bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HR analytics and performance appraisal system
Authors: Sharma Anshu , Sharma Tanuja
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the role of human resource (HR) analytics on employees’ willingness to improve performance. In doing so, the paper examines issues related to the performance appraisal (PA) system which affect employees’ willingness to improve performance and how HR analytics can be a potential solution to deal with such issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a conceptual framework along with propositions by integrating both academic and practitioner literatures, in the field of HR analytics and performance management.

Findings

The paper proposes that the use of HR analytics will be negatively related to subjectivity bias in the PA system, thereby positively affecting employees’ perceived accuracy and fairness. This further positively affects employees’ satisfaction with the PA system, which subsequently increases employees’ willingness to improve performance.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides implications for both researchers and practitioners in the performance management area for improving employees’ performance by applying HR analytics as a strategic tool in the PA system. It also provides implications for future researchers to empirically test the conceptual framework in different organizational settings.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into how the use of HR analytics can deal with issues of subjectivity bias in the PA system and positively affects employees’ willingness to improve performance.
The role of patience as a decision-making heuristic in leadership
Authors: Haque M.D. , Liu Lu , TitiAmayah Angela
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the gap in the literature by providing a precise conceptualization of the concept of patience in the context of leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study was conducted using a qualitative approach as it aimed to explore leaders’ perceptions and experiences with patience and eventually build a theoretical model in relation to the role of patience in leadership. Because the aim of the study was to obtain insight into the experiences of the participants in their own words, this study adopted a grounded theory research design.

Findings

The grounded theory study resulted in an emergent theoretical model for understanding the decision-making process of leaders who exhibit patience as a character strength and how those leaders promote organizational success. Through an inductive approach, this grounded theory study identified the behaviors that participating leaders viewed as patient, as well as the outcomes and the contextual conditions for the effectiveness of such behaviors.

Research limitations/implications

A major contribution of this study is that leaders epitomized by patience are guided by a decision-making framework that can contribute to more favorable decision making outcomes.

Practical implications

The proposed model for patience leadership has implications for developing the leadership capacity.

Originality/value

Patience, as a leadership quality, has been overlooked virtue in the social and psychological sciences. In order to explore the potential nexus between patience and leadership, the study has offered an emergent theoretical model and indicated the specific ways in which leaders may effectively practice patience.
Policy change as institutional work
Authors: Svensson Jenny , Tomson Klara , Rindzeviciute Egle
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Policy change is frequently framed as resulting from governmental strategy based on explicit preferences, rational decision making and consecutive and aligned implementation. The purpose of this paper is to explore the theoretical perspective of institutional work as an alternative approach to understanding policy change, and investigates the construction of resources needed to perform such work.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a case study of the process wherein the idea of cultural and creative industries was introduced into Lithuanian cultural policy. The main data generating methods are document studies and qualitative interviews.

Findings

The analysis demonstrates the ways in which the resources needed to perform institutional work are created through the enactment of practice, and through the application of resourcing techniques. Three such techniques are identified in the empirical material: the application of experiences from other fields of practice, the elicitation of external support, and the borrowing of legitimacy.

Originality/value

The study offers an alternative approach to studies of policy change by demonstrating the value of institutional work in such change. Further, it contributes to the literature on institutional work by highlighting how instances of such work, drawing on a distributed agency, interlink and connect to each other in a process to produce policy change. Finally, it proposes three interrelated resourcing techniques underlying institutional work.
It may not be that difficult the second time around: the effects of rereading on the comprehension and metacomprehension of negated text
Authors: Margolin Sara J. , Snyder Natasha
Published: May 2017

The present research explored the awareness that readers have of the difficulty of negative text and aimed to determine whether rereading could impact comprehension and metacomprehension. Participants read passages that sometimes contained negative words such as ‘no’ and ‘not’, rated their comprehension, and answered a comprehension question about the passage. Half of the passages were read twice and rated again before the participant was prompted to answer a comprehension question. Results showed that passages that were read twice were rated as easier to understand, and questions that corresponded with those passages were answered with higher accuracy as well. However, these improvements were not exclusive to negated passages. And, while participants were aware that the negative passages were harder to comprehend, this understanding did not aid in heightened comprehension of the negative text. Rereading was demonstrated to be a helpful strategy overall but was not sufficient to specifically help with negation.
Transvaginal contained tissue extraction after laparoscopic myomectomy: a cohort study
Authors: Ghezzi F , Casarin J , De Francesco G , Puggina P , Uccella S , Serati M , Cromi A
Published: May 2017

Objective

To describe the technique and report perioperative outcomes of transvaginal contained extraction of surgical specimens at laparoscopic myomectomy.

Design

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

Setting

Two Italian referral centres for gynaecological minimally invasive surgery.

Population

Consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy.

Methods

Tissue extraction was accomplished following laparoscopic myomectomy in a specimen retrieval bag via a posterior colpotomy incision. If morcellation was necessary, this was performed extracorporeally, using a scalpel within the specimen retrieval pouch, whose edges were exteriorised through the vaginal introitus.

Main outcome measures

Intra‐ and postoperative complications.

