bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between geometric changes in mitral annular/leaflets and mitral regurgitation in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Chen Xiaofeng , Li Hua , Feng Zhenhua , Tang Sha , Song Lei
Published: January 2019

The objective of the study was to determine the geometric changes in mitral annular and/or leaflets spatial conformation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) complicated with severe atrial mitral regurgitation (AMR) by using real-time 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography, aiming to explore whether this condition could be improved through self-modulation of mitral annulus and/or leaflets after the restoration of sinus rhythm.

Fifty-five patients who were diagnosed with AMR and subject to 1-year follow-up were recruited in this clinical trial. All patients successfully received AF ablation. The intercommissural and anteroposterior diameter, annular height, mitral valve area (MVA), tenting height and volume, annular spherical index, fractional area change of MVA (MVA-FAC), and coaptation index (CP-I) were defined and measured by mitral-valve quantification software. Left ventricular size and function, maximum LA volume (LAV), and LA dimensions were equally recorded.

During 1-year follow-up, AMR was significantly decreased in patients with sinus rhythm (P < 0.001). CP-I, MVA-FAC, and LAV index were independently associated with the reduction of AMR.

AMR can be improved through the recovery of LAV after ablation, which probably affects the configuration of the annular space and the coaptation of the leaflets.
A case report of a child with sepsis induced multiorgan failure and massive complement consumption treated with a short course of Eculizumab
Authors: Galic Slobodan , Csuka Dorottya , Prohászka Zoltán , Turudic Daniel , Dzepina Petra , Milosevic Danko
Published: January 2019

Rationale:

This article describes a child with a life-threatening multiorgan failure with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and massive complement consumption. To our knowledge this therapeutic approach was for the first time effectively applied in a pediatric patient.

Patient concerns:

A 14-month-old boy was presented with a severe, rapidly progressing, life-threatening disease because of sudden onset of fever, hemathemesis, hematuria, and bloody diarrhoea alongside fast spreading hematomas and general corporeal edema.

Diagnosis:

The most plausible diagnosis in our patient is Clostridium difficile sepsis-induced thrombotic microangiopathy alongside with DIC and consumption coagulopathy. The diagnosis was confirmed by positive C difficile bacteria strain in coproculture, clinical, and laboratory tests affirming DIC and global complement activation and consumption.

Interventions:

The patient was treated with antibiotics (Metronidazole, Vancomycin), plasmapheresis, dialysis, methylprednisolone, mycophenolate mofetil, and Eculizumab.

Outcomes:

The child is in fair overall condition in a 2 year follow-up with no complications save chronic renal failure.

Lessons:

In rare cases of sepsis with massive complement consumption, a case-sensitive Eculizumab therapy may be at least considered after the resolution of life-threatening multiorgan failure. The application of this drug can be performed only after sepsis induced disease is put under control. A fast withdrawal of Eculizumab after control of massive complement consumption is recommended to prevent triggering of second sepsis reactivation.
Cytomegalovirus pneumonia in a patient with T-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Li Qiuyu , Wang Kai , Guo Wei , Lu Ming
Published: January 2019

Rationale:

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is an important treatment for hematological malignancies. Common complications are opportunistic infections and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the most common causes of opportunistic infections.

Patient concerns:

A 30-year-old male was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma after persistent cough and lymphadenopathy. Fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash, and dyspnea occurred after HSCT.

Diagnosis:

The young man developed severe CMV infection with CMV detected in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and gastrointestinal tract.

Interventions:

Intravenous ganciclovir and high-dose glucocorticoids were administered after the patient was diagnosed with CMV pneumonia and enteritis.

Outcomes:

After 3 weeks, the young man died from respiratory failure and infectious toxic shock caused by severe CMV infection.

Lessons:

Patients after HSCT should be closely monitored CMV-DNA in blood and other specimen, and treated first if necessary, so as to avoid the occurrence of severe infections such as CMV gastroenteritis and pneumonia.
A case report of primary osteosarcoma originating from kidney
Authors: Huang Changkun , Zhu Xuan , Xiong Wei , Zhao Xiaokun , Xu Ran
Published: January 2019

Rationale:

Primary osteosarcoma of the kidney is a very rare subtype of renal neoplasms. There are only 27 cases reported in the literature since 1936. In addition, it has a high risk of metastasis and very low survival rate.

Patient's concerns:

In this report, we present a case of unique large osteosarcoma originated from the left kidney (21 cm × 18 cm × 11 cm) with lung metastasis. A 48-year-old female patient presented with intermittent abdominal distension and gross hematuria.

Diagnoses:

A computed tomography scan of the abdomen confirmed a large solid, partly calcified mass in the left retroperitoneum, with lung metastasis (IV stage according to AJCC). The radical nephrectomy was performed. The postoperation immunohistochemical analysis supporting the diagnosis of osteosarcoma.

Interventions:

The patient received chemotherapy with ifosfamide, cisplatinum, pirarubicin and then target therapy with anlotinib (12 mg per day, per os; days 1–14; 21 days per cycle) after surgery.

