bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racial and Geographic Disparities in Endocrine Therapy Adherence Among Younger Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Heiney Sue P. , Truman Samantha , Babatunde Oluwole A. , Felder Tisha M. , Eberth Jan M. , Crouch Elizabeth , Wickersham Karen E. , Adams Swann Arp
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

African American (AA) women with breast cancer (BrCA) have higher mortality than any other race. Differential mortality has been attributed to nonadherence to endocrine therapy (ET). ET can lower the risk of dying by one third; yet 50% to 75% of all women are nonadherent to ET. Despite the wealth of research examining adherence to ET, understanding which groups of women at risk for poor adherence is not well established. The aim of this investigation was to describe ET adherence by race and geographic location among a cohort of younger BrCA survivors.

Materials and Methods:

Cancer registry records were linked to administrative data from Medicaid and a private insurance plan in South Carolina. Inclusion criteria included: European American (EA) or AA race, 3 years of continuous enrollment in the insurance plan after diagnosis, and BrCA diagnosis between 2002 and 2010. Adherence was measured by computing a medication possession ratio (MPR) based upon refill service dates and the number of pills dispensed. Adjusted least squared means were calculated by racial and geographic group using analysis of covariance methods.

Results:

The average MPR for EA women was significantly higher at 96% compared with 92% for AA women (P<0.01). After adjustment for years on hormone therapy, age, and number of pharmacies utilized, rural AA women had an average MPR of 90% compared with 95% for EA women (P<0.01).

Conclusions:

AA women residing in rural areas demonstrate significantly lower adherence compared with their EA counterparts. Interventions are needed to improve adherence that may ameliorate AA mortality disparities.
Comparative Pharmacodynamics Study of 3 Different Botulinum Toxin Type A Preparations in Mice
Authors: Kwak Seongsung , Kang Won-ho , Rhee Chang-Hoon , Yang Gi-Hyeok , Cruz Deu John M.
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

A new complexing protein-free botulinum toxin Type A (CBoNT) with the same mechanism of action as the botulinum toxin complex onabotulinumtoxinA (OBoNT) and complexing protein-free incobotulinumtoxinA (IBoNT) was recently developed.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the local paresis and chemodenervation efficacy of 3 different botulinum toxin Type A preparations in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Efficacy and duration of action of CBoNT, OBoNT, and IBoNT after a single intramuscular injection to the right gastrocnemius was evaluated by digit abduction score (DAS) and compound muscle action potential (CMAP) assays.

RESULTS

Mouse DAS and CMAP responses were comparable between CBoNT and OBoNT, indicating similar paresis and chemodenervation efficacy, as well as duration of action. Both botulinum toxins showed significantly higher efficacy and longer duration of action than IBoNT. Similarly, mean DAS potency of CBoNT (ED50: 3.85 ± 0.34 U/kg) and OBoNT (ED50: 4.13 ± 0.07 U/kg) were significantly higher compared with IBoNT (ED50: 6.70 ± 0.83 U/kg).

CONCLUSION

CBoNT displays the same efficacy as OBoNT as shown by their comparable chemodenervation and local paretic effects, and demonstrates superior efficacy and duration of action compared with IBoNT. Likewise, CBoNT has comparable DAS potency to OBoNT and is superior to IBoNT.
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Appraising Efficacy and Safety of Vernakalant for Cardioversion of Recent-Onset Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Ma Wenfang , Guo Xiying , Wang Qixian , Sun Guihu , Wang Jie
Published: April 2020

Vernakalant is a novel, relatively atrial-selective antiarrhythmic agent. Despite its good efficacy profile and rapid onset of action, there was still controversial evidence regarding vernakalant-related adverse events. We searched PubMed and Embase for studies that compared intravenous vernakalant with placebo or antiarrhythmic agents in patients with recent-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) lasting no more than 7 days. Efficacy and safety outcomes were the treatment-induced cardioversion rate within 90 minutes and adverse events after first exposure to study drug respectively. Nine randomized controlled trials enrolling 1296 patients were analyzed. Quantitative synthesis showed that vernakalant was superior to placebo for cardioversion of recent-onset AF within 90 minutes [49.7% vs. 6.2%, risk ratio (RR) 8.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.35–12.36, P < 0.00001], and it did not achieve statistical significance in cardioversion when vernakalant was compared with ibutilide (62.4% vs. 47.3%, RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.00–1.73, P = 0.05). As for safety assessment, no significant differences were found in occurring serious adverse events (9.9% vs. 10.4%, RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.67–1.25, P = 0.57) and hypotension (5.3% vs. 3.3%, RR 1.53, 95% CI 0.86–2.73, P = 0.15) between vernakalant and comparator (either placebo, ibutilide, or amiodarone). There were trends that patients receiving vernakalant experienced more drug discontinuation (2.5% vs. 1.0%, RR 2.21, 95% CI 0.96–5.11, P = 0.06) and less any ventricular tachycardia (6.1% vs. 8.1%, RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.49–1.00, P = 0.05) than those receiving comparator, but the differences were not statistically significant. Furthermore, vernakalant was associated with a higher risk of bradycardia in comparison with comparator (6.3% vs. 1.1%, RR 4.04, 95% CI 1.67–9.75, P = 0.002). Vernakalant is effective in converting recent-onset AF to sinus rhythm rapidly, while significantly more bradycardia events are related to vernakalant in our meta-analysis.
Race is not prognostic in unfavorable prostate cancer: an NCDB analysis
Authors: Kodiyan Joyson , Ashamalla Mark , Guirguis Adel , Ashamalla Hani
Published: April 2020

Introduction:

It is commonly held that race serves as a significant prognosticator in prostate cancer. We sought to analyze whether race impacted overall survival (OS) of men receiving standard of care treatment.

