bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organizational practices for the expatriates’ adjustment: a systematic review
Authors: Sousa Cátia , Gonçalves Gabriela , Santos Joana , Leitão José
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The globalization of work has contributed to a great increment in cross-cultural interactions, contributing to a new impetus in the expatriates’ topic. The costs associated with the failed international missions are high, and the identification of effective adjustment strategies is of extreme importance, both for organizations and for individuals. The purpose of this paper is to identify the kind of practices that are developed by organizations and their impact on the adjustment of expatriates.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the proposed objective, a systematic review of literature (from the late 1980s to the present day) will be carried out.

Findings

Based on five articles on the topic, the results show that there are few studies that assess the impact of the types of adjustment to organizational practices, with the cross-cultural training and language training being the most common. These practices have shown a positive effect on performance and adjustment of expatriates.

Originality/value

The authors feel the lack of studies that have adequate indicators to measure the integration and effectiveness of the adjustment of expatriates.
Work-to-personal-life conflict among dual and single-career expatriates
Authors: Mäkelä Liisa , Lämsä Anna-Maija , Heikkinen Suvi , Tanskanen Jussi
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore if an expatriate’s career situation at the level of the couple (single career couple (SCC)/dual career couple (DCC)) is related to the expatriate’s work-to-personal-life conflict (WLC) and if the expatriate’s gender is related to WLC. The authors also investigate if the level of WLC is different for men and women in a DCC or SCC (interaction).

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted among 393 Finnish expatriates who were in a relationship and were working. A moderated hierarchical regression was utilized in the data analysis.

Findings

Gender or DCC/SCC status was not separately related to WLC but an interaction effect between gender and a couple’s career status on WLC was significant. In DCC couples, women experienced more WLC than men. In SCC couples, women experienced less WLC than men.

Practical implications

The findings indicate that organizations should develop practices to support both DCCs and SCCs, for instance, by providing mentors for expatriates and their family members, or through organizing family events for company employees. Couples should also negotiate their roles and responsibilities in both the personal life and work-life spheres before moving abroad and also during the time they live abroad, especially women involved in a DCC and men involved in an SCC.

Originality/value

This is the first study focusing on expatriates’ WLC that simultaneously takes account of how the gender and career situation of the couple are related to it.
The new capital raised in IPOs
Authors: Jin Chuntai , Li Tianze , Zheng Steven Xiaofan , Zhong Ke
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to answer the following three questions about the new capital raised in initial public offerings (IPOs): why do some IPO companies raise a lot of new capital while some others do not? Where do the IPO companies use the new capital they raise in IPOs? How does the use of new capital affect the operating performance of IPO companies?

Design/methodology/approach

Matching firm approach, univariate and regression tests.

Findings

This paper finds that companies with higher research and development (R&D) spending, higher capital expenditure, lower working capital and more long-term debt tend to raise more capital in IPOs. These firms also spend more on R&D and capital expenditure. The results also suggest that the more the new capital firms raise in IPOs, the lower operating performance they have in subsequent years. However, firms spending more new capital on R&D and capital expenditure seem to perform better.

Originality/value

These results help us understand the behavior of IPO firms.
From “participant” to “friend”: the role of Facebook engagement in ethnographic research
Authors: Edirisingha Prabash Aminda , Abarashi Jamal , Ferguson Shelagh , Aitken Rob
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the methodological significance and potential of integrating Facebook in ethnographic research. The authors discuss how friendly relationships with participants could be initiated, fostered and managed by incorporating Facebook in ethnographic data collection and how such relationships deepen ethnographic interpretation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper focuses on the methodological implications of adopting “friendship as method” during ethnographic research. The discussion is premised upon a longitudinal, multi-method ethnographic research process exploring new family identity formation in Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

Findings

Building on friendship theories, the authors suggest that Facebook engagement helps overcome three challenges inherent to ethnographic research: gaining access and immersion, capturing multiple perspectives, and developing rich and thick interpretations. The findings illustrate that adopting Facebook as a platform to strengthen friendships with research participants expands the researcher’s field by enabling him to follow the ethics and pace of conventional friendship and by inspiring dialogical interaction with participants. Thus, it is suggested that Facebook helps diluting the power hierarchy in the participant–researcher relationship and encourages participants to reveal more subtle details of their mundane lived experiences.

Originality/value

Even though researchers have often used social media interactions in ethnographic research, there is no theoretical foundation to understand how such interactions could better inform the depth and richness of research phenomena. Particularly, considering the emerging significance of social media in personal identity construction, sustenance and enactment, it is import to understand how such mediums enable researchers overcome inherent methodological complexities. Therefore, this paper contributes to literature on conventional ethnography, netnography and friendship theories by presenting a theoretical framework to understand how Facebook interaction contributes to overcome challenges in conducting ethnographic research.
How memorable experiences influence brand preference
Authors: Stach Jens
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to illuminate mechanisms through which memorable experiences with brands create lasting preferences. It is based on the proposition that intense positive (negative) affective consumption in the consumer’s youth creates powerful imprints, which influence brand preference (distaste) throughout life.