Outcomes:

The patient was followed up for 26 months, with no postoperative complications, no tumor recurrence, and no progress in pulmonary metastasis.

Lessons:

The case reported here is a unique large osteosarcoma originated from the kidney (21 cm × 18 cm × 11 cm) at an advanced stage (IV). However, the patient's condition was controlled for at least 26 months after surgical resection and postoperative chemotherapy, which had never been reported in the literature before. Additionally, 3 mutated genes were found in the tissue by genetic testing, which we suspect that is the reason why this patient is sensitive to chemotherapy and thus has longer survival.
Trimester-specific reference ranges for thyroid hormones in pregnant women
Authors: Zhang Daowen , Cai Keying , Wang Guixia , Xu Shuhang , Mao Xiaodong , Zheng Ang , Liu Chao , Fan Kuanlu
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study was to determine the trimester-specific reference range of thyroid function in Nanjing.

A total of 805 pregnant women in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters were recruited in the prospective, observational study during their routine antenatal clinic visit and 282 nonpregnant subjects served as controls. A questionnaire was completed by the subjects to record their personal health history, family history of thyroid disease, and consumption of estrogen or antithyroid drugs. Thyroid palpation was performed to exclude the thyroid goiter. Thyroid function and urine iodine were measured by chemiluminescence and arsenic cerium analysis.

The trimester-specific reference ranges in Nanjing were as follows: thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) 0.02 to 3.78 mIU/L, free thyroxine (FT4) 13.93 to 26.49 pmol/L, total thyroxine (TT4) 103.39 to 319.43 nmol/L in the 1st trimester. TSH 0.47 to 3.89 mIU/L, FT4 12.33 to 19.33 pmol/L, TT4 92.28 to 234.88 nmol/L in the 2nd trimester. TSH 0.55 to 4.91 mIU/L, FT4 11.38 to 19.21 pmol/L, TT4 83.54 to 258.12 nmol/L in the 3rd trimester. According to the TSH reference range recommended by American Thyroid Association (ATA), the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism, subclinical hyperthyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroxinemia, and thyroid peroxidase antibody-positive were 12.42%, 0.50%, 0.99%, 1.61%, and 11.80%, respectively, prevalence according to the trimester-specific reference range were 1.99%, 0.25%, 1.61%, 0.37%, and 1.61%, respectively, which showed elevated hypothyroxinemia incidence and declined incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Trimester-specific reference range varied from that of ATA's recommendation, influencing the diagnosis, and treatment of pregnant thyroid disorders. To detect and control these disorders properly, setting up trimester-specific reference is clinically essential.
Monitoring of cytomegalovirus infection in non-transplant pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients during chemotherapy
Authors: Phasuk Nonthapan , Keatkla Jiraporn , Rattanasiri Sasivimol , Techasaensiri Chonnamet , Anurathapan Usanarat , Apiwattanakul Nopporn
Published: January 2019

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the posttransplant setting; however, it is increasingly recognized in pediatric leukemia during chemotherapy. This study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of CMV infection in pediatric non-transplant leukemia patients.

This was a cross-sectional study of 50 pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients receiving chemotherapy at Ramathibodi Hospital from December 2015 to December 2016. CMV viral load quantified by DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was monitored in different phases of chemotherapy: enrolment, post-induction, post-consolidation, post-intensification, and maintenance.

One hundred forty one blood tests were evaluated from 50 patients. Overall prevalence of CMV DNAemia (≥20 copies/mL) and high-level CMV DNAemia (≥1000 copies/mL) was 52% (26 of 50) and 16.0% (8 of 50), respectively. All patients with high-level CMV DNAemia were in the maintenance phase of chemotherapy. One patient had CMV retinitis, while the rest had no end-organ CMV diseases. Increased lymphocyte count was significantly associated with protection from high-level CMV DNAemia (odds ratio 0.997, P = .02). Receiver operating characteristic curve identified a cut-off value of 798 cells/mm3 of absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) as a discriminator for the presence of high-level CMV DNAemia (area under the curve 0.756, 95% CI 0.645–0.867, P = .001) with 88.9% sensitivity and 50.4% specificity.

CMV infection predominantly occurred during maintenance chemotherapy. Low ALC was significantly associated with high-level CMV DNAemia. CMV infection surveillance by quantitative CMV DNA PCR during maintenance chemotherapy in patients with ALC <800 cells/mm3 may be considered.
Implementation of an Evidence-Based, Nurse-Driven Sepsis Protocol to Reduce Acute Care Transfer Readmissions in the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Setting
Authors: Jacobs Jenelle L.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine if implementing an evidence-based, nurse-driven sepsis protocol would reduce acute care transfer (ACT) readmissions from an inpatient rehabilitation facility compared to nonprotocolized or usual standard of care for adult sepsis patients undergoing physical rehabilitation.

Design

This study used a preintervention and postintervention model for quality improvement, which involved comparing the nonprotocolized care of adult sepsis patients in the inpatient rehabilitation population to the application of an evidence-based, nurse-driven sepsis protocol to determine its effect on reducing ACT readmissions.

