bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTRAVITREAL OCRIPLASMIN IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
Authors: Feng Henry L. , Roth Daniel B. , Hasan Aisha , Fine Howard F. , Wheatley H. Matthew , Prenner Jonathan L. , Shah Sumit P. , Modi Kunjal K. , Feuer William J.
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To investigate predictors of success, visual outcomes, and complications of intravitreal ocriplasmin for the treatment of symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion in a clinical care setting.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of 49 consecutive eyes of 47 patients who received intravitreal ocriplasmin. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography scans were examined for vitreomacular traction (VMT) release, full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) closure, and other changes in retinal anatomy.

Results:

Pharmacologic VMT release occurred in 41% of eyes; positive predictors included age ≤75 years (P = 0.001), phakic status (P = 0.016), VMT width ≤750 μm (P = 0.001), and absence of retinal comorbidities (P = 0.035). Pharmacologic FTMH closure occurred in 25% of cases; positive predictors included successful VMT release (P = 0.042), better preinjection best-corrected visual acuity (P = 0.036), and smaller FTMH aperture width (P = 0.033). Eyes that achieved VMT release and did not undergo surgery attained significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (P = 0.015). Complications included subfoveal lucency (33%), ellipsoid zone disruption (33%), and FTMH base enlargement (75%). Only FTMH base enlargement resulted in worse visual outcomes (P = 0.024). Subgroup analysis of 14 eyes with ideal characteristics (all positive predictors listed above) yielded a 93% VMT release rate.

Conclusion:

Proper case selection may facilitate successful pharmacologic vitreolysis with ocriplasmin, improve visual outcomes, and minimize potential complications.
Predictors of Nonhospitalization and Functional Response in Clozapine Treatment
Authors: Köhler-Forsberg Ole , Horsdal Henriette T. , Legge Sophie E. , MacCabe James H. , Gasse Christiane
Published: January 2017

Background

Clozapine remains the only evidence-based treatment for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, and prediction of clozapine response is important in developing stratified treatment. We studied potential predictors of clozapine response, applying functional assessments as well as service use.

Procedures

We performed a nationwide cohort study among all individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia in Denmark after 1995 (age, ≥18 years) who initiated clozapine treatment between 2004 and 2011 with a Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF-F) score registered at clozapine initiation. During up to 2-year follow-up, clinical response was defined as (a) no further hospitalization with schizophrenia or (b) improvement in GAF-F score (moderate improvement: increase, ≥10; substantial improvement: increase, ≥20; and GAF-F, ≥50). We performed Cox regression analysis and report adjusted hazard rate ratios (HRRs; 95% confidence intervals [95% CIs]).

Results

Among 502 clozapine users with a registered GAF-F score, 232 (46.2%) remained out of hospital, 96 (19.1%) achieved moderate functional improvement, and 29 (5.8%) substantial functional improvement. Of all potential predictors, voluntary status at clozapine initiation showed borderline statistical significance with nonhospitalization (HRR, 1.61; 95% CI, 0.97–2.67). Regarding functional improvement, living with a partner was the strongest predictor with an almost threefold increased HRR (2.78; 95% CI, 1.07–7.23). Female sex was only nonsignificantly associated with functional improvement, whereas the chance of substantial improvement decreased by 15% (HRR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.72–1.00) for each year delay in clozapine initiation among females.

Conclusions

Living with a partner was the strongest predictor of functioning after clozapine initiation in this study. Although potentially indicating better premorbid functioning, this finding stresses the need and importance of social support during the course of the treatment independent of clinical factors.
Abdominal sepsis
Authors: Boldingh Quirine J.J. , de Vries Fleur E.E. , Boermeester Marja A.
Published: January 2017

Purpose of review

To summarize the recent evidence on the treatment of abdominal sepsis with a specific emphasis on the surgical treatment.

Recent findings

A multitude of surgical approaches towards abdominal sepsis are practised. Recent evidence shows that immediate closure of the abdomen has a better outcome. A short course of antibiotics has a similar effect as a long course of antibiotics in patients with intra-abdominal infection without severe sepsis.

Management of abdominal sepsis requires a multidisciplinary approach. Closing the abdomen permanently after source control and only reopening it in case of deterioration of the patient without other (percutaneous) options is the preferred strategy. There is no convincing evidence that damage control surgery is beneficial in patients with abdominal sepsis. If primary closure of the abdomen is impossible because of excessive visceral edema, delayed closure using negative pressure therapy with continuous mesh-mediated fascial traction shows the best results.
Plaque burden, microstructures and compositions underachieving very low LDL-C levels
Authors: Kataoka Yu , Andrews Jordan , Puri Rishi , Psaltis Peter J. , Nicholls Stephen J.
Published: January 2017

Purpose of review

To summarize the impact of lowering LDL-C on plaque progression, microstructures and compositions.

