bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of Behavior-Based Training Can Improve Food Service Employees’ Handwashing Frequencies, Duration, and Effectiveness
Authors: Yu Heyao , Neal Jay , Dawson Mary , Madera Juan M.
Published: April 2017

Personal hygiene is a significant risk factor that contributes to foodborne illness. Appropriate handwashing behaviors can significantly reduce this risk; however, knowledge-based training alone may be insufficient to prompt preventive food safety practices. An improved, more effective food safety training approach that can directly influence employees’ behavior is strongly recommended. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of behavior-based food safety training on improving food handlers’ handwashing practices and frequency. Four of the nine critical behaviors that help effectively prevent the spread of pathogens and control food safety hazards were identified as target behaviors, and handwashing frequencies and durations were also included as measures of handwashing performance. A four-phase within-group experimental study with a behavioral motivation intervention was conducted. Employees’ handwashing behaviors were videotaped and coded by researchers. Results indicated that knowledge-based training alone failed to improve employees’ handwashing performance, especially when employees had multiple work tasks simultaneously during the busy meal service time. In comparison, the behavior-based training approach was effective in improving employees’ handwashing performance and frequency. More specifically, proper rates of all the critical behaviors measured were significantly increased during the motivational phase.
Revenue Management and Length-of-Stay-Based Room Pricing
Authors: Riasi Arash , Schwartz Zvi , Liu Xuan , Li Songzi
Published: April 2017

From a theoretical perspective, it is unclear whether hotels should offer a discount to customers who stay for longer periods, while it is rather clear that customers feel entitled to such length-of-stay (LOS)-based discounts. Accordingly, the major theoretical contribution of this study is to provide empirical evidence of hotels’ LOS-based pricing practices. The findings revealed that on average, hotels charge more per night when the guests stay longer. The finding that hotels increase their room rates as LOS increases, suggests that hotel revenue managers may want to address the customers’ misinformed expectations of getting lower prices for longer LOS and/or devise pricing or communication strategies to deal with it.
How Do Investments in Human Resource Management Practices Affect Firm-Specific Risk in the Restaurant Industry?
Authors: Park Sungbeen , Song Sujin , Lee Seoki
Published: April 2017

Despite the importance of achieving a competitive advantage in human resources in the restaurant industry, restaurant firms often hesitate to make significant investments in human resource management (HRM) practices because of outcome uncertainty, operational issues, and limited financial resources, among other issues. Building upon the strategic human resource management (SHRM) literature, the current study attempts to better understand the HRM issues in the restaurant industry and investigate the effects of HRM practices on a firm’s risk. More specifically, we explore the separate effects of positive and negative HRM practices on firm-specific risk (i.e., unsystematic risk) in the restaurant industry. Our findings demonstrate that positive HRM practices have a nonsignificant relationship with firms’ unsystematic risk, but negative HRM practices have an inverted U-shaped relationship with unsystematic risk, supporting the stakeholder theory, theory of desensitization, and slack resource theory.
Functional impact of exercise pulmonary hypertension in patients with borderline resting pulmonary arterial pressure
Authors: Oliveira Rudolf K. F. , Faria‐Urbina Mariana , Maron Bradley A. , Santos Mario , Waxman Aaron B. , Systrom David M.
Published: April 2017

Borderline resting mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) is associated with adverse outcomes and affects the exercise pulmonary vascular response. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying exertional intolerance in borderline mPAP remain incompletely characterized. In the current study, we sought to evaluate the prevalence and functional impact of exercise pulmonary hypertension (ePH) across a spectrum of resting mPAP’s in consecutive patients with contemporary resting right heart catheterization (RHC) and invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Patients with resting mPAP <25 mmHg and pulmonary arterial wedge pressure ≤15 mmHg (n = 312) were stratified by mPAP < 13, 13–16, 17–20, and 21–24 mmHg. Those with ePH (n = 35) were compared with resting precapillary pulmonary hypertension (rPH; n = 16) and to those with normal hemodynamics (non‐PH; n = 224). ePH prevalence was 6%, 8%, and 27% for resting mPAP 13–16, 17–20, and 21–24 mmHg, respectively. Within each of these resting mPAP epochs, ePH negatively impacted exercise capacity compared with non‐PH (peak oxygen uptake 70 ± 16% versus 92 ± 19% predicted, P < 0.01; 72 ± 13% versus 86 ± 17% predicted, P < 0.05; and 64 ± 15% versus 82 ± 19% predicted, P < 0.001, respectively). Overall, ePH and rPH had similar functional limitation (peak oxygen uptake 67 ± 15% versus 68 ± 17% predicted, P > 0.05) and similar underlying mechanisms of exercise intolerance compared with non‐PH (peak oxygen delivery 1868 ± 599 mL/min versus 1756 ± 720 mL/min versus 2482 ± 875 mL/min, respectively; P < 0.05), associated with chronotropic incompetence, increased right ventricular afterload and signs of right ventricular/pulmonary vascular uncoupling. In conclusion, ePH is most frequently found in borderline mPAP, reducing exercise capacity in a manner similar to rPH. When borderline mPAP is identified at RHC, evaluation of the pulmonary circulation under the stress of exercise is warranted.
Recovery of methotrexate-induced anuric acute kidney injury after glucarpidase therapy
Authors: Harms James , Khawaja Ayaz , Taylor Maria , Han Xiaosi , Mrug Michal
Published: April 2017

Objectives:

This case report describes two cases of high-dose methotrexate–induced nephrotoxicity: death in the case of conventional supportive care and successful renal function recovery in a patient treated with glucarpidase and continuous dialysis.

