bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scaling clearance in paediatric pharmacokinetics: All models are wrong, which are useful?
Authors: Germovsek Eva , Barker Charlotte I. S. , Sharland Mike , Standing Joseph F.
Published: October 2016

Linked Articles

This article is commented on in the editorial by Holford NHG and Anderson BJ. Why standards are useful for predicting doses. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2017; 83: 685–7. doi: 10.1111/bcp.13230

Aim

When different models for weight and age are used in paediatric pharmacokinetic studies it is difficult to compare parameters between studies or perform model‐based meta‐analyses. This study aimed to compare published models with the proposed standard model (allometric weight0.75 and sigmoidal maturation function).

Methods

A systematic literature search was undertaken to identify published clearance (CL) reports for gentamicin and midazolam and all published models for scaling clearance in children. Each model was fitted to the CL values for gentamicin and midazolam, and the results compared with the standard model (allometric weight exponent of 0.75, along with a sigmoidal maturation function estimating the time in weeks of postmenstrual age to reach half the mature value and a shape parameter). For comparison, we also looked at allometric size models with no age effect, the influence of estimating the allometric exponent in the standard model and, for gentamicin, using a fixed allometric exponent of 0.632 as per a study on glomerular filtration rate maturation. Akaike information criteria (AIC) and visual predictive checks were used for evaluation.

Results

No model gave an improved AIC in all age groups, but one model for gentamicin and three models for midazolam gave slightly improved global AIC fits albeit using more parameters: AIC drop (number of parameters), –4.1 (5), –9.2 (4), –10.8 (5) and –10.1 (5), respectively. The 95% confidence interval of estimated CL for all top performing models overlapped.

Conclusion

No evidence to reject the standard model was found; given the benefits of standardised parameterisation, its use should therefore be recommended.
Integrin Targeting and Toxicological Assessment of Peptide‐Conjugated Liposome Delivery Systems to Activated Endothelial Cells
Authors: Kermanizadeh Ali , Villadsen Klaus , Østrem Ragnhild G. , Jensen Knud J. , Møller Peter , Loft Steffen
Published: October 2016

Utilization of functionalized liposomes as the means of targeted delivery of therapeutics may enhance specific transport of biologically active drugs to target tissues, while avoiding or reducing undesired side effects. In the present investigation, peptide‐conjugated cationic liposomes were constructed with the aim of targeting integrins (i.e. vitronectin and/or fibronectin receptors) on activated endothelial cells. The peptide‐conjugated liposomes induced only cytotoxicity at the highest concentration in non‐activated or activated endothelial cells, as well as in co‐culture of endothelial cells and macrophages. There was unaltered secretion of cytokines after exposure of peptide‐conjugated liposomes to endothelial cells, indicating that the materials were not inflammogenic. Liposomes with a peptide targeting the fibronectin receptor (integrin α5β1) were more effective in targeting of activated endothelial cells, as compared to a liposome with a peptide that targeted both the fibronectin and vitronectin receptors, as well as liposomes with a control peptide. The liposome targeted to the fibronectin receptor also displayed uptake in endothelial cells in co‐culture with activated macrophages. Therefore, this study demonstrates the feasibility of constructing a peptide‐conjugated cationic liposome, which displays targeting to activated endothelial cells at concentrations that are not cytotoxic or inflammogenic to the cells.
Autocratic tensions, cronyism, and the opacity of business information: party newspapers and circulation figures during the Francoist dictatorship (1939–1975)
Authors: Gago‐Rodríguez Susana , Núñez‐Nickel Manuel
Published: October 2016

Autocracies draw their political power from cronyism and organized repression. The opacity of business information (economic censorship) protects these regimes and their crony firms from any opposition. However, autocracies might also desire to eliminate cronyism (and therefore opacity) because it dampens economic growth. Autocracies survive through repression that engenders tensions, as evident in the Spanish newspaper industry during the Francoist dictatorship. State control over this industry was important because the press disseminated news to the public. From 1939 to 1957, the autocracy institutionalized both cronyism and the opacity of circulation figures to sustain the political powers of Franco and the single party state. Opacity concealed the economic performance of newspapers owned by sole legal party and any distribution of resources in its favor. Franco authorized voluntary disclosure of reliable circulation figures in 1964, after eliminating cronyism in favor of a freer market. Repression guaranteed support for this industry until Franco's death.
Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Personalized Genomic Medicine Research: Current Literature and Suggestions for the Future
Authors: Callier Shawneequa L. , Abudu Rachel , Mehlman Maxwell J. , Singer Mendel E. , Neuhauser Duncan , Caga‐Anan Charlisse , Wiesner Georgia L.
Published: October 2016

Purpose: This review identifies the prominent topics in the literature pertaining to the ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) raised by research investigating personalized genomic medicine (PGM).

Methods: The abstracts of 953 articles extracted from scholarly databases and published during a 5‐year period (2008–2012) were reviewed. A total of 299 articles met our research criteria and were organized thematically to assess the representation of ELSI issues for stakeholders, health specialties, journals, and empirical studies.