Materials and Methods:

All data was obtained from the NCDB (National Cancer Database) and initially contained 1,294,126 cases of prostate cancer diagnosed between 2004 and 2013. Patients were excluded if they had metastatic or nodal disease, received chemotherapy, or had noninvasive disease. Patients were grouped into 2 cohorts as per NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) criteria: favorable risk and unfavorable risk. All patients received risk-appropriate radiation therapy or surgery, and were subsequently analyzed. Black and white men were also matched 1:1 within each risk cohort using propensity scores, and multivariate analysis was conducted on these matched cohorts.

Results:

The final cohort 77,448 patients. Median follow-up 58.7 months (range, 48–143.5). In the favorable risk cohort, white men had superior OS compared with black men, 77.63% versus 80.57% at 10 years (hazard ratio, 0.644; 95% confidence interval, 0.536–0.773; P<0.001). In the unfavorable cohort, race was not a significant prognostic factor for OS on unmatched analysis; 10-year survival 73.6% and 71.3% (hazard ratio, 0.941; 95% confidence interval, 0.848–1.044; P=0.249), and significant interaction existed with age. Results were unchanged in propensity score matched cohorts.

Conclusion:

The prognostic value of race-related biological differences of prostate cancer may hold less value in higher risk disease than is commonly believed.
Clinical Value of Serum Amyloid-A Protein, High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Apolipoprotein-A1 in the Diagnosis and Follow-up of Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Bourika Vasiliki , Hantzi Eugenia , Michos Athanasios , Margeli Alexandra , Papassotiriou Ioannis , Siahanidou Tania
Published: April 2020

Background:

To evaluate the performance of serum amyloid-A (SAA), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein-A1 (Apo-A1) levels in the identification and monitoring of neonatal sepsis.

Methods:

This prospective study included 113 full-term septic neonates (postnatal age 4–28 days) admitted to the Special Care Neonatal Unit of a University Hospital from January 1, 2016, to April 30, 2019, and 68 healthy neonates (controls). Blood samples were drawn serially in septic neonates at enrollment and on days 1, 3 and 7, and once in controls, for SAA, HDL-C and Apo-A1 determination.

Results:

At enrollment, SAA levels were significantly higher in septic neonates in comparison with controls (median 50.7 vs. 3.5 mg/L; P < 0.0001); HDL-C and Apo-A1 levels were significantly lower in patients than in controls (P < 0.001 and P < 0.006, respectively). SAA levels were higher in culture-positive compared with culture-negative sepsis (median 202.0 vs. 14.2 mg/L; P < 0.0001). HDL-C and Apo-A1 levels did not differ significantly between culture-positive and culture-negative sepsis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of SAA levels at enrollment resulted in significant areas under the curve (AUC) for detecting sepsis {AUC = 0.929 [95% confidence interval: 0.885–0.973]; P < 0.0001} and also for discriminating between culture-positive and culture-negative sepsis [AUC = 0.933 (95% confidence interval: 0.882–0.984); P < 0.0001]. The combination of HDL-C and Apo-A1 with SAA increased its diagnostic performance. Furthermore, serial SAA levels following enrollment could indicate clinical response in septic neonates.

Conclusions:

SAA seems to be a useful biomarker for identification and monitoring of neonatal sepsis, and also for discriminating between culture-positive and culture-negative sepsis. HDL-C and Apo-A1 could be used as complementary markers.
Cone Beam Computerized Tomography Dacryocystography (CBCT DCG) for the Evaluation of Lacrimal Drainage System Dysfunction
Authors: Karlin Justin N. , Mustak Hamzah , Gupta Adit , Ramos Regina , Rootman Daniel B.
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

Lacrimal outflow imaging has been limited in clinical practice due to a combination of modality limitations and efficacy of clinical testing. Cone beam computed tomography dacryocystography (CBCT DCG) has certain advantages over other modalities that may enhance clinical utility. This study was intended to understand the relationships between symptoms, syringing and CBCT DCG in a population of patients presenting with tearing.

Methods:

Cross-sectional cohort study of adult patients undergoing both CBCT DCG and clinical probing and irrigation. Concordance analysis between symptoms, clinical examination, and CBCT DCG was performed at baseline and postoperatively in patients who were treated with dacryocystorhinostomy.

Results:

CBCT DCG findings correlate fairly well with probing/irrigation (Cohen kappa = 0.376). Excluding cases of canalicular obstruction identified by either method, the correlation between CBCT DCG and probing/irrigation was moderately improved (Cohen kappa = 0.488). There was no statistically significant difference in correlation with patient symptoms between CBCT DCG and probing/irrigation (p = 0.877). Fifteen patients (17 lacrimal systems) patients underwent endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery. Ten demonstrated absence of symptoms 90 days postoperatively, 3 endorsed continued tearing and 2 were lost to follow up. All 3 who demonstrated continued tearing, demonstrated canalicular obstruction on CBCT DCG which was not initially detected on probing/irrigation.