Methods:

High dose methotrexate is widely used for management of adult and pediatric malignancies. However, high-dose methotrexate–induced renal nephrotoxicity may cause severe, even lethal complications. Here we present examples of such outcomes.

Results:

We present one case of lethal high-dose methotrexate nephrotoxicity in a patient treated with conventional rescue therapy. We contrast this outcome with another patient with high-dose methotrexate–induced anuric acute kidney injury, who has recovered renal function following therapy with glucarpidase and continuous dialysis.

Conclusions:

This is only the second reported case of high-dose methotrexate–induced anuric acute kidney injury, and the only one with a reported clinical outcome. This first report of recovery from high-dose methotrexate–induced anuric acute kidney injury after glucarpidase administration supports available evidence pointing to the effectiveness of this therapy.
Outcome and natural course of renal dysfunction in liver transplant recipients with severely impaired kidney function prior to transplantation
Authors: Horvatits T , Pischke S , Proske VM , Fischer L , Scheidat S , Thaiss F , Fuhrmann V , Lohse AW , Nashan B , Sterneck M
Published: April 2017

Background

Since introduction of the MELD score in the liver allograft allocation system, renal insufficiency has emerged as an increasing problem. Here we evaluated the course of kidney function in patients with advanced renal insufficiency prior to liver transplantation (LT).

Methods

A total of 254 patients undergoing LT at the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (2011–2015) were screened for renal impairment (GFR < 30 ml/min) prior to LT in this observational study.

Results

Eighty (32%) patients (median 60 years; M/F: 48/32) had significant renal impairment prior to LT. Median follow-up post-LT was 619 days. Patient survival at 90 days, one year and two years was 76%, 66% and 64%, respectively. Need for dialysis postoperatively but not preoperatively was associated with increased mortality ( p < 0.05). Renal function improved in 75% of survivors, but 78% of patients had chronic kidney disease ≥ stage 3 at end of follow-up. Of eight (16%) survivors remaining on long-term dialysis, so far only four patients have received a kidney transplant.

Conclusion

Postoperative dialysis affected long-term mortality. In 75% of survivors renal function improved, but still the majority of patients had an impaired renal function (CKD stage 3–5) at end of follow-up. Future studies should elucidate the impact of kidney dysfunction and dialysis on recipients’ long-term survival.
Comparison of MRI and colonoscopy in determining tumor height in rectal cancer
Authors: Jacobs Lotte , Meek David B , van Heukelom Joost , Bollen Thomas L , Siersema Peter D , Smits Anke B , Tromp Ellen , Los Maartje , Weusten Bas LAM , van Lelyveld Niels
Published: April 2017

Background and aim

Endoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used routinely in the diagnostic and preoperative work-up of rectal cancer. We aimed to compare colonoscopy and MRI in determining rectal tumor height.

Methods

Between 2002 and 2012, all patients with rectal cancer with available MRIs and endoscopy reports were included. All MRIs were reassessed for tumor height by two abdominal radiologists. To obtain insight in techniques used for endoscopic determination of tumor height, a survey among regional endoscopists was conducted.

Results

A total of 211 patients with rectal cancer were included. Tumor height was significantly lower when assessed by MRI than by endoscopy with a mean difference of 2.5 cm (95% CI: 2.1–2.8). Although the agreement between tumor height as measured by MRI and endoscopy was good (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.7 (95% CI: 0.7–0.8)), the 95% limits of agreement varied from –3.0 cm to 8.0 cm. In 45 patients (21.3%), tumors were regarded as low by MRI and middle–high by endoscopy. MRI inter- and intraobserver agreements were excellent with an ICC of 0.8 (95% CI: 0.7–0.9) and 0.9 (95% CI: 0.9–1.0), respectively. The survey showed no consensus among endoscopists as to how to technically measure tumor height.

Conclusion

This study showed large variability in rectal tumor height as measured by colonoscopy and MRI. Since MRI measurements showed excellent inter- and intraobserver agreement, we suggest using tumor height measurement by MRI for diagnostic purposes and treatment allocation.
Effect of aspirin on the diagnostic accuracy of the faecal immunochemical test for colorectal advanced neoplasia
Authors: Bujanda Luis , Sarasqueta Cristina , Vega Pablo , Salve María , Quintero Enrique , Alvarez-Sánchez Victoria , Fernández-Bañares Fernando , Boadas Jaume , Campo Rafel , Garayoa Ana , Ferrandez Angel , Torrealba Leyanira , Rodríguez-Alcaide Daniel , D’Amato Mauro , Hernández Vicent , Cubiella Joaquin
Published: April 2017

Background

Aspirin (ASA) is a drug that can cause gastrointestinal lesions and symptoms. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most prevalent type of cancer in Western countries. We assessed the effect of aspirin on the diagnostic accuracy of the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) for CRC and/or advanced neoplasia (AN) in patients undergoing colonoscopy for gastrointestinal symptoms.