Methods

Patients who screened positive for suspected sepsis and received protocolized interventions were analyzed to determine the occurrence of ACT readmission. Compliance with protocol elements was also evaluated.

Findings

The sepsis-related ACT readmission rate decreased from 36.28% to 25% in 8 weeks, and compliance with protocolized sepsis interventions increased.

Conclusions

Nurse-driven, protocolized assessment and treatment can improve the management and care of sepsis patients undergoing physical rehabilitation and can reduce ACT readmissions.

Clinical Relevance

This review provides rehabilitation nurses an evidence-based, nurse-driven approach to the clinical management of sepsis patients in the inpatient rehabilitation setting and discusses how this approach can reduce ACT readmissions and improve clinical outcomes.
The Basics of Antithrombotic Medications
Authors: Neville Kevin
Published: January 2019

Drugs used to treat or prevent thromboembolic disease are a common cause of adverse drug reactions in older adults. The purpose of this review is to provide rehabilitation professionals working with older adults with an understanding of the basics of antithrombotic drug therapy. By gaining familiarity with hemostasis and mechanisms of action of common drugs, therapists can more easily understand the adverse effects of these medications, how patients are monitored, and how drugs are reversed. Most importantly, this review provides readers with insight into the impact of these drugs on clinical decision-making in the rehabilitation of older adults.
Long-term Changes in 18F-Flutemetamol Uptake in Nondemented Older Adults
Authors: Duff Kevin , Horn Kevin P. , Hoffman John M.
Published: January 2019

Purpose:

Longitudinal studies into the variability of 18F-Flutemetamol uptake are lacking.

Methods/Patients:

Therefore, the current study examined change in 18F-Flutemetamol uptake in 19 nondemented older adults (65 to 82 y old) who were either cognitively intact or had Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) who were scanned twice across 3.6 years.

Results:

Baseline and follow-up composite SUVRs were significantly correlated (0.96, P<0.001). Significant increases in the composite SUVR from baseline to follow-up were observed (P=0.002). For the total sample, the average difference over this time period when using the composite SUVR was 6.8%. Similar results were seen in subsets of the total sample (MCI vs. cognitively intact, amyloid positive vs. negative). Finally, a Reliable Change Index that exceeded ±0.046 SUVR units would indicate a significant change of 18F-Flutemetamol.

Conclusions:

The current results extend the limited literature on longitudinal variability of 18F-Flutemetamol uptake across 3.6 years, which should give clinicians and researchers more confidence in the stability of this amyloid imaging agent in longer therapeutic and prevention trials in cognitive decline in MCI and Alzheimer disease.
PPARβ/δ controls Mediator recruitment and transcription initiation
Authors: Legrand Nathalie , Bretscher Clemens L. , Zielke Svenja , Wilke Bernhard , Daude Michael , Fritz Barbara , Diederich Wibke E. , Adhikary Till
Published: January 2019

Repression of transcription by nuclear receptors involves NCOR and SMRT corepressor complexes, which harbour the deacetylase HDAC3 as a subunit. Both deacetylase-dependent and -independent repression mechanisms have been reported for these complexes. In the absence of ligands, the nuclear receptor PPARβ/δ recruits NCOR and SMRT and represses expression of its canonical targets including the ANGPTL4 gene. Agonistic ligands cause corepressor dissociation and enable enhanced induction of transcription by coactivators. Vice versa, recently developed synthetic inverse agonists lead to augmented corepressor recruitment and repression that dominates over activating stimuli. Both basal repression of ANGPTL4 and reinforced repression elicited by inverse agonists are partially insensitive to HDAC inhibition. This raises the question of how PPARβ/δ represses transcription mechanistically.

Here, we show that the PPARβ/δ inverse agonist PT-S264 impairs transcription initiation in human cells. Inverse agonist-bound PPARβ/δ interferes with recruitment of Mediator, RNA polymerase II, and TFIIB, but not with recruitment of other basal transcription factors, to the ANGPTL4 promoter. We identify NCOR as the main ligand-dependent interactor of PPARβ/δ in the presence of PT-S264. In PPARβ/δ knockout cells, reconstitution with PPARβ/δ mutants deficient in basal repression recruit less NCOR, SMRT, and HDAC3 to chromatin, concomitant with increased binding of RNA polymerase II. PT-S264 restores binding of NCOR, SMRT, and HDAC3, resulting in diminished polymerase II binding and transcriptional repression. In the presence of HDAC inhibitors, ligand-mediated repression of PPARβ/δ target genes is only partially relieved. Our findings corroborate deacetylase-dependent and -independent repressive functions of HDAC3-containing complexes. Deacetylase-independent repression mediated by binding of inverse agonists to PPARβ/δ involve NCOR/SMRT recruitment and interference with Mediator, TFIIB, and RNA polymerase II binding.
PSMC3 is required for spermatogonia niche establishment in mouse spermatogenesis
Authors: Pranchevicius Maria Cristina S. , Previato Luciana , Castro Rodrigo O. de , Pezza Roberto J.
Published: January 2019

