bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mohs Micrographic Surgery for the Treatment of Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kline Laura , Coldiron Brett
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive malignant neoplasm. Traditionally, wide local excision has been used for local control. However, the tissue-sparing capability of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) and the greater certainty of complete tumor removal offer a potential advantage over wide local excision if MMS offers acceptable cure rates.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to help elucidate management of MCC and includes one of the largest groups of patients from a single institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study is a retrospective chart review of 22 patients with cutaneous MCC treated with MMS at our practice over 20 years. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were examined. The study protocol conformed to the ethical guidelines of the 1975 Declaration of Helsinki as reflected in the approval by our institution's human research review committee.

RESULTS

The overall local recurrence rate was 5% (1/22). The overall rate of biopsy-proven metastasis to regional lymph nodes was 14% (3/22). No cases of distant metastases were documented.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the largest group of patients with MCC treated with MMS from a single institution and indicates that MMS may be a useful treatment modality for this rare aggressive disease.
Antiperoxynitrite Treatment Ameliorates Vasorelaxation of Resistance Arteries in Aging Rats: Involvement With Protection of Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Authors: Sun Qi , Dong Yu , Wang Huanyuan , Jiao Kun , Xu Jiahui , Ma Lu , Huang Haixia , Liu Huirong , Wang Wen
Published: July 2016

Numerous studies have found that the age-associated structural and functional alterations in arteries were characterized by increased endothelial dysfunction. In this study, young (3 months), adult (9 months), and aging (20 months) male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, including control groups and FeTMPyP (peroxynitrite scavenger) groups receiving saline and FeTMPyP, respectively, for 5 administrations once every 3 days through intraperitoneal injection. The aged-related proteins beta-galactosidase, p53, and p16 as well as the nitrotyrosine and endothelial marker endothelial nitric oxide synthase and von Willebrand factor (vWF) in vascular tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry. Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation and endothelium-independent vasorelaxation of rat thoracic aortas and mesenteric arteries were measured by acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside, respectively. The amount of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) was determined by flow cytometry. The endothelium-dependent/independent relaxation in mesenteric arteries and the amount of circulating EPCs (CD31+/CD34+) in peripheral blood of aging rats were reduced significantly compared with young and adult rats. Immunohistochemistry results showed that the nitrotyrosine levels and morphological damage in mesenteric arteries were increased significantly in aging rats. Adoption of peroxynitrite scavenger FeTMPyP intervention may not only improve the endothelium-dependent relaxation and the amount of circulating EPCs in aging rats but also reverse endothelial injury. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that enhanced nitrative stress may aggravate the endothelial injury and vascular dysfunction of resistance arteries in aging rats. Antiperoxynitrite treatment can ameliorate the vasorelaxation and may be involved with the protection of circulating EPCs.
Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia Presenting With Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Successfully Treated With Rivaroxaban: Clinical Case Report and Review of Current Experiences
Authors: Samoš Matej , Bolek Tomáš , Ivanková Jela , Stančiaková Lucia , Kovář František , Galajda Peter , Kubisz Peter , Staško Ján , Mokáň Marián
Published: July 2016

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a life or limb-threatening thrombotic thrombocytopenia. HIT is traditionally treated with factor-IIa inhibitors such as bivalirudin, lepirudin, or argatroban. However, these agents usually require parenteral administration and are not generally available in all countries. Recently, several experiences with novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) administration to treat HIT had been reported. NOACs generally offer advantages such as consistent and predictable anticoagulation, oral administration with good patient compliance, and a good safety profile. We report a case of HIT with severe thrombotic complications successfully treated with rivaroxaban and discuss the current knowledge about the use of NOACs for the treatment of this potentially fatal thrombocytopenia.
Cardiovascular, hemodynamic, neuroendocrine, and inflammatory markers in women with and without vasomotor symptoms
Authors: Gordon Jennifer L. , Rubinow David R. , Thurston Rebecca C. , Paulson Julia , Schmidt Peter J. , Girdler Susan S.
Published: July 2016

Objective:

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. One candidate mechanism may involve alterations in physiological responses to stress. The current study therefore examined the relationship between self-reported VMS bother and cardiovascular, hemodynamic, neuroendocrine, and inflammatory responses to an acute psychosocial stress protocol.

Methods:

One hundred eighty-six women in the menopausal transition or early postmenopausal stage (age 45-60 y) provided the data for this article. Subjective hot flash and night sweat bother were assessed using the Greene Climacteric Scale. Women also underwent a stressor battery involving a speech and a mental arithmetic task while cardiovascular, hemodynamic, neuroendocrine, and inflammatory responses were assessed. Repeated measures regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between self-reported VMS and physiologic responses to the stressor.