Recent findings

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a major therapeutic target to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Intravascular imaging has elucidated antiatherosclerotic effects of lowering LDL-C in vivo. Intensive control of LDL-C with a statin has been shown to slow plaque progression and induce its regression if very low LDL-C level is achieved. This therapeutic approach has been also demonstrated to modulate plaque microstructures and compositions. These mechanistic insights on intravascular imaging support the benefit of lowering LDL-C in achieving better cardiovascular outcomes.

Lowering LDL-C level has become the first-line therapy in the primary and secondary prevention settings. The effects of lowering LDL-C on plaque progression, microstructures and compositions will be reviewed in this article.
Crystallization of a fungal lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase expressed from glycoengineeredPichia pastorisfor X-ray and neutron diffraction
Authors: O'Dell William B. , Swartz Paul D. , Weiss Kevin L. , Meilleur Flora
Published: January 2017

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are carbohydrate-disrupting enzymes secreted by bacteria and fungi that break glycosidic bondsviaan oxidative mechanism. Fungal LPMOs typically act on cellulose and can enhance the efficiency of cellulose-hydrolyzing enzymes that release soluble sugars for bioethanol production or other industrial uses. The enzyme PMO-2 fromNeurospora crassa(NcPMO-2) was heterologously expressed inPichia pastoristo facilitate crystallographic studies of the fungal LPMO mechanism. Diffraction resolution and crystal morphology were improved by expressingNcPMO-2 from a glycoengineered strain ofP. pastorisand by the use of crystal seeding methods, respectively. These improvements resulted in high-resolution (1.20 Å) X-ray diffraction data collection at 100 K and the production of a largeNcPMO-2 crystal suitable for room-temperature neutron diffraction data collection to 2.12 Å resolution.
Crystal structure of (E)-4-hydroxy-6-methyl-3-{1-[2-(4-nitrophenyl)hydrazinylidene]ethyl}-2H-pyran-2-one
Authors: Kirandeep  , Husain Ahmad , Negi Pooja , Kumar Girijesh , Kataria Ramesh
Published: January 2017

The title compound, C14H13N3O5(HMNP), was synthesized by the simple condensation ofp-nitrophenylhydrazine with dehydroacetic acid (DHA) in a 1:1 molar ratio in ethanol. HMNP has been characterized by using FT–IR,1H and13C NMR and UV–Vis spectroscopic and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The crystal packing reveals strong hydrogen bonds between the NH group and the carbonyl O atom of dihydropyranone moiety, forming chains along [101]. The thermal stability of the synthesized compound was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis and it was found to be stable up to 513 K. The UV–Vis spectrum shows the presence of a strong band at λmax394 nm.1H NMR and single-crystal X-ray analyses confirmed the presence of theenolform of the ligand and dominance over theketoform. The crystal studied was a non-merohedral twin with the refined ratio of the twin components being 0.3720 (19):0.6280 (19).
Workforce diversity and organizational performance: a study of IT industry in India
Authors: Kundu Subhash C. , Mor Archana
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between employee perceptions of diversity (i.e. significance of diversity and diversity management, and value of diversity practices employed) and perceived organizational performance. It also attempts to examine whether the perceptions of diversity vary among employees from different diversity backgrounds (i.e. across gender and categories) in Indian IT industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data based on 402 respondents were analysed using statistical tools like factor analysis, correlations, analysis of variance, means, grand means, and regression.

Findings

Results indicated that employees irrespective of their diversity backgrounds positively acknowledged diversity and diversity management. However, limited but significant differences were observed among employee perceptions regarding valuing the diversity practices employed based on their diversity backgrounds. Further, employees’ perception of promotion of gender diversity was found to be positively related to perceived organizational performance.

Research limitations/implications

This paper relied on self-report surveys for data collection. Future studies should collect data using multiple methods to avoid common-method bias. As the sample was drawn from India, specifically from IT industry, the conclusions may not be generalized to other industries. Future studies may be conducted across industries covering different cultural settings.

Practical implications

Implications are first, that, in addition to investing in initiatives for promoting diversity, especially gender diversity, organizations need to ensure positive perceptibility of these initiatives by employees. Second, to foster acceptance and effectiveness of gender/diversity initiatives in organizations, managers need to ensure men and majority group employees are part of these initiatives. Third, IT industry needs to reassess their hiring strategies and should design diversity programmes with goals in mind, if not quotas, to hire and retain diverse employees to explore their potential contribution.

Originality/value

Inclusion of employees of Indian IT industry of different categories will definitely add value to the existing knowledge on diversity, management theory, and practice.
Customer satisfaction, service quality, and customer value: years 2000-2015
Authors: Oh Haemoon , Kim Kawon
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to review hospitality and tourism research on customer satisfaction (CS), service quality (SQ) and customer value (CV) published in several established hospitality and tourism journals over the past 15-16 years. A parallel review of research on the same topics published in several leading marketing journals is also conducted to show comparisons in research trends across the two different, but closely related, fields of study. By doing so, this paper aims to summarize lessons learned from previous research and provide suggestions for future research on the topics in the hospitality and tourism discipline.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviewed 242 articles appearing in six selected hospitality and tourism journals and 71 articles in four business journals that were published on CS, SQ and CV over the period of 2000-2015. A comprehensive coding scheme was developed to sort each study by more than 50 criteria.