Males produce millions of spermatozoa each day, which are originated from spermatogonia. Spermatogonia niche establishment and maintenance and the subsequent haploidization of spermatocytes in meiosis are hallmarks of this process. The function of the individual players and coordinated mechanisms regulating different stages of gametogenesis in mammals are not well understood. In this work we focused on the role of PSMC3 in mouse gametogenesis. We observed that Psmc3 is highly expressed in mouse testis, and it is widely expressed in different stages of gamete formation. Conditional deletion of Psmc3 results in both male and female impairment of gonad development at early pre-meiotic stages, but has no apparent effect on meiosis progression. This is likely a consequence of abnormal spermatogonia niche establishment and/or maintenance, revealed by a massive loss of undifferentiated spermatogonia. Our work defines a fundamental role of PSMC3 functions in spermatogenesis during spermatogonia development with direct implications in fertility.
BioID based proteomic analysis of the Bid interactome identifies novel proteins involved in cell cycle dependent apoptotic priming
Authors: Pedley Robert , King Louise E. , Mallikarjun Venkatesh , Wang Pengbo , Swift Joe , Brennan Keith , Gilmore Andrew P.
Published: January 2019

Apoptotic priming controls the commitment of cells to apoptosis by determining how close they lie to mitochondrial permeabilisation. Variations in priming are important for how both healthy and cancer cells respond to chemotherapeutic agents, but how this is dynamically coordinated by Bcl-2 proteins remains unclear. The Bcl-2 family protein Bid is phosphorylated when cells enter mitosis, increasing apoptotic priming and sensitivity to anti-mitotic drugs. Here we report an unbiased proximity biotinylation (BioID) screen to identify regulators of apoptotic priming in mitosis, using Bid as bait. The screen primarily identified proteins outside of the canonical Bid interactome. Specifically, we found that voltage-dependent anion-selective channel protein 2 (VDAC2) was required for Bid phosphorylation dependent changes in apoptotic priming during mitosis. Thus, we identify an additional layer of regulation upstream of known Bid interactions that control dynamic changes in apoptotic priming. These results highlight the importance of understanding the wider Bcl-2 family interactome and its role in regulating the temporal control of apoptotic priming.
ApicoTFdb: The comprehensive web repository of apicomplexan transcription factors and regulators
Authors: Sardar Rahila , Kaushik Abhinav , Pandey Rajan , Mohmmed Asif , Ali Shakir , Gupta Dinesh
Published: January 2019

Despite significant progress in apicomplexans genome sequencing and genomics, the current list of experimentally validated TFs in these genomes is incomplete and mainly consists of AP2 family of proteins, with only a limited number of non-AP2 family TFs and TAFs. We have performed systematic bioinformatics aided prediction of TFs and TAFs in apicomplexan genomes, and developed ApicoTFdb database which consists of experimentally validated as well as computationally predicted TFs and TAFs in 14 apicomplexan species. The predicted TFs are manually curated to complement the existing annotations. The current version of the database includes 1310 TFs, out of which 833 are novel and computationally predicted TFs, representing 22 distinct families across 14 apicomplexan species. The predictions include TFs of TUB, NAC, BSD, CCAAT, HTH, Cupin/Jumonji, winged-helix, and FHA family proteins, not reported earlier in the genomes.

Apart from TFs, ApicoTFdb also classifies TAFs into three main subclasses-TRs, CRRs and RNARs, representing 3047 TAFs in 14 apicomplexan species are analyzed in this study. The database is equipped with a set of useful tools for comparative analysis of a user-defined list of the proteins. ApicoTFdb will be useful to the researchers interested in less-studied gene regulatory mechanisms mediating the complex life cycle of the apicomplexan parasites. The database will aid the discovery of novel drug targets to much needed combat the growing drug resistance in the parasites.
ANOMALOUS PERCEPTION OF BIOLOGICAL MOTION IN AUTISM: A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Federici Alessandra , Parma Valentina , Vicovaro Michele , Radassao Luca , Casartelli Luca , Ronconi Luca
Published: January 2019

Despite its popularity, the construct of biological motion (BM) and its putative anomalies in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are not completely clarified. Here, we propose a new model describing distinct levels of BM processing, and we present a meta-analysis investigating BM perception in ASD. We screened 114 articles testing BM perception in ASD and typical developing peers. A general meta-analysis including all the selected studies (N=27) showed BM processing moderate deficit in ASD, but high heterogeneity. This heterogeneity was explored in different additional meta-analyses where studies were grouped according to different levels of BM processing (first-order/direct/instrumental) and the manipulation of low-level perceptual features (spatial/temporal). Results suggest that the most severe deficit in ASD is evident when perception of BM is serving a secondary purpose (e.g., inferring intentionality/action/emotion) and, interestingly, that temporal dynamics could be an important factor in determining BM processing anomalies in ASD. In conclusion, this work questions the traditional understanding of BM anomalies in ASD and claims for a paradigm shift that deconstructs BM into distinct levels of processing and specific spatio-temporal subcomponents.