Conclusions:

CBCT DCG correlates moderately well with probing and irrigation, as well as patient symptoms. This technology may assist in identification of functional/anatomic canalicular obstruction.
Implementing an Electronic Poster Fair
Authors: Johnson Tenley , Powers Sheila , Tracy Mary Fran
Published: April 2020

Nurses are involved in projects that improve patient care—whether the work is quality improvement, evidence-based practice, or research. Regardless of the type of project, dissemination of results is essential so others can learn from the work. This article details examples from one institution’s journey in transitioning from an annual physical poster fair to an electronic poster fair in an effort to broaden dissemination of project findings and increase recognition of nurses’ work.
A Clinical Nurse Specialist–Led Emergency Department Naloxone Distribution Program
Authors: Mullennix Stephanie C. , Iseler Jackeline , Kwiatkowski Gregory M. , McCann-Spry Lisa , Skinner Jeffrey , Kuhl Nicholas , VanDePol Eric Keith , Poland Cara Anne
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This article describes the implementation of a clinical nurse specialist–led emergency department overdose education and naloxone distribution program. The program's purpose is to increase naloxone availability to reduce opiate overdose mortality rates within the local community.

Description of Program

The program distributes naloxone kits to patients in the emergency department after an opioid overdose. The kits are designed to help recipients prevent, recognize, and respond to an opioid overdose.

Outcome

The program, which includes naloxone take-home kits and clinical guidelines outlining a standard of care for naloxone distribution and coprescribing, was successfully implemented across 11 emergency departments within an integrated health system. More than 250 kits were dispensed within the first year of program implementation along with an online patient education video that received more than 1600 views. In 2017, the county reported an opioid-related overdose death rate of 16.5 (per 100 000 residents). From January 2018 to June 2019, the opioid-related death rate per 100 000 residents was reported at 9.6.

Conclusion

Although emergency department naloxone distribution programs are feasible in the acute care setting, it was critical for clinical nurse specialists to enlist an interdisciplinary team and engage executive leadership to ensure program success. For others considering such a program, early consideration should be given to determining financial support and evaluating the compliance and regulatory aspects of dispensing medications from emergency settings.
Evolving options for the treatment of cluster headache
Authors: Villar-Martinez Maria Dolores , Chan Calvin , Goadsby Peter J.
Published: April 2020

Purpose of review

Cluster headache is a neurological disorder that patients consider the most severe pain they experience. Recognizing new treatments provides opportunities to advance current management.

Recent findings

In contrast to the classic treatments, new options narrow in on the therapeutic target and are better tolerated. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway blockade with monoclonal antibodies (MABs), specifically the CGRP MAB galcanezumab, represents an important advance for episodic cluster headache, reducing the number of attacks during a bout. Neuromodulation strategies aimed at anatomical structures involved in the pathophysiology of cluster headache, such as the sphenopalatine ganglion and the vagus nerve, have proved effective in reducing the pain intensity and the number of attacks, and also to be safe and well tolerated.

Our understanding of the pathophysiology of cluster headache and its management continues to grow. Novel treatments have appeared from research, such as neuromodulation and CGRP monoclonal antibodies. Nonetheless, chronic cluster headache and designing trials that select the correct sham in evaluating devices remain challenging.
Can machine-learning methods really help predict suicide?
Authors: McHugh Catherine M. , Large Matthew M.
Published: April 2020

Purpose of review

In recent years there has been interest in the use of machine learning in suicide research in reaction to the failure of traditional statistical methods to produce clinically useful models of future suicide. The current review summarizes recent prediction studies in the suicide literature including those using machine learning approaches to understand what value these novel approaches add.

Recent findings

Studies using machine learning to predict suicide deaths report area under the curve that are only modestly greater than, and sensitivities that are equal to, those reported in studies using more conventional predictive methods. Positive predictive value remains around 1% among the cohort studies with a base rate that was not inflated by case–control methodology.

Machine learning or artificial intelligence may afford opportunities in mental health research and in the clinical care of suicidal patients. However, application of such techniques should be carefully considered to avoid repeating the mistakes of existing methodologies. Prediction studies using machine-learning methods have yet to make a major contribution to our understanding of the field and are unproven as clinically useful tools.
Point of care testing of Influenza A/B and RSV in an adult respiratory assessment unit is associated with improvement in isolation practices and reduction in hospital length of stay
Authors: Berry Louise , Lansbury Louise , Gale Lydia , Carroll Ann Marie , Lim Wei Shen
Published: April 2020

Introduction. Every winter seasonal influenza and other viral respiratory infections increase pressure on the health services and are associated with nosocomial infection and morbidity.

Aim. To compare provision of point-of-care (POC) testing with laboratory-based testing for influenza and RSV detection on an adult respiratory assessment unit to assess the impact on isolation practices and length of stay (LOS).

