bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution of knowing in practice to dynamic capabilities
Authors: Linden Ane Isabel , Bitencourt Claudia , Muller Neto Hugo Fridolino
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the contribution of knowing in practice (KP) to the development of dynamic capabilities (DC) in the context of health-care organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a case study in a Brazilian hospital in three stages using the data collection techniques of interviews, focus groups, shadowing and conjoint analysis. The participants were health-care employees, supervisors, project managers and members of the board of directors.

Findings

This paper identifies the contribution of KP to develop DC based on strategic practices and their respective microprocesses as key elements to DC microfoundations. In the end, the paper points out a mutual contribution between the theoretical approaches.

Research limitations/implications

This proposal makes sense in organizations where the practices have a strategic nature, such as hospitals and service providers.

Practical implications

This study suggests an alignment between strategic and operational views, stimulating learning across organizational levels.

Originality/value

KP helps to give DC a tangible form by including a human dimension into microfoundations, giving voice to practitioners in the strategic decisions. The integration of KP and DC approaches allows organizations to perceive DC in daily practices making DC present in every organizational level, stimulating a continuous organizational learning process.
Education professionals’ attitudes towards the inclusion of children with ADHD: the role of knowledge and stigma
Authors: Toye Martin K. , Wilson Claire , Wardle Georgina A.
Published: December 2018

Attitudes play a pivotal role in the inclusion of children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in mainstream schools but little is known about factors that influence these. This study investigated the effect of ADHD knowledge and stigma on professionals attitudes towards mainstream inclusion. Teachers, support staff, school managers and educational psychologists completed questionnaires assessing ADHD knowledge, stigma and attitudes towards inclusion. Psychologists displayed more knowledge, had less stigmatising beliefs and more inclusive attitudes than other professions. Regression analyses revealed those with more knowledge of ADHD and less stigma held more positive attitudes towards mainstream inclusion. Results have implications for how to promote inclusive beliefs about ADHD.
The Modification of In Situ SiOx Chitosan Coatings by ZnO/TiO2 NPs and Its Preservation Properties to Silver Carp Fish Balls
Authors: Wei Xu‐qing , Li Xue‐peng , Wu Chao‐ling , Yi Shu‐min , Zhong Ke‐li , Sun Tong , Li Jian‐rong
Published: December 2018

The composite chitosan coatings were prepared and characterized to evaluate their preservation properties for silver carp fish balls, and the microstructures and physicochemical properties of the coatings were improved by in situ nano silicon oxide (SiOx) and zinc oxide/titania (ZnO/TiO2) nano‐particles (NPs). In the chitosan coatings, when the chitosan combines with NPs by chemical bonds, the crystal lattice is slightly changed due to the modification of NPs. The chitosan coatings modified by NPs showed few cracks, among which sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) modified ZnO/TiO2/SiOx‐chitosan (ZTS‐CS) coating is proved to be the optimal one. The change of the freshness index and the texture of the fish balls are delayed by the coatings due to their gas permeability and antibacterial properties. The preservation properties of the chitosan coatings for Silver Carp fish balls are improved by in situ SiOx, and further improved by co‐modification of ZnO/TiO2 NPs. Furthermore, the surface modification of ZnO/TiO2 NPs enhances the preservation properties of the chitosan coating.

Practical Application

In our previous study, in situ SiOx was found to improve antibacterial and preservation properties of chitosan coating, leading to extending shelf time of Sciaenops ocellatus. In order to further improve properties of chitosan coatings, we added nontoxic edible nano materials to the in situ SiOx chitosan coatings. In situ SiOx modified by ZnO/TiO2 NPs were synthesized, measured, and characterized in this study, and were applied for the preservation of silver carp fish balls. It could serve as a potential preservation material due to the increasing mechanical preservation properties. Through the results, the ZnO/TiO2/SiOx‐chitosan (ZTS‐CS) coatings have potential as application in the food industry to guarantee food quality and extend shelf life of products.
Steroid treatment in patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure precipitated by hepatitis B: A 10‐year cohort study in a university hospital in East China
Authors: Huang Chong , Yu Kang Kang , Zheng Jian Ming , Li Ning
Published: December 2018

Objective

To investigate retrospectively the efficacy of steroids in patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) precipitated by hepatitis B.

Methods

Patients with ACLF precipitated by hepatitis B were included and categorized according to treatment modalities (steroid vs. control). Survival and clinical characteristics, including patients’ age, baseline ACLF grade, the model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score, and occurrence of infection were compared between the two groups. Survival analyses of subgroups classified by their age, ACLF grade and MELD score were performed. Cox regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with 60‐day cumulative and transplant‐free mortality.

Results

From 2007 to 2016, 293 patients with hepatitis B‐precipitated ACLF were recruited, among whom 162 received at least five consecutive doses of corticosteroids. By day 60 transplant‐free survival was 62.6% in the control group compared with 53.7% in the steroid group (P = 0.126). Steroid treatment failed to show a survival benefit in the survival analysis among the subgroup. Within 60 days, pulmonary and overall infections occurred with higher frequency in the steroid‐treated group than in the controls (P = 0.003 and < 0.001, respectively). In the univariate analysis, age, baseline MELD score >20, CLIF consortium (CLIF‐C) ACLF grade 2‐3, pulmonary infection and overall infection were associated with 60‐day mortality. In the multivariate analysis, older age, baseline MELD score >20 and CLIF‐C ACLF grade 2‐3 were independent risk factors of 60‐day mortality.

