bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Silent Brain Infarctions in a Biracial Cohort: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study
Authors: Caughey Melissa C , Qiao Ye , Windham Beverly Gwen , Gottesman Rebecca F , Mosley Thomas H , Wasserman Bruce A
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Both hypertensive and atherosclerotic processes contribute to common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT). Elevated CCA-IMT may be indicative of subclinical cerebrovascular disease; however, its role in the absence of concomitant carotid artery plaque is uncertain, and few studies have examined associations in Black populations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

At cohort visit 3 (1993–1995) a subset of stroke-free participants (641 Blacks and 702 Whites, mean age 63) from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study was imaged by brain MRI and carotid ultrasound. A CCA-IMT >0.9 mm was considered elevated. Asymptomatic brain lesions ≥3 mm were considered silent brain infarctions (SBI). Subcortical SBI measuring 3 to <20 mm were considered lacunes. Associations between elevated CCA-IMT and SBI were analyzed with Poisson regression.

RESULTS

Elevated CCA-IMT was identified in 168 participants (16% of Blacks, 10% of Whites), and SBI were observed in 156 (15% of Blacks, 8% of Whites). Elevated CCA-IMT was strongly related to anterior circulation SBI, posterior circulation SBI, and lacunes. After adjustments, elevated CCA-IMT remained associated with greater number of lacunes in Blacks ([prevalence ratio, PR] = 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–2.51), but not Whites (PR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.35–2.04); P value for interaction = 0.12. Among Black participants without concomitant carotid plaque, elevated CCA-IMT was associated with twice the number of lacunes (PR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.05–3.82).

CONCLUSIONS

In older Black adults, elevated CCA-IMT is independently associated with lipohyalinosis of the cerebral small vessels, irrespective of concomitant carotid plaque and vascular risk factors.
Influence of Long-Term Salt Diets on Cardiac Ca2+ Handling and Contractility Proteins in Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Berger Rebeca Caldeira Machado , Benetti Acaris , Girardi Adriana Castello Costa , Forechi Ludimila , de Oliveira Rafaella Martins , Vassallo Paula Frizera , Mill José Geraldo
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

High sodium intake contributes to the pathogenesis of hypertension and adversely affects cardiac function. Conversely, sodium reduction is associated with a blood pressure decrease and improved cardiovascular function. However, the mechanisms that underlie the cardiac effects induced by salt intake in hypertension have not been fully elucidated. Ca2+ handling is critical for efficient myocardial function; thus, we aimed to investigate the long-term effects of diets with different salt contents on cardiac function and Ca2+ handling proteins in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).

METHODS

Cardiac function was evaluated by catheterization. Ca2+ handling and contractile proteins were evaluated by immunoblotting in hearts from SHRs fed for 6 months with diets containing high (HS, 3%), low (LS, 0.03%), or normal salt content (NS, 0.3%). Diets were introduced immediately after weaning. Tail cuff pletismography was assessed at the 3rd and 7th months of follow-up.

RESULTS

Compared to the NS group, the HS group exhibited worsened hypertension, increased cardiac expression of β-myosin heavy chain (MHC), a decreased α/β-MHC ratio and reduced expression of both phospholamban (PLB) and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX). LS intake attenuated the blood pressure increase and left ventricle hypertrophy, slightly decreased the cardiac contractility and relaxation index, and increased the α/β-MHC ratio. These effects were accompanied by increased cardiac PLB expression and decreased Ca2+ L-type channel and NCX expression.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that the modulation of Ca2+ handling may be one of the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of salt intake on myocardial function in hypertension.
The EDGE–CALIFA survey: validating stellar dynamical mass models with CO kinematics
Authors: Leung Gigi Y C , Leaman Ryan , van de Ven Glenn , Lyubenova Mariya , Zhu Ling , Bolatto Alberto D , Falcón-Barroso Jesus , Blitz Leo , Dannerbauer Helmut , Fisher David B , Levy Rebecca C , Sanchez Sebastian F , Utomo Dyas , Vogel Stuart , Wong Tony , Ziegler Bodo
Published: February 2018

Deriving circular velocities of galaxies from stellar kinematics can provide an estimate of their total dynamical mass, provided a contribution from the velocity dispersion of the stars is taken into account. Molecular gas (e.g. CO), on the other hand, is a dynamically cold tracer and hence acts as an independent circular velocity estimate without needing such a correction. In this paper, we test the underlying assumptions of three commonly used dynamical models, deriving circular velocities from stellar kinematics of 54 galaxies (S0-Sd) that have observations of both stellar kinematics from the Calar Alto Legacy Integral Field Area (CALIFA) survey, and CO kinematics from the Extragalactic Database for Galaxy Evolution (EDGE) survey. We test the asymmetric drift correction (ADC) method, as well as Jeans, and Schwarzschild models. The three methods each reproduce the CO circular velocity at 1Re to within 10 per cent. All three methods show larger scatter (up to 20 per cent) in the inner regions (R < 0.4Re) that may be due to an increasingly spherical mass distribution (which is not captured by the thin disc assumption in ADC), or non-constant stellar M/L ratios (for both the JAM and Schwarzschild models). This homogeneous analysis of stellar and gaseous kinematics validates that all three models can recover Mdyn at 1Re to better than 20 per cent, but users should be mindful of scatter in the inner regions where some assumptions may break down.
Discovery of Viruses and Virus-Like Pathogens in Pistachio using High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Al Rwahnih Maher , Rowhani Adib , Westrick Nathaniel , Stevens Kristian , Diaz-Lara Alfredo , Trouillas Florent P. , Preece John , Kallsen Craig , Farrar Kristen , Golino Deborah
Published: February 2018

Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) trees from the National Clonal Germplasm Repository (NCGR) and orchards in California were surveyed for viruses and virus-like agents by high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Analyses of sequence information from 60 trees identified a novel virus, provisionally named “Pistachio ampelovirus A” (PAVA), in the NCGR that showed low amino acid sequence identity (approximately 42%) compared with members of the genus Ampelovirus (family Closteroviridae). A putative viroid, provisionally named “Citrus bark cracking viroid-pistachio” (CBCVd-pis), was also found in the NCGR and showed approximately 87% similarity to Citrus bark cracking viroid (CBCVd, genus Cocadviroid, family Pospiviroidae). Both PAVA and CBCVd-pis were graft transmissible to healthy UCB-1 hybrid rootstock seedlings (P. atlantica × P. integerrima). A field survey of 123 trees from commercial orchards found no incidence of PAVA but five (4%) samples were infected with CBCVd-pis. Of 675 NCGR trees, 16 (2.3%) were positive for PAVA and 172 (25.4%) were positive for CBCVd-pis by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, several contigs across multiple samples exhibited significant sequence similarity to a number of other plant virus species in different families. These findings require further study and confirmation. This study establishes the occurrence of viral and viroid populations infecting pistachio trees.
Opioid Use During Pregnancy, Observations of Opioid Use, and Secular Trend From 2006 to 2014 at HealthPartners Medical Group
Authors: Elliott Thomas E. , Frail Caitlin K. , Pawloski Pamala A. , Thomas Avis J. , Werner Ann M. , Rossom Rebecca C.
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

To determine the prevalence of opioid use before, during, and after pregnancy and describe its use based on patient-specific characteristics. Determine secular trend of opioid use 2006 to 2014.

Materials and Methods:

Retrospective cohort study. A large Upper Midwest integrated health care system and insurer. Female individuals age 10 to 50 years with a delivery diagnosis from July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2014. Main outcome measure: prevalence of opioid use before, during, and after pregnancy; description of opioid use during these time periods.

Results:

From 11,565 deliveries among 9690 unique women, 862 (7.5%) deliveries were associated with significant opioid use. Significant opioid use was associated with single marital status, Cesarean section, Medicaid coverage, tobacco use, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, nonopioid analgesic use, and referral to physical therapy, psychotherapy, or pain specialists. From 2006 to 2014 opioid use decreased from 9% to 6% before, during, and after pregnancy with a rate of change per year of −0.2%.

Discussion:

Known risk factors including tobacco and alcohol use, mental health diagnoses, substance use disorder, or Medicaid enrollment may enable enhanced assessments and targeted interventions to reduce unnecessary prescribing and use of opioids among pregnant women and those who might become pregnant. Strategies to decrease opioid use during pregnancy should be considered by health care systems and health plans to reduce opioid prescribing in this patient population.
Relationship Between Sever Disease and Skeletal Maturity
Authors: Duong Mindy M. , Nicholson Allen D. , Li Samuel Q. , Gilmore Allison , Cooperman Daniel R. , Liu Raymond W.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Sever disease is a common condition in active, growing children. This condition presents as pain in the heel and is thought to be an overuse condition of the calcaneal apophysis. There are currently no defined radiographic diagnostic criteria for evaluation of Sever disease, with radiographs generally showing normal appearance of the calcaneal apophysis. A better understanding of the relationship of Sever disease and skeletal maturity may allow for improved interpretation of radiographs when trying to diagnose this condition.

Methods:

ICD-9 code 732.5 was used to search for patients diagnosed with Sever disease from 2007 to 2015 at a single hospital. For every patient with Sever disease with available calcaneal imaging within 40 days of diagnosis, heel x-rays were staged for calcaneal maturity score using a previously described calcaneal skeletal maturity assessment system. Controls matched by age, race, and sex were evaluated for calcaneal stage to compare with the Sever patients.

Results:

The chart review yielded 78 patients diagnosed with Sever disease by the orthopaedic attending, 39 of which have x-rays around the time of diagnosis. Calcaneal scores averaged 2.2±0.8 for all patients, 2.1±0.9 for male individuals, and 2.3±0.8 for female individuals. The average age for male individuals was 10.4±1.9 years and for female individuals, 9.2±2.2 years. The ages of diagnosis were similar for patients with and without x-rays. Twenty-two of 39 patients with Sever disease were calcaneal stage 2, and 37 of 39 were stages 1, 2, or 3. We calculated the absolute difference from stage 2 for the Sever and control groups. Mean difference from stage 2 was 0.51±0.68 for the Sever patients and 0.95±0.79 for control patients (P=0.01).