Methods

We conducted a prospective multicentre observational study of diagnostic tests that included patients with gastrointestinal symptoms undergoing colonoscopy between March 2012 and 2014 (the COLONPREDICT study). Symptoms were assessed and a FIT and blood tests assessing haemoglobin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were performed.

Results

The study included 3052 patients: A total of 2567 did not take aspirin (non-user group) and 485 (16%) took aspirin (user group). Continuous treatment with ASA did not change the AUC (0.88, 0.82; p = 0.06), sensitivity (92%, 88%; p = 0.5) or specificity (71%, 67%; p = 0.2) of the FIT for CRC detection. Similarly, we found no differences in the AUC (0.81, 0.79; p = 0.6), sensitivity (74%, 75.5%; p = 0.3) or specificity (76%, 73.6%; p = 0.3) for AN detection. Patients with an aspirin use of ≥ 300 mg/day had a lower prevalence of AN and the sensitivity, specificity and AUC for AN for these patients were 54%, 68% and 0.66, significantly lower than for the non-user group ( p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Aspirin does not modify the diagnostic accuracy of FIT for CRC and/or AN in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. Aspirin use of ≥ 300 mg/day decreases the accuracy of the test.
Cluster Formation as a Representation of the Category Space: A Two-Level Theoretical Model Tested Within the Context of the Lebanese Newspaper Industry (1851-1974)
Authors: Mozahem Najib A.
Published: April 2017

Researchers in organizational ecology have started to pay more attention to audience perceptions. Legitimacy, for example, is no longer modeled as the number of organizations in a population. It is now thought to be dependent on how audience members perceive these organizations. It is believed that audiences penalize organizations that span categories because they cannot make much sense of them. This article will argue that category spanning dynamics follow the pattern proposed by the resource partitioning theory, thereby questioning the legitimacy of the claim that category spanning is detrimental to organization survival. Instead, the article develops a two-level model which distinguishes between category spanning and cluster spanning. The article will argue that cluster spanning, and not category spanning, increases the mortality hazard of organizations during all time periods. The theory is then tested within the context of the Lebanese newspaper industry (1851-1974). The result of both cluster analysis and survival analysis supports the two-level model.
Early Family Risk Factors and Home Learning Environment as Predictors of Children’s Early Numeracy Skills Through Preschool
Authors: Kluczniok Katharina
Published: April 2017

The present study examines the impact of family risk factors (e.g., migration background, poverty) in early childhood on children’s numeracy skills during preschool in Germany, and if these relations are mediated through the quality of the home learning environment. The data used for this research were collected using the longitudinal study BiKS-3-10 which followed 547 children from the first (average age: 3 years) to the third year (average age: 5 years) of preschool. The hypothesized mediation of quality of the home learning environment can only be interpreted using the home learning environment scale for cognitive promotion. In contrast, the quality of the home learning environment, specifically family support factors, is related neither to children’s development in numeracy nor to family risk. The results highlight the impact of early risk factors on children’s competencies and the mediating role of the quality of the home learning environment.
A Validation Study of the Psychometric Properties of the Other As Shamer Scale–2
Authors: Saggino Aristide , Carlucci Leonardo , Sergi Maria Rita , D’Ambrosio Ines , Fairfield Beth , Cera Nicoletta , Balsamo Michela
Published: April 2017

External shame is associated to social and emotional difficulties, which are predictors of psychological disorders. The aim of the present study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the shorter Italian version of the Other As Shamer Scale (OAS-2), a measure of external shame. Confirmatory factor analysis was used in a sample of 612 (54.2% male) Italian undergraduate students. Evidence for this model provided support for the assumption that the one-factor model was similar across the gender groups. The Italian OAS-2 fully replicated the one-factor structure of the original OAS. Cronbach’s alpha index, as well as test–retest stability provided satisfactory results. The OAS-2 showed good convergent and divergent validity, being highly correlated with measures of internal shame, trait anxiety, and depression. The OAS-2 can be considered a useful instrument for measuring external shame when time constraints impede the use of the 18-item OAS. Implications of the results are discussed and recommendations for future work with the scale are made.
The Quest for Rationality: Chief Financial Officers’ and Accounting Master’s Students’ Perception of Economic Rationality
Authors: Schiller Stefan
Published: April 2017