Findings

While research on these topics has grown constantly during the period in the hospitality and tourism field, it has declined in the general business discipline over the same period. Hospitality and tourism research relied heavily on cross-sectional data through a survey approach, whereas business studies used experimental designs more frequently. Research on CS has sustained both interest and productivity, but research on SQ and CV has dwindled over time. Another notable finding is that most studies are not grounded in strong theories, although CS studies tended to be more theory-embedded.

Practical implications

This study provides many useful insights into the research practice and trends of related research and suggestions for future research, especially for hospitality and tourism researchers.

Originality/value

This study provides an unprecedented, comprehensive review of theories, methods, discussion points, implications, limitations and conclusions of studies on CS, SQ and CV published in selected hospitality and tourism journals over the past 15 years.
Thematic framework of online review research
Authors: Kwok Linchi , Xie Karen L. , Richards Tori
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purposes of this study are to synthesize the current research findings reported in major hospitality and tourism journals and to discuss the knowledge gaps where additional research endeavors are needed.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review approach was adopted to analyze 67 research articles about online reviews that were published between January 2000 and July 2015 in seven major hospitality and tourism journals.

Findings

This study presents a thematic framework of online review research, which was advanced by integrating the interactions among quantitative evaluation features, verbal evaluation features, reputation features and social features of online reviews with important outcomes of consumer decision-making and business performance. The thematic framework helps researchers identify the areas in extant hospitality literature of online reviews and point out possible directions for future studies.

Research limitations/implications

The systematic review approach has a qualitative nature, where relevant literature was interpreted based on the authors’ domain knowledge and expertise.

Practical implications

Practitioners can gain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic relationships among the key influential factors in online reviews, as presented in the thematic framework of online review research. Accordingly, managers will be able to develop effective strategies to leverage the positive impacts of online reviews to the business outcomes.

Originality/value

This systematic review synthesizes the findings reported in most recent publications (January 2000-July 2015; also including “Online First” articles) in seven major hospitality and tourism journals and develops an integrated research framework, anchoring on four meta-research questions and showing the dynamic relationships among the key players/factors/themes in online review research. This framework provides a visual diagram to practitioners for a better understanding of the relevant literature and assists researchers in developing new research questions for future studies.
Divisional performance measurement in the retail financial service sector
Authors: Agyei-Mensah Ben Kwame
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Focussing on responsibility theory of management accounting, the purpose of this paper is to test how performance measurements are applied in divisionalised financial service companies. Management accounting theory suggests that two different measures of branch performance should be computed: one to evaluate the economic performance of each branch and the other to evaluate the performance of branch managers (managerial performance). It also advocates that the evaluation of a manager’s performance should consist of only those factors under his or her control. That is, divisionalised performance measurement should be based on the application of the controllability principle, the study also identified the contingent factors that impinged on the selection of performance measures and the allocation of common costs (ACCs) to branches.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a survey questionnaire and analysis of financial statements of the 129 respondent companies the application of financial performance measures: non-financial performance measures and ACCs were tested. For the purpose of this study, dummy variables were assigned to represent whether or not an item is used, if an item is used 1 is assigned to that item and 0 if an item is not used. The values assigned were then summed up to represent the total score for each company. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis was performed to test the six hypotheses of the study.

Findings

The study found that a substantial majority of respondents used different performance measures to evaluate the performance of their branch managers and the economic performance of branches. Both financial and non-financial performance measures were equally used in measuring the performance of branches and branch managers. The study also found that branch managers do not have full autonomy and control over the allocation of common resources costs which form part of their evaluation, even though accounting theory suggest that. The regression analysis results showed that firm size, liquidity and leverage were the factors that influence the decision to employ financial performance measures, non-financial performance measures and ACC by the respondent companies.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the popularity of the balanced scorecard it is surprising to note that none of the respondents have ever used this as a performance measure. The implication is that knowledge of this performance measure is very low among the respondents. The excessive use of uncontrollable factors in the measurement process can reduce the morale of the staff involve hence steps should be taken to reduce their use.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies conducted on the application of performance measures in the financial services and also in a developing country setting. The findings would help organisations in both developing and developed economies to improve upon the application of performance measurement techniques in their branches/divisions.
Knowledge sharing relevance in social responsibility partnerships
Authors: Lyra Mariana Galvão , Gomes Ricardo Corrêa , Pinto Miriam Magdala
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) departments are often involved with civil society organizations (CSOs) through partnerships in order to develop projects. There are valuable exchanges and adaptation experiences involved in the process that goes beyond a project’s expected outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to show how knowledge sharing in a company’s CSO partnership occurs and explain the main drivers and the kind of value that could emerge from both sides.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a case study and analysed it according to its contribution by depicting the main drivers to boost knowledge sharing. The authors conducted interviews and supplemented them with documents and reports.

