bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Push and pull escape travel motivations of Emirati nationals to Australia
Authors: Michael Noela , Wien Charlotte , Reisinger Yvette
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the escape motivations of the emerging market and provide suggestions for Australia’s promotion. This study adopts the push and pull framework to identify travel motivations of Emirati nationals to Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a series of focus groups and in-depth interviews to understand the escape motivations that encourage Emiratis to leave their home country and travel to Australia for a holiday.

Findings

The results indicate that Emiratis are motivated to travel to Australia by three escape factors: physical, interpersonal and fun. The internal motivations that encourage Emiratis to escape their home country are inseparable from Australia’s external attributes that attract the Emiratis to the country.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the theory of tourist motivation by supporting it in the culturally different Muslim/Arab context, which has not been explored before. The authors argue that it is not so much what Australia offers and what escape needs the Emiratis can fulfil in Australia, but rather that Australia serves the Emiratis well and meets their escape needs.
Supply chain risk assessment approach for process quality risks
Authors: Ghadge Abhijeet , Fang Xie , Dani Samir , Antony Jiju
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to proactively analyse and mitigate the root causes of the product and security risks. The case study approach examines the effectiveness of the fuzzy logic approach for assessing the product and process-related failure modes within global supply chain context.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study of a Printed Circuit Board Company in China is used as a platform for conducting the research. Using data triangulation, the data are collected and analyzed through interviews, questionnaires, expert opinions and quantitative modelling for some interesting insights.

Findings

Fuzzy logic approach for failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) provides a structured approach for understanding complex behaviour of failure modes and their associated risks for products and processes. Today’s managers should conduct robust risk assessment during the design stage to avoid product safety and security risks such as recalls.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on the single case study and multiple cases from different industry sectors may provide some additional insights.

Originality/value

The study attempts to mitigate the root causes of product and processes using fuzzy approach to FMEA in supply chain network.
Unlocking library search committees at ARL public universities
Authors: Franks Tina P. , Budzise-Weaver Tina , Reynolds Leslie J.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer insights into the hiring process for candidates seeking entry-level and mid-range librarian positions at ARL public university libraries. Whether a recent librarian graduate, a seasoned librarian seeking a different academic institution or a librarian transitioning into academia from a different library environment, an understanding of how search committees function and the importance they contribute to identifying the best candidate can be beneficial to any job seeker.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper offers universal best practices, techniques and “keys” to unlocking the secrets of the recruitment process from the candidate’s perspective to help librarians seeking employment in an Association of Research Libraries (ARLs) public university environment. The scope of this paper is for entry level and mid-range librarians, but some ARL’s do use executive search firms for upper level administrative positions.

Findings

This paper describes the search process, offers insiders’ perspectives and provides techniques along with best practices on how to be a successful applicant and candidate.

Practical implications

As experienced professionals who have served on search committees, this paper explains the “keys” to best practices and how to enhance one’s resume and curriculum vita.

Originality/value

This paper walks potential job candidates through the process of how to apply and what to expect during an ARL Library Search Committee application review.
Students of humanities and social sciences and e-democracy
Authors: Petr Balog Kornelija , Badurina Boris
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find out whether the students of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS) in Osijek, Croatia, interact online with any sort of e-democracy or e-government information.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the findings of a pilot-study conducted among the undergraduate and graduate students of the FHSS in Osijek. The research was conducted in May 2015 on a sample of 246 students. The research was carried out by means of an online and paper survey and reached 59.91 per cent of the population of students enrolled in the first year of undergraduate and graduate studies.

Findings

Students in our sample spend a lot of time online. They are relatively active online when it comes to finding information connected with their academic responsibilities (e.g. 77.2 per cent of the students of the sample have gone online for finding information about exams, scholarships, etc.), but rarely engage in democratic processes within the academic community (only 11.8 per cent have contacted their student representative on the University Student Board). They are even less interested in democratic processes within the local community (8.1 per cent have contacted their local authority representatives regarding an administrative or communal matter).

Originality/value

This is the first research of FHSS students’ perceptions and views regarding their engagement and their information behavior regarding e-democracy and e-government processes and one of the very few such researches in Croatia.
Performance comparison of Islamic and conventional banks: empirical evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Khan Imran , Khan Mehreen , Tahir Muhammad
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the performance differences of Islamic and conventional banks in Pakistan by using financial ratios.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzed 5 Islamic and 19 conventional banks for the periods of 2007-2014. Two types of analyses were performed – sample t-test and logistic regression. Analysis was also performed on sub-sample considering crisis effects.

