing the options of how businesses should proceed strategically.

Expected learning outcomes

The following insights could be elucidated by the case: familiarizing students with the business challenges in the retail industry in emerging markets such as the United Arab Emirates, and exploring future strategy options from the business growth perspective.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Emotional classification and visualization of movies based on their IMDb reviews
Authors: Topal Kamil , Ozsoyoglu Gultekin
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to detect these reviews’ complex emotions, visualize and analyze them. Movie reviewers’ moviescores and reviews can be analyzed with respect to their emotion content, aggregated and projected onto a movie, resulting in an emotion map for a movie. It is then possible for a moviegoer to choose a movie, not only on the basis of movie scores and reviews, but also on the basis of aggregated emotional outcome of a movie as reflected by its emotion map displaying certain emotion map patterns desirable for the moviegoer.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the hourglass of emotion model to find the emotional scores of words of a review, then they use singular value decomposition to reduce the data dimension into singular scores. Once, they have the emotional scores of reviews, the authors cluster them by using k-means algorithm to find similar emotional levels of movies. Finally, the authors use heat maps to visualize four dimensions in a figure.

Findings

The authors are able to find the emotional levels of movie reviews, represent them in single scores and visualize them. The authors look the similarities and dissimilarities of movies based on their genre, ranking and emotional statuses. They also find the closest emotion levels of movies to a given movie.

Originality/value

The authors detect complex emotions from the text and simply visualize them.
Experimental and numerical investigations of the composite behaviour in concrete-filled tubular columns with massive steel core at high temperatures
Authors: Schaumann Peter , Kleibömer Inka
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This paper deals with experimental and numerical investigations of the composite behaviour within concrete-filled tubular columns with embedded massive steel core (CFTES columns). As the inner profile provides the main load-bearing capacity, the load introduction and transfer is of particular interest for the structural detailing of CFTES columns. Currently, no specific design regulations are available – neither for room temperature nor fire design. The presented investigations provide a basis for design recommendations and numerical approaches on reliable shear stresses.

Design/methodology/approach

Three series of push-out tests at room temperature and high temperatures are analysed in terms of ultimate shear strength, bond strength and shear strength-displacement-curve shape. The test parameters involve the steel core diameter and concrete cover, applying normal strength steel and concrete. Furthermore, a three-dimensional finite element model of the push-out tests is set up in Abaqus. The model implies temperature-dependent contact properties derived from the experimental tests using the cohesive behaviour method.

Findings

The test data reveal a distinctive reduction in both ultimate shear and bond strength for high temperatures. For high temperatures, the thermal expansion coefficients dominate the composite behaviour. Using the 3D numerical model and applying a temperature-dependent joint stiffness, maximum shear stress criterion and damage evolution, the observed composite behaviour can be described in a realistic manner.

Originality/value

The presented experimental investigations are unique, both concerning the investigated column type and performing push-out tests at high temperatures. For the first time, a temperature-dependent reduction of capable shear stresses is identified, which is crucial for the design of structural components.
Sense of community, organizational commitment and quality of services
Authors: Lampinen Mai-Stiina , Suutala ElinaAnnikki , Konu Anne Irmeli
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how factors associated with a sense of community in the workplace are connected with organizational commitment and the quality of services among frontline managers and middle managers in social and health care services in Finland.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire designed specifically for this research was sent to 241 lower-level and middle-level managers in social and health care services in central Finland. A total of 136 managers completed the questionnaire (response rate 56 per cent). The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, Spearman’s rank-order correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression analyses.

Findings

The study showed that feeling a sense of belonging, mutual trust and appreciation, and open interaction among colleagues were connected to organizational commitment for frontline managers and middle managers in social and health care services in Finland. Correspondingly, an open flow of information in the organization, job meaningfulness and appreciation received from managers’ superiors were connected to the quality of services.

Originality/value

This study provides information on the factors that influence social and health care managers’ organizational commitment and on items connected to their experience of the quality of services.
Value-based healthcare as a trigger for improvement initiatives
Authors: Nilsson Kerstin , Bååthe Fredrik , Erichsen Andersson Annette , Sandoff Mette
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This study explores four pilot teams’ experiences of improvements resulting from the implementation of value-based healthcare (VBHC) at a Swedish University Hospital. The aim of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of VBHC when used as a management strategy to improve patients’ health outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory design was used and qualitative interviews were undertaken with 20 team members three times each, during a period of two years. The content of the interviews was qualitatively analysed.