Public Significance statement

Since the seminal study by Johansson (1973), the construct of “biological motion” (BM) has gained a considerable success in a wide range of disciplines. In particular, BM processing has been considered a putative marker for social difficulties in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our work aims to quantitatively test the solidity of this view through a meta-analytic approach and also to better define anomalies in BM perception according to distinct levels of complexity and specific spatio-temporal features. Interestingly, we do it by challenging the traditional approach to the conception of BM. This novel conceptualization has intriguing clinical and theoretical insights.
Oscillatory Mechanisms of Successful Memory Formation in Younger and Older Adults Are Related to Structural Integrity
Authors: Sander Myriam C. , Fandakova Yana , Grandy Thomas H. , Shing Yee Lee , Werkle-Bergner Markus
Published: January 2019

We studied oscillatory mechanisms of successful memory formation in 47 younger and 52 older adults in an intentional associative memory task with cued recall. While older adults showed reduced memory performance, we found subsequent memory effects (SME) in alpha/beta and theta frequency bands in both age groups. Using logistic mixed effect models, we then investigated whether interindividual differences in structural integrity of memory regions that were functionally linked to oscillatory dynamics in previous studies (Hanslmayr et al., 2011) could account for interindividual differences in the strength of the SME. Structural integrity of inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and hippocampus (HC) was reduced in older adults. SME in the alpha/beta band were indeed modulated by the cortical thickness of inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), in line with its hypothesized role for deep semantic elaboration. Importantly, this structure–function relationship did not differ by age group. However, older adults were more frequently represented among the participants with low cortical thickness and consequently weaker SME in the alpha band. Thus, our results suggest that differences in the structural integrity of the IFG are the basis not only for interindividual, but also for age differences in memory formation.
Modeling Alkaline Phosphatase Inactivation in Bovine Milk During High-Temperature Short-Time Pasteurization
Authors: Lu Q. , Piyasena P. , Mittal G. S.
Published: January 2019

Alkaline phosphatase (AP) is used as the indicator enzyme for proper pasteurization of bovine milk. Predictive modeling of AP inactivation during high-temperature short-time (HTST) pasteurization would support regulations; thus ensuring the safety of heat treated milk. Activation energy (Ea) of AP in milk was measured experimentally using the capillary tube method, and Ea was found to be 429252 J/mol. The Ea was used to develop a nonlinear model to describe the thermal inactivation of milk in a small-scale HTST pasteurizer with a plate heat exchanger. Integrated pasteurization effect (PE) was obtained at different holding temperatures (62–72°C) and holding times (3–25 s), by converting times at different temperatures in various sections of the pasteurizer to the equivalent time at the reference temperature (72°C). A nonlinear function was developed to relate the log(% residual AP activity) to PE. The r2 varied from 0.7488 to 0.8311. The validation trial indicated that the model could predict AP activity accurately for the% residual AP activity >1%.
A penalized expected risk criterion for portfolio selection
Authors: Luo Ronghua , Liu Yi , Lan Wei
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Under the classical mean-variance framework, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the properties of the instability of minimal variance portfolio and then propose a novel penalized expected risk criterion (PERC) for optimal portfolio selection.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method considers not only a portfolio’s expected risk, but also its instability that is quantified by the variance of the estimated portfolio weights. This study tests the out-of-sample performance of various portfolio selection methods on both China and US stock markets.

Findings

It is very useful to control portfolio stability in real application of portfolio selection. The empirical results on both US and China stock markets show that PERC portfolio effectively controls turnover and consequently the transaction cost, and that is why it is so competing compared with other alternative methods.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that the rebalancing turnover and the associated transaction cost that is usually ignored in theoretical analysis play a very important role in real investment.

Practical implications

For investors, especially institutional investors, the rebalancing turnover and corresponding transaction cost must be carefully addressed. The variance of the estimated portfolio weights is a good candidate to quantify portfolio instability.

Originality/value

This study addresses the important role of portfolio instability and proposes a novel expected risk criterion for portfolio selection after the quantitative definition of portfolio instability.
The psychological roots of chemsex and how understanding the full picture can help us create meaningful support
Authors: Evans Katie
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the larger picture of chemsex in a hope to understand how to best work with clients therapeutically. The paper’s aim is to acknowledge not just the risk and “negative” aspects but also what might be gained by men engaging in chems use. How can the chemsex space act as a container for emotions and experiences?

Design/methodology/approach

This is a paper based upon cases from within the author’s private practice plus anonymous interviews with men. It comes from a sex positive therapy approach and explores ideas formed within the author's work as a practitioner.

Findings

The findings within this paper showed just how complex an issue chemsex is with many layers to it. The author also found that the most important aspect to bear in mind is that this is a very human issue, with aspects many can relate to such as intimacy, self-esteem, desire for connection and dealing with difficult emotions. By seeing what part it plays in the life of men involved then it is possible to can understand how seductive it could be.