Conclusion:

Sever disease occurs in a very narrow range of skeletal maturity, as measured by the calcaneal skeletal maturity assessment system and our observations with chronological age. When compared with age-matched and race-matched controls, stage 2 was seen more frequently in the Sever patients. If a child is not within calcaneal stages 1, 2, or 3, then a different diagnosis should be considered.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—retrospective case-control study.
Reporting of Sepsis Cases for Performance Measurement Versus for Reimbursement in New York State*
Authors: Prescott Hallie C. , Cope Tara M. , Gesten Foster C. , Ledneva Tatiana A. , Friedrich Marcus E. , Iwashyna Theodore J. , Osborn Tiffany M. , Seymour Christopher W. , Levy Mitchell M.
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

Under “Rory’s Regulations,” New York State Article 28 acute care hospitals were mandated to implement sepsis protocols and report patient-level data. This study sought to determine how well cases reported under state mandate align with discharge records in a statewide administrative database.

Design:

Observational cohort study.

Setting:

First 27 months of mandated sepsis reporting (April 1, 2014, to June 30, 2016).

Patients:

Hospitalizations with sepsis at New York State Article 28 acute care hospitals.

Intervention:

Sepsis regulations with mandated reporting.

Measurements and Main Results:

We compared cases reported to the New York State Department of Health Sepsis Clinical Database with discharge records in the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database. We classified discharges as 1) “coded sepsis discharges”—a diagnosis code for severe sepsis or septic shock and 2) “possible sepsis discharges,” using Dombrovskiy and Angus criteria. Of 111,816 sepsis cases reported to the New York State Department of Health Sepsis Clinical Database, 105,722 (94.5%) were matched to discharge records in Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System. The percentage of coded sepsis discharges reported increased from 67.5% in the first quarter to 81.3% in the final quarter of the study period (mean, 77.7%). Accounting for unmatched cases, as many as 82.7% of coded sepsis discharges were potentially reported, whereas at least 17.3% were unreported. Compared with unreported discharges, reported discharges had higher rates of acute organ dysfunction (e.g., cardiovascular dysfunction 63.0% vs 51.8%; p < 0.001) and higher in-hospital mortality (30.2% vs 26.1%; p < 0.001). Hospital characteristics (e.g., number of beds, teaching status, volume of sepsis cases) were similar between hospitals with a higher versus lower percent of discharges reported, p values greater than 0.05 for all. Hospitals’ percent of discharges reported was not correlated with risk-adjusted mortality of their submitted cases (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.11; p = 0.17).

Conclusions:

Approximately four of five discharges with a diagnosis code of severe sepsis or septic shock in the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System data were reported in the New York State Department of Health Sepsis Clinical Database. Incomplete reporting appears to be driven more by underrecognition than attempts to game the system, with minimal bias to risk-adjusted hospital performance measurement.
Zika virus: a public health perspective
Authors: Chakhtoura Nahida , Hazra Rohan , Spong Catherine Y.
Published: February 2018

Purpose of review

Zika virus’ impact on pregnancy became widely known in 2015 with a dramatic increase in the number of babies born with microcephaly in Recife, Brazil. A mosquito-borne virus resulting in congenital anomalies is unique, and Zika's ability to cause neurological defects on a large scale was a grim reminder of the Rubella epidemic in the 1950s. Over the past 2 years, studies have provided insight on how Zika virus (ZIKV) infects cells and causes disease, but much remains unknown about the long-term risks of Zika exposure on infant growth and development.

Recent findings

The impact of ZIKV on pregnancy extends beyond microcephaly and may only first be identified in infancy. The virus has a long latency in semen and can be transmitted sexually. Transplacental passage occurs through infection of Hofbauer cells in the trophoblast. A major difficulty in management of ZIKV disease is that most infections are asymptomatic and the diagnostic methods are not ideal, making both diagnosis and ascertainment of timing of infection problematic. Several different types of vaccines are in development. Large studies are ongoing to determine the risk and total spectrum of anomalies based on the timing of infection and other environmental exposures.

This review will summarize the epidemic, what we have learned, what we hope to learn, and current recommendations for care and management.
Photochemically Induced Crosslinking of Tarsal Collagen as a Treatment for Eyelid Laxity: Assessing Potentiality in Animal Tissue
Authors: Smith Tai M. , Suzuki Shuko , Cronin Brendan G. , Haghighatpanah Mohammadreza , Petcu Eugen B. , Philippa Christopher J. , Chirila Traian V.
Published: February 2018

Purpose:

An experimental study to demonstrate in animal eyelids that the controlled exposure of excised tarsal plate to ultraviolet-A radiation can induce a rigidification effect due to photochemical crosslinking of the constitutive collagen.

