bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the Use of Information and Communication Technology Associated With Aspects of Women's Primary Health Care in Brazil?
Authors: Matta-Machado Antônio Thomaz Gonzaga , de Lima Ângela Maria L. Dayrell , de Abreu Daisy Maria Xavier , Araújo Lucas Lobato , Sobrinho Délcio Fonseca , Lopes Érica Araújo Silva , Teixeira Gabriel Henrique Silva , dos Santos Alaneir de Fátima
Published: March 2017

The use of information and communication technology (ICT) is on the increase in the health systems, representing a means of improving the quality of health care. This study analyzed the ICT incorporation in primary care in Brazil and identified the different aspects that may be associated with better quality in the care provided, in relation to certain aspects of women's care. We noted an unevenness regarding ICT incorporation in Brazil. However, the findings indicate an association between ICT and certain aspects of the quality provided in women's health care, which reinforces the need for further studies on this type of evaluation.
Nurse Practitioner Prescriptive Authority for Buprenorphine
Authors: Fornili Katherine S. , Fogger Susanne A.
Published: March 2017

The aim of this Policy Watch column is to provide an update on a much anticipated legislation, enacted in 2016, which enabled office-based opioid treatment (OBOT) with buprenorphine prescribing for the treatment of opioid addiction by nurse practitioners (as well as physician assistants). First, an overview of the Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000, which only permitted OBOT prescribing by physicians, will be described. It will be followed by a summary of the Recovery Enhancement for Addiction Treatment Act of 2015–2016. Finally, a review of the Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act of 2016 will be provided, which includes information about important changes to OBOT regulations that enable NP prescribing of buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid addiction.
The Effect of a Health Education Intervention on Jordanian Participants’ Colorectal Cancer Knowledge, Health Perceptions, and Screening Practices
Authors: Abuadas Fuad H. , Petro-Nustas Wasileh J. , Abuadas Mohammad H.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second and third most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and men, respectively.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to test the effectiveness of a health education intervention on the current level of Jordanians’ CRC knowledge, health perceptions, and screening practices.

Methods:

A convenience sampling method was used to recruit a sample of 197 average-risk Jordanian adults aged 50 to 75 years. The sample was collected from outpatient departments of Jordan University and Al-Basheer Hospitals in Amman. This study used quasi-experimental design, and a rolling enrollment method was implemented to randomly assign the participants into intervention and control groups.

Results:

Baseline results indicated that Jordanian average-risk participants were not well informed about CRC and screening recommendations. One-fourth perceived themselves to be susceptible to CRC. About one-third comprehended the seriousness of CRC, most recognized the benefits of CRC screening, and fewer than half believed there were barriers preventing them from participating in CRC screening. Four weeks after intervention implementation, there was a significantly higher level of knowledge, as well as increased susceptibility and severity perceptions, screening via fecal occult blood test, and intentions to undergo screening via colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.

Conclusion:

The findings support the implementation of a health education intervention as an effective way to enhance levels of knowledge and promote positive health perceptions regarding CRC and screening recommendations.

Implications for Practice:

This study may provide Jordanian and other nurses with a theory-based educational intervention to improve the quality of nursing care and reduce costs.
Implementing and Evaluating the COMFORT Communication in Palliative Care Curriculum for Oncology Nurses
Authors: Cronin Julie Ann , Finn Susan
Published: March 2017

Oncology nurses often feel unprepared or unskilled in communicating with patients, families, and providers around issues of palliative care. Currently, there is a paucity of training programs that educate nurses on how to communicate effectively in this area. The COMFORT communication curriculum was designed to provide education and training to oncology nurses to assist them in their practice of narrative communication in palliative care. This study used a precourse and postcourse survey design to evaluate the impact of the COMFORT curriculum on communication for nurses in palliative care. Participants received a consent form, a demographic tool, and 3 precourse surveys. Twenty oncology nurses attended one 4-hour course, learning several aspects of the COMFORT curriculum. Participants completed 3 postcourse surveys. Survey results were analyzed using statistical analysis software (SPSS) to assess the effects of the COMFORT curriculum. The majority (64%) of precourse-postcourse survey results indicated an increase in mean scores, suggesting an overall improvement in oncology nurses’ attitudes, comfort levels, and perceived self-efficacy regarding conversations related to palliative care. Further research is needed to assess whether the curriculum will impact nononcology nurses faced with palliative care issues. Research is also needed to assess any impact on nurses’ clinical practice.
How Volunteer Services Can Improve and Advance Palliative Care Programs
Authors: Coyne† Ellie
Published: March 2017

