bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality improvement in physiotherapy services
Authors: Boak George , Sephton Ruth , Hough Elaine , ten Hove Ruth
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a process change in physiotherapy services and to explore factors that may have influenced the outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a multiple case study and information was gathered from eight physiotherapy teams over 24 months.

Findings

The process change was successfully implemented in six teams. It had a clear, positive effect on service quality provided to patients in three teams. Whilst quality also improved in three other teams, other issues make changes difficult to assess. Factors that enabled process change to be effective are suggested.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on results achieved by only eight English teams.

Practical implications

This process change may be appropriate for other teams providing therapy services if attention is paid to potential enabling factors, and a learning approach is adopted to designing and introducing the change.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no other longitudinal process change study in therapy services has been published.
Improving ICU risk management and patient safety
Authors: Kielty Lucy Ann
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a study which aimed to develop and validate an assessment method for the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 80001-1 (IEC, 2010) standard (the Standard); raise awareness; improve medical IT-network project risk management processes; and improve intensive care unit patient safety.

Design/methodology/approach

An assessment method was developed and piloted. A healthcare IT-network project assessment was undertaken using a semi-structured group interview with risk management stakeholders. Participants provided feedback via a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis was undertaken.

Findings

The assessment method was validated as fit for purpose. Participants agreed (63 per cent,n=7) that assessment questions were clear and easy to understand, and participants agreed (82 per cent,n=9) that the assessment method was appropriate. Participant’s knowledge of the Standard increased and non-compliance was identified. Medical IT-network project strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the risk management processes were identified.

Practical implications

The study raised awareness of the Standard and enhanced risk management processes that led to improved patient safety. Study participants confirmed they would use the assessment method in future projects.

Originality/value

Findings add to knowledge relating to IEC 80001-1 implementation.
Scientific or technological driving force? Constructing a system of national innovative capacity
Authors: Chang Shu-Hao , Fan Chin-Yuan
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Innovation plays a pivotal role in a national economy and in the research and development of science and technology. Because the elements, capability and development direction of innovation in various countries are dissimilar, national innovative capacity also varies by country. However, previous studies have predominantly measured national innovative capacity through empirical studies by using a single index of innovation output, ignoring that the forms of innovation are heterogeneous across countries and failing to examine the influence exerted by various innovation models on economic development. Thus, the purpose of this study is to fill this gap by using scientific driving force and technological driving force to present the influence of national innovative capacities on economic development.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used regression models to test the influence of different national innovative capacities (i.e. scientific and technological driving forces) on economic development and stability.

Findings

Using the data of 60 countries, this study determined that both scientific and technological driving forces influenced economic development; specifically, scientific driving force affected economic development through technological driving force. Moreover, both research paper quality and patent quality positively influenced economic stability, but patent quality was the mediator.

Originality/value

This study examined scientific output from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives to determine their influence on economic growth and particularly on economic stability, which lacks dedicated studies. This study strives to bridge this gap in the literature by asserting, from the concept of economic resilience, that high-quality science and technology can strengthen the stability of a country’s economy.
A pragmatist perspective on entrepreneurial opportunities
Authors: Rubleske Joseph , Berente Nicholas
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims at advancing a pragmatist perspective on entrepreneurial opportunities as an alternative to the traditional and predominant constructivist and objectivist perspectives. To this end, this paper advances a pragmatist definition of an opportunity and draws from empirical evidence to propose a pragmatist model of opportunity conception and exploitation.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the entrepreneurial opportunity and pragmatism literatures yields a definition of an opportunity as a dynamic and unfolding experience which an entrepreneur conceives as a general market need to exploit it for financial or social gain. Drawing from this definition, and with the aim of developing a pragmatist model of an opportunity, a case study approach is applied to three radically innovative services conceived and developed by three high-performance computing (HPC) centers.

Findings

In each of the three cases, an entrepreneurial HPC center conceived a new, general market need (opportunity) and then acted to exploit it. Through its action, the HPC center learned something that enabled it to address barriers, develop an improvement or otherwise reconceive the opportunity. In turn, the HPC center learned more about and advanced the opportunity, and then acted again. After launching a new service based on the opportunity, the opportunity continued to evolve in response to the HPC center’s efforts and to market forces.

Research limitations/implications

The pragmatist perspective and model of an opportunity can serve as a foundation for future pragmatist research into entrepreneurship and innovation. To this end, future studies could extend the model by examining in greater detail the acting-learning-reconceiving cycle, by exploring how an opportunity evolves and is reconceived after market launch and/or by investigating opportunity conception and exploitation within other types of markets.

Practical implications

From a pragmatist perspective, an opportunity is not some discrete object to be discovered. It is emergent and dynamic, and to the extent that it is “created”, it is never complete or finalized. It is experienced by the entrepreneur, and it continues to evolve, even after it has been launched as a new good or service.