Findings

The study revealed learning issues from corporate and CSO sides. The authors found asymmetry in management education between companies and CSO employees. This study highlights the relevance of adjusting vocabulary to promote knowledge sharing benefits in partnerships. The presence of a “third party” in the partnership successfully helped management understand the importance of adjusting vocabulary to ease the project lifecycle flow.

Originality/value

The authors demonstrate how knowledge sharing as a CSR outcome improves managerial knowledge and boosts CSOs to seek opportunities for greater cooperation. The partnering possibilities become more apparent as a CSO learns how to deal with business, understands its vocabulary, context and interests. Additionally, corporate organizational learning relies on more knowledge about how CSOs operate and more information about the local community. Knowledge sharing efforts improve an organization’s commitment to develop social projects and improve the impact and legitimacy of CSR.
The manager as employer agent
Authors: Metz Isabel , Kulik Carol T. , Cregan Christina , Brown Michelle
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Managers develop psychological contracts (PCs) with staff as part of their people management responsibilities. A second-stage mediated moderation model explains how a manager’s personality influences the content and fulfillment of PCs in different organizational contexts. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from 749 managers at Australian organizations were collected and regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses. The Edwards and Lambert (2007) approach was used to analyze conditional indirect effects.

Findings

Managers high on agreeableness, conscientiousness and extraversion are more likely to establish relational PCs with their staff than managers low on these personality traits. The effects of agreeableness and conscientiousness on the fulfillment of the PC occur through the “relational PC” variable. Once a relational PC is established, a manager’s ability to fulfill the PC is constrained by the extent to which polices and practices are formalized.

Research limitations/implications

Organizations may need to delegate more power and discretion to managers to enable them to fulfill employer obligations toward their staff, and/or clearly communicate to managers their boundaries in employment promises. In turn, managers need to be aware of personality’s influence on the creation and fulfillment of promises. Causality cannot be inferred because of the study’s cross-sectional data.

Originality/value

Research has focused on employees’ personality and perceptions of the PC. This study is the first to focus on managers’ personality and PC creation and fulfillment.
Using situational judgment tests (SJTs) in training
Authors: Cox Cody Brent , Barron Laura G. , Davis William , de la Garza Bernardo
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Situational judgment tests (SJTs) are widely used in personnel selection but have not been empirically explored as methods of training design. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate SJT-based training as a workplace training design method which utilizes active learning and structured feedback to enhance learning of both procedural and declarative knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

Volunteers (n=416) were randomly assigned to full-length lecture-based training or abbreviated lecture-based training followed by 15 minutes of SJT-based training. Knowledge of training content was assessed at pre-test and three weeks after training.

Findings

SJT-based trainees showed greater improvement on declarative and procedural knowledge than those in traditional training.

Research limitations/implications

The results indicate that integrating the SJT methodology into training delivery may lead to greater mastery of declarative and procedural knowledge relative to exclusive use of lecture-based training methods.

Practical implications

Findings suggest that the relatively inexpensive, low-fidelity scenario-based training methodology the authors detail may increase retention of training material compared to more traditional training methods.

Originality/value

This is the first study to incorporate SJT methodology into the design of training content and to demonstrate that such content can produce greater retention of both declarative and procedural content.
Lack of XAGE‐1b and NY‐ESO‐1 in metastatic lymph nodes may predict the potential survival of stage III melanoma patients
Authors: Mori Mariko , Funakoshi Takeru , Kameyama Kaori , Kawakami Yutaka , Sato Eiichi , Nakayama Eiichi , Amagai Masayuki , Tanese Keiji
Published: January 2017

The cancer–testis antigens (CTA) are a large family of tumor‐associated antigens expressed by a variety of cancer cells and primitive germ cells of the adult testis and placenta. These tumor‐restricted expressing patterns suggest that CTA would be ideal targets for tumor‐specific immunotherapy. XAGE‐1 is a CTA that was originally identified by computer‐based screening, and four transcription variants, XAGE‐1a, ‐1b, ‐1c and ‐1d, have been characterized to date. Although the presence of XAGE‐1 transcripts has been reported in various cancers, the expression of XAGE‐1b in melanoma has not been fully characterized. In this study, we performed immunohistochemical staining of XAGE‐1b together with NY‐ESO‐1, a well‐known CTA, in 113 melanoma samples obtained from 84 patients and evaluated their expression in tumor cells. The effects of expression on tumor progression and patient prognosis were analyzed. Both XAGE‐1b and NY‐ESO‐1 were expressed at high levels in lymph node metastasis and skin metastasis samples compared with the primary site (P < 0.01 in XAGE‐1b and P < 0.05 in NY‐ESO‐1). In a subgroup analysis of 22 patients with stage III lymph node metastasis, overall survival was significantly higher in the XAGE‐1b and NY‐ESO‐1 double‐negative group than in the other groups (P < 0.05). These results suggest that lack of XAGE‐1b and NY‐ESO‐1 expression could have a positive influence on clinical outcome in patients with melanoma.
Persistent Variation in Medicare Payment Authorization for Home Hemodialysis Treatments
Authors: Wilk Adam S. , Hirth Richard A. , Zhang Wei , Wheeler John R. C. , Turenne Marc N. , Nahra Tammie A. , Sleeman Kathryn K. , Messana Joseph M.
Published: January 2017