Originality/value

This paper takes a more in-depth look at the psychological roots of chemsex and how these play a part. As this field is explored more, this paper aims to look at chemsex from the idea of pleasure, community and connection so that it is possible to provide the support that is best suited.
On the predictability of economic structural change by the Poincaré–Bendixson theory
Authors: Stijepic Denis
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The three-sector framework (relating to agriculture, manufacturing and services) is one of the major concepts for studying the long-run change of the economic structure. This paper aims to discuss the system-theoretical classification of the structural change in the three-sector framework and, in particular, its predictability by the Poincaré–Bendixson theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This study compares the assumptions of the Poincaré–Bendixson theory to the typical axioms of structural change modeling, the empirical evidence on the geometrical properties of structural change trajectories and the methodological arguments referring to the laws of structural change.

Findings

The findings support the assumption that the structural change phenomenon is representable by a dynamical system that is predictable by the Poincaré–Bendixson theory. This result implies, among others, that in the long run, structural change is either transitory or cyclical and can be used in further geometrical/topological long-run structural change modeling and prediction.

Originality/value

Although widespread in mathematics, geometrical/topological modeling methods have not been used in modeling and prediction of long-run structural change, despite the fact that they seem to be predestined for this purpose owing to their global, system-theoretical nature, allowing for a reduction of ideology content of predictions and greater robustness of results.
Role of magnetic field on forced convection of nanofluid in a branching channel
Authors: Selimefendigil Fatih , Öztop Hakan F. , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Numerical study of nanofluid forced convection within a branching channel was performed under the influence of a uniform magnetic field. The purpose of this study is to enhance the heat transfer performance of the separated flow at the branching channel with the use of magnetic field and nanofluid. The use of magnetic field and enhancement in both the thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity with the inclusion of the nanoparticles provides favorable thermophysical properties of the nanofluid when it used as a heat transfer fluid in a branching channel. The results of this study may be used to control the thermal performance in a branching channel and further optimization studies in the presence of magnetic field.

Design/methodology/approach

Galerkin weighted residual finite element method was used for the simulations. The numerical simulation results are performed by changing the inclination angle of the lower branching channel (between 0° and 90°), thermophysical properties of the fluid via inclusion of nanoparticles (between 0 and 0.04), Reynolds number (between 100 and 400) and magnetic field strength (Hartmann number changes between 0 and 15).

Findings

It was observed that the recirculation zones and reattachment length of the upper and lower branching channels are affected by the variation of those parameters. Reattachment lengths increase with the augmentation of the Reynolds number and deterioration of the Hartmann number. Average Nusselt number becomes higher for higher values of Hartmann number and solid particle volume fraction. Inclusion of the nanoparticle to the base fluid is very effective for the configuration with higher values of Hartmann number. An optimum value of the inclination angle of the lower branching channel is observed, beyond which heat transfer rate is significantly reduced due to the establishment of a large vortex in the upper branching channel and restriction of the fluid motion.

Originality/value

In this study, forced convection of nanofluid flow in a branching channel under the effect of magnetic field was numerically studied. Magnetic field effects with nanoparticle inclusion to the base fluid on the convective heat transfer was analyzed for various inclination angles of the lower branching channel. Flow separation at the junction of the channels and thus convective heat transfer rate are influenced by the variation of these parameters. There are many studies related to application of the magnetic field with nanofluids, and a few of them are related to configurations with separated flows. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there exist no studies for the application of nanofluids and magnetic field for the convective heat transfer in a branching channel. This topic is of importance as there are many engineering applications of the branching channels.
Mobile usage in travel: bridging the supplier-user gap
Authors: Linton Heather , Kwortnik Robert J.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Consumer-driven technology innovations are transforming travel behavior. However, travel suppliers are still struggling to grasp their customers’ desires regarding mobile device usage in travel and also face other barriers. This paper aims to take a two-pronged approach to identify the gap between what travelers would like to do on mobile devices and what suppliers currently offer and to provide insights from technology industry experts on future trends.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses two exploratory studies: a consumer survey to understand travelers’ needs and wants regarding mobile devices and a qualitative study to learn more about how travel suppliers are responding and to identify barriers. Statistical techniques include ANOVA tests to identify individual differences and factor analyses to discover patterns in the data.

Findings

Consumers would like to do more on mobile devices than is currently available; therefore, industry providers must be more forward-thinking with technology development and overcome the barriers identified in this paper.

Research limitations/implications

Given the limitations to existing supplier offerings and capabilities, travelers were asked what they would like to do on mobile devices. Although marketing and technology personnel from various companies were interviewed, other perspectives exist.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the technology adoption and service-supplier innovation literatures by helping mobile technology service providers in the travel industry better understand and bridge the supplier-user gap. Suggestions to close this gap and predictions from technology industry experts are included to direct future actions.
The social servicescape: understanding the effects in the full-service hotel industry
Authors: Line Nathaniel Discepoli , Hanks Lydia
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Understanding how other customers affect hotel consumption behavior is an important topic in the hospitality literature. While existing research has typically explored the effects of active interactions among consumers, this study aims to better understand the effects of passive interactions. Accordingly, this research conceptualizes the hotel social servicescape as a function of the mere presence of the other social actors that occupy the hotel’s shared consumption space.