Results:

In multivariate analyses adjusting for potential confounders, self-reported hot flash bother was associated with lower overall cardiac index and stroke volume index and higher overall vascular resistance index and levels of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6. Hot flash bother also tended to be associated with higher overall cortisol levels and higher baseline levels of plasma norepinephrine. Night sweat bother, on the other hand, was associated with higher overall cortisol levels and tended to be associated with higher interleukin-6.

Conclusions:

Self-reported VMS bother is associated with an unfavorable hemodynamic and neuroendocrine profile characterized by increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and central sympathetic activation, inflammation, and vasoconstriction. Further research investigating this profile in relation to VMS, and the potential health implications of this association, is warranted.
Bridging Experience With Eptifibatide After Stent Implantation
Authors: Barra Megan E. , Fanikos John , Gerhard-Herman Marie D. , Bhatt Deepak L.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Patients who have undergone intracoronary stent implantation often require surgery within the first year after the procedure. Planned or emergent surgical intervention requires interruption of antiplatelet therapy and is associated with an increased risk of stent thrombosis. Eptifibatide, an intravenous glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (GPIIb/IIIa), can be considered for antiplatelet bridging of high-risk patients in the periprocedural period.

Objectives:

The aim of this report is to describe the management of antiplatelet therapy and outcomes of patients who were bridged with eptifibatide perioperatively within 1 year of intracoronary stent implantation.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients identified through the hospital’s computer system consecutively from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2014. We included 18 patients who were bridged from an oral P2Y12-receptor antagonist with eptifibatide before surgery. Outcome measures were the incidence of thromboembolic events or stent thrombosis within 30 days of surgery and death within 90 days of hospital discharge. Safety measures were the incidence of thrombolysis in myocardial infarction major, minor, or minimal bleeding.

Results:

Of the 18 patients assessed, no patients experienced thromboembolic events or stent thrombosis. There was one major bleeding event and one minimal bleeding event postoperatively. Antiplatelet therapy management was highly variable in the perioperative period with 72.2% receiving the recommended GPIIb/IIIa loading dose, 50% of patients not continuing aspirin throughout the surgery, 27.8% of patients stopping antiplatelet therapy less than 5 days before surgery, and 50% not receiving a loading dose of an oral P2Y12-receptor antagonist postoperatively.

Conclusions:

Within a limited sample size, bridging with an intravenous GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor appeared feasible. Further study is needed on the optimal strategy to manage patients with recent stenting who need surgical procedures.
Clear-Cell (Reticulated) Transformation of Eyelid Eccrine Sweat Glands
Authors: Jakobiec Frederick A. , Stagner Anna M. , Lee Nahyoung Grace
Published: July 2016

A 24-year-old man with a painful, recurrent left upper eyelid nodule underwent an excision. Histopathologic evaluation disclosed a granulomatous process, most likely in response to a ruptured epidermoid cyst. In the vicinity of the nodule were multiple eccrine sweat glands displaying a curious clear-cell appearance in the adlumenal cells, the first example of such a phenomenon in the eyelids. Alcian blue, periodic acid Schiff, and documented staining failed to disclose, respectively, any cytoplasmic mucosubstances, glycogen accumulation, or lipid in the adlumenal secretory cells. Cytokeratin 7 immunostained the adlumenal cells of the eccrine secretory coil, while cytokeratin 5/6 stained the ablumenal myoepithelial and ductular cells. Gross cystic disease fluid protein 15, normally demonstrable in the eccrine secretory cells, was not detectable. Clear-cell transformation should not be confused with syringoma of the lower eyelids, in which glycogen is responsible for the ablumenal clear-cell change.
‘Out of tune’: consequences of inbreeding on bird song
Authors: de Boer Raïssa A. , Eens Marcel , Müller Wendt
Published: July 2016

The expression of bird song is expected to signal male quality to females. ‘Quality’ is determined by genetic and environmental factors, but, surprisingly, there is very limited evidence if and how genetic aspects of male quality are reflected in song. Here, we manipulated the genetic make-up of canaries (
Serinus canaria
) via inbreeding, and studied its effects upon song output, complexity, phonetics and, for the first time, song learning. To this end, we created weight-matched inbred and outbred pairs of male fledglings, which were subsequently exposed to the same tutor male during song learning. Inbreeding strongly affected syllable phonetics, but there were little or no effects on other song features. Nonetheless, females discriminated among inbred and outbred males, as they produced heavier clutches when mated with an outbred male. Our study highlights the importance of song phonetics, which has hitherto often been overlooked.
Design: An assay based on single-polypeptide-chain heterodimeric A2AR/D2R and non-oligomerized fusions forin vivoanalysis of their allosteric receptor-receptor interactions
Authors: Kamiya Toshio , Masuko Takashi , Borroto-Escuela Dasiel Oscar , Okado Haruo , Nakata Hiroyasu
Published: July 2016

Background

The adenosine A2Areceptor (A2AR) heteromerizes with the dopamine D2receptor (D2R). In order to explore their functional interaction, we engineered previously stable single-polypeptide-chain (sc) A2AR/D2LR: whether the molecular entity of the striatal A2AR/D2R antagonism, i.e., scA2AR/D2Rs are just A2AR/D2R with the antagonism, remains unresolved.