Results: ELSI analyses were published in both scientific and ethics journals. Investigational research comprised 45% of the literature reviewed (135 articles) and the remaining 55% (164 articles) comprised normative analyses. Traditional ELSI concerns dominated the discourse including discussions about disclosure of research results. In fact, there was a dramatic increase in the number of articles focused on the disclosure of research results and incidental findings to research participants. Few papers focused on particular disorders, the use of racial categories in research, international communities, or special populations (e.g., adolescents, elderly patients, or ethnic groups).

Conclusion: Considering that strategies in personalized medicine increasingly target individuals’ unique health conditions, environments, and ancestries, further analysis is needed on how ELSI scholarship can better serve the increasingly global, interdisciplinary, and diverse PGM research community.
Pulmonary dysfunction in thalassaemia major: is there any relationship with body iron stores?
Authors: Guidotti Francesca , Piatti Gioia , Marcon Alessia , Cassinerio Elena , Giuditta Marianna , Roghi Alberto , Fasano Valter , Consonni Dario , Cappellini Maria Domenica
Published: October 2016

Although pulmonary function abnormalities in thalassaemia major (TM) were described in 1980, the pathogenetic mechanism is not clear and data are contradictory, probably because of study heterogeneity and the multifactorial nature of the pathogenesis. We retrospectively analysed 73 adult TM patients to evaluate the prevalence of pulmonary dysfunction in adult TM and investigate relationships with iron load. All patients underwent body plethysmography and carbon monoxide diffusion (DLCO) was assessed in 63, in addition to blood tests, echocardiogram and T2* myocardial and liver magnetic resonance imaging. Restrictive lung disease was present in 26 (35·6%) patients. Serum ferritin levels were higher in patients with restrictive pattern (1526 μg/l vs. 975 μg/l, P = 0·05). Restrictive lung disease did not correlate with cardiac or liver iron overload. However, considering only patients with serum ferritin >2500 μg/l, those with restrictive pattern also had heart (T2* 14·28 ± 9·99 ms vs. 31·59 ± 7·43 ms) and liver iron overload (LIC 16·02 ± 8·44 mg vs. 5·02 ± 2·69 mg Fe/g dry weight) compared to those without restrictive pattern. Twenty‐five patients (39·7%) had decreased DLCO. No correlation was observed with iron parameters. In our data restrictive pattern was predominant; we observed a relationship with serum ferritin levels suggesting that iron, particularly its chronic effect, could play a role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary disease.
Outcome of primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a 20‐year British Columbia Cancer Agency experience
Authors: Hapgood Greg , Pickles Tom , Sehn Laurie H. , Villa Diego , Klasa Richard , Scott David W. , Gerrie Alina S. , Gascoyne Randy D. , Slack Graham W. , Parsons Christina , Morris James W. , Connors Joseph M. , Savage Kerry J.
Published: October 2016

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PCALCL) is a rare CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorder with excellent outcomes reported despite frequent cutaneous relapses. Limited information exists on the development of systemic lymphoma. The British Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA) Lymphoid Cancer Database was searched to identify all adults diagnosed with PCALCL from 1993 to 2013. From 2005, the BCCA endorsed radiotherapy (RT) alone for limited stage with data failing to support chemotherapy. Forty‐seven patients were identified with a male predominance (n = 31, 66%), median age of 64 years and predominantly limited stage (n = 40, 85%). Median follow‐up was 8·4 years. The 5‐year time to progression (TTP) was 58% (64% limited versus 29% advanced stage). The 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) and overall survival was 86% and 75%, respectively. In an as‐treated analysis, the 5‐year DSS for limited stage patients was similar comparing RT to combined modality treatment or chemotherapy alone but the 5‐year TTP favoured RT (82% vs. 33%, P = 0·004). The 5‐year cumulative risk of developing systemic lymphoma was 14%. Our results confirm the favourable prognosis of PCALCL despite a high relapse rate. Limited stage patients treated with RT alone have excellent outcomes. There is a small risk of systemic lymphoma in PCALCL.
Genomics of primary chemoresistance and remission induction failure in paediatric and adult acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Brown Fiona C. , Cifani Paolo , Drill Esther , He Jie , Still Eric , Zhong Shan , Balasubramanian Sohail , Pavlick Dean , Yilmazel Bahar , Knapp Kristina M. , Alonzo Todd A. , Meshinchi Soheil , Stone Richard M. , Kornblau Steven M. , Marcucci Guido , Gamis Alan S. , Byrd John C. , Gonen Mithat , Levine Ross L. , Kentsis Alex
Published: October 2016

Cure rates of children and adults with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) remain unsatisfactory partly due to chemotherapy resistance. We investigated the genetic basis of AML in 107 primary cases by sequencing 670 genes mutated in haematological malignancies. SETBP1, ASXL1 and RELN mutations were significantly associated with primary chemoresistance. We identified genomic alterations not previously described in AML, together with distinct genes that were significantly overexpressed in therapy‐resistant AML. Defined gene mutations were sufficient to explain primary induction failure in only a minority of cases. Thus, additional genetic or molecular mechanisms must cause primary chemoresistance in paediatric and adult AML.
Proton Pump Inhibitors and the Risk of Osseointegrated Dental Implant Failure: A Cohort Study
Authors: Wu Xixi , Al‐Abedalla Khadijeh , Abi‐Nader Samer , Daniel Nach G , Nicolau Belinda , Tamimi Faleh
Published: October 2016