Design/methodology/approach

Autobiographical memories with Nutella are retrieved from three different user groups, i.e. heavy-, light- and non-users. The retrieved memory narratives are analysed using conditioning theory, i.e. operant, classical or no conditioning are identified and compared across groups.

Findings

The research’s central proposition is affirmed, yet the dominant form of conditioning mechanism differs per group. Operant conditioning outperforms classical conditioning in creating strong and lasting preferences. Heavy- and non-users predominantly exhibit in-tensely positive and negative operant conditioning, respectively. Light-users on the other hand recall less affectively intense consumption experiences, mainly featuring classical conditioning. The light-users’ recollections suggest a mere exposure effect to be more appropriate in describing the preference formation in this user group.

Research limitations/implications

Users not having experienced affectively intense consumption, i.e. light-users, are likely to be influenced in their preference over time through other factors, which this paper does not focus on.

Practical implications

Memory elicitation and exploration provides valuable insights to shape both promotional as well as advertising strategies.

Originality/value

The study extends existing theory on conditioning in marketing by first using a novel qualitative approach to analyse conditioning procedures in real-life settings, and second, it highlights operant conditioning’s superior ability in creating lasting preferences.
Individuals’ preference for multiple media use – underlying motives
Authors: Robinson Helen R.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to uncover the underlying motives for individuals’ polychronicity, the preference to multitask with media.

Design/methodology/approach

For this exploratory study, a qualitative research design is chosen, using face-to-face in-depth interviews and triad groups. In total, 34 in-depth interviews are conducted in the UK, Germany and Australia, with four subsequent triads in the UK.

Findings

The underlying motives for individuals’ preference for multiple media use include eight dimensions: comfort with multitasking; multi-channel preference; effectiveness and efficiency; convenience; emotional gratification; information and knowledge; social benefits and assimilation.

Research limitations/implications

A non-probability sample of a specific sample group (Digital Natives) is used in this study and despite the reassurance provided by quality criteria and triangulation, generalisation from this study is problematic. Future research to validate the eight exposed dimensions would be valuable.

Practical implications

For marketing communications and media channel planners, endeavouring to optimise clients’ budgets, the unique knowledge provided by the depth of understanding offered by the eight dimensions of polychronicity and their associated facets enables the development of relevant communication campaigns.

Originality/value

This paper presents a unique insight into individuals’ preference for multiple media use, uncovering the underlying dimensions of this behavioural phenomenon. Accordingly, this study makes a valuable contribution to knowledge in this emerging research domain.
Young children’s influence on family consumer behavior
Authors: Bertol Kátia Eloisa , Broilo Patricia Liebesny , Espartel Lélis Balestrin , Basso Kenny
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This study aimed to understand young children’s influence on family consumer behavior by examining children's and parents’ points of view in the Brazilian context.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an exploratory approach, the study used focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Specifically, to elicit children’s perceptions, two focus groups were conducted, and to capture the perspective of the parents, 8 families, via 12 participants, were interviewed.

Findings

Children’s use of information provided by the media in their attempts to influence family decisions is perceived positively by parents because such behavior helps parents to fulfill their parental duties.

Research implications

This study examines how young children perceive their influential role in family consumer decisions and how parents perceive this influence, given the existence of child adultization and adult infantilization.

Originality/value

The findings extend the discussions regarding the adultization of children and the infantilization of adults, revealing positive aspects of such a trend in association with consumer behavior.
Maternal prepregnancy obesity and the risk of shoulder dystocia: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang C , Wu Y , Li S , Zhang D
Published: August 2017

Background

Results from epidemiological studies about the association between maternal prepregnancy obesity and the risk of shoulder dystocia are inconsistent.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of maternal prepregnancy obesity on the risk of shoulder dystocia.

Search strategy

We searched PubMed and the Web of Science database for all relevant studies up to 5 August 2016 and reviewed the reference lists of identified articles.

Selection criteria

Observational studies that investigated the association between prepregnancy obesity and the risk of shoulder dystocia were included.

Data collection and analysis

A total of 20 articles involving 2 153 898 participants were included in this meta‐analysis. A random‐effects model was used to calculate the pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs.

Main results

For obese versus nonobese, the pooled RR of shoulder dystocia was 1.63 (95% CI: 1.33–1.99). The findings remained significant in the cohort studies (RR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.28–1.93) and case–control studies (RR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.46–4.98). With regard to the subgroup ‘continents’, there was a significant association between obesity and the risk of shoulder dystocia in Europe (RR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.18–1.92) and Asia (RR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.15–5.83). The result from the sensitivity analysis for studies adjusted for gestational diabetes was significant (RR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.05–2.47). The pooled RRs for obesity classes I, II and III versus nonobese were 1.29 (95% CI: 1.06–1.57), 1.94 (95% CI: 1.26–2.98) and 2.47 (95% CI: 1.56–3.93), respectively.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis suggests that maternal prepregnancy obesity is associated with an increased risk of shoulder dystocia.