Results

A total of 316 women underwent transvaginal specimen retrieval with enclosed manual morcellation. The mean myomectomy specimen weight was 154 ± 128 g, and the mean operative time was 79 ± 26 minutes. No intraoperative complications occurred related to the specimen extraction or morcellation technique, or from rupture of the retrieval bag. Two (0.6%) women had a haemoperitoneum that spontaneously resolved and 16 (5.1%) had fever postoperatively. The final pathological diagnosis was benign in all cases. At the 30‐day follow‐up, no pelvic infection, vaginal dehiscence, or complaints of dyspareunia were recorded.

Conclusions

Contained transvaginal extraction of fibroid specimens can be performed safely and efficiently in most women undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy. This technique represents a valuable minimally invasive alternative to intracorporeal morcellation.

Tweetable abstract

Transvaginal contained morcellation at laparoscopic myomectomy is a valuable alternative to intracorporeal morcellation.
Public–Private Sector Wage Differentials in Australia
Authors: Mahuteau Stephane , Mavromaras Kostas , Richardson Sue , Zhu Rong
Published: May 2017

This paper examines public–private sector wage differentials in Australia. After controlling for observed characteristics and individual fixed effects, we show that on average workers in the public sector earn about 5.1 per cent more in hourly wages than those in the private sector. The wage premium is slightly higher for females than males. Using a panel data quantile regression model with fixed effects, we show that the positive wage effects of public sector employment are heterogeneous, with comparatively larger impact at the lower end of the wage distribution than at other parts. We also find evidence of heterogeneity in the public sector wage premiums by qualification, time period, occupation and state/territory.
The Reliability of Swipe/Wipe Classification and Directionality Determination Methods in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Authors: Yuen Sita K.Y. , Taylor Michael C. , Owens Glynn , Elliot Douglas A.
Published: May 2017

Swipe and wipe are types of transfer patterns commonly encountered at bloodied scenes. So far, there have been little published data on the reliability of evaluating these patterns. In this study, 36 bloodstain patterns were randomly assigned to 12 analysts in three separate trials, and the analysts were required to evaluate the pattern type and directionality. The results revealed that correct classifications of patterns type were problematic, with an overall error rate of 32%. Wipes created from wet bloodstains were the most difficult to identify due to the absence of signs of alteration. The directionality of swipes made with a gloved finger had a 100% success rate; however, for swipes made with cloth, the analysts mistook the direction in nearly every case, which is of significant concern, considering these are common patterns at crime scenes. This study suggested there is a need for revising the current protocols for interpretation of these pattern types.
A Lobbying Approach to Evaluating the Whistleblower Provisions of the Dodd‐Frank Reform Act of 2010
Authors: Baloria Vishal P. , Marquardt Carol A. , Wiedman Christine I.
Published: May 2017

We evaluate the net costs and benefits of the whistleblower (WB) provisions adopted under the Dodd‐Frank Reform Act of 2010 by examining investor responses to events related to the proposed regulations. We focus our main analysis on a sample of firms that lobbied against implementation of the WB provisions by submitting a comment letter to the SEC. Lobbying firms are characterized by weaker existing WB programs and greater degrees of managerial entrenchment than a matched control sample of similar non‐lobbying firms. Short‐window excess stock returns around events related to implementation of the WB rules are significantly more positive for the portfolio of lobbying firms than for their matched controls; this effect is also more pronounced for lobbying firms with weaker existing WB programs. These results suggest that investors expect the new WB provisions to provide net benefits by improving shareholder protection.
Colour patch size and measurement error using reflectance spectrophotometry
Authors: Badiane Arnaud , Pérez i de Lanuza Guillem , García‐Custodio María del Carmen , Carazo Pau , Font Enrique
Published: May 2017

Over the past 20 years, portable and relatively affordable spectrophotometers have greatly advanced the study of animal coloration. However, the small size of many colour patches poses methodological challenges that have not, to date, been assessed in the literature. Here, we tackle this issue for a reflectance spectrophotometry set‐up widely used in ecology and evolution (the beam method).

We reviewed the literature on animal coloration reporting the use of reflectance spectrophotometry to explore how the minimum measurable size of a colour patch is determined. We then used coloured plastic sheets to create artificial colour patches, and quantify the relationship between colour patch size and distortions induced by resulting chimeric spectra (spectra contaminated by an adjacent colour patch). Finally, we assessed the generality of our findings using natural colour spots in the lizardPodarcis muralis, as a biologically realistic model.

We found a lack of consensus in the literature, frequently resulting in the rejection of valid data or the potential inclusion of unreliable data. As expected, we show that decreasing colour patch size reduces the reliability of reflectance measurements, but also that spectral distortions resulting from chimeric spectra depend on patch/background colour combinations. We found similar results using natural colour spots inP. muralis.