Conclusion

Steroid treatment did not improve transplant‐free survival in patients with ACLF precipitated by hepatitis B.
Ann Cook versus Hannah Glasse: Gender, Professionalism and Readership in the Eighteenth‐Century Cookbook
Authors: Monnickendam Andrew
Published: December 2018

Ann Cook's Professed Cookery (1760) contains a vitriolic attack on the most celebrated cookery book of the eighteenth century, Hannah Glasse's The Art of Cookery, Made Plain and Easy (1747). In addition to analysing this conflict, this article also explores Cook's previously unobserved ‘A Plan of House‐Keeping’, which depicts a utopian vision of housekeeping based on a partly real but largely imagined sorority. It concludes that throughout her writing Cook could not conceive that a cookbook might be read by those not requiring instruction.
Attitudes toward defendants with substance‐related charges: An analysis of a national sample of criminal defense attorneys
Authors: Avery Joseph J. , Starck Jordan , Xu Yuanda , Avery Jonathan D. , Cooper Joel
Published: December 2018

Background and Objectives

While a large percentage of criminal offenders suffer from substance use disorders (SUDs), virtually nothing is known about the attitudes criminal defense attorneys possess toward their clients who are facing substance‐related charges. This is a serious concern, as the burden of steering individuals with SUDs into treatment often falls to criminal defense attorneys. The goal of this study was to examine the attitudes of criminal defense attorneys toward individuals who have been accused of drug crimes.

Methods

A questionnaire was sent to criminal defense attorneys (N = 1,933) from all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. It was comprised of (i) demographic information and (ii) a version of the 11‐item Medical Condition Regard Scale (MCRS).

Results

Criminal defense attorneys held generally positive attitudes toward clients with substance‐related charges, but there was a significant divergence in attitudes between private and public attorneys, with the latter showing both greater familiarity with and better attitudes toward this same group of clients. These differences were impactful: worse attitudes toward clients strongly correlated with greater predictions that the clients would reoffend.

Conclusion and Scientific Significance

Given the magnitude of the incarcerated population with SUDs and the centrality of defense attorneys in the treatment process, especially its initiation, the divergence in attitudes between private and public criminal defense attorneys is concerning. There is a clear need for increased collaboration between physicians and attorneys, with an aim of increasing the number of individuals with SUDs receiving proper treatment (Am J Addict 2018;XX:1–7).
Cultures, Open and in Process: An Interview with Ulf Hannerz
Authors: Yelvington Kevin A. , Ramassote Rodrigo Martins
Published: December 2018

In this interview, Ulf Hannerz reflects on the relationship between the development of his career as an anthropologist and the elaboration of his theoretical positions. He recalls some of his fieldwork experiences and connects those experiences to his emerging conceptual apparatus in his own take on the culture concept, on cosmopolitanism, on creolization and cultural hybridity, on cultural flows and fluxes, on urban globalization and global futures, and on nationalism and transnationalism. He pauses to consider some of the controversies surrounding his earlier work in Washington, DC, and “ghetto culture” as well as his entry into the debates on the creolization concept. Given his interest in the history and politics of anthropology—and where anthropology is headed in the future—Hannerz also locates his own intellectual production and the influences on, and evolution of, his theoretical and ethnographic perspectives in the competing histories of national traditions, making critical comments on the hierarchization of anthropology and the advent of accountability regimes negatively affecting the discipline. [culture, cultural anthropology, creolization, globalization, Ulf Hannerz]
Impact of a physician‐led pre‐hospital critical care team on outcomes after major trauma
Authors: Hepple D. J. , Durrand J. W. , Bouamra O. , Godfrey P.
Published: December 2018

The deployment of physician‐led pre‐hospital enhanced care teams capable of critical care interventions at the scene of injury may confer a survival benefit to victims of major trauma. However, the evidence base for this widely adopted model is disputed. Failure to identify a clear survival benefit has been attributed to several factors, including an inherently more severely injured patient group who are attended by these teams. We undertook a novel retrospective analysis of the impact of a regional enhanced care team on observed vs. predicted patient survival based on outcomes recorded by the UK Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN). The null hypothesis of this study was that attendance of an enhanced care team would make no difference to the number of ‘unexpected survivors’. Patients attended by an enhanced care team were more seriously injured. Analysis of Trauma Audit and Research Network patient outcomes did not demonstrate an improved adjusted survival rate for trauma patients who were treated by a physician‐led enhanced care team, but confirmed differences in patient characteristics and severity of injury for those who were attended by the team. We conclude that a further prospective multicentre analysis is warranted. An essential prerequisite for this would be to address the current blind spot in the Trauma Audit and Research Network database – patients who die from trauma before ever reaching hospital. We speculate that early on‐scene critical care may convert this cohort of invisible trauma deaths into patients who might survive to reach hospital. Routine collection of data from these patients is warranted to include them in future studies.
Linked Matrix Factorization
Authors: O'Connell Michael J. , Lock Eric F.
Published: December 2018