Findings

It was found that Islamic banks are relatively better in profitability, efficiency, risk and liquidity management, while conventional banks are superior in asset quality. Higher efficiency of Islamic banks contradicts with previous studies conducted in Pakistan. Probable reasons for this include phenomenal expansion of Islamic banking industry and its broad appeal to customers in Pakistan. Risk management practices of Islamic banks are superior to conventional banks, as Shariah rules restrict pure speculation in monetary terms. Better asset quality of conventional banks is attributed to their recognition and product diversity. During the crisis, Islamic banks were found less profitable than their counterparts.

Research limitations/implications

This study suggests that high operational efficiency of Islamic banks should be converted into technical efficiency by improving human resource, introducing innovative market-oriented products and prudent resource allocations. As operational efficiency does not promise returns in long term, to sustain ongoing phenomenal growth of Islamic banking, management needs to gain customer trust.

Originality/value

This is an original research that compares performance differences across Islamic and conventional banks by using financial ratios.
Mental capacity and deprivation of liberty: the Law Commission’s review of the deprivation of liberty safeguards
Authors: Spencer-Lane Tim
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief overview of the Law Commission’s final report and recommendations on the reform of the deprivation of liberty safeguards under the Mental Capacity Act.

Design/methodology/approach

Summary of main report.

Findings

The proposals contained in the Law Commision Review and proposals for law reform are outlined.

Originality/value

This is a summary.
Bringing project and change management roles into sync
Authors: Pádár Katalin , Pataki Béla , Sebestyén Zoltán
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Change management (CM) and project management (PM) literatures examine the key roles (change agent, project manager, project or change sponsor) played during projects or changes only from their respective points of view. They do so even in cases where projects and changes occur at the same time – or are so-called change projects. In such cases, effective management should utilize both scientific fields’ bodies of knowledge (BoK). The purpose of this paper is to unfold how and in which domain(s) typical roles of the two disciplines correspond to each other.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a systematic, bi-disciplinary meta-review that simultaneously studies relevant literature on roles performed during projects and changes. The common domain of CM and PM was identified; the systematic review and comparison of role definitions followed.

Findings

This paper examines and illustrates the correspondence of 7 CM and 14 PM roles; e.g., “sponsor” refers to the same role and “change agent” and “project manager” are corresponding ones, referring to the same role up to a certain degree.

Research limitations/implications

This paper does not provide an exhaustive overview of various instances of different role (and stakeholder) interpretations.

Practical implications

Findings should facilitate the better management of changes that require CM-type and PM-type capabilities and actions.

Originality/value

As a result of the meta-review, two CM roles were re(de)fined. Linking PM and CM roles provides common ground on which practitioners of both fields can rely. A step-by-step tool for the identification of such cases in practice, when both types of roles should be played and both BoK can be utilized complementarily, was developed.
Co-producing formulation within a secure setting: a co-authorship with a service user and the clinical team
Authors: Lewis-Morton Ruth , Harding Sarah , Lloyd April , Macleod Alison , Burton Simon , James Lee
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the process of co-producing a formulation alongside a service user and the clinical team within a secure inpatient service. This paper has been co-authored by the service user and members of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT).

Design/methodology/approach

An open-ended focus group discussion was facilitated with the service user and members of her MDT. The process of thematic analysis was applied to the focus group transcript.

Findings

The following themes highlighted important outcomes of co-producing a formulation within a secure inpatient setting; “Meaningful Collaboration”, “Co-Produced Understanding” and a “Shift in Power Differential”. This paper demonstrates the importance of meaningful co-production within a secure inpatient service whilst also highlighting the challenges and tensions of working in a co-produced way within this context.

Research limitations/implications

This paper explores the process of co-producing and developing a formulation from the perspective of one service user and their MDT within a secure inpatient setting. It would be unhelpful to extrapolate broad assumptions from this case study although this study does raise important considerations for future research and encourages an emphasis on a co-produced design and dissemination.

Practical implications

This case study highlights the importance of co-production in clinical endeavours, service delivery and development perspectives and in the dissemination of this information.

Originality/value

The importance of co-producing and co-authoring alongside service users have been highlighted in this paper. This approach to co-production and co-authorship is highly recommended in future research endeavours.
Future of student housing: meeting emerging student needs
Authors: McBride Yasamina
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to examine the current state of on-campus student housing, emerging student needs and forecast possible scenarios for the student housing market by the year 2030.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes Houston Framework Foresight Method.

Findings

The percentage of students that are traditional college-age, those most interested in living on campus, is becoming smaller. Increasingly, the markets of growth for colleges and universities is found by engaging students at a distance. Additionally, even students that live within commuting distance to campus often attend classes by virtual means and improved delivery technologies will only make this option more attractive. Many on-campus housing strategic plans contain buildings that meet the needs of the students of today not the students of tomorrow. By assessing the impact of the key trends, administrators can make better choices for their campus.

Research limitations/implications

Recommendations are based on a combination of the best available research and analysis and is not intended to act as a predictor of the future. This paper presents only one of many possible futures that were developed based on recognized forecasting methods.