Methodology. Prospective interrupted ‘on-off’ study in adults admitted to the respiratory unit between December 2018 and April 2019 with a suspected respiratory tract infection. Nasopharyngeal samples were tested using either the GeneXpert rapid POC test for influenza and RSV (on-period), or were sent to the laboratory for multiplex PCR testing against a panel of 12 respiratory viruses (off-period). Outcome measures were time to patient isolation for infection control, LOS and turnaround time from admission to test results.

Results. Of 1145 patients evaluated, 755 were tested with POC and 390 with laboratory multiplex; a respiratory virus was identified in 164 (21.7 %) and 138 (35.4 %) patients respectively. A positive POC test was associated with a shorter time to isolation (mean difference 16.9 h, P<0.001), shorter LOS (mean difference 15.5 h, P=0.05,) and shorter turnaround time (mean difference 28.3 h, P<0.001), compared to laboratory testing.

Conclusion. Use of GeneXpert POC testing for Flu/RSV is associated with rapid reporting of results with significant improvements in isolation practices and reductions in LOS.
Sustainable social distancing through facemask use and testing during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Chowell Diego , Roosa Kimberlyn , Dhillon Ranu , Chowell Gerardo , Srikrishna Devabhaktuni
Published: April 2020

We investigate how individual protective behaviors, different levels of testing, and isolation influence the transmission and control of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on an SEIR-type model incorporating asymptomatic but infectious individuals (40%), we show that the pandemic may be readily controllable through a combination of testing, treatment if necessary, and self-isolation after testing positive (TTI) of symptomatic individuals together with social protection (e.g., facemask use, handwashing). When the basic reproduction number, R0, is 2.4, 65% effective social protection alone (35% of the unprotected transmission) brings the R below 1. Alternatively, 20% effective social protection brings the reproduction number below 1.0 so long as 75% of the symptomatic population is covered by TTI within 12 hours of symptom onset. Even with 20% effective social protection, TTI of 1 in 4 symptomatic individuals can substantially 'flatten the curve' cutting the peak daily incidence in half.
Estimating the presymptomatic transmission of COVID19 using incubation period and serial interval data
Authors: Zhang Weituo
Published: April 2020

We estimated the fraction and timing of presymptomatic transmissions of COVID19 with mathematical models combining the available data of the incubation period and serial interval. We found that up to 79.7% transmissions could be presymptomatic among the imported cases in China outside Wuhan. The average timing of presymptomatic transmissions is 3.8 days (SD = 6.1) before the symptom onset, which is much earlier than previously assumed.
Development and Validation of a Diagnostic Nomogram to Predict COVID-19 Pneumonia
Authors: Wang Zhiyi , Weng Jie , Li Zhongwang , Hou Ruonan , Zhou Lebin , Ye Hua , Chen Ying , Yang Ting , Chen Daqing , Wang Liang , Liu Xiaodong , Shen Xian , Jin Shengwei
Published: April 2020

Background

The COVID-19 virus is an emerging virus rapidly spread worldwide This study aimed to establish an effective diagnostic nomogram for suspected COVID-19 pneumonia patients.

METHODS

We used the LASSO aggression and multivariable logistic regression methods to explore the predictive factors associated with COVID-19 pneumonia, and established the diagnostic nomogram for COVID-19 pneumonia using multivariable regression. This diagnostic nomogram was assessed by the internal and external validation data set. Further, we plotted decision curves and clinical impact curve to evaluate the clinical usefulness of this diagnostic nomogram.

RESULTS

The predictive factors including the epidemiological history, wedge- shaped or fan-shaped lesion parallel to or near the pleura, bilateral lower lobes, ground glass opacities, crazy paving pattern and white blood cell (WBC) count were contained in the nomogram. In the primary cohort, the C-statistic for predicting the probability of the COVID-19 pneumonia was 0.967, even higher than the C-statistic (0.961) in initial viral nucleic acid nomogram which was established using the univariable regression. The C-statistic was 0.848 in external validation cohort. Good calibration curves were observed for the prediction probability in the internal validation and external validation cohort. The nomogram both performed well in terms of discrimination and calibration. Moreover, decision curve and clinical impact curve were also beneficial for COVID- 19 pneumonia patients.

CONCLUSION

Our nomogram can be used to predict COVID-19 pneumonia accurately and favourably.
Coordinate based meta-analysis: new clustering algorithm, and inclusion of region of interest studies
Authors: Tench Christopher R
Published: April 2020

There are many methods of conducting coordinate based meta-analysis (CBMA) of neuroimaging studies that have tested a common hypothesis. Results are always clusters indicating anatomical regions that are significantly related to the hypothesis. There are limitations such as most methods necessitating the use of conservative family wise error control scheme and the inability to analyse region of interest (ROI) studies, which can be overcome by cluster-wise, rather than voxel-wise, analysis. The false discovery rate error control scheme is a less conservative option suitable for cluster-wise analysis and has the advantage that an easily interpretable error rate is estimated. Furthermore, cluster-wise analysis makes it possible to analyse ROI studies, expanding the pool of data sources. Here a new clustering algorithm for coordinate based analyses is detailed, along with implementation details for ROI studies.
Pacific Biosciences long reads-based genome sequencing data from a widespread bee fungal parasite,Nosema ceranae
Authors: Chen Huazhi , Zhang Wende , Du Yu , Fan Xiaoxue , Wang Jie , Jiang Haibin , Fan Yuanchan , Zhu Zhiwei , Xiong Cuiling , Zheng Yanzhen , Chen Dafu , Guo Rui
Published: April 2020