Objective

To analyze variation in medical care use attributable to Medicare's decentralized claims adjudication process as exemplified in home hemodialysis (HHD) therapy.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Secondary data analysis using 2009–2012 paid Medicare claims for HHD and in‐center hemodialysis (IHD).

Study Design

We compared variation across Medicare administrative contractors (MACs) in predicted paid treatments per standardized patient‐month for HHD and IHD patients. We used ordinary least‐squares regression to determine whether higher paid HHD treatment counts expanded HHD programs’ presence among dialysis facilities.

Data Collection

We identified HHD and IHD treatments using procedure, revenue center, and claim condition codes on type 72x claims.

Principal Findings

MACs varied persistently in predicted HHD treatments per patient‐month, ranging from 14.3 to 21.9 treatments versus 10.9 to 12.4 IHD treatments. The presence of facilities’ HHD programs was uncorrelated with average HHD payment counts.

Conclusions

Medicare's claims adjudication process promotes variation in medical care use, as we observe among HHD patients. MACs’ discretionary decision making, while potentially facilitating innovation, may admit inefficiency in care practice as well as inequitable access to health care services. Regulators should weigh the benefits of flexibility in local coverage decisions against those of national standards for medical necessity.
Attaining SDG11: can sustainability assessment tools be used for improved transformation of neighbourhoods in historic city centers?
Authors: Arslan Tulin Vural , Durak Selen , Aytac Deniz Ozge
Published: January 2017

In coping with rapid urbanization resulting from increased urban growth, limited resources, and the threat of natural and man‐made disasters, cities are being pressured to change. The United Nations created goals to address these issues, drafting the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. Goal 11 of the SDGs addresses issues pertaining to urban development, and focuses on attaining safe, inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities. In order to monitor progress regarding SDG 11, there is a need for globally‐identified and comparable indicators. The City Prosperity Index (CPI) has been recognized as a valuable tool in evaluating the social, economic and physical aspects of cities. However, the CPI is not sufficient in itself in translating information obtained through evaluation into information relevant to policy‐making and planning at the neighbourhood level. Positive urban change can be achieved through improvements made to neighbourhoods, as the core units of cities. Many countries have developed several tools to assess neighbourhoods, applying various indicators to guide the planning process, in an effort to attain sustainability. Many Turkish cities are experiencing the negative effects of rapid urbanization. Within the scope of this study, three neighbourhoods in the historic urban core of Bursa in Turkey have been assessed through Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Neighbourhood Pattern and Design (LEED‐NPD) under LEED Neighbourhood Development (LEED‐ND). By analyzing the existing conditions, this study aims to present the strengths and weaknesses of the case study area and establish a documental and informational base, in order to respond with a plan at the neighbourhood level.
Dividend Manipulation at Unlisted REITs
Authors: Wiley Jonathan A.
Published: January 2017

Dividend policy at unlisted firms is confounded by the continuous equity offering—as exists for unlisted REITs. Unlisted firms lack visible share prices, which heightens the sensitivity of investors to dividends paid during the offering. By paying high dividends early, managers of unlisted REITs positively influence the flow of new equity. Dividend manipulation occurs when discretionary yields are exceptionally high and predominantly favorable dividend changes occur during the equity offering, followed by a surge in unfavorable changes after the offering. Evidence of dividend manipulation at unlisted REITs is provided where even discretionary yields are significantly reduced once the offering expires.
Defensin‐like peptide3 from black solder fly: Identification, characterization, and key amino acids for anti‐Gram‐negative bacteria
Authors: Park Soon‐Ik , Yoe Sung Moon
Published: January 2017

An antibacterial peptide was isolated from a black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens. The molecular mass of this peptide was established as 4247.37 by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight mass (MALD‐TOF MS) spectrometry. The amino acid sequence of the mature peptide was determined by N‐terminal sequencing using Edman degradation, combined with cDNA sequencing of the previously reported defensin‐like peptide (DLP) 3. Analysis of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) revealed that DLP3 had potent activity against Gram‐positive and negative bacteria, but DLP4 had only anti‐Gram‐positive activity as previously reported. Recombinant DLP3 and DLP4 were overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and antibacterial activities were identical to DLPs purified from H. illucens hemolyph. In silico analysis revealed that only six amino acid sequences were different between DLP3 and DLP4, but antibacterial activity against Gram‐negative bacteria differed. Therefore these amino acid variants may be key amino acids (Gly‐10, Val‐18, Met‐23, Arg‐25, Asp‐32, Arg‐40) related to killing Gram‐negative bacteria.
Influence of Lipid Content in a Corn Oil Preparation on the Bioaccessibility of β‐Carotene: A Comparison of Low‐Fat and High‐Fat Samples
Authors: Xia Ziyuan , McClements David Julian , Xiao Hang
Published: January 2017