Design/methodology/approach

To operationalize this construct, data were collected from a sample of 1,019 recent consumers of full-service hotel experience in the USA.

Findings

The findings suggest that the social servicescape can significantly affect satisfaction and behavioral intentions in the domain of leisure-driven hotel experiences.

Research limitations/implications

The results support the hypothesis that the mere presence of others significantly affects leisure travelers’ perceptions of the hotel consumption experience. Accordingly, these findings indicate that the makeup of the hotel servicescape is not limited to the traditionally acknowledged physical elements of the space.

Practical implications

The results suggest that in addition to managing the physical aspects of the service environment, hotel managers should take steps to manage the social aspects of the servicescape as well.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to provide an operational account of the social servicescape in the domain of full-service hotels. Additionally, nomological validity is established by examining the downstream effects on satisfaction and behavioral intentions.
Carbon footprint and financial evaluation of an aeronautic component production using different manufacturing processes
Authors: Loukopoulos Andreas , Katsiropoulos Christos Vasilios , Pantelakis Spiros G.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to quantify the environmental footprint and cost and thus compare different manufacturing scenarios associated with the production of aeronautical structural components.

Design/methodology/approach

A representative helicopter canopy, i.e., canopy of the EUROCOPTER EC Twin Star helicopter described in Pantelakis et al. (2009), has been considered for the carbon footprint (life cycle energy and climate change impact analysis) along with the life cycle costing analysis. Four scenarios – combinations of different manufacturing technologies (autoclave and resin transfer molding (RTM)) and end-of-life treatment scenarios (mechanical recycling and pyrolysis) are considered.

Findings

Using the models developed the expected environmental and cost benefits by involving the RTM technique have been quantified. The environmental impact was expressed in terms of energy consumption and of Global Warming Potential-100. From an environmental standpoint, processing the canopy using the RTM technique leads to decreased energy demands as compared to autoclaving because of the shorter curing cycles exhibited from this technique and thus the less time needed. As far as the financial viability of both processing scenarios is concerned, the more steps needed for preparing the mold and the need for auxiliary materials increase the material and the labor cost of autoclaving as compared to RTM.

Originality/value

At the early design stages in aeronautics, a number of disciplines (environmental, financial and mechanical) should be taken into account in order to evaluate alternative scenarios (material, manufacturing, recycling, etc.). In this paper a methodology is developed toward this direction, quantifying the environmental and financial viability of different manufacturing scenarios associated with the production of aeronautical structures.
Gamification and entrepreneurial intentions
Authors: Ruiz-Alba José L. , Soares Anabela , Rodríguez-Molina Miguel Angel , Banoun Arnaud
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how gamification can influence entrepreneurial intentions (EI) of a group of users of an online platform provided by a private company.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research strategy was used with a sample of 220 respondents. These respondents were tested before and after the gamification experience.

Findings

Main findings support literature suggesting a clear effect of attitudes towards behaviour and perceived behavioural control on EI, in line with the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Once the basic assumptions of TPB were confirmed, the authors tested the effects of gamification comparing before and after results. Main findings highlight an increase of these effects after the gamification experience, aligned with the self-determination theory.

Practical implications

These findings suggest that gamification is able to influence entrepreneurial behaviours. This contributes to both companies and educators’ knowledge on training for EI with gamification and the use of online platforms to this effect. Recommendations are provided.

Originality/value

This is the first study that investigates the impact of gamification on EI and how gamification can influence the different relationships between the antecedents of EI.
Biostimulants enhance growth and drought tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana and exhibit chemical priming action
Authors: Fleming Thomas R. , Fleming Colin C. , Levy Camila C. B. , Repiso Carlos , Hennequart Franck , Nolasco José B. , Liu Fuquan
Published: January 2019

The usage of biostimulants in agriculture has been steadily increasing in recent years, and their benefits have been recognised by growers. The growing interest from industry has led to a boom in the number of products on the market, many of which are derived from a diverse range of sources such as microbials, plant extracts, hydrolysed amino acids and algal extracts. However, there has been a slower recognition of the biostimulant sector by the scientific community. This has been a result of limited fundamental research into the modes of action of many biostimulant products and the speed at which new multi‐compound products have entered the market. In this study, we have developed a readily reproducible bioassay using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana to test biostimulant efficacy under drought conditions and assess any chemical priming action. We have screened three products with biostimulant action derived from amino acids (Delfan Plus), Ascophyllum nodosum extract (Phylgreen) or potassium phosphite (Trafos K). Under a progressive soil drought condition, we measured changes in plant growth, biochemical content and gene expression levels. Our results demonstrated biostimulant‐mediated drought tolerance, with the products requiring different application timings for successful stress mitigation. The analysis of the biochemical and gene expression changes provided evidence of chemical priming action when plants were pre‐treated with biostimulants prior to the drought stress exposure.
Nisin reduces uterine inflammation in rats by modulating concentrations of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Jia Zhifeng , He Meiling , Wang Chunjie , Chen Aorigele , Zhang Xin , Xu Jin , Fu He , Liu Bo
Published: January 2019

Problem

The Staphylococcus aureus has been found to be associated with clinical endometritis of cow. The result of oral antibiotic remains poor. Therefore, this study investigates the role of nisin in endometritis.

