bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does the bond‐stock earnings yield differential model predict equity market corrections better than high P/E models?
Authors: Lleo Sébastien , Ziemba William T.
Published: April 2017

We extend the literature on crash prediction models in three main ways. First, we explicitly relate crash prediction measures and asset pricing models. Second, we present a statistical significance test for crash prediction models. Finally, we propose a definition and a measure of robustness for these models. We apply our statistical test and measure the robustness of selected model specifications of the Price‐Earnings (P/E) ratio and Bond Stock Earning Yield Differential (BSEYD) measures. This analysis shows that the BSEYD and P/E ratios, were statistically significant robust predictors of corrections on the US equity market over the period 1964 to 2014.
Effects of regular water‐ and land‐based exercise on physical function after 5 years: A long‐term study on the well‐being of older Japanese adults
Authors: Tsujimoto Tomoya , Ikemoto Tatsunori , Kurisuno Makoto , Akao Machiko , Miyagawa Hirofumi , Inoue Msayuki , Arai Young‐Chang P. , Ushida Takahiro , Deie Masataka
Published: April 2017

Aim

To investigate the effects of 5 years of physical exercise on functional parameters among older Japanese adults who carried out water‐ or land‐based exercise.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated data from 5707 medical examinations and enrolled 77 older adults into the study. Eligible participants had to be aged ≥60 years, and engaged in water‐based exercise (n = 38) or a combination of water‐ and land‐based exercise (n = 39) for at least 80% of their total exercise time for over 5 years at our fitness center. In statistical analysis, a two‐way repeated‐measures analysis of variance was carried out to examine the effects over time and by exercise type, and the changes in each parameter over 5 years were also compared between the two groups.

Results

We found significant main effects and an interaction between time and exercise type for gait speed, with an early decline in the combined exercise group, as well as significant main effects of time, showing a functional decline in grip strength, one‐leg standing time and step/height ratio in both exercise types at the 5‐year follow up. The 5‐year changes in each parameter did not differ between the two groups despite the frequency of exercise, even though we found a negative correlation between changes in one‐leg standing time and total amount of water‐based exercise.

Conclusion

Contrary to expectations, these results suggest that regular engagement in water‐based exercise, even combined with land‐based exercise, might have poor long‐term benefits for maintaining physical performance in older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2116–2123.
Kreuth IV: European consensus proposals for treatment of haemophilia with coagulation factor concentrates
Authors: Giangrande P. L. F. , Peyvandi F. , O'Mahony B. , Behr‐Gross M.‐E. , Hilger A. , Schramm W. , Mannucci P. M.
Published: April 2017

Introduction

This report summarizes recommendations relating to haemophilia therapy arising from discussions among experts from 36 European countries during the ‘Kreuth IV’ meeting in May 2016.

Aim

The objective of the meeting was for experts in the field of haemophilia from across Europe to draft resolutions regarding current issues relating to the treatment of haemophilia.

Results

Hospitals providing clinical care for people with haemophilia and related disorders are strongly recommended to seek formal designation as either European Haemophilia Treatment Centres (EHTC) or European Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centres (EHCCC). There should be agreed national protocols or guidelines on management of the ageing patient with haemophilia. The minimum consumption of factor VIII and IX concentrate in any country should be 4 IU and 0.5 IU per capita of general population respectively. Treatment for hepatitis C with direct‐acting antiviral agents should be provided to all people with haemophilia on a priority basis. Genotype analysis should be offered to all patients with severe haemophilia. Genetic counselling, when given, should encompass the recommendation that genetic relatives of the affected person be advised to seek genetic counselling. People with inhibitors should have access to bypassing agents, immune tolerance and elective surgery. National or regional tenders for factor concentrates are encouraged. Outcome data including health related quality of life should be collected. Treatment with extended half‐life factors should be individualized and protection against bleeding should be improved by increasing trough levels. Steps should be taken to understand and minimize the risk of inhibitor development.

Conclusion

It is hoped that these recommendations will help to foster equity of haemophilia care throughout Europe.
Iron deficiency anemia in chronic kidney disease: Uncertainties and cautions
Authors: Agarwal Rajiv
Published: April 2017

Anemia in chronic kidney disease is common and iron deficiency is an important cause. To repair iron‐deficiency anemia, replacement of iron is needed. Iron can be replaced either by the oral route or by the intravenous route. In a meta‐analysis, 5 of the 6 trials were short‐term, 1 to 3 months, and compared to oral iron, the mean increase in hemoglobin with intravenous iron was only 0.31 g/dL. However, one of the studies included in this meta‐analysis was 6 months long and had a mean decline in hemoglobin of 0.52 g/dL associated with intravenous iron administration. Given the short duration of most of the clinical trials comparing oral with intravenous administration of iron the long‐term safety of these modes of administration of supplemental iron could not be assessed. Replacement of iron by the oral route is associated with mostly minor complications such as black stools, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. In contrast, intravenous administration of iron may lead to severe adverse events such as anaphylaxis and, as a more recent randomized trial has suggested, delayed complications such as infections and cardiovascular disease. Delayed complications of repeated intravenous iron use are difficult to recognize at an individual level therefore inpatients who have had recent cardiovascular events or are infected, intravenous iron should probably be avoided. Balancing safety and efficacy would require clinical judgment because 1 size may not fit all till we have better data to support the liberal use of parenteral iron.
Sensitivity of Helicobacter pylori detection by Giemsa staining is poor in comparison with immunohistochemistry and fluorescent in situ hybridization and strongly depends on inflammatory activity
Authors: Kocsmár Éva , Szirtes Ildikó , Kramer Zsófia , Szijártó Attila , Bene László , Buzás György Miklós , Kenessey István , Bronsert Peter , Csanadi Agnes , Lutz Lisa , Werner Martin , Wellner Ulrich Friedrich , Kiss András , Schaff Zsuzsa , Lotz Gábor
Published: April 2017