We propose a series of steps to avoid the pitfalls described above. First, we provide guidelines on how to identify chimeric spectra and estimate the minimum size of a measurable colour patch in order to avoid them. Second, we show that reducing the probe‐to‐surface distance allows for more accurate measurements and therefore improves the spectrophotometric assessment of small colour patches. Third, we suggest that, as a general rule of thumb, very small (< 2 mm) colour patches should be avoided when using traditional spectrophotometry methods.
Histological Characteristics of the Tracheobronchial Tree of the Least Shrew (Cryptotis Parva)
Authors: Arodaki F. , Khamas W. , Darmani N. , Al‐Tikriti M.
Published: May 2017

The least shrew (Cryptotis parva) is a small vomit‐competent insectivorous species which has recently been introduced as an emesis animal model in the laboratory. In this study, the respiratory system of the least shrew was examined and compared with the well‐established larger species routinely used in the laboratory. Five least shrews (4–5 g body weight, 45–60 days old) were used. Standard histological procedures were followed for light microscopic examination. The lining epithelium of the trachea was found to be pseudostratified ciliated columnar (PSCC). Three types of cells were easily identified, basal and ciliated as well as few goblet cells interspersed among the ciliated cells and they were not clearly recognizable. A few tracheal seromucous glands were located at the free end of the C‐shaped cartilaginous rings. The cartilaginous rings are replaced by smooth muscle cells before the bronchi enter into the lung. The lining epithelium of tracheobronchial tree gradually changes into simple cuboidal epithelium that lacks goblet cells. However, the division of the tracheobronchial tree is similar to other mammalian species. On the other hand, the principal bronchus lacks cartilaginous plaques as it becomes intrapulmonary bronchus. The wall of the bronchi is supported by thick layers of spirally arranged smooth muscles. Two types of cells were readily recognizable: basal and ciliated cells, with rarely observed goblet cells. In addition, the PSCC epithelium changes into simple cuboidal much earlier in the bronchial division relative to other species.
Leptin Immunohistochemical Staining in the Porcine Ovary
Authors: Phoophitphong D. , Srisuwatanasagul S. , Tummaruk P.
Published: May 2017

This study aimed to investigate leptin immuno‐staining of the porcine ovary in different reproductive stages. Ovaries from 21 gilts were collected from slaughterhouses. The ovarian tissue sections were incubated with a polyclonal anti‐leptin as a primary antibody. The immuno‐staining in ovarian tissue compartments was calculated using imaging software. Leptin immuno‐staining was found in primordial, primary, preantral and antral follicles. Leptin immuno‐staining was expressed in the oocyte and granulosa and theca interna layers in both preantral and antral follicles. In the corpora lutea, leptin immuno‐staining was found in the cytoplasm of the luteal cells. The leptin immuno‐staining in the granulosa cell layer of preantral follicles did not differ compared to antral follicles (90.7 and 91.3%, respectively, P > 0.05). However, the leptin immuno‐staining in the theca interna layer of preantral follicles was lower than antral follicles (49.4 and 74.3%, respectively, P < 0.001). There was no difference in leptin immuno‐staining in the granulosa cell layer between follicular and luteal phases (92.4 and 89.7%, respectively, P > 0.05). However, the leptin immuno‐staining in the theca interna layer of follicular phase was greater than that in the luteal phase (72.7 and 51.0%, respectively, P < 0.001). These findings indicated that leptin exists in different compartments of the porcine ovary, including the oocyte, granulosa cells, theca interna cells, corpus luteum, blood vessel and smooth muscles. Therefore, this morphological study confirmed a close relationship between leptin and ovarian function in the pig.
Immunosuppressive treatment using tacrolimus promotes pregnancy outcome in infertile women with repeated implantation failures
Authors: Nakagawa Koji , Kwak‐Kim Joanne , Kuroda Keiji , Sugiyama Rikikazu , Yamaguchi Koushi
Published: May 2017

Problem

We aim to investigate whether the peripheral blood T helper (Th) 1 cell level could predict pregnancy outcome in patients who have experienced repeated implantation failure (RIF, three or more) after ART cycles.

Method of study

This is a prospective cohort study of total 124 women with RIF who showed elevated Th1/Th2 (CD4+IFN‐γ+/CD4+IL‐4+) cell ratios (≥10.3) and received tacrolimus at Sugiyama Clinic between November 2011 and July 2016. Patients were divided into three groups as per Th1 cell levels: Th1 level of <22.8 as Low; 22.8 to <28.8 as Middle, and 28.8 or greater as High group. The study patients received daily dose of tacrolimus 1‐3 mg based on initial Th1/Th2 cell ratio.

Results

The clinical pregnancy rates of Low, Middle, and High groups were 48.8%, 43.9%, and 33.3%, respectively (P=NS), with tacrolimus treatment. The ongoing pregnancy/delivery rate of Low group (46.3%) was significantly higher than that of High group (21.4%, P<.05). Middle group (34.3%) had higher success rate than High group, albeit without statistical significant.