Some individuals with fat maldigestion have compromised digestive systems, which causes the incomplete hydrolyzation of ingested lipids within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). We studied the influence of high‐fat (20%) and low‐fat (4%) contents on the bioaccessibility of a highly hydrophobic nutraceutical (β‐carotene) through a simulated GIT model consisting of mouth, stomach, and small intestine phases. The low‐fat and high‐fat values were chosen to simulate low‐fat and high‐fat diets. The triglycerides in the low‐fat system were fully digested, whereas those in the high‐fat system were only partially digested, thereby mimicking the digestive systems of individuals who exhibit fat maldigestion. The carotenoids were initially solubilized within oil‐in‐water nanoemulsions prepared using a nonionic surfactant (Tween 20) as emulsifier and a long‐chain triglyceride (corn oil) as the oil phase. After digestion, the total β‐carotene concentration in the filtered micelle phase was much greater for the high‐fat group (0.072 μg/mL) than for the low‐fat group (0.032 μg/mL). Conversely, the β‐carotene bioaccessibility of the high‐fat group (39%) was much lower than that of the low‐fat group (84%), which was attributed to a fraction of the carotenoids remaining in the nondigested lipid phase of the high‐fat group. These results highlight the importance of delivering hydrophobic nutraceuticals in a form where the fat phase is fully digested.
Epidemiology of inflammatory bowel diseases from west to east
Authors: Vegh Zsuzsanna , Kurti Zsuzsanna , Lakatos Peter L
Published: January 2017

The incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) show considerable variation over time and across geographical regions. The first studies on the epidemiology of IBD were mainly from traditionally high‐incidence areas, such as North America, and northern and western Europe. In the last two decades, more and more studies have been published from Eastern European and Asian countries with increasing incidence rates from some regions. According to recent studies, the high incidence and prevalence of IBD in some Western countries is plateauing and in some Eastern countries increasing incidences have been reported. In the era of new multicenter epidemiological studies with common methodology the direct comparison of incidences and prevalences has became possible. In the present review we summarized the currently available literatures on west–east differences in the incidences and prevalences of IBD.
Retrospective analysis of computed tomographic colonography in a rural hospital
Authors: Lee Beom Jun , Balasingam Adrian , Van den Bosch Rene
Published: January 2017

Introduction

The aims of this study were to investigate the diagnostic performance of computed tomography colonography (CTC) performed in a rural secondary hospital, and to describe the local pattern of CTC service provision.

Method

A single site, retrospective observational analysis was conducted for all patients undergoing CTC during the 12‐month period from 1st of January to 31st of December 2014 with comparison to available colonoscopy.

Results

There were 639 CTCs performed during the 12‐months period. The average time from referral to performance of CTC scan was 21.3 days. The diagnostic yield of CTC for CRC was 5.8%; and for large polyps ≥10 mm was 8.0%. The sensitivity and specificity of CTC for detecting CRC were 97.1% and 88.2% respectively. The most predictive symptoms for finding colorectal lesions were rectal bleeding and anaemia. The referral rate from CTC to colonoscopy was 16.9%. 63 patients (9.9%) had follow up recommendations made in their reports due to extracolonic findings.

Conclusion

Computed tomography colonography performed in a rural secondary hospital provided sufficient sensitivity to detect large polyps or CRC. The specificity for CRC was lower than reported figures in the literature. Technical issue of CTC performance due to poor insufflation techniques was identified as a main contributing factor reducing CTC accuracy. CTCs were performed with acceptable waiting time and showed high overall diagnostic yield for colorectal neoplasm in a rural hospital.
The effectiveness of DNA‐based delimitation inSynchonnusnet‐winged beetles (Coleoptera: Lycidae) assessed, and description of 11 new species
Authors: Kusy Dominik , Sklenarova Katerina , Bocak Ladislav
Published: January 2017