Several recent methods address the dimension reduction and decomposition of linked high-content data matrices. Typically, these methods consider one dimension, rows or columns, that is shared among the matrices. This shared dimension may represent common features measured for different sample sets (horizontal integration) or a common sample set with features from different platforms (vertical integration). We introduce an approach for simultaneous horizontal and vertical integration, Linked Matrix Factorization (LMF), for the general case where some matrices share rows (e.g., features) and some share columns (e.g., samples). Our motivating application is a cytotoxicity study with accompanying genomic and molecular chemical attribute data. The toxicity matrix (cell lines chemicals) shares samples with a genotype matrix (cell lines SNPs) and shares features with a molecular attribute matrix (chemicals attributes). LMF gives a unified low-rank factorization of these three matrices, which allows for the decomposition of systematic variation that is shared and systematic variation that is specific to each matrix. This allows for efficient dimension reduction, exploratory visualization, and the imputation of missing data even when entire rows or columns are missing. We present theoretical results concerning the uniqueness, identifiability, and minimal parametrization of LMF, and evaluate it with extensive simulation studies.
Response duration and survival shorten after each relapse in patients with follicular lymphoma treated in the rituximab era
Authors: Rivas‐Delgado Alfredo , Magnano Laura , Moreno‐Velázquez Miriam , García Olga , Nadeu Ferran , Mozas Pablo , Dlouhy Ivan , Baumann Tycho , Rovira Jordina , González‐Farre Blanca , Martínez Antonio , Balague Olga , Delgado Julio , Villamor Neus , Giné Eva , Campo Elías , Sancho‐Cia Juan M. , López‐Guillermo Armando
Published: December 2018

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is an indolent disease characterized by long survival but frequent relapses. Before the introduction of rituximab, the clinical course of these patients showed a shorter response duration (RD) after each relapse. In this study, we analysed if this pattern of shortened responses remains in patients treated in the rituximab era. We selected 348 patients newly diagnosed with FL in two institutions between 2001 and 2014 that received chemoimmunotherapy. After a median follow‐up of 6·3 years, 10‐year progression‐free and overall survivals were 53% and 72%, respectively. All patients received first‐line, 111 second‐line and 41 third‐line treatments, with a 5‐year RD of 62%, 39% and 24%, respectively (P < 0·0001). Variables predicting longer RD after first‐line treatment were normal β2microglobulin, complete remission achievement and maintenance with rituximab. Patients with longer RD after first‐line showed significantly longer RD after second‐line therapy. Autologous stem‐cell transplantation after second‐line therapy did not significantly impact RD. Median survival after first, second and third therapies was not reached, 7·6 and 4·8 years, respectively, whereas relative survival with respect to a sex‐ and age‐matched Spanish population, the decrease in the life expectancy at 10 years was 17%, 45% and 79%, respectively. Thus, RD still shortens after each relapse in patients with FL treated in first line with rituximab combinations.
The duration of infertility affects semen parameters in primary infertile men: results of a single‐centre, cross‐sectional study
Authors: Boeri Luca , Ventimiglia Eugenio , Capogrosso Paolo , Pecoraro Angela , Pederzoli Filippo , Cazzaniga Walter , Pozzi Edoardo , Alfano Massimo , Viganò Paola , Montanari Emanuele , Montorsi Francesco , Salonia Andrea
Published: December 2018

Objective

To assess the relationship between the duration of infertility (DI) and the seminal parameters of a cohort of White‐European primary infertile men.

Patients and Methods

Data from 1644 infertile men were analysed. Patients were grouped according to the self‐reported DI into 12‐month time frames. Semen analysis values were assessed based on 2010 World Health Organisation reference criteria. Descriptive statistics tested the difference in clinical, hormonal and seminal parameters between groups. Logistic regression models assessed the impact of DI on semen parameters.

Results

A DI of <12, 13–24, 25–36, 37–48, 49–60 and >60 months was found in 207 (12.6%), 651 (39.6%), 387 (23.5%), 168 (10.2%), 92 (5.6%) and 139 (8.4%) men, respectively. Patient's age (P < 0.001) and body mass index (P < 0.001) significantly increased along with DI. Hormonal values were similar across groups. Sperm concentration significantly decreased with DI (P = 0.01). Similarly, a higher rate of non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) was more frequently found in men with a longer DI (P = 0.03). There were no differences in semen volume, sperm progressive motility, total motile sperm count (TMSC), and normal morphology across groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that DI was significantly associated with the risk of oligozoospermia (P < 0.001), TMSC <5 × 106 (P < 0.001), and NOA (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This cross‐sectional study showed that DI had a negative impact on semen parameters in primary infertile men. Sperm concentration was negatively associated with DI and patients with a longer DI reported higher rates of azoospermia. Furthermore, DI was significantly associated with a higher risk of oligozoospermia, low TMSC, and NOA.
Comparison of madder (Rubia tinctorum L.) and weld (Reseda luteola L.) total extracts and their individual dye compounds with regard to their dyeing behaviour, colour, and stability towards light
Authors: Willemen Hendra , van den Meijdenberg Geeske J. P. , van Beek Teris A. , Derksen Goverdina C. H.
Published: December 2018

