bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Bastian Bettina Lynda , Sidani Yusuf Munir , El Amine Yasmina
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to attempt to collate and understand the fragmented research on female entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The review assesses the literature at the macro, meso and micro analysis levels and addresses the obstacles, challenges, motivations and characteristics of female entrepreneurship in the MENA region.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis bases on a gender aware, narrative review, which is an appropriate method when aggregating studies of different methodological approaches, covering broad and fragmented topics in different settings. The study analyzes the areas that have received sufficient research attention and those which are still under-developed.

Findings

Important gaps in the field are lack of theoretical foundations; an over emphasis on macro level indicators, such as culture and religion and an under emphasis on organizational level variables; a lack of studies that analyze female entrepreneurship within ethnic groups, or studies that acknowledge the complex social, cultural and religious diversity of the region; and inattention to particular regional experiences (e.g. refugees crisis) and emerging trends.

Originality/value

This is the first integrative review of the literature in the growing field of female entrepreneurship in the MENA region that identifies areas of particular research interest and questions that are still under-developed. The study proposes further avenues for future research.
Understanding how diversity training impacts faculty mentors’ awareness and behavior
Authors: House Stephanie C. , Spencer Kimberly C. , Pfund Christine
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how a mentor training intervention affected research scientists’ perceptions of diversity and their subsequent behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were originally collected as part of a randomized controlled trial measuring the effectiveness of a research mentor training intervention that covered six mentoring competencies, including addressing diversity. Here, the results of a secondary qualitative analysis of interviews with trained mentors, 135 faculty from 16 institutions from across the USA and Puerto Rico, are reported.

Findings

Analyses provide insights into how the diversity content of a mentoring intervention is interpreted, internalized, and acted upon. Mentors reported increased awareness, an expanded understanding of diversity and the implications of human differences, as well as a greater recognition of personal biases. While some were able to act on that increased awareness and make changes to their mentoring practice, most did not report doing so.

Social implications

Well-designed mentor training incorporating culturally aware practices could better prepare mentors to work successfully with mentees from diverse backgrounds. Cultivating a more culturally diverse scientific community is of benefit to science as well as society.

Originality/value

Little is known about how faculty perceive diversity or internalize training content on the topic, either within the context of mentoring or more broadly. This exploratory study provides unique insights into these phenomena and invites further research. Implications for mentoring relationships, mentor training initiatives, and efforts to address diversity are discussed.
Supplier selection and firm performance
Authors: Famiyeh Samuel , Kwarteng Amoako
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how the various supplier selections construct impacts on firm’s operational competitive capability as well as an overall performance from a developing country’s environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling was used to study the relationship between supplier selection criteria, competitive operational capabilities and overall organizational performance using survey of informants.

Findings

In this work, the authors demonstrate that an effective supplier selection will lead to an enhanced competitive capability of the buying firm. Specifically, the authors show that selecting suppliers based on quality will lead to an improved quality of the buying firm, service will lead to improved delivery time and supplier strategic fit will lead to reduced cost, improved delivery time and improved flexibility of the buying firm. Furthermore, the buying firm competitive operational capabilities in terms of improved delivery time will lead overall performance from the Ghanaian business environment. The results indicate no significant difference between the manufacturing and service sectors.

Research limitations/implications

The results indicate the relevance and the implications of the various supplier selection criteria from a developing country’s environment such as Ghana.

Practical implications

The research shows how supplier selection criteria should be structured to enhance operational competitive capabilities and overall performance of the buying firm.

Originality/value

The work illustrates and provides some insights and build on the literature in the area of supply selection strategies from a developing country’s environment.
ShariahSupervisory Board Report (SSBR) in Islamic banks
Authors: Rafay Abdul , Farid Saqib
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study is to determine the impact of information ordering inShariahSupervisory Board Report (SSBR) on investors’ behavior and perception about the performance of Islamic bank in terms ofShariahcompliance and other conventional parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the belief adjustment model to evaluate the desired effects of ordering positive and negative information (if any) in SSBR of an Islamic bank. This study extends the previous literature on information ordering as a pioneer experimental study in emerging economies.

Findings

Evidence shows that investors and technical users of performance reports consider SSBR as significant for financial and investment decisions from the Islamic perspective. The results indicate that the primacy effect does exist and is statistically significant.

Practical implications

The SSBR provides the management with an excellent opportunity to communicate and convince the investors aboutShariahcompliance features of an Islamic bank. Additionally, it also highlights the functional use of impression management to manipulate the investor’ behavior and perception.