Background

Conventional stainings (including H&E and special stains like Giemsa) are the most widely applied histopathologic detection methods of Helicobacter pylori (HP).

Materials and Methods

We aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of Giemsa staining with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) on a monocentric cohort of 2896 gastric biopsies and relate results to histologic alterations in order to find such histopathologic subgroups in which these methods underperform. All cases were categorized regarding presence or absence of chronic gastritis, inflammatory activity, and mucosal structural alterations.

Results

Giemsa revealed 687 cases (23.7%), IHC 795 cases (27.5%), and FISH 788 cases (27.2%) as being HP positive. Giemsa showed significantly lower overall sensitivity (83.3%) compared to IHC (98.8%) and FISH (98.0%). Moreover, the sensitivity of Giemsa dramatically dropped to 33.6% in the nonactive cases. We found that sensitivity of Giemsa strongly depends on HP density and, accordingly, on the presence of activity. Structural alterations (intestinal metaplasia, atrophy, etc.) had only no or weak effect on sensitivity of the three stainings. Both IHC and FISH proved to be equally reliable HP detecting techniques whose diagnostic performance is minimally influenced by mucosal inflammatory and structural alterations contrary to conventional stainings.

Conclusions

We highly recommend immunohistochemistry for clinically susceptible, nonactive chronic gastritis cases, if the conventional stain‐based HP detection is negative. Moreover, we recommend to use IHC more widely as basic HP stain. Helicobacter pylori FISH technique is primarily recommended to determine bacterial clarithromycin resistance. Furthermore, it is another accurate diagnostic tool for HP.
The relevance of context in understanding health literacy skills: Findings from a qualitative study
Authors: McKenna Verna B. , Sixsmith Jane , Barry Margaret M.
Published: April 2017

Background

Conceptualizing health literacy as a relational concept, which involves how individuals interact with complex health and social systems, requires a greater understanding of the context of people's health experiences.

Objectives

To describe individuals’ experiences of accessing, understanding, appraising and applying health information; explore the barriers and facilitators to using these skills; and to describe the experience of information exchange in health consultations.

Design

A longitudinal qualitative methodology with thematic analysis of interviews was used. Health literacy levels were assessed using the HLS‐EU‐47–Item Questionnaire. Findings are presented from the first round of data collection.

Setting and participants

Twenty‐six participants purposefully selected from a CVD risk reduction programme at three separate time points.

Results

Four key themes identified: using health literacy capacities for managing health; psychological and structural factors that impact on these capacities; and the relationship quality with the health‐care provider (HCP). Although limited health literacy was prevalent across the sample (65%), all individuals were very proactive in attempting to utilize health literacy skills. Findings emphasize the importance of contextual factors such as the quality of communication with the health‐care provider, perceptions of control, attitudes to family medical history, navigating structural barriers and being supported in managing treatment and medication side‐effects.

Discussion and Conclusion

Findings are relevant for health‐care providers in order to enhance the patient‐provider relationship and to ensure optimum health outcomes for all individuals regardless of health literacy levels.
Histological features of malignancy correlate with growth patterns and patient outcome in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Mäkinen Johanna M , Laitakari Kirsi , Johnson Shirley , Mäkitaro Riitta , Bloigu Risto , Pääkkö Paavo , Lappi‐Blanco Elisa , Kaarteenaho Riitta
Published: April 2017

Aims

Until the launch of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer/American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society adenocarcinoma classification in 2011, there were no uniform histological grading criteria for pulmonary adenocarcinomas. The current classification highlights the prognostic importance of the various histological growth patterns observed in these morphologically heterogeneous neoplasias. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the classic histological parameters of malignancy in correlation with the growth patterns and patient outcomes in a series of 112 surgically operated stage I–IV lung adenocarcinomas.