Tweetable abstract

A meta‐analysis shows that maternal prepregnancy obesity increases the risk of shoulder dystocia.
Left Ventricular Aneurysm: Sudden Unexpected Deaths in a 29‐Year‐Old Man
Authors: Srettabunjong Supawon
Published: August 2017

Left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) is an abnormal dilated heart structure, either congenital or acquired. LVA is a rare cardiac condition with no symptoms in most cases, thus occasionally diagnosed during investigations of other diseases. Its association with certain cardiac complications and sudden cardiac deaths has been reported. However, its role as a cause of sudden unexpected death is rare. The author reported a sudden cardiac death in a 29‐year‐old man with LVA. Without a significant coronary artery disease and known etiologies of LVA, such an abnormal heart structure in the present case was considered congenital LVA. As no other possible mechanisms of death could be identified other than LVA with its associated pathologic lesions, mural thrombi, and dilated cardiomegaly, his death was attributable to fatal cardiac arrhythmia (most commonly ventricular tachycardia) secondary to LVA.
Serial perioperative cell‐free DNA levels in donors and recipients undergoing living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Prakash K. , Aggarwal S. , Bhardwaj S. , Ramakrishna G. , Pandey C. K.
Published: August 2017

Background

Effect of anaesthesia and surgery on cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) is not known. Given that surgical stress augments inflammation and injury, we hypothesized that levels of cfDNA will fluctuate during perioperative period. Therefore, in this study serial perioperative cfDNA concentration was measured in donors and recipients undergoing living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

Methods

Baseline, post‐induction, intraoperative and post‐operative plasma cfDNA levels were evaluated in 21 donors and recipients each, by Sytox green method. In addition, qPCR was performed in a subset of samples.

Results

Baseline cfDNA levels were higher in recipients (37.62 ng/ml) than in donors (25.49 ng/ml). A decrease in cfDNA was observed following anaesthesia induction in both recipients (11.90 ng/ml) and donors (10.75 ng/ml). When the kinetics of the cfDNA was monitored further, an increase was noted intraoperatively in donors (46.18 ng/ml) and recipients (anhepatic phase: 56.25 ng/ml, reperfusion phase: 54.36 ng/ml). cfDNA levels remained high post‐operatively. One recipient who developed post‐operative sepsis had the highest cfDNA level (94.72 ng/ml).

Conclusion

Plasma cfDNA levels are high in recipients indicative of liver injury. Lower cfDNA levels following induction may be attributed to the subduing effect of anaesthetic agents on cell death. High cfDNA levels seen in intra‐ and post‐operative phases reflect cellular trauma and inflammation. This similar pattern of fluctuation of cfDNA level in donors and recipients is suggestive of its possible utility as a surgical stress marker. In addition, comparable cfDNA levels in anhepatic and reperfusion phase reflect less ischemia reperfusion injury during LDLT.
Evidence for reduced neurogenesis in the aging human hippocampus despite stable stem cell markers
Authors: Mathews Kathryn J. , Allen Katherine M. , Boerrigter Danny , Ball Helen , Shannon Weickert Cynthia , Double Kay L.
Published: August 2017

Reduced neurogenesis in the aging mammalian hippocampus has been linked to cognitive deficits and increased risk of dementia. We utilized postmortem human hippocampal tissue from 26 subjects aged 18–88 years to investigate changes in expression of six genes representing different stages of neurogenesis across the healthy adult lifespan. Progressive and significant decreases in mRNA levels of the proliferation marker Ki67 (MKI67) and the immature neuronal marker doublecortin (DCX) were found in the healthy human hippocampus over the lifespan. In contrast, expression of genes for the stem cell marker glial fibrillary acidic protein delta and the neuronal progenitor marker eomesodermin was unchanged with age. These data are consistent with a persistence of the hippocampal stem cell population with age. Age‐associated expression of the proliferation and immature neuron markers MKI67 and DCX, respectively, was unrelated, suggesting that neurogenesis‐associated processes are independently altered at these points in the development from stem cell to neuron. These data are the first to demonstrate normal age‐related decreases at specific stages of adult human hippocampal neurogenesis.
Interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) is equally expressed in inflammatory breast cancer and noninflammatory locally advanced breast cancer: A possible association with chemotherapy response
Authors: Aguiar Marco Antonio Nasser , Wanderley Carlos Wagner S. , Nobre Lívia Maria Soares , Alencar Mateus Rolim Mendes , Saldanha Maria do Perpétuo Socorro , Souza Alceu Machado , Wong Deysi Viviana Tenazoa , Barros Paulo Goberlânio , Almeida Paulo Roberto Carvalho , Lima‐Júnior Roberto Cesar Pereira , Ribeiro Ronaldo Albuquerque
Published: August 2017

Aim

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most aggressive form of locally advanced breast cancer. The signs of inflammation such as hyperemia and hyperthermia might suggest the possible participation of inflammatory mediators. This study investigates stromal and tumor expression of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) and interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) in samples obtained from IBC and noninflammatory locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) and the influence of these markers on patients' prognosis.

Methods

Demographic data, tumor molecular characteristics and overall survival in both groups were also assessed. Furthermore, in this study, we evaluated the expression of IL‐18 and p50 nuclear fraction of NF‐κB by immunohistochemistry in specimens from IBC and LABC (T4b).