New Method

To further clarify the heteromerization through the scA2AR/D2LR, we here designed supramolecularly ‘exclusive’ monomers and dimers, using the Cε2 domain of IgE-Fc or apoproteins of the bacterial light-harvesting antenna complex.

Results

A concept of the recptor protein assembly regulation, i.e., the selective monomer/non-obligate dimer formation was obtained. Although none of these new fusions were constructed or tested, we could aim at obtaining heterodimer-specific agents, using the scA2AR/D2R. Whether the resulting designs were explained feasibly and rationally was addressed. The structure and function of the non-obligate dimer were here discussed through scA2AR/D2R, focusing on the procedure of the membrane protein design and methods for transient protein-protein interactions.

Summary and Outlook

Given that upon being expressed and allosteric regulation occurs regardless of specific signal to non-specific noise (S/N) ratio, the supramolecular designs, allowing us to express selectively monomer/non-obligate dimer of class A GPCR, are experimentally testable and will be used to confirmin vivothat such low S/N ratio interaction between A2AR and D2LR functions in the dopamine neurotransmission in the striatum.

Abbreviations:

A2AR

adenosine A2Areceptor

3HA-A2AR

A2AR tagged with a triple HA epitope

Bchl

bacteriochlorophyll

BRET

bioluminescence resonance energy transfer

C

carboxy-terminal

CD

cluster of differentiation

D2LR and D2SR

the long and short form of dopamine D2receptor, respectively

Fab

antigen binding fragment

Fc

Fc fragment

FcεRI

high affinity receptor for IgE

FRET

fluorescence resonance energy transfer

G4S

an amino acid sequence consisting of a four-glycine-repeat followed by a serine residue

GABA

γ-aminobutyric acid

GABAB

GABA type B receptor

GPCR

G protein-coupled receptor

Gt

transducin

HA

hemagglutinin

HIV

human immunodeficiency virus

IC

intracellular loops

Ig

immunoglobulin

LH

light-harvesting antenna complex

mAb

monoclonal antibody

Mr

molecular weight

N

amino-terminal

PD

Parkinson’s disease

PS

photosystem

RC

reaction center

Rluc

Renillaluciferase

sc

single-chain

TM

transmembrane

3D

three-dimensional
Comprehensive investigation of temporal and autism-associated cell type composition-dependent and independent gene expression changes in human brains
Authors: Yu Qianhui , He Zhisong
Published: July 2016

The functions of human brains highly depend on the precise temporal regulation of gene expression, and the temporal brain transcriptome profile across lifespan has been observed. The substantial transcriptome alteration in neural disorders like autism has also been observed and is thought to be important for the pathology. While the cell type composition is known to be variable in brains, it remains unclear how it contributes to the temporal and pathological transcriptome changes in brains. Here, we applied a transcriptome deconvolution procedure to an age series RNA-seq dataset of healthy and autism samples, to quantify the contribution of cell type composition in shaping the temporal and autism pathological transcriptome in human brains. We estimated that composition change was the primary factor of both types of transcriptome changes. On the other hand, genes with substantial composition-independent expression changes were also observed in both cases. Those temporal and autism pathological composition-independent changes, many of which are related to synaptic functions, indicate the important intracellular regulatory changes in human brains in both processes.
Emergent risks in business process change projects
Authors: Jurisch Marlen Christin , Rosenberg Zuzana , Krcmar Helmut
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– Even today still many business process change (BPC) initiatives fail and cause high overruns for organizations undergoing BPC initiatives. It is therefore important that BPC practitioners and researchers understand the risks inherent in BPC projects, and that they adapt their risk management processes to account for and mitigate these risks. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to investigate which emergent risks matter in BPC project.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors adopted case survey methodology and investigated data from 130 case studies to show the nature and magnitude of relationships between organizational support risks, volatility risks, and BPC project and process performance.

Findings

– The results show that organizational support risks influence both the overall BPC project performance and process performance. Whereas, volatility risks influence project performance but appear to have no direct impact on the process performance. Both organizational support risks and volatility risks show influence on project management practices.

Research limitations/implications

– The study show several limitations that might be assigned to the case survey methodology, such as use of secondary data or publication bias.

Practical implications

– The authors provide considerable support which emergent risks matter in BPC projects.