Methods and results

Architectural growth pattern analysis was performed according to the current adenocarcinoma classification. Histological features including, for example, nuclear atypia, mitotic activity, tumour necrosis, and different patterns of invasion were assessed and correlated statistically with the architecture and the clinical data. A solid predominant histology was associated with increased levels of atypia (P = 0.027), mitotic activity (P < 0.001), necrosis (P < 0.001), and lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.001), and a non‐predominant solid pattern was associated with intra‐alveolar tumour spread (P = 0.004). The presence of a non‐predominant lepidic tumour component showed inverse correlations with atypia (P = 0.002), mitotic rate (P = 0.009), and tumour necrosis (P < 0.001). Tumour size (P < 0.001), mitotic activity (P = 0.019), tumour necrosis (P = 0.002), lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.001) and visceral pleural involvement (P = 0.001) were all associated with reduced disease‐specific survival.

Conclusions

The classic histological features of malignancy correlate with tumour architecture and patient outcome, confirming the prognostic value of the growth pattern analysis and questioning the need for a parallel grading system in pulmonary adenocarcinoma.
Protección del empleo temporal y crecimiento de la productividad en economías de la UE
Authors: DAMIANI Mirella , POMPEI Fabrizio , RICCI Andrea
Published: April 2017

El objetivo principal de este artículo es determinar en qué medida la legislación de protección del empleo temporal afectó a la productividad total de los factores (TFP) en 14 países europeos y diez sectores de 1995 a 2007, mediante estimaciones de diferencias en diferencias. Según los resultados, la desreglamentación del empleo temporal afectó negativamente al crecimiento de la TFP en estas economías, así como en los sectores con mayor propensión al empleo temporal. Además, se observa que la desreglamentación del empleo temporal desalienta la formación y la adquisición de competencias específicas de la empresa, lo cual afecta a su vez a la productividad.
Compliance to clinical pathways in the management of suspected pulmonary embolus: are there cost implications?
Authors: Rehman Ata , Yelf Eric , Pearson Jacqueline , Yeo Wilf
Published: April 2017

This study investigated the cost implications of poor compliance to established guidelines for management of suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) in two NSW public hospitals. A retrospective audit showed that the prevalence of PE overall was 9.9% (4.3% in the low‐risk groups) in 436 patients. An estimated total of $32 454 (14%) was spent on unnecessary tests.
Advance Care Planning: is quality end of life care really that simple?
Authors: Johnson Stephanie , Kerridge Ian , Butow Phyllis N. , Tattersall Martin H. N.
Published: April 2017

The routine implementation of Advance Care Planning (ACP) is now a prominent feature of policy directed at improving end of life care in Australia. However, while complex ACP interventions may modestly reduce medical care at the end of life and enable more people to die at home or outside of acute hospital settings, existing legal, organisational, cultural and conceptual barriers limit the implementation and utility of ACP. We suggest that meaningful improvements in end of life care will not result from the institutionalisation of ACP but from more significant changes to the design and delivery of care.
Developing a guideline for structured content and process in mental health nursing handover
Authors: Cowan Darrin , Brunero Scott , Luo Xiaoou , Bilton Dean , Lamont Scott
Published: April 2017

The process of handover has received recent attention within Australian health care, as evidence linking patient safety with the quality of handover emerges. Such links between clinical handover and patient safety have been reported elsewhere in the literature, where it is posited that the safe care of patients relies not only on the expertise and judgment of individual clinicians, teamwork, and effective management, but hinges to a large extent on the quality of information transferred from team to team. The present qualitative, descriptive study used participant observations, focus groups, and interviews to investigate the nursing handover in two acute mental health inpatient units in New South Wales, Australia. Data collected as part of that investigation contributed to the development of a handover guideline that incorporates the key components of structure, content, and leadership. The research indicated a link between these components, and further revealed the necessity to have other forums, such as supervision and clinical review, to ensure that handover serves its intended purpose in an efficient manner.
A theory‐informed qualitative exploration of social and environmental determinants of physical activity and dietary choices in adolescents with intellectual disabilities in their final year of school
Authors: Stevens Gemma , Jahoda Andrew , Matthews Lynsay , Hankey Catherine , Melville Craig , Murray Heather , Mitchell Fiona
Published: April 2017

Background

The prevalence of obesity is higher in those with intellectual disabilities than the general population. The aim of the study was to understand the determinants of physical activity and dietary patterns in this population during their final year of school.

Method

Qualitative data were generated from 10 interviews with adolescents with mild–moderate intellectual disabilities. Data were analysed using deductive thematic analysis, employing Self‐Determination Theory as a theoretical framework.

Results

Adolescents’ environment and social interactions play a pivotal role in influencing physical activity and dietary patterns. Three themes emerged from the analysis: situatedness, motivation and wider environmental influences.

Conclusions

School structure, high self‐efficacy and social connectedness facilitate increased physical activity and healthier diet in adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Home life, low self‐efficacy and a lack of social connectedness can serve as a barrier to PA and a healthy diet.
Whoever shouts the loudest: Listening to parents of children with disabilities
Authors: Ryan Christian , Quinlan Elizabeth
Published: April 2017

Background

Elevated stress is common among parents of children with disabilities. The parents’ perspective and evaluation of services have a significant impact on their well‐being and adaptation to their child's disability and is a source of information for service improvements. This study explores parental perceptions of communication and collaboration between parents and health and education staff in the context of an imminent reconfiguration of disability services.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted using four focus groups with parents (n = 24) of children with disabilities who attend various educational and health services.