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have a negative impact on bone accrual. Because osseointegration is influenced by bone metabolism, this study investigates the association between PPIs and the risk of osseointegrated implant failure. This retrospective cohort study included a total of 1,773 osseointegrated dental implants in 799 patients (133 implants in 58 PPIs users and 1,640 in 741 non‐users) who were treated at the East Coast Oral Surgery Clinic in Moncton, Canada, from January 2007 to September 2015. Kaplan‐Meier estimator was used to describe the hazard function of dental implant failure by PPIs usage. Multilevel mixed effects parametric survival analyses were used to test the association between PPIs exposure and risk of implant failure adjusting for potential confounders. The failure rates were 6.8% for people using PPIs compared to 3.2% for non‐users. Subjects using PPIs had a higher risk of dental implant failure (HR = 2.73; 95% CI = 1.10–6.78) compared to those who did not use the drugs. The findings suggest that treatment with PPIs may be associated with an increased risk of osseointegrated dental implant failure.
Patch testing with hydroxyisohexyl 3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde (HICC) – a multicentre study of the Swedish Contact Dermatitis Research Group
Authors: Engfeldt Malin , Hagvall Lina , Isaksson Marléne , Matura Mihály , Mowitz Martin , Ryberg Kristina , Stenberg Berndt , Svedman Cecilia , Bruze Magnus
Published: October 2016

Background

In 2014, the fragrance hydroxyisohexyl 3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde (HICC) was excluded from the Swedish baseline series.

Objectives

To study (i) whether fragrance mix (FM) II with 5% HICC detects more positive reactions than usual FM II with 2.5% HICC, and (ii) the reproducibility of patch testing with HICC.

Methods

Two thousand one hundred and eighteen dermatitis patients at five Swedish dermatology departments were consecutively tested with FM II 14% pet., FM II 16.5% pet., and duplicate preparations of HICC 5% pet.

Results

Of the patients, 3.2% reacted to FM II 14%, and 1.5% reacted to HICC. Separate testing with HICC detected 0.3% reactions without concomitant reactivity to FM II. FM II with 5% HICC did not give rise to more irritant reactions or signs of active sensitization than FM II with 2.5% HICC. Patch testing with duplicate applications of HICC increased the overall prevalence of HICC contact allergy to 1.9%.

Conclusion

FM II with 5% HICC does not detect more positive reactions than FM II with 2.5% HICC. Separate testing with HICC does not detect a sufficient proportion of patients who react only to HICC, without concomitant reactions to FM II, to warrant its inclusion in a baseline series.
Plateaus, Dips, and Leaps: Where to Look for Inventions and Discoveries During Skilled Performance
Authors: Gray Wayne D. , Lindstedt John K.
Published: October 2016

The framework of plateaus, dips, and leaps shines light on periods when individuals may be inventing new methods of skilled performance. We begin with a review of the role performance plateaus have played in (a) experimental psychology, (b) human–computer interaction, and (c) cognitive science. We then reanalyze two classic studies of individual performance to show plateaus and dips which resulted in performance leaps. For a third study, we show how the statistical methods of Changepoint Analysis plus a few simple heuristics may direct our focus to periods of performance change for individuals. For the researcher, dips become the marker of exploration where performance suffers as new methods are invented and tested. Leaps mark the implementation of a successful new method and an incremental jump above the path plotted by smooth and steady log–log performance increments. The methods developed during these dips and leaps are the key to surpassing one's teachers and acquiring extreme expertise.
Two histopathological patterns of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: epidermal and dermal
Authors: Park Ji‐Youn , Park Ji‐Hye , Kim Sang Jin , Kwon Ji Eun , Kang Hee Young , Lee Eun‐So , Kim You Chan
Published: October 2016

Background

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) commonly occurs, but the histopathological features are not well characterized.

Methods

A total of 21 PIH patients' medical charts were reviewed. Punch biopsies from lesional and perilesional normal skin were performed. Sections were stained with hematoxylin‐eosin, Fontana‐Masson, NKI/beteb, microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF), CD68, c‐kit, factor XIIIa, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9.

Results

Fontana‐Masson‐stained sections suggested two obvious PIH groups: epidermal (13 cases) and dermal (8 cases) pigmentation. The epidermal pigment group had increased epidermal basal pigmentation. The dermal pigment group had marked pigmentation within the upper dermis and decreased epidermal pigmentation. More intense perivascular lymphocytic infiltration was observed in the dermal pigment group. NKI/beteb levels were increased in lesional skin in both groups. The numbers of MITF+ melanocytes were not different between lesional and perilesional normal skin in either group. The expression of CD68 and c‐kit was significantly higher in the dermis of lesional skin than in normal skin in the dermal pigment group. MMP‐2 expression was upregulated in lesional skin in both groups.