Nosema ceranaeis a widespread fungal parasite that infects both adult honeybee and honeybee larvae, leading to microsporidiosis, which seriously affects bee health and apicultural industry. In this article, genome sequencing of clean spores ofN. ceranaewas conducted using third-generation Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) single molecule real time (SMRT) sequencing technology. In total, 152671 subreads were obtained after quality control of raw reads from PacBio SMRT sequencing, with a N50 and average length of 14422 bp and 11310 bp, respectively. Additionally, the length distribution of subreads was from 10000 bp to more than 50000 bp. Nineteen scaffords with a total length of 7354221 bp were assembled, and the N50, N90 and maximum scafford length were 728543 bp, 198795 bp and 1917792 bp, respectively. The GC content was 25.97%. Furthermore, by integration of genes predicted fromde novoand homology-based methods, 3112N. ceranaegenes were finally assembled, with a total length of 2730179 bp and mean length of 877.31 bp. In addition, the total length and mean length of exons were 2657637 bp and 854 bp, respectively; and the total length and mean length of introns were 72542 bp and 23.31 bp, respectively. The genome sequencing data documented here will give deep insights into the molecular biology ofN. ceranae, facilitate exploration of genes and pathways associated with toxin factors and infection-related factors, and benefit research on comparative genomics and phylogenetic diversity ofNosemaspecies.
Social presence and e-commerce B2B chat functions
Authors: Koponen Jonna Pauliina , Rytsy Saara
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Currently, online chat is in common use in e-commerce. By adding social interaction to the online context, companies hope to increase customers’ purchasing intentions. However, previous studies have not investigated how social presence is embedded in online business-to-business (B2B) chat conversations between buyers and sellers. Moreover, the functions of online chat in B2B sales have not been investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected at a case company over the course of four years, from which the authors analyzed 157 online chat conversations between buyers (n = 157) and sellers (n = 9) with a theory-driven thematic analysis. In addition, data from the company’s customer relationship management system was collected to specify buyer types.

Findings

The results reveal that social presence was embedded in online B2B chat via buyers’ interactive, affective and relationship maintenance responses. Social presence differed depending on the type of buyer, with only existing customers having relationship maintenance responses. E-commerce B2B chat functions can be described as multiple and changing depending on the buyer–seller relationship stage.

Research limitations/implications

Having data only from one case company limits the results to one type of industry.

Practical implications

The results can be used in sales training and when developing online chat services.

Originality/value

Results bring scientific utility to B2B sales and marketing research, as the authors build a bridge between social presence, the existing theoretical model on B2B buyer–seller relationship development and online chat as a communication medium. Other researchers may use this understanding when exploring B2B buyer–seller interaction in different digitalized communication media.
Unbundling practice: the unbundling of big deal journal packages as an information practice
Authors: Ivanov Asen O. , Johnson Catherine Anne , Cassady Samuel
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to introduce a theoretical framework and approach for studying the evaluation and decision-making practices through which academic librarians attempt to reduce the cost of electronic journal subscriptions – an organizational practice known as the unbundling of big deal journal packages.

Design/methodology/approach

The article presents a literature-based conceptual analysis of several fields to delineate the elements of the practice of unbundling of big deal journal packages. Beyond analysing the prior literature, the discussion is supported by empirical findings from a pilot study on the topic conducted by two of the article's authors.

Findings

The main finding of the article is that the unbundling of big deal packages is a case of what sociologist refers to as decision-making in a social context. By reviewing previous studies, the article identifies the social and material elements constitutive of this practice. This, in turn, allows to develop questions and concepts for future research on the topic and to position it as an area of inquiry within the field of information behaviour/practices.

Originality/value

The article is the first attempt to conceptualize the unbundling of big deal journal packages by highlighting its phenomenological status as a type of information practice. In addition, the article proposes a research approach for studying this type of information practice by drawing on insights from the information behaviour/practice literature and enriching them through practice theory contributions in organizational studies and sociology.
Intellectual capital in rehabilitation organizations
Authors: Hatamizadeh Nikta , Ahmadi Mohammad , Vameghi Roshanak , Hosseini Mohammad Ali
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to clear ambiguities regarding the definition of intellectual capital and its components in the evaluation of rehabilitation organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A preliminary definition of intellectual capital and its three domains of human, relational and structural capital and separate lists of proposed components for each domain was developed based on the results of a previous study. Fourteen experts in rehabilitation, health management and management engaged in Delphi rounds to reach agreed-upon definitions. Their ideas on relevance and the measurements of each proposed component in the assessment of intellectual capital in rehabilitation organizations were gathered by a questionnaire.

