bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antiplatelet Premedication for Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization of Intracranial Aneurysms: Low-Dose Prasugrel vs Clopidogrel
Authors: Choi Hyun Ho , Lee Jung Jun , Cho Young Dae , Han Moon Hee , Cho Won-Sang , Kim Jeong Eun , An Sang Joon , Mun Jong Hyeon , Yoo Dong Hyun , Kang Hyun-Seung
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

The use of antiplatelet medications to prevent thrombosis in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms with stents has become widely emphasized.

OBJECTIVE

To compare low-dose prasugrel with clopidogrel in stent-assisted coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of 311 aneurysms from 297 patients who underwent stent-assisted endovascular coil embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysm between November 2014 and March 2017. Thromboembolic and hemorrhagic adverse events were compared between 207 patients who received low-dose prasugrel (PSG group) and 90 patients who received clopidogrel (CPG group).

RESULTS

P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU) values were significantly lower in the PSG group (PSG group vs CPG group, 132.3 ± 76.9 vs 238.1 ± 69.1; P < .001); the percentage of inhibition was also statistically higher in the PSG group (54.0 ± 26.0% vs 20.8 ± 18.6%; P < .001). Thromboembolic events occurred less frequently in the PSG group than in the CPG group (0.9% vs 6.4%; P = .01), whereas there was no significant difference in the percentage of hemorrhagic complications (0.5% vs 2.2%; P = .22). In the multivariate analysis, clopidogrel as the antiplatelet medication was the sole significant risk factor for thromboembolism in this series of patients undergoing stent-assisted coil embolization.

CONCLUSION

Use of low-dose PSG as an antiplatelet premedication is quick, effective, and safe for stent-assisted coil embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Prasugrel premedication significantly lowered the frequency of thromboembolic events without increasing the risk of hemorrhage.
Inappropriate Management of Asymptomatic Patients With Positive Urine Cultures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Flokas Myrto Eleni , Andreatos Nikolaos , Alevizakos Michail , Kalbasi Alireza , Onur Pelin , Mylonakis Eleftherios
Published: November 2017

Background

Mismanagement of asymptomatic patients with positive urine cultures (referred to as asymptomatic bacteriuria [ASB] in the literature) promotes antimicrobial resistance and results in unnecessary antimicrobial-related adverse events and increased health care costs.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that reported on the rate of inappropriate ASB treatment published from 2004 to August 2016. The appropriateness of antimicrobial administration was based on guidelines published by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Results

A total of 2142 nonduplicate articles were identified, and among them 30 fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of antimicrobial treatment among 4129 cases who did not require treatment was 45% (95% CI, 39–50). Isolation of gram-negative pathogens (odds ratio [OR], 3.58; 95% CI, 2.12–6.06), pyuria (OR, 2.83; 95% CI, 1.9–4.22), nitrite positivity (OR, 3.83; 95% CI, 2.24–6.54), and female sex (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.46–3.06) increased the odds of receiving treatment. The rates of treatment were higher in studies with ≥100 000 cfu/mL cutoff values compared with <10 000 cfu/mL for bacterial growth (P, .011). The implementation of educational and organizational interventions designed to eliminate the overtreatment of ASB resulted in a median absolute risk reduction of 33% (rangeARR, 16–36%, medianRRR, 53%; rangeRRR, 25–80%).

Conclusion

The mismanagement of ASB remains extremely frequent. Female sex and the overinterpretation of certain laboratory data (positive nitrites, pyuria, isolation of gram-negative bacteria and cultures with higher microbial count) are associated with overtreatment. Even simple stewardship interventions can be particularly effective, and antimicrobial stewardship programs should focus on the challenge of differentiating true urinary tract infection from ASB.
A large sample of shear-selected clusters from the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program S16A Wide field mass maps
Authors: Miyazaki Satoshi , Oguri Masamune , Hamana Takashi , Shirasaki Masato , Koike Michitaro , Komiyama Yutaka , Umetsu Keiichi , Utsumi Yousuke , Okabe Nobuhiro , More Surhud , Medezinski Elinor , Lin Yen-Ting , Miyatake Hironao , Murayama Hitoshi , Ota Naomi , Mitsuishi Ikuyuki
Published: November 2017