Originality/value

For the first time, this study specifically investigates the effect of conscious information ordering in SSBR of Islamic banks on investors perceptions and behaviors.
How innovation climate drives management styles in each stage of the organization lifecycle
Authors: Danvila-del-Valle Ignacio , Lara Francisco J. , Marroquín-Tovar Edmundo , Zegarra Saldaña Pablo E.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Organizations that offer services based on knowledge and innovation consider their recruitment process as strategic. The purpose of this paper is to consider that organizational lifecycle is related with the management styles through innovation climate and human dimension of recruitment.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilized two methods proposed by Adizes (1976, 1979, 2004). The first one is an inductive, exploratory method with a quantitative approach. The second one utilizes a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews. The quantitative approach was performed with a questionnaire via internet. The target was executive managers from organizations with more than ten employees, which are offering professional, scientific and technical services. The authors obtained 170 responses.

Findings

Results show that the majority of organizations balance open innovation and control, trending to the first one. During the first stages of the organizational lifecycle, decision-making principally relays on the founder’s open innovation strategies, whereas in the last stages administrative-based control is predominant.

Research limitations/implications

The authors must highlight that this study has been performed for the case of services companies placed only in Mexico. Then, the extrapolation and generalization of results should be dealt carefully.

Practical implications

The authors consider the questionnaire very useful for the introduction of open innovation strategies for human resources managers, since it takes into account organizational lifecycle in their human dimension of recruitment processes, it helps to design training and retention programs for employees, and avoids premature aging of the company.

Social implications

Given that today, knowledge management and innovation have become strategic assets of companies, it is necessary a change of mentality in many organizations that facilitates a new perception on the development of innovation. This will only be possible with the firm support of the management of the company and the involvement of all employees in this new task.

Originality/value

Several studies analyze management styles in each stage of organization lifecycle, although they do not link the obtained information to open innovation and human dimension of the recruitment process. The authors work applies the questionnaire of Adizes (1976, 1979, 2004), which relates the organizational life cycle and the management style and discloses the proper management styles with recruiting, training and retention programs to keep flexibility above control to nurture open innovation.
Shareholder value and open innovation: evidence from Dividend Champions
Authors: Miglietta Nicola , Battisti Enrico , Garcia-Perez Alexeis
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the companies listed on the US stock market in order to investigate for the selected companies, called the Dividend Champions, the introduction of an open innovation practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design. This research is based on an empirical analysis undertaken with 65 listed companies in order to examine, in the first phase, the Dividend Champions. These firms have increased their dividend yield for at least the past 40 years. In a second phase, this research studies the application of an open innovation practice for those listed companies that have systematically paid increased dividends for 60 years and have, at the same time, beat the market.

Findings

This study reveals seven listed companies that, for more than 60 years, have regularly paid growing dividends and, at the same time, have beat the yield of the market (i.e. six out of the seven companies). The latter include: American States Water, Dover Corporation, Emerson Electric, Genuine Parts Co., Parker-Hannifin Corporation and Procter & Gamble Co. All of these corporations have adopted or implemented a practice of open innovation.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is among the first pioneer research work, based on the potential relationship between shareholder value and open innovation. In particular, this paper highlights the fact that US-listed companies can create more value for shareholders over a long period and, at the same time, beat the market by adopting different open innovation practices.
Morale, stress and coping strategies of staff working in the emergency department: A comparison of two different‐sized departments
Authors: Abraham Louisa J , Thom Ogilvie , Greenslade Jaimi H , Wallis Marianne , Johnston Amy NB , Carlström Eric , Mills Donna , Crilly Julia
Published: January 2018

Objective

Clinical staff in EDs are subject to a range of stressors. The objective of this study was to describe and compare clinical staff perceptions of their ED’s working environment across two different Australian EDs.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional, descriptive, research design that included distribution of three survey tools to clinical staff in two Australian EDs in 2016. Descriptive statistics were reported to characterise workplace stressors, coping styles and the ED environment. These data were compared by hospital and the employee’s clinical role (nurse or physician).

Results

In total, 146 ED nurses and doctors completed the survey (response rate: 67%). Despite geographical variation, the staff at the two locations had similar demographic profiles in terms of age, sex and years of experience. Staff reported moderate levels of workload and self‐realisation but low levels of conflict or nervousness in the workplace. Nurses and physicians reported similar perceptions of the work environment, although nurses reported slightly higher median levels of workload. Staff rated the death or sexual abuse of a child as most stressful, followed by workplace violence and heavy workload. Staff used a large range of coping strategies, and these were similar across both sites.

Conclusion

These findings are the first multi‐site and multidisciplinary examinations of Australian ED staff perceptions, improving our understanding of staff stressors and coping strategies and highlighting similarities across different EDs. These data support the development and implementation of strategies to improve ED working environments to help ensure professional longevity of ED staff.
Mechanisms Underlying Chronic Binge Alcohol Exposure‐Induced Uterine Artery Dysfunction in Pregnant Rat
Authors: Naik Vishal D. , Davis‐Anderson Katie , Subramanian Kaviarasan , Lunde‐Young Raine , Nemec Matthew J. , Ramadoss Jayanth
Published: January 2018

Background

A cardinal feature of fetal alcohol syndrome is growth restriction. Maternal uterine artery adaptations to pregnancy correlate with birthweight and survival. We hypothesized that gestational binge alcohol exposure impairs maternal uterine vascular function, affecting endothelial nitric oxide (NO)‐mediated vasodilation.