Findings

Intellectual capital was defined as “The capital that emerges from the interaction of human resources’ ‘ability to think’ and to ‘create ideas’ with ‘a favorable internal and external organizational environment’ (including the managerial, social, structural, and physical environment, as well as communication between the inside and outside of the organization).” This capital is expected to gradually increase with further education, skills training and the gaining of experience by staff and managers. Also, the further development of intra-organizational structures and inter-relations with the market will empower the organization to adapt to continually changing circumstances, leading to competitive value and profit. Finally, a list of 101 proposed components was agreed upon in the evaluation of intellectual capital in rehabilitation organizations.

Originality/value

This paper may lead to the development of measurement tools and ultimately to planning effective programs to increase intellectual capital in rehabilitation organizations.
Fungal transformation of selenium and tellurium located in a volcanogenic sulfide deposit
Authors: Liang Xinjin , Perez Magali Aude Marie‐Jeanne , Zhang Shuai , Song Wenjuan , Armstrong Joseph Graham , Bullock Liam Adam , Feldmann Jörg , Parnell John , Csetenyi Laszlo , Gadd Geoffrey Michael
Published: April 2020

Microbial reduction of soluble selenium (Se) or tellurium (Te) species results in immobilization as elemental forms and this process has been employed in soil bioremediation. However, little is known of direct and indirect fungal interactions with Se‐/Te‐bearing ores. In this research, the ability of Phoma glomerata to effect transformation of selenite and tellurite was investigated including interaction with Se and Te present in sulfide ores from the Kisgruva Proterozoic volcanogenic deposit. Phoma glomerata could precipitate elemental Se and Te as nanoparticles, intracellularly and extracellularly, when grown with selenite or tellurite. The nanoparticles possessed various surface capping molecules, with formation being influenced by extracellular polymeric substances. The presence of sulfide ore also affected the production of exopolysaccharide and protein. Although differences were undetectable in gross Se and Te ore levels before and after fungal interaction using X‐ray fluorescence, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry of polished flat ore surfaces revealed that P. glomerata could effect changes in Se/Te distribution and concentration indicating Se/Te enrichment in the biomass. These findings provide further understanding of fungal roles in metalloid transformations and are relevant to the geomicrobiology of environmental metalloid cycling as well as informing applied approaches for Se and Te immobilization, biorecovery or bioremediation.
Differential effects of antidepressant subgroups on risk of acute myocardial infarction: A nested case–control study
Authors: Alqdwah‐Fattouh Rasha , Rodríguez‐Martín Sara , de Abajo Francisco J. , González‐Bermejo Diana , Gil Miguel , García‐Lledó Alberto , Bolúmar Francisco
Published: April 2020

Aims

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the association between antidepressants use and the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

We conducted a nested case–control study using a primary care database over the period 2002–2015. From a cohort of patients aged 40–99 years, we identified incident AMI cases and randomly selected 5 controls per case, matched to cases for exact age, sex and index date. Exposure to antidepressants were categorised as current, recent, past and nonusers. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed using conditional logistic regression to assess the association between the current use of different antidepressants subgroups and AMI as compared to nonuse. Dose and duration effects were explored.

Results

Totals of 24 155 incident AMI cases and 120 775 controls were included. The current use of antidepressants as a group was associated with a reduced risk (AOR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.81–0.91), but mainly driven by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (AOR = 0.86; 95% CI:0.81–0.93). A reduced risk was also observed with trazodone (AOR = 0.76;95% CI: 0.64–0.91), and clomipramine (AOR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.40–0.96), whereas no significant effect was observed with other antidepressants. A duration‐dependent effect was suggested for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, trazodone and clomipramine, while there was no clear dose‐dependency.

Conclusion

This study suggests that current use of antidepressants interfering selectively with the reuptake of serotonin, and those antagonizing the 5‐HT2A receptor, are associated with a decrease in AMI risk and should be the antidepressants of choice in patients at cardiovascular risk.
The nucleus accumbens and inhibition in the ventral tegmental area play a causal role in the Kamin blocking effect
Authors: Aggarwal Mayank , Akamine Yumiko , Liu Andrew W. , Wickens Jeffery R.
Published: April 2020

The discovery of Kamin blocking led to the idea that associative learning occurs only when there is a mismatch between actual and predicted outcomes, or prediction error. The neural substrates involved in regulating this prediction error during behavioral learning are still not fully elucidated. We investigated in rats the role of the ventral tegmental area and the nucleus accumbens in Kamin blocking. Our blocking paradigm involved three phases: appetitive classical conditioning of a lever cue, conditioning of a compound of the lever cue plus an auditory cue, and testing response to the auditory cue in extinction. We found that disruption of inhibition in the ventral tegmental area by bicuculline, or designer receptor mediated inactivation of the nucleus accumbens, during compound cue conditioning, attenuated Kamin blocking. These results suggest that inhibition in the ventral tegmental area and inhibitory output from the nucleus accumbens are necessary for blocking and make behaviorally significant contributions to the computation of reward prediction error. In addition, we found that inactivating the neurons in the nucleus accumbens during classical conditioning of the lever cue also attenuated blocking, without affecting classical conditioning of the lever. This indicates that learning in the nucleus accumbens is necessary for blocking and reward estimation. Our results reveal a causal role for nucleus accumbens modulated inhibitory inputs to the ventral tegmental area in the blocking effect and suggest that they contribute to computation of reward prediction error during associative learning.
Synthesis of Eu‐doped hydroxyapatite whiskers and fabrication of phosphor layer via electrophoretic deposition process
Authors: Zhang Chenning , Uchikoshi Tetsuo , Liu Lihong , Cai Gemei , Si Jiayong , Hirosaki Naoto
Published: April 2020