Originality/value

– The contribution of this study takes several forms. It fills a gap in the literature concerning emergent risk factors inherent in BPC projects. The authors provided theoretical explanation of the effects of emergent risks on BPC project and process performance. And lastly, the authors have demonstrated the usefulness of case survey methodology in BPC research.
A framework to capture and reuse process knowledge in business process design and execution using social tagging
Authors: Rangiha Mohammad Ehson , Comuzzi Marco , Karakostas Bill
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a framework for social business process management (BPM) in which social tagging is used to capture process knowledge emerging during the design and enactment of the processes. Process knowledge concerns both the type of activities chosen to fulfil a certain goal and the skills and experience of users in executing specific tasks. This knowledge is exploited by recommendation tools to support the design and enactment of current and future process instances.

Design/methodology/approach

– The literature about traditional BPM is analysed to highlight the limitations of traditional BPM regarding management of ad hoc and semi-structured processes. Having identified this gap, an innovative BPM framework based on social tagging is proposed to address these limitations. This model is exemplified in a real case scenario and evaluated through the implementation of a prototype and a case study in real world non-profit organisation.

Findings

– An overview of the social BPM framework is presented, introducing the concepts of role and task recommendation, which are supported by social tagging. The prototype shows the buildability of the social BPM framework as an extension of a Wiki platform. The case study demonstrates that the social BPM framework improves user collaborativeness in designing and executing process instances.

Research limitations/implications

– The applicability of the framework is targeted to ad hoc and possibly semi-structured business processes and it does not extend to highly procedural and codified processes. A single case study limits the generalisability of the evaluation results.

Originality/value

– The social BPM framework is the first to introduce task and role recommendation supported by social tagging to overcome the limitations of traditional BPM models.
Designing employees’ training by immersive serious games? A study of digital natives’ satisfaction, perception and expectation in corporate training practices
Authors: Lau Kung Wong , Lee Pui Yuen
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The digital native (DN), a new type of employee, has reshaped the ways of corporate training. This DN wants meaningful play in game engagement instead of receiving a passive message from the employers. Meanwhile, the platforms of serious games had been changing from television to mobile, and currently moving to the immersive platforms. This paper aims to deepen the understanding of employees’ satisfaction, perception and expectation towards the use of serious games for training in business practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative survey with a 20-item questionnaire and a serious game have been used for collecting 57 DN’s opinions on the five significant features, and they are visualization, enjoyment, interactivity, immersion and communication.

Findings

The results found a significant gap between DN’s expectation and perception.

Originality/value

Researcher suggests that employers should consider the application of a friendly interaction design and cognitive control system in creating serious games for training design.
The professional and personal values and their revelation through professional doctorates
Authors: Gibbs Paul , Maguire Kate
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the relationship between individual practitioners’ personal values and their developing professional agentic values. It considers how the former might be in tension with the prescribed forms of practice held to be “professional” by professional bodies, warranting membership, and indeed, any licence to practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper seeks an understanding of the different personal and collective ontological stances and tensions that practitioners may experience as they progress through their careers, attempting to align their own values with those of the collective values within their profession. It is a conceptual paper.

Findings

– The authors explore the ideas through a Heideggerian reading of transdisciplinarity which the authors find helpful.

Research limitations/implications

– This is a conceptual paper and my therefore may suffers from lack of empirical evidence which the authors would consider helpful as the next stage of development

Practical implications

– Through the lens of an “I” and “we” framework introduced in the paper and the use of a professional doctorate, the authors discuss how a practitioner and profession’s values may be in tension.

Social implications

– There may be issues of professional engagement which will impact on the development of the professions themselves.

Originality/value

– The authors believe this to be an original approach to understanding professional and personal values in professional doctorates
Eye centre localisation: an unsupervised modular approach
Authors: Zhang Wenhao , Smith Melvyn Lionel , Smith Lyndon Neal , Farooq Abdul Rehman
Published: July 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce an unsupervised modular approach for eye centre localisation in images and videos following a coarse-to-fine, global-to-regional scheme. The design of the algorithm aims at excellent accuracy, robustness and real-time performance for use in real-world applications.

Design/methodology/approach

A modular approach has been designed that makes use of isophote and gradient features to estimate eye centre locations. This approach embraces two main modalities that progressively reduce global facial features to local levels for more precise inspections. A novel selective oriented gradient (SOG) filter has been specifically designed to remove strong gradients from eyebrows, eye corners and self-shadows, which sabotage most eye centre localisation methods. The proposed algorithm, tested on the BioID database, has shown superior accuracy.

Findings

The eye centre localisation algorithm has been compared with 11 other methods on the BioID database and six other methods on the GI4E database. The proposed algorithm has outperformed all the other algorithms in comparison in terms of localisation accuracy while exhibiting excellent real-time performance. This method is also inherently robust against head poses, partial eye occlusions and shadows.