We present the result of searching for clusters of galaxies based on weak gravitational lensing analysis of the ∼160 deg2 area surveyed by Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) as a Subaru Strategic Program. HSC is a new prime focus optical imager with a 1${^{\circ}_{.}}$5-diameter field of view on the 8.2 m Subaru telescope. The superb median seeing on the HSC i-band images of 0${^{\prime\prime}_{.}}$56 allows the reconstruction of high angular resolution mass maps via weak lensing, which is crucial for the weak lensing cluster search. We identify 65 mass map peaks with a signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio larger than 4.7, and carefully examine their properties by cross-matching the clusters with optical and X-ray cluster catalogs. We find that all the 39 peaks with S/N > 5.1 have counterparts in the optical cluster catalogs, and only 2 out of the 65 peaks are probably false positives. The upper limits of X-ray luminosities from the ROSAT All Sky Survey (RASS) imply the existence of an X-ray underluminous cluster population. We show that the X-rays from the shear-selected clusters can be statistically detected by stacking the RASS images. The inferred average X-ray luminosity is about half that of the X-ray-selected clusters of the same mass. The radial profile of the dark matter distribution derived from the stacking analysis is well modeled by the Navarro–Frenk–White profile with a small concentration parameter value of c500 ∼ 2.5, which suggests that the selection bias on the orientation or the internal structure for our shear-selected cluster sample is not strong.
Quality of Life and Health Utility Scores Among Canadians Living With Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury - A National Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Iorio-Morin Christian , Noonan Vanessa K. , White Barry , Noreau Luc , Leblond Jean , Dumont Frédéric S. , Kwon Brian K. , Dvorak Marcel F. , Dea Nicolas
Published: November 2017

Study Design.

National, multicenter, cross-sectional study.

Objective.

The goal of this study was to provide overall quality of life (QOL) and health utility (HU) values for patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) stratified by injury level and neurological status.

Summary of Background Data.

Traumatic SCI is a leading cause of disability. Varying injury level and severity generate a spectrum of neurological dysfunction and reduction in long-term QOL.

Methods.

The Canadian SCI Community Survey was sent to Canadians living in the community after SCI. The impact of demographics, complications, and SCI classification on QOL was assessed using Analysis of variance, multiple linear regressions and ordinal logistic regression analyses.

Results.

There were 1109 respondents with traumatic SCI. american spinal injury association impairment scale (AIS) grade was reported to be cervical motor complete in 20%, cervical motor incomplete in 28%, thoracolumbar motor complete in 32%, thoracolumbar motor incomplete in 16%, and normal (any level) in 1%. Injury level or AIS grade had no impact on either HU or QOL. The physical component of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was significantly affected by the neurological level, but not the social or mental components. With a mean health utility score of 0.64 ± 0.12, SCI patients living in the community reported having HRQOL similar to patients after total knee arthroplasty or lumbar spinal stenosis decompression.

Conclusion.

QOL or HU measured by generic HRQOL outcome tools should not be used as outcomes to assess the effectiveness of interventions targeting neurological function in traumatic SCI. A disease-specific instrument that captures the nuances specific to spinal cord injury patients is required.

Level of Evidence: 1
Facet Sagittal Orientation
Authors: Liu Xiang , Zhao Xiaodong , Long Yaowu , Huang Kai , Xie Dazhi , Wang Feng , Chen Guangfu , Yuan Zhirui , Wang Jixing
Published: November 2017

Study Design.

A retrospective case-control study.

Objective.

This study aimed to elucidate the association between facet joint orientation and degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS).

Summary of Background Data.

Many studies have demonstrated the relationship between sagittal facet orientation and degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. However, the associations between facet orientation and DLSS have rarely been studied.

Methods.

Ninety-one age-matched and sex-matched patients with DLSS (LSS group) and 91 control participants were consecutively enrolled. Their lumbar facet angles and the dural sac cross-sectional area at L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1 were measured using axial magnetic resonance imaging. The intersection angle of the midsagittal line of the vertebra to the facet line represents the orientation of the facet joint.

Results.

The facet angles on the left side or right side of the LSS group were significantly smaller than the respective ones of the control group. Outcomes of the groups revealed significantly and consistently increasing facet angles from L2-L3 to L5-S1. The dural sac cross-sectional area of the LSS group had significantly smaller measurements values than that of the control group at L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1.

Conclusion.

Sagittalization of lumbar facet joints was considered to be a risk factor for DLSS and may play a role in the pathology of DLSS.

Level of Evidence: 3
iPhone in the Management of the Berlin Heart EXCOR Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Badheka Aditya , Allareddy Veerajalandhar
Published: November 2017

Berlin Heart Inc. EXCOR is an extracorporeal pneumatically pulsatile ventricular assist device approved for use in pediatric age group since 2011 in the United States. It is a well-established life-saving therapy for the bridge to heart transplant or to provide circulatory support in a transplanted patient. The most commonly reported problem was “membrane defect” in a postmarketing major device reporting. In general, the filling and emptying of the pump can be easily visualized, but the interobserver variability exist. In this first novel report, we used the iPhone slow motion video to quantify and compare the differences in filling and emptying that positively impacted the management of the Berlin Heart. This is an initial exploratory concept that will need further studies to validate this bedside tool.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Premature Infants With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Cuevas Guamán Milenka , Akinkuotu Adesola C. , Cruz Stephanie M. , Griffiths Pamela A. , Welty Stephen E. , Lee Timothy C. , Olutoye Oluyinka O.
Published: November 2017