This article, based on experimental evidence, reports insights into how chief financial officers—experts—and master’s students in accounting—novices—perceive economic rationality within the field of accounting. Based on the prospect theory and the fourfold pattern, four scenarios, covering everyday business situations, are used as a measurement instrument for capturing the experimental subjects’ perception of economic rationality. The findings of the article indicate that the experts and the novices seem to be more economically rational when it comes to dealing with risk and uncertainty related to gains than when dealing with risk and uncertainty associated with losses. Furthermore, the novices tend to deal with the sunk-cost fallacy in a more economically rational way than the experts. From an economically rational point of view, mental accounting should not be particularly important in accounting judgment and decision making, but sometimes the experimental subjects seem to frame the scenario/issue at hand in mental-accounting terms.
Mindful Construal Diaries: A Less Anxious, More Mindful, and More Self-Compassionate Method of Eating
Authors: Hussein Misba , Egan Helen , Mantzios Michail
Published: April 2017

Mindful construal diaries were found to assist in weight regulation during a long-term intervention. The current study attempted to expand previous findings by testing the consideration (or priming) of questions within the diary (instead of filling in the answers), and investigated levels of state mindfulness, state self-compassion, and state anxiety in an observational trial of pre- to postintervention. Forty-five participants completed State Mindfulness, State Self-Compassion, and State Anxiety scales before and after their meal and were asked to read and consider the mindful concrete construal diary questions. The results illustrate that state mindfulness, state self-compassion, and state anxiety levels were significantly improved (i.e., increased mindfulness and self-compassion, and decreased anxiety) after participation. Findings provide further evidence as to why the diaries might work in supporting weight regulation, and suggest another method of making eating more mindful. Current findings, limitations, and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Isolation and Inclusion: The Modulation of Limited and Plural Points of View in Jamaica Kincaid’s The Autobiography of My Mother
Authors: Hembrough Tara
Published: April 2017

In Autobiography of My Mother, Jamaica Kincaid utilizes alternating points of view to portray the novel’s overarching narratological, spatio-temporal, and ideological concerns. Kincaid crafts her story’s postmodern narrative in interesting ways by implementing both first-person-singular and first-person-plural points of view as aging protagonist, Xuela Richardson, reviews her life and tells her complicated, coming-of-age tale involving her ongoing struggle against colonial racism and the oppression of women. Often, the narrator speaks alone to explore the quest she is undertaking, a journey in which she receives little help from potential mentors in her colonial island setting, and here Kincaid relies on the singular view. Alternately, Kincaid switches to the plural view to portray the possibility for camaraderie that Xuela pursues in alliances with others, namely, women who might serve as potential mother figures but fail. In some instances, the protagonist speaks together with both family and community members to present their common thoughts regarding their shared sense of subjugation in Dominica’s island setting, yet these acts of co-narration do not bring her the solace she seeks. As the narrator contemplates her identity, one affected by her mother’s death, her father’s abandonment of her, her rejection by her stepmother and stepsister, and her dismissal by teachers and classmates, Xuela attempts to tell her story both alone and with others. Finally, however, Xuela discovers that any capacity for self-knowledge lies beyond her in an alienating world, and she remains displaced within Dominica’s culture.
New and Emerging Risks Associated With “Green” Workplaces
Authors: Wandzich Dorota Elżbieta , Płaza Grażyna Anna
Published: April 2017

Work environments are continuously changing with the introduction of new technologies, substances and work processes, changes in the structure of the workforce and labor market, and new forms of employment and work organization. New work situations bring both risks and challenges for workers and employers, which, in turn, may require political, administrative, technical, and regulatory approaches to ensure worker safety and health. This article is based on a European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) report, Green Jobs and Occupational Safety and Health, that detailed new and emerging risks to occupational safety and health associated with new technologies in green jobs. Highlights from this report include key technologies in the bioindustry and new emerging risks associated with green jobs.
Increasing Influenza Immunization Rates Among Retail Employees: An Evidence-Based Approach
Authors: Montejo Leigh , Richesson Rachel , Padilla B. Iris , Zychowicz Michael E. , Hambley Crystal
Published: April 2017

Influenza has a significant impact on the health of Americans and the U.S. economy. Annual influenza immunization can decrease the burden of influenza-related illnesses for both employees and employers. This project evaluated a nurse practitioner–led intervention to increase influenza immunization rates among retail employees from August through December of the 2015-2016 influenza season. The sample included employees from retail locations with on-site convenience care clinics staffed by nurse practitioners. This quality improvement project used a pre–post implementation evaluation design and compared influenza immunization rates of employees, before and after an intervention, at one worksite, and influenza immunization rates of employees, who did not receive the same intervention, at a comparison site. The intervention site employees were immunized at a higher rate than employees at the comparison site. Interventions, including health care professional–led education, program promotion, on-site access to and no-cost immunizations, choice of immunization delivery, and incentives, should be considered to increase immunization rates among employees.
Antecedents and Consequences of Job Engagement: Empirical Study of Bank Employees
Authors: Chhetri Sabina Baniya
Published: April 2017