Methods:

Excised strips of sheep tarsus were irradiated with ultraviolet-A rays (wavelength 365 nm) at low and high irradiances, in the presence of riboflavin as a photosensitizer, using radiation sources available for corneal collagen crosslinking procedure. The tensile strength and Young’s modulus (stiffness) of irradiated and control samples were measured in a mechanical tester and analyzed statistically. Histologic examination of the specimens was carried out to evaluate the effect of radiation on the meibomian glands and collagen organization.

Results:

Mechanical evaluation showed that irradiation induced both stiffening and strengthening of the tarsal plate specimens, and this effect was enhanced at the higher levels of irradiance. The changes in mechanical properties can be attributed to a process of photochemically induced crosslinking of tarsal collagen. Histology revealed no changes in the meibomian glands or in the fibrous collagen system of the tarsus.

Conclusions:

These findings indicate that irradiation of tarsal collagen leading to tissue stiffening could be a safe procedure for treating lax eyelid conditions in human patients.
Combining eastern and western practices for safe and effective endoscopic resection of large complex colorectal lesions
Authors: Emmanuel Andrew , Gulati Shraddha , Burt Margaret , Hayee Bu’Hussain , Haji Amyn
Published: February 2018

Background

Endoscopic resection of large colorectal polyps is well established. However, significant differences in technique exist between eastern and western interventional endoscopists. We report the results of endoscopic resection of large complex colorectal lesions from a specialist unit that combines eastern and western techniques for assessment and resection.

Patients and methods

Endoscopic resections of colorectal lesions of at least 2 cm were included. Lesions were assessed using magnification chromoendoscopy supplemented by colonoscopic ultrasound in selected cases. A lesion-specific approach to resection with endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was used. Surveillance endoscopy was performed at 3 (SC1) and 12 (SC2) months.

Results

Four hundred and sixty-six large (≥20 mm) colorectal lesions (mean size 54.8 mm) were resected. Three hundread and fifty-six were resected using endoscopic mucosal resection and 110 by ESD or hybrid ESD. Fifty-one percent of lesions had been subjected to previous failed attempts at resection or heavy manipulation (≥6 biopsies). Nevertheless, endoscopic resection was deemed successful after an initial attempt in 98%. Recurrence occurred in 15% and could be treated with endoscopic resection in most. Only two patients required surgery for perforation. Nine patients had postprocedure bleeding; only two required endoscopic clips. Ninety-six percent of patients without invasive cancer were free from recurrence and had avoided surgery at last follow-up.

Conclusion

Combining eastern and western practices for assessment and resection results in safe and effective organ-conserving treatment of complex colorectal lesions. Accurate assessment before and after resection using magnification chromoendoscopy and a lesion-specific approach to resection, incorporating ESD where appropriate, are important factors in achieving these results.
Assessing Variation in Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Therapy Guideline Adherence With Physician and Hospital Patient-sharing Networks
Authors: Moen Erika L. , Bynum Julie P. , Austin Andrea M. , Skinner Jonathan S. , Chakraborti Gouri , O’Malley Alistair James
Published: February 2018

Background:

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy is used for primary prevention of death among people with heart failure, and new evidence in 2005 on its effectiveness changed practice guidelines in the United States.

Objectives:

The objective of this study is to examine how the connectedness of physicians and hospitals, measured using network analysis, relates to guideline-consistent ICD implantation.

Research Design:

We constructed physician and hospital networks for cardiovascular disease. Physicians were linked if they shared cardiovascular disease patients; these links were aggregated by hospital affiliation to construct a hospital network.

Subjects:

Medicare beneficiaries who underwent ICD therapy for primary prevention from 2007 to 2011.

Measures:

The clinical outcome of interest was guideline-consistent ICD implantation, calculated using the National Cardiovascular Data Registry. The exposure variables of interest were the network measures of the ICD surgeon, the referring hospital, and the hospital where the ICD surgery occurred.

Results:

We focused on patients who were referred between hospitals for ICD implantation because they were more likely influenced by the hospital network (n=28,179). Patients were less likely to meet guidelines if their referring hospital had more connections to other hospitals (OR, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.25–0.96) and more likely to meet guidelines if their ICD surgery hospital had more connections (OR, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.98–2.64). The ICD surgeon’s network measures were not associated with guideline-consistent implantation.

Conclusions:

Associations between the hospital network measures and guideline adherence suggests new approaches to better disseminate clinical guidelines across health systems.
The child health exposure analysis resource as a vehicle to measure environment in the environmental influences on child health outcomes program
Authors: Wright Robert O. , Teitelbaum Susan , Thompson Claudia , Balshaw David
Published: February 2018

Purpose of review

Demonstrate the role of environment as a predictor of child health.