Conclusion

We confirm our previous report that Th1/Th2 ratio can predict ART outcomes in patients with RIF and immunosuppressant treatment with tacrolimus, and peripheral blood Th1 cell levels were negatively correlated with pregnancy outcome.
Challenges in conducting research on sexual violence and HIV and approaches to overcome them
Authors: Aldous Annette , Magnus Manya , Roberts Afsoon , DeVore Heather , Moriarty Theresa , Hatch Schultz Catherine , Zumer Maria , Simon Gary , Ghosh Mimi
Published: May 2017

Studies have implicated sexual violence as a strong correlate of HIV acquisition in women. Characterizing how such violence affects the female immune system may provide insight into the biological mechanisms of HIV transmission and ultimately improve global HIV prevention strategies. Little research has been carried out in this domain, and the obstacles to investigation can be daunting. Here, we describe methodological challenges encountered and solutions explored while implementing a study of dysregulation of immune biomarkers potentially indicative of increased HIV susceptibility in women following sexual assault. Challenges included accessing sexual assault survivors and defining sexual assault, promoting study participant well‐being during research engagement, reducing selection and information bias, collecting and processing biological samples, and adjusting for confounders such as reproductive tract infections and emotional and physical abuse. We found that many survivors of sexual assault welcomed the attention from study staff and felt empowered by the opportunity to help other women at risk for violence. Well‐trained research staff and well‐articulated community and medical partnerships were key methods to overcoming challenges while promoting the safety and welfare of vulnerable study participants.
The exception to Marriot's sign
Authors: Reddy Vivek , Kundumadam Shanker , Kathi Pradeep , Dhillon Kunwardeep , Ismail Hibah , Anem Gautam
Published: May 2017

Differentiation of a wide complex arrhythmia can pose as a clinical challenge in the acute care setting. Two broad differentials exist including ventricular tachycardia versus supraventricular tachycardia with aberrancy, underlying bundle branch block or intrinsic conduction defect. To aid in distinguishing between supraventricular tachycardia and ventricular tachycardia, Brugada criteria is commonly used, albeit new algorithms have become more common. Marriott's sign, a taller peak in the first R wave when compared to R' is considered a specific criterion for distinguishing between these two entities and strongly favors the diagnosis of ventricular tachycardia. In this case we present a wide complex tachycardia, which is an exception to Marriott's sign.
Recipient‐donor KIR ligand matching prevents CMV reactivation post‐haploidentical T cell‐replete transplantation
Authors: Zhao Xiang‐Yu , Luo Xue‐Yi , Yu Xing‐Xing , Zhao Xiao‐Su , Han Ting‐Ting , Chang Ying‐Jun , Huo Ming‐Rui , Xu Lan‐Ping , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Liu Kai‐Yan , Li Dan , Jiang Zheng‐Fan , Huang Xiao‐Jun
Published: May 2017

Licensed natural killer (NK) cells have been demonstrated to have anti‐cytomegalovirus (CMV) activity. We prospectively analysed the human leucocyte antigen typing of donor‐recipient pairs and the killer cell immunoglobulin–like receptor (KIR) typing of donors for 180 leukaemia patients to assess the predictive roles of licensed NK cells on CMV reactivation post‐T‐cell‐replete haploidentical stem cell transplantation. Multivariate analysis showed that donor‐recipient KIR ligand graft‐versus‐host or host‐versus‐graft direction mismatch was associated with increased refractory CMV infection (Hazard ratio = 2·556, 95% confidence interval, 1·377–4·744, P = 0·003) post‐transplantation. Donor‐recipient KIR ligand matching decreased CMV reactivation [51·65% (46·67, 56·62%) vs. 75·28% (70·87, 79·69%), P = 0·012], refractory CMV infection [17·58% (13·77, 21·40%) vs. 35·96% (31·09, 40·82%), P = 0·004] and CMV disease [3·30% (1·51, 5·08%) vs. 11·24% (8·04, 14·43%), P = 0·024] by day 100 post‐transplantation. In addition, the percentage of γ‐interferon expression on donor‐derived NK cells was significantly higher in the recipients among the recipient‐donor pairs with a KIR ligand match compared with that in the recipients among the pairs with a KIR ligand graft‐versus‐host or host‐versus‐graft direction mismatch on days 30 and 100 post‐transplantation (P = 0·036 and 0·047, respectively). These findings have suggested that donor‐recipient KIR ligand matching might promote the NK cell licensing process, thereby increasing NK cell‐mediated protection against CMV reactivation.
Final data of an Italian multicentric survey about counseling for smoking cessation in patients with diagnosis of a respiratory disease
Authors: Capelletto Enrica , Rapetti Simonetta Grazia , Demichelis Sara , Galetta Domenico , Catino Annamaria , Ricci Donata , Moretti Anna Maria , Bria Emilio , Pilotto Sara , Bruno Arianna , Valmadre Giuseppe , Bandelli Gian Piero , Trisolini Rocco , Gianetta Martina , Pacchiana Maria Vittoria , Vallone Stefania , Novello Silvia
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Smoking is the major risk factor for cancer and several respiratory diseases. Quitting smoking at any point of life may increase the effectiveness of treatments and improve prognosis of patients with any pulmonary disease, including lung cancer. However, few institutions in Europe offer to patients adequate counseling for smoking cessation.

Objectives

Aim of this study was to investigate the level of counseling for smoking cessation offered by healthcare professionals to patients and their appreciation towards the intervention itself.