Methods

Pregnant rats grouped as pair‐fed control or binge alcohol exposed received a once‐daily, orogastric gavage of isocaloric maltose–dextrin or alcohol, respectively. On gestational day 20, primary uterine arteries were isolated, cannulated, and connected to a pressure transducer, and functional studies were conducted by dual‐chamber arteriography. Uterine arteries maintained at constant intramural pressure (90 mm Hg) were maximally constricted with thromboxane, and a dose–response for acetylcholine (Ach) was recorded.

Results

The alcohol group exhibited significantly impaired endothelium‐dependent, Ach‐induced uterine artery relaxation (↓∼30%). Subsequently, a dose–response was recorded following inhibition of endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor (apamin and TRAM‐34) and prostacyclin (indomethacin). Ach‐induced relaxation in the pair‐fed control decreased by ~46%, and interestingly, relaxation in alcohol group further decreased by an additional ~48%, demonstrating that gestational binge alcohol impairs the NO system in the primary uterine artery. An endothelium‐independent sodium nitroprusside effect was not observed. Immunoblotting indicated that alcohol decreased the level of endothelial excitatory P‐Ser1177 endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) (p < 0.05) and total eNOS expression (p < 0.05) compared to both the normal and pair‐fed controls. P‐Ser1177eNOS level was also confirmed by immunofluorescence imaging.

Conclusions

This is the first study to demonstrate maternal binge alcohol consumption during pregnancy disrupts uterine artery vascular function via impairment of the eNOS vasodilatory system.
Measuring the impact of an entertainment‐education intervention to reduce demand for bushmeat
Authors: Veríssimo D. , Schmid C. , Kimario F. F. , Eves H. E.
Published: January 2018

The trade and consumption of bushmeat are a major threat to biodiversity across the tropics. Conservationists have traditionally advocated for stricter regulation and enforcement as a way to control these practices, with less attention given to consumers and the management of the demand. Yet, it is clear that without adequately tackling demand, it is impossible to effectively curb the bushmeat trade. In this paper, we describe an intervention to reduce demand for bushmeat in northern Tanzania. The intervention was centered around the 1‐h radio show My Wildlife – My Community which included 15‐min episodes of the radio drama Temboni. Each episode of the radio drama was accompanied by a 45‐min interactive call‐in show featuring interviews with experts and local information about available community resources. We evaluated this intervention using a Before‐After‐Control‐Impact framework based on longitudinal data from 168 respondents. To account for the fact that respondents volunteered to be exposed to the intervention, in this case the radio show, we used a matching algorithm together with regression to ensure that we could build a credible counterfactual group. Our analysis did not uncover any differences in outcomes between the treatment and control groups, and thus no evidence of the intervention achieving its initial goals. One potential causal mechanism that could have led to this outcome is the low audience penetration rate. Fewer than 40% of respondents listened to the show and among those who did, only about 20% listened to five of more episodes. This research highlights the challenges of implementing and evaluating interventions delivered through mass media in developing countries, and the importance of reporting on interventions even when there is no evidence that they achieved their initial goals. Only through robust evaluation of behavior change interventions and the sharing of lessons learned can conservationists successfully tackle complex issues such as the bushmeat trade.
Baseline fragmented QRS increases the risk of major arrhythmic events in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rattanawong Pattara , Riangwiwat Tanawan , Kanitsoraphan Chanavuth , Chongsathidkiet Pakawat , Kanjanahattakij Napatt , Vutthikraivit Wasawat , Chung Eugene H.
Published: January 2018

Background

Fragmented QRS reflects disturbances in the myocardium predisposing the heart to ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Recent studies suggest that fragmented QRS (fQRS) is associated with worse major arrhythmic events in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the literature has not been done. We assessed the association between fQRS and major arrhythmic events in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by a systematic review of the literature and a meta‐analysis.

Methods

We comprehensively searched the databases of MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to May 2017. Included studies were published prospective or retrospective cohort studies that compared major arrhythmic events (sustained ventricular tachycardia, sudden cardiac arrest, or sudden cardiac death) in HCM with fQRS versus non‐fQRS. Data from each study were combined using the random‐effects, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird to calculate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Five studies from January 2013 to May 2017 were included in this meta‐analysis involving 673 subjects with HCM (205 fQRS and 468 non‐fQRS). Fragmented QRS was associated with major arrhythmic events (pooled risk ratio = 7.29, 95% confidence interval: 4.00–13.29, p < .01, I2 = 0%).