Originality/value

The eye centre localisation method uses two mutually complementary modalities as a novel, fast, accurate and robust approach. In addition, other than assisting eye centre localisation, the SOG filter is able to resolve general tasks regarding the detection of curved shapes. From an applied point of view, the proposed method has great potentials in benefiting a wide range of real-world human-computer interaction (HCI) applications.
Proteome analysis of Pseudomonas putida F1 genes induced in soil environments
Authors: Morimoto Hajime , Kadoya Ryosuke , Takahashi Kazuhiro , Kasahara Yasuhiro
Published: July 2016

Knowledge of the gene expression dynamics of a single soil bacterial strain contributes to the understanding of its behaviour, physiological state and surrounding microenvironment. Genes expressed in soil environments rather than in laboratory media are considered to particularly relevant. Here, we compared genome‐wide gene expression profiles of the bacterium Pseudomonas putida F1 inoculated in three different types of nonsterile soils deduced using proteome analysis via sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis combined with liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Proteins commonly detected in all three samples and involved with bacterial growth and fundamental metabolism were excluded. Nine proteins were identified as specifically expressed in soil including an aldehyde dehydrogenase, a nitric oxide dioxygenase and five proteins encoded by a cluster of metabolism‐associated genes. Expression factor analysis revealed that the nitric oxide dioxygenase‐coding gene was induced by nitric oxide and the five clustered genes were induced under phosphate starvation. The expression of these genes can be attributed to response to soil environmental stimuli surrounding the F1 cells. These results strongly suggest that our soil metaproteome approach is useful for understanding the autecology and lifestyle of a single bacterial strain in soil environments and allows the prediction of the microenvironment surrounding the bacterial cells.
Expression of the complement system's activation factors in plasma of patients with early/late‐onset severe pre‐eclampsia
Authors: He Yingdong , Xu Bingning , Song Di , Yu Feng , Chen Qian , Zhao Minghui
Published: July 2016

Problem

To investigate the expression of complement activation factors in plasma of patients with early/late‐onset severe pre‐eclampsia.

Methods

A case–control study was performed. The study group consisted of 30 cases of early‐onset severe pre‐eclampsia (EOSPE) and 30 cases of late‐onset severe pre‐eclampsia (LOSPE). Thirty cases were selected as the early‐onset control group (E‐control) and 30 as the late‐onset control group (L‐control). ELISA was used to test C1q, C4d, MBL, Bb, C3a, C5a, and MAC in the maternal peripheral circulation.

Results

The complement activation factors Bb, C3a, C5a, and MAC were increased significantly in EOSPE (all P<.01) and LOSPE (P value: .027, <.001, .001, and <.001, respectively) compared with E/L‐control. C1q and C4d were increased significantly in LOSPE (P value: .003 and .014, respectively) compared with L‐control.

Conclusion

Abnormal activation of the complement system exists in the maternal circulation of patients with early‐ and late‐onset severe pre‐eclampsia. In patients complicated with LOSPE, the complement system was activated through both the classical and alternative pathways, while in EOSPE, the complement system was activated mainly through the alternative pathway.
Effect of uterine contractions on fetal heart rate in pregnancy: a prospective observational study
Authors: Sletten Julie , Kiserud Torvid , Kessler Jörg
Published: July 2016

Introduction

The new Holter monitoring technology enables long‐term electrocardiographic recording of the fetal heart rate without discomfort for the mother. The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of a fetal Holter monitor. This technology was further used to study fetal heart rate outside the hospital setting during normal daily activities and to test the hypothesis that uterine activity during pregnancy influences fetal heart rate.

Material and methods

Prospective observational study including 12 healthy pregnant women at 20–40 weeks of gestation. Data were collected using the Monica AN24 system. Outcome measures were fetal heart rate, maternal heart rate, and uterine activity categorized according to the strength of the electrohysterographic signal.

Results

The recordings had a median length of 18.8 h, and fetal heart rate and maternal heart rate were obtained with success rates of 73.1 and 99.9%, respectively. Uterine activity was found to affect fetal heart rate in all participants. Compared with the basal tone and mild levels of uterine activity, moderate and strong levels of uterine activity were associated with increases in fetal heart rate of 4.0 and 5.7 beats/min, respectively. At night, the corresponding increases were 4.9 and 7.6 beats/min. Linear correlations were found between maternal heart rate and fetal heart rate in 11 of the 12 cases, with a mean coefficient beta of 0.189. Both maternal heart rate and fetal heart rate exhibited a diurnal pattern, with lower heart rates being recorded at night.

Conclusions

Uterine activity during pregnancy is associated with a graded response in fetal heart rate and may represent a physiological challenge for the development and adaptation of the fetal cardiovascular system.
Impact of increased risk for fetal aneuploidy on maternal mood: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Nevay Dayna L. , Hippman Catriona , Inglis Angela , Albert Arianne , Austin Jehannine
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Our goal was to prospectively compare the trajectories of depression symptoms through pregnancy and postpartum between women who received normal prenatal screening results and those whose results indicated an increased risk for fetal aneuploidy.