Results

We observed that 24.6% of women were diagnosed with IBC up to age 40. In addition, the patients with IBC showed a lower overall survival when compared to LABC. In regard to molecular markers, ER+, C‐erbB2− or triple negative IBC patients showed a significantly reduced overall survival. In addition, a higher IL‐18 immunostaining in stroma of IBC and LABC was observed in comparison with tumor cells, but stromal immunoexpression was similar between IBC and LABC. Besides, IL‐18 positivity seemed be related with a better clinical response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. However, NF‐κB expression was identical in both groups.

Conclusion

The IL‐18 is present in tumor stroma of IBC and LABC and seems to be associated with the complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Carbon monoxide released from its pharmacological donor, tricarbonyldichlororuthenium (II) dimer, accelerates the healing of pre‐existing gastric ulcers
Authors: Magierowski Marcin , Magierowska Katarzyna , Hubalewska‐Mazgaj Magdalena , Sliwowski Zbigniew , Ginter Grzegorz , Pajdo Robert , Chmura Anna , Kwiecien Slawomir , Brzozowski Tomasz
Published: August 2017

Background and Purpose

Carbon monoxide (CO), a gaseous mediator produced by haem oxygenases (HOs), has been shown to prevent stress‐, ethanol‐, aspirin‐ and alendronate‐induced gastric damage; however, its role in gastric ulcer healing has not been fully elucidated. We investigated whether CO released from tricarbonyldichlororuthenium (II) dimer (CORM‐2) can affect gastric ulcer healing and determined the mechanisms involved in this healing action.

Experimental Approach

Gastric ulcers were induced in Wistar rats by serosal application of acetic acid. Animals received 9 days of treatment with RuCl3 [2.5 mg·kg−1 intragastrically (i.g.)], haemin (5 mg·kg−1 i.g.), CORM‐2 (0.1–10 mg·kg−1 i.g.) administered alone or with zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP, 10 mg·kg−1 i.g.), 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ, 5 mg·kg−1 i.g.), NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine (l‐NNA, 15 mg·kg−1 i.g.), indomethacin (5 mg·kg−1 i.g.) or glibenclamide (10 mg·kg−1 i.g.). Gastric ulcer area and gastric blood flow (GBF) were assessed planimetrically, microscopically and by laser flowmeter respectively. Gastric mRNA/protein expressions of EGF, EGF receptors, VEGFA, HOs, nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2), COX‐2, hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α and pro‐inflammatory iNOS, IL‐1β and TNF‐α were determined by real‐time PCR or Western blots.

Key Results

CORM‐2 and haemin but not RuCl3 or ZnPP decreased ulcer size while increasing GBF. These effects were reduced by ODQ, indomethacin, l‐NNA and glibenclamide. CORM‐2 significantly decreased the expression of pro‐inflammatory markers, Nrf2/HO1 and HIF‐1α, and up‐regulated EGF.

Conclusions and Implications

CO released from CORM‐2 or endogenously produced by the HO1/Nrf2 pathway accelerates gastric ulcer healing via an increase in GBF, an up‐regulation in EGF expression and down‐regulation of the inflammatory response.
Scaling and Sustaining Effective Early Childhood Programs Through School–Family–University Collaboration
Authors: Reynolds Arthur J. , Hayakawa Momoko , Ou Suh‐Ruu , Mondi Christina F. , Englund Michelle M. , Candee Allyson J. , Smerillo Nicole E.
Published: August 2017

We describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive preschool to third grade prevention program for the goals of sustaining services at a large scale. The Midwest Child–Parent Center (CPC) Expansion is a multilevel collaborative school reform model designed to improve school achievement and parental involvement from ages 3 to 9. By increasing the dosage, coordination, and comprehensiveness of services, the program is expected to enhance the transition to school and promote more enduring effects on well‐being in multiple domains. We review and evaluate evidence from two longitudinal studies (Midwest CPC, 2012 to present; Chicago Longitudinal Study, 1983 to present) and four implementation examples of how the guiding principles of shared ownership, committed resources, and progress monitoring for improvement can promote effectiveness. The implementation system of partners and further expansion using “Pay for Success” financing shows the feasibility of scaling the program while continuing to improve effectiveness.
Drinking trajectories of at‐risk groups: Does the theory of the collectivity of drinking apply?
Authors: Norström Thor , Raninen Jonas
Published: August 2017

Introduction and Aims

Alcohol consumption among Swedish adolescents has halved during the last decade. We aim to: (i) investigate whether the overall decrease in drinking may conceal an underlying heterogeneity in drinking trajectories across at‐risk groups that differ with respect to risk for drinking and; (ii) assess to what degree alcohol‐related harm has responded to this decrease.

Design and Methods

Data were obtained from the nationally representative annual school survey of alcohol and drug habits among Swedish ninth‐grade students covering the period 2000–2012 (n ≈ 5000/year). Respondents were divided into five at‐risk groups ranging from low to high based on their relative ranking on a risk scale for drinking. Alcohol consumption was measured by beverage‐specific quantity and frequency items summarised into a measure of overall drinking in litres of 100% alcohol per year. Alcohol‐related harm was measured by eight items asking about whether the respondent had experienced various alcohol‐related negative consequences.

Results

Drinking and alcohol‐related harm decreased in all five at‐risk groups. There was a marked relation between the overall consumption and the mean consumption in each of the five at‐risk groups. Self‐reported alcohol‐related harm decreased during the study period to an extent that was expected from the decrease in alcohol consumption.