Prematurity and low birth weight have been exclusion criteria for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO); however, these criteria are not evidence based. With advances in anticoagulation, improved technology, and surgical expertise, it is difficult to deny a potential therapy based on these criteria alone. We report the outcome of three neonates who were ineligible based on traditional criteria but were offered ECMO as a life-saving measure. We highlight the interdisciplinary nature of modern decision-making. All three neonates had severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia diagnosed prenatally, had normal fetal karyotypes, were born prematurely, and weighed less than 2 kg. All three neonates underwent cervical venoarterial cannulation, stabilization on ECMO, and repair of their congenital diaphragmatic hernia early in their ECMO courses. All three infants had long courses of respiratory support attributable to lung hypoplasia, but there were no short- or long-term complications attributable to ECMO support directly. All three are alive at 2 years of age and were making progress developmentally. In conclusion, with interdisciplinary collaboration and clinical guidelines uniformly implemented, low birth weight infants may benefit from ECMO and should not be denied the therapy arbitrarily based on gestational age or size alone. Further research is essential to determine appropriate patient selection in premature infants.
Remodeling Failing Human Myocardium With Hybrid Cell/Matrix and Transmyocardial Revascularization
Authors: Avery Ryan J. , Yu Soojie K. , Cherukuri Gopi , Runyan Ray B. , Konhilas John , Khalpey Zain I.
Published: November 2017

Given the limited treatment options for advanced heart failure, the intrinsic regenerative properties of stem cells have been evaluated for myocardial remodeling. Previous stem cells techniques for myocardiocyte remodeling have been limited by the low cellular retention. Presented is a hybrid approach for remodeling infarcted myocardium through implantation of allogeneic human amniotic fluid–derived mesenchymal stem cells within micronized human allograft-derived liquid matrix during the performance of transmyocardial revascularization (TMR). Given the induced increase in vascular density from TMR, we hypothesize that it may serve as a therapeutic delivery system for stem cell placement into damaged myocardium. We present a patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy and refractory angina, who clinically improved after this hybrid therapy of intraoperative TMR and placement of amniotic fluid–derived mesenchymal stem cells and liquid matrix within the TMR channels. Noninvasive testing of myocardial viability biomarkers utilizing both cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and thallium imaging supported the clinical improvement in cardiac symptom may be related to ventricular remodeling in a region of infarct with subsequent functional improvement.
Whole-genome sequencing of bloodstream Staphylococcus aureus isolates does not distinguish bacteraemia from endocarditis
Authors: Lilje Berit , Rasmussen Rasmus Vedby , Dahl Anders , Stegger Marc , Skov Robert Leo , Fowler Vance G. , Ng Kim Lee , Kiil Kristoffer , Larsen Anders Rhod , Petersen Andreas , Johansen Helle Krogh , Schønheyder Henrik Carl , Arpi Magnus , Rosenvinge Flemming S. , Korup Eva , Høst Ulla , Hassager Christian , Gill Sabine Ute Alice , Hansen Thomas Fritz , Johannesen Thor Bech , Smit Jesper , Søgaard Peter , Skytt Andersen Paal , Eske-Bruun Niels
Published: November 2017

Most Staphylococcus aureus isolates can cause invasive disease given the right circumstances, but it is unknown if some isolates are more likely to cause severe infections than others. S. aureus bloodstream isolates from 120 patients with definite infective endocarditis and 121 with S. aureus bacteraemia without infective endocarditis underwent whole-genome sequencing. Genome-wide association analysis was performed using a variety of bioinformatics approaches including SNP analysis, accessory genome analysis and k-mer based analysis. Core and accessory genome analyses found no association with either of the two clinical groups. In this study, the genome sequences of S. aureus bloodstream isolates did not discriminate between bacteraemia and infective endocarditis. Based on our study and the current literature, it is not convincing that a specific S. aureus genotype is clearly associated to infective endocarditis in patients with S. aureus bacteraemia.
A comparison of tests for quantifying sensory eye dominance
Authors: Bossi Manuela , Hamm Lisa , Dahlmann-Noor Annegret , Dakin Steven C.
Published: November 2017

Clinicians rely heavily on stereoacuity to measure binocular visual function, but stereo-vision represents only one aspect of binocularity. Lab-based tests ofsensory eye dominance(SED) are commonplace, but have not been translated to wider clinical practice. Here we compare several methods of quantifying SED in a format suitable for clinical use. We tested 30 participants with ostensibly normal vision on 8 tests. Seven tests (#1-7) were designed to quantify SED in the form of an interocularbalance-point(BP). In tests #1-6, we estimated acontrast-BP, the interocular difference in contrast required for observers to be equally likely to base their judgement on either eye, whereas in test #7 we measured binocular rivalry (interocular ratio of sensory dominance duration). We compare test-retest reliability (intra-observer consistency) and test-validity (inter-observer discriminatory power) and compare BP to stereoacuity (test #8). The test that best preserved inter-observer differences in contrast balance while maintaining good test-retest reliability was a polarity judgement using superimposed opposite-contrast polarity same-identity optotypes. A reliable and valid measure of SED can be obtained rapidly (20 trials) using a simple contrast-polarity judgement. Tests that use polarity-rivalrous stimuli elicit more reliable judgments than those that do not.