The critical need for palliative care continues to grow as our population in the United States ages. Palliative care volunteers have been used in various palliative care programs around the country, enabling those programs to meet the critical needs of patients and families. Volunteers receive specialized training on how to interact with patients, families, and other interdisciplinary team members. Volunteers may serve as hosts and greeters; provide patient/family companionship; act as desk clerks; perform data entry; assist staff with direct patient care, legacy and memory making, and journaling; act as patient ambassadors for filling out paper work; speak as part of the speakers' bureau on palliative care; assist with bereavement follow-up; plan special celebrations; and assist in grant writing and fund-raising events. A program established at The Virginia Commonwealth University/Massey Cancer Center Palliative Care Program has successfully used palliative care volunteers for more than 15 years as a means to improve and advance the program to the benefit of the patients and families in their care.
Fatigue Symptom Management in People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Perazzo Joseph D. , Webel Allison R. , Voss Joachim G. , Prince-Paul Maryjo
Published: March 2017

Fatigue is a subjective, unpleasant, potentially disabling symptom rooted in physiological, psychological, and behavioral causes. People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are a population highly affected by fatigue because of risk factors associated with HIV infection, treatment, and psychosocial disease burden. People with HIV are living longer and are facing the challenge of a longer disease trajectory. Palliative nurses with expertise in symptom management can play a crucial role in helping people with HIV to engage in health behaviors that prevent or mitigate fatigue. In this article, the authors present a definition and overview of fatigue, describe the problem of fatigue in people living with HIV, and present a case study that illustrates the role of the palliative nurse in helping a person with HIV to cope with fatigue.

Key Implications for Palliative Care Nurses:
Debriefing in Laboratory Experiences
Authors: Vihos Jill , Pollard Loreen , Bazin Moira , Lozza Denaine , MacDonald Penny , Moniz Nadine , Spies Dorothy
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this project was to explore (a) how nursing students regarded debriefing sessions at the end of a laboratory skills class and (b) the cognitive, affective, and social learning outcomes of debriefing sessions. Survey questionnaires were administered to 378 prelicensure nursing students after their nursing skills laboratory class that included a debriefing session. Most students either agreed or strongly agreed that debriefing facilitated the discussion about their experience and reflection on learning.
Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery for Local Excision of Benign and Malignant Rectal Neoplasia
Authors: Lee Lawrence , Burke John P. , deBeche-Adams Teresa , Nassif George , Martin-Perez Beatriz , Monson John R. T. , Albert Matthew R. , Atallah Sam B.
Published: March 2017

Objective:

This study describes the outcomes for 200 consecutive transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) local excision (LE) for rectal neoplasia.

Background:

TAMIS is an advanced transanal platform that can result in high quality LE of rectal neoplasia.

Methods:

Consecutive patients from July 1, 2009 to December 31, 2015 from a prospective institutional registry were analyzed. Indication for TAMIS LE was endoscopically unresectable benign lesions or histologically favorable early rectal cancers. The primary endpoints were resection quality, neoplasia recurrence, and oncologic outcomes. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to describe disease-free survival (DFS) for patients with rectal adenocarcinoma that did not receive immediate salvage radical surgery.

Results:

There were 200 elective TAMIS LE procedures performed in 196 patients for 90 benign and 110 malignant lesions. Overall, a 7% margin positivity and 5% fragmentation rate was observed. The mean operative time for TAMIS was 69.5 minutes (SD 37.9). Postoperative morbidity was recorded in 11% of patients, with hemorrhage (9%), urinary retention (4%), and scrotal or subcutaneous emphysema (3%) being the most common. The mean follow up was 14.4 months (SD 17.4). Local recurrence occurred in 6%, and distant organ metastasis was noted in 2%. Mean time to local recurrence for malignancy was 16.9 months (SD 13.2). Cumulative DFS for patients with rectal adenocarcinoma was 96%, 93%, and 84% at 1-, 2-, and 3-years.

Conclusions:

For carefully selected patients, TAMIS for local excision of rectal neoplasia is a valid option with low morbidity that maintains the advantages of organ preservation.
Acute Zonal Occult Outer Retinopathy Associated With Retrobulbar Optic Neuritis
Authors: Wang Jay C. , Finn Avni P. , Grotting Lindsay A. , Sobrin Lucia
Published: March 2017

A 17-year-old girl presented with unilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis as well as bilateral funduscopic findings and outer retinal dysfunction suggestive of acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR). Fundus autofluorescence abnormalities, visual field loss, and electroretinographic changes were supportive of bilateral AZOOR. MRI was consistent with the diagnosis of clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), which is defined as a central nervous system demyelinating event that may herald the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS). While AZOOR previously has been linked to MS and demyelinating white matter lesions in the brain, our case seems unique due to concurrent development of AZOOR and retrobulbar optic neuritis as a CIS.
Understanding the power of hope and empathy in healthcare marketing
Authors: Kemp Elyria , Bui My , Krishen Anjala , Homer Pamela Miles , LaTour Michael S.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The dynamic landscape of healthcare has seen significant changes in marketing by the various types of healthcare providers. This research aims to explore the impact of emotions in healthcare advertising.

Design/methodology/approach

Two consumer panel experiments investigate the role of hope and empathy appeals in fostering positive evaluations toward healthcare providers (medical centers for serious illnesses).

Findings

Study 1 shows that two types of emotion-based healthcare appeals are more effective than non-emotional appeals. Study 2 compares the relative effectiveness of hope versus empathy appeals with medical expert or typical person (patient) testimonials.