Methods

Between January 2013 and February 2016, 490 patients, diagnosed with a respiratory diseases, were prospectively evaluated with an anonymous survey developed by WALCE (Women Against Lung Cancer in Europe).

Results

The majority of patients enrolled (76%) declared to have stopped smoking after the diagnosis of a respiratory disease, 17% to smoke less, 7% to continue smoking. Patients who reported to have never received any counseling for smoking cessation were 38%. Almost 73% of the other patients reported a positive judgment about the quality of healthcare's intervention. Despite these favorable considerations, 83% of patients have disclosed they simply quit smoking overnight without help, 5% have used electronic cigarettes, 5% nicotine replacement treatments, 4% dedicated books, 3% have attended a referral clinic.

Conclusions

Considering all the smoking‐related side effects, greater efforts should be made in order to better support patients in smoking cessation. Smoking should be considered as a real physical disorder and similar surveys should be encouraged with the aim to fight the ‘stigma’ of smoking that still exists among patients.
N‐glycosylation of the β2 adrenergic receptor regulates receptor function by modulating dimerization
Authors: Li Xiaona , Zhou Mang , Huang Wei , Yang Huaiyu
Published: May 2017

N‐glycosylation is a common post‐translational modification of G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs). However, it remains unknown how N‐glycosylation affects GPCR signaling. β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) has three N‐glycosylation sites: Asn6, Asn15 at the N‐terminus, and Asn187 at the second extracellular loop (ECL2). Here, we show that deletion of the N‐glycan did not affect receptor expression and ligand binding. Deletion of the N‐glycan at the N‐terminus rather than Asn187 showed decreased effects on isoproterenol‐promoted G‐protein‐dependent signaling, β‐arrestin2 recruitment, and receptor internalization. Both N6Q and N15Q showed decreased receptor dimerization, while N187Q did not influence receptor dimerization. As decreased β2AR homodimer accompanied with reduced efficiency for receptor function, we proposed that the N‐glycosylation of β2AR regulated receptor function by influencing receptor dimerization. To verify this hypothesis, we further paid attention to the residues at the dimerization interface. Studies of Lys60 and Glu338, two residues at the receptor dimerization interface, exhibited that the K60A/E338A showed decreased β2AR dimerization and its effects on receptor signaling were similar to N6Q and N15Q, which further supported the importance of receptor dimerization for receptor function. This work provides new insights into the relationship among glycosylation, dimerization, and function of GPCRs.

Enzymes

Peptide‐N‐glycosidase F (PNGase F, EC 3.2.2.11); endo‐β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase A (Endo‐A, EC 3.2.1.96).
Evaluating Crash Risk in Urban Areas Based on Vehicle and Pedestrian Modeling
Authors: Omer Itzhak , Gitelman Victoria , Rofè Yodan , Lerman Yoav , Kaplan Nir , Doveh Etti
Published: May 2017

This article presents a method for investigating the spatial distribution of vehicle and pedestrian traffic crashes relative to the volume of vehicle and pedestrian movement in urban areas. This method consists of two phases. First, vehicle and pedestrian traffic volumes on the street network are modeled using a space syntax configurational analysis of the network, land use data, and observed traffic data. Second, crash prediction models are fitted to the traffic crash data, using negative binomial regression models and based on traffic volume estimates and street segment lengths. The method was applied in two areas in Tel Aviv, Israel, which differ in their morphological and traffic characteristics. The case‐studies illustrated the method's capability in identifying hazardous locations on the network and examining relative crash risks. The analysis shows that an increase in vehicle or pedestrian traffic volume tends to be associated with a decrease in relative crash risk. Moreover, the spatial patterns of relative crash risks are associated with the design characteristics of urban space: areas characterized by dense street networks encourage more walking, and are generally safer for pedestrians, while those with longer street segments encourage more driving, are less safe for pedestrians, but safer for vehicles.
The theory of quantity discounts and optimal pricing
Authors: Chang Winston W. , Chen Tai‐Liang
Published: May 2017

This paper explores a monopolist's optimal multi‐tier quantity‐discount prices and shows that only the last tier's marginal cost is relevant in determining the tier prices and each tier's price is equal to its preceding tier's marginal revenue. An increase in total output is associated with larger individual tiers’ own and cumulative outputs (the stretching effect), and the increases in their cumulative outputs are smaller if their tiers are closer to the first one (the ripple effect). The pricing structure is further characterized by the tier Lerner indices and the price elasticities defined on individual tiers’ own and their commutative outputs.
Tele-pharmacy in rural Scotland: a proof of concept study
Authors: Inch Jackie , Notman Frances , Watson Margaret , Green David , Baird Robert , Ferguson James , Hind Caroline , McKinstry Brian , Strath Alison , Bond Christine
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Technology enables medical services to be provided to rural communities. This proof of concept study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of delivering community pharmacy services (CPS; including advice, sale of over-the-counter products and dispensing of prescriptions) by tele-technology (the Telepharmacy Robotic Supply Service (TPRSS)) to a rural population in Scotland.