SynchonnusWaterhouse, 1879 from Australia is revised.AchrasWaterhouse, 1879 andEnylusWaterhouse, 1879 are found to be junior synonyms ofSynchonnusdue to the absence of diagnostic characters and result in the new combinations ofSynchonnus amplus(Kleine, 1930),S. limbatum(Waterhouse, 1877), andS. segregatus(Waterhouse, 1879).Synchonnusis reported from the Australian mesic and monsoon zones, and 11 new species are described:S. flavonotatumsp. nov.,S. masekisp. nov.,S. ailaketoaesp. nov.,S. dubenovaesp. nov.,S. chilvertonensissp. nov.,S. slipinskiisp. nov.,S. monteithisp. nov.,S. eungellensissp. nov.,S. crypticumsp. nov.,S. variabilissp. nov. andS. campestrissp. nov. The morphology‐based species limits are compared with delimitation inferred from the shape of the phylogenetic tree and genetic distance. DNA‐based species limits agree with morphological delimitation in two clades, but a deep conflict was identified in another clade ofSynchonnusconsisting of three species with allopatric distributions and diversified genitalia, but strong similarities incox1mtDNA sequences. The failure of molecular species delimitation in someSynchonnuspoints to our inability to predict the performance of a barcoding approach even in closely related lineages and calls for an integrative taxonomical approach whenever possible. TheSynchonnusfauna of Australia is presented as highly diverse and fragmentation of habitat in the last ~15 million years is hypothesised as the principal factor leading to the observed alpha‐taxonomic diversity.
Use of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor in the management of pterygium
Authors: Mak Renata Kiri , Chan Tommy Chung Yan , Marcet Marcus M , Choy Bonnie Nga Kwan , Shum Jennifer Wei Huen , Shih Kendrick Co , Wong Ian Yat Hin , Ng Alex Lap Ki
Published: January 2017

The rising success of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies in ocular disease has stimulated the use of such treatments in the surgical management of pterygium. We reviewed the literature to better understand the safety and efficacy of the adjunctive role of anti‐VEGF treatments for pterygium excision. Without surgery, anti‐VEGF alone may favourably alter symptoms and vascularity, but does not cause pterygium regression. Some evidence supports the use of anti‐VEGF as an adjuvant therapy to surgery, especially when using a higher dose and a more frequent dosing regimen. Overall, anti‐VEGF is generally safe and well tolerated in patients with pterygium. Currently, the evidence does not conclusively support the use of anti‐VEGF in pterygium surgery. However, further research may guide unanswered questions regarding the interaction between VEGF and other factors responsible for pterygium growth. In addition, the optimal route and dosage of anti‐VEGF administration is not yet known.
Oral immunoglobulin treatment improved intestinal permeability in children with active Crohn's disease
Authors: Sundqvist Tommy , Stenhammar Lars , Tjellström Bo , Magnusson Karl‐Eric , Forslund Tony , Högberg Lotta
Published: January 2017

Aim

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic mucosal inflammation that affects the intestinal barrier function, for example, by altering the intestinal permeability. This pilot clinical study investigated the impact of oral human immunoglobulin (OHIG) treatment on permeability characteristics in children with active luminal Crohn's disease.

Methods

The study was performed at the Department of Paediatrics, Norrköping Hospital, Sweden. Intestinal permeability was studied in three boys aged 13, 15 and 18 years with active CD, before and after a six‐week treatment programme with OHIG, using different‐sized polyethylene glycols as the test molecules. Three age‐ and sex‐matched children with active CD treated with exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) were also studied.

Results

OHIG and EEN resulted in virtually similar reductions in the signs and symptoms of mucosal inflammation. However, OHIG, unlike EEN, appeared to normalise mucosal transfer leading to a normalisation of the maximum permeation of the small PEG molecules, as well as less restrictions of the larger PEG molecules.

Conclusion

Our study found that OHIG appeared to normalise the mucosal barrier. This suggests that it could offer a new additional and versatile treatment for paediatric CD patients, with a minimal risk of adverse effects.
Disclosures of Social Value Creation and Managing Legitimacy: A Case Study of Three Global Social Enterprises
Authors: Islam Muhammad Azizul
Published: January 2017

This study seeks to fill the gap in the existing literature by examining how and whether disclosure of social value creation becomes a part of the legitimation strategies of social enterprises. In particular, using Suchman's (1995) moral dimension of legitimacy theory, this study sets out whether and how disclosures by three global social organisations – Grameen Bank, Charity Water and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – conform to the expectations of the broader community. The study finds that there is an apparent disconnection between disclosure and action by social enterprises. With reference to a few incidents, social enterprises use disclosure as a part of their managerial efforts, rather than to create moral legitimacy. The notion of apparent disconnection between disclosure and real action by social enterprises is evident. The notion is consistent with extant disclosure literature capturing the motivations for the disclosure practices of corporations. The findings of this paper suggest that when an organisation (whether it is a corporation or a social enterprise) faces a legitimacy crisis, it appears to disclose good news rather than bad news, which calls into question organisational moral legitimacy.
Chromogranin A and neurone‐specific enolase variations during the first 3 months of abiraterone therapy predict outcomes in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Fan Liancheng , Wang Yanqing , Chi Chenfei , Pan Jiahua , Xun Shangguan , Xin Zhixiang , Hu Jianian , Zhou Lixin , Dong Baijun , Xue Wei
Published: January 2017

Objective

To determine the prognostic utility of serum chromogranin A (CgA) and neurone‐specific enolase (NSE) variations during the first 3 months of abiraterone acetate (AA) treatment in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Patients and Methods

The serum levels of CgA, NSE were measured at baseline and after 3 months of AA treatment in 40 patients with mCRPC. Outcome measures were prostate‐specific antigen progression‐free survival (PSA‐PFS), radiographic PFS (rPFS), and overall survival (OS).