Conclusion

Baseline fQRS increased major arrhythmic events up to sevenfold. Our study suggests that fQRS could be an important tool for risk assessment in patients with HCM.
The analysis of the parameters of 24‐hr ECG Holter monitoring in patients with blood neoplasms undergoing high‐dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation
Authors: Poręba Małgorzata , Gać Paweł , Usnarska‐Zubkiewicz Lidia , Pilecki Witold , Kuliczkowski Kazimierz , Mazur Grzegorz , Sobieszczańska Małgorzata , Poręba Rafał
Published: January 2018

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a widely used procedure in the treatment of malignant diseases, including blood neoplasms and has increased survival in hematological diseases. The aim of the study was to analyze parameters of 24‐hr ECG monitoring in patients with selected blood neoplasms in whom the procedure of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was performed.

Methods

The study group consisted of 64 adults diagnosed with hematologic cancer qualified for HSCT with the previous high dose chemotherapy (HDC). In all patients 24‐hr Holter monitoring was carried out twice. First examination took place prior to the HSCT procedure, and the second after finishing the procedure of HSCT.

Results

The minimal and mean heart rate (HR min and HR max) from 24‐hr ECG recording was statistically significantly higher after the transplantation in comparison with the first test. The number of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) was higher in the test after HSCT. In the second examination there was significantly higher percentage of premature ventricular complexes, incidents of tachycardia, and Mobitz type 1 second degree atrioventricular block. In regression analysis, in a group of patients with blood neoplasms after HSCT and HDC, administration of cyclophosphamide, fludarabine and total body irradiation were independent risk factors for electrocardiographic abnormalities in 24‐hr Holter monitoring, that is, the increase in HR min, HR mean and PVCs.

Conclusion

In patients with blood neoplasms undergoing HSCT more electrocardiographic abnormalities may be found after this procedure in comparison with the 24‐hr Holter monitoring before transplantation.
Identifying co‐opted transposable elements using comparative epigenomics
Authors: Venuto David , Bourque Guillaume
Published: January 2018

The human genome gives rise to different epigenomic landscapes that define each cell type and can be deregulated in disease. Recent efforts by ENCODE, the NIH Roadmap and the International Human Epigenome Consortium (IHEC) have made significant advances towards assembling reference epigenomic maps of various tissues. Notably, these projects have found that approximately 80% of human DNA was biochemically active in at least one epigenomic assay while only approximately 10% of the sequence displayed signs of purifying selection. Given that transposable elements (TEs) make up at least 50% of the human genome and can be actively transcribed or act as regulatory elements either for their own purposes or be co‐opted for the benefit of their host; we are interested in exploring their overall contribution to the “functional” genome. Traditional methods used to identify functional DNA have relied on comparative genomics, conservation analysis and low throughput validation assays. To discover co‐opted TEs, and distinguish them from noisy genomic elements, we argue that comparative epigenomic methods will also be important.
Marital Processes Linking Gender Role Attitudes and Marital Satisfaction Among Mexican‐Origin Couples: Application of an Actor–Partner Interdependence Mediation Model
Authors: Helms Heather M. , Supple Andrew J. , Hengstebeck Natalie D. , Wood Claire A. , Rodriguez Yuliana
Published: January 2018

Informed by dyadic approaches and culturally informed, ecological perspectives of marriage, we applied an actor–partner interdependence mediation model (APIMeM) in a sample of 120 Mexican‐origin couples to examine (a) the associations linking Mexican immigrant husbands’ and wives’ gender role attitudes to marital satisfaction directly and indirectly through marital processes (i.e., warmth and negativity) and (b) whether the associations between spouses’ gender role attitudes and marital processes were moderated by wives’ employment. Although previous research has identified spouses’ gender role attitudes as potential predictors of spouses’ marital satisfaction, no study has examined these links in a dyadic model that elucidates how gender role attitudes may operate through processes to shape marital satisfaction and conditions under which associations may differ. We found that when spouses reported less sex‐typed attitudes, their partners reported feeling more connected to them and more satisfied with the marriage, regardless of whether wives were employed. Our results suggest that marital satisfaction was highest for those Mexican‐origin couples in which marital partners were less sex‐typed in their attitudes about marital roles to the extent that partners’ attitudinal role flexibility promoted spouses’ feelings of warmth and connection to their partner.
Relationship between Mental Health and Burden among Primary Caregivers of Outpatients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Yu Wenjun , Chen Jia , Hu Jize , Hu JingChu
Published: January 2018