Methods

Data collection included the following: postal surveys to local residents; focus groups/ interviews with pharmacists, other healthcare professionals (HCPs) and service users, at baseline and follow-up; TPRSS logs. Interviews/focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Descriptive statistics were reported for survey data.

Results

Qualitative results: Pre-installation: residents expressed satisfaction with current pharmacy access. HCPs believed the TPRSS would improve pharmacy access and reduce pressure on GPs. Concerns included costs, confidentiality, patient safety and ‘fear’ of technology. Post-installation: residents and pharmacy staff were positive, finding the service easy to use. Quantitative results: Pre-installation: almost half the respondents received regular prescription medicines and a third used an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine at least monthly. More than 80% (124/156) reported they would use the TPRSS. There was low awareness of the minor ailment service (MAS; 38%; 59/156). Post-installation: prescription ordering and OTC medicine purchase were used most frequently; the video link was used infrequently. Reasons for non-use were lack of need (36%; 40/112) and linkage to only one pharmacy (31%; 35/112).

Discussion

Community pharmacy services delivered remotely using tele-technology are feasible and acceptable. A larger study should be undertaken to confirm the potential of the TPRSS to reduce health inequalities in rural areas.
Impact of nurse‐led behavioural counselling to improve metabolic health and physical activity among adults with mental illness
Authors: Fraser Sarah J. , Brown Wendy J. , Whiteford Harvey A. , Burton Nicola W.
Published: May 2017

The life expectancy of adults with mental illness is significantly less than that of the general population, and this is largely due to poor physical health. Behavioural counselling can improve physical health indicators among people with non‐communicable disease. This repeated‐measures, single‐group intervention trial evaluated the effects of a 19‐week behavioural counselling programme on metabolic health indicators and physical activity levels of outpatient adults with mental illness. Sixteen participants completed the intervention that comprised individual face‐to‐face counselling sessions with a registered nurse every 3 weeks, and progress reviews with a medical practitioner every 6 weeks. Assessment included self‐report and objective measurement of physical activity, and measures of blood pressure and anthropometry. Statistically‐significant changes were demonstrated between baseline and post intervention for participants’ waist circumference (P = 0.035) and waist‐to‐height ratio (P = 0.037). Non‐significant improvements were demonstrated in weight and physical activity. The findings indicated that adults with mental illness can engage in a nurse‐led behavioural counselling intervention, with improvements in some metabolic health measures after 19 weeks. It is recommended that behavioural counselling programmes for adults with mental illness be sustained over time and have an ‘open door’ policy to allow for attendance interruptions, such as hospitalization.
Histological analysis of hyalinised keloidal collagen formation in earlobe keloids over time: collagen hyalinisation starts in the perivascular area
Authors: Matsumoto Noriko M , Peng Wei‐Xia , Aoki Masayo , Akaishi Satoshi , Ohashi Ryuji , Ogawa Rei , Naito Zenya
Published: May 2017

Keloids grow and do not regress. They are characterised histologically by hyalinised keloidal collagen (HKC). HKC amounts vary, and the mechanism by which they form is unclear. To clarify how HKCs form and whether their formation associates with specific clinical features, we studied the histological findings of earlobe keloids and compared them with respective clinical features. A total of 50 earlobe keloids from 43 patients were used for histological analysis of keloid size (mm2), HKC area (mm2) and HKC area ratio (%). As a result, keloid durations ranged from 3 months to >13 years. Early‐stage keloids exhibited little HKC and a tendency for the HKCs to locate in perivascular regions. In later‐stage keloids, the HKCs were extremely interconnected and formed a thick bitten donut‐shaped region. HKC area ratios correlated positively with keloid duration (r2 = 0·58, P<0·05). HKC area ratios and keloid durations did not correlate with keloid sizes. These patterns of HKC formation and growth may explain why local therapies, which effectively remove fibroblasts and accumulated collagen but not HKCs, are ineffective in older keloids. Keloids should be promptly treated after diagnosis, and older keloids with extensive HKCs may require surgical excision followed by radiotherapy.
Risk of developing psoriasis in patients with schizophrenia: a nationwide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yu S. , Yu C.‐L. , Huang Y.‐C. , Tu H.‐P. , Lan C.‐C.E.
Published: May 2017

Background

Schizophrenia is a complex disease which proceeds from an interaction between genetic background and environmental factors. Recent studies showed T helper 17 (Th17) signalling, which is the main downstream immune response of psoriasis, is activated in schizophrenia.

Objective

To investigate whether patients with schizophrenia have higher risk of psoriasis.

Methods

In this nationwide retrospective cohort study, we analysed the 1 million enrollees’ cohort from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Psoriasis and schizophrenia were ascertained by International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification coding. The study cohort was comprised of enrollees diagnosed with schizophrenia during the period from 1 January 1996 through 31 December 2010, while the comparison population consisted of enrollees who had not been diagnosed with schizophrenia during the study period. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for the risk of psoriasis associated with schizophrenia using Cox proportional hazard regression.