This paper reports on the colorimetric properties of natural dyes from madder and weld plants. For both crops, a comparison is made among several individual dye compounds and the total plant extracts. Dyeing properties, colour properties and colour stability have been studied. Insight has been gained into the role of the major dye compounds present in the plant. For madder as well as for weld, the use of the total plant extract is considered to be advantageous over the use of individual dye compounds in terms of solubility, colour tone and stability towards light, and non‐coloured components present in the plant extract are considered to be responsible for increasing the solubility and the stability of the dye compounds.
Influence of breakfast on hemodynamics after lunch – a sonographic evaluation of mesenteric and cervical blood flows
Authors: Ishizeki Ayano , Kishino Tomonori , Ogura Sawano , Kuga Haruna , Masai Yuki , Harashima Keiichiro , Nakajima Satoshi , Otaki Junichi , Ohnishi Hiroaki , Watanabe Takashi
Published: December 2018

Hemodynamics is subject to change after eating meals, which may be related to various postprandial physical statuses such as hypotension or daytime sleepiness. Previous studies have shown that blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) increases after meals, but conflicting results have been reported regarding blood flow in the common carotid artery (CCA). In those studies, the fasting interval before the meal was not taken into account. For example, eating breakfast shortly before lunch may affect hemodynamics in these vessels. The present study therefore investigated hemodynamics in the CCA and SMA after lunch, comparing cases with and without breakfast. Subjects comprised 24 healthy young adults (mean age, 22 ± 1 years). Duplex Doppler sonography was performed to measure blood flow values for calculating flow volume (FV) before and after lunch until 3 h postprandially, on each day with breakfast and without breakfast, respectively, in every subject. Net FV after lunch did not differ between cases with and without breakfast, either in the SMA or in the CCA. Blood FV in the SMA was significantly increased after eating lunch regardless of whether breakfast was eaten (P<0·05 each). However, FV in the CCA was significantly decreased until 1 h after lunch compared with the preprandial state in cases without breakfast (P<0·05), but not in cases with breakfast. In conclusion, a sudden decrease in FV in the CCA from the preprandial state is seen after lunch when breakfast is skipped.
The protective roles of NLRP6 in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Yin Jiuheng , Sheng Baifa , Yang Kunqiu , Sun Lihua , Xiao Weidong , Yang Hua
Published: December 2018

The evolution of chronic inflammatory diseases is thought to be due to a combination of host genetic variations and environmental factors that include the alteration of intestinal flora, termed “dysbiosis.” The intestinal mucosal barrier includes a chemical barrier and physical barrier that have important roles in protecting the intestine against inflammatory injury. The chemical barrier includes antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and the physical barrier includes a mucous layer, a monolayer of intestinal epithelial cells and cell junctions. The intestinal mucosal barrier is not a static barrier, but rather, it strongly interacts with the gut microbiome and cells of the immune system. Correct expression of AMPs, together with mucus and balanced epithelial cell proliferation, prevents the occurrence of disease. NLRP6, a member of the nucleotide‐binding domain, leucine‐rich repeat‐containing (NLR) innate immune receptor family, participates in the progression of intestinal inflammation and enteric pathogen infections. It has become apparent in recent years that NLRP6 is important in disease pathogenesis, as it responds to internal ligands that lead to the release of AMPs and mucus, thus regulating the regeneration of intestinal epithelial cells. This review summarizes the activation of NLRP6 and its protective role in the intestinal epithelial cell.
Clinicopathological and immunological features of follicular pancreatitis – a distinct disease entity characterised by Th17 activation
Authors: Ryota Hironori , Ishida Mitsuaki , Satoi Sohei , Yanagimoto Hiroaki , Yamamoto Tomohisa , Kosaka Hisashi , Hirooka Satoshi , Yamaki So , Kotsuka Masaya , Matsui Yoichi , Ikeura Tsukasa , Uchida Kazushige , Takaoka Makoto , Okazaki Kazuichi , Tsuta Koji
Published: December 2018

Aim

Follicular pancreatitis is a recently recognised, distinct clinicopathological entity characterised by the presence of many intrapancreatic lymphoid follicles with reactive germinal centres. However, the clinicopathological and immunological features and causes have not yet been established. We assessed the clinicopathological and immunological profiles of patients with follicular pancreatitis who underwent surgery.

Methods and results

This study included three patients with pancreatic masses (age range = 62–75 years; women:men: 1:2). A histopathological study of the resected pancreatic masses revealed abundant lymphoid follicles with reactive germinal centres in both periductal regions and diffusely within the parenchyma. No storiform fibrosis, obliterative phlebitis or granulocytic epithelial lesions were observed. The immunohistochemical examination revealed an IgG4/IgG‐positive plasma cell ratio <30% in all patients. Podoplanin (Th17 marker)‐expressing lymphocytes were present in the lymphoid follicles of those with follicular pancreatitis, whereas these were absent in normal lymph nodes and in lymphoid follicles of those with IgG4‐related autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). An RNA digital counting assay clearly demonstrated that the expression counts of 20 genes, including dendritic cells and lymphoid follicles markers, and related cytokines were significantly higher in follicular pancreatitis than in IgG4‐related AIP (P < 0.01). The expressions of CCR6 and IL23A, which are genes related to Th17, were high.