Highly biocompatible and efficiently luminescent whiskers of the hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, HAp) doped with various concentrations (0‐5 at.%) of europium were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and the Eu‐doped Hap‐coating layers onto the surface of titanium substrate were fabricated by the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) process for fluorescent probe application. The maximum doping concentration of Eu accommodating into the host lattice of HAp was detected as ~1.5 at.% and all the hydrothermally synthesized Eu‐doped HAp whiskers were found to have high crystallinity and orientation growth along the c‐axis by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) identification. The valence of the doped Eu was identified as trivalent and divalent coexistence at a concentration percentage of Eu3+: Eu2+ = 78%: 22% by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra. The replacement site of the doped Eu ions in the crystal structure of HAp host was clarified by Rietveld refinement. The whisker morphology of the hydrothermally synthesized particle was demonstrated by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) observation and their component elements were analyzed by energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) mapping. The photoluminescence (PL) emissions of the Eu‐doped HAp whiskers and fabricated their coating layers were both revealed mainly at ~615 nm (5D0 → 7F2) and ~697 nm (5D0 → 7F4), which is a wavelength that easily transmitting through living system for biological imaging. The PL emission are falling in the region of reddish orange and belonging to color temperature below 1500 K. Decay time and internal and external quantum efficiencies (QEs) were also measured to reveal them depending on the doping concentration of Eu. The hydrothermally prepared Eu‐doped HAp whiskers would be aimed at biomedical application, due to their promising fluorescent function of probe for in vivo imaging in medical diagnose by utilizing the superior biocompatibility of the HAp host and highly efficient luminescent property of the Eu activator.
Education as an Instrument of Nation‐Building in Postcolonial Africa
Authors: Bereketeab Redie
Published: April 2020

The article examines the role of education in nation‐building in postcolonial Africa. The postcolonial African nationalist leaders faced formidable challenges in building new nations out of disparate ethnic, religious, cultural, and linguistic groups, particularly as regards the two intimately related processes of deconstruction and construction. While deconstruction entailed dismantling the structures, institutions, and power relations of the colonial period, construction entailed replacing them with relevant national institutions, structures, authorities, and mechanisms. Education was to advance the process of construction and transformation as a pedagogical instrument for cultivating a national identity by fostering integration and cohesion. One of the nationalist leaders’ biggest mistakes, however, was to adopt a homogenizing strategy of nation‐building. The paper subscribes to the conception of heterogeneity as a nation‐building strategy, where ethnic and civic (sub‐national and national) layers constitute the nation. The overall focus of the article is a conceptual and theoretical analysis of the nexus between education and nation‐building in postcolonial Africa. The central argument is that education plays a decisive role in nation‐building in Africa. Eritrea is selected as an empirical case study to advance this argument.
A Rare Case of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis following a Ruptured Baker’s Cyst in a Toddler
Authors: Üstüner Deniz , Asaid Fatma , Pervaiz Muhammad , Oligbu Godwin
Published: April 2020

A Baker’s cyst is usually an incidental finding in adults being investigated for a joint arthropathy, and its rupture preceding the diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is rare in children. Here, we describe a case of a 4-year-old girl who presented to the Emergency Department with right calf pain, swelling, and no preceding history of trauma. MRI confirmed a ruptured Baker’s cyst with inflammatory arthropathy alongside an extensive synovial proliferation throughout the knee joint with large joint effusions and associated soft tissue oedema tracking superiorly and inferiorly along the medial head of gastrocnemius and anteriorly along the tibia. Further investigations revealed bilateral uveitis consistent with a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Diagnostic Impact of CSF Biomarkers in a Local Hospital Memory Clinic Revisited
Authors: Boelaarts Leo , de Jonghe Jos F.M. , Scheltens Philip
Published: April 2020

Background/Aims: Research guidelines on predicting and diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) acknowledge cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels as pivotal biomarkers. We studied the usefulness of CSF biomarkers in the diagnostic workup of patients in a geriatric outpatient memory clinic of a community-based hospital, attempted to determine a cutoff age for the use of CSF biomarkers in this group of patients, and compared the total τ/Aβ ratio as an alternative CSF diagnostic rule with the usual rules for interpreting CSF levels. Methods: This was a prospective study of consecutively referred patients. Inclusion criteria were described on the basis of previous study results in the same setting. The CSF tool was applied either to differentiate between AD and no AD or to increase certainty having made the diagnosis of AD. Clinicians were asked to judge whether the CSF results were helpful to them or not. Results: The reasons to use the CSF tool in the diagnostic workup were in 78/106 patients to decide between the diagnosis “AD” and “no AD” and in 28/106 patients to increase the certainty regarding the diagnosis. In 75% of cases the CSF levels were considered diagnostically helpful to the clinicians. Results in the present setting suggest 65 years as the cutoff age to use CSF as a diagnostic tool. The sensitivity and specificity of the total τ/Aβ ratio using the clinical diagnosis as the gold standard were at least as good as the usual categorization rule. Conclusions: Our study results corroborate earlier findings that the CSF tool is of added value to the diagnostic workup in daily clinical practice outside tertiary referral centers. CSF levels can best be used in patients under 66 years of age. Given the limited use of this tool in settings outside research facilities, we recommend that the usefulness of CSF biomarkers is studied in a multicenter study. When in the future CSF levels can be reliably measured in plasma, this may become even more relevant.
Increased Release of Proinflammatory Proteins in Primary Human Adipocytes and Activation of the Inflammatory NFĸB, p38, and ERK Pathways upon Omentin Treatment
Authors: Niersmann Corinna , Röhrig Karin , Blüher Matthias , Roden Michael , Herder Christian , Carstensen-Kirberg Maren
Published: April 2020