Research limitations/implications

Findings demonstrate that in a healthcare context, an expert testimonial enhanced the persuasiveness of a hope-based appeal, whereas testimonials from unknown patients were not effective.

Originality/value

Understanding the role of emotions in healthcare advertising is increasingly important as healthcare providers compete on care and quality outcomes and advertising agencies vie for the attention of consumers.
The role of regulatory focus and goal progress on goal-directed consumption behaviors
Authors: Chan Nga Cheng , Ho Ying
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the moderating role of customers’ regulatory focus on the relationship between progress level of goal pursuit and customers’ consumption behaviors in a retail setting.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a loyalty program organized by a retail store selling cosmetic and skincare products. Loyalty program participants were given member cards endowed with different progress levels, and their consumption behaviors during the program period were tracked. Regulatory focus of program participants was also assessed.

Findings

Regression results show that prevention-focused customers are inclined to spend more money, accumulate more stamps and achieve more additional rewards when progress level is high rather than low. This pattern is reversed for promotion-focused customers.

Research limitations/implications

Future research may investigate the underlying mechanism by testing potential mediators. Researchers may also test the model in non-retail settings such as service industries.

Practical implications

The findings provide insights to firms regarding when and how to motivate customers with different regulatory orientations in loyalty programs.

Originality/value

This study examines the joint effect of regulatory focus and progress level on people’s consumption behaviors. The model was tested using actual consumption data collected in a retail setting.
The cultural and religious animosity model: evidence from the United States
Authors: Kalliny Morris , Hausman Angela , Saran Anshu , Ismaeil Dina
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold: to extend the animosity model developed by Klein et al. (1998) by adding cultural and religious animosity constructs, to provide a tool with which to measure the cultural and religious constructs and to provide explanations, and thus an understanding, of how cultural and religious differences impact consumer intention to purchase.

Design/methodology/approach

Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to test the model.

Findings

The cultural and religion animosity scale is created.

Originality/value

This fills a gap in the literature where there is not currently a scale to measure cultural or religious animosity.
Strategic exit interviewing: encouraging voice, enhancing alignment and examining process
Authors: Pace Victoria L. , Kisamore Jennifer L.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To maximize their effectiveness, exit interviews should incorporate employee voice and be aligned with other HR processes. The purpose of this paper is to describe a three-step approach to the strategic use of exit interviews.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study synthesizes extant theory including that of employee voice to enhance the exit interview process. A qualitative study conducted within a large marketing research organization demonstrates how exit interviews that utilize employee voice can inform HR and organizational strategy.

Findings

Application of the proposed process to the case study revealed conditions, critical incidents, and cognitive processes underlying exit decisions for employees in several job categories. Qualitative exit information is used to describe corresponding employee withdrawal paths.

Practical implications

Use of the three-step exit interview process is expected to enhance HR decisions. Data gathered from the three-step process can be used by HR and organizational leaders to develop action plans as well as inform an organization’s strategic decisions.

Originality/value

An organizational example is presented in which insight into underlying causes of voluntary turnover are discovered through exit interviews. Exit interview information suggested interventions related to HR processes. Such targeted insights from exit interviews can greatly improve retention and enhance organizational effectiveness.
Functional genomics‐guided discovery of a light‐activated phytotoxin in the wheat pathogen Parastagonospora nodorum via pathway activation
Authors: Chooi Yit‐Heng , Zhang Guozhi , Hu Jinyu , Muria‐Gonzalez Mariano Jordi , Tran Phuong N. , Pettitt Amber , Maier Alexander G. , Barrow Russell A. , Solomon Peter S.
Published: March 2017

Parastagonospora nodorum is an important pathogen of wheat. The contribution of secondary metabolites to this pathosystem is poorly understood. A biosynthetic gene cluster (SNOG_08608‐08616) has been shown to be upregulated during the late stage of P. nodorum wheat leaf infection. The gene cluster shares several homologues with the Cercospora nicotianae CTB gene cluster encoding the biosynthesis of cercosporin. Activation of the gene cluster by overexpression (OE) of the transcription factor gene (SNOG_08609) in P. nodorum resulted in the production of elsinochrome C, a perelyenequinone phytotoxin structurally similar to cercosporin. Heterologous expression of the polyketide synthase gene elcA from the gene cluster in Aspergillus nidulans resulted in the production of the polyketide precursor nortoralactone common to the cercosporin pathway. Elsinochrome C could be detected on wheat leaves infected with P. nodorum, but not in the elcA disruption mutant. The compound was shown to exhibit necrotic activity on wheat leaves in a light‐dependent manner. Wheat seedling infection assays showed that ΔelcA exhibited reduced virulence compared with wild type, while infection by an OE strain overproducing elsinochrome C resulted in larger lesions on leaves. These data provided evidence that elsinochrome C contributes to the virulence of P. nodorum against wheat.
Diet affects arctic ground squirrel gut microbial metatranscriptome independent of community structure
Authors: Hatton Jasmine J. , Stevenson Timothy J. , Buck C. Loren , Duddleston Khrystyne N.
Published: March 2017