Originality/value

This paper presents a recommended response for administrators to consider when approaching student housing projects over the next decade.
Nine emerging student needs
Authors: Hines Andrew , Whittington Alexandra
Published: June 2017

Purpose

A research project exploring emerging student needs explored six aspects of student life: living, learning, working, playing, connecting and participating.

Design/methodology/approach

A modified version of the University of Houston’s “Framework Foresight” method was used to explore the future of six aspects of future student life. The resulting scenarios were analyzed for their implications, including the use of the World Café technique, and ultimately led to the identification of nine emerging student needs.

Findings

Nine specific emerging needs of future students could be used strategically by institutions of higher education to guide and inform planning and to generate innovative ideas for university offerings. Specific examples of offerings that would meet the projected future needs are recommended.

Research limitations/implications

In terms of research limitations, the paper is focused on the needs of students and does not purport to be an exhaustive analysis of all of the issues influencing higher education. It views the future of higher education through the lens of students and their emerging needs.

Practical implications

The paper is intended for educators, researchers and administrators to provide insight on how the needs of students, their key customers, are evolving.

Originality/value

This piece explores student life in its totality as way to more accurately identify student needs in the future.
Down‐regulation of long non‐coding RNA MALAT1 by RNA interference inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in multiple myeloma
Authors: Liu Hui , Wang Huihan , Wu Bin , Yao Kun , Liao Aijun , Miao Miao , Li Yang , Yang Wei
Published: June 2017

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a neoplastic plasma‐cell disorder characterized by abnormal proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marrow. Metastasis‐associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), an evolutionarily highly conserved long non‐coding RNA was originally identified in metastatic non‐small cell lung cancer and has been reported to be up‐regulated in many other cancers. However, the function of MALAT1 in MM remains unknown. In the present study, by transfecting MM cells with MALAT1‐specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression plasmids, the role of MALAT1 in the proliferation and apoptosis of MM cells was investigated in vitro, and the tumorigenicity of MALAT1‐silenced cells was evaluated in vivo. MALAT1 was found to be highly expressed in RPMI8226 and U266 cells. Down‐regulation of MALAT1 via RNA interference significantly inhibited the proliferation of MM cells through cell cycle arrest at G1 phase. Moreover, knockdown of MALAT1 induced apoptosis, which was closely associated with the activation of caspase‐3/‐9, down‐regulation of Bcl‐2 and up‐regulation of Bax. In addition, silencing of MALAT1 by intratumoral injection of MALAT1 shRNA attenuated the tumour growth in mice bearing myeloma xenograft and led to massive apoptosis in the xenograft tumour. Therefore, MALAT1 may serve as a promising target in the genetic therapeutic strategy for MM treatment.
Larvicidal activity of some fungal extracts onAedes caspiusandCulex pipiens(Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Al‐Mekhlafi Fahd A.
Published: June 2017

A preliminary study was conducted to evaluate the effects of nine methanol fungal extracts on fourth instar larvae ofAedes caspiusandCulex pipiens(Diptera: Culicidae). None of the extracts tested showed larvicidal activity except for thePaecilomyces lilacinusextract, which showed 100 % mortality against the larvae ofAe caspiusafter 24 h. The LC50values of theP. lilacinusextract after 24 h were 190.66 μg/mL againstAe. caspiusand 254.25 μg/mL againstCx. pipiens, respectively. After 48 h, meanwhile, the LC50values were 65.70 and 164.13 μg/mL, respectively. Histological analysis of the midgut of the treated larvae ofAe. caspiusandCx. pipiensrevealed changes such as cell destruction, spacing between the cells and disruption of the microvilli, resulting in an appearance of vacuolization in the midgut. This article is the first report of the use ofP. lilacinusextract for the control ofAe. caspiusandCx. pipienslarvae and the data obtained may help to provide a better understanding of the mode of action ofP. lilacinusas an insecticide against mosquito larvae.
Radiation oncology directors of training survey 2016: Perspectives and challenges
Authors: Leung John , Lehman Margot
Published: June 2017

Introduction

This paper reports the key findings of the first survey of Australian and New Zealand Radiation Oncology Directors of Training (DoTs) dealing with their perspectives, experiences and challenges.

Methods

The survey was conducted in September 2016 using a 34‐question instrument. It was emailed to all radiation oncology DoTs listed on the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) database. The questions related to demographics, protected time, weekly activities, support, the value of curriculum assessments, challenges and suggested improvements. Respondents were assured that their responses were anonymous.