There is growing recognition that caring for a patient with schizophrenia often results in high levels of perceived burden and poorer overall mental health for caregivers. A quantitative cross‐sectional design and standardized instruments were used to collect data from 355 primary caregivers of adults in outpatient care with schizophrenia in China. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the association between caregiver burden and mental health among primary caregivers and whether this association is influenced by personality, coping style, and family functioning, based on a diathesis–stress perspective. Goodness‐of‐fit indices (χ2/df = 1.406, GFI = 0.919, CFI = 0.957, etc.) confirmed that the modified model fit the data well. In line with the diathesis–stress model, and with this study's hypotheses, we found that caregiver burden was significantly related to mental health outcomes directly. The final model showed that personality traits, coping style, and family function influenced the relationship between caregiver burden and mental health. The neuroticism personality traits have a direct effect on caregiver burden and family functioning in this sample. Coping style had a direct effect on the caregiver burden, and family functioning had a direct effect on the caregiver burden. Our final model about primary caregivers can be applied clinically to predict mental health outcomes from caregiver burden.
DNA‐damage inducible protein 1 is a conserved metacaspase substrate that is cleaved and further destabilized in yeast under specific metabolic conditions
Authors: Bouvier León A. , Niemirowicz Gabriela T. , Salas‐Sarduy Emir , Cazzulo Juan José , Alvarez Vanina E.
Published: January 2018

Metacaspases, distant relatives of metazoan caspases, have been shown to participate in programmed cell death in plants and in progression of the cell cycle and removal of protein aggregates in unicellular eukaryotes. However, since natural proteolytic substrates have scarcely been identified to date, their roles in these processes remain unclear. Here, we report that the DNA‐damage inducible protein 1 (Ddi1) represents a conserved protein substrate for metacaspases belonging to divergent unicellular eukaryotes (trypanosomes and yeasts). We show that although the recognized cleavage sequence is not identical among the different model organisms tested, in all of them the proteolysis consequence is the removal of the ubiquitin‐associated domain (UBA) present in the protein. We also demonstrate that Ddi1 cleavage is tightly regulated in vivo as it only takes place in yeast when calcium increases but under specific metabolic conditions. Finally, we show that metacaspase‐mediated Ddi1 cleavage reduces the stability of this protein which can certainly impact on the many functions ascribed for it, including shuttle to the proteasome, cell cycle control, late secretory pathway regulation, among others.
Preparation and characterization of mesoporous calcium‐doped silica‐coated TiO2 scaffolds and their drug releasing behavior
Authors: Sengottuvelan Abirami , Mederer Marco , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: January 2018

Three dimensional titanium dioxide (TiO2) scaffolds are receiving attention for the reconstruction of damaged bone tissue. Although these scaffolds show sufficient mechanical properties, their bioactivity is significantly lower than that of bioactive glass scaffolds. Sol‐gel derived mesoporous bioactive glasses exhibit high bioactivity in vitro and can also be loaded with drugs and growth factors due to their tunable pore size. Hence, the main aim of this work is to produce and characterize TiO2 scaffolds coated with sol‐gel derived mesoporous calcium silicate spheres (MCS) and to test their in vitro bioactivity and drug delivery properties. TiO2 scaffolds were coated with different wt% of MCS using a simple dip coating method. The bioactivity of the MCS‐coated TiO2 scaffolds was tested in vitro in simulated body fluid (SBF). TiO2 scaffolds coated with 2 wt% and 4 wt% MCS showed bioactivity after 1 week of immersion in SBF. The formation of hydroxyapatite (HA) was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Ibuprofen drug loading and release rate were investigated in MCS and MCS coated TiO2 scaffolds. A 3 weeks in vitro drug release test was performed and the amount of drug released by MCS was measured by UV‐Vis spectroscopy. The MCS were successfully loaded with Ibuprofen, as model drug. Sustained drug release was measured, proving the applicability of MCS as drug delivery carriers. Thus, TiO2 scaffolds with enhanced functionalities were produced exploiting MCS coating.
Troubleshooting electromagnetic interference in a patient with centrifugal flow left ventricular assist device and subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator
Authors: Ahmed Asim S. , Patel Parin J. , Bagga Shiv , Gilge Jasen L. , Schleeter Thomas , Lakhani Baqir A. , Ravichandran Ashwin K. , Donnelley Steve , Allavatam Venu , Prystowsky Eric N. , Padanilam Benzy J.
Published: January 2018

A 25‐year‐old man with severe nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy underwent subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S‐ICD) implant and subsequently underwent HeartWare ventricular assist device (HVAD) placement. Postoperative interrogation revealed both primary and secondary S‐ICD vectors inappropriately regarded sinus rhythm as “noise,” and the alternate vector significantly undersensed sinus rhythm. The S‐ICD was reinterrogated using high‐resolution capture to visually confirm EMI with a dominant frequency in both the primary and secondary vectors of 46.67 Hz that fell within the S‐ICD operational range of 9–60 Hz. The 46.67 Hz frequency correlated with the HVAD operational speed of 2,800 RPM. The HVAD pump speed was increased from 2,800 to 3,000 RPM, resulting in a dominant frequency of 50 Hz. The notch filter is nonprogrammable in S‐ICDs. However, the built‐in filter is 50 Hz for countries in European time zones as opposed to 60 Hz in US time zones due to differences in the anticipated noise from electrical sources within each continent. Thus, the S‐ICD time zone was reprogrammed from EST to GMT, which reduced the notch filter from 60  to 50 Hz, resulting in S‐ICD successfully eliminating EMI when the patient was in a supine position. The EMI interference was still intermittently present in the upright patient position. This case demonstrates the utility of high‐resolution electrogram capture to identify the source and frequency of EMI in S‐ICD and offers a potential avenue to troubleshoot dominant frequency oversensing by changing the device time zone.
Validation of a novel mapping system and utility for mapping complex atrial tachycardias
Authors: Honarbakhsh S. , Hunter R.J. , Dhillon G. , Ullah W. , Keating E. , Providencia R. , Chow A. , Earley M.J. , Schilling R.J.
Published: January 2018