Discussion and Conclusions

Alcohol consumption among Swedish youth has declined in five groups that were delineated based on their relative ranking on a risk factor index. The findings are consistent with Skog's theory of the collectivity of drinking behaviour. [Norström T, Raninen J. Drinking trajectories of at‐risk groups: Does the theory of the collectivity of drinking apply?.
Reconstruction of money supply over the long run: the case of England, 1270–1870
Authors: Palma Nuno
Published: August 2017

This article provides a time series of coin and money supply estimates for six hundred years of English history. Two main estimation methods are proposed. The first (the direct method) is used to measure the value of government‐provided, legal‐tender coin supply only. Two varieties of the direct method are proposed. Additionally, an indirect method is proposed which relies on a combination of information about nominal GDP with an assumption regarding the evolution of velocity in time, and which can be used to calculate coin supply and M2. Both methods rely on benchmark values known for certain years, but no particular benchmark is determinant for the results. The new methodologies set out here may serve as a blueprint for a similar reconstruction of coin and money supply series for other economies for which analogous data are available.
Recreational fisheries in Portofino Marine Protected Area, Italy: Some implications for the management
Authors: Venturini S. , Campodonico P. , Cappanera V. , Fanciulli G. , Cattaneo Vietti R.
Published: August 2017

Since the 1970s, recreational fishing has become a mass hobby in Italy, reaching a large number of people, who, using modern equipment, increased their harvesting capacity, provoking serious conflicts with the professional fisheries. Recreational fishing is strictly regulated inside Italian Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and is generally allocated to local residents, mainly to reduce the tensions caused by limitations of access to the resources. The aim of this study was to provide an analysis of recreational fishing activities within the Portofino MPA (Mediterranean Sea), to assess the possible impact on the local fish stocks and to plan potential management actions. Furthermore, some serious inconsistencies on the minimum lengths of fish caught as defined by law relative to the minimum size of first reproduction are discussed. Since 2014, all anglers exploiting the Portofino MPA have been obliged to fill out a logbook. The compilation of these was not completely satisfactory, when compared with a group of reliable anglers whose catches were accurately monitored, but allowed for estimated yields of about 24 kg/angler/yr. After 15 years of protection, the fish biomass has increased within the Portofino MPA, generating a positive spillover effect. At the same time, it has attracted many anglers whose gross harvesting was estimated at about 8 t/year, representing about the 8% of the total yield of the local small‐scale fishery.
“This illness diminishes me. What it does is like theft”: A qualitative meta‐synthesis of people's experiences of living with asthma
Authors: Pickles Kristen , Eassey Daniela , Reddel Helen K. , Locock Louise , Kirkpatrick Susan , Smith Lorraine
Published: August 2017

Background

What matters to people in their everyday experiences of living with asthma is influenced by a diverse range of personal, social, medical and environmental factors. Previous reviews of the asthma literature have largely focused on medical aspects of asthma or specific population groups with particular needs.

Objective

To identify, describe and synthesize from the available qualitative literature the views and experiences of adults living with asthma.

Method

We systematically searched for qualitative studies reporting on the personal experience of living with asthma. A meta‐synthesis approach was used to analyse and interpret the data. Key themes relating to personal perspectives on asthma were identified and grouped into overarching concepts.

Results

We identified 26 studies. There was a paucity of literature on the physical burden of asthma symptoms and the role of social support. Our synthesis generated a central concept of the “work” associated with living with asthma: work was of a personal nature, and at times an intensely emotional experience. Individuals tailored their behaviour in response to demands of the physical and social environment, including interactions with health‐care professionals.

Conclusion

This is the first systematic review of the qualitative literature reporting on people's own perspectives of living with asthma. Our findings draw attention to the nuances and sensitivities surrounding patient experiences of self‐management. Medical care is a central plank of managing chronic conditions, but our health‐care systems are now expected to deliver patient‐centred care. Considering the broader aspects of asthma management, beyond that of symptoms and treatment, will help to facilitate comprehensive care.
Hot corrosion behavior of double ceramic layered CaZrO3/Yttria‐stabilized zirconia coatings
Authors: Ejaz Naveed , Ali Liaqat , Ahmed Furqan , Awan Gul , Ghauri Khalid Mehmood , Nusair Aamer
Published: August 2017

A novel double ceramic layered (DCL) CaZrO3/Yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) was designed for improved service life against sulfate vanadate hot corrosion as compared with that of YSZ single layered coating. The hot corrosion behavior of DCL CaZrO3/YSZ coatings was studied at 950°C after dry spreading 50%Na2SO4+50%V2O5 mixture onto a coated surface. The CaZrO3 as the topmost layer in DCL CaZrO3/YSZ coatings, served as a sacrificial layer during sulfate vanadate hot corrosion protecting the underneath YSZ coating. The corrosion reactions in this case were sluggish due to the initial formation of low melting point meta‐calcium vanadate (CaV2O6) that isothermally transformed to higher melting point calcium vanadates having higher calcia (CaO) content. The corrosion reaction products sealed the top surface, impeding the oxygen movement and eventually retarded the thermally grown oxide (TGO) growth. The sulfate vanadate hot corrosion life of the DCL CaZrO3/YSZ coatings was observed to be more than double as compared with single ceramic layered YSZ coatings.
Retirement date effects on saving behavior: Endogenous labor supply and non‐separable preferences
Authors: Romm Aylit Tina
Published: August 2017