Significance Statement

Although sensory eye dominance is central to understanding normal and disordered binocular vision, there is currently no consensus as to the best way to measure it. Here we compare several candidate measures of sensory eye dominance and conclude that a reliable measure of SED can be achieved rapidly using a judgement of stimulus contrast-polarity.
Prevention and reversion of pancreatic tumorigenesis through a differentiation-based mechanism
Authors: Krah Nathan M. , Yugawa Deanne , Straley Julie , Wright Christopher V. E. , MacDonald Raymond J. , Murtaugh L. Charles
Published: November 2017

Activating mutations in Kras are nearly ubiquitous in human pancreatic cancer and initiate precancerous pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanINs) when induced in adult murine acinar cells. PanINs normally take months to form, but can be rapidly induced by genetic deletion of acinar cell differentiation factors such as Ptf1a, suggesting that loss of mature cell identity is a rate-limiting step in pancreatic tumor initiation. Using a novel genetic mouse model that allows for independent control of oncogenic Kras and Ptf1a expression, we demonstrate that maintained activity of Ptf1a is sufficient to eliminate Kras-driven tumorigenesis, even in the presence of tumor-promoting inflammation. Furthermore, reintroduction of Ptf1a into established PanINs reverts their phenotype in vivo. Our results suggest that reactivation of an endogenous differentiation program can prevent and reverse oncogenesis in cells harboring tumor driving mutations, thus introducing a novel paradigm for solid tumor prevention and treatment.
Topography and refractometry of sperm cells using SLIM
Authors: Liu Lina , Kandel Mikhail E. , Rubessa Marcello , Schreiber Sierra , Wheeler Mathew , Popescu Gabriel
Published: November 2017

Characterization of spermatozoon viability is a common test in treating infertility. Recently, it has been shown that label-free, phase-sensitive imaging can provide a valuable alternative for this type of assay. Here, we employ spatial light interference microscopy (SLIM) to decouple the thickness and refractive index information of individual cells. This procedure was enabled by quantitative phase imaging cells on media of two different refractive indices and using a numerical tool to remove the curvature from the cell tails. This way, we achieved ensemble averaging of topography and refractometry of 100 cells in each of the two groups. The results show that the thickness profile of the cell tail goes down to 150 nm and the refractive index can reach values of 1.6 close to the head.
Root grooves on two adjacent anterior teeth ofAustralopithecus africanus
Authors: Towle Ian , Irish Joel D. , Elliott Marina , De Groote Isabelle
Published: November 2017

Tooth root grooves and other ante-mortem dental tissue loss not associated with caries found on or near the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) are commonly termed non-carious cervical lesions. Three main processes are implicated in forming these lesions: abrasion, dental erosion, and abfraction. As yet, these lesions have not been described in non-Homohominins. In this study South African fossil hominin collections were examined for evidence of any type of non-carious cervical lesion. Only one individual shows ante-mortem root grooves consistent with non-carious cervical lesions. Two teeth, a mandibular right permanent lateral incisor (STW 270) and canine (STW 213), belonging to the sameAustralopithecus africanusindividual, show clear ante-mortem grooves on the labial root surface. These lesions start below the CEJ, extend over a third of the way toward the apex, and taper to a point towards the lingual side. Microscopic examination revealed no clear directional striations. The shape of these grooves is extremely similar to clinical examples of dental erosion, with the lack of striations supporting this diagnosis. These are the oldest hominin examples of non-carious cervical lesions and first described in a genus other thanHomo; further, the lesions suggest that this individual regularly consumed or processed acidic food items.
Chasing a moving target: Detection of mitochondrial heteroplasmy for clinical diagnostics
Authors: White Eric J. , Ross Tristen , Lopez Edgardo , Nikiforov Anastasia , Gault Christopher , Batorsky Rebecca , Darcy Christopher , Campagna Dean R. , Fleming Mark D. , Thompson John F.
Published: November 2017

Clinical interpretation of human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants has been challenging for technical and biological reasons but the involvement of dysfunctional mitochondria in many diseases makes it imperative to have a validated assay for detecting pathogenic variants. We have tested several methods to identify those best suited to detect and confirm mtDNA variants. The choice of methods is dependent on the amount of DNA available for testing and the sensitivity required for detecting low-level heteroplasmies. There is a tradeoff between a polymerase’s ability to amplify small amounts of DNA and its ability to generate accurate sequence. We report a simple method to measure heteroplasmy levels of large deletions from NGS data alone without need for qPCR or other methods. Use of HapMap samples for standardization needs to be done with caution as most have novel heteroplasmic sites that have arisen during immortalization/cell culture processes. Different batches of DNA can have variable sequence. In contrast, we observed node novoheteroplasmies in healthy mother-child pairs studied using blood or saliva though the frequency of pre-existing heteroplasmies often changed dramatically across generations. Long-read nanopore sequencing of individuals with two heteroplasmies suggested a random distribution of variants on single molecules but technical artifacts prevent certainty on this finding. Urine provides an additional readily accessible source of mtDNA that can be used for bone marrow transplant recipients whose saliva/blood mtDNA may be contaminated by the BMT donor’s mtDNA. We have characterized cells suspended in urine via expression profiling and shown them to be primarily mucosal cells that are independent of blood. Understanding the pitfalls of the various mtDNA sequencing methods allows development of reliable and accurate tests suitable for clinical diagnostics.