Originality/value

The paper proposes novel value by advancing a pragmatist perspective on entrepreneurial opportunities. Such a perspective is an alternative to the constructivist and objectivist perspectives that have framed research into opportunities. The paper also proposes novel value by drawing from case study findings to propose a pragmatist model of opportunity conception and exploitation.
WEPHREN: a global prison health research network
Authors: Plugge Emma , Stürup-Toft Sunita , O’Moore Éamonn J. , Møller Lars
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of the WorldwidE Prison Health Research & Engagement Network (WEPHREN) which aims to improve the evidence base for health and health service delivery within prison settings and so improve the health and wellbeing of people in prison, reduce health inequalities and influence prison health policy.

Design/methodology/approach

A viewpoint piece that highlights the need for higher quality health research in the field of prison health globally and the potential for WEPHREN to help support this.

Findings

This paper presents an overview of the poor health of many people in prison and the inequalities between countries in terms of research output relating to the health of people in prison. It argues for all those interested in prison health to work together to produce more practitioner and policy relevant health research.

Originality/value

This editorial highlights a unique global network for prison health.
Improving collaboration between professionals supporting mentally ill offenders
Authors: Hean Sarah , Ødegård Atle , Willumsen Elisabeth
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Interprofessional collaboration is necessary when supporting mentally ill offenders but little is understood of these interactions. The purpose of this paper is to explore prison officers’ perceptions of current and desirable levels of interprofessional collaboration (relational coordination (RC)) to understand how collaboration between these systems can be improved.

Design/methodology/approach

Gittell’s RC scale was administered to prison officers within the Norwegian prison system (n=160) using an adaptation of the instrument in which actual and desired levels of RC are evaluated. This differentiates between prison officers’ expectations of optimum levels of collaboration with other professional groups, dependent on the role function and codependence, vs actual levels of collaboration.

Findings

Prison officers reported different RC levels across professional groups, the lowest being with specialist mental health staff and prison doctors and highest with nurses, social workers and other prison officers. Significant differences between desired and actual RC levels suggest expertise of primary care staff is insufficient, as prison officers request much greater contact with mental health specialists when dealing with the mentally ill offender.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to limited literature on collaborative practice between prison and health care professionals. It questions the advisability of enforcing care pathways that promote the lowest level of effective care in the prison system and suggest ways in which mental health specialists might be better integrated into the prison system. It contributes to the continued debate on how mental health services should be integrated into the prison system, suggesting that the current import model used in Norway and other countries, may not be conducive to generating the close professional relationships required between mental health and prison staff.
Effects of social media interactions on brand associations
Authors: Parganas Petros , Anagnostopoulos Christos , Chadwick Simon
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of social media in brand associations, particularly in regard to soccer fan clubs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a professional English Premier League soccer team to investigate the effects that social media interaction had on brand associations of the team’s fan clubs in two national contexts – England and Greece.

Findings

In total, 207 online questionnaires from six fan clubs were collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential (t-tests and χ2 tests) statistics.

Originality/value

The results revealed similarities on Facebook in terms of positive receptions of brand attributes and resonance of perceived brand benefits, while significant differences were observed on Twitter, particularly in terms of brand benefits.
Relational enablers of information sharing: evidence from Chinese food supply chains
Authors: Fu Shaoling , Han Zhaojun , Huo Baofeng
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Facilitating supply chain visibility and traceability through effective information sharing is vital to improve the quality and safety of food products. However, we know little about the enablers of information sharing in food supply chains. Drawing upon resource dependence theory and social exchange theory, the purpose of this paper is to explore how farmers’ dependence on companies influences their trust in and relationship commitment to those companies, and in turn facilitates effective information sharing with them.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected from 462 farmers in China were used to test the conceptual model and related hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that dependence has a significant positive effect on trust and relationship commitment, but it has no direct significant effect on information sharing. In addition, trust has a significantly positive influence on relationship commitment, and both trust and relationship commitment have significantly positive effects on information sharing. These findings show that strengthening farmers’ dependence on companies can cultivate farmers’ trust and relationship commitment, thereby encouraging them to share information with the companies.

Originality/value

Theoretically, this study contributes to the supply chain information sharing and relationship management literature. Practically, it shows how companies can effectively monitor production processes and improve food quality and safety through information sharing and relationship management.
Collaborative governance strategies for a strategic offshore IT outsourcing engagement
Authors: Mukherjee Santanu
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This research study aims to establish the significance of collaborative governance practices in creating higher business value from an offshore IT outsourcing (ITO) relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

At the outset, a Delphi technique identifies the most significant ITO success criteria from a prescribed list, which is the outcome of a review and analysis of existing research articles. Subsequently, an empirical survey captures the perceptions of provider-side middle level professionals to prioritize these significant success criteria, which are the outcome of the Delphi study. Statistical analysis of the prioritized success criteria delivers a set of success factors, which forms the basic building blocks to formulate a set of offshore governance strategies. A real-life case evidence shows the practicability of implementing the proposed strategies underlining the similar practices taken up in the past.