Introduction

This study sought to validate a novel wavefront mapping system utilizing whole‐chamber basket catheters (CARTOFINDER, Biosense Webster). The system was validated in terms of (1) mapping atrial‐paced beats and (2) mapping complex wavefront patterns in atrial tachycardia (AT).

Methods and results

Patients undergoing catheter ablation for AT and persistent AF were included. A 64‐pole‐basket catheter was used to acquire unipolar signals that were processed by CARTOFINDER mapping system to generate dynamic wavefront propagation maps. The left atrium was paced from four sites to demonstrate focal activation. ATs were mapped with the mechanism confirmed by conventional mapping, entrainment, and response to ablation.

Twenty‐two patients were included in the study (16 with AT and 6 with AF initially who terminated to AT during ablation). In total, 172 maps were created with the mapping system. It correctly identified atrial‐pacing sites in all paced maps. It accurately mapped 9 focal/microreentrant and 18 macroreentrant ATs both in the left and right atrium. A third and fourth observer independently identified the sites of atrial pacing and the AT mechanism from the CARTOFINDER maps, while being blinded to the conventional activation maps.

Conclusions

This novel mapping system was effectively validated by mapping focal activation patterns from atrial‐paced beats. The system was also effective in mapping complex wavefront patterns in a range of ATs in patients with scarred atria. The system may therefore be of practical use in the mapping and ablation of AT and could have potential for mapping wavefront activations in AF.
The role of monocytosis and neutrophilia in atherosclerosis
Authors: Chistiakov Dimitry A. , Grechko Andrey V. , Myasoedova Veronika A. , Melnichenko Alexandra A. , Orekhov Alexander N.
Published: January 2018

Monocytosis and neutrophilia are frequent events in atherosclerosis. These phenomena arise from the increased proliferation of hematopoietic stem and multipotential progenitor cells (HSPCs) and HSPC mobilization from the bone marrow to other immune organs and circulation. High cholesterol and inflammatory signals promote HSPC proliferation and preferential differentiation to the myeloid precursors (i.e., myelopoiesis) that than give rise to pro‐inflammatory immune cells. These cells accumulate in the plaques thereby enhancing vascular inflammation and contributing to further lesion progression. Studies in animal models of atherosclerosis showed that manipulation with HSPC proliferation and differentiation through the activation of LXR‐dependent mechanisms and restoration of cholesterol efflux may have a significant therapeutic potential.
Effects of grape seed extract on lipid oxidation, biogenic amine formation and microbiological quality in Chinese traditional smoke‐cured bacon during storage
Authors: Wang Xinhui , Zhang Yalin , Ren Hongyang
Published: January 2018

Grape seed extract (GSE) as a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial was applied in Chinese traditional smoke‐cured bacon during 2 months storage in a natural ventilating room to improve its food quality and safety. Effects of GSE on color, texture, pH, humidity, microbiological quality, lipid oxidation, and biogenic amine formation in smoke‐cured bacon were investigated. These results revealed that the growth of food spoilage and pathogenic bacteria, such as Enterobacteriaceae, was completely inhibited during storage. The uses of GSE advanced the redness and lightness of Chinese traditional smoke‐cured bacon. GSE application significantly retarded (p < .05) lipid oxidation valuated by formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances test (TBARS) and the TBARS value was reduced by 69.8% in GSE‐treated bacon compared to the control after 2 months storage. The levels of tyramine, cadaverine, and putrescine in GSE‐treated samples were significantly lower than that of the control (p < .05), showing a reduction of 30.7, 37.1 and 29.4%, respectively. Moreover, the levels of histamine were 11.4 and 43.2 mg/kg in GSE‐treated bacon and the control sample, respectively, showing that the GSE application contributed to histamine reduction in smoke‐cured bacon. These findings suggested that GSE could be applied in Chinese traditional smoke‐cured bacon during storage to improve its quality and safety.