Results

Thematic analysis revealed five key themes: Us versus them, lack of child/family centeredness, resources, keyworker and uncertain access to a complex system.

Conclusions

Parents want greater collaboration between parents and professionals. They identified a keyworker as a potential solution to the current system that is not child‐centred. This would also lessen the burden associated with high levels of advocacy.
Stock‐bond return co‐movement and accounting information
Authors: Cascino Stefano
Published: April 2017

I examine how an important attribute of financial reporting quality, i.e., accounting conservatism, affects the sensitivity of corporate bond returns to changes in the value of equity (i.e., the hedge ratio). The correlation between stock and bond returns (co‐movement) is a fundamental input for asset allocation decisions as it determines the diversification benefits of bonds relative to equities within an investment portfolio. According to structural models of credit risk, co‐movement should be generally positive, but lower when the risk of wealth transfers from bondholders to shareholders is severe. I find that firms that report conservative earnings and use covenants in their bond contracts exhibit on average stronger co‐movement. This result is consistent with conservatism providing bondholders with a credible and contractible signal that improves monitoring, thus preventing wealth transfers.
A new metric to assess the predictive accuracy of multinomial land cover models
Authors: Douma Jacob C. , Cornwell William K. , van Bodegom Peter M.
Published: April 2017

Aim

The earth's land cover is often represented by discrete classes, and predicting shifts between these classes is a major goal in the field. One increasingly common approach is to build models that predict land cover classes with probabilities rather than discrete outcomes. Current assessment approaches have drawbacks when applied to these types of models. In this paper we present a new metric, which assesses agreement between model predictions and observations, while correcting for chance agreement.

Location

Global.

Methods

is the product of two metrics: the first component measures the agreement in the ranks of the predicted and observed classes, the other specifies the certainty of the model in the case of discrete observations. We analysed the behaviour of and two alternative metrics: Cohen's Kappa () and an extension of the area under receiver operating characteristic Curve to multiple classes (mAUC) when applied to multinomial predictions and discrete observations.

Results

Using real and synthetic datasets, we show that – in contrast to – can distinguish between models that are very far off versus slightly off. In addition, κmultinomial ranks models higher that predict observed classes with an onaverage higher probability. In contrast, mAUC gives the same score to models that are perfectly able to discriminate among classes of outcomes regardless of the certainty with which those classes are predicted.

Main conclusions

With we have provided a tool that directly uses the multinomial probabilities for accuracy assessment. may also be applied to cases where model predictions are evaluated against multiple sets of observations, at multiple spatial scales, or compared to reference models. As models develop we assess how well new models perform compared to the real world.
MG53 anchored by dysferlin to cell membrane reduces hepatocyte apoptosis which induced by ischaemia/reperfusion injury in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Yao Weifeng , Li Haobo , Han Xue , Chen Chaojin , Zhang Yihan , Tai Wai Lydia , Xia Zhengyuan , Hei Ziqing
Published: April 2017

Hepatic ischaemia/reperfusion (HIR) induces severe damage on hepatocyte cell membrane, which leads to hepatocyte death and the subsequent HIR injury. In this study, we investigated the role and the mechanism of mitsugumin‐53 (MG53), a novel cell membrane repair protein, in protecting the liver against HIR injury. Rats were subjected to sham operation or 70% warm HIR with or without recombined MG53 (rhMG53), caudal vein‐injected 2 hrs before inducing HIR. In vitro, cultured hepatocyte AML12 cells were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) in the presence of rhMG53 and/or dysferlin gene shRNAs or adenovirus transfection. HIR resulted in severe liver injury manifested as severe liver histological changes and increased AST and ALT release. Post‐ischaemic hepatic oxidative stress was significantly enhanced demonstrated by elevated dihydroethidium level, increased 4‐hydroxynonenal, enhanced 15‐F2t‐isoprostane and decreased SOD activity. rhMG53 administration attenuated post‐HIR liver injury, decreased liver oxidative stress and further enhanced dysferlin protein expression and its colocalization with MG53. Similarly, H/R induced AML12 cell injury and oxidative stress, which were abolished by either rhMG53 or dysferlin overexpression but were exacerbated by dysferlin gene knockdown. Dysferlin overexpression further increased H/R‐induced increased colocalization of MG53 and dysferlin. In conclusion, MG53 was anchored by dysferlin to reduce oxidative stress and cell death and attenuate HIR injury.
Cyclic peptide *CRRETAWAC* attenuates fibronectin‐induced cytokine secretion of human airway smooth muscle cells by inhibiting FAK and p38 MAPK
Authors: Chu Mengdi , Ji Jiani , Cao Wenhao , Zhang Huojun , Meng Dan , Xie Bangruan , Xu Shuyun
Published: April 2017