Author Summary

Mitochondrial DNA is important for many diseases but it is present at many copies per cell so is harder to check for mutations compared to nuclear DNA. We have studied mitochondrial DNA in different ways to see how it changes across generations and in different locations in the body. The tests need to be much more sensitive than nuclear DNA tests so that we can detect mutations down to 1%. We have shown that mitochondrial DNA changes when cell lines are used but saliva, blood and cells in the urine can all be used for testing. Cells in the urine originate as mucosal cells and are independent of blood. We developed a new method for analyzing large deletions that means sequencing data alone can be used for measuring the frequency of deletions. We also followed a family with two variable sites to better understand how mitochondrial DNA changes from mother to child. In some children, the variants stayed the same while, in others, variants disappeared.
Characteristic diffuse scattering from distinct line roughnesses
Authors: Fernández Herrero Analía , Pflüger Mika , Probst Jürgen , Scholze Frank , Soltwisch Victor
Published: November 2017

Lamellar gratings are widely used diffractive optical elements; gratings etched into Si can be used as structural elements or prototypes of structural elements in integrated electronic circuits. For the control of the lithographic manufacturing process, a rapid in-line characterization of nanostructures is indispensable. Numerous studies on the determination of regular geometry parameters of lamellar gratings from optical and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) scattering highlight the impact of roughness on the optical performance as well as on the reconstruction of these structures. Thus, a set of nine lamellar Si gratings with a well defined line edge roughness or line width roughness were designed. The investigation of these structures using EUV small-angle scattering reveals a strong correlation between the type of line roughness and the angular scattering distribution. These distinct scattering patterns open new paths for the unequivocal characterization of such structures by EUV scatterometry.
Lattice thermal expansion of Pu1−y
Am
y
O2−x
plutonium–americium mixed oxides
Authors: Vauchy Romain , Joly Alexis , Valot Christophe
Published: November 2017

Plutonium–americium mixed oxides, Pu1−y
Am
y
O2−x
, with various Am contents (y = 0.018, 0.077, 0.21, 0.49, 0.80 and 1.00) were studied in situ by high-temperature X-ray diffraction. In this study, the lattice thermal expansion of the six compounds subjected to heat treatments up to 1773 K under reconstituted air (N2 + 21% O2 + ∼5 vpm H2O) was investigated. The materials remained monophasic throughout the experiments and, depending upon the americium content, the lattice parameter of the face-centred cubic phase deviated from linear lattice expansion at elevated temperatures as a result of the progressive reduction of Am4+ to Am3+.
Beekeeping as a family artisan entrepreneurship business
Authors: Ramadani Veland , Hisrich Robert D. , Dana Leo-Paul , Palalic Ramo , Panthi Laxman
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Throughout Macedonia, beekeeping is becoming popular regardless of ethnicity. Studying ethnicity, the purpose of this paper is to determine what beekeepers in Macedonia thought in their own words about their beekeeping entrepreneurship. The objective is to identify whether motivations of ethnic Albanian beekeepers in Macedonia were the same or different compared to those of ethnic Macedonians in the same country, and if different, how.

Design/methodology/approach

To accomplish this objective, in-depth interviews were conducted with 40 beekeepers in Macedonia. A total of 29 interviews were conducted face-to-face and the other 11 by phone. The first set of interviews took place between December 2016 and February 2017, followed by more interviews in June 2017. In total, 27 respondents said they were ethnic Albanians, and 13 identified themselves as ethnic Macedonians. Also, ten respondents were women. While eight were full-time beekeepers, 32 were part-time beekeepers.

Findings

The results indicated that beekeeping businesses play a significant role in the transition economy of Macedonia. Beekeeping provides additional earnings that support rural families and keeps them financially stable. The majority of both Albanians and Macedonians understood that beekeeping on a part-time job basis provided a needed supplement to their income. Some part-time beekeepers are also working as auto-mechanics, locksmiths, medical doctors, restaurant/cafeteria owners, and tailors. A few in the sample were retired from their jobs or full-time beekeepers. An important difference between ethnic Albanian beekeepers and ethnic Macedonians in Macedonia is that the majority of ethnic Albanian participants see beekeeping as following in “my father’s footsteps”, while most Macedonians were motivated by the perceived opportunity of having a good business.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the research are twofold. First, financial data of family beekeeping are not available, which would be useful in determining the contribution made to economic development. It is common, especially in transition economies such as the western Balkans, that financial results are very sensitive to their owners. Second, unavailable databases for beekeepers make any quantitative approach difficult, if not impossible, resulting in most research using the qualitative research approach.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to treat beekeeping as a form of artisan entrepreneurship, which also contributes to the understanding of family business. As in other countries, the important and operation of the family business among family members in Macedonia is passed from generation to generation. The results of this research revealed the value of networking, which was found to be very important to income. For beekeepers to develop, grow, and be branded in the community, networking is an important ingredient.
Business customers’ readiness to adopt manufacturer’s new services
Authors: Vaittinen Eija , Martinsuo Miia , Ortt Roland
Published: November 2017