We examined the effect of diet on pre‐hibernation fattening and the gut microbiota of captive arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii). We measured body composition across time and gut microbiota density, diversity and function prior to and after five‐weeks on control, high‐fat, low‐fat (18%, 40% and 10% energy from fat, respectively), or restricted calorie (50% of control) diets. Squirrels fattened at the same rate and to the same degree on all diets. Additionally, we found no differences in gut microbiota diversity or short chain fatty acid production across time or with diet. Analysis of the gut microbial transcriptome indicated differences in community function among diet groups, but not across time, and revealed shifts in the relative contribution of function at a taxonomic level. Our results demonstrate that pre‐hibernation fattening of arctic ground squirrels is robust to changes in diet and is accomplished by more than increased food intake. Although our analyses did not uncover a definitive link between host fattening and the gut microbiota, and suggest the squirrels may possess a gut microbial community structure that is unresponsive to dietary changes, studies manipulating diet earlier in the active season may yet uncover a relationship between host diet, fattening and gut microbiota.
Analysing Systemic Risk in the Chinese Banking System
Authors: Huang Qiubin , De Haan Jakob , Scholtens Bert
Published: March 2017

We examine systemic risk in the Chinese banking system by estimating the conditional value at risk (CoVaR), the marginal expected shortfall (MES), the systemic impact index (SII) and the vulnerability index (VI) for 16 listed banks in China for the 2007–2014 period. We find that these measures show different patterns, capturing different aspects of systemic risk of Chinese banks. However, rankings of banks based on these measures are significantly correlated. The time‐series results for the CoVaR and MES measures suggest that systemic risk in the Chinese banking system decreased after the global financial crisis but started rising in 2014.
Investigations Into Age‐related Changes in the Human Mandible,
Authors: Parr Nicolette M. , Passalacqua Nicholas V. , Skorpinski Katie
Published: March 2017

While changes in mandibular shape over time are not widely recognized by skeletal biologists, mandibular remodeling and associated changes in gross morphology may result from a number of causes related to mechanical stress such as antemortem tooth loss, changes in bite force, or alterations of masticatory performance. This study investigated the relationship between age‐related changes and antemortem tooth loss in adult humans via dry bone measurements. This study examined 10 standard mandibular measurements as well as individual antemortem tooth loss scores using the Eichner Index from a total of 319 female and male individuals with ages ranging from 16 to 99 years. Results indicate that few mandibular measurements exhibited age‐related changes, and most were affected by antemortem tooth loss.
Subjective Experience and Military Masculinity at the Beginning of the Long Eighteenth Century, 1688‐1714
Authors: Brittan Owen
Published: March 2017

No other institution illustrates the tensions between competing normative ideals and discursive behaviours more than the army. At the turn of the eighteenth century the British military had a reputation for being particularly untrustworthy, licentious, immoral and drunk. Using autobiographical sources and focusing on subjective experience in relation to normative expectations, this article questions such stereotypes by looking at four men in the middle ranks of the army officer corps. The attempt of these four officers to understand, perform and negotiate competing norms illustrates the tension that often existed between the expectations of a variety of masculine discourses.
The novel video‐assisted intubating laryngeal mask Totaltrack compared to the intubating laryngeal mask Fastrach – a controlled randomized manikin study
Authors: Ott T. , Barth A. , Kriege M. , Jahn‐Eimermacher A. , Piepho T. , Noppens R. R.
Published: March 2017

Background

The novel Totaltrack combines a supraglottic airway device with video laryngoscopic tracheal intubation. The intubation laryngeal mask Fastrach is an established device without visual control of intubation. We hypothesized that supraglottic ventilation success with Totaltrack would be similar to Fastrach, but intubation would be performed faster due to visual control of the procedure.

Methods

Fifty‐five anaesthesiologists were randomized into one of two study arms: Fastrach Totaltrack. After a standardized introduction, six consecutive attempts of supraglottic ventilation and intubation attempts with each of one of the devices were performed on an airway manikin. The combined primary outcome was: time to supraglottic ventilation and time to ventilation after intubation. Additionally, success rate and learning curves were evaluated.

Results

Supraglottic time to ventilation was shorter when using the Fastrach compared to the Totaltrack (median: 7.8 s [confidence interval [CI]: 7.0–8.6 s] vs. 11 s [CI: 7.8–14.2 s], P < 0.001). Intubation was faster using the Fastrach compared to Totaltrack (median: 12.5 s, [CI: 10.1–14.9 s] vs. 23.3 s [CI: 21.5–25.1 s], P < 0.001). Success rate for supraglottic ventilation was comparable between Fastrach and Totaltrack (86–96%). Successful intubation via the device was 100% in Fastrach and ranged from 61% to 93% in Totaltrack, with a higher probability of successful intubation after four applications.