This paper analyzes the effect of changing retirement dates on pre‐retirement saving, looking at the effect of a negative cross derivative of the utility function with respect to consumption and leisure. This effect is analyzed in the contexts of both exogenous and endogenous labor supply before retirement. In the case of exogenous labor supply, the relative decrease in saving in response to an increase in the expected retirement age is larger in the case of a negative cross derivative of the utility function (non‐separable preferences) than in the case of a zero cross derivative (separable preferences). However, in the case where labor supply before retirement decreases at the intensive margin in response to an increase in the retirement age, the relative decrease in saving in response to an increase in the expected retirement age is smaller in the case of a negative cross derivative than in the case of a zero cross derivative.
Potential misdiagnosis of dysfibrinogenaemia: Data from multicentre studies amongst UK NEQAS and PRO‐RBDD project laboratories
Authors: Jennings I. , Kitchen S. , Menegatti M. , Palla R. , Walker I. , Peyvandi F. , Makris M.
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Mutations in fibrinogen (Fgn) genes, causing dysfibrinogenaemia, can result in either a bleeding or thrombophilic diathesis. Dysfibrinogenaemia is infrequently encountered in hospital laboratories, and the utility of different assays in the diagnosis of dysfibrinogenaemia has not previously been explored in a multicentre study. We describe here an exercise in which PRO‐RBDD project (prospective data collection on patients with fibrinogen and Factor XIII deficiencies) centres, and UK NEQAS centres, performed investigations for dysfibrinogenaemia.

Methods

Samples from donors with dysfibrinogenaemia (sample 1: gamma p.Arg301Cys, sample 2: Bbeta166Arg3Cys—Fgn Longmont, sample 3: Aalpha p.Arg35His) and a normal donor were sent to laboratories for investigation for possible dysfibrinogenaemia. Median, coefficient of variation and range were determined for each assay method.

Results

Results were returned from 62 UK NEQAS and 24 PRO‐RBDD centres. PT, APTT, Clauss fibrinogen and thrombin times were performed by >90% of centres, with 51% performing reptilase times, and 31% fibrinogen antigen. All centres identified samples 1 and 3 as abnormal. However, 39% of centres reported a normal or raised fibrinogen for the Fgn Longmont sample, and marked differences in Clauss fibrinogen results with different reagents were noted for this sample (median 1.01 g/L vs 5.10 g/L for the two mostly widely used reagents).

Conclusion

In‐house studies suggest that the method of detection of fibrin clot formation may result in different Clauss fibrinogen measurements with FgnLongmont plasma. It is possible that some widely used methodologies, both using optical and mechanical end‐point detection systems, will fail to detect this rare fibrinogen variant.
Programmed death 1 is highly expressed on CD8+CD57+ T cells in patients with stable multiple sclerosis and inhibits their cytotoxic response to Epstein–Barr virus
Authors: Cencioni Maria T. , Magliozzi Roberta , Nicholas Richard , Ali Rehiana , Malik Omar , Reynolds Richard , Borsellino Giovanna , Battistini Luca , Muraro Paolo A.
Published: August 2017

Growing evidence points to a deregulated response to Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in the central nervous system of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) as a possible cause of disease. We have investigated the response of a subpopulation of effector CD8+ T cells to EBV in 36 healthy donors and in 35 patients with MS in active and inactive disease. We have measured the expression of markers of degranulation, the release of cytokines, cytotoxicity and the regulation of effector functions by inhibitory receptors, such as programmed death 1 (PD‐1) and human inhibitor receptor immunoglobulin‐like transcript 2 (ILT2). We demonstrate that polyfunctional cytotoxic CD8+ CD57+ T cells are able to kill EBV‐infected cells in healthy donors. In contrast, an anergic exhaustion‐like phenotype of CD8+ CD57+ T cells with high expression of PD‐1 was observed in inactive patients with MS compared with active patients with MS or healthy donors. Detection of CD8+ CD57+ T cells in meningeal inflammatory infiltrates from post‐mortem MS tissue confirmed the association of this cell phenotype with the disease pathological process. The overall results suggest that ineffective immune control of EBV in patietns with MS during remission may be one factor preceding and enabling the reactivation of the virus in the central nervous system and may cause exacerbation of the disease.
An Early Warning System for the A&E Winter Crisis?
Authors: Tarran Brian
Published: August 2017

Department of Health data scientist uses Google search terms to predict increases in pneumonia admissions and a subsequent shortage of beds
Trials of a Statistician
Authors: Langkjær-Bain Robert
Published: August 2017

Andreas Georgiou arrived in Greece to help repair the poor reputation of the country's economic statistics. But he was soon defending his own reputation against charges of damaging the Greek state. As his plight continues, Robert Langkjær-Bain interviews Georgiou and other statisticians who have fought for the independence of their data
Surprise, Surprise! (again) The 2017 British General Election Exit Poll
Authors: Curtice John , Fisher Stephen , Kuha Jouni , Mellon Jonathan
Published: August 2017