Findings

A set of strategies and best practices for establishing collaborative governance mechanisms within a strategic offshore ITO.

Research limitations/implications

This research study captures the perspectives of Indian service providers only.

Originality/value

This comprehensive study helps the contractual parties harness and augment the positive impacts of success factors in implementing superior contractual, relational and performance governance strategies within a strategic ITO initiative. A collaborative program management mechanism ensures the fruitful implementation of proposed strategies with the active support of top management of contractual parties. Consequently, the proposed strategies help offshore providers assess and augment their service capabilities for higher business efficiency and value creation.
Effect of religiosity on the decision to participate in a boycott
Authors: Dekhil Fawzi , Jridi Hajer , Farhat Hana
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This research aims to analyze the effects of religiosity on the decision to participate in a boycott and the effect of a boycott on attitudes toward the boycotted brand. It also aims to measure the moderating effect of brand loyalty on the different models the authors discuss.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment involving 165 Tunisian individuals during a call for a boycott of products of the Coca-Cola Company, which supports the Israeli army against Palestine, was conducted. Data analyses were conducted via two principal stages using SPSS 20.0 and Smart PLS 2.0.

Findings

The findings show that degree of religiosity was one of the antecedents of decision to participate in a boycott, and this decision has a negative effect on the attitude toward the brand being boycotted. The paper also has been able to show that brand loyalty moderates the relation of the present model. It diminishes the effect of religiosity on boycotting.

Research limitations/implications

Among the limits of the study is the fact that the authors relied on the investigation of only one product/brand (namely, Coca-Cola). In addition, the samples subjected to inquiry by the authors were chosen for their convenience.

Practical implications

Besides, the presentation of boycotted products in stores has a negative effect on the sales of the surrounding “non-boycotted” products (Friedman, 1999a). The authors note here that marketers can derive huge benefits from the exploration of boycott, for many reasons. The company must insist on the satisfaction and trust of their consumers, which are the bases of the loyalty. They must define the marketing strategy to increase the loyalty. This will diminish the effect of religiosity on the decision to participate in the boycott.

Social implications

The results allow us to assert that the decision to participate in a boycott has a negative effect on the attitude of the consumer and on the brand to be boycotted. Investigating the moderating effect of loyalty on the relation between religiosity and the decision to participate in a boycott is very interesting.

Originality/value

This research has shown that religiosity has a positive effect on boycotting. Also, it was found that a boycott has a negative effect on attitudes toward the boycotted brand. Therefore, brand loyalty moderates negatively the effect of religiosity on the decision to participate in the boycott and moderates the effect of the boycott on brand attitude.
A dynamic model for nozzle clog monitoring in fused deposition modelling
Authors: Tlegenov Yedige , Wong Yoke San , Hong Geok Soon
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is one of the most popular additive manufacturing processes, and is widely used for prototyping and fabricating low-cost customized parts. Current FDM machines have limited techniques to monitor process conditions to minimize process errors, such as nozzle clogging. Nozzle clogging is one of the most significant process errors in current FDM machines, and may cause serious consequences such as print failure. This paper aims to present a physics-based dynamic model suitable for monitoring nozzle clogging in FDM machines.

Design/methodology/approach

Liquefier mount of an FDM extruder is analysed as a beam excited by a uniform loading distributed over a partial length. Boundary conditions and applied loads for a direct-type FDM extruder are identified and discussed. Simulation of nozzle clogging was performed by using nozzles of different diameters from 0.5 to 0.2 mm, in step change of 0.1 mm. Sets of experiments were carried out by measuring vibrations of the liquefier block mount during FDM extrusion.

Findings

The mount of a liquefier block in an FDM extruder can be used to place a vibration sensor to monitor process errors such as nozzle clogging. Liquefier block mount’s transverse vibration amplitudes increase non-linearly when nozzle starts to block.

Practical implications

The proposed model can be effectively used for monitoring nozzle clogging in FDM machines, as it is based on the physics relating the FDM process parameters and the nozzle blockage.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper is the unique method of modelling the FDM process dynamics that can be used for monitoring nozzle clogging.
Are transfer students lagging behind in information literacy?
Authors: Tong Min , Moran Carrie
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the information literacy proficiency of transfer students. This assessment of skills was undertaken to improve the services provided to transfer students in academic libraries, with a particular focus on information literacy instruction.