Conclusion

In this manikin‐based study the novel Totaltrack did not prove superior to Fastrach despite a similar design. Video laryngoscopic control of supraglottic ventilation and endotracheal intubation was prolonged using the Totaltrack. Clinical trials are mandatory to evaluate the role of the Totaltrack in airway management.
Consensus statement for the treatment of infantile haemangiomas with propranolol
Authors: Smithson Sarah L , Rademaker Marius , Adams Susan , Bade Stuart , Bekhor Philip , Davidson Samantha , Dore Amanda , Drummond Catherine , Fischer Gayle , Gin Alexander , Grills Claire , Halbert Anne , Lokmic Zerina , McCahon Emma , Morgan Vanessa A , Murrell Dedee F , Orchard David , Penington Anthony , Purvis Diana , Relic John , Robertson Susan , Robinson Aaron J , Scardamaglia Laura , Su John , Tan Swee , Wargon Orli , Warren Lachlan , Wong Li‐chuen , Zappala Tania , Phillips Roderic
Published: March 2017

Although most infantile haemangiomas do not require treatment due to a natural history of spontaneous involution, some require early intervention. The Australasian Vascular Anomalies Network and the Australasian Paediatric Dermatology Network have developed a consensus statement for the treatment of infantile haemangiomas with oral propranolol. Infants with haemangiomas that are life threatening, at risk of ulceration, or at risk of causing a significant functional impairment, psychological impact or physical deformity should be treated early with oral propranolol. Oral propranolol is safe and effective and in most healthy infants oral propranolol can be started in an outpatient setting.
The impact of introducing medical management on conservative and surgical management for early pregnancy miscarriage
Authors: Black Kirsten I. , de Vries Bradley S. , Moses Francis , Pelosi Marilena , Cong Angela , Ludlow Joanne
Published: March 2017

Background

Medical management of miscarriage allows women to avoid the risks associated with surgical intervention. In 2011 the early pregnancy assessment service (EPAS) at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) in Sydney, Australia introduced medical management of miscarriage with single‐dose 800 μg vaginal misoprostol.

Aims

We sought to investigate the impact of the introduction of medical management had on the proportion of women having surgery and conservative management and to examine the success and complication rates of medical management.

Materials and methods

We undertook a retrospective cohort study that included all women diagnosed with a miscarriage from 12 months prior to and 18 months after the introduction of medical management. Successful management was defined as the absence of retained products of conception or endometrial thickness less than 15 mm on ultrasound at two weeks. The change in management choices over time, the success rates and complication rates were measured.

Results

Of 1102 women in the final analysis, 446 were in Group A (before medical management) and 656 in Group B (after medical management). Primary surgical procedures fell significantly for missed miscarriages from 68 to 48% (P < 0.001) and primary conservative management reduced for incomplete miscarriages (63–44%; P = 0.01). Overall 89 of 108 (82.4%) patients managed medically had a resolution within two weeks. One in ten presented with a complication.

Discussion

The introduction of medical management led to a statistically significant reduction in the proportion of women undergoing primary surgical management of missed miscarriage. Success and complication rates were similar to other studies.
Outcome of pregnancy in women diagnosed with idiopathic polyhydramnios
Authors: Khan Sarwat , Donnelly Jennifer
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Polyhydramnios is present in approximately 2% of pregnancies and it has been associated with a variety of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Objectives

The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between polyhydramnios and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

This was a retrospective case control study of 288 singleton pregnancies delivered in the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, between 2013 and 2014. Polyhydramnios was defined as: (i) amniotic fluid index (AFI) ≥ 25 cm; (ii) maximal vertical pocket (MVP) of ≥8 cm; and (iii) a gestational age‐specific threshold for AFI. Demographic information, obstetric and neonatal outcomes were obtained by review of hospital databases. Exclusion criteria included gestational or pre‐existing diabetes, multiple pregnancy, carrying a fetus with structural or chromosomal abnormalities, Rhesus factor isoimmunisation, and TORCH screen positive. Outcomes were compared with outcomes of those without polyhydramnios.

Results

A total of 8798 deliveries occurred during the study period. The frequency of polyhydramnios was 1.6%. One hundred and forty‐four women were selected in each group. There was no significant difference in preterm deliveries, low birth weight, low Apgar score at one minute and five minutes and perinatal mortality. However, increase in caesarean delivery rate (43.1% vs 21.5%), number of fetal distresses (17.4% vs 6.9%) and number of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions (17.4% vs 4.9%) were observed in our study.