While most pollsters and pundits expected the Conservatives to win an increased majority in Britain's June election, the election day exit poll forecast something different. John Curtice, Stephen Fisher, Jouni Kuha and Jonathan Mellon explain how the poll works, and why it made the right call
Decreased hippocampal brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and impaired cognitive function by hypoglossal nerve transection in rats
Authors: Kim Doyun , Chung Sena , Lee Seung‐Hyun , Choi Se‐Young , Kim Soung‐Min , Koo JaeHyung , Lee Jong‐Ho , Jahng Jeong Won
Published: August 2017

The hypoglossal nerve controls tongue movements, and damages of it result in difficulty in mastication and food intake. Mastication has been reported to maintain hippocampus‐dependent cognitive function. This study was conducted to examine the effect of tongue motor loss on the hippocampus‐dependent cognitive function and its underlying mechanism. Male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to the initial training of Morris water maze task before or after the bilateral transection of hypoglossal nerves (Hx). When the initial training was given before the surgery, the target quadrant dwelling time during the probe test performed at a week after the surgery was significantly reduced in Hx rats relative to sham‐operated controls. When the initial training was given after the surgery, Hx affected the initial and reversal trainings and probe tests. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, cell numbers and long‐term potentiation (LTP) were examined in the hippocampus on the 10th day, and BrdU and doublecortin staining on the 14th day, after the surgery. Hx decreased the hippocampal BDNF and cells in the CA1/CA3 regions and impaired LTP. BrdU and doublecortin staining was decreased in the dentate gyrus of Hx rats. Results suggest that tongue motor loss impairs hippocampus‐dependent cognitive function, and decreased BDNF expression in the hippocampus may be implicated in its underlying molecular mechanism in relation with decreased neurogenesis/proliferation and impaired LTP.
Echinacoside's nigrostriatal dopaminergic protection against 6‐OHDA‐Induced endoplasmic reticulum stress through reducing the accumulation of Seipin
Authors: Zhang Yajie , Long Hongyan , Zhou Fuqiong , Zhu Weina , Ruan Jie , Zhao Yang , Lu Yan
Published: August 2017

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Recent epidemiological studies suggest that echinacoside (ECH), a phenylethanoid glycoside found in Cistanche deserticola, has a protective effect against the development of PD. However, the detailed mechanisms of how ECH suppresses neuronal death have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we confirmed that ECH protects nigrostriatal neurons against 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐induced endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in vivo and in vitro. ECH rescued cell viability in damaged cells and decreased 6‐OHDA‐induced reactive oxygen species accumulation in vitro. It also rescued tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter expression in the striatum, and decreased α‐synuclein aggregation following 6‐OHDA treatment in vivo. The validated mechanism of ECH activity was the reduction in the 6‐OHDA‐induced accumulation of seipin (Berardinelli–Seip congenital lipodystrophy 2). Seipin has been shown to be a key molecule related to motor neuron disease and was tightly associated with ERS in a series of in vivo studies. ECH attenuated seipinopathy by promoting seipin degradation via ubiquitination. ERS was relieved by ECH through the Grp94/Bip‐ATF4‐CHOP signal pathway.
Relationship between tooth loss and peripheral arterial disease among women
Authors: Muñoz‐Torres Francisco J. , Mukamal Kenneth J. , Pai Jennifer K. , Willett Walter , Joshipura Kaumudi J.
Published: August 2017

Aim

We assessed the longitudinal association between tooth loss and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) within the Nurses' Health Study.

Materials and Methods

After excluding participants with prior cardiovascular diseases, 277 of 79,663 women were confirmed as PAD cases during 16 years of follow‐up. Number of teeth and recent tooth loss were reported initially in 1992. Subsequent tooth loss was recorded in 1996 and in 2000. We evaluated the associations of baseline number of teeth and recent tooth loss with risk of PAD, adjusting for age, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, aspirin use, family history of myocardial infarction, BMI, alcohol consumption, physical activity, postmenopausal hormone use, and use of vitamin E, vitamin D, multivitamin and calcium.

Results

Incident tooth loss during follow‐up was significantly associated with higher hazard of PAD (HR = 1.31 95% CI: 1.00–1.71). However, the association appeared inverse among never smokers. There was no dose–response relationship between baseline number of teeth and PAD.

Conclusions

Tooth loss showed a modest association with PAD, but no dose–response relationship was observed.
Accelerated oligosaccharide absorption and altered serum metabolites during oral glucose tolerance test in young Japanese with impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Miki Takashi , Lee Eun Young , Eguchi Akifumi , Sakurai Kenichi , Sawabe Yuji , Yoshida Tomohiko , Saito Keiko , Yokoh Hidetaka , Ishikawa Ko , Yokote Koutaro , Kuzuya Takeshi , Miki Eishi , Mori Chisato , Nomura Fumio
Published: August 2017

Aims/Introduction

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is a subtype of prediabetes, a condition having high risk for development to diabetes mellitus, but its pathophysiology is not fully understood. In the present study, we examined metabolic changes in IGT by using two types (D‐glucose [Glc] and partial hydrolysate of starch [PHS]) of oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs), with emphasis on serum incretins and metabolites.