Design/methodology/approach

The Project Standardized Assessment of Information Literacy Skills (SAILS) test was administered to assess the information literacy proficiency of a cohort of undergraduate students taking courses on two regional campuses of a four-year institution. In total, 114 students participated, and SAILS test scores were compared to several demographic characteristics using one-way and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Findings

Results showed that undergraduate students generally lack information literacy skills, even at the junior and senior levels. Previous library instruction had a positive impact on scores for two of the Association of College and Research Libraries information literacy standards, suggesting that library instruction programs can be effective at improving these skills. When examining performance across the board on the various information literacy skills, there was no significant difference between transfer and native students in this result set.

Research limitations/implications

This study had a limited sample size, and only tested students taking courses from two regional campus locations. Follow-up studies could broaden the scope to include main campus transfer students to form a larger sample size.

Originality/value

It was difficult to find original research within the library literature that directly addressed information literacy skills in a mixed population of transfer and native students. Further research in this area can serve to improve the services offered to all students within academic libraries.
Personal librarian program for transfer students: an overview
Authors: MacDonald Amanda , Mohanty Suchi
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to address the emergence of personal librarian programs and to discuss the development and implementation of the Personal Librarian for Transfer Students Program at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH).

Design/methodology/approach

The literature is limited to research focused on personal librarians and programs. This paper examines the process by which the program was established at UNC-CH and includes a discussion about how campus and library buy-in was secured.

Findings

The response to the program has been positive. Survey responses and anecdotal feedback shows that the program resonates with a select group of transfer students.

Originality/value

This research provides an overview of an effective, sustainable way to forge personal connections with transfer students to support their academic development.
Dermoscopy pathology correlation in melanoma
Authors: Russo Teresa , Piccolo Vincenzo , Ferrara Gerardo , Agozzino Marina , Alfano Roberto , Longo Caterina , Argenziano Giuseppe
Published: April 2017

Dermoscopy is a widely used technique whose role in the clinical (and preoperative) diagnosis of melanocytic and non‐melanocytic skin lesions has been well established in recent years. The aim of this paper is to clarify the correlations between the “local” dermoscopic findings in melanoma and the underlying histology, in order to help clinicians in routine practice.
Habitat filtering determines the functional niche occupancy of plant communities worldwide
Authors: Li Yuanzhi , Shipley Bill , Price Jodi N. , Dantas Vinícius de L. , Tamme Riin , Westoby Mark , Siefert Andrew , Schamp Brandon S. , Spasojevic Marko J. , Jung Vincent , Laughlin Daniel C. , Richardson Sarah J. , Bagousse‐Pinguet Yoann Le , Schöb Christian , Gazol Antonio , Prentice Honor C. , Gross Nicolas , Overton Jake , Cianciaruso Marcus V. , Louault Frédérique , Kamiyama Chiho , Nakashizuka Tohru , Hikosaka Kouki , Sasaki Takehiro , Katabuchi Masatoshi , Frenette Dussault Cédric , Gaucherand Stephanie , Chen Ning , Vandewalle Marie , Batalha Marco Antônio
Published: April 2017

How the patterns of niche occupancy vary from species‐poor to species‐rich communities is a fundamental question in ecology that has a central bearing on the processes that drive patterns of biodiversity. As species richness increases, habitat filtering should constrain the expansion of total niche volume, while limiting similarity should restrict the degree of niche overlap between species. Here, by explicitly incorporating intraspecific trait variability, we investigate the relationship between functional niche occupancy and species richness at the global scale.

We assembled 21 datasets worldwide, spanning tropical to temperate biomes and consisting of 313 plant communities representing different growth forms. We quantified three key niche occupancy components (the total functional volume, the functional overlap between species and the average functional volume per species) for each community, related each component to species richness, and compared each component to the null expectations.

As species richness increased, communities were more functionally diverse (an increase in total functional volume), and species overlapped more within the community (an increase in functional overlap) but did not more finely divide the functional space (no decline in average functional volume). Null model analyses provided evidence for habitat filtering (smaller total functional volume than expectation), but not for limiting similarity (larger functional overlap and larger average functional volume than expectation) as a process driving the pattern of functional niche occupancy.

Synthesis. Habitat filtering is a widespread process driving the pattern of functional niche occupancy across plant communities and coexisting species tend to be more functionally similar rather than more functionally specialized. Our results indicate that including intraspecific trait variability will contribute to a better understanding of the processes driving patterns of functional niche occupancy.
Outer membrane vesicles from Fibrobacter succinogenes S85 contain an array of carbohydrate‐active enzymes with versatile polysaccharide‐degrading capacity
Authors: Arntzen Magnus Ø. , Várnai Anikó , Mackie Roderick I. , Eijsink Vincent G. H. , Pope Phillip B.
Published: April 2017