Findings

VBHC worked as a trigger for initiating improvements related to processes, measurements and patients’ health outcomes. An example of improvements related to patients’ health outcomes was solving the problem of patients’ nausea. Improvement related to processes was developing care planning and increasing the number of contact nurses. Improvement related to measurements was increasing coverage ratio in the National Quality Registers used, and the development of a new coding system for measurements. VBHC contributed a structure for measurement and for identification of the need for improvements, but this structure on its own was not enough. To implement and sustain improvements, it is important to establish awareness of the need for improvements and to motivate changes not just among managers and clinical leaders directly involved in VBHC projects but also engage all other staff providing care.

Originality/value

This study shows that although the VBHC management strategy may serve as an initiator for improvements, it is not enough for the sustainable implementation of improvement initiatives. Regardless of strategy, managers and clinical leaders need to develop increased competence in change management.
Collaborating for metadata creation on digital projects: using Google Forms and Sheets
Authors: Knight R. Cecilia , Rodrigues Elizabeth , Ciota Rebecca
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Working with faculty and staff to create digital projects requires a complex group of skills and activities. Potential collaborators often jump to the end vision without fully grasping the need for proper description and metadata.

Design/methodology/approach

On-the-job experiences. Contextual inquiry.

Findings

Using Google Forms and Sheets is perceived of as neutral and less frightening than working in a platform that will be the home of the project or using other proprietary productivity software.

Social implications

Digital scholars gradually come to understand the stakes of early decisions in metadata creation (such as file naming conventions and controlled vocabulary) and how that affects database structures, record display, keyword searching and long-term curation.

Originality/value

The authors did not find any other publications addressing using Google Apps for creating metadata.
The relationship of individual spirituality and organizational spirituality with meaning and community at work
Authors: Pawar Badrinarayan Shankar
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to carry out an empirical examination to assess the nature of effects an employee’s individual spirituality and organizational spirituality have on the employee’s experience of meaning in work and community at work facets of workplace spirituality.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper specifies and examines, using a cross-sectional survey research design, the empirical support for two alternative models – a direct effects model and a moderating effect model – of the likely influences of an employee’s individual spirituality and organizational spirituality on the meaning and community facets of workplace spirituality.

Findings

The findings indicate considerable support for the direct effects model but no support for the moderating effect model. Within the direct effects model, organizational spirituality had much stronger association than employees’ individual spirituality with the workplace spirituality facets of meaning and community.

Research limitations/implications

This study may encourage future research to examine other antecedents of workplace spirituality, and the moderators and mediators of the relationship between organizational spirituality and workplace spirituality.

Practical implications

It suggests to the practitioners that for enhancing employee experiences of workplace spirituality, organizational spirituality implementation is a more effective way than developing employees’ individual spirituality.

Social implications

The study indicates that employees’ spiritual needs of meaning and community at work can be better fulfilled through organizational spirituality implementation than through individual spirituality development.

Originality/value

This is an original empirical examination and its value partly comes from its research implications and practice implications.
The consequences of outness: gay men’s workplace experiences
Authors: Wicks David
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the positive and negative workplace experiences of gay men that they perceive to be a consequence of their sexual identity.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses in-depth interviews of a diverse group of university educated white collar men employed full-time in the public and private sector. Its findings are based on a thematic content analysis of these interviews.

Findings

Despite experiencing some negative consequences of being out at work, their positive and neutral experiences show encouraging signs of increasingly tolerant workplaces. Some of the challenges encountered that respondents believe to be a consequence of their sexual identity are, however, not dissimilar to those faced by workers with non-traditional families.

Research limitations/implications

As with any small sample exploratory qualitative research, this paper’s findings cannot necessarily be generalized to larger populations. The uniqueness of the sample (ethnically/culturally homogenous, university educated, public/private sector employees, residents of medium-sized Canadian city) allow for display of certain experiences not representative of the population at large.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the relatively small but growing body of research on the experience of sexual minorities in the workplace. Its findings challenging the notion that sexual minorities are uniquely advantaged in the workplace, and that research on sexual minorities in the workplace is misguided in focusing on the problematic aspects of sexual identity/orientation.
The Building a New Life in Australia (BNLA) Dataset: A Longitudinal Study of Humanitarian Migrants in Australia
Authors: Rioseco Pilar , De Maio John , Hoang Cuc
Published: September 2017

This article presents an introduction to the Building a New Life in Australia (BNLA) dataset, a large‐scale longitudinal study of humanitarian migrants in Australia. We outline the main characteristics of the study and provide an overview of the measures available and potential uses. The first three waves of the BNLA data are currently available to approved users, covering the first three years of the settlement journey of a recent cohort of humanitarian migrants in Australia.
Efficacy and safety of ultrasound‐guided high intensity focused ultrasound ablation of symptomatic uterine fibroids in Black women: a preliminary study
Authors: Zhang C , Jacobson H , Ngobese ZE , Setzen R
Published: September 2017

Objective

To evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of ultrasound‐guided high‐intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) treatment on symptomatic uterine fibroids in Black women.