Job engagement has been widely studied in the present scenario in developed countries as the issue of disengaged workforce is creating a concern among practitioners. As global organizations are functioning even in least developing countries, the scenario is similar in their contexts too. Thus, building upon Kahn’s conceptualization of engagement, this study proposed counterproductive work behavior under contextual performance as an outcome of the job engagement. The study also examined variables like core self-evaluation and perceived organizational support as antecedents of job engagement. Task performance and organizational citizenship behaviors are outcome variables. Furthermore, it also examined the mediating nature of job engagement. The survey was filled by 285 bank employees of Nepal. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to test hypotheses. Regression results showed significant positive relationships between antecedent variables and job engagement, and job engagement and outcome variables. Similarly, partial mediation was observed among core self-evaluation and task performance, core self-evaluation and organizational citizenship behaviors, and core self-evaluation and counterproductive work behaviors, and full mediation was observed in the relationship between perceived organizational support and task performance, and perceived organizational support and counterproductive work behaviors. This study adds counterproductive work behaviors in the job engagement model suggested by Kahn.
The Holy Spirit in Pentecostal Mission: The Shaping of Mission Awareness and Practice
Authors: Ma Wonsuk
Published: April 2017

This study investigates the role of the Holy Spirit in mission formation and practices among Pentecostal Christians. Conversion and spiritual formation, encounters with God, experience of healing and the miraculous, and the sense of calling and empowerment shape mission awareness. In practice, this spirituality is expressed particularly in evangelism, in the establishment of local congregations, in signs and wonders, and in the reproduction of the empowerment cycle. Pentecostals are encouraged to remain faithful to their distinctives, gain a broader perspective of the Spirit’s work, expand their understanding of mission, and maintain a creative tension between pneumatology and eschatology.
The incidence of first stroke in and around pregnancy: A population-based cohort study from Sweden
Authors: Ban Lu , Abdul Sultan Alyshah , Stephansson Olof , Tata Laila J , Sprigg Nikola , Nelson-Piercy Catherine , Bath Philip M , Ludvigsson Jonas F
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Research has suggested that delivery is associated with an increased risk of stroke in women; however, there is a lack of contemporary estimates on the incidence of stroke in and after pregnancy compared with the baseline risk in women of childbearing age in Sweden.

Patients and methods

All women aged 15–49 years with live births/stillbirths in 1992–2011 were identified from the Swedish Medical Birth Registry linked with the National Patient Registry. First stroke during the study period was identified. Incidence rates per 100,000 person-years and adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated for antepartum, peripartum and early and late postpartum periods, compared with all other available follow-up time (time before pregnancy and after postpartum) using Poisson regression adjusted for maternal age, education attainment and calendar time.

Results

Of 1,124,541 women, 3094 had a first incident stroke (331 occurred during pregnancy or first 12 weeks postpartum), about half having ischaemic stroke. The incidence was 15.0 per 100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval 14.5–15.6) in non-pregnant time. The incidence was lower antepartum (7.3/100,000 person-years, 6.0–8.9; adjusted IRR = 0.7, 0.5–0.8) but higher peripartum (314.4/100,000 person-years, 247.5–399.5; adjusted IRR = 27.3, 21.4–34.9) and early postpartum (64.0/100,000 person-years, 54.1–75.7; adjusted IRR = 5.5, 4.6–6.6). The increased risk in peripartum was more evident for intracerebral haemorrhage than other types of stroke.

Conclusion

Overall risk of stroke was low in women of childbearing age, but stroke risk peaks in the peripartum and early postpartum periods. Future work should address factors that contribute to this increased risk in order to develop approaches to attenuate risk.
RETRACTED: ADAMTS13 controls vascular remodeling by modifying VWF reactivity during stroke recovery
Authors: Xu Haochen , Cao Yongliang , Yang Xing , Cai Ping , Kang Lijing , Zhu Ximin , Luo Haiyu , Lu Lu , Wei Lixiang , Bai Xiaofei , Zhu Yuanbo , Zhao Bing-Qiao , Fan Wenying
Published: April 2017

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier's Article Correction, Retraction and Removal Policy (Article withdrawal | Elsevier policy).

This article has been retracted at the request of the Editors.

Within the paper, image duplications were identified in Figures 2, 6, and Supplemental Figure 4. Image duplications were also identified between Figure 1 and Supplemental Figure 4 from this paper and a 2019 publication in another journal. In each case, the duplicated image was modified between versions, such as via rotation and/or shifting the field of view.

The authors state that the duplications were image handling errors and that the adjustments were made to improve visual comparison and do not affect their conclusions.

No authors approve the retraction.
Water-pipe smoke condensate increases the internalization of Mycobacterium Bovis of type II alveolar epithelial cells (A549)
Authors: Mortaz Esmaeil , Alipoor Shamila D. , Movassaghi Masoud , Varahram Mohammad , Ghorbani Jahangir , Folkerts Gert , Garssen Johan , Adcock Ian M.
Published: April 2017

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health problem, and there is an association between tobacco smoke and TB. Water pipe smoking has become an increasing problem not only in Middle Eastern countries but also globally because users consider it as safer than cigarettes. The presence of high levels of toxic substances in water-pipe smoke may be a predisposing factor that enhances the incidence of pulmonary disorders. For example, uncontrolled macropinocytosis in alveolar epithelial cells following exposure to water-pipe smoke may predispose subjects to pulmonary infection. Here, we studied the effects of water-pipe condense (WPC) on the internalization of Mycobacterium Bovis BCG by macropinocytosis in the alveolar epithelial cell line A549.