Recent findings

The children's health exposure analysis resource (CHEAR) assists the Environmental influences on child health outcomes (ECHO) program in understanding the time sensitive and dynamic nature of perinatal and childhood environment on developmental trajectories by providing a central infrastructure for the analysis of biological samples from the ECHO cohort awards. CHEAR will assist ECHO cohorts in defining the critical or sensitive period for effects associated with environmental exposures. Effective incorporation of these principles into multiple existing cohorts requires extensive multidisciplinary expertise, creativity, and flexibility. The pursuit of life course – informed research within the CHEAR/ECHO structure represents a shift in focus from single exposure inquiries to one that addresses multiple environmental risk factors linked through shared vulnerabilities. CHEAR provides ECHO both targeted analyses of inorganic and organic toxicants, nutrients, and social-stress markers and untargeted analyses to assess the exposome and discovery of exposure-outcome relationships.

Utilization of CHEAR as a single site for characterization of environmental exposures within the ECHO cohorts will not only support the investigation of the influence of environment on children's health but also support the harmonization of data across the disparate cohorts that comprise ECHO.
Relationship of Spinal Cord Injury Level and Duration to Peak Aerobic Capacity With Arms-Only and Hybrid Functional Electrical Stimulation Rowing
Authors: Shaffer Rebecca F. , Picard Glen , Taylor J. Andrew
Published: February 2018

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship of spinal cord injury level and duration to peak aerobic capacities during arms-only rowing compared with hybrid Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)-rowing.

Design

Comparison of peak aerobic capacity (VO2), peak ventilation, peak respiratory exchange ratio, and peak heart rate were measured during arms-only rowing and FES-rowing obtained from graded exercise tests.

Results

Peak aerobic values were strongly related to injury level and injury duration for both arms-only rowing (r = 0.67, P < 0.05) and FES-rowing (r = 0.61, P < 0.05). Peak aerobic capacities were greater across all injury levels and durations with FES-rowing compared with arms-only rowing. Differences in VO2 were inversely related to injury level (r = 0.55, P < 0.05) with greater increases in VO2 in higher level injuries. Injury durations of less than 2 yrs had greater percent increases in VO2 with FES-rowing.

Conclusions

FES-rowing acutely post injury may have the greatest effect to maintain function and improve VO2. This impact seems to be greatest in those with higher level injuries.
Amputee Locomotion
Authors: Baum Brian S. , Hobara Hiroaki , Koh Kyung , Kwon Hyun Joon , Miller Ross H. , Shim Jae Kun
Published: February 2018

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate three-dimensional lower extremity joint moment differences between limbs and speed influences on these differences in individuals with lower extremity amputations using running-specific prostheses.

Design

Eight individuals with unilateral transtibial amputations and 8 control subjects with no amputations ran overground at three constant velocities (2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 m/sec). A 2 × 2 × 3 (group × leg × speed) repeated-measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni adjustments determined statistical significance.

Results

The prosthetic limb generated significantly greater peak ankle plantarflexion moments and smaller peak ankle varus, knee stance extension, knee swing flexion, knee internal rotation, hip stance flexion, hip swing flexion, hip swing extension, hip valgus, and hip external rotation moments than the intact limb did. The intact limb had greater peak hip external rotation moments than control limbs did, but all other peak moments were similar between these limbs. Increases in peak hip stance and knee swing flexion moments associated with speed were greater in the intact limb than in the prosthetic limb.

Conclusion

Individuals with amputation relied on the intact limb more than the prosthetic limb to run at a particular speed when wearing running-specific prostheses, but the intact joints were not overloaded relative to the control limbs.
Risk Factors for Adverse Events in Patients With Breast, Colorectal, and Lung Cancer
Authors: Weingart Saul N. , Atoria Coral L. , Pfister David , Classen David , Killen Aileen , Fortier Elizabeth , Epstein Andrew S. , Anderson Christopher , Lipitz-Snyderman Allison
Published: February 2018

Objective

The aim of the study was to identify risk factors associated with medical errors and iatrogenic injuries during an initial course of cancer-directed treatment.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study of 400 patients 18 years or older undergoing an initial course of treatment for breast, colorectal, or lung cancer at a comprehensive cancer center, we abstracted patient, disease, and treatment-related variables from the electronic medical record. We examined adverse events (AEs) and preventable AEs by risk factor using the χ2 or Fisher exact tests. We estimated the association between risk factors and the relative risk of an additional AE or preventable AE in multivariable negative binomial regression models with backwards selection (P < 0.1).

Results

There were 304 AEs affecting 136 patients (34%) and 97 preventable AEs affecting 53 patients (13%). In multivariable analyses, AEs were overrepresented in those with lung cancer compared with patients with breast cancer (incident rate ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval = 1.1–3.2). Nonwhite race (1.6, 1.0–2.6), Hispanic or Latino ethnicity (2.0, 0.9–4.1), advanced disease (1.7, 1.1–2.6), use of each additional class of high-risk nonchemotherapy medication (1.6, 1.3–1.9), and chemotherapy (2.1, 1.3–3.3) were all associated with risk of an additional AE. Preventable AEs were associated with lung cancer (7.4, 2.4–23.2), Hispanic or Latino ethnicity (5.5, 1.7–17.9), and high-risk nonchemotherapy medications (1.5, 1.2–2.0).