Conclusion

In conclusion, idiopathic polyhydramnios is associated with specific adverse outcomes, such as higher rate of caesarean delivery, fetal distress and NICU admissions. Therefore, close surveillance of these pregnancies is required, especially near term.
Flow characteristics of Luer and non‐Luer spinal needles
Authors: Monteiro R. S. , Pillai A. , Choi S. W. , Bogod D. , Yentis S. M.
Published: March 2017

We investigated the flow rates of 25‐G and 27‐G spinal needles, of 90‐mm and 120‐mm lengths, from Vygon, BD, B. Braun and Pajunk; the needles had either a Luer connector, or a Surety® or UniVia® non‐Luer connector. We used a bench‐top model of entering the spinal space, pressurised to 35 cmH2O to simulate cerebrospinal fluid pressure in the sitting position. We examined the time to first appearance of simulated cerebrospinal fluid in the needle hub, as well as the amount of fluid collected over 120 s after the needle was introduced. The mean (SD) times to first appearance of fluid in the needle hub of Luer spinal needles varied from 0.36 (0.22) s for the 25‐G 90‐mm BD to 3.14 (0.72) s for the 27‐G 120‐mm B. Braun, and in the non‐Luer spinal needles from 0.22 (0.17) s for the 25‐G 90‐mm B. Braun to 2.99 (0.71) s for the 27‐G 120‐mm Pajunk. There was a significant difference in the time to first appearance of fluid in the needle hub between Luer and non‐Luer needles of the same type for seven of 14 comparisons made, of which four showed slower appearance of fluid in the non‐Luer version. In some of these cases, the time to appearance of fluid was nearly twice as long with the non‐Luer counterpart. The mean (SD) weight of fluid collected in 120 s using the Luer spinal needles varied from 0.21 (0.05) g for the 27‐G 120‐mm Pajunk to 1.21 (0.18) g for the 25‐G 90‐mm Vygon, and using the non‐Luer spinal needles from 0.25 (0.05) g for the 27‐G 120‐mm Pajunk to 1.55 (0.05) g for the 25‐G 90‐mm B. Braun. All of the needle types showed a greater weight of fluid collected using the non‐Luer compared with the Luer version, with six of the 14 needle types showing a significant difference. Significant variations in flow were also seen between the same needle type from different manufacturers. We conclude that changing from Luer to non‐Luer versions of spinal needles does not merely change the hub design and connection, but may introduce important differences in function.
Clinical, endoscopic and radiographic outcomes with ustekinumab in medically‐refractory Crohn's disease: real world experience from a multicentre cohort
Authors: Ma C. , Fedorak R. N. , Kaplan G. G. , Dieleman L. A. , Devlin S. M. , Stern N. , Kroeker K. I. , Seow C. H. , Leung Y. , Novak K. L. , Halloran B. P. , Huang V. W. , Wong K. , Blustein P. K. , Ghosh S. , Panaccione R.
Published: March 2017

Background

Ustekinumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting interleukins‐12 and ‐23, with efficacy in Crohn's disease (CD) demonstrated in clinical trials.

Aim

To assess the real‐world clinical, endoscopic and radiographic response and remission outcomes achieved with ustekinumab in medically‐refractory CD.

Methods

A retrospective multicentre cohort study was performed on CD patients receiving ustekinumab between 2011 and 2016. The primary outcome was achievement of clinical and objective steroid‐free response and remission at 3, 6 and 12 months. Clinical response and remission were defined by reduction in Harvey Bradshaw Index (HBI) of ≥3 points and an HBI ≤4 points respectively. Objective response was defined by improvement in endoscopic or radiographic CD, as assessed by ileocolonoscopy, contrast‐enhanced ultrasound or CT/MR enterography. Objective remission was defined by endoscopic mucosal healing or complete resolution of inflammatory parameters on radiographic assessment.

Results

A total of 167 CD patients were treated with ustekinumab. 95.2% (159/167) previously failed anti‐TNF therapy. Median follow‐up was 45.6 weeks (IQR: 24.4–88.9). At 3 months, clinical response was achieved in 38.9% (65/167) and remission in 15.0% (25/167) of patients. At 6 months, clinical response was achieved in 60.3% (91/151) and remission in 25.2% (38/151) of patients. At 12 months, clinical response was achieved in 59.5% (66/111) and remission in 27.9% (31/111) of patients. Endoscopic or radiographic response was demonstrated in 54.5% (67/123) at 6 months and 55.8% (48/86) of patients at 12 months.

Conclusions

Ustekinumab is an effective therapeutic option for inducing and maintaining clinical, endoscopic and radiographic response in patients with Crohn's disease failing anti‐TNF therapy.
Molecular effect of fenofibrate on PBMC gene transcription related to lipid metabolism in patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Moreno‐Indias I. , Tinahones F.J. , Clemente‐Postigo M. , Castellano‐Castillo D. , Fernández‐García J.C. , Macias‐Gonzalez M. , Queipo‐Ortuño M.I. , Cardona F.
Published: March 2017

Background

Both fasting and postprandial hypertriglyceridaemia are considered independent risk factors for atherosclerosis. Treatment of hypertriglyceridaemia is based on fibrates, which activate the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα). However, the metabolic pathways that activate or inhibit fibrates, and how the postprandial triglyceride levels are modified, have not yet been fully described. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to study the effects of fenofibrate in patients with the metabolic syndrome.

Materials and methods

A fat overload was given to 50 patients before and after treatment with fenofibrate for 3 months. Anthropometric and biochemical variables as well as gene expression in PBMC were analysed.