Methods

A549 cells were exposed to WPC (4 mg/ml) for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Cell viability was studied using the methyl thiazolyldipenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay and proliferation by bromodeoxyUridine (BrdU) incorporation. Cells were exposed to FITC-Dextran (1 mg/ml) (as a control) and FITC-BCG (MOI = 10) for 20 min at 37 °C before cells werecollected and the uptake of BCG-FITC determined by flow cytometry. Similar experiments were performed at 4 °C as a control. The Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632 (1 μM) was used to assess the mechanism by which WPC enhanced BCG uptake.

Results

WPC (4 mg/ml) increased the uptake of BCG-FITC after 72 (1.3 ± 0.1 fold,p < 0.05) and 96 (1.4 ± 0.05 fold,p < 0.05) hours. No effect on BCG-FITC uptake was observed at 24 or 48 h. WPC also significantly increased the uptake of FITC-Dextran (2.9 ± 0.3 fold,p < 0.05) after 24 h. WPC significantly decreased cell viability after 24 (84 ± 2%,p < 0.05), 48 (78±, 3%,p < 0.05), 72 (64 ± 2%,p < 0.05) and 96 h (45 ± 2%,p < 0.05). Y-27632 completely attenuated the increased uptake of BCG by WPC. Cell proliferation showed a decreasing trend in a time-dependent manner with WPC exposure.

Conclusion

WPC exposure increased epithelial cell endocytosis activity and death as well as enhancing their capacity for macropinocytosis. Our in vitro data indicates possible harmful effects of WPC on the ability of lung epithelial cells to phagocytose mycobacterium.
Reduction of pulmonary toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles by phosphonate-based surface passivation
Authors: Cai Xiaoming , Lee Anson , Ji Zhaoxia , Huang Cynthia , Chang Chong Hyun , Wang Xiang , Liao Yu-Pei , Xia Tian , Li Ruibin
Published: April 2017

Background

The wide application of engineered nanoparticles has induced increasing exposure to humans and environment, which led to substantial concerns on their biosafety. Some metal oxides (MOx) have shown severe toxicity in cells and animals, thus safe designs of MOx with reduced hazard potential are desired. Currently, there is a lack of a simple yet effective safe design approach for the toxic MOx. In this study, we determined the key physicochemical properties of MOx that lead to cytotoxicity and explored a safe design approach for toxic MOx by modifying their hazard properties.

Results

THP-1 and BEAS-2B cells were exposed to 0–200 μg/mL MOx for 24 h, we found some toxic MOx including CoO, CuO, Ni2O3 and Co3O4, could induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and cell death due to the toxic ion shedding and/or oxidative stress generation from the active surface of MOx internalized into lysosomes. We thus hypothesized that surface passivation could reduce or eliminate the toxicity of MOx. We experimented with a series of surface coating molecules and discovered that ethylenediamine tetra (methylene phosphonic acid) (EDTMP) could form stable hexadentate coordination with MOx. The coating layer can effectively reduce the surface activity of MOx with 85-99% decrease of oxidative potential, and 65-98% decrease of ion shedding. The EDTMP coated MOx show negligible ROS generation and cell death in THP-1 and BEAS-2B cells. The protective effect of EDTMP coating was further validated in mouse lungs exposed to 2 mg/kg MOx by oropharyngeal aspiration. After 40 h exposure, EDTMP coated MOx show significant decreases of neutrophil counts, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, MCP-1, LIX and IL-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), compared to uncoated particles. The haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining results of lung tissue also show EDTMP coating could significantly reduce the pulmonary inflammation of MOx.

Conclusions

The surface reactivity of MOx including ion shedding and oxidative potential is the dominated physicochemical property that is responsible for the cytotoxicity induced by MOx. EDTMP coating could passivate the surface of MOx, reduce their cytotoxicity and pulmonary hazard effects. This coating would be an effective safe design approach for a broad spectrum of toxic MOx, which will facilitate the safe use of MOx in commercial nanoproducts.
Interaction effects of region-level GDP per capita and age on labour market transition rates in Italy
Authors: Zanin Luca , Calabrese Raffaella
Published: April 2017

The aim of this paper is to measure the effect of the interaction between age for the population of males and females aged 18 to 74 and region-level GDP per capita on labour market transition probabilities in Italy. We compare different occupational states in a sample of males and females who remained in their region of residence at two points in time (12 months apart). We estimate the transition probabilities using a flexible hierarchical logit model with interaction effects between worker age and region-level GDP per capita. We apply this model using longitudinal data from the Italian Labour Force Survey that cover the 2004–2013 period. We find empirical support for the assumption that people in the same age cohort have different labour market opportunities based on the level of GDP per capita in their region of residence. These differences are particularly relevant among younger workers.
Are genetic markers of interest for economic research?
Authors: Lehrer Steven F. , Ding Weili
Published: April 2017

The idea that genetic differences may explain a multitude of individual-level outcomes studied by economists is far from controversial. Since more datasets now contain measures of genetic variation, it is reasonable to postulate that incorporating genomic data in economic analyses will become more common. However, there remains much debate among academics as to, first, whether ignoring genetic differences in empirical analyses biases the resulting estimates. Second, several critics argue that since genetic characteristics are immutable, the incorporation of these variables into economic analysis will not yield much policy guidance. In this paper, we revisit these concerns and survey the main avenues by which empirically oriented economic researchers have utilized measures of genetic markers to improve our understanding of economic phenomena. We discuss the strengths, limitations, and potential of existing approaches and conclude by highlighting several prominent directions forward for future research.