Conclusions

This study shows that follicular pancreatitis is a histopathologically and immunologically distinct disease entity of pancreatitis and is characterised by upregulated Th17 expression.
Biocompatibility and immunohistochemical evaluation of a new calcium silicate‐based cement, Bio‐C Pulpo
Authors: Cosme‐Silva L. , Gomes‐Filho J. E. , Benetti F. , Dal‐Fabbro R. , Sakai V. T. , Cintra L. T. A. , Ervolino E. , Viola N. V.
Published: December 2018

Aim

To evaluate the inflammatory response and ability to induce mineral deposition through histological and immunohistochemical analysis for osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN) and bone sialoprotein (BSP) of a new calcium silicate‐based cement, Bio‐C Pulpo (Angelus), compared to white mineral trioxide aggregate (White MTA‐Ang) (Angelus).

Methodology

Polyethylene tubes containing Bio‐C Pulpo and White MTA‐Ang as well as empty tubes were implanted into the dorsal connective tissue of 30 Wistar rats, which were arranged in five groups according to the period of analysis: 7, 15, 30, 60 and 90 days. After each experimental period, the tubes with surrounding tissue were removed and histologically processed to be analysed using haematoxylin–eosin and immunohistochemistry for the detection of OCN, OPN and BSP. The data were statistically analysed (Friedman's test) at a 5% significance level.

Results

The inflammatory response observed with Bio‐C Pulpo and White MTA‐Ang was greater after 7 and 15 days and decreased from 30 days onwards. No significant difference was found between the control, Bio‐C Pulpo and White MTA‐Ang at the different periods of analysis (P > 0.05). The immunolabelling for OCN, OPN and BSP was more intense for Bio‐C Pulpo and White MTA‐Ang after 60 and 90 days, but there was no difference between Bio‐C Pulpo and White MTA‐Ang at the different periods of analysis (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Bio‐C Pulpo is biocompatible and induces immunolabelling of osteogenic markers such as OCN, OPN and BSP similar to White MTA‐Ang.
Preparation and characterization of porous anorthite ceramics from red mud and fly ash
Authors: Xiang Weiheng , Ding Qingjun , Zhang Gaozhan
Published: December 2018

The porous anorthite ceramics with high porosity, good mechanical strength and low heat conductivity were prepared using red mud and fly ash as raw materials via the pore forming method. The effects of sintering temperature and fly ash on phase evolution, densification, compressive strength, thermal conductivity and microstructure of the ceramic materials were investigated. The results showed that the compressive strength of the porous ceramics had an obvious improvement with the increase in fly ash, and the densification and heat conductivity decreased firstly and then increased. In particular, specimen S2 containing 30 wt% red mud and 40 wt% fly ash sintered at 1150°C had the better performances. It had the water absorption of 18.18%, open porosity of 38.52%, bulk density of 1.29 g/cm3, compressive strength of 42.46 MPa, and heat conductivity of 1.24 W/m·K. X‐ray diffraction analysis indicated that mullite, anorthite, α‐quartz, and diopside ferrian were the dominant phases in the specimens. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs illustrated that plenty of open pores with strip shape and closed pores with axiolitic shape existed in the specimens. Furthermore, the existence of mullite could prevent crack propagation to enhance the energy of inter‐granular fracture. It endowed the porous anorthite ceramics with high porosity, good compressive strength, and low heat conductivity.
The forward‐backward and dual‐panel translation methods are comparable in producing semantic equivalent versions of a heart quality of life questionnaire
Authors: Lee Wan Ling , Chinna Karuthan , Lim Abdullah Khatijah , Zainal Abidin Imran
Published: December 2018

Aim

To investigate semantic equivalence between two translated versions of the heart quality of life (HeartQoL) questionnaire produced by the forward‐backward and dual‐panel methods.

Methods

The forward‐backward and dual‐panel versions of HeartQoL were self‐administered among 60 participants who met the inclusion criteria of being a native Bahasa Malaysia‐speaking Malay, aged 18 and older, having an indexed diagnosis of ischaemic heart disease and being cognitively fit. The administration sequence of the two versions was randomized. Additionally, three sociolinguists, who were blinded to translation processes and survey findings, rated the translated versions against the source version on three aspects of semantic equivalence.

Results

Textual content in both translated versions was considerably similar (n = 9/14 items, ≈64%). The overall results from weighted kappa, raw agreement, intraclass correlations, and Wilcoxon signed‐rank as well as experts' ratings were confirmative of semantic equivalence between the forward‐backward and dual‐panel versions of the HeartQoL. However, some mixed findings were indicative of potential gaps in both translated versions against the source version.