Conclusions

Risk factors for AEs among patients with cancer reflected patients’ underlying disease, cancer-directed therapy, and high-risk noncancer medications. The association of AEs with ethnicity merits further research. Risk factor models could be used prospectively to identify patients with cancer at increased risk of harm.
Different supramolecular interactions mediated by Br atoms in the crystal structures of three anisole derivatives
Authors: Nestler Robert , Schwarzer Anke , Gruber Tobias
Published: February 2018

Three anisole building blocks featuring bis(hydroxymethyl) or bis(bromomethyl) pendants have been analyzed with regard to their molecular structures and packing behaviour. The compounds are ethyl 3,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4-methoxybenzoate, C12H16O5, (I), [5-bromo-3-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methoxyphenyl]methanol [or 4-bromo-2,6-bis(hydroxymethyl)anisole], C9H11BrO3, (II), and 5-bromo-1,3-bis(bromomethyl)-2-methoxybenzene [or 4-bromo-2,6-bis(bromomethyl)anisole], C9H9Br3O, (III). A typical supramolecular pattern involved C—H...π interactions generating molecular stacks, while π–π interactions were only observed in the absence of bromine, indicating a striking influence on the distances between adjacent aromatic moieties. When comparing bis(hydroxymethyl) compound (II) with bis(bromomethyl) compound (III), we found that the strong O—H...O hydrogen bonds in a zigzag arrangement in the first are replaced by C—H...Br interactions in the second without a change in the general packing.
Role of community-based organizations (CBOs) in promoting citizen participation
Authors: Rafique Zain , Khoo Suet Leng
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The current paper is an attempt to evaluate the role of CBOs in promoting citizen participation in the decision-making process of local government institutions of Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan. Among the most used evaluation techniques of participatory citizenship, the researchers have used an outcome driven approach based on “social goals.” Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which CBOs have been effectual for the promotion of participatory citizenship in decision making of local government institutions in Punjab, Pakistan. In addition, the paper also explores the influence and success level of CBOs in incorporating the preferences and needs of public in decision-making of local government services.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, data have been collected through a self-administered survey questionnaire including both open and close-ended questions. A total of 424 questionnaires were collected from citizens, local government officials and CBO members. Standard survey techniques such as frequency distribution and comparative analyses were used for data analysis.

Findings

In assessing the role of CBOs in educating all the stakeholders and the general public as well as to ascertain the incorporation of public needs and values into local government decision making, the paper finds that the effectiveness of CBOs is very low to fulfill its objectives. The study suggests the need to have more programs to educate CBOs, enhance public awareness campaigns and also to put into place proper mechanisms to incorporate and evaluate the public needs.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills the much-needed research gap by the exploring the unknown contribution of CBOs in Pakistan. The paper has added value to the current literature by highlighting that unless there is strong political will and eagerness of local bureaucracy to give up their powers, the inclusion of citizen participation through CBOs in decision making of local government would just be a futile exercise.
Exploitation of aesthetic capital – disapproved by whom?
Authors: Kukkonen Iida , Åberg Erica , Sarpila Outi , Pajunen Tero
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the gendered double standards of exploiting physical appearance in Finland. Drawing from literature on physical appearance as a form of capital, four hypotheses on role of gender in endorsing double standards are put forth, and then empirically tested. The focus is on whether women or men are more disapproving of women exploiting their appearance. The paper also explores whether self-perceived attractiveness has an influence on the gendered endorsement of double standards.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilises unique survey data with a split-ballot design to study gendered double standards at a societal level by means of ordered logistic regression. The data are nationally representative of 15-74-year-old Finns (n=1,600).

Findings

The main finding is that women are more prone to endorse the double standards against each other. It is particularly women who do not perceive themselves as attractive who are likely to hold double standards. Experienced unattractiveness is associated with disapproving attitudes towards the exploitation of physical appearance-related assets for both women and men. Men are overall more approving compared to women, and do not generally hold double standards.

Originality/value

Research on double standards in different spheres of life in a relatively gender equal country like Finland gives an intriguing example of gendered social inequality. The information provided by this paper deepens our understanding of gendered social stratification related to physical appearance.
Fractal modeling of elastic-plastic contact between three-dimensional rough surfaces
Authors: Yu Rufei , Chen Wei
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a semi-analytical model to investigate the elastic-plastic contact between fractal rough surfaces. Parametric studies have been performed to analyze the dependencies between the contact properties and the scale-independent fractal parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

A modified two-variable Weierstrass-Mandelbrot function has been used to build the geometrical model of rough surfaces. The computation program was developed using software MATLAB R2015a. The results have been qualitatively validated by the existing theoretical and experimental results in the literature.