JEL Classification:I12, J19, I26
Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase-Lpd (Rv0462)-specific T cell recall responses are higher in healthy household contacts of TB: a novel immunodominant antigen from M. tuberculosis
Authors: Devasundaram Santhi , Raja Alamelu
Published: April 2017

The partial effectiveness against pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), displayed by the existing tuberculosis (TB) vaccine, bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), highlights the need for novel vaccines to replace or improve BCG. In TB immunology, antigen-specific cellular immune response is frequently considered indispensable. Latency-associated antigens are intriguing as targets for TB vaccine development. The mycobacterial protein, dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (Lpd; Rv0462), the third enzyme of the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex, facilitates Mycobacterium tuberculosis to resist host reactive nitrogen intermediates. Multicolor flow cytometry analysis of whole-blood cultures showed higher Lpd-specific Th1 recall response (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2; P = 0.0006) and memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (CCR7+ CD45RA− and CCR7− CD45RA−) in healthy household contacts (HHC) of TB (P < 0.0001), which is comparable with or higher than the standard antigens, ESAT-6 and CFP-10. The frequency of Lpd-specific multifunctional T cells was higher in HHC compared with PTB patients. However, there is no significant statistical correlation. Regulatory T cell (Treg) analysis of HHCs and active TB patients demonstrated very low Lpd-specific CD4+ Tregs relative to ESAT-6 and CFP-10. Our study demonstrates that the Lpd antigen induces a strong cellular immune response in healthy mycobacteria-infected individuals. In consideration of this population having demonstrated immunologic protection against active TB disease development, our data are encouraging about the possible use of Lpd as a target for further TB subunit vaccine development.
Two-dimensional inversion of magnetotelluric/radiomagnetotelluric data by using unstructured mesh
Authors: Özyıldırım Özcan , Candansayar Mehmet Emin , Demirci İsmail , Tezkan Bülent
Published: April 2017

We have compared structured and unstructured grid-based 2D inversion algorithms for magnetotelluric (MT) and radiomagnetotelluric (RMT) data in terms of speed and accuracy. We have developed a new 2D inversion algorithm for MT and RMT data by using a finite-element (FE) method that uses unstructured triangle grids. We compare the inversion results of our unstructured grid-based algorithm with those of the conventional algorithm, which uses either a structured FE or structured finite-difference (FD) numerical solution technique. The imaging of the surface topography and the underground resistivity structures by the new algorithm requires fewer elements than those that use FE and FD structured grids. We also find that when unstructured grids are used, the quality of the mesh is increased and the numerical errors are significantly reduced. Thus, the program runs faster and can simulate the complex surface topography in a more stable setting than the classic inversion algorithms. Furthermore, we implement a new smoothing matrix format for the unstructured triangle grids for the inversion procedure. We use two samples of synthetic data for the MT and RMT frequencies as well as a sample of field RMT data collected across a fault zone for comparison. In our synthetic data experiment, we find that the resistivity values and the boundaries obtained from the inversion of the unstructured mesh are closer to those of the true a priori synthetic model. Results of the synthetic and field data verify the computational advantages (speed and accuracy) of our inversion algorithm with respect to the conventional structured grid-based inversion algorithms.
A competitive comparison of multiparameter stacking operators
Authors: Walda Jan , Schwarz Benjamin , Gajewski Dirk
Published: April 2017

The classic common-midpoint (CMP) stack, which sums along offsets, suffers in challenging environments in which the acquisition is sparse. In the past, several multiparameter stacking techniques were introduced that incorporate many neighboring CMPs during summation. This increases data redundancy and reduces noise. Multiparameter methods that can be parameterized by the same wavefront attributes are multifocusing (MF), the common-reflection-surface (CRS), implicit CRS, and nonhyperbolic CRS (nCRS). The CRS-type operators use a velocity-shift mechanism to account for heterogeneity by changing the slope of the asymptote. On the other hand, MF uses a different mechanism: a shift of reference time while preserving the slope of the asymptote. We have formulated MF such that it uses the same mechanism as the CRS-type operators and compare them on a marine data set. In turn, we investigate the behavior of time-shifted versions of the CRS-type approximations. To provide a fair comparison, we use a global optimization technique, differential evolution, which allows to accurately estimate a solution without an initial guess solution. Our results indicate that the velocity-shift mechanism performs, in general, better than the one incorporating a time shift. The double-square-root operators are also less sensitive to the choice of aperture. They perform better in the case of diffractions than conventional hyperbolic CRS, and this fact is in good agreement with previous works. In our work the nCRS is of almost the same computational cost as that of conventional hyperbolic CRS, but it generally leads to a superior fit; therefore, we recommend its use in the future.
Association between body size, weight change and depression: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jung Sun Jae , Woo Hyung-taek , Cho Sooyoung , Park Kyounghoon , Jeong Seokhun , Lee Yu Jin , Kang Daehee , Shin Aesun
Published: April 2017

Background

The association between body size, weight change and depression has not been systematically summarised, especially for individuals who are underweight.