Results

After treatment with fenofibrate, we observed a decrease in both baseline and postprandial (3 h after the fat overload) levels of serum triglycerides, cholesterol and uric acid and an increase in HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein AI levels. After treatment, there was also a rise in PPARα and RXRα expression and changes in genes regulated by PPARα, both baseline and postprandial. Furthermore, in vitro experiments showed that a PPARα agonist changed the expression of genes related with lipid metabolism.

Conclusion

Treatment with fenofibrate reduced fasting and postprandial serum triglyceride levels, possibly through a mechanism related with an increase in the expression of RXRα and PPARα, by activating the pathways involved in the uptake and degradation of triglycerides and increasing the synthesis of apolipoprotein. These results suggest that PBMC may be useful for the easy study of fenofibrate actions.
Augmentation of severly resorbed alveolar crests with bovine bone blocks: A human histology pilot study
Authors: Slotte Christer , Nannmark Ulf
Published: March 2017

Background

Allo‐/xenogenic bone blocks are used to treat bone defects. Few human histologic studies are found on their integration and capacity to augment new bone.

Purpose

To study incorporation and stability of collagenated bovine bone blocks (CBB). Short term effects, histology, and morphometry on biopsy specimens are presented.

Materials and Methods

Nine patients exhibiting extremely narrow alveolar ridges had CBB adapted and fixed to the recipient bone and covered with collagen barriers. At median 6 months healing (range 2‐14 months) biopsies were harvested and dental implants placed. Evaluation was done on the handling, primary healing together, and morphologic assessments of the biopsies.

Results

New bone varied from 7.7% to 34.5%, lowest value being found in a patient showing graft exposure. Residual biomaterial varied between 2.9% and 48.2%. Implant placement was successful in all cases and all patients were rehabilitated with fixed superstructures. Several critical issues are discussed on the clinical handling of the material for example, soft tissue management and use of barrier membranes.

Conclusions

CBB was found to integrate well in a predictable way. New bone could be seen at early time points and may shorten treatment time with implants in cases with thin alveolar ridges.
Costs and clinical outcomes of implant placement during ablative surgery and postponed implant placement in curative oral oncology: a five‐year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wetzels Jan‐Willem G. H. , Meijer Gert J. , Koole Ron , Adang Eddy M. , Merkx Matthias A. W. , Speksnijder Caroline M.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare costs and clinical outcomes of two protocols for implant placement in edentulous oral cancer patients: implant placement during ablative surgery and postponed implant placement.

Material and methods

All edentulous patients who underwent curative tumor surgery between 2007 and 2009 at the Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc) and UMC Utrecht, both in the Netherlands, were included retrospectively. At the Radboudumc, 79 of 98 patients received implants during ablative surgery. At the UMC Utrecht, 18 of 95 patients received implants after a disease‐free period of at least 6 months, because satisfying conventional dentures could not be made. Costs, implant details and clinical outcomes were recorded retrospectively up to 5 years after tumor surgery.

Results

Individual costs of implant placement were lower in the during‐ablative‐surgery protocol (€2235 vs. €4152), while implant failure and loading were comparable to the postponed‐placement protocol. In the during‐ablative‐surgery protocol, more patients received implant‐retained overdentures (62% vs. 17%) and more patients had functioning dentures (65% vs. 47%), which were placed at an earlier stage (291 vs. 389 days after surgery). Overall costs of the during‐ablative‐surgery protocol were higher, as more patients received implants and functioning implant‐retained dentures, which were more expensive than conventional dentures.

Conclusions

Placing implants during ablative surgery lowered the individual costs of implant placement and led to more patients with functioning dentures, while implant failure and loading were comparable to postponed placement.
Pathogenesis of wound healing disorders in the elderly
Authors: Makrantonaki Evgenia , Wlaschek Meinhard , Scharffetter‐Kochanek Karin
Published: March 2017

The elderly constitute the age group most susceptible to wound healing disorders and chronic wounds, the most prevalent being venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers. However, other age‐associated diseases should also be taken into consideration in the diagnostic workup of chronic wounds, and not be underestimated. A better understanding of the pathomechanisms involved in the wound healing process is of key importance in combatting the difficulties associated with the treatment of chronic wounds. In recent decades, considerable progress has been made in the development of pioneering therapeutic strategies for chronic wounds. In this context, the use of growth factors and cytokines, tissue engineering, and cell therapy – including stem cells – have proven very promising. Nevertheless, prior to their introduction into routine clinical practice, large controlled clinical trials are required to assess the safety of these techniques.
The Political Economy of Industrialization
Authors: Storm Servaas
Published: March 2017