Material and methods

Women completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 4‐week intervals between <26 weeks' gestation and 3 months postpartum. We categorized women into four groups: (i) negative serum screening and ultrasound results (SS−/US−, n = 103), (ii) positive serum screening/negative ultrasound results (SS+/US−, n = 42), (iii) negative serum screening/positive ultrasound results (SS−/US+, n = 19), or (iv) positive serum screening and ultrasound results (SS+/US+, n = 13), and compared EPDS scores between groups using Poisson regression.

Results

Women who received any positive prenatal screening result had significantly higher EPDS scores during pregnancy than SS−/US− women (p = 0.002), with SS−/US+ women having the highest scores. During the postpartum, any positive screening test result was only marginally significantly associated with EPDS scores (p = 0.06), but women in the SS−/US+ group had significantly higher scores than women in the SS−/US− group (p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that different types of prenatal screening tests may have different effects on women's moods, and that depression symptoms persist for women who have soft markers identified on ultrasound.
Endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided transmural drainage of walled‐off pancreatic necrosis: Comparison between a specially designed fully covered bi‐flanged metal stent and multiple plastic stents
Authors: Bapaye Amol , Dubale Nachiket A , Sheth Keyur A , Bapaye Jay , Ramesh Jayapal , Gadhikar Harshal , Mahajani Sheetal , Date Suhas , Pujari Rajendra , Gaadhe Ravindra
Published: July 2016

Background and Aim

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)‐guided drainage of walled‐off necrosis (WON) may be carried out by placement of multiple plastic stents (MPS) or specially designed fully covered bi‐flanged metal stents (BFMS). Comparative data on efficacy of these two stent types for WON drainage are limited. This retrospective study compares outcomes of WON drainage using BFMS and MPS.

Methods

During a 10‐year period, 133 patients underwent EUS‐guided WON drainage. MPS or BFMS were placed in a WON cavity through a single puncture, and direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) was carried out whenever clinically necessary. Data in the two cohorts were retrospectively compared for primary outcomes – clinical success, adverse events and mortality; and secondary outcomes – DEN requirement, mean DEN sessions, need for salvage surgery and hospital stay.

Results

MPS were placed in 61 and BFMS in 72 patients. Patients undergoing BFMS drainage required fewer DEN sessions (mean 1.46 vs 2.74, P < 0.05), had fewer adverse events (5.6% vs 36.1%, P < 0.05), needed salvage surgery less often (2.7% vs 26.2%, P < 0.05), and had significantly shorter hospital stay (4.1 vs 8 days, P < 0.05) compared to those undergoing MPS drainage. There was no difference in DEN requirement (P = 0.217) and mortality (P = 0.5) in both groups. Overall clinical success with BFMS was superior to MPS (94% vs 73.7%, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

BFMS appear to be superior to MPS for EUS‐guided WON drainage in terms of clinical success, number of DEN sessions, adverse events, need for salvage surgery and hospital stay.
An exploration of the relationship between police presence, crime and firms in developing countries
Authors: Islam Asif
Published: July 2016

Economic theory predicts that a rise in police presence will reduce criminal activity. However several studies in this field have found mixed results. This study adds to the literature by exploring the relationship between the size of the police force and crime experienced by firms. Using survey data for about 12,000 firms in a cross‐section of 27 developing countries it is found that increasing the size of the police force is negatively associated with crime experienced by firms. Results are confirmed using a panel of firms for a subset of countries for which data are available. It is also found that this negative relationship is stronger under certain macroeconomic circumstances.
The societal cost of Huntington's disease: are we underestimating the burden?
Authors: Jones C. , Busse M. , Quinn L. , Dawes H. , Drew C. , Kelson M. , Hood K. , Rosser A. , Edwards R. T.
Published: July 2016

Background and purpose

Approximately 9000 people in the UK are affected by Huntington's disease (HD). People with HD require ongoing health and social care support. There is a knowledge gap about costs of health and social care use associated with HD in the UK. This paper estimates the economic cost in the UK.

Methods

Data on UK patients for the year 2013 were extracted from the European Huntington's Disease Network REGISTRY study, a full clinical dataset, including the full medical history and medication history for patients with HD. National unit costs for the price year 2013 were applied to health and social care services.

Results

Data were available for 131 people. The mean annual cost per person with HD was £21 605. The largest proportion of this cost (65%) was due to informal care (£14 085).