Results

The adjusted HR of psoriasis associated with schizophrenia was 2.32 (95% CI = 1.81–2.98). After 15 years, the cumulative incidence of psoriasis in patients with schizophrenia and comparison population was 2.82% and 1.17%, respectively. The Kaplan–Meier curves for the cumulative incidence of psoriasis in individuals with and without schizophrenia differed significantly (P < 0.0001, log‐rank test).

Conclusions

Patients with schizophrenia have higher risk of psoriasis, which may be due to common genetic susceptibilities and/or immunologic mechanisms in both diseases. Th17 signalling and pro‐inflammatory cytokines may act as a link between these two diseases and are potential therapeutic targets for schizophrenia.
Displays of Masculinity and Rituals of Display: Congolese Immigration and Xenophobia in Johannesburg
Authors: de Jong Nanette
Published: May 2017

Since the end of apartheid, Johannesburg's city centre has become home to a large number of Congolese men who fled the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Congo (RC) for socio‐political or economic reasons. Although many may have arrived with hopes to integrate, xenophobia has made that goal near impossible. Rather than accept acts of marginalisation, however, many of these men have responded with boasts that Congolese culture is not only equal to that of South Africa—it is better. At the root of this argument is Congolese soukous music (specifically soukous appreciation songs) and fashion (specifically Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Elégantes, a Congolese fashion movement known by its acronym la SAPE), which, according to one young Brazzaville man, “show everyone in South Africa that the Congolese are number one” (Interview 2010). This article introduces soukous and la SAPE through notions of masculinity and display, which collectively enable these Congolese men in Johannesburg to reverse the hierarchies of inferiority imposed by xenophobia; and empowers them with opportunities for new imaginaries and practices of belonging. The research for this study was carried out in Johannesburg between 2010 and 2016.
A school‐based public health model to reduce oral health disparities
Authors: Dudovitz Rebecca N. , Valiente Jonathan E. , Espinosa Gloria , Yepes Claudia , Padilla Cesar , Puffer Maryjane , Slavkin Harold C. , Chung Paul J.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Although dental decay is preventable, it remains the most common pediatric chronic disease. We describe a public health approach to implementing a scalable and sustainable school‐based oral health program for low‐income urban children.

Methods

The Los Angeles Trust for Children's Health, a nonprofit affiliated with the Los Angeles Unified School District, applied a public health model and developed a broad‐based community‐coalition to a) establish a District Oral Health Nurse position to coordinate oral health services, and b) implement a universal school‐based oral health screening and fluoride varnishing program, with referral to a dental home. Key informant interviews and focus groups informed program development. Parent surveys assessed preventative oral health behaviors and access to oral health services. Results from screening exams, program costs and rates of reimbursement were recorded.

Results

From 2012 to 2015, six elementary schools and three dental provider groups participated. Four hundred ninety‐one parents received oral health education and 89 served as community oral health volunteers; 3,399 screenings and fluoride applications were performed on 2,776 children. Sixty‐six percent of children had active dental disease, 27 percent had visible tooth decay, and 6 percent required emergent care. Of the 623 students who participated for two consecutive years, 56 percent had fewer or no visible caries at follow‐up, while only 17 percent had additional disease. Annual program cost was $69.57 per child.

Conclusions

Using a broad based, oral health coalition, a school‐based universal screening and fluoride varnishing program can improve the oral health of children with a high burden of untreated dental diseases.
Effectiveness and cost of hepatitis C virus cryoglobulinaemia vasculitis treatment: From interferon‐based to direct‐acting antivirals era
Authors: Cacoub Patrice , Vautier Mathieu , Desbois Anne Claire , Lafuma Antoine , Saadoun David
Published: May 2017

Background

The net benefits of new hepatitis C virus (HCV) direct‐acting antiviral drugs (DAA) in patients with cryoglobulinaemia vasculitis (CryoVas) are unknown.

Objective

To analyse the effectiveness and cost of all treatments used for HCV‐CryoVas in the DAA vs pre‐DAA era.

Methods

A chart review of all HCV‐CryoVas patients who received antivirals from 1993 to 2016 in a tertiary centre was performed. Treatment effectiveness was analysed for clinical, immunological and virological responses. Cost analyses included anti‐HCV treatments, non‐antiviral drugs, plasmapheresis, dialysis and hospitalizations. We compared main data in the pre‐DAA vs DAA period.

Results

About 201 HCV‐CryoVas patients were included (women, 53.2%; mean age, 59.2 years; Metavir score F3‐F4, 36.7%; genotype 1, 64.2%). Patients in the DAA era (n=27) compared to those in the pre‐DAA era (n=174) showed higher rates of clinical (96.3% vs. 78.6%), immunological (89.5% vs. 77.1%), and sustained virological response (75.0% vs. 42.8%). Death rate was 14.8% vs. 24.4% respectively. In the DAA compared to pre‐DAA era, mean cost of anti‐HCV drugs increased from 11 855 to 57 632 € while mean CryoVas‐related cost decreased for both hospitalizations (from 33 510 to 21 347€) and non‐antiviral treatments (from 17 347 to 11 397€).