α5β1 integrin is highly expressed in airway smooth muscle cells and mediate the adhesion of airway smooth muscle cells to fibronectin to regulate airway remodelling in asthma. This study aimed to investigate the effects of synthetic cyclic peptide *CRRETAWAC* on fibronectin‐induced cytokine secretion of airway smooth muscle cells and the underlying mechanism. Human airway smooth muscle cells were isolated and treated with fibronectin, IL‐13, *CRRETAWAC* peptide, α5β1 integrin‐blocking antibody, FAK inhibitor or p38 MAPK inhibitor. The transcription and secretion of eotaxin‐1 and RANTES were detected by real‐time PCR and ELISA, respectively. The phosphorylation of FAK and MAPKs including p38, ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 was detected by Western blot analysis. The transcription and secretion of eotaxin‐1 and RANTES increased in airway smooth muscle cells cultured in fibronectin‐coated plates. However, α5β1 integrin‐blocking antibody, *CRRETAWAC* peptide, FAK inhibitor or p38 MAPK inhibitor significantly reduced mRNA levels and the secretion of eotaxin‐1 and RANTES in airway smooth muscle cells cultured in fibronectin‐coated plates. In addition, the phosphorylation of FAK and p38 MAPK was significantly increased in airway smooth muscle cells cultured in fibronectin‐coated plates compared to the cells cultured in uncoated plates and was significantly reduced in airway smooth muscle cells treated with *CRRETAWAC* peptide. Fibronectin induces cytokine synthesis and secretion of airway smooth muscle cells. Peptide *CRRETAWAC* antagonizes fibronectin‐induced cytokine synthesis and secretion of airway smooth muscle cells via the inhibition of FAK and p38 MAPK, and is a potential agent for the therapy of asthma.
Successful retreatment with combined BRAF/MEK inhibition in metastatic BRAFV600‐mutated melanoma
Authors: Amann V.C. , Hoffmann D. , Mangana J. , Dummer R. , Goldinger S.M.
Published: April 2017

Background

The combination treatment with BRAF and MEK inhibitors is amongst the current standard of care for stage IIIC/IV BRAF‐mutated melanoma. However, therapeutic options are limited once patients have progressed upon both targeted and immunotherapy.

Objective

To investigate whether retreatment with BRAF and MEK inhibitor combination is an option for patients with metastatic BRAF‐mutated melanoma upon previous progression on kinase inhibitors.

Methods

Two patients with metastatic BRAF‐mutated melanoma were rechallenged with BRAF and MEK inhibitor combination after progression on targeted therapy and subsequent immunotherapy with anti‐CTLA‐4 and anti‐PD‐1 antibodies.

Results

Both patients responded to retreatment. Responses were limited to a few months and associated with a considerable increase in quality of life.

Conclusion

Retreatment with BRAF and MEK inhibitors may present a feasible treatment option upon progression on both kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy, and should be considered when all other treatment options have been exhausted.
Assessment of a short hypnosis in a paediatric operating room in reducing postoperative pain and anxiety: A randomised study
Authors: Duparc‐Alegria Nathalie , Tiberghien Karine , Abdoul Hendy , Dahmani Souhayl , Alberti Corinne , Thiollier Anne‐Francoise
Published: April 2017

Aims and objectives

To assess the impact of a short hypnotic session on postoperative anxiety and pain in major orthopaedic surgery.

Background

Despite specific information given before a scheduled paediatric surgery, perioperative anxiety can become important.

Design

Randomised Clinical Study.

Methods

The study is an open single‐centre randomised clinical study comparing a “control” group versus a “hypnosis” group receiving a short hypnosis pre‐induction session as additional experimental analgesic procedure. The primary endpoint was the postoperative anxiety, blindly assessed using a visual analogue scale.

Results

The study involved 120 children (age 10–18 years). The results showed no difference between control group versus hypnosis group. Twenty‐four hours after surgery (Day+1), the patient's anxiety score was not different between control and hypnosis groups (median [Q1–Q3]: 1 [0; 3] vs. 0 [0; 3], respectively, p = .17). Each group experienced a significant decrease in anxiety level between the day before surgery (Day−1) and the day after surgery (Day+1) (median ([Q1–Q3]) difference of the anxiety score: 2 [4; 0] and 2 [4; 0], respectively, p < .0001 in each group). The postoperative pain scores were low and not different between groups (median [Q1–Q3]: 2 [0; 3] in control group vs. 3 [1; 3] in hypnosis group, p = .57).

Conclusion

This randomised study on a short hypnosis session performed in the operating room prior to a major surgery showed no difference in postoperative anxiety and pain levels. The decrease in anxiety and pain levels may be due to the addition of nurse pre‐operative interviews and optimisation in communication in the operating room.

Relevance to clinical practice

As postoperative anxiety level was low in both control and hypnosis groups, nurse pre‐operative interviews and nurse training in hypnosis may contribute to the optimisation of global management and decrease the postoperative anxiety level.
Putting knowledge to work in clinical practice: Understanding experiences of preceptorship as outcomes of interconnected domains of learning
Authors: Allan Helen Therese , Magnusson Carin , Evans Karen , Horton Khim , Curtis Kathy , Ball Elaine , Johnson Martin
Published: April 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore how preceptor support can assist newly qualified nurses to put knowledge to work across interconnected forms of knowledge when delegating to healthcare assistants.