Conclusion

Both the forward‐backward and dual‐panel methods produced semantically equivalent versions of HeartQoL; but translation alone is insufficient to narrow the subtle gaps caused by differences in culture and linguistic style.
Genetic determinants of BMI from early childhood to adolescence: the Santiago Longitudinal Study
Authors: Justice A.E. , Chittoor G. , Blanco E. , Graff M. , Wang Y. , Albala C. , Santos J.L. , Angel B. , Lozoff B. , Voruganti V.S. , North K.E. , Gahagan S.
Published: December 2018

Background

While the genetic contribution to obesity is well established, few studies have examined how genetic variants influence standardized body mass index Z‐score (BMIz) in Hispanics/Latinos, especially across childhood and adolescence.

Objectives

We estimated the effect of established BMIz loci in Chilean children of the Santiago Longitudinal Study (SLS).

Methods

We examined associations with BMIz at age 10 for 15 loci previously identified in European children. For significant loci, we performed association analyses at ages 5 and 16 years, for which we have smaller sample sizes. We tested associations of unweighted genetic risk scores (GRSs) for previously identified tag variants (GRS_EUR) and from the most significant variants in SLS at each locus (GRS_SLS).

Results

We generalized five variants at age 10 (P < 0.05 and directionally consistent), including rs543874 that reached Bonferroni‐corrected significance. The effect on BMIz was greatest at age 10 for all significant loci, except FTO, which exhibited an increase in effect from ages 5 to 16. Both GRSs were associated with BMIz (P < 0.0001), but GRS_SLS explained a much greater proportion of the variation (13.63%).

Conclusion

Our results underscore the importance of conducting genetic investigations across life stages and selecting ancestry appropriate tag variants in future studies for disease prediction and clinical evaluation.
Sugary, fatty, and prominent: food and beverage appearances in children's movies from 1991 to 2015
Authors: Matthes Jörg , Naderer Brigitte
Published: December 2018

Background

Media presentations of unhealthy food are considered a contributor to childhood obesity.

Objective

This study describes food and beverage presentations in a longitudinal sample of children's movies.

Methods

We conducted a content analysis of the 250 most successful children's movies from 1991 to 2015. We identified and coded food and beverage appearances and differentiated between healthy, mixed, and unhealthy products. We also coded integration characteristics and movie characteristics.

Results

A total of 6414 references occurred. Out of these, 41.4% presented clearly unhealthy products. Furthermore, unhealthy products were more likely to be presented centrally, to be evaluated positively, to be interacted with, and to be consumed compared with healthy or mixed foods and beverages. Year and country of production as well as age rating did not have any effects on the appearance and integration of unhealthy products.

Conclusions

The predominance of unhealthy foods and beverages in children's movies is a global and stable phenomenon that concerns children of all ages. Given the ways with which unhealthy foods and beverages are integrated into children's movies, their persuasive potential is much higher compared with healthy and mixed foods and beverages, thus potentially promoting factors that increase childhood obesity.
Lumbar spine fusion: what is the evidence?
Authors: Harris Ian A. , Traeger Adrian , Stanford Ralph , Maher Christopher G. , Buchbinder Rachelle
Published: December 2018

Lumbar spine fusion is a common procedure associated with a high cost burden and risk of serious complications. We aimed to summarise systematic reviews on the effectiveness of lumbar spine fusion for most diagnoses. We found no high‐quality systematic reviews and the risk of bias of the randomised controlled trials in the reviews was generally high. The available evidence does not support a benefit from spine fusion compared to non‐operative alternatives for back pain associated with degeneration. The available evidence does not support a clinical benefit from spine fusion compared to non‐operative treatment or stabilisation without fusion for thoracolumbar burst fractures. Benefits of spine fusion compared to non‐operative treatment for isthmic spondylolisthesis are unclear (one trial at high risk of bias). Surgical intervention for metastatic carcinoma of the spine associated with spinal cord compromise improves mobility and neurological outcome (based on a single trial). Better evidence is required to determine more accurately the effectiveness of spine fusion surgery for all indications. Patients contemplating spinal fusion should be fully informed about the evidence base for their particular problem, including the relative potential benefits and harms of fusion compared with non‐operative treatments.
The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre lung cancer clinical audit: collecting the UK National Lung Cancer Audit data from hospitals in Australia
Authors: Mileshkin Linda , Dunn Catherine , Cross Hannah , Duffy Mary , Shaw Mark , Antippa Phillip , Mitchell Paul , Akhurst Tim , Conron Matthew , Moore Melissa , Philip Jenny , Bartlett James , Emery Jon , Zambello Belinda
Published: December 2018

Background

Clinical audit may improve practice in cancer service provision. The UK National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA) collects data for all new cases of thoracic cancers.

Aim

To collect similar data for our Victorian patients from six hospitals within the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre and associated Western and Central Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective audit of all newly diagnosed patients with lung cancer and mesothelioma in 2013 across the six Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre/Western and Central Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service hospitals. The objectives were to adapt the NLCA data set for use in the Australian context, to analyse the findings using descriptive statistics and to determine feasibility of implementing a routine, ongoing audit similar to that in the UK. Individual data items were adapted from the NLCA by an expert steering committee. Data were collated from the Victorian Cancer Registry, Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset and individual hospital databases. Individual medical records were audited for missing data.