Design

A feasibility study.

Setting

Gynaecological department in a teaching hospital in South Africa.

Population

Premenopausal women with uterus fibroids.

Methods

Twenty‐six patients with 53 fibroids who underwent USgHIFU treatment were enrolled. The USgHIFU treatment information was recorded, including treatment time, sonication time and total energy. Adverse events were also observed and recorded during and after treatment.

Main outcome measures

Safety and efficacy of USgHIFU for the treatment of uterine fibroids in Black women.

Results

The median volume of fibroids was 52.7 (interquartile range, 18.6–177.4) cm3. According to USgHIFU treatment plan, total energy of 298.6 ± 169.3 kJ (range, 76.0–889.2) within treatment time of 90.3 ± 43.3 minutes (range, 14.0–208.0), in which sonication time of 774.0 ± 432.9 seconds (range, 190.0–2224.0) was used to ablate fibroids. The average ablation rate was 80.6 ± 9.7% (range, 46.5–94.5%). During the procedure, 69.2% of the patients reported lower abdominal pain, 57.7% sciatic/buttock pain, 38.5% burning skin, and 34.6% transient leg pain. No severe complications were observed.

Conclusions

USgHIFU is feasible and safe to use to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids in Black women.

Tweetable abstract

Multiple uterine fibroids are more frequently detected in Black women. USgHIFU is feasible and safe for the treatment of uterine fibroids in Black women.
Short‐ and long‐term efficacy of focused ultrasound therapy for non‐neoplastic epithelial disorders of the vulva
Authors: Wu C , Zou M , Xiong Y , Wang L , Chen H , Fan Y , Li C
Published: September 2017

Objective

To investigate the short‐ and long‐term efficacy and influential factors of focused ultrasound for the treatment of non‐neoplastic epithelial disorders of the vulva (NNEDV).

Design

A retrospective observational study.

Setting

A gynaecologic department in a single centre in China.

Population

Patients with NNEDV were included in this study: 85 patients were diagnosed with lichen simplex chronicus (LSC), 44 patients with vulva lichen sclerosus (VLS), and seven patients with lichen planus (LP).

Methods

A total of 136 eligible patients with NNEDV were treated with focused ultrasound. After the treatment, based on changes in the degree of symptom severity and local skin signs (lesion size, skin colour and elasticity) before and after treatment, the treatment effectiveness for each patient was assessed. We further analysed the relations among pathologic type, age, course and curative rate. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi‐square (McNemar) test.

Main outcome measures

Improvement in the symptoms and physical signs and the predictive factors.

Results

Symptom relief was observed in all patients. The appearance and colour of the vulva returned to normal after the ultrasound treatment. Complete remission (CR) occurred in 68 of 136 (50%) patients (41 patients with LSC and 12 patients with VLS). The response rate was 93.38% (127/136). Seven patients who had a poor response to the first session of treatment were treated again with ultrasound therapy and a good response was observed. No severe complications were observed. There was no significant difference in treatment results among the different pathological types (P > 0.05). However, the course of the disease and the age of the patients were related to the treatment results (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

NNEDV can be treated with focused ultrasound effectively and safely. The course of the disease and the age of the patients may be predictive factors.

Tweetable abstract

Patients with non‐neoplastic epithelial disorders of the vulva can be safely and effectively treated with focused ultrasound. No significant difference in treatment results was observed between the different types of non‐neoplastic epithelial disorders of the vulva.
Simple politics for the people? Complexity in campaign messages and political knowledge
Authors: BISCHOF DANIEL , SENNINGER ROMAN
Published: August 2017