Results

The response rate was 59.6% (31/52). The median age of respondents was in the 41 to 45 age bracket, but nearly one quarter were over 45 years of age. The median time respondents had been in the role was three to five years (range <0.5 to >10) with the median number of trainees supervised being four (range 1–8). Thirty‐five percent had a co DoT. DoTs spent a median of three hours per week on the role (range <1 to >8) with most respondents (67.7%) requiring time during and out of work performing the role, but ten percent claimed it was done out of hours only. Nearly all DoTs were aware they should have protected time, but only just half received it. The educational aspects of training dominated weekly activities, but rostering, specific trainee issues and administration were also featured. Time issues were the greatest challenge for respondents with clinical assignments the most challenging assessment. However, more emphasis on contouring and planning was thought to be required. All DoTs found the dedicated DoT workshops useful, but felt future discussions on trainees in difficulty could be emphasized. The vast majority felt supported by their training site and the College. All respondents believed in the role with most having an interest in educational activities. The majority of respondents (85%) intended to continue in the role for the next 1 to 2 years, but this dropped to 45% when asked about continuing for 5 years.

Conclusions

This survey of predominantly experienced DoTs, indicated that the role was deemed to be of value in delivering optimal training. The most significant challenges faced by DoTs were finding sufficient time to deal with the responsibilities of the role and dealing with underperforming trainees. Feedback on the currently employed work based assessments will be considered as FRO transitions into programmatic assessment. Furthermore, a desire for training in how to deal with trainees in difficulty, underperforming or unsuitable trainees is noted. Future work is planned following refinements of the survey instrument; and, will also explore stress and burnout in the DoT cohort.
Pioglitazone attenuates atrial remodeling and vulnerability to atrial fibrillation in alloxan‐induced diabetic rabbits
Authors: Liu Changle , Liu Ruimeng , Fu Huaying , Li Jian , Wang Xinghua , Cheng Lijun , Korantzopoulos Panagiotis , Tse Gary , Li Guangping , Liu Tong
Published: June 2017

Background/Aims

Recent evidence indicates that peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐γ activators exert anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant actions. However, the underlying mechanisms by which these agents prevent atrial remodeling in diabetes are not completely elucidated. We sought to investigate the potential effects of pioglitazone, a PPAR‐γ activator, on atrial remodeling and atrial fibrillation (AF) inducibility in diabetic rabbits.

Methods

Alloxan‐induced diabetic rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: diabetes only, diabetes treated with low‐dose pioglitazone (4 mg/day/kg), or diabetes treated with high‐dose pioglitazone (8 mg/day/kg) (n=24 for each group). A total of 24 healthy rabbits served as controls. Eight weeks later, hemodynamic, echocardiographic, and electrophysiological parameters were recorded. Left atrial whole‐cell patch‐clamp studies, histological examination, and Western blot analysis were also performed.

Results

In the DM group (6/8 vs 1/8, P<.05), higher AF inducibility, increased amount of fibrosis, lower INa, and higher ICaL were observed in the DM group compared to controls. Western blot analysis showed that DM increased the expression of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 2 (ERK2), phosphorylation ERK, transforming growth factor beta‐1, Toll‐like receptor 4, nuclear factor‐κB p50, and heat‐shock protein 70. All of these electrophysiological, histological, ion current density, and protein expression changes were all reduced by pioglitazone.

Conclusion

Pioglitazone attenuates diabetes‐induced structural and electrophysiological remodeling in the atria, thereby reducing the vulnerability to AF.
Europe, the End of the West and Global Power Shifts
Authors: Schwarzer Daniela
Published: June 2017

Relative economic, political, and military power is undoubtedly shifting away from the West, most notably to Asia, but also to other world regions. Moreover, non‐state actors and cross‐border flows increasingly pose challenges to Western states’ capacity for crisis management. Consequently, the liberal world order and its governance structures have come under pressure. Even more fundamental is the emerging challenge to the notion of the ‘West’ as a group of countries led by the United States and unified around core values and principles. The 2016USelection results raise serious doubts about the futureUSadministration's resolve to abide by liberal democratic norms both internally and in their international relations. Whether deliberately or indirectly in the pursuit of other goals, theUSmay undermine the already weakened rules‐based international system and thereby accelerate the decline of the West's material and ideological hegemony. In light of these potential conflicts, European governments must take immediate action to prepare for a new global order. They must first strengthen their own countries and enhance the internal coherence of the Union. Second, they must improve the crisis management facilities and strategic capacities within their borders as well as within the euro area and theEU.
Britain's Economic Outlook after Brexit
Authors: Yueh Linda
Published: June 2017

In a historic referendum, Britain has voted to leave the European Union. Some of the polling suggests that a backlash against globalisation played a role, alongside themes such as sovereignty and immigration. The government has insisted that Britain will maintain its global outlook, but how challenging will that be in the face of disengaging from the world's biggest economic entity and forging a novel path? The UK is doing so with some notable weaknesses in its large trade deficit. This article explores the economic uncertainties of Brexit and potential ways forward.
Small RNAs induce the activation of the pro‐inflammatory TLR7 signaling pathway in aged rat kidney
Authors: Lee Eun Kyeong , Chung Ki Wung , Kim Ye Ra , Ha Sugyeong , Kim Sung Dae , Kim Dae Hyun , Jung Kyung Jin , Lee Bonggi , Im Eunok , Yu Byung Pal , Chung Hae Young
Published: June 2017