Conclusion

PIH patients can be classified into two histopathological groups: epidermal and dermal pigmentation. The dermal pigment group showed decreased levels of epidermal pigmentation. This study provides histopathological information that can improve the treatment of PIH.
Tricenter analysis of cofactors and comorbidity in patients with pyoderma gangrenosum
Authors: Jockenhöfer Finja , Herberger Katharina , Schaller Jörg , Hohaus Katja Christina , Stoffels‐Weindorf Maren , Al Ghazal Philipp , Augustin Matthias , Dissemond Joachim
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare neutrophilic, ulcerative skin disease of largely unknown pathophysiology.

Material and methods

In this study, potentially relevant cofactors and comorbidities in patients with PG from three dermatological wound care centers in Germany were evaluated.

Results

Of the 121 patients assessed, women (66.9 %) were more frequently affected than men. Patient age ranged from 18 to 96 years (mean 59.8). Wound size varied from 1–600 cm² (mean 65.6 cm²), and the pain intensity was predominantly very high (VAS 1–10, mean 7). The lower legs were most commonly (71.9 %) affected. Overall, 12 (9.9 %) patients had inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, 5.8 %; Crohn's disease, 4.1 %), 14.1 % exhibited rheumatic comorbidities. Neoplasms were found in 20.6 % of patients, with 6.6 % classified as hematological and 14.0 % as solid neoplasms. With respect to criteria for the metabolic syndrome, obesity was found in 69.4 %, arterial hypertension in 57.9 %, and diabetes mellitus in 33.9 % of patients.

Conclusions

The present data analysis confirms the association of PG with metabolic syndrome and neoplasms. In the future, these aspects should be included in the targeted diagnostic workup of patients with PG and subsequently treated in a timely fashion.
Myokardszintigraphie – eine Methode zur Erfassung der kardialen Komorbidität bei Psoriasis‐Patienten?
Authors: Zutt Markus , Rudolph Hagen , Kaune Kjell Matthias , Wosniok Werner , Gärtner Ulrich , Linke Rainer
Published: October 2016

Hintergrund

Kardiale Komorbiditäten bei Patienten mit Psoriasis stehen seit Jahren im Fokus. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, im Rahmen einer Pilotstudie die Myokardszintigraphie als mögliche Früherkennungsmethode zu evaluieren.

Patienten und Methodik

Es wurden bei insgesamt 50 kardial asymptomatischen Patienten mit einer Psoriasis der Haut verschiedene Begleiterkrankungen erfasst. Dabei kam zur Erkennung von kardialem Risiko/ belastungsinduzierter Ischämie die Myokardszintigraphie zum Einsatz.

Ergebnisse

Bei 28 Patienten (56 %) fanden sich pathologische Befunde in der Myokardszintigraphie. Davon zeigten 14 Patienten Zeichen einer sogenannten Small Vessel Disease (Kardiales Syndrom X). Darüber hinaus fanden sich weitere Begleiterkrankungen wie Adipositas, arterielle Hypertonie, Nikotinkonsum, Alkoholkonsum und erhöhte CRP‐Werte. Die Häufigkeiten entsprachen im Wesentlichen den aktuellen Daten aus der Literatur. Wir konnten keinen signifikanten Zusammenhang von Schwere der Psoriasis oder der angegebenen Komorbiditäten mit einem pathologischen Befund in der Myokardszintigraphie feststellen.

Schlussfolgerungen

Mit der Myokardszintigraphie scheint ein sehr empfindliches, nicht invasives Früherkennungsverfahren zur Detektion kardialer Komorbidität bei Psoriasis‐Patienten zur Verfügung zu stehen. Weitere größere Arbeiten mit Kontrollkollektiven und Kotrollmethoden, wie beispielsweise der Koronarangiographie, sind zur Überprüfung der Wertigkeit nötig.
Wells syndrome
Authors: Weins Andreas Benedikt , Biedermann Tilo , Weiss Tina , Weiss Johannes Martin
Published: October 2016

A rare eosinophilic dermatosis, Wells syndrome, also referred to as eosinophilic cellulitis, is characterized by great clinical variability. Typical findings include infiltrated erythematous plaques arising on the extremities. Lesions initially resemble erysipelas/cellulitis, however, they do not improve with antibiotic treatment. Eosinophilic cellulitis is a diagnosis of exclusion that may only be made over the course of the disease, taking into account clinical and characteristic histological findings (flame figures). Although multiple potential triggers have been proposed, the exact etiology remains unresolved. Involvement of abnormal Th2 cells, IL‐5, and activated eosinophilic granulocytes suggest a nonspecific hypersensitivity response to exogenous or endogenous stimuli. Corticosteroids may have a beneficial effect on the chronic, recurrent course frequently observed. The disease is often self‐limiting, healing without sequelae. Given that transitions to hematological and oncological disorders have been observed, patients should be closely followed up.
A multistep approach to the diagnosis of rare genodermatoses
Authors: Tantcheva‐Poór Iliana , Oji Vinzenz , Has Cristina
Published: October 2016

Recent advances in genetic technology have found their way into clinical dermatology. Approximately one third of all hereditary disorders show characteristic cutaneous findings. Moreover, human skin easily provides samples for studying the mechanisms of genetic mosaicism, as well as the underlying functional defects due to mutated proteins. Diagnosing hereditary skin disorders remains, however, a challenging task due to the rarity of genodermatoses and their diversity, overlapping or heterogeneous phenotypes, huge amount of new information, and complicated nomenclature and classifications. In order to support the clinicians’ interest for this complex and rapidly developing field of dermatology, we are going to present a multistep approach with some useful clues for the evaluation of patients suspected of having a genodermatosis.
Behavioural Economics: A Virginia Political Economy Perspective
Authors: Horwitz Steven
Published: October 2016