Conclusions

Informal care was the largest driver of costs across all stages of HD; thus there is a need to also consider the needs of carers when planning services for people with HD.
Vitamin D and the characteristics associated with risk for knee pain among Korean older adults: Findings from a nationally representative survey
Authors: Lee Ari , Lee Jong‐Eun
Published: July 2016

Aim

To explore vitamin D and the risk factors associated with knee pain in a representative population of Korean older adults

Methods

Data were analyzed from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010–2013). A total of 3874 participants (1728 men, 2146 women) aged 65 years and older who had a measured serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D and knee pain severity

Results

Sex, age, obesity, education, knee radiographic osteoarthritis, hip pain and back pain were associated with having knee pain. Also, the level of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D was not significantly associated with knee pain severity. After controlling for confounding factors, the level of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D was not significantly associated with knee pain, and severity levels of mild, moderate and severe.

Conclusions

The results show that the serum vitamin D did not have a significant effect on knee pain in older adults in Korea. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1278–1285.
The challenges and opportunities in researching intimacy and sexuality in care homes accommodating older people: a feasibility study
Authors: Simpson Paul , Brown Wilson Christine , Brown Laura J.E. , Dickinson Tommy , Horne Maria
Published: July 2016

Aim

To explore the challenges of conducting research on sexuality and intimacy among older care home residents.

Background

Sexuality and intimacy are neglected in care policies and practices.

Design

Qualitative analytical study drawing on poststructuralist theorizing.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with residents and spouses (n = 6) and care staff (n = 16) in two care homes in Northwest England in 2014. The sample was obtained through a network of ‘research‐ready’ care homes. Thematic analysis was used to make sense of narratives with the aid of NVivo10.

Results

Participant responses highlight the workings of ageist erotophobic discourse that undergirds the assumption of residents (and old people generally) as postsexual. This materialized in reservations about the research ranging from opposition on moral grounds to doubts about its feasibility given the age‐group concerned. However, residents and care home staff can also draw on counter‐discourses that resist/challenge ageist erotophobic thinking, which materialized in methodological and ethical recommendations.

Conclusion

Participants generally agreed with the principle of the research and made recommendations that could counter/resist ageist erotophobic governance and guide researchers on sampling, style of questioning and communicating with (prospective) study participants on a sensitive subject.
The impact of individual and organizational resources on nurse outcomes and intent to quit
Authors: Brunetto Yvonne , Rodwell John , Shacklock Kate , Farr‐Wharton Rod , Demir Defne
Published: July 2016

Aim

To examine the impact of an individual resource factor (psychological capital) and an organizational resource (management support) on nurses’ intentions to quit.

Background

Nursing work can be stressful and as a consequence, nurses suffer greater stress and stress‐related sickness, including depression, than the general population. Stress can be mitigated in the workplace depending on the availability of resources in the workplace. Resources can come from the organization or the individual themselves.

Design

The study is quantitative using a cross‐sectional design.

Methods

The study analysed data from 242 nurses working in five Australian hospitals in the one regional network during 2013.

Findings

The predictors explained almost half of the variance of nurses’ intent to quit. Psychological capital had the dual benefits of reducing nurses’ perceptions of psychological distress and simultaneously increasing their job satisfaction.

Conclusion

Psychological capital is an example of the personal resources a nurse brings to work. Nurse managers can now understand the impact of a new form of protective resources that influence the levels of strain felt by nurses. If nurses present with low psychological capital, then up‐skilling nurses with these personal attributes will positively impact on their health and well‐being and, in turn, enhance the care of patients.
Methodological exemplar of integrating quantitative and qualitative evidence – supportive care for men with prostate cancer: what are the most important components?
Authors: Huntley Alyson L. , King Anna J.L. , Moore Theresa H.M. , Paterson Charlotte , Persad Raj , Sharp Debbie , Evans Maggie
Published: July 2016

Aims

To present a methodological exemplar of integrating findings from a quantitative and qualitative review on the same topic to provide insight into components of care that contribute to supportive care that is acceptable to men with prostate cancer.

Background

Men with prostate cancer are likely to live a long time with the disease, experience side effects from treatment and therefore have ongoing supportive care needs. Quantitative and qualitative reviews have been published but the findings have yet to be integrated.

Design

Integration of quantitative and qualitative synthesized evidence.

Data source

Two previously published systematic reviews.

Review methods

Synthesized evidence on supportive care for men with prostate cancer was integrated from two previously published systematic reviews: a narrative quantitative review and a qualitative review with thematic synthesis. These two streams of synthesized evidence were synthesized using concurrent narrative summary. Data from both reviews were used to develop a set of propositions from which a summary of components of care that likely to contribute to supportive care acceptable to men with prostate cancer were identified.

Results

Nine propositions were developed which covered men's supportive care focusing on the role of health professionals. These propositions were used to compose nine components of care likely to lead to supportive care that is acceptable to men with prostate cancer. Some of these components are no/low cost such as developing a more empathic personalized approach, but more specific approaches need further investigation in randomized controlled trials, for example, online support.