We have recently reported that TLR‐related genes, including TLR7, are upregulated during aging. However, the role of TLR7 and its endogenous ligand in inflammation related to aging is not well defined. Here, we established that small RNAs trigger age‐related renal inflammation via TLR7 signaling pathway. We first investigated the expression changes of nine different TLRs in kidney of 6‐month‐old young rats and 20‐month‐old aged rats. The results revealed that the expression of TLR7 was the highest among nine TLRs in kidney of old rats compared to the young aged rats. Next, to assess the role of cellular RNA as a TLR7 ligand, we treated a renal tubular epithelial cell line with total RNA isolated from the kidney of young and old rats. The results showed that RNA isolated from old rats showed higher expression of TLR7, IL1β, and TNFα compared to that from young rats. Furthermore, RNA isolated from old rats induced IKKα/β/JNK/NF‐κB activation. To identify RNA that activates TLR7, we isolated small and large RNAs from old rat kidney and found that small RNAs increased TLR7 expression in cells. Finally, to investigate the local inflammatory response by small RNA, C57B/L6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with small RNAs isolated from young and old rats; thereby, RNA isolated from old rats induced higher inflammatory responses. Our study demonstrates that renal small RNAs from aged rats induce pro‐inflammatory processes via the activation of the TLR7/IKKα/β/JNK/NF‐κB signaling pathway, and highlights its causative role as a possible therapeutic target in age‐related chronic renal inflammation.
Comorbidities in adults with asthma: Population‐based cross‐sectional analysis of 1.4 million adults in Scotland
Authors: Weatherburn C. J. , Guthrie B. , Mercer S. W. , Morales D. R.
Published: June 2017

Background

Comorbidity in people with asthma can significantly increase asthma morbidity and lower adherence to asthma guidelines.

Objective

The objective of this study was to comprehensively measure the prevalence of physical and mental health comorbidities in adults with asthma using a large nationally representative population.

Methods

Cross‐sectional analysis of routine primary care electronic medical records for 1 424 378 adults in the UK, examining the prevalence of 39 comorbidities in people with and without asthma, before and after adjustment for age, sex, social deprivation and smoking status using logistic regression.

Results

Of 39 comorbidities measured, 36 (92%) were significantly more common in adults with asthma; 62.6% of adults with asthma had ≥1 comorbidity vs 46.2% of those without, and 16.3% had ≥4 comorbidities vs 8.7% of those without. Comorbidities with the largest absolute increase in prevalence in adults with asthma were as follows: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (13.4% vs 3.1%), depression (17.3% vs 9.1%), painful conditions (15.4% vs 8.4%) and dyspepsia (10.9% vs 5.2%). Comorbidities with the largest relative difference in adults with asthma compared to those without were as follows: COPD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.65, 95% CI 5.52‐5.79), bronchiectasis (aOR 4.65, 95% CI 4.26‐5.08), eczema/psoriasis (aOR 3.30, 95% CI 3.14‐3.48), dyspepsia (aOR 2.20, 95% CI 2.15‐2.25) and chronic sinusitis (aOR 2.12, 95% CI 1.99‐2.26). Depression and anxiety were more common in adults with asthma (aOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.57‐1.63, and aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.48‐1.57, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Physical and mental health comorbidities are the norm in adults with asthma. Appropriate recognition and management should form part of routine asthma care.
Bronchoprotective tolerance with indacaterol is not modified by concomitant tiotropium in persistent asthma
Authors: Jabbal S. , Manoharan A. , Lipworth B. J.
Published: June 2017

Background

Tiotropium is a long acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), licensed as triple therapy with inhaled corticosteroid and long‐acting beta‐agonist (ICS/LABA). There may be a synergistic benefit between LAMA and LABA as a consequence of receptor cross‐talk, which in turn could modify beta‐2 receptor downregulation and associated tolerance induced by LABA.

Objective

We hypothesize this mechanism may result in a reduction of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) when using triple therapy.

Methods

We evaluated 14 non‐smoking asthmatics using an open‐label, randomized crossover design. ICS with Indacaterol and Tiotropium (IND/TIO) vs ICS with Indacaterol (IND) over 4 weeks with challenge performed after first and last doses at trough.

Results

We found no significant difference in mannitol sensitivity, expressed as the provocative dose of mannitol required to reach a 15% drop in FEV1, or mannitol reactivity, expressed as the response dose ratio (RDR: max % fall in FEV1/cumulative dose), when comparing ICS/IND/TIO to ICS/IND. Geometric mean fold differences for RDR comparing single and chronic dosing were 3.26‐fold (95% CI 1.46‐7.29) and 2.51‐fold (95% CI 1.32‐4.79) for IND and IND/TIO, respectively. Furthermore, salbutamol recovery post‐challenge was significantly blunted after chronic compared to single dosing with either ICS/IND (P<.005) or ICS/IND/TIO (P<.05).