Which parties use simple language in their campaign messages, and do simple campaign messages resonate with voters’ information about parties? This study introduces a novel link between the language applied during election campaigns and citizens’ ability to position parties in the ideological space. To this end, how complexity of campaign messages varies across parties as well as how it affects voters’ knowledge about party positions is investigated. Theoretically, it is suggested that populist parties are more likely to simplify their campaign messages to demarcate themselves from mainstream competitors. In turn, voters should perceive and process simpler campaign messages better and, therefore, have more knowledge about the position of parties that communicate simpler campaign messages. The article presents and validates a measure of complexity and uses it to assess the language of manifestos in Austria and Germany in the period 1945–2013. It shows that political parties, in general, use barely comprehensible language to communicate their policy positions. However, differences between parties exist and support is found for the conjecture about populist parties as they employ significantly less complex language in their manifestos. Second, evidence is found that individuals are better able to place parties in the ideological space if parties use less complex campaign messages. The findings lead to greater understanding of mass‐elite linkages during election campaigns and have important consequences for the future analysis of manifesto data.
On the Role of Spatial, Temporal, and Climatic Forces on Stream Sediment Loading from Rural and Urban Ecosystems
Authors: Squires Audrey L. , Boll Jan , Brooks Erin S.
Published: August 2017

In this study, we characterize the greatest sediment loading events by their sediment delivery behavior; dominant climate, watershed, and antecedent conditions; and their seasonal distribution for rural and urban land uses. The study area is Paradise Creek Watershed, a mixed land use watershed in northern Idaho dominated by saturation excess processes in the upstream rural area and infiltration excess in the downstream urban area. We analyzed 12 years of continuous streamflow, precipitation, and watershed data at two monitoring stations. We identified 137 sediment loading events in the upstream rural section of the watershed and 191 events in the downstream urban section. During the majority of these events conditions were transport limited and the sediment flush occurred early in the event, generally in the first 20% of elapsed event time. Statistical analysis including two dozen explanatory variables showed peak discharge, event duration, and antecedent baseflow explained most of the variation in event sediment load at both stations and for the watershed as a whole (R2 = 0.73‐0.78). In the rural area, saturated soils combined with spring snowmelt in March led to the greatest loading events. The urban area load contribution peaked in January, which could be a re‐suspension of streambed sediments from the previous water year. Throughout the study period, one event contributed, on average, 33% of the annual sediment load but only accounted for 2% of the time in a year.
Does persisting fear sustain catatonia?
Authors: Fink M. , Shorter E.
Published: September 2017

Objective

To examine the psychological substrate of catatonia.

Method

Reviewing the historical descriptions and explanations of catatonic behaviours by clinicians from its delineation in the 19th century to the present.

Results

Patients with catatonia are often haunted by fears and terrors; this has not been widely appreciated, and certainly was lost from view in the days when catatonia was considered a subtype of schizophrenia. The report contributes to resolving a major question in catatonia: is the mind in stupor inactive, as the blank state that we picture in anesthetized patients, or is the mind active, so preoccupied as to exclude all other influences.

The main finding

Persistent fear occupies the mind of catatonic patients.

Conclusion

The signs of catatonia are adaptations to persistent fear, akin to tonic immobilization. The relief afforded by sedation supports this interpretation.
Working memory and salivary brain‐derived neurotrophic factor as developmental predictors of cocaine seeking in male and female rats
Authors: Jordan Chloe J. , Andersen Susan L.
Published: August 2017

Poor working memory is linked to future risk‐taking behaviors. Lifelong risk of habitual drug use is highest in individuals who initiate use in early adolescence. We sought to determine in rats whether juvenile traits, specifically poor working memory and low salivary brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), are related to elevated cocaine taking and relapse in adolescence and adulthood. On postnatal day (P) 20, working memory was assessed using the novel object recognition task in male and female rats. Saliva was assayed at P20 for BDNF before cocaine self‐administration on P28 [0.75 or 0.25 mg/kg/infusion for 30 days under a fixed‐ratio (FR) 1 to FR5 schedule] and on P94 before relapse after 30‐day abstinence in adulthood. A separate cohort of P28 male rats was assayed for object discrimination and BDNF in saliva and the medial prefrontal cortex and dorsolateral striatum. Novel object discrimination correlated positively with salivary BDNF on P20 and dorsolateral striatum levels, but negatively with medial prefrontal cortex BDNF in male rats. In female rats, P20 salivary BDNF negatively correlated with object discrimination. Salivary BDNF positively correlated across age in male rats. Male rats earned more cocaine (0.75 mg/kg) at FR5 and responded more at relapse than did female rats. These elevated relapse rates in male rats were significantly associated with P20 object discrimination and salivary BDNF. Relapse after 0.75 and 0.25 mg/kg in female rats correlated only with object discrimination. In conclusion, poor working memory and low salivary BDNF in juvenile male rats may represent biomarkers for later cocaine use. Further research is needed to identify biomarkers for risk in male rats.