Purpose

For successful servitization, manufacturing firms must understand how their customers adopt new services. The purpose of this paper is to explore customers’ readiness for a manufacturer’s new services to complement its goods. The goal is to increase knowledge of the aspects that manufacturers should consider when bringing new kinds of services to market.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study design is used to analyze readiness for services and interest in service adoption in three customer firms of a manufacturer. The interview data were collected from 14 persons at customer sites and were content analyzed.

Findings

The results show that readiness – a concept that is often used in the field of technology – is relevant also for the service adoption process. In a business-to-business context, readiness for service adoption concerns the individual and organizational levels, and hence a new dimension of organizational culture and habits had to be added to the concept that originally focuses on individuals. People consider different factors when making consecutive decisions during the service adoption process and these factors can vary even within a company. The cornerstone for new service adoption is the customer firm’s actual need for the service.

Originality/value

The results offer new knowledge about service adoption in a business-to-business context by taking a customer firm’s perspective. They, thus, complement previous studies on the supplier perspective of servitization and service adoption in consumer business. The contributions help manufacturers focus their efforts when bringing new services to market.
How feathered are birds? Environment predicts both the mass and density of body feathers
Authors: Osváth Gergely , Daubner Timea , Dyke Gareth , Fuisz Tibor I. , Nord Andreas , Pénzes Janka , Vargancsik Dorottya , Vágási Csongor I. , Vincze Orsolya , Pap Péter L.
Published: November 2017

Studies modelling heat transfer of bird plumage design suggest that insulative properties can be attributed to the density and structure of the downy layer, whereas waterproofing is the result of the outer layer, comprised of contour feathers. In this study, we test how habitat and thermal condition affect feather mass and density of body feathers (contour, semiplume and downy feathers) measured on the ventral and dorsal sides of the body, using a phylogenetic comparative analysis of 152 bird species.

Our results demonstrate that feather mass and the density of downy feathers are higher in species that inhabit colder environments, whereas total feather density is higher of species breeding under intermediate temperatures compared to the ones breeding under more extreme conditions. The density of contour feathers, depending on the body region, is either quadratically related or negatively correlated with minimum winter temperature.

The density of contour and downy feathers, measured on both sides of the body, is higher in aquatic than in terrestrial birds. However, among the former, diving behaviour does not select for further increases in body feather mass or density.

The results of this study provides key insights into how the plumage of birds is adapted to different environments and lifestyles and provides a basis for understanding the diverse range and the evolution of variation in these characteristics.

Aplain language summaryis available for this article.
Unjust Enrichment in the ‘Fairchild Enclave’ International Energy Group Ltd v Zurich Insurance plc
Authors: Krishnaprasad K. V.
Published: November 2017

In International Energy Group v Zurich Insurance, the Supreme Court considered the implications of the special rule in Fairchild v Glenhaven Funeral Services Ltd for insurers’ for employers’ liability. The question for the Court was whether, in the light of its earlier decision in Durham v BAI (Run off) Ltd, insurers could be held liable for employees’ mesothelioma claims, even if the employer was not insured throughout the period of employment. The seven Justices unanimously held that insurers’ liability was proportionate to the period of insurance. In reaching that result, the majority recognised that the insurers were entitled to ‘equitable recoupment’ from insured‐employers in respect of periods during which they were uninsured. This note critiques the recoupment right with an unjust enrichment lens.
The Geography of Innovation in China and India
Authors: Crescenzi Riccardo , Rodríguez‐Pose Andrés
Published: November 2017

The BRICS countries in general, and China and India in particular, are now widely regarded as the areas of the world likely to challenge the economic leadership of the United States (US) and the European Union (EU). A large part of this challenge will come from rapid technological catch‐up by China and India. Yet, despite a recent rise in interest, there is limited knowledge about how and where innovation takes place in these two leading emerging countries and to what extent the Chinese and Indian territorial systems of innovation differ from those in the EU or the US. In this article we explore the geography of innovation in China and India, concentrating on understanding key territorial‐level innovation trends by country, region and technology field, using the US and the EU as benchmarks. We find significant contrasts between the geography of innovation in China and India and that of the US and the EU. First, the degree of concentration of innovative activities in both countries is extremely high. Levels of agglomeration of innovation in the coastal provinces of China, as well as in Delhi and the South of India, significantly exceed the levels of agglomeration found in the USA and the EU. Secondly, China has witnessed a more rapid increase in the degree of concentration of innovation than India. We posit that the differences in the geography of innovation between, on the one hand, China and India and, on the other hand, between these countries and the developed world are rooted in different institutional settings, different systems of innovation and different national innovation strategies.
Long‐term outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes attending a multidisciplinary diabetes kidney disease clinic
Authors: Low Serena , Lim Su Chi , Wang Jiexun , Yeoh Lee Ying , Liu Yan Lun , Lim Eng Kuang , Shao Yan Li , Chui Winnie , Fun Sharon , Chua Chin Lian , Subramaniam Tavintharan , Sum Chee Fang
Published: November 2017

Background

The best model of care to retard diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in the clinic is underexplored. In this study we investigated the long‐term renal outcomes of a joint endocrinologist–nephrologist clinic.