Behavioural economics offers a critique of modern neoclassical economics by providing empirical evidence that the model of rational choice does not accurately describe human decision‐making processes. The existence of cognitive biases, what we might term ‘agent failure’, becomes reason to doubt the efficacy of unhampered markets, and is seen by some as a sufficient condition for government intervention. This article offers a critique of this argument from an Austrian and public choice theory comparative institutions perspective. Agent failure arguments are analogous to market failure arguments of the mid‐twentieth century and the same kinds of responses made against the latter are applied to the former. Behavioural economics arguments for intervention ignore the cognitive biases of political actors, neglect the comparative perspective that results from such biases, and do not examine the ways in which markets are superior to politics in providing the information and incentives actors need to become aware of their errors and correct them. The existence of imperfectly rational agents, like the existence of imperfect markets, is therefore not a sufficient condition for government intervention into the market.
The Social Costs of Innovation Policy
Authors: Davidson Sinclair , Potts Jason
Published: October 2016

Innovation policy is designed to produce social benefits by solving a market failure problem associated with private investment in new knowledge. Yet the social costs of these policy interventions are routinely ignored. We use the Djankov et al. (2003) institutional possibility frontier model to analyse the trade‐offs between the social costs of disorder and those of dictatorship that particular innovation policies impose. We show how different innovation policies impose different types of social costs. We conclude that the case for public support for innovation policies is often both distorted and overstated because of failure to account for social costs.
Incentive Effects in Higher Education: an Improved Funding Model for Universities
Authors: Ainsworth Peter , McKenzie Tom , Stroyny Al
Published: October 2016

We examine the incentive effects of risk‐sharing between student and university in the English higher education system. The ‘graduate premium’ has been widely reported and has been used to justify rising higher education participation and increased individual or governmental expenditure. But this premium is simply the mean of a wide distribution, varying, inter alia, by subject, institution, year of graduation and individual. We assume that universities exist in a state of monopolistic competition and are subject to a budget constraint. Using US college data we find evidence suggesting that a funding model which incorporates risk‐sharing improves the efficiency of educational delivery while maintaining subject diversity and access.
Post‐Cameralist Governance: Towards a Robust Political Economy of Bureaucracy
Authors: Salter Alexander William
Published: October 2016

I develop a robust political economy of bureaucracy by highlighting the conditions necessary for hierarchical administrative bodies to govern protectively and productively, but not predatorily. These conditions are residual claimancy and jurisdictional competition. I make this argument by exploring a post‐cameralist interpretation of governance. Cameralism arose as a governance philosophy in the fractured principalities of seventeenth‐century Germany following the Thirty Years' War. Post‐cameralism focuses not on particular cameralist governance strategies but on a paradigm which sees governance as an activity provided within a larger exchange order, rather than imposing itself on that order as in more conventional treatments of public economics. While a post‐cameralist conception of governance comes with its own challenges, such as tensions with normative visions that promote self‐governance, it nonetheless presents an intriguing synthesis of monocentric and polycentric insights.
Predicting and mapping of soil particle‐size fractions with adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference and ant colony optimization in central Iran
Authors: Taghizadeh‐mehrjardi R. , Toomanian N. , Khavaninzadeh A. R. , Jafari A. , Triantafilis J.
Published: October 2016

In arid regions, knowledge of the variation in soil texture is crucial for land management because it affects soil physical, chemical, biological and most importantly hydrological properties. The availability of information on soil texture is scarce even though it is required to support land‐use management and sustainable development. Because it is costly to obtain information about the individual particle‐size fractions (PSFs), we used digital soil mapping methods (DSM) with environmental covariates that are less costly to obtain. Specifically, we explored the use of a digital elevation model and remote sensing data as environmental covariates to predict the vertical (i.e. 0–0.15, 0.15–0.3, 0.3–0.6 and 0.6–1 m) and lateral variation in PSFs over a 150‐km2 area in central Iran. We used a combination of equal‐area spline depth functions and three data‐mining techniques: multiple linear regression (MLR), artificial neural networks (ANN) and the neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). In addition, we explored the effect of the reduction in dimension of feature space with ant colony optimization (ACO) and correlation‐based feature selection (CFS) on the accuracy of prediction of spatial models for each PSF. The results showed that the prediction of clay at 0–0.15‐m depth with ACO indicated the importance of including Landsat ETM+, the digital numbers of band 7 of Landsat images (B7) and clay index, whereas at 0.60–1‐m depth the wetness index and multi‐resolution valley bottom flatness index (MRVBF) were important. Model evaluation by leave‐one‐out cross‐validation with 191 soil observations indicated that the predictions by the ACO‐based ANFIS model (RMSE = 4.51% and R2 = 0.74 for clay at 0–0.15‐m) were more accurate than those by MLR and ANN. Spatial prediction was also better for the topsoil (0–0.15‐m) than at depth (RMSE = 7.1% for clay at 0.6–1 m); therefore, we conclude that the environmental covariates tested cannot resolve subsurface variation as accurately. Nevertheless, we recommend prediction by the ACO‐based ANFIS model and splines of lateral and vertical distribution of PSFs in other arid regions of Iran with the same agro‐ecological conditions.