The ‘political economy of industrialization’ in mixed economies has been a key concern of Development and Change right from the start, as will be clear from this collection of 22 articles, published in the journal between 1970 and 2015. All papers analyse what government should and should not do — and, more importantly, what government can do to foster industrial development within the constraints and contradictions imposed by domestic political alignments and the global capitalist order. The 22 papers in this virtual issue are grouped under three broad headings: (1) varieties of industrialization experiences; (2) the macroeconomics of industrialization; and (3) state capitalism and industrialization. This introductory essay discusses the main themes of each grouping and justifies why the papers have been included by highlighting how each one engages with the main themes and what lessons it holds for industrialization now.
A unified model explains commonness and rarity on coral reefs
Authors: Connolly Sean R. , Hughes Terry P. , Bellwood David R.
Published: March 2017

Abundance patterns in ecological communities have important implications for biodiversity maintenance and ecosystem functioning. However, ecological theory has been largely unsuccessful at capturing multiple macroecological abundance patterns simultaneously. Here, we propose a parsimonious model that unifies widespread ecological relationships involving local aggregation, species‐abundance distributions, and species associations, and we test this model against the metacommunity structure of reef‐building corals and coral reef fishes across the western and central Pacific. For both corals and fishes, the unified model simultaneously captures extremely well local species‐abundance distributions, interspecific variation in the strength of spatial aggregation, patterns of community similarity, species accumulation, and regional species richness, performing far better than alternative models also examined here and in previous work on coral reefs. Our approach contributes to the development of synthetic theory for large‐scale patterns of community structure in nature, and to addressing ongoing challenges in biodiversity conservation at macroecological scales.
Best Paper Awards and the Emerging Scholar Award
Authors: DeVaney Sharon A.
Published: March 2017

In January of each year, the Family & Consumer Sciences Research Journal selects several articles for awards for the previous year. The awards include a Best Paper in each of the sub‐disciplines, an Outstanding Paper, and an Emerging Scholar. The criteria include: originality of the research topic, quality of the research design and methodology, and the potential to make a lasting contribution to family and consumer sciences. The awards are presented in June at the annual conference of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. The awards for the Best Papers in the Family & Consumer Sciences Journal (FCSRJ) were established in 2009, and the award for Emerging Scholar was established in 2010. The award process begins in January of each year when the Editor compiles a list of papers published during the previous year. The papers are arranged by disciplines such as apparel, textiles, and merchandising; foods and nutrition; and so forth.
The effectiveness of multi‐element fingerprints for identifying the geographical origin of wheat
Authors: Liu Hongyan , Wei Yimin , Zhang Yingquan , Wei Shuai , Zhang Senshen , Guo Boli
Published: March 2017

Totally 270 wheat samples with ten genotypes of 2010/2011, 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 from three regions were collected, and the multi‐elemental compositions (Mg, Al, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Mo, Cd, Ba, Pb) were analysed with high‐resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR‐ICP‐MS). Multiway analysis of variance was employed to investigate the influences of region, genotype, harvest year and their interactions on all elements. The contribution rates of variances were computed, and the results showed that the elements of Mn, Sr, Mo and Cd were closely related to region explaining 34.2%, 39.6%, 35.0% and 78.8% of the total variation, respectively. The genotype contributed most for the variation of Ba, accounting for 27.3%, and the other elements were affected by the harvest year. Mn, Sr, Mo and Cd can be used for establishing the robust discriminant model with the correct classification rate of 98.5% to identify the geographical origin of wheat.
Cross‐National Analysis of Gender Differences in Job Satisfaction
Authors: Hauret Laetitia , Williams Donald R.
Published: March 2017

Research over the past two decades has found significant gender differences in subjective job satisfaction, with the result that women report greater satisfaction than men in some countries. This paper examines the so‐called “gender paradox” using data from the European Social Survey for a subset of fourteen countries in the European Union. We focus on the hypothesis that women place higher values on certain work characteristics than men, which explains the observed differential. Using estimates from Probit and ordered Probit models, we conduct standard Blinder–Oaxaca decompositions to estimate the impact that differential valuations of characteristics have on the gender difference in self‐reported job satisfaction. The results indicate that females continue to report higher levels of job satisfaction than do men in some countries, and the difference remains even after controlling for a wide range of personal and job characteristics and working conditions. The decompositions suggest that a relatively small share of the gender differential is attributable to gender differences in the weights placed on working conditions in most countries. Rather, gender differences in job characteristics contribute relatively more to explaining the gender–job satisfaction differential.
Trade Openness and Labor Force Participation in Africa: The Role of Political Institutions*
Authors: Cooray Arusha , Dutta Nabamita , Mallick Sushanta
Published: March 2017

Trade liberalization is usually expected to lead to greater economic activity including higher labor force participation rates. Using data from forty‐eight Sub‐Saharan African countries over the period 1985–2012, we explore the impact of trade openness on labor force participation rates (LFPR), and examine how political institutions such as democracy, political rights, and civil liberties can play a role in driving this relationship in the above group of low‐income countries. The estimated marginal impact of openness on LFPR shows that LFPR is increasing with the level of institutional quality. In particular, political institutions are critical in enhancing the benefit from openness. Our conclusions are similar for male and female participation rates although the magnitudes of the former are higher, thus confirming that improving institutions can generate greater labor market benefits from trade in poor countries.