Conclusion

This methodological exemplar demonstrates the integration of quantitative and qualitative synthesized data to determine components of care likely to lead to provision of supportive care acceptable to men with prostate cancer.
Client and clinical staff perceptions of barriers to and enablers of the uptake and delivery of behavioural interventions for urinary incontinence: qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: French Beverley , Thomas Lois H. , Harrison Joanna , Coupe Jacqueline , Roe Brenda , Booth Joanne , Cheater Francine M. , Leathley Michael J. , Watkins Caroline L. , Hay‐Smith Jean ,   the ICONS Project Team and the ICONS Patient, Public and Carer Groups
Published: July 2016

Aim

To evaluate factors influencing uptake and delivery of behavioural interventions for urinary incontinence from the perspective of clients and clinical staff.

Background

Behavioural interventions are recommended as first‐line therapy for the management of urinary incontinence. Barriers to and enablers of uptake and delivery of behavioural interventions have not been reviewed.

Design

Qualitative evidence synthesis.

Data sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychInfo, AMED (inception to May 2013); Proceedings of the International Continence Society (ICS) (2006–2013).

Review methods

Studies where data were collected from clients or staff about their experiences or perceptions of behavioural interventions were included. Two reviewers independently screened records on title and abstract. Full‐text papers were obtained for records identified as potentially relevant by either reviewer. Two reviewers independently filtered all full‐text papers for inclusion, extracted findings and critically appraised studies. We used an approach akin to Framework, using a matrix of pre‐specified themes to classify the data and facilitate its presentation and synthesis.

Results

Seven studies involving 200 participants identified clients’ views. Findings identified from at least one study of moderate quality included increased fear of accidents and convenience of treatment. Factors enabling participation included realistic goals and gaining control.

Six studies involving 427 participants identified staff views. Findings identified from at least one study of moderate quality included staff education and perceptions of treatment effectiveness. Enabling factors included teamwork and experience of success.

Conclusion

There is little detailed exploration of clients’ experiences of, and responses to, behavioural interventions. Evidence for staff relates predominantly to prompted voiding in long‐term residential care. Studies of the uptake and delivery of other behavioural interventions in other settings are warranted.
Variation in nestling body condition and wing development predict cause‐specific mortality in fledgling dickcissels
Authors: Jones Todd M. , Ward Michael P. , Benson Thomas J. , Brawn Jeffrey D.
Published: July 2016

Phenotypic traits developed in one life‐history stage can carryover and affect survival in subsequent stages. For songbirds, carryover effects from the pre‐ to post‐fledging period may be crucial for survival but are poorly understood. We assessed whether juvenile body condition and wing development at fledging influenced survival during the post‐fledging period in the dickcissel Spiza americana. We found pre‐ to post‐fledging carryover effects on fledgling survival for both traits during the ‘early part’ – first four days – of the post‐fledging period. Survival benefits of each trait depended on cause‐specific sources of mortality; individuals in better body condition were less likely to die from exposure to adverse environmental conditions, whereas those with more advanced wing development were less likely to be preyed upon. Fledglings with more advanced wing development were comparatively more active and mobile earlier in the post‐fledging period, suggesting they were better able to avoid predators. Our results provide some of the first evidence linking development of juvenile phenotypic traits to survival against specific sources of post‐fledging mortality in songbirds. Further investigation into pre‐ to post‐fledging carryover effects may yield important insights into avian life‐history evolution.
Revisiting the neuronal localization and trafficking of CLN3 in juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
Authors: Oetjen Sandra , Kuhl Dietmar , Hermey Guido
Published: July 2016

Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, the most common neurodegenerative disease affecting children, is caused by mutations of the CLN3 gene encoding CLN3, a transmembrane protein with so far undefined function. The embryonic expression of the gene has not been studied in detail before. Moreover, the protein CLN3 was mostly localized on the subcellular level to lysosomes but the exclusiveness is still under debate. Here, we analyze the expression pattern of murine CLN3 at different developmental stages by in situ hybridizations. We observe expression maxima in the developing thalamus and cerebral cortex and outside of the central nervous system in the gastrointestinal tract and other peripheral organs. In differentiated primary neurons, the protein CLN3 shows mainly a somatodendritic localization. In primary neurons, we thoroughly revisit the subcellular localization of CLN3 and find a predominant localization in late endosomal–lysosomal compartments. Moreover, we expressed the major mutant form of CLN3 – CLN3deltaExon7/8 – in neurons and demonstrate that it is retained in the endoplasmatic reticulum. Time‐lapse microscopy analysis of neurons revealed co‐trafficking of CLN3 with the late endosomal marker Rab7, but not with the early endosomal marker Rab5. Furthermore, a constitutive active mutant of Rab7 traps CLN3 in enlarged endosomes. Our subcellular localization study in neurons refines the localization and subcellular targeting of CLN3 to late endosomal–lysosomal compartments and provides information on the velocity of CLN3 in living neurons which has not been investigated before.

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