Fibrobacter succinogenes is an anaerobic bacterium naturally colonising the rumen and cecum of herbivores where it utilizes an enigmatic mechanism to deconstruct cellulose into cellobiose and glucose, which serve as carbon sources for growth. Here, we illustrate that outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) released by F. succinogenes are enriched with carbohydrate‐active enzymes and that intact OMVs were able to depolymerize a broad range of linear and branched hemicelluloses and pectin, despite the inability of F. succinogenes to utilize non‐cellulosic (pentose) sugars for growth. We hypothesize that the degradative versatility of F. succinogenes OMVs is used to prime hydrolysis by destabilising the tight networks of polysaccharides intertwining cellulose in the plant cell wall, thus increasing accessibility of the target substrate for the host cell. This is supported by observations that OMV‐pretreatment of the natural complex substrate switchgrass increased the catalytic efficiency of a commercial cellulose‐degrading enzyme cocktail by 2.4‐fold. We also show that the OMVs contain a putative multiprotein complex, including the fibro‐slime protein previously found to be important in binding to crystalline cellulose. We hypothesize that this complex has a function in plant cell wall degradation, either by catalysing polysaccharide degradation itself, or by targeting the vesicles to plant biomass.
Prisons, Proportionality and Recent Penal History
Authors: Ashworth Andrew
Published: April 2017

A leading aim of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 was to install the principle of proportionality as the primary rationale for sentencing and to bring about a reduction in the use of imprisonment.  In the decade that followed the prison population in England and Wales rose steeply.  This article examines the reasons for the rising use of prison, in order to assess whether proportionality (or ‘just deserts’) was tried and failed.  It argues that in practice the proportionality principle was overwhelmed by other influences, and that deterrence and incapacitation were the main drivers of the increasing use of imprisonment.  The article goes on to argue that proportionality theories have within them the resources to produce penal moderation, notably the ‘drowning out’ argument, the human rights argument, and decrementalism.  The article concludes by rejecting the claim that proportionality theories are likely in practice to result in escalating punishment.
Prediabetes is associated with genetic variations in the gene encoding the Kir6.2 subunit of the pancreatic ATP‐sensitive potassium channel (KCNJ11): A case‐control study in a Han Chinese youth population
Authors: Xu Min , Hu Honglin , Deng Datong , Chen Mingwei , Xu Zhenshan , Wang Youmin
Published: April 2017

Background

The E23K variant of the potassium voltage‐gated channel subfamily J member 11 (KCNJ11) gene has been reported to be associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in many populations. However, little is known about the role of E23K in the development of prediabetes in Chinese youth.

Methods

To investigate the role of E23K in the development of prediabetes, 279 subjects with prediabetes and 240 normal controls (mean [± SD] age 18.1 ± 3.2 and 17.8 ± 4.3 years, respectively) were recruited to the study. Height, weight, and hip and waist circumferences were measured by trained physicians. Genotyping of KCNJ11 polymorphisms and clinical laboratory tests to determine cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), blood glucose, and insulin levels were performed.

Results

The carrier rate of K23 allele‐containing genotypes was higher for prediabetic than control subjects (P = 0.005). Logistic regression analyses revealed that higher body mass index percentiles (P = 0.013), lower insulin levels at 30 min during an oral glucose tolerance test (P = 0.001), a higher ratio of total cholesterol: high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.001), and a K allele‐containing genotype (P = 0.019) are independent risk factors for prediabetes in Chinese Han youth. Furthermore, K23 allele‐containing genotypes were associated with impaired indices of insulin secretion and β‐cell function in female youth with prediabetes. These effects were not seen in male youth with prediabetes.

Conclusions

The results confirm that the common E23K polymorphism of KCNJ11 carries a higher susceptibility to the development of prediabetes in the Chinese Han population. The results suggest that E23K may have a greater effect on the development of T2D in female Chinese youth.
Creative construction: crafting, negotiating and performing urban food sharing landscapes
Authors: Davies Anna R , Edwards Ferne , Marovelli Brigida , Morrow Oona , Rut Monika , Weymes Marion
Published: April 2017