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Our data suggest that concomitant tiotropium does not modify the bronchoprotective tolerance induced by Indacaterol, in turn suggesting that cross‐talk may not be clinically relevant when using triple therapy. This study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02039011.
Maternal thyroid function, prepregnancy obesity and gestational weight gain—The Generation R Study: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Collares Fernanda M. , Korevaar Tim I.M. , Hofman Albert , Steegers Eric A.P. , Peeters Robin P. , Jaddoe Vincent W.V. , Gaillard Romy
Published: June 2017

Objective

Maternal prepregnancy obesity and excessive gestational weight gain are associated with pregnancy complications. Thyroid function is related to differences in body mass index (BMI) in adult populations. We examined the associations of maternal thyroid function in early pregnancy with maternal BMI and weight gain during pregnancy.

Design and methods

In a population‐based prospective cohort study among 5726 mothers, we measured maternal TSH and FT4 levels at 13.5 weeks of gestation (95% range: 9.7‐17.6 weeks). Maternal weight was assessed before pregnancy and in each trimester.

Results

Higher maternal TSH levels were associated with higher prepregnancy BMI (difference: 0.18 kg/m2 [95% CI: 0.01, 0.36] per SD increase in maternal TSH level) and higher total gestational weight gain (difference: 0.02 kg/wk [95% CI: 0.01, 0.03] per SD increase in maternal TSH level). Higher maternal FT4 levels were associated with lower prepregnancy BMI (difference: −0.44 kg/m2 [95% CI: −0.63, −0.26] per SD increase in maternal FT4 level) and lower total gestational weight gain (difference: −0.01 kg/wk [95% CI: −0.02, −0.01] per SD increase in maternal FT4 level). The associations of maternal thyroid function with weight gain in early pregnancy were stronger than those with weight gain in mid and late‐pregnancy. Maternal hypothyroidism was associated with higher prepregnancy BMI and early pregnancy weight gain, whereas opposite effects were observed for maternal hyperthyroidism (P<.05).

Conclusions

Higher maternal TSH level and lower FT4 level in early pregnancy are associated with higher prepregnancy BMI and higher gestational weight gain. Further studies are needed to explore maternal and foetal consequences.
Prognostic implication of BRAF and TERT promoter mutation combination in papillary thyroid carcinoma—A meta‐analysis
Authors: Vuong Huy Gia , Altibi Ahmed M.A. , Duong Uyen N.P. , Hassell Lewis
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The use of molecular markers, especially BRAF and TERT promoter mutations, for risk stratification in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is subject to continuing debate. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinicopathological implication of each genotype when combining BRAF and TERT promoter mutations in PTCs.

Methods

We searched four electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Virtual Health Library for relevant studies. Pooled estimates of odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated using random‐effect model.

Results

From 111 results, we finally included 11 studies with 3911 PTC patients for meta‐analyses. Our results demonstrated that PTCs with concurrent BRAF and TERT promoter mutations were associated with increased tumour aggressiveness in comparison with PTCs harbouring BRAF or TERT promoter mutation alone. The combination of BRAF and TERT promoter mutations could classify PTCs into four distinct risk groups with decreasing aggressiveness as follows: coexisting BRAF and TERT > TERT alone=BRAF alone > no mutations.

Conclusion

The risk stratification of PTC based on these four genotypes can help improve the clinical management of PTCs by identifying the group of PTCs with the highest aggressiveness.
Circulating MicroRNA in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Lai Clare T. M. , Ng Enders K. O. , Chow Pak‐cheong , Kwong Ava , Cheung Yiu‐fai
Published: June 2017

Background

Emerging data suggest that heart‐related microRNAs (miRs) may serve as circulating biomarkers of myocardial injury. We aimed to determine the circulating profile of miRs in patients with volume‐overloaded right ventricles after repair of tetralogy (TOF).

Materials and methods

A total of 104 TOF patients and 70 controls were recruited. The study was conducted in two phases: (1) determination of circulating heart‐related miRs described in left heart diseases (miR‐1, miR‐133a, miR‐208a, miR‐208b and miR423‐5p) by quantitative real‐time PCR in 49 patients and 30 controls and followed by validation in an independent cohort of 55 patients and 40 controls; (2) expression profiling of serum samples from eight patients and eight controls, followed by validation. Alteration in circulating miRNA expression was related to cardiac functional indices as assessed by 2D speckle tracking and 3D echocardiography.