Results

CgA levels were not correlated with NSE levels (P = 0.296). In multivariate analysis the combination of CgA and NSE (≥1 marker positive vs both markers negative) and the combination of CgA and NSE elevation during the first 3 months of AA treatment (≥1 marker positive vs both markers negative) remained significant predictors of OS, rPFS, and PSA‐PFS.

Conclusion

We found that CgA and NSE elevation during the first 3 months of AA treatment and elevated baseline CgA and NSE levels were independent prognostic factors for OS, rPFS and PSA‐PFS in patients with mCRPC treated with AA. This suggests that serial CgA and NSE evaluation may help clinicians in distinguishing patients with mCRPC who would obtain the best survival benefit from AA treatment.
Continuity and Stability in Development
Authors: Bornstein Marc H. , Putnick Diane L. , Esposito Gianluca
Published: January 2017

Developmental science is concerned with both consistency and change in characteristics through time. Consistency and change in development are tracked by group mean‐level continuity and individual‐order stability. Group mean‐level and individual‐order consistency and change are both developmentally informative and can coexist conceptually and empirically as they are partially orthogonal perspectives on development. Continuity and stability are broadly applicable to characteristics of the individual, dyad, and environment. Without the distinctions between mean‐level continuity and individual‐order stability, researchers who use the terms willy‐nilly leave their readers in the dark as to which feature of development is meant. In this article, we distinguish the two types of consistency and change, and discuss their measurement, importance, moderation, and implications.
Adaptation and validation of the Singing Voice Handicap Index into Polish
Authors: Sielska‐Badurek E.M. , Sobol M. , Cioch A. , Osuch‐Wójcikiewicz E. , Rzepakowska A.M. , Niemczyk K.
Published: January 2017

Objective

To translate and adapt the original Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI) for the Polish population and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Polish SVHI version, such as internal consistency, reliability and construct validity in different groups of dysphonic singers.

Study design

Prospective case–control study.

Setting

Patients treated at a single institute.

Participants

Sixty singers with voice disorders and 57 healthy singers completed the SVHI and the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Thirty singers completed the SVHI twice within a 2‐ to 4‐week interval.

Main outcome measures

Internal consistency, test–retest reliability, discriminant validity, criterion‐related validity

Results

A strong Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.96) indicates that the SVHI items are measuring the same construct. Evaluating the test–retest reliability, the r‐Spearman correlation coefficient was r = 0.797 for the total score of SVHI, which shows a good level of reproducibility. There were significant differences between the control group (CG) and patients with benign vocal fold lesions (P < 0.001), CG and singers with muscle tension dysphonia (P < 0.001), CG and coexistence of muscle tension dysphonia and chronic laryngitis (P < 0.001). There was a positive statistically significant correlation between SVHI and VHI (r = 0.753, P = 0.000*).

Conclusions

The Polish version of SVHI serves as a valid health status instrument, as well as discriminating between singers with voice disorders and singers without voice problems. The SVHI is easy to perform in clinical practice.
Complex abdominal wall reconstruction in the setting of active infection and contamination: a systematic review of hernia and fistula recurrence rates
Authors: Hodgkinson J. D. , Maeda Y. , Leo C. A. , Warusavitarne J. , Vaizey C. J.
Published: January 2017

Aim

Minimal evidence exists to guide surgeons on the risk of complications when performing abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) in the presence of active infection, contamination or enterocutaneous fistula. This study aims to establish the outcomes of contaminated complex AWR.

Method

Analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Pubmed databases was performed. Studies reporting exclusively on single‐staged repair of contaminated complex AWR were included. Pooled data were analysed to establish rates of complications.

Results

Sixteen studies were included, consisting of 601 contaminated complex AWRs, of which 233 included concurrent enterocutaneous fistula repair. The average follow‐up period was 26.7 months. There were 146 (24.3%) reported hernia recurrences. When stratified by repair method, suture repair alone had the lowest rate of recurrence (14.2%), followed by nonabsorbable synthetic mesh reinforcement (21.2%), biological mesh (25.8%) and absorbable synthetic mesh (53.1%). Hernia recurrence was higher when fascial closure was not achieved. Of the 233 enterocutaneous fistula repairs, fistula recurrence was seen in 24 patients (10.3%). Suture repair alone had the lowest rate of recurrence (1.6%), followed by nonbiological mesh (10.3%) and biological mesh reinforcement (12%). Forty‐six per cent of patients were reported as having a wound‐related complication and the mortality rate was 2.5%.

Conclusion

It is feasible to perform simultaneous enterocutaneous fistula repair and AWR as rates of recurrent fistula are comparable with series describing enterocutaneous fistula repair alone. Hernias recurred in nearly a quarter of cases. This analysis is limited by a lack of comparative data and variability of outcome reporting.