Practical applications

High levels of biogenic amine, lipid oxidation, and microbiological quality have been described in Chinese traditional smoke‐cured bacon during storage at room temperature 0–15 °C, which are major problems for public health and food safety. Thus, it is worthwhile to select favorable conditions to strict control biogenic amine accumulation, lipid oxidation, and microbiological quality in smoke‐cured bacon. In this study, in order to improve the food quality and safety of smoke‐cured bacon during storage, grape seed extract (GSE) as a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial was used to extend the shelf life of traditional Chinese smoke‐cured bacon during storage at room temperature for 2 months and effects of GSE on lipid oxidation, biogenic amine formation, and microbiological quality on smoke‐cured bacon were investigated. The GSE as a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial applied into smoke‐cured bacon during storage appears to be beneficial for food safety and quality improvement.
Pretreatment with magnesium sulfate attenuates white matter damage by preventing cell death of developing oligodendrocytes
Authors: Seyama Takahiro , Kamei Yoshimasa , Iriyama Takayuki , Imada Shinya , Ichinose Mari , Toshimitsu Masatake , Fujii Tomoyuki , Asou Hiroaki
Published: January 2018

Aim

Antenatal maternal administration of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) reduces cerebral palsy in preterm infants. However, it remains controversial as to whether it also reduces occurrence of white matter damage, or periventricular leukomalacia. We assessed the effect of MgSO4 against white matter damage induced by hypoxic‐ischemic insult using a neonatal rat model and culture of premyelinating oligodendrocytes (pre‐OL).

Methods

Rat pups at postnatal day (P) 6 were administered either MgSO4 or vehicle intraperitoneally before hypoxic‐ischemic insult (unilateral ligation of the carotid artery followed by 6% oxygen for 1 h). The population of oligodendrocyte (OL) markers and CD‐68‐positive microglia at P11, and TdT‐mediated biotin‐16‐dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL)‐positive cells at P8 were evaluated in pericallosal white matter. Primary cultures of mouse pre‐OL were subjected to oxygen glucose deprivation condition, and the lactate dehydrogenase release from culture cells was evaluated to assess cell viability.

Results

Pretreatment with MgSO4 attenuated the loss of OL markers, such as myelin basic protein and Olig2, in ipsilateral pericallosal white matter and decreased the number of CD‐68‐positive microglia and TUNEL‐positive cells in vivo. Pretreatment with MgSO4 also inhibited lactate dehydrogenase release from pre‐OL induced by oxygen glucose deprivation in vitro.

Conclusion

Pretreatment with MgSO4 attenuates white matter damage by preventing cell death of pre‐OL.
Differences in Perceptions of and Practices Regarding Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders Among VA Primary Care Providers in Urban and Rural Clinics
Authors: Young Jessica P. , Achtmeyer Carol E. , Bensley Kara M. , Hawkins Eric J. , Williams Emily C.
Published: January 2018

Background

Effective behavioral and pharmacological treatments are available and recommended for patients with alcohol use disorders (AUD) but rarely received. Barriers to receipt and provision of evidence‐based AUD treatments delivered by specialists may be greatest in rural areas.

Methods

A targeted subanalysis of qualitative interview data collected from primary care providers at 5 Veterans Affairs clinics was conducted to identify differences in provider perceptions and practices regarding AUD treatment across urban and rural clinics. Key contacts were used to recruit 24 providers from 3 “urban” clinics at medical centers and 2 “rural” community‐based outpatient clinics. Providers completed 30‐minute semistructured interviews, which were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using inductive content analysis.

Results

Thirteen urban and 11 rural providers participated. Urban and rural providers differed regarding referral practices and in perceptions of availability and utility of specialty addictions treatment. Urban providers described referral to specialty treatment as standard practice, while rural providers reported substantial barriers to specialty care access and infrequent specialty care referral. Urban providers viewed specialty addictions treatment as accessible and comprehensive, and perceived addictions providers as “experts” and collaborators, whereas rural providers perceived inadequate support from the health care system for AUD treatment. Urban providers desired greater integration with specialty addictions care while rural providers wanted access to local addictions treatment resources.

Conclusions

Providers in rural settings view referral to specialty addictions treatment as impractical and resources inadequate to treat AUD. Additional work is needed to understand the unique needs of rural clinics and decrease barriers to AUD treatment.
Baby‐friendly hospital practices are associated with duration of full breastfeeding in primiparous but not multiparous Iranian women
Authors: Zarshenas Mahnaz , Zhao Yun , Binns Colin W. , Scott Jane A.
Published: January 2018