Activities utilising online tools are an increasingly visible part of our everyday lives, providing new subjects, objects and relationships – essentially new landscapes – for research, as well as new conceptual and methodological challenges for researchers. In parallel, calls for collaborative interdisciplinary, even transdisciplinary, research are increasing. Yet practical guidance and critical reflection on the challenges and opportunities of conducting collaborative research online, particularly in emergent areas, is limited. In response, this paper details what we term the ‘creative construction’ involved in a collaborative project building an exploratory database of more than 4000 food sharing activities in 100 cities that utilise internet and digital technologies in some way (ICT mediated for brevity) to pursue their goals. The research was undertaken by an international team of researchers, including geographers, which utilised a combination of reflexive coding and online collaboration to develop a system for exploring the practice and performance of ICT‐mediated food sharing in cities. This paper will unpack the black box of using the internet as a source of data about emergent practices and provide critical reflection on that highly negotiated and essentially handcrafted process. While the substance of the paper focuses on the under‐determined realm of food sharing, a site where it is claimed that ICT is transforming practices, the issues raised have resonance far beyond the specificities of this particular endeavour. While challenging, we argue that handcrafting systems for navigating emergent online data is vital, not least to render visible the complexities and contestations around definition, categorisation and translation.
Airborne allergic contact dermatitis caused by isothiazolinones in water‐based paints: a retrospective study of 44 cases
Authors: Amsler Emmanuelle , Aerts Olivier , Raison‐Peyron Nadia , Debons Michèle , Milpied Brigitte , Giordano‐Labadie Françoise , Waton Julie , Ferrier‐Le Bouëdec Marie C. , Lartigau Isabelle , Pecquet Catherine , Assier Haudrey , Avenel‐Audran Martine , Bernier Claire , Castelain Florence , Collet Evelyne , Crépy Marie‐Noëlle , Genillier Nathalie , Girardin Pascal , Pralong Pauline , Tetart Florence , Vital‐Durand Dominique , Soria Angele , Barbaud Annick ,   on behalf of the Dermatology Allergy Group (DAG) of the French Society of Dermatology
Published: April 2017

Background

Airborne allergic contact dermatitis caused by paints containing isothiazolinones has been recognized as a health hazard.

Objectives

To collect epidemiological, clinical and patch test data on airborne allergic contact dermatitis caused by isothiazolinone‐containing paints in France and Belgium.

Methods

A descriptive, retrospective study was initiated by the Dermatology and Allergy Group of the French Society of Dermatology, including methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/methylisothiazolinone (MI)‐ and/or MI‐sensitized patients who developed airborne allergic contact dermatitis following exposure to isothiazolinone‐containing paint.

Results

Forty‐four cases were identified, with mostly non‐occupational exposure (79.5%). Of the patients, 22.5% of also had mucosal symptoms. In several cases, the dermatitis required systemic corticosteroids (27.3%), hospitalization (9.1%), and/or sick leave (20.5%). A median delay of 5.5 weeks was necessary to enable patients to enter a freshly painted room without a flare‐up of their dermatitis. Approximately one‐fifth of the patients knew that they were allergic to MI and/or MCI/MI before the exposure to paints occurred.

Conclusion

Our series confirms that airborne allergic contact dermatitis caused by paints containing isothiazolinones is not rare, and may be severe and long‐lasting. Better regulation of isothiazolinone concentrations in paints, and their adequate labelling, is urgently needed.
Postexercise blood flow restriction does not enhance muscle hypertrophy induced by multiple‐set high‐load resistance exercise
Authors: Madarame Haruhiko , Nakada Satoshi , Ohta Takahisa , Ishii Naokata
Published: April 2017

To test the applicability of postexercise blood flow restriction (PEBFR) in practical training programmes, we investigated whether PEBFR enhances muscle hypertrophy induced by multiple‐set high‐load resistance exercise (RE). Seven men completed an eight‐week RE programme for knee extensor muscles. Employing a within‐subject design, one leg was subjected to RE + PEBFR, whereas contralateral leg to RE only. On each exercise session, participants performed three sets of unilateral knee extension exercise at approximately 70% of their one‐repetition maximum for RE leg first, and then performed three sets for RE + PEBFR leg. Immediately after completion of the third set, the proximal portion of the RE + PEBFR leg was compressed with an air‐pressure cuff for 5 min at a pressure ranging from 100 to 150 mmHg. If participants could perform 10 repetitions for three sets in two consecutive exercise sessions, the work load was increased by 5% at the next exercise session. Muscle thickness and strength of knee extensor muscles were measured before and after the eight‐week training period and after the subsequent eight‐week detraining period. There was a main effect of time but no condition × time interaction or main effect of condition for muscle thickness and strength. Both muscle thickness and strength increased after the training period independent of the condition. This result suggests that PEBFR would not be an effective training method at least in an early phase of adaptation to high‐load resistance exercise.
Species richness as criterion for global conservation area placement leads to large losses in coverage of biodiversity
Authors: Veach Victoria , Di Minin Enrico , Pouzols Federico M. , Moilanen Atte
Published: April 2017

Aim

To quantify and compare species coverage in priority areas for conservation identified using species richness as opposed to approaches that use individual species range maps.

Location

Global.

Methods

We compare the coverage of species when global priority areas for conservation are identified based on (1) twelve species richness maps of all and small‐range amphibians, birds and mammals and all and small‐range threatened (i.e., vulnerable, endangered and critically endangered) species; (2) weighted range size rarity, a richness measure corrected for range size; and (3) a complementarity‐based analysis including species range maps for 21,075 terrestrial vertebrate species listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. We also assessed whether any combination of small‐range and/or threatened species richness could be a suitable surrogate for a complementarity‐based analysis by assessing species coverage in priority areas located using (1) richness of small‐range species only; (2) richness of all threatened species only; and (3) richness of small‐range and threatened species.