Method of study

The effect of nisin on the growth and cell wall of S aureus were determined in vitro. Besides the blank control group, animals with established post‐partum were inoculated with 0.1 mL S aureus intravaginally. Two days post‐inoculation, the animals were administered nisin (25 mg/kg), kanamycin (30 mg/kg), and water (model group) for 7 days. On the seventh day, serum and uterine organs were obtained for pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory analysis. The uterine tissue samples were weighed, and histopathological analysis was performed.

Results

The results showed that nisin had an inhibitory effect on the growth and cell wall formation of S aureus. Nisin and kanamycin treatment prevented a S aureus‐induced decrease in pro‐inflammatory cytokines and promoted an increase in the level of serum anti‐inflammatory cytokines in the endometrium of these animals. Nisin and kanamycin, significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the endometritis‐induced increases in uterine weight, restored endometrial architecture and significantly (P < 0.05) normalized uterine neutrophils to control levels. Additionally, improved levels of B7‐2, IFN‐γ, IL‐2, and IL‐8 were observed when treated with nisin.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that nisin compared favorably with kanamycin in endometritis prevention, suggesting that nisin can be used in S aureus‐induced endometritis by protecting the uterus from S aureus infection.
Predicting asymptomatic cervical dilation in pregnant patients with short mid‐trimester cervical length: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Boelig Rupsa C. , Dugoff Lorraine , Roman Amanda , Berghella Vincenzo , Ludmir Jack
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Second trimester asymptomatic cervical dilation is a significant risk factor for early preterm birth. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether transvaginal ultrasound cervical length (CL) predicts asymptomatic cervical dilation on physical exam in women with short cervix (CL ≤25 mm) and no prior preterm birth.

Material and methods

Secondary analysis of a randomized trial on pessary in asymptomatic singletons without prior preterm birth diagnosed with CL ≤25 mm between 18+0/7 and 23+6/7 weeks. Participants had transvaginal ultrasound and physical cervical exam and were randomized to pessary or no pessary with all patients with cervical length ≤20 mm offered vaginal progesterone. The primary outcome was to determine whether CL was predictive of asymptomatic physical cervical dilation ≥1 cm using receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

In all, 119 women were included. Based on receiver operating characteristic curve, CL ≤11 mm was best predictive of cervical dilation ≥1 cm, with 75% sensitivity, 80% specificity, and area under the curve 0.73 (0.55‐0.91), P = 0.009. Cervical length ≤11 mm had increased incidence of cervical dilation ≥1 cm on physical exam (30% vs 3%, odds ratio 12.29 (3.05‐49.37) P < 0.001) with a negative predictive value of 97%. Patients with ≥1 cm dilation had increased preterm birth <37 weeks (75% vs 39%, P = 0.03) compared to those not dilated. Women with a CL ≤11 mm had increased preterm birth <37 weeks (77% vs 31%, P < 0.001), preterm birth <34 weeks (63% vs 22%, P < 0.001), and lower birthweight (1552 ± 1047 vs 2560 ± 1072 g, P < 0.001) compared to women with CL >11 mm.

Conclusions

Among singletons without prior preterm birth diagnosed with short cervix (≤25 mm), CL ≤11 mm may identify a subgroup of patients at high risk for asymptomatic cervical dilation and poor perinatal outcome. Physical exam should be considered and adjunctive preterm birth prevention measures should be studied in singletons with CL ≤11 mm.
Increased risk of hemangioma after exposure to neonatal phototherapy in infants with predisposing risk factors
Authors: Auger Nathalie , Ayoub Aimina , Lo Ernest , Luu Thuy Mai
Published: January 2019

Aim

To determine the relationship between neonatal phototherapy and future risk of clinically significant hemangioma.

Methods

We analysed a cohort of 678 879 infants born after 34 weeks gestation comprising 3 975 242 person‐years of follow‐up over 11 years (2006–2016). The exposure was phototherapy the first 28 days of life. The outcome was hemangioma that required in‐hospital treatment during follow‐up. We estimated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of phototherapy with risk of hemangioma, accounting for preterm birth, low birthweight and congenital anomalies.

Results

The incidence of hemangioma was greater in neonates who received phototherapy than in untreated infants, but there was no association in adjusted models (HR 1.19, 95% CI 0.89–1.58). Risk of hemangioma was elevated in infants who received phototherapy and were born late preterm (HR 2.35, 95% CI 1.51–3.64), with low birthweight (HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.12–3.24), or with anomalies (HR 5.09, 95% CI 3.42–7.58). Without phototherapy, these three risk factors were more weakly associated with hemangioma.

Conclusion

Neonatal phototherapy in infants with predisposing risk factors may increase the chance of hemangioma, but confirmation in further studies is needed.