Results

Eight hundred and forty‐five patients were diagnosed across the sites in 2013. Most were aged 65–80 (55%) and were male (62%). Most had non‐small‐cell lung cancer (81%) with 9% diagnosed with small cell lung cancer and 2% with mesothelioma. Data completeness varied significantly between fields. For those with higher levels of completeness, headline indicators of clinical care were comparable with NLCA data. The Victorian population seem to lack access to specialist lung cancer nurse services.

Conclusion

Lung cancer care at participating hospitals appeared to be comparable with the UK in 2013. In future, prospective data collection should be harmonised across sites and correlated with survival outcomes. One area of concern was a lack of documented access to specialist nursing services.
Risk factors for mortality in patients with diabetic foot infections: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Lynar Sarah A. , Robinson Claire H. , Boutlis Craig S. , Commons Robert J.
Published: December 2018

Background

An increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus has led to a high risk of diabetic foot infections (DFI) and associated morbidity. However, little is known about the relationship between DFI and mortality.

Aim

To investigate the risk of mortality and associated factors in patients with DFI in an Australian context.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of inpatients with DFI between May 2012 and October 2016 was done at Royal Darwin Hospital, a tertiary referral hospital for the Top End of the Northern Territory. Primary outcome was 1‐year mortality with Cox regression analysis undertaken to assess risk factors for mortality.

Results

Four hundred and thirteen consecutive adult diabetic patients with 737 admissions were referred to the High‐Risk Foot Service for DFI. Cumulative risk of mortality at 1 year was 8.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 6.4–12.2). On univariable analysis, mortality was associated with older age (hazard ratio (HR) per year increase 1.08, 95% CI 1.06–1.11, P = 0.001), haemodialysis (HR 3.64, 1.74–7.62, P < 0.001), isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (HR 2.32, 1.05–5.12, P = 0.04) and ischaemic heart disease (HR 2.05, 1.04–4.07, P = 0.04), while indigenous status (HR 0.48, 0.25–0.95, P = 0.04) and HbA1c > 7% (HR 0.45, 0.20–0.99, P < 0.05) were protective. After adjusting for confounders, independent risk factors for mortality were haemodialysis (adjusted HR 5.76, 95% CI 2.28–14.59, P < 0.001) and older age (adjusted HR 1.09, 1.06–1.13, P < 0.001). Patients on haemodialysis had a cumulative risk of mortality of 24.5% (95% CI 14.0–40.8) at 1 year.

Conclusion

There is a high risk of mortality associated with DFI, substantially increased in patients undergoing haemodialysis, highlighting the importance of early and dedicated interventions targeted at this high‐risk group.
Role of venous blood gases in hypercapnic respiratory failure chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients presenting to the emergency department
Authors: Wong Eric Ka Cheong , Lee Philip (Cheuk Shing) , Ansary Saidul , Asha Stephen , Wong Keith K. H. , Yee Brendon J. , Ng Andrew T.
Published: December 2018

Background

Many patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) have type 2 respiratory failure (T2RF). Often arterial blood gases are not performed and correlation with venous blood gases (VBG) is controversial. The venous pH and bicarbonate (HCO3) are useful, but VBG pCO2 (PvCO2) is considered too unpredictable.

Aim

To examine the utility of VBG in this cohort of patients.

Methods

A prospective study of AECOPD patients with T2RF presenting to the emergency department was performed. Patients being considered for non‐invasive ventilation and who required an arterial blood gas were invited to participate. A subsequent VBG was also taken, and Bland–Altman plots were used for analysis.

Results

Sixty‐three patients were included in this study. The limits of agreement for pH and HCO3 were narrow. Wider limits of agreement with a systematic bias of 7.7 mmHg were noted with pCO2.

Conclusions

The utility of VBG pH and HCO3 was again demonstrated. VBG pCO2 in this cohort of patients may have a role in the assessment of patients with AECOPD. Further study is needed on the possible role of VBG in the management of such patients with T2RF particularly those using non‐invasive ventilation.
Working towards least restrictive environments in acute mental health wards in the context of locked door policy and practice
Authors: Fletcher Justine , Hamilton Bridget , Kinner Stuart , Sutherland Georgina , King Kylie , Tellez Juan Jose , Harvey Carol , Brophy Lisa
Published: December 2018

There has been a shift towards provision of mental health care in community‐based settings in Australia. However, hospitals continue to care for people in acute mental health wards. An increasing proportion of the people in wards are admitted involuntarily, subject to restrictions of movement to minimize risk of harm to self and others. In response to concerns about the safety of people absconding from care, Queensland Health introduced a policy requiring all acute mental health wards in the State to be locked. In response, the Queensland Mental Health Commission funded a project to understand the impact of this policy and develop evidence‐based recommendations regarding provision of least restrictive, recovery‐oriented practices in acute wards. Facilitated forums were conducted with 35 purposively selected participants who identified as consumers, carers, or staff of acute mental health hospital wards, to test the acceptability, feasibility, and face validity of a set of evidence‐informed recommendations for providing least restrictive, recovery‐oriented practices. Participant responses were recorded, and data were analysed through an inductive, thematic approach. A recovery‐oriented approach was supported by all stakeholders. Reducing boredom and increasing availability of peer support workers were considered key to achieving this. Focusing less on risk aversion was reported as central to enabling true Recovery Orientation. This project enabled recognition of the perspectives of consumers, carers, and staff in the consideration of evidence‐informed recommendations that could be implemented to provide least restrictive care in the context of locked doors.
In situ hot‐pressed ZrB2‐based composite with polycarbosilane‐derived SiC: Microstructure and mechanical behavior
Authors: Guo Shuqi
Published: December 2018