Results

No significant differences in serum levels of left heart‐associated miRNAs were found between patients and controls. Of the candidate 19 miRNAs identified by profiling, upregulation of miR‐99b and down‐regulation of miR‐766 were validated. However, no correlations were found between miRs levels and echo indices.

Conclusion

In young adults with repaired TOF and volume‐overloaded right ventricles, circulating levels of miR‐99b and miR‐766, but not left heart‐associated miRNAs, were significantly altered.
Top predators determine how biodiversity is partitioned across time and space
Authors: Van Allen Benjamin G. , Rasmussen Nick L. , Dibble Christopher J. , Clay Patrick A. , Rudolf Volker H. W.
Published: June 2017

Natural ecosystems are shaped along two fundamental axes, space and time, but how biodiversity is partitioned along both axes is not well understood. Here, we show that the relationship between temporal and spatial biodiversity patterns can vary predictably according to habitat characteristics. By quantifying seasonal and annual changes in larval dragonfly communities across a natural predation gradient we demonstrate that variation in the identity of top predator species is associated with systematic differences in spatio‐temporal β‐diversity patterns, leading to consistent differences in relative partitioning of biodiversity between time and space across habitats. As the size of top predators increased (from invertebrates to fish) habitats showed lower species turnover across sites and years, but relatively larger seasonal turnover within a site, which ultimately shifted the relative partitioning of biodiversity across time and space. These results extend community assembly theory by identifying common mechanisms that link spatial and temporal patterns of β‐diversity.
Standardised exercise testing in 17 reining horses: Musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiac and clinicopathological findings
Authors: Navas de Solis C. , Sampson S. N. , McKay T. , Whitfield‐Cargile C.
Published: June 2017

Exercise testing can be useful to evaluate poor performance, as a preventative medicine tool, and in the assessment of training progression. A comprehensive exercise testing protocol that simultaneously evaluates common causes of poor performance has not been described in reining horses. The objective of this study was to describe the results of a standardised exercise testing protocol in reining horses. Seventeen reining horses that were part of a western performance intercollegiate team and had met the trainer's expectations during the athletic season were evaluated using a comprehensive standardised exercise test. Systems assessed included musculoskeletal system, upper respiratory tract, lower respiratory tract and cardiovascular system. These systems were assessed by means of historical questionnaires, general physical examinations, subjective lameness examinations, gait analysis using digital body mounted inertial sensors, resting and dynamic upper airway endoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology, echocardiograms, resting and exercising electrocardiography, and laboratory tests (packed cell volume, lactate, creatine kinase and serum amyloid A). Subclinical abnormalities were detected frequently. The musculoskeletal system was the most commonly affected system, but cardiovascular and upper and lower airway abnormalities were also detected in some horses. These results suggest that exercise tests may be useful to detect subclinical abnormalities in horses used for reining. Further evaluation of both normally and poorly performing horses is necessary to determine if exercise testing can improve the health, performance and welfare of horses used for reining.
Prevalence of potentially serious drug–drug interactions among South African elderly private health sector patients using the Mimica Matanović/Vlahović-Palčevski protocol
Authors: van Heerden Julandi A , Burger Johanita R , Gerber Jan J , Vlahović-Palčevski Vera
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of potentially serious drug–drug interactions (DDIs) and their relationship with gender and age, among elderly in South Africa.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using pharmaceutical claims data for 2013, for a total of 103 420 medical scheme beneficiaries’ ≥65 years. All medications dispensed within one calendar month where the days’ supply of medication dispensed overlapped, were grouped as one prescription. DDIs per prescription were then identified using the Mimica Matanović/Vlahović-Palčevski DDI protocol. Results were interpreted using effect sizes, that is Cramér’s V, Cohen’s d and Cohen’s ƒ2.

Key findings

A total of 331 659 DDIs were identified on 235 870 (25.8%, N = 912 713) prescriptions (mean 0.36 (SD 0.7) (95% CI, 0.36 to 0.37)). Women encountered 63.5% of all DDIs. Effect sizes for the association between DDIs and age group (Cramér’s V = 0.06), and gender (Cramér’s V = 0.05) was negligible. There was no difference between men and women regarding the mean number of DDIs identified per prescription (Cohen’s d = 0.10). The number of medicine per prescription (ƒ2 = 0.51) was the biggest predictor of the DDIs. The most frequent interacting drug combinations were between central nervous system medicines (30.6%).