Objectives: To investigate the impact of omentin on the release of inflammation-related biomarkers and inflammatory pathways in primary human adipocytes. Methods: Adipocytes were treated with or without omentin (500 and 2,000 ng/mL), and the supernatants were analyzed for inflammation-related biomarkers using proximity extension assay technology. Potential upstream regulators of the omentin-stimulated proteins were identified using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Protein levels of components of inflammatory pathways were measured using Western blotting. Results: 2,000 ng/mL omentin induced the release of 30 biomarkers 97.1 ± 31.1-fold in the supernatants (all p < 0.05). Most biomarkers were proin­flammatory chemokines and cytokines. We identified the transcription factor nuclear factor “kappa-light-chain-enhancer” of activated B cells (NFĸB) and the kinases p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 as potential upstream regulators in silico. On the cellular level, treatment with 2,000 ng/mL omentin for 24 h enhanced the phosphorylation levels of NFĸB 2.1 ± 0.3-fold (p < 0.05), of p38 2.6 ± 0.4-fold (p < 0.05), and of ERK1/2 1.8 ± 0.2-fold (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These data argue that omentin exerts proinflammatory effects through the activation of the inflammatory NFĸB, p38, and ERK1/2 pathways in cultured primary adipocytes.
Hospital-Acquired Viral Respiratory Tract Infections in the Neonatal Unit: A Comparison with Other Inpatient Groups
Authors: Taylor Chiara , Tan Shin , McClaughry Rebecca , Sharkey Don
Published: April 2020

Background: Hospital-acquired viral respiratory tract infections (VRTIs) cause significant morbidity and mortality in neonatal patients. This includes escalation of respiratory support, increased length of hospital stay, and need for home oxygen, as well as higher healthcare costs. To date, no studies have compared population rates of VRTIs across age groups. Aim: Quantify the rates of hospital-acquired VRTIs in our neonatal population compared with other inpatient age groups in Nottinghamshire, UK. Methods: We compared all hospital inpatient PCR-positive viral respiratory samples between 2007 and 2013 and calculated age-stratified rates based on population estimates. Results: From a population of 4,707,217, we identified a previously unrecognised burden of VRTI in neonatal patients, only second to the 0–1-year-old group. Although only accounting for 1.3% of the population, half of the infections were in infants <1 year old and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients. Human rhinovirus was the most dominant virus across the inpatient group, particularly in neonatal patients. Despite a two- to three-fold increase in the rate of positive samples in all groups during the colder months (1.1/1,000 October–March vs. 0.4/1,000 April–September), rates in the NICU did not change throughout the year at 4.3/1,000. Pandemic H1N1 influenza rates were 20 times higher in neonatal patients and infants <1 year old. Conclusion: Good epidemiological and interventional data are needed to help inform visiting and infection control policies to reduce transmission of hospital-acquired viral infections to this vulnerable population, particularly during pandemic seasons.
Exploring the roles of fecundity-related long non-coding RNAs and mRNAs in the adrenal glands of small-tailed Han Sheep
Authors: Xia Qing , Li Qiuling , Gan Shangquan , Guo Xiaofei , Zhang Xiaosheng , Zhang Jinlong , Chu Mingxing
Published: April 2020

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can play important roles in uterine and ovarian functions. However, little researches have been done on the role of lncRNAs in the adrenal gland of sheep. Herein, RNA sequencing was used to compare and analyze gene expressions in adrenal tissues between follicular phases and luteal phases in FecBBB (MM) and FecB++ (WW) sheep, respectively, and differentially expressed lncRNAs and genes associated with reproduction were identified.

Results

In MM sheep, 38 lncRNAs and 545 mRNAs were differentially expressed in the adrenal gland between the luteal and follicular phases; In WW sheep, 513 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 2481 mRNAs were identified. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses indicated that differentially expressed lncRNAs and their target genes are mainly involved in the circadian rhythm, the mitogen activated protein kinase, thyroid, ovarian steroidogenesis and transforming growth factor beta signaling pathways. Differentially expressed lncRNAs can regulate reproduction by modulating genes involved in these signaling pathways and biological processes. Specifically, XLOC_254761, XLOC_357966, 105,614,839 and XLOC_212877 targeting CREB1, PER3, SMAD1 and TGFBR2, respectively, appear to play key regulatory roles.

Conclusion

These results broaden our understanding of lncRNAs in adrenal gland of sheep and provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sheep reproduction.