Methods

The present study was a nested case‐control study derived from a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) seen prospectively at a secondary care diabetes center (DC). Cases (“DKD clinic group”) were patients seen at the CKD clinic after being referred by physicians in DCs for management of DKD. Controls (“non‐DKD clinic group”) were patients from the same DC (i.e. same source population) with the same inclusion criteria of Stages 3–4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) at baseline but not seen at the DKD clinic. The outcome was Stage 5 CKD, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate <15 mL/min per 1.73 m2.

Results

During the median follow‐up period of 3.0 years (interquartile range 1.2–5.1 years), 240 patients (28.7%) reached Stage 5 CKD, with 45.8% and 54.2% of those reaching Stage 5 CKD in the DKD and non‐DKD clinic groups, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression revealed that the DKD clinic group had a lower risk of progressing to Stage 5 CKD (hazard ratio 0.55; 95% confidence interval 0.36–0.83; P = 0.004) compared with the non‐DKD clinic group.

Conclusions

Multidisciplinary endocrinology and nephrology care in the DKD clinic is associated with a lower risk of end‐stage renal disease. These findings may inform future management strategies targeted at patients with T2DM and CKD, especially with regard to joint specialist management involving endocrinologists and nephrologists.
FuzzyID2: A software package for large data set species identification via barcoding and metabarcoding using hidden Markov models and fuzzy set methods
Authors: Shi Zhi‐yong , Yang Cai‐qing , Hao Meng‐di , Wang Xiao‐yang , Ward Robert D. , Zhang Ai‐bing
Published: November 2017

Species identification through DNA barcoding or metabarcoding has become a key approach for biodiversity evaluation and ecological studies. However, the rapid accumulation of barcoding data has created some difficulties: for instance, global enquiries to a large reference library can take a very long time. We here devise a two‐step searching strategy to speed identification procedures of such queries. This firstly uses a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) algorithm to narrow the searching scope to genus level and then determines the corresponding species using minimum genetic distance. Moreover, using a fuzzy membership function, our approach also estimates the credibility of assignment results for each query. To perform this task, we developed a new software pipeline, FuzzyID2, using Python and C++. Performance of the new method was assessed using eight empirical data sets ranging from 70 to 234,535 barcodes. Five data sets (four animal, one plant) deployed the conventional barcode approach, one used metabarcodes, and two were eDNA‐based. The results showed mean accuracies of generic and species identification of 98.60% (with a minimum of 95.00% and a maximum of 100.00%) and 94.17% (with a range of 84.40%–100.00%), respectively. Tests with simulated NGS sequences based on realistic eDNA and metabarcode data demonstrated that FuzzyID2 achieved a significantly higher identification success rate than the commonly used Blast method, and the TIPP method tends to find many fewer species than either FuzztID2 or Blast. Furthermore, data sets with tens of thousands of barcodes need only a few seconds for each query assignment using FuzzyID2. Our approach provides an efficient and accurate species identification protocol for biodiversity‐related projects with large DNA sequence data sets.
Concordance and correlation of activity indices in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in northwestern Colombia: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Restrepo‐Correa Ricardo , Rodríguez‐Padilla Libia M. , Zapata‐Castellanos Aura L. , Ocampo Andrea , García Juan J. , Muñoz‐Grajales Carolina , Pinto‐Peñaranda Luis F. , Márquez‐Hernández Javier D. , Mesa‐Navas Miguel A. , Velásquez‐Franco Carlos J.
Published: November 2017

Aim

To determine the correlation and concordance between different clinimetric scores in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in two high‐complexity reference centers in northwestern Colombia.

Method

A cross‐sectional study in adults diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis was conducted according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology and European League Against Rheumatism Classification Criteria, between January and June, 2013. The correlation was evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficient, and concordance with quadratic weighted kappa with the respective confidence intervals, for which patients were classified into different categories of disease activity.

Results

One hundred patients were included, of whom 83% were women; 58 and 75% received methotrexate and glucocorticoids, respectively. Most individuals were in remission or low activity. High correlations between Disease Activity Score of 28 joints – erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28‐ESR) values with DAS28 C‐reactive protein and Simple Disease Activity Index (SDAI) with Clinical Disease Activity Index (P < 0.0001; r = 0.82 and r = 0.86, respectively) were observed; likewise, the scores obtained with different indices correlated well with gold standard values for remission (SDAI), where the correlation with DAS28‐ESR was slightly lower. Excellent concordance among all clinimetric scores was observed, although it was lower among DAS28‐ESR and SDAI.