Highlights

Digital soil mapping of particle size‐fractions (PSF) by adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference and ant colony optimization.

Use of ant colony optimization (ACO) to assist in feature selection of environmental covariates.

Neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) superior to multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural networks (ANN).

PSF prediction by ACO‐based ANFIS model and splines is optimal.
Multiparadigmatic Studies of Culture: Needs, Challenges, and Recommendations for Management Scholars
Authors: Patel Taran
Published: October 2016

This conceptual paper serves as a timely reminder for culture scholars in business studies to engage in multi‐paradigmatic studies. Our review of culture literature (at the macro level: regional, societal, national) reveals a dominance of the objectivist tradition, which has, over time, resulted in three problems: (1) an oversimplification of the otherwise complex culture concept; (2) equating nation and culture; and (3) neglecting factors other than cultural dimensions that influence individual behavior. We argue that these problems can be partially resolved by engaging in multi‐paradigmatic studies of culture. Since combining different paradigmatic traditions can be difficult, we also offer insights into how this can be done through two illustrative cases of recent multi‐paradigmatic studies. These examples reveal that conducting multi‐paradigmatic cultural research is not only feasible, but that it also results in more innovative insights than mono‐paradigmatic studies, while simultaneously resolving some of the afore‐cited problems.
Experience and Cross‐Border Acquisitions: An Organizational Learning Perspective
Authors: Galavotti Ilaria , Cerrato Daniele , Depperu Donatella
Published: October 2016

Building on organizational learning theory, and notably on the notion of strategic momentum, we examine the antecedents of cross‐border acquisitions, with a specific focus on the effect of experience. In particular, we unbundle firm experience into domestic and cross‐border acquisition experience. Using data on 763 acquisitions in the period 2007–2013, our results show the existence of a U‐shaped relationship between domestic acquisition experience and the likelihood of cross‐border acquisitions: acquisition experience in the domestic market is negatively related to subsequent international M&A activity up to a certain level, after which accumulation of experience in the domestic market generates process‐related capabilities that encourage subsequent cross‐border acquisitions. Empirical support is provided for an inverted U‐shaped relationship between prior cross‐border acquisition experience and the likelihood of subsequent cross‐border acquisitions: such experience encourages further acquisitions up to the point at which the coordination costs discourage further international expansion.
A Macro‐National Level Analysis of Arab Women's Work Engagement
Authors: Banihani Muntaha , Syed Jawad
Published: October 2016

This paper reviews the macro‐national level factors that influence women's work engagement in Arab countries. First, it offers an overview of the notions of work engagement and gendered work engagement. Next, the macro‐national context is investigated where economic, socio‐cultural, and legal factors are analyzed that may explain differences in workplace engagement between men and women. Lastly, the discussion, implications for future research and practice, and conclusion are offered.
Re‐evaluation of re‐hospitalization and rehabilitation in renal research
Authors: Lin Eugene , Kurella Tamura Manjula , Montez‐Rath Maria E. , Chertow Glenn M.
Published: October 2016

Introduction: The use of administrative data to capture 30‐day readmission rates in end‐stage renal disease is challenging since Medicare combines claims from acute care, inpatient rehabilitation (IRF), and long‐term care hospital stays into a single “Inpatient” file. For data prior to 2012, the United States Renal Data System does not contain the variables necessary to easily identify different facility types, making it likely that prior studies have inaccurately estimated 30‐day readmission rates.

Methods: For this report, we developed two methods (a “simple method” and a “rehabilitation‐adjusted method”) to identify acute care, IRF, and long‐term care hospital stays from United States Renal Data System claims data, and compared them to methods used in previously published reports.

Findings: We found that prior methods overestimated 30‐day readmission rates by up to 12.3% and overestimated average 30‐day readmission costs by up to 11%. In contrast, the simple and rehabilitation‐adjusted methods overestimated 30‐day readmission rates by 0.1% and average 30‐day readmission costs by 1.8%. The rehabilitation‐adjusted method also accurately identified 96.8% of IRF stays.

Discussion: Prior research has likely provided inaccurate estimates of 30‐day readmissions in patients undergoing dialysis. In the absence of data on specific facility types particularly when using data prior to 2012, future researchers could employ our method to more accurately characterize 30‐day readmission rates and associated outcomes in patients with end‐stage renal disease.
Morphology and genetics of pyloric gland adenomas in familial adenomatous polyposis
Authors: Hackeng Wenzel M , Montgomery Elizabeth A , Giardiello Francis M , Singhi Aatur D , Debeljak Marija , Eshleman James R , Vieth Michael , Offerhaus G Johan , Wood Laura D , Brosens Lodewijk A A
Published: October 2016

Aims

Gastric pyloric gland adenomas (PGAs) are rare epithelial polyps that are found more commonly in autoimmune atrophic gastritis and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Little is known about the morphology and genetics of PGAs in FAP. PGAs in FAP are studied morphologically and genetically. Findings in FAP‐associated PGAs are compared to sporadic PGAs and related lesions such as oxyntic gland adenoma (OGA) to increase our understanding of these rare polyps.