In this study, a homogenously dispersed finer SiC particles‐containing ZrB2 composite was prepared using nanosized polycarbosilane (PCS) particles‐containing ZrB2 mixture powder, followed by hot pressing. The microstructure of the resulting composite was characterized by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The composite microstructure comprised finer equiaxed ZrB2 and SiC grains. The mechanical behavior of the composite was evaluated using four‐point bending test at different temperatures between room temperature (RT) and 1600°C. The results show that the composite exhibited only linear deformation behavior prior fracture at or below 1500°C. However, a trace quantity of nonlinear deformation was observed at 1600°C. In addition, the flexural strength of the composite decreased as the temperature increased from RT to 1200°C, then the strength increased as the temperature raised to 1400°C. Subsequently, the flexural strength remained almost the constant between 1400°C and 1600°C, with a strength of ~760 MPa.
Predicting beta diversity of terrestrial and aquatic beetles using ecogeographical variables: insights from the replacement and richness difference components
Authors: Heino Jani , Alahuhta Janne , Fattorini Simone , Schmera Dénes
Published: December 2018

Aim

We examined the responses of the beta diversity of aquatic and terrestrial beetles to ecogeographical variables, including climate, land cover and land use, across Northern Europe.

Location

Northern Europe (Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland).

Methods

Information on the occurrence of ground beetles and diving beetles across Northern European biogeographical provinces was collated from literature sources. Beta diversity was examined using Jaccard dissimilarity coefficient as well as its replacement and richness difference components. Each of the three dissimilarity matrices (responses) was modelled using various ecogeographical variables (predictors) by generalized dissimilarity modelling (GDM).

Results

The magnitude of total beta diversity was relatively similar between ground beetles and diving beetles, but the richness difference component contributed more than the replacement component to total beta diversity in ground beetles, whereas the opposite was true for diving beetles. The predictor variables most influential in GDM in accounting for spatial variation in beta diversity varied between the two beetle groups as well as between the replacement and richness difference components. In general, the richness difference component of ground beetles responded strongly to latitude and associated climatic variables, whereas the replacement component of diving beetles varied strongly along the same geographical gradient.

Main conclusions

Our findings suggest that the study of the determinants of biodiversity patterns benefits from the partitioning of beta diversity into different components and from comparing terrestrial and aquatic groups. For example, our findings suggest that the strong climatic and land use‐related gradients in beta diversity have important implications for predicting and mitigating the effect of ongoing global change on the composition of regional biotas.
Feasibility and utility of intraoperative epicardial scar characterization during left ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Moss Joshua D. , Oesterle Adam , Raiman Michael , Flatley Erin E. , Beaser Andrew D. , Jeevanandam Valluvan , Klein Liviu , Ota Takeyoshi , Wieselthaler Georg , Uriel Nir , Tung Roderick
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Ventricular arrhythmias (VA) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We sought to assess epicardial voltage characteristics at the time of LVAD implantation and investigate relationships between scar burden and postimplant VA.

Methods and Results

Consecutive patients underwent open chest epicardial electroanatomic mapping immediately before LVAD implantation. Areas of low voltage and sites with local abnormal potentials were identified. Patients were followed prospectively for postimplant VA and clinical outcomes. Between 2015 and 2017, 36 patients underwent high‐density intraoperative epicardial voltage mapping; 15 had complete maps suitable for analysis. Mapping required a median of 11.8 (interquartile range [IQR], 8.5‐12.7) minutes, with a median of 2650 (IQR, 2139‐3191) points sampled per patient. Over a median follow‐up of 311 (IQR, 168‐469) postoperative days, four patients (27%) experienced sustained VA. Patients with postimplant VA were more likely to have had preimplant implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks (100% vs 27%; P = 0.03), ventricular tachycardia storm (75% vs 9%; P = 0.03), and lower ejection fraction (13.5 vs 19.0%, P = 0.05). Patients with postimplant VA also had a significantly higher burden of epicardial low bipolar voltage points: 55.4% vs 24.9% of points were less than 0.5 mV (P = 0.01), and 88.9% vs 63.7% of points less than 1.5 mV (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Intraoperative high‐density epicardial mapping during LVAD implantation is safe and efficient, facilitating characterization of a potentially arrhythmogenic substrate. An increased burden of the epicardial scar may be associated with a higher incidence of postimplant VA. The role of empiric intraoperative epicardial ablation to mitigate risk of postimplant VA requires further study.