Findings

In most cases, a nonlinear relation between the load and the displacement of the rigid plane is found. Only under the condition of larger loads, an approximate linear relation can be seen for great D and small G values. (D: fractal dimension and G: fractal roughness).

Originality/value

The contact model of the cylindrical joints (conformal contact) with radial clearance is constructed by using the fractal theory and the Kogut-Etsion elastic-plastic contact model, which includes purely elastic, elastic-plastic and fully plastic contacts. The present method can generate a more reliable calculation result as compared with the Hertz contact model and a higher calculation efficiency as compared with the finite element method for the conformal contact problem.
A mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication model based on virtual rough surface for studying the tribological effect of asperities
Authors: Zhang Hui , Dong Guangneng , Dong Guozhong
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to present the effort on developing a mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) model to study the tribological effect of asperities on rough surface.

Design/methodology/approach

The model, with the use of the average flow Reynolds equation and the K-E elasto-plastic contact model, allows predictions of hydrodynamic pressure and contact pressure on the virtual rough surface, respectively. Then, the substrate elastic deformation is calculated by discrete convolution fast-Fourier transform (DC-FFT) method to modify the film thickness recursively. Afterwards, corresponding ball-on-disk tests are conducted and the validity of the model demonstrated. Moreover, the effects of asperity features, such as roughness, curvature radius and asperity pattern factor, on the tribological properties of EHL, are also discussed though plotting corresponding Stribeck curves and film thickness shapes.

Findings

It is demonstrated that the current model predicts very close data compared with corresponding experimental results. And it has the advantage of high accuracy comparing with other typical models. Furthermore, smaller roughness, bigger asperity radius and transverse rough surface pattern are found to have lower friction coefficients in mixed EHL models.

Originality/value

This paper contributes toward developing a mixed EHL model to investigate the effect of surface roughness, which may be helpful to better understand partial EHL.
Mindfulness and leadership flexibility
Authors: Baron Louis , Rouleau Véronique , Grégoire Simon , Baron Charles
Published: February 2018

Purpose

In a context of great complexity, many authors have focused on the beneficial effects of leadership flexibility (Denison et al., 1995), a capacity theoretically associated with mindfulness. The purpose of this paper is to better understand the relationship between mindfulness and behavioral flexibility in leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from two samples: 100 active leaders from diverse economic sectors and 62 students pursuing an executive MBA degree.

Findings

The results show that mindfulness is positively associated with the overall score for leader flexibility, and with its two dualities: self-assertive and directive vs collaborative and supportive, and long-term strategy vs short-term execution. Specifically, four of the five dimensions of mindfulness (nonreactivity, nonjudging, acting with awareness and describing) were positively correlated with the overall flexibility score.

Practical implications

The results suggest that by developing mindfulness, managers might be better able to adapt their leadership style to the demands of different situations. To that end, interventions based on mindfulness are worthwhile options for use within organizations, particularly in the context of leadership development programs.

Originality/value

While most models of leadership assume a linear relationship between certain leadership behaviors and performance, other voices suggest that effective leaders need to possess great behavioral flexibility so that they can adapt with agility to the multiple needs of the people and situations around them. Few studies have examined the factors that may play a role in leadership flexibility.
The role of action-control beliefs in developing entrepreneurial expertise
Authors: Markowska Magdalena
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to theorize on the mechanisms underlying the development of entrepreneurial expertise. While prior studies have identified differences between the behavior of novice and expert entrepreneurs, the mechanisms that cause these differences have not received sufficient attention.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper systematically reviews the extant literature on entrepreneurial expertise and builds the conceptual framework by employing an action-control belief framework to propose mechanisms underlying the development of expert behavior.

Findings

This paper argues that differences in behavior between novice and expert entrepreneurs stem from self-perceptions of their ability to act. More specifically, stronger action-control beliefs encourage entrepreneurs to create new interpretations of the world over time; develop and use strategies that allow them to rely on perceived control over means and ends, their perceived capacity, and their agency; and hence behave more like experts.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that strategy, capacity, and control beliefs are key in individuals’ decisions of whether to engage in entrepreneurial action and that expert entrepreneurs hold stronger beliefs than novices. Positive experiences, particularly those associated with deliberate practice, contribute to developing these beliefs and, more broadly, to entrepreneurial expertise.

Originality/value

This paper proposes that the mechanism of transformation from novice to expert behavior can be attributed to positive changes in deeply held beliefs about strategy (i.e. possible means-ends frameworks), capacity (i.e. access to means), and control (i.e. perceived efficacy). Each of the beliefs can develop separately from others and at different pace. In other words, this work explains why novice and expert entrepreneurs behave differently.
What do we know about the relationship between internet-mediated interaction and social isolation and loneliness in later life?
Authors: Beneito-Montagut Roser , Cassián-Yde Nizaiá , Begueria Arantza
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Social isolation and loneliness are recognised social, health and wellbeing problems that particularly affect later life. They have been the subject of many recent studies. Studies examining the role of the internet in addressing these problems have multiplied. However, it is still not known whether internet-mediated social interaction has any role in mitigating social isolation and or loneliness. To address this gap, the purpose of this paper is to review previous research that investigates the relationship between internet use for communication and social isolation and loneliness.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the empirical literature published since 2000 and expands on previous literature reviews by including a variety of research designs and disciplines.