Methods and results

Seven PGAs and 18 fundic gland polyps (FGPs) from FAP patients were collected. KRAS and GNAS mutations were determined in six PGAs and 18 FGPs. Immunohistochemistry was applied on five PGAs to provide further confirmation of the histological subtypes and genetic alterations. Morphology of all PGAs was studied and compared to literature on sporadic PGAs and related lesions. All successfully sequenced PGAs (six of six) carried GNAS mutations and half of the successfully sequenced PGAs carried a KRAS mutation (three of six). Nuclear β‐catenin was seen only in one PGA with focal high‐grade dysplasia. Morphologically, PGAs in FAP showed overlapping features with OGA.

Conclusion

Familial adenomatous polyposis‐associated PGAs have a similar genetic background as sporadic PGAs, i.e. KRAS and GNAS mutation. Based on morphological findings in FAP associated PGAs, it is hypothesized that PGAs and OGAs are closely related lesions.
Corpus‐based teaching in the Arabic classroom: theoretical and practical perspectives
Authors: Zaki Mai
Published: October 2016

The aim of this paper is to present a case for using corpora in TAFL (Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language) classes in light of advances in corpus‐based teaching approach. It presents an overview of corpus‐based teaching generally, and Arabic corpus resources specifically. Given the lack of corpus‐based teaching materials for Arabic, this paper presents a model of integrating corpus‐based teaching within a textbook‐based syllabus for both elementary and intermediate levels. It includes ideas for material design for vocabulary building activities and enhancement of grammatical rules for Arabic learners.
Testicular sperm extraction for patients with spinal cord injury‐related anejaculation: A single‐center experience
Authors: Iwahata Toshiyuki , Shin Takeshi , Shimomura Yukihito , Suzuki Keisuke , Kobayashi Tomohiro , Miyata Akane , Kobori Yoshitomo , Soh Shigehiro , Okada Hiroshi
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To present a single‐center experience with testicular sperm extraction and intracytoplasmic sperm injection for fathering biological children in patients with ejaculatory dysfunction as a result of spinal cord injury.

Methods

Testicular sperm extraction was carried out in 52 male patients with ejaculatory dysfunction as a result of spinal cord injury. We investigated sperm retrieval rates and pregnancy rates from medical records. Data on age, testicular volume, hormonal status (luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone), and time since spinal cord injury were obtained and analyzed to detect potential associations with the presence of spermatogenesis.

Results

Testicular sperm retrieval was achieved in 42 of 52 patients (80.7%). Intracytoplasmic sperm injection was carried out for 37 patients, and pregnancy was achieved in 32 (86.5%). The take‐home baby rate was 70.2%. In the group with successful sperm extraction, testicular volume was significantly greater, time from spinal cord injury to extraction was significantly shorter, and serum luteinizing hormone and follicle‐stimulating hormone levels were significantly lower. Serum follicle‐stimulating hormone levels had the strongest association with feasibility of sperm retrieval by testicular sperm extraction. Furthermore, the sperm retrieval rates of patients injured within the preceding 12 years were significantly better than those injured longer before treatment (P = 0.045).

Conclusions

Testicular sperm extraction and intracytoplasmic sperm injection seem to provide favorable results for patients with ejaculatory dysfunction as a result of spinal cord injury. However, early testicular sperm extraction is recommended, because sperm retrieval becomes more difficult with time from spinal cord injury.
Fuzzy multicriteria decision‐making tools for selecting a professional property management company
Authors: Shiu Jiun‐Yi , Lu Shih‐Tong , Chang Dong‐Shang , Wu Kai‐Wei
Published: October 2016

This study develops a model to assist a condominium committee in selecting an appropriate property management company. This model adopts the literature reviews and expert interviews to construct the suitable evaluation criteria of property management companies, then applies the fuzzy linguistic preference relations to determine the relative weights of evaluation criteria, and adopts the fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and fuzzy VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) approaches to rank the alternatives for the condominium committee. Additionally, a condominium in Da'an District of Taipei is used as an example of how an appropriate property management firm can be selected using these two models. The results of fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy VIKOR are compared and discussed to understand the properties of selecting alternatives. The model proposed here allows the condominium committee to select professional property management firms systematically, making it highly applicable for academia and practices.
Treatment of Recurrent Nonparoxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Using Focal Impulse and Rotor Mapping (FIRM)‐Guided Rotor Ablation: Early Recurrence and Long‐Term Outcomes
Authors: SPITZER STEFAN GEORG , KÁROLYI LÁSZLÓ , RÄMMLER CAROLA , SCHARFE FRANK , WEINMANN THOMAS , ZIESCHANK MIRKO , LANGBEIN ANKE
Published: October 2016

FIRM Ablation Outcomes for Recurrent Nonparoxysmal AF

Introduction

A patient‐tailored ablation approach focused on the elimination of both pulmonary vein triggers as well as substrate drivers may result in favorable outcomes in recurrent persistent AF patients.