Conclusion

Improved antiviral efficacy of HCV drugs in the DAA era led to increased clinical and immunological efficacy and a lower death rate. Use of DAAs was associated to higher costs for HCV drugs while costs related to both hospitalizations and non‐antiviral treatments decreased.
Development of a Cost‐Effective Wireless Vibration Weigh‐In‐Motion System to Estimate Axle Weights of Trucks
Authors: Bajwa Ravneet , Coleri Erdem , Rajagopal Ram , Varaiya Pravin , Flores Christopher
Published: May 2017

Truck weight data plays an important role in weight enforcement and pavement condition assessment. This data is primarily obtained through weigh stations and Weigh‐In‐Motion (WIM) stations which are currently very expensive to install and maintain. This article presents results of the implementation of an inexpensive wireless sensor‐based vibration WIM system. The proposed wireless sensor network (WSN) consists of acceleration sensors that report pavement vibration; vehicle detection sensors that report a vehicle's arrival and departure times; and an access point (AP) that synchronizes all the sensors and records the sensor data. The article also describes a new method for speed compensation, an energy‐efficient algorithm (adaptive sampling method) to increase battery life, and a new modeling procedure to estimate gross vehicle weights. The system deployed near a conventional WIM system on I‐80W in Pinole, CA passed the accuracy standards for WIM systems and outperformed a nearby commercial WIM station, based on conventional technology.
Survey of epidemiology, clinical picture and current treatments for elderly‐onset (≥ 65 years) patients with myasthenia gravis in Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Ogawa Yuka , Nakagawa Michitaka , Yoshida Takuhiro , Yazaki Masahide , Sekijima Yoshiki , Hashimoto Takao , Ikeda Shu‐ichi
Published: May 2017

Background

Our previous population‐based study in 1982–2001, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, showed increased numbers of patients with elderly‐onset (≥ 65 years) myasthenia gravis.

Aim

We carried out a retrospective survey in 2002–2012 in the same area, and investigated the epidemiology, clinical picture and treatments for myasthenia gravis.

Methods

Questionnaires were sent to 23 hospitals and patient records were reviewed. Patients were classified into the non‐elderly‐onset (15–64 years, n = 136) or elderly‐onset (≥ 65 years, n = 78) group. The questionnaires included details of sex, age/date of onset, initial symptoms, disease severity, association with thymoma and treatments. Post‐intervention status and maximum/maintenance dose of prednisolone were investigated.

Results

The rate of elderly‐onset myasthenia gravis patients increased in 2002 – 2012 despite correction for increases in the elderly population. The ratio of Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America class I was higher, and that of class IIb was lower, and the thymectomy rate in non‐thymomatous generalized myasthenia gravis patients was lower in the elderly‐onset group. There was no marked difference in the rate of intensive treatments (plasma exchange, intravenous immunoglobulin etc.) between the groups. Immunosuppressive therapies (prednisolone, calcineurin inhibitors) were applied frequently in both groups, whereas calcineurin inhibitor use rate and mean maximal dose of prednisolone were lower, and the “minimum manifestation status with prednisolone ≤ 5 mg” rate was higher in the elderly‐onset group.

Conclusion

This study suggested that a low or moderate dose of prednisolone can be fully effective in many elderly‐onset myasthenia gravis patients, and some might not require calcineurin inhibitors or thymectomy to reduce prednisolone dose.
Recent advancements and new perspectives in animal models for Neurocysticercosis immunopathogenesis
Authors: Arora N. , Tripathi S. , Kumar P. , Mondal P. , Mishra A. , Prasad A.
Published: May 2017

Neurocysticercosis (NCC), one of the most common parasitic diseases of the central nervous system, is caused by Taenia solium. This parasite involves two hosts, intermediate hosts (pig and human) and a definitive host (human) and has various stages in its complex life cycle (eggs, oncosphere, cysticerci and adult tapeworm). Hence, developing an animal model for T. solium that mimics its natural course of infection is quite challenging. We have reviewed here the animal models frequently used to study immunopathogenesis of cysticercosis and also discussed their usefulness for NCC studies. We found that researchers have used mice, rats, guinea pigs, dogs, cats and pigs as models for this disease with varying degrees of success. Mice and rats models have been utilized extensively for immunopathogenesis studies due to their relative ease of handling and abundance of commercially available reagents to study these small animal models. These models have provided some very exciting results for in‐depth understanding of the disease. Of late, the experimentally/naturally infected swine model is turning out to be the best animal model as the disease progression closely resembles human infection in pigs. However, handling large experimental animals has its own challenges and limitations.
Conservation Laws and Integral Relations for the Boussinesq Equation
Authors: Ankiewicz A. , Bassom A. P. , Clarkson P. A. , Dowie E.
Published: May 2017

We are concerned with conservation laws and integral relations associated with rational solutions of the Boussinesq equation, a soliton equation solvable by inverse scattering, which was first introduced by Boussinesq in 1871. The rational solutions are logarithmic derivatives of a polynomial, are algebraically decaying, and have a similar appearance to rogue‐wave solutions of the focusing nonlinear Schrödinger equation. For these rational solutions, the constants of motion associated with the conserved quantities are zero and they have some interesting integral relations, which depend on the total degree of the associated polynomial.