Background

Current literature on preceptorship in nursing has failed to explore how competence is underpinned by knowledge frameworks in clinical practice.

Design

An ethnographic case study in three hospital sites in England (2011–2014).

Methods

Data collection included participant observation, interviews with 33 newly qualified nurses, 10 healthcare assistants and 12 ward managers. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. A tool to assist newly qualified nurses to delegate and supervise newly qualified nurses during the preceptorship period was developed and piloted with thirteen newly qualified nurses in the same sites. A process evaluation was undertaken.

Findings

Focusing on a key task for newly qualified nurses, delegation to healthcare assistants, we argue that preceptorship can support newly qualified nurses as they put knowledge to work in the transition from qualifying student to newly qualified nurses. In supportive ward cultures, limited access to formal preceptorship can be bolstered by team support. newly qualified nurses in less supportive ward cultures may have both a greater need for preceptorship and fewer compensatory mechanisms available to them when formal preceptorship is not available. We argue that organisational learning contexts and individual learning styles (interconnected domains of learning) are key to understanding effective preceptorship.

Conclusions

We suggest that putting knowledge to work early in their careers with preceptorship support may assist newly qualified nurses to develop confidence and competence in delegation and supervision of healthcare assistants.

Relevance to clinical practice

Our findings suggest that newly qualified nurses need to be supported by effective preceptorship in their learning as they transition from undergraduate to post graduate. Preceptorship programmes at ward and organisational level need to recognise the intensity of the learning required during this transition phase.
Retail Financial Advice: Does One Size Fit All?
Authors: FOERSTER STEPHEN , LINNAINMAA JUHANI T. , MELZER BRIAN T. , PREVITERO ALESSANDRO
Published: April 2017

Using unique data on Canadian households, we show that financial advisors exert substantial influence over their clients' asset allocation, but provide limited customization. Advisor fixed effects explain considerably more variation in portfolio risk and home bias than a broad set of investor attributes that includes risk tolerance, age, investment horizon, and financial sophistication. Advisor effects remain important even when controlling flexibly for unobserved heterogeneity through investor fixed effects. An advisor's own asset allocation strongly predicts the allocations chosen on clients' behalf. This one‐size‐fits‐all advice does not come cheap: advised portfolios cost 2.5% per year, or 1.5% more than life cycle funds.
Precautionary Investment in Wealth and Health
Authors: Liu Desu , Menegatti Mario
Published: April 2017

This article studies how health and wealth investments react to the presence of random returns, distinguishing the case where only the level of health investment is chosen from the case where both health and wealth investments are chosen. We show that this reaction depends mainly on certain features of preferences: cross‐prudence/imprudence in wealth, cross‐prudence/imprudence in health, and the value of the indexes of relative prudence in wealth and in health being larger or smaller than the threshold of 2. We also show the role of Edgeworth–Pareto substitutability/complementarity between wealth and health investments in determining optimal choices.
Arnica montana L. – a plant of healing: review
Authors: Kriplani Priyanka , Guarve Kumar , Baghael Uttam S
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Arnica montana is a widely used therapeutic plant used traditionally to treat various ailments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the botany, phytochemistry and ethnopharmacology along with special emphasis given on pharmacological activity of plant A. montana.

Key findings

The plant extracts have been reported to possess antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and immunomodulatory activity. A wide range of chemical compounds including sesquiterpene lactones and their short-chain carbonic acid esters, flavonoids, carotenoids, essential oils, diterpenes, arnidiol, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, coumarins, phenolic acids, lignans and oligosaccharides, etc., are found in different parts of the plant.

It has been scrutinized that extensive research has been carried out to explore the therapeutic potential of flowers of the plant. Therefore, investigations should be carried out to explore the therapeutic potential of other parts of the plant for better therapeutic utilization.
Does Spatial Ambidexterity Pay Off? On the Benefits of Geographic Proximity Between Technology Exploitation and Exploration
Authors: Geerts Annelies , Leten Bart , Belderbos René , Van Looy Bart
Published: April 2017

While most scholars tend to agree that it is worthwhile for firms to strive for ambidexterity, less consensus exists on how to organize simultaneously for exploration and exploitation. Although firms increasingly conduct R&D activities in multiple locations and countries, prior ambidexterity research has ignored a geographical dimension in explaining the ambidexterity–performance relationship. In this paper, we develop and validate the concept of “spatial ambidexterity,” which we define as the degree to which firms pursue technology exploration and exploitation in proximate locations. We argue that both activities benefit from proximity as firms will increase their ability to enact cross‐fertilization opportunities and synergies between explorative and exploitative technological activities. Relying on a panel dataset (1995–2003) of the technological activities of 156 large R&D intensive European, U.S. and Japanese firms, we examine the degree to which technology exploration and exploitation activities are pursued simultaneously in similar or different geographical regions. Patent data are used to construct indicators of technology exploration and exploitation activities. Spatial ambidexterity is measured as the degree to which global technology exploration and exploitation activities are pursued in proximity. Our analysis confirms that firms exhibiting greater geographic proximity between technology exploration and exploitation activities display an elevated level of technological performance. Both technology activities of an explorative and exploitative nature appear to benefit from spatial proximity.
Cyanomargarita gen. nov. (Nostocales, Cyanobacteria): convergent evolution resulting in a cryptic genus
Authors: Shalygin Sergei , Shalygina Regina , Johansen Jeffrey R. , Pietrasiak Nicole , Berrendero Gómez Esther , Bohunická Markéta , Mareš Jan , Sheil Christopher A.
Published: April 2017