Results

Our results show clear differences in the spatial pattern of priority areas for conservation among the prioritizations based on species richness, weighted range size rarity and species range maps, with the species richness‐based priority areas being highly aggregated in the tropics and the species range map priority areas being more evenly spread among the global terrestrial area. We also find that identifying priority areas for conservation using species richness produces a lower coverage of species than priority areas based on complementarity methods and identified using species range maps, where just one species was left without any protection.

Main Conclusions

As methods and software currently exist for processing large numbers of individual species distribution maps in spatial prioritization, the use of species richness appears to be an unnecessary simplification of biodiversity pattern.
Effects of age, gender, and body mass index on efficacy and hypoglycaemia outcomes across treat‐to‐target trials with insulin glargine 100 U/mL added to oral antidiabetes agents in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Owens David R. , Bolli Geremia B. , Charbonnel Bernard , Haak Thomas , Landgraf Wolfgang , Porcellati Francesca , Traylor Louise , Kautzky‐Willer Alexandra
Published: April 2017

Aims

To analyse the effects of patient characteristics and different oral antidiabetes drug (OAD) use on standardised clinical outcomes in type 2 diabetes patients initiating insulin glargine 100 U/mL (Gla‐100).

Materials and methods

Patient‐level data from 16 randomized, treat‐to‐target clinical trials that added Gla‐100 to existing metformin (MET), sulfonylurea (SU) or metformin plus sulfonylurea (MET+SU) treatment in insulin‐naïve patients inadequately controlled by oral therapy were analysed and patients were followed for ≥24 weeks. Change in glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) from baseline to week 24, other glycaemic endpoints and incidence of hypoglycaemia (overall, nocturnal, and severe) were analysed by age (<65 vs ≥65 years), gender (male vs female), body mass index (BMI; <25 vs ≥25 to <30 vs >30 kg/m2) and concomitant OAD (MET vs SU vs MET+SU).

Results

At baseline, the overall population (N = 3188) had a mean age of 57.7 years, BMI of 30.5 kg/m2, HbA1c of 8.7%, fasting plasma glucose of 192 mg/dL, and 52.7% were male. Younger and older patients had similar HbA1c reductions with Gla‐100 and a similar risk of hypoglycaemia. Females and patients with BMI <25 kg/m2 were less likely to achieve HbA1c targets and more likely to experience hypoglycaemia, regardless of concomitant OAD. Adding Gla‐100 to SU therapy (alone or in combination with MET) increased hypoglycaemia risk across all analyses.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that female patients with type 2 diabetes and normal‐weight patients treated with Gla‐100 and MET ± SU are less likely to achieve glycaemic targets and, therefore, may require more clinical attention. Addition of Gla‐100 to SU regimens may increase hypoglycaemia risk irrespective of age, gender, or BMI.
A randomized, placebo‐ and sitagliptin‐controlled trial of the safety and efficacy of omarigliptin, a once‐weekly dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Gantz Ira , Okamoto Taro , Ito Yuka , Okuyama Kotoba , O'Neill Edward A. , Kaufman Keith D. , Engel Samuel S. , Lai Eseng ,   and the Omarigliptin Study 020 Group
Published: April 2017

Aims

To assess the safety and efficacy of omarigliptin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

In a 24‐week double‐blind trial, 414 patients with T2D were randomized to omarigliptin 25 mg once weekly, sitagliptin 50 mg once daily or placebo. The double‐blind period was followed by a 28‐week open‐label extension during which all patients received omarigliptin 25 mg once weekly. Efficacy endpoints were glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), 2‐hour postprandial glucose (PPG) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels.

Results

After 24 weeks, the least squares (LS) mean change from baseline in HbA1c was −0.66% for omarigliptin, −0.65% for sitagliptin and 0.13% for placebo. The difference in LS mean for omarigliptin vs placebo was −0.80% (
P
 < .001). The difference in LS mean for omarigliptin vs sitagliptin was −0.02% (95% confidence interval −0.15, 0.12), which met the criterion for non‐inferiority to sitagliptin. Both active treatments provided significant reductions in FPG and 2‐hour PPG compared with placebo (P < .001). Over the 24‐week double‐blind period, there were no clinically meaningful differences in the incidence rates of adverse events among the treatment groups. There was 1 episode of symptomatic hypoglycaemia in the sitagliptin group and none in the omarigliptin or placebo groups. In the 28‐week open‐label period, omarigliptin provided persistent improvements in glycaemic control without notable change in safety profile compared with the double‐blind period. Omarigliptin had no meaningful effect on body weight.