Conclusion

Clinimetric indices had high concordance and correlation, especially for rheumatoid arthritis patients in remission or low disease activity, without being interchangeable among them.
Y RNA derived small RNAs in Sjögren's syndrome: Candidate biomarkers?
Authors: Kabeerdoss Jayakanthan , Sandhya Pulukool , Danda Debashish
Published: November 2017

Anti‐Ro and anti‐La antibodies are important in pathogenesis and diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Ro60, Ro52 and La are RNA binding proteins of Y RNA, which were discovered more than three decades ago. Significance of Y RNA is not appreciated as much as Ro and La in SS. It can be hypothesised that 5′‐YsRNA, short fragment derived from Y RNA may be recognized by TLR7 in pDC, which induces type I interferon signature in SS. New genomics tools, namely RNA seq, enables assay of 5′‐YsRNA in blood. 5′‐YsRNA has the potential to be a novel biomarker of SS.
Applications and Challenges for the Use of Phosphatidylethanol Testing in Liver Disease Patients (Mini Review)
Authors: Nguyen Van Long , Haber Paul S. , Seth Devanshi
Published: November 2017

Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is a direct nonoxidative metabolite of ethanol that may be measured in clinical samples as a marker for monitoring alcohol consumption. It has been used in a wide variety of clinical and nonclinical settings; however, its investigation in relation to liver disease has been limited. This study aims at providing a short review on the applications and challenges for the incorporation of PEth testing in identifying alcohol intake in this patient population.
Incidence and risk factors for mortality after release from prison in Australia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Forsyth Simon J. , Carroll Megan , Lennox Nicholas , Kinner Stuart A.
Published: November 2017

Aims

To estimate the incidence and identify risk factors for mortality in adults released from prisons in the state of Queensland, Australia.

Design

Prospective cohort study, linking baseline survey data with a national death register.

Setting

Selected prisons within Queensland, Australia.

Participants

Adults (n = 1320) recruited in Queensland prisons within 6 weeks of expected release, between August 2008 and July 2010, followed for up to 4.7 years in the community.

Measurements

Participants completed a comprehensive baseline survey covering psychosocial circumstances, physical and mental health, substance use and health risk behaviours. Clinical data were abstracted from prison medical records and obtained through probabilistic linkage with state‐based, community health records. Dates of prison release and reincarceration were obtained from correctional records. Deaths were identified through probabilistic linkage with the National Death Index. Adjusted hazard ratios (AHR) were calculated using proportional hazards regression models. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) were calculated using the population of Queensland as the reference. General population data were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Findings

The rate of mortality in the cohort was higher than in the age‐ and sex‐matched general population of Queensland for all causes [SMR = 4.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.9–5.4] and drug‐related causes (SMR = 32, 95% CI = 19–55). In a multivariable model, adjusting for age, sex and Indigenous status, factors associated with increased mortality risk included expecting to have average or better funds available on release (AHR = 2.9, 99% CI = 1.2–7.1), poor mental health (AHR = 2.6, 99% CI = 1.1–6.1) and self‐reported life‐time history of overdose (AHR = 2.5, 99% CI = 1.04–6.2).

Conclusions

People released from prison in Queensland, Australia are at increased risk of death, due particularly to drug‐related causes. Those at greatest risk of death are characterized by poor physical and mental health and a history of risky substance use.
Morphogenesis of lingual papillae of one‐humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) during prenatal life: A light and scanning electron microscopic study
Authors: Abou‐Elhamd A. S. , Abd‐Elkareem M. , El‐Zuhry Zayed A.
Published: November 2017

This study was made on 24 camel fetuses of crown‐rump vertebral length (CVRL) ranging from 10.5 cm to 105 cm CVRL (94–352 days old). These camel fetuses were classified into three groups representing the three trimesters of prenatal life. During the first trimester (94–142 days), lingual papillae (circumvallate and lentiform papillae) were demonstrated on the lingual root, but lingual body and the apex were almost free of papillae except for some scattered epithelial projections especially near the lateral borders of the body. In the second trimester (152–229 days), the lentiform papillae covered the entire root of the tongue except for areas occupied by the circumvallate papillae. Taste buds with clear pores were observed for the first time in areas between the circumvallate gustatory furrow and surface epithelium of the tongue. In addition, short numerous filiform papillae were observed on the rostral part of the lingual body and the lateral parts of the apex. Fungiform papillae, however, were demonstrated amidst the filiform papillae. In this trimester, taste buds were also seen on the top of the fungiform papillae. In the third trimester (256–352 days), all lingual papillae were clearly demonstrated on the dorsum of the root, body and apex of the tongue. Both types of gustatory papillae (circumvallate and fungiform) had well‐developed taste buds. Mechanical papillae (filiform and lentiform) were well developed. Lentiform papillae occupied most of the dorsal aspect of the Torus linguae; they were larger in size with semicircular apices. Filiform papillae, however, were numerous and demonstrated heavily on the lateral and rostral parts of the body as well as on the apex of the tongue.