Two populations of Rivularia‐like cyanobacteria were isolated from ecologically distinct and biogeographically distant sites. One population was from an unpolluted stream in the Kola Peninsula of Russia, whereas the other was from a wet wall in the Grand Staircase‐Escalante National Monument, a desert park‐land in Utah. Though both were virtually indistinguishable from Rivularia in field and cultured material, they were both phylogenetically distant from Rivularia and the Rivulariaceae based on both 16S rRNA and rbcLX phylogenies. We here name the new cryptic genus Cyanomargarita gen. nov., with type species C. melechinii sp. nov., and additional species C. calcarea sp. nov. We also name a new family for these taxa, the Cyanomargaritaceae.
Confirmatory factor analysis of the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) in a clinical sample of children and adolescents
Authors: Marriner Angela M. , Pestell Carmela , Bayliss Donna M. , McCann Marie , Bucks Romola S.
Published: April 2017

The Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children was developed as a parent‐report measure to screen for sleep disturbances within the preceding 6 months. Notably, the scale was developed using a sample of typically developing children and children with sleep disorders. The aim of this study was to factor analyse the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children using a clinical sample of children with a range of neuropsychological conditions and co‐morbidities, and determine whether the original six‐factor structure was retained. Four‐hundred and sixteen children aged 5–17 years were assessed at the Neurosciences Unit (Perth, Western Australia) as part of routine, clinical neuropsychological assessment. Parents and guardians also completed the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children to rate their child's sleep. Confirmatory factor analysis of the original Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children model (Bruni et al. J. Sleep Res., 1996, 5: 251–261) revealed a less than ideal fit. Three adjustments were made to the model based on factor loadings and modification indices. The sleep hyperhidrosis factor (including items 9 and 16) along with item 10 was removed, leaving a five‐factor Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children model. The five‐factor model (Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children‐R) was factor analysed, and examination of model fit statistics indicated that this new model produced good fit. Additional analyses revealed that older children had greater difficulty falling and staying asleep, and with daytime sleepiness. However, no significant differences were observed across gender, diagnosis or socioeconomic status. The results of this study suggest that the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children‐R may be a more appropriate measure when assessing clinical samples. However, further research is required to validate the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children‐R against objective measures of sleep and to determine appropriate t‐score cut‐offs.
Transcriptional polymorphism of piRNA regulatory genes underlies the mariner activity in Drosophila simulans testes
Authors: Saint‐Leandre Bastien , Clavereau Isabelle , Hua‐Van Aurelie , Capy Pierre
Published: April 2017

During colonization of new areas, natural populations have to deal with changing environments, and transposable elements (TEs) can be useful “tools” in the adaptation process as they are major contributor to the structural and functional evolution of genomes. In this general context, the activity (copy number, transcriptional and excision rate) of the mariner mos1 element was estimated in 19 natural populations of D. simulans. It is shown (i) that mos1 expression is always higher and more variable in testes than in ovaries; (ii) that mos1 activity is higher in colonizing populations compared to the sub‐Saharan African ones (ancestral populations); (iii) that mos1 variations in transcript levels and copy number are negatively correlated with transcriptional variations of piRNA genes, aubergine and argonaute3. Furthermore, mos1 levels of expression in testes highly contrast with the low expression patterns of ago3. These results strongly suggest that the expression polymorphism of piRNA genes could be responsible for the mos1 variations, first between male and female germlines and second, according to the status of natural populations (colonizing or not). These results provide new perspectives about TEs and piRNA genes co‐evolution in Drosophila germlines.
The Impact of Normative Environments on Learner Motivation and L2 Reading Ability Growth
Authors: Sasaki Miyuki , Kozaki Yoko , Ross Steven J.
Published: April 2017

This study explores the effects of various motivational variables operating within 44 English classes on 1‐year‐long gains in the English reading proficiency of 1,149 Japanese university students. The study adds new knowledge to the recent outcomes of second language (L2) motivational studies in 3 major ways. First, the explanatory variables include the participants’ own motivation as well as the class norms (ethos) shared by class members, some of which (e.g., career aspirations) were not directly related to their L2 learning. Second, multi‐level modeling enabled a simultaneous analysis of L2 proficiency growth over 1 year at both the individual and the class levels. Third, its explanatory sequential mixed methods design (Cresswell, ) demonstrated how the participants’ own accounts help to explain the initial quantitative results in ways the researchers’ outsider speculations could not. The statistical results indicate that the 44 classes grew in L2 reading abilities at significantly different rates over the year and that these differences can be explained by the students’ perceptions of their classmates’ normative career aspirations (among other predictors). These results suggest that being surrounded by classmates with high career aspirations may lead to higher motivation to study the L2 even if students are not highly motivated in the beginning.
The Role of Opportunities to Learn in Teacher Preparation for EFL Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge
Authors: König Johannes , Tachtsoglou Sarantis , Lammerding Sandra , Strauß Sarah , Nold Günter , Rohde Andreas
Published: April 2017