There is evidence that the Baby‐Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) results in improved breastfeeding outcomes in Western countries, but little is known of its impact in Middle‐Eastern countries. This study investigated the impact of BFHI practices on duration of full breastfeeding in a cohort of 700 Iranian mothers recruited between June 2014 and March 2015 from maternity hospitals in Shiraz and followed‐up prospectively for 6 months. At baseline, mothers self‐reported exposure to 7 of the BFHI Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding (Steps 3 to 9). Data on breastfeeding outcomes were collected at baseline, 1, 3, 4, and 6 months postpartum. Cox regression analysis was conducted to determine the impact of individual and cumulative BFHI Steps on the duration of full breastfeeding, defined as the number of weeks since discharge that an infant received only breast milk and no complementary formula or food. Mothers reported experiencing on average 3.9 (SD 1.13, range 1 to 7) Steps, and only 28% of infants were fully breastfed at 6 months. There was a protective inverse relationship for primiparous (p for trend = .022) but not multiparous mothers (p for trend = .069), between the number of Steps a woman was exposed to and the likelihood of her discontinuing full breastfeeding within 6 months postpartum. Greater exposure to BFHI practices potentially could increase primiparous mothers' chances of fully breastfeeding to 6 months. Continual monitoring of the BFHI Steps and repeated education of healthcare staff are required to ensure that Iranian mothers receive adequate breastfeeding support.
Estimates of global and regional prevalence of neural tube defects for 2015: a systematic analysis
Authors: Blencowe Hannah , Kancherla Vijaya , Moorthie Sowmiya , Darlison Matthew W. , Modell Bernadette
Published: January 2018

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are associated with substantial mortality, morbidity, disability, and psychological and economic costs. Many are preventable with folic acid, and access to appropriate services for those affected can improve survival and quality of life. We used a compartmental model to estimate global and regional birth prevalence of NTDs (live births, stillbirths, and elective terminations of pregnancy) and subsequent under‐5 mortality. Data were identified through web‐based reviews of birth defect registry databases and systematic literature reviews. Meta‐analyses were undertaken where appropriate. For 2015, our model estimated 260,100 (uncertainty interval (UI): 213,800–322,000) NTD‐affected birth outcomes worldwide (prevalence 18.6 (15.3–23.0)/10,000 live births). Approximately 50% of cases were elective terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomalies (UI: 59,300 (47,900–74,500)) or stillbirths (57,800 (UI: 35,000–88,600)). Of NTD‐affected live births, 117,900 (∼75%) (UI: 105,500–186,600) resulted in under‐5 deaths. Our systematic review showed a paucity of high‐quality data in the regions of the world with the highest burden. Despite knowledge about prevention, NTDs remain highly prevalent worldwide. Lack of surveillance and incomplete ascertainment of affected pregnancies make NTDs invisible to policy makers. Improved surveillance of all adverse outcomes is needed to improve the robustness of total NTD prevalence estimation, evaluate effectiveness of prevention through folic acid fortification, and improve outcomes through care and rehabilitation.
Gene regulatory mechanisms underlying sex differences in brain development and psychiatric disease
Authors: Manoli Devanand S. , Tollkuhn Jessica
Published: January 2018

The sexual differentiation of the mammalian nervous system requires the precise coordination of the temporal and spatial regulation of gene expression in diverse cell types. Sex hormones act at multiple developmental time points to specify sex‐typical differentiation during embryonic and early development and to coordinate subsequent responses to gonadal hormones later in life by establishing sex‐typical patterns of epigenetic modifications across the genome. Thus, mutations associated with neuropsychiatric conditions may result in sexually dimorphic symptoms by acting on different neural substrates or chromatin landscapes in males and females. Finally, as stress hormone signaling may directly alter the molecular machinery that interacts with sex hormone receptors to regulate gene expression, the contribution of chronic stress to the pathogenesis or presentation of mental illness may be additionally different between the sexes. Here, we review the mechanisms that contribute to sexual differentiation in the mammalian nervous system and consider some of the implications of these processes for sex differences in neuropsychiatric conditions.
Oral bisphosphonate use and age‐related macular degeneration: retrospective cohort and nested case–control study
Authors: Garriga Cesar , Pazianas Michael , Hawley Samuel , Delmestri Antonella , Prieto‐Alhambra Daniel , Cooper Cyrus , Judge Andrew
Published: January 2018

Our objective here was to determine whether oral bisphosphonate (BP) use is associated with the incidence of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). We performed a population‐based study using electronic health records from UK primary care (Clinical Practice Research Datalink). A cohort of 13,974 hip fracture patients (1999–2013) was used to conduct (1) a propensity score–matched cohort analysis and (2) a nested case–control analysis. Hip fracture patients were aged ≥50 years without AMD diagnosis before hip fracture date or in the first year of follow‐up. Among 6208 matched patients and during 22,142 person‐years of follow‐up, 57 (1.8%) and 42 (1.4%) AMD cases occurred in BP users and non‐BP users, respectively. The survival analysis model did not provide significant evidence of a higher risk of AMD in BP users (subhazard ratio: 1.60; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95–2.72; P = 0.08), although there was a significant increased risk among BP users with high medication possession ratio (MPR) (top quartile) relative to non‐BP users (odds ratio: 5.08, 95% CI: 3.11–8.30; P < 0.001, respectively). Overall, oral BP use was not associated with an increased risk of AMD in this cohort of hip fracture patients, although the risk increased significantly with higher MPR. More data are needed to confirm these findings.