Conclusions

In Japanese patients with T2D, omarigliptin 25 mg once weekly provided significant glucose‐lowering compared with placebo and was non‐inferior to sitagliptin 50 mg once daily. Omarigliptin was generally well tolerated for up to 52 weeks.
Distinctive clinical characteristics and favorable outcomes in patients with large granular lymphocytosis after allo‐HCT: 12‐year follow‐up data
Authors: Poch Martell Marc , Hamad Nada , Shin Elizabeth , Moon Joon Ho , Sohn Sang Kyun , Uhm Jieun , Michelis Fotios V. , Viswabandya Auro , Lipton Jeffrey H. , Messner Hans A. , Kim Dennis Dong Hwan
Published: April 2017

An increase in large granular lymphocytes (LGL) is frequently seen in patients following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT) and it has been associated with better outcomes in some reports. We assessed 826 consecutive patients at our institution with over 12 years of follow‐up for the occurrence of LGL lymphocytosis after allo‐HCT. The 3‐year cumulative incidence of LGL lymphocytosis was 14.5% with a median duration of over 3.5 years. The development of LGL lymphocytosis was strongly correlated with CMV viremia and GVHD. The clinical course of patients with LGL lymphocytosis after allo‐HCT was indolent, with the majority of these patients not displaying any clinical signs or symptoms related to the LGL proliferation. LGL lymphocytosis was associated with better outcomes, including higher overall survival (OS 86.6% vs 44.7% at 3 years), lower non‐relapse mortality (NRM 5.5% vs 30.4% at 3 years), and lower risk of relapse (8.9% vs 22.9% at 3 years). A time‐dependent multivariable analysis confirmed the favorable impact of LGL lymphocytosis on OS and NRM, but not on the risk of relapse. In multivariable analysis, a longer duration of LGL lymphocytosis was associated with better OS and NRM. Improved immunomodulatory properties of these cells, regulating GVHD and infections, may explain the observed favorable outcomes of patients who developed LGL lymphocytosis following allo‐HCT.
A critical plane‐energy model for multiaxial fatigue life prediction
Authors: Wei H. , Liu Y.
Published: April 2017

A new critical plane‐energy model is proposed in this paper for multiaxial fatigue life prediction of metals. A brief review of existing methods, especially on the critical plane‐based and energy‐based methods, is given first. Special focus is on the Liu–Mahadevan critical plane approach, which has been shown to work for both brittle and ductile metals. One potential drawback of the Liu–Mahadevan model is that it needs an empirical calibration parameter for non‐proportional multiaxial loadings because only the strain terms are used and the out‐of‐phase hardening cannot be explicitly considered. An energy‐based model using the Liu–Mahadevan concept is proposed with the help of the Mróz–Garud plasticity model. Thus, the empirical calibration for non‐proportional loading is not needed because the out‐of‐phase hardening is naturally included in the stress calculation. The model predictions are compared with experimental data from open literature, and the proposed model is shown to work for both proportional and non‐proportional multiaxial loadings without the empirical calibration.
Parameters of rye, wheat, barley, and oat sourdoughs fermented with Lactobacillus plantarumLUHS135 that influence the quality of mixed rye–wheat bread, including acrylamide formation
Authors: Bartkiene Elena , Bartkevics Vadims , Pugajeva Iveta , Krungleviciute Vita , Mayrhofer Sigrid , Domig Konrad
Published: April 2017

A Lactobacillus plantarum strain was used for the production of rye, wheat, barley, and oat sourdoughs, and the influence of different sourdoughs on mixed rye–wheat bread quality parameters and acrylamide formation was evaluated. L. plantarum LUHS135 demonstrated versatile carbohydrate metabolism, good growth and acidification rates, and the ability to excrete amylolytic and proteolytic enzymes in various cereal sourdoughs. The same starter and different cereal substrates allow to produce sourdoughs showing different characteristics. The type of sourdough and its quantity had significant influence on acrylamide content in bread (P ≤ 0.0001), and using 5% or 10% of wheat sourdough, 5%, 15%, or 20% of barley sourdough, and 5% or 15% of oat sourdough, it is possible to reduce acrylamide content in bread. Thus, manufacturers need to take into account application of apparent technological approaches for acrylamide in bread reducing.
Factor VIII inhibitors: Advances in basic and translational science
Authors: Lai J. D. , Lillicrap D.
Published: April 2017

In the treatment of hemophilia A, the 20%‐30% risk of developing of anti‐factor VIII (FVIII) antibodies, or inhibitors, is the dominant concern among healthcare providers. Immune tolerance induction remains the only effective method of eradicating inhibitors in approximately 75% of patients, but is accompanied by significant emotional and economical burden. While certain risk factors, such as the type of FVIII mutation, offer some insight, there remains no strategy to confidently predict the development of an inhibitor. Moreover, even if such a predictive tool existed, there is currently no proven protocol for tolerance induction of a previously untreated patient. In recent years, the growing body of knowledge concerning the fundamental immunology of inhibitors has shed light on potential therapeutic interventions. In this review, we highlight these new findings and their influences on translational medicine.