The study examines the connection between domain‐specific learning opportunities in English as a foreign language (EFL) teacher preparation and preservice EFL teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). Using a sample of 444 preservice EFL teachers for secondary schools, it contrasts groups at the end of the 2 phases required in German teacher preparation programs: a theoretical phase at university and a supervised professional internship at a school (practical phase). Specifically, it examines differences in learning opportunities (self‐reports) and PCK (paper‐and‐pencil test results). Findings from regression analysis show that learning opportunity measures substantially predict PCK test scores. The article discusses the effectiveness of EFL teacher preparation programs for preservice teachers’ performance on PCK and concludes with possible interpretations and research suggestions.
Explanation and Manipulation1
Authors: Prescott‐Couch Alexander
Published: April 2017

I argue that manipulationist theories of causation fail as accounts of causal structure, and thereby as theories of “actual causation” and causal explanation. I focus on two kinds of problem cases, which I call “Perceived Abnormality Cases” and “Ontological Dependence Cases.” The cases illustrate that basic facts about social systems—that individuals are sensitive to perceived abnormal conditions and that certain actions metaphysically depend on institutional rules—pose a challenge for manipulationist theories and for counterfactual theories more generally. I then show how law‐based accounts of causal structure can answer such challenges. The moral of the story is that the basic manipulationist idea that our interest in causal structure is driven by our interest in manipulating our environment faces decisive problems in a central domain of application, the social sciences.
Effectiveness of interventions to promote physical activity and/or decrease sedentary behaviour among rural adults: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cleland V. , Squibb K. , Stephens L. , Dalby J. , Timperio A. , Winzenberg T. , Ball K. , Dollman J.
Published: April 2017

Physical inactivity and overweight and obesity are more prevalent among rural than urban populations. This study aimed to review published evidence of the effectiveness of interventions to increase physical activity (PA) and/or decrease sedentary behaviour (SB) among rural adults and to identify factors associated with effectiveness. Seven electronic databases were searched for controlled trials of a PA or SB intervention. Meta‐analysis was conducted using random effects models and meta‐regression. Thirteen studies were included in the qualitative synthesis (n = 4,848 participants) and 12 in the meta‐analysis (n = 4,820). All studies were interventions to increase PA. Overall, there was no effect on PA (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.04, 0.25) or SB (SMD 0.07; 95% CI −0.33, 0.20). In PA subgroup analyses, studies employing objective outcome measures demonstrated effects in favour of the intervention (SMD 0.65, 95% CI 0.30, 1.00), while those using self‐reported measures did not (SMD 0.00; 95% CI −0.11, 0.10). This review highlights significant gaps in our understanding of how best to promote PA and reduce SB among rural adults. Future studies should use objective measures of PA as study outcomes. The absence of interventions to decrease SB is of concern, with immediate action required to address this large knowledge gap.
TNF as marker of oral candidiasis, HSV infection, and mucositis onset during chemotherapy in leukemia patients
Authors: Ramírez‐Amador V , Zambrano JG , Anaya‐Saavedra G , Zentella‐Dehesa A , Irigoyen‐Camacho E , Meráz‐Cruz N , Ponce de León‐Rosales S
Published: April 2017

Objective

To assess changes in the salivary expression of IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐17, and TNF in acute leukemia (AL) patients before and during chemotherapy, and its association with HSV infection, oral candidiasis (OC), and oral mucositis (OM) onset.

Methods

Cohort study in AL patients >15 years starting induction chemotherapy at a Mexican oncological center (2013–2014). Onset of oral lesions (OLs) was assessed during follow‐up, and saliva was obtained at baseline, at visit 2 (days 4–12), and at visit 3 (days 13–21) after chemotherapy, treated with a protease inhibitor and stored at −70°C. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was performed. Cox proportional hazards regression models were constructed to estimate hazard ratios and its 95% CI (HR, 95% CI) for OL development.

Results

Forty‐one patients were followed up, and 17 (41.5%) developed OLs. OL patients had higher baseline salivary IL‐1α than those without lesions (p = 0.040). During visit 2, OL patients had higher levels of IL‐1α (p = 0.033), IL‐1β (p = 0.016), IL‐6 (p = 0.035), and TNF (p = 0.019) than those who did not develop OLs. Patients with HSV infection, OC, and OM showed higher salivary TNF levels during follow‐up (HR: 3.52, 95% CI: 1.35‐9.14, p = 0.010).

Conclusion

AL patients undergoing chemotherapy with high salivary TNF levels were more likely to develop HSV infection, OC, and OM.