Materials and Methods

We carried out the two types of OGTT (Glc/OGTT and PHS/OGTT) in 99 young Japanese individuals who had tested either positive (GU+; n = 48) or negative (GU−; n = 51) for glycosuria. After OGTT, they were sub‐grouped into five categories: normal glucose tolerance (NGT) in the GU− group (GU−/NGT; n = 49), NGT in the GU+ group (GU+/NGT; n = 28), IGT (n = 12), diabetes mellitus (n = 1) and renal glycosuria (n = 9). Serum incretin and metabolites of GU−/NGT and IGT were then measured.

Results

When the serum insulin level at each time‐point during PHS/OGTT was expressed as its ratio relative to Glc/OGTT, it was increased time‐dependently in GU−/NGT, but not in IGT. Such an increase in the ratio was also detected of serum incretin levels in GU−/NGT, but not in IGT, suggesting a lack of deceleration of oligosaccharide absorption in IGT. Metabolome analysis showed a difference in the serum levels of two metabolites of unknown function in mammals, methylcysteine and sedoheptulose 1,7‐bisphosphate, between GU−/NGT and IGT.

Conclusions

Comparison of PHS/OGTT and Glc/OGTT showed that oligosaccharide absorption was accelerated in IGT. Methylcysteine and sedoheptulose 1,7‐bisphosphate could be novel markers for dysregulated glucose metabolism.
Pancreatic fat content assessed by 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy is correlated with insulin resistance, but not with insulin secretion, in Japanese individuals with normal glucose tolerance
Authors: Komada Hisako , Sakaguchi Kazuhiko , Hirota Yushi , Sou Anna , Nakamura Tomoaki , Kyotani Katsusuke , Kawamitsu Hideaki , Sugimura Kazuro , Okuno Yoko , Ogawa Wataru
Published: August 2017

Aims/Introduction

Whereas some clinical studies have shown that excessive fat accumulation in the pancreas is associated with impairment of insulin secretion, others have not found such an association. 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy allows quantitative fat analysis in various tissues including the pancreas. The pathological relevance of pancreatic fat content (PFC) in Japanese individuals remains unclear, however.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed PFC in 30 Japanese individuals with normal glucose tolerance by 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and then investigated the relationships between PFC and indexes of insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity‐resistance determined by an oral glucose tolerance test. We also measured hepatic fat content and intramyocellular lipid content by 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy, as well as visceral fat area and subcutaneous fat area by magnetic resonance imaging, and we examined the relationships between these fat content measures and oral glucose tolerance test‐derived parameters.

Results

PFC was correlated with indexes of insulin sensitivity‐resistance, but not with those of insulin secretion. Hepatic fat content and visceral fat area were correlated with similar sets of parameters as was PFC, whereas subcutaneous fat area was correlated with parameters of insulin secretion, and intramyocellular lipid content was not correlated with any of the measured parameters. The correlation between PFC and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance remained significant after adjustment for age, body mass index and sex. Among fat content measures, PFC was most highly correlated with hepatic fat content and visceral fat area.

Conclusions

PFC was correlated with indexes of insulin resistance, but not with those of insulin secretion in non‐obese Japanese individuals with normal glucose tolerance.
Efficacy and safety of nortriptyline in functional dyspepsia in Asians: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Kaosombatwattana Uayporn , Pongprasobchai Supot , Limsrivilai Julajak , Maneerattanaporn Monthira , Leelakusolvong Somchai , Tanwandee Tawesak
Published: August 2017

Background and Aim

Current treatments of functional dyspepsia (FD) are unsatisfied. Tricyclic antidepressants alter visceral hypersensitivity and brain–gut interaction. We assessed the efficacy and safety of nortriptyline in patients with FD.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with FD according to Rome III criteria who failed to respond to proton pump inhibitor and prokinetic treatment were randomly assigned to either once daily 10‐mg nortriptyline or placebo. The primary endpoint was the rate of responders defined as > 50% reduction in dyspepsia symptom score after 8 weeks of treatment. The secondary endpoints were improvement in quality of life as assessed by 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey score and safety.

Results

Sixty‐one patients (nortriptyline 28 and placebo 33) were enrolled. Dyspepsia symptom score and duration of symptoms were balanced at entry between both groups. Eight and seven patients in nortriptyline and placebo groups were lost to follow up. Seven patients withdrew due to mild adverse events (nortriptyline 1 and placebo 6). Overall, 19 with nortriptyline and 20 with placebo completed the study. Patients receiving nortriptyline did not achieve higher response rate than those in placebo in both intention‐to‐treat (53.6% vs 57.6%, P = 0.75) and per‐protocol (76.5% vs 73.7%, P = 1.00) analyses. Nortriptyline did not provide improvement in quality of life. The mean difference was 3.8 (P = 0.36) and 0.88 (P = 0.86) by intention‐to‐treat and 2.9 (P = 0.57) and 3.5 (P = 0.57) by per‐protocol analyses in physical and mental component, respectively. All adverse events were minor and similar in both groups.

Conclusion

Nortriptyline was not superior to placebo in management of patients with FD.