Findings

Despite the recent increase in studies, there is still little evidence to show internet effects on social isolation and loneliness. It is concluded that future research programmes aimed at reducing them by the use of the internet should include more robust methodological and theoretical frameworks, employ longitudinal research designs and provide a more nuanced description of both the social phenomena (social isolation and loneliness) and internet-mediated social interaction.

Originality/value

Previous reviews are not restricted to internet-based studies and include several types of interventions aiming at reducing social isolation and/or loneliness. They do not attempt to disentangle the internet effects of social isolation and loneliness.
Optimizing the positioning of wildlife crossing structures using GPS telemetry
Authors: Bastille‐Rousseau Guillaume , Wall Jake , Douglas‐Hamilton Iain , Wittemyer George
Published: February 2018

Development of transportation corridors has accelerated globally, with infrastructure projects being implemented across remote ecosystems, particularly in the tropics. Such developments can have negative impacts on wildlife and their ecosystems. The importance of wildlife crossing structures to mitigate adverse effects of such features is widely recognized, but the siting of and investment in crossing structures is contentious. Data on animal movement provide valuable, highly specific information for such processes, but can present analytical challenges and remain underutilized in planning mitigation efforts.

We develop two algorithms based on Integer Linear Programming to prioritize crossing points based on frequency of use or breadth of coverage among tracked individuals. These scenarios represent metrics likely to guide the planning of crossing structures, where the former may relate to the objective of minimizing vehicle‐animal collisions and the latter on maintaining ecosystem connectivity. We exemplify the algorithms through application on a tracking dataset from over 150 African elephants living near the proposed Lamu Port‐South Sudan‐Ethiopia‐Transport corridor. We explore the influence of sampling bias on outcomes and discuss considerations to guide the application process.

Given the generally open, unfenced nature of this ecosystem, recorded movements occurred throughout the system and a third of the corridor length in the ecosystem was intersected by recorded elephant movements. The selection of crossing structure locations and their impacts on elephants varied whether we used a subsample of elephant representative of local population density or total sample of monitored individuals. The two algorithms also selected for different crossing structure locations.

Synthesis and applications. Our work shows some of the challenges of using Global Positioning System telemetry in deciding where to put crossing structures and demonstrates the need to identify the type of constraints in the system and desired crossing structure characteristics a priori. We recommend managers carefully evaluate the presence of potential biases in their data. High‐resolution data combined with objective prioritization methods allow reasoned planning actions, but are often lacking during critical infrastructure planning stages. Given the limited budget already allocated to mitigation measures in most proposed developments, the tools developed and applied here can facilitate effective spatial planning.
Net displacement and temporal scaling: Model fitting, interpretation and implementation
Authors: Street Garrett M. , Avgar Tal , Börger Luca
Published: February 2018

Net displacement is an integral component of numerous ecological processes and is critically dependent on the tortuosity of a movement trajectory and hence on the temporal scale of observation. Numerous attempts have been made to quantitatively describe net displacement while accommodating tortuosity, typically evoking a power law, but scale‐dependency in tortuosity limits the utility of approaches based on power law relationships that must assume scale‐invariant tortuosity.

We describe a phenomenological model of net displacement that permits both scale‐variant and scale‐invariant movement. Movement trajectories are divided into pairs of relocations specifying start‐ and end‐points, and net displacements between points are calculated across a vector of time intervals. A bootstrap is implemented to create new datasets that are independent both across and within time intervals, and the model is fitted to the bootstrapped dataset using log–log regression. We apply this model to simulated trajectories and both fine‐grain and coarse‐grain trajectories obtained from an Aldabra giant tortoise Aldabrachelys gigantea, African elephants Loxodonta africana, black‐backed jackals Canis mesomelas and Northern elephant seals Mirounga angustirostris.

The model was able to quantify the characteristics of net displacement from simulated movement trajectories corresponding to both scale‐variant (e.g. correlated random walks) and scale‐invariant (e.g. random walk) movement models. Furthermore, the model produced identical outputs across time vectors corresponding to different intervals and absolute ranges of time for scale‐invariant models. The model characterized the tortoise as generally exhibiting long scale‐invariant steps, which was corroborated by visual comparison of model outputs to observed trajectories. Elephants, jackals and seals exhibited movement parameters consistent with their known movement behaviours (nomadism, territoriality and widely ranging searching).

We describe how the model may be used to compare movements within and between species, for example by partitioning movement into scale‐variant and scale‐invariant components, and by calculating a unitless net displacement scaled to the basal movement capacities of an animal. We also identify several useful derived quantities and realistic parameter ranges and discuss how the model may be implemented in a variety of ecological studies.