Objective

We evaluated the long‐term outcomes of rotor ablation combined with conventional pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with recurrent nonparoxysmal AF.

Methods

Fifty‐eight consecutive patients underwent FIRM‐guided rotor ablation followed by conventional PVI for the treatment of recurrent nonparoxysmal AF. A software algorithm was used to display rotational activity at rotor sites by creating propagation maps from unipolar electrograms recorded using a 64‐electrode basket catheter. These rotor sites were targeted for ablation, followed by conventional PVI.

Results

All patients had nonparoxysmal AF (83% longstanding persistent) and a previously failed conventional ablation procedure. Stable rotors were identified in all patients (mean of 3.0 ± 1.6 per patient), with 55.2% having right atrial rotors and 96.6% left atrial rotors, respectively. Complications occurred in 5.2% of patients, none related to the FIRM procedure. The median follow‐up was 12 months. At 6 and 12 months of follow‐up, 73.2% and 76.9% of patients remained free from AF/AT, respectively. Excluding 2 patients who underwent a successful redo ablation procedure/electrical cardioversion, at 12 months of follow‐up, 69.2% were free from any AF/AT and 73.1% were free from AF after a single FIRM‐guided ablation procedure.

Conclusion

A high degree of success was observed in this cohort of primarily longstanding persistent AF patients treated for recurrent AF with FIRM‐guided rotor ablation. Prospective randomized controlled trials are needed.
The efficacy and safety of apremilast, etanercept and placebo in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis: 52‐week results from a phase IIIb, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial (LIBERATE)
Authors: Reich K. , Gooderham M. , Green L. , Bewley A. , Zhang Z. , Khanskaya I. , Day R.M. , Goncalves J. , Shah K. , Piguet V. , Soung J.
Published: October 2016

Background

Apremilast, an oral, small‐molecule phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis.

Objective

Evaluate efficacy and safety of apremilast vs. placebo in biologic‐naive patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis and safety of switching from etanercept to apremilast in a phase IIIb, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study (NCT01690299).

Methods

Two hundred and fifty patients were randomized to placebo (n = 84), apremilast 30 mg BID (n = 83) or etanercept 50 mg QW (n = 83) through Week 16; thereafter, all patients continued or switched to apremilast through Week 104. The primary efficacy endpoint was achievement of PASI‐75 at Week 16 with apremilast vs. placebo. Secondary endpoints included achievement of PASI‐75 at Week 16 with etanercept vs. placebo and improvements in other clinical endpoints vs. placebo at Week 16. Outcomes were assessed through Week 52. This study was not designed for apremilast vs. etanercept comparisons.

Results

At Week 16, PASI‐75 achievement was greater with apremilast (39.8%) vs. placebo (11.9%; P < 0.0001); 48.2% of patients achieved PASI‐75 with etanercept (P < 0.0001 vs. placebo). PASI‐75 response was maintained in 47.3% (apremilast/apremilast), 49.4% (etanercept/apremilast) and 47.9% (placebo/apremilast) of patients at Week 52. Most common adverse events (≥5%) with apremilast, including nausea, diarrhoea, upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, tension headache and headache, were mild or moderate in severity; diarrhoea and nausea generally resolved in the first month. No new safety or tolerability issues were observed through Week 52 with apremilast.

Conclusion

Apremilast demonstrated significant efficacy vs. placebo at Week 16 in biologic‐naive patients with psoriasis, which was sustained over 52 weeks, and demonstrated safety consistent with the known safety profile of apremilast. Switching from etanercept to apremilast did not result in any new or clinically significant safety findings, and efficacy was maintained with apremilast through Week 52.
Factors associated with combined hand and foot eczema
Authors: Agner T. , Aalto‐Korte K. , Andersen K.E. , Foti C. , Gimenéz‐Arnau A. , Goncalo M. , Goossens A. , Le Coz C. , Diepgen T.L.
Published: October 2016

Background

As for hand eczema, the aetiology of foot eczema is multifactorial and not very well understood. The aim of the present study was to identify factors associated with foot eczema in a cohort of hand eczema patients being classified into different subgroups.

Methods

Associations between foot and hand eczema were studied in a cross‐sectional design in a cohort of hand eczema patients. Consecutive patients were recruited from nine different European Centres during the period October 2011–September 2012. Data on demographic factors, presence of foot eczema, hand eczema duration and severity, and whether the hand eczema was work‐related or not were available, as well as patch‐test results.

Results

Of a total of 427 hand eczema patients identified, information on foot eczema was available in 419 patients who were included in the present study. A total of 125 patients (29.8%) had concomitant foot and hand eczema. It was found more often in association with hyperkeratotic hand eczema (P = 0.007) and was less often associated with irritant hand eczema (P < 0.001). However, foot eczema was nevertheless found in 18% of patient with irritant hand eczema and in 25% of patients with occupational hand eczema. Combined foot and hand eczema was associated with more severe and long‐standing hand eczema (P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). Contact allergy was found in 51.8% with no difference between patients with combined foot and hand eczema and patients with hand eczema only.

Conclusion

Occurrence of combined foot and hand eczema is a common finding and not restricted to endogenous hand eczema.