Conclusion

Our study is the first to report the prevalence of potentially serious DDIs among an elderly population in the South African private health sector utilising the Mimica Matanović/Vlahović-Palčevski DDI protocol. Overall, we identified DDIs in approximately 26% of the prescriptions in our study. Age and gender were not found to be predictors of potentially serious DDIs.
Ga2S3‐Sb2S3‐CsI chalcohalide glasses for mid‐infrared applications
Authors: Qiu Jiahua , Yang Anping , Zhang Mingjie , Li Lei , Zhang Bin , Tang Dingyuan , Yang Zhiyong
Published: June 2017

In this study, a new chalcohalide glass system, Ga2S3‐Sb2S3‐CsI, is reported. It has a glass‐forming domain composed of ~0‐35 mol% Ga2S3, ~15‐95 mol% Sb2S3, and ~0‐55 mol% CsI. The glasses have a wide transparent window of ~0.7‐13.5 μm, high third‐order nonlinear refractive indices of ~1.7‐8.7×10−14 cm2/W @ 1.55 μm, and relatively short zero group‐velocity‐dispersion wavelengths of 3.8‐5.15 μm. The glasses can dissolve more than 2 mol% active ions (e.g., Dy3+), and the doped glasses show intense emissions in the mid‐infrared. These superior properties demonstrate their good potentials for mid‐infrared applications such as thermal imaging, nonlinear photonics and lasers.
Mixed modifier effect in lithium‐calcium borosilicate glasses
Authors: Shih Yueh‐Ting , Jean Jau‐Ho
Published: June 2017

The mixed modifier effect (MME) in the lithium‐calcium borosilicate glasses, which have a composition of 0.4[(1−x)Li2O–xCaO]–0.6[(1−y)B2O3–ySiO2] with x in the range of 0~1 and y in the range of 0.33~0.83, is investigated. The MME manifests itself as a positive deviation from linearity in the activation energy of electrical conductivity (Eaσ) and as a negative deviation from linearity in the fraction of four‐coordinated boron (N4), glass transition temperature (Tg), dilatometric softening temperature (Td), Vickers microhardness (Hv), dielectric constant (ε), and dielectric loss (tanδ). Moreover, the deviation, which exhibits a maximum at [CaO]/([CaO]+[Li2O])=0.5, is enhanced with increasing [SiO2]/[B2O3] ratio in the glass network. The observed MME in Tg, Td, and Hv are attributed to the bond weakening in the network; however, the MME in ε, tanδ, and Eaσ are caused by the obstruction of modifier transport in the glass network.
“What's going to happen when we're gone?” Family caregiving capacity for older people with an intellectual disability in Ireland
Authors: Brennan Damien , Murphy Rebecca , McCallion Philip , McCarron Mary
Published: June 2017

Background

Changing family sociodemographic factors, increased life expectancy for people with an intellectual disability, deinstitutionalization and policy prioritization of the family as the principal care provider, presents new challenges to care sustainability.

Method

A qualitative study design was employed, entailing focus groups and semistructured interviews, with purposive sampling via the parent study population of the Intellectual Disability Supplement to The Irish Longitudinal Database on Ageing.

Results

The traditional sociodemographic facilitators of family caregiving are in rapid decline. Families perceived limited support from services and limited future care options. Few future care plans have been formulated. A strong possibility exists of placement of older family members with an intellectual disability in out‐of‐family home care.

Conclusion

To anticipate and provide for quality care supports, there is a need to establish proactive initiatives, for both people with an intellectual disability and their families’, to facilitate the early formation of long‐term care plans.
YB‐1 orchestrates onset and resolution of renal inflammation via IL10 gene regulation
Authors: Wang Jialin , Djudjaj Sonja , Gibbert Lydia , Lennartz Vera , Breitkopf Daniel M. , Rauen Thomas , Hermert Daniela , Martin Ina V. , Boor Peter , Braun Gerald S. , Floege Jürgen , Ostendorf Tammo , Raffetseder Ute
Published: June 2017

The Y‐box‐binding protein (YB)‐1 plays a non‐redundant role in both systemic and local inflammatory response. We analysed YB‐1‐mediated expression of the immune regulatory cytokine IL‐10 in both LPS and sterile inflammation induced by unilateral renal ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) and found an important role of YB‐1 not only in the onset but also in the resolution of inflammation in kidneys. Within a decisive cis‐regulatory region of the IL10 gene locus, the fourth intron, we identified and characterized an operative YB‐1 binding site via gel shift experiments and reporter assays in immune and different renal cells. In vivo, YB‐1 phosphorylated at serine 102 localized to the fourth intron, which was paralleled by enhanced IL‐10 mRNA expression in mice following LPS challenge and in I/R. Mice with half‐maximal expression of YB‐1 (Yb1+/−) had diminished IL‐10 expression upon LPS challenge. In I/R, Yb1+/− mice exhibited ameliorated kidney injury/inflammation in the early‐phase (days 1 and 5), however showed aggravated long‐term damage (day 21) with increased expression of IL‐10 and other known mediators of renal injury and inflammation.

In conclusion, these data support the notion that there are context‐specific decisions concerning YB‐1 function and that a fine‐tuning of YB‐1, for example, via a post‐translational modification regulates its activity and/or localization that is crucial for systemic processes such as inflammation.