Aims

To conduct a systematic review and a meta-analysis to examine the association between indices of body size, weight change and depression.

Method

A total of 183 studies were selected. Fully adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) were extracted. A total of 76 studies contributed to data synthesis with a random-effect model, and subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the effect of potential moderators.

Results

In cohort studies, underweight at baseline increased the risk of subsequent depression (OR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.08–1.24). Overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2) showed no statistically significant relationship with depression overall; however, the subgroup analyses found different results according to gender (men: OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.72–0.97, women: OR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.07–1.25). In cross-sectional designs, obesity with BMI >40kg/m2showed a greater pooled odds ratio than obesity with BMI >30kg/m2.

Conclusions

Both underweight and obesity increase the risk of depression. The association between overweight and depression differs by gender.
Strategies to prevent death by suicide: Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Riblet Natalie B. V. , Shiner Brian , Young-Xu Yinong , Watts Bradley V.
Published: April 2017

Background

Few randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have shown decreases in suicide.

Aims

To identify interventions for preventing suicide.

Method

We searched EMBASE and Medline from inception until 31 December 2015. We included RCTs comparing prevention strategies with control. We pooled odds ratios (ORs) for suicide using the Peto method.

Results

Among 8647 citations, 72 RCTs and 6 pooled analyses met inclusion criteria. Three RCTs (n= 2028) found that the World Health Organization (WHO) brief intervention and contact (BIC) was associated with significantly lower odds of suicide (OR = 0.20, 95% CI 0.09–0.42). Six RCTs (n= 1040) of cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) for suicide prevention and six RCTs of lithium (n = 619) yielded non-significant findings (OR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.12–1.03 and OR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.05–1.02, respectively).

Conclusions

The WHO BIC is a promising suicide prevention strategy. No other intervention showed a statistically significant effect in reducing suicide.
Primary Febrile Neutropenia Prophylaxis for Patients Who Receive FEC-D Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fernandes Ricardo , Mazzarello Sasha , Stober Carol , Ibrahim Mohamed F.K. , Dudani Shaan , Perdrizet Kirstin , Majeed Habeeb , Vandermeer Lisa , Shorr Risa , Hutton Brian , Fergusson Dean , Gyawali Bishal , Clemons Mark
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Despite widespread use of fluorouracil, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, docetaxel (FEC-D) chemotherapy in breast cancer, the optimal strategy for primary febrile neutropenia (FN) prophylaxis remains unknown. A systematic review was therefore performed.

Methods

Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and conference proceedings were searched from 1946 to April 2016 for trials that reported the effectiveness of primary FN prophylaxis with FEC-D chemotherapy. Outcome measures were incidence of FN; treatment-related hospitalizations; chemotherapy dose delays, reductions, and discontinuations; and adverse events from prophylaxis.

Results

Of 2,205 identified citations, eight studies (n = 1,250) met our eligibility criteria. Three additional studies (n = 293) were identified from a prior systematic review. Three randomized controlled trials (n = 576), one phase IV single-arm trial (n = 69), one prospective observational study (n = 37), and six retrospective studies (n = 861) were identified. Agents investigated were pegfilgrastim (n = 108), filgrastim (n = 1,119), and ciprofloxacin (n = 89). The heterogeneity of studies meant that a narrative synthesis of results was performed. Median FN rates for patients who received FEC-D with and without primary prophylaxis were 10.1% (interquartile range [IQR], 3.9% to 22.6%) and 23.9% (IQR, 9.2% to 27.3%), respectively. In the absence of primary prophylaxis, FN was more common during docetaxel than during FEC. Data from six studies showed a median rate of dose reductions and delays of 6.1% (IQR, 3.1% to 14.3%) and 19.3% (IQR, 10.5% to 32.8%), respectively, that occurred as a consequence of FN. Toxicity from prophylaxis itself was rarely reported.

Conclusion

Primary FN prophylaxis is effective in patients who receive FEC-D chemotherapy. The paucity of prospective data makes optimal recommendations about the choice and timing of prophylaxis challenging.
Lack of Association Between the Use of Nerve Blockade and the Risk of Postoperative Chronic Opioid Use Among Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: Evidence From the Marketscan Database
Authors: Sun Eric C. , Bateman Brian T. , Memtsoudis Stavros G. , Neuman Mark D. , Mariano Edward R. , Baker Laurence C.
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND:

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with high rates of prolonged opioid use after surgery (10%–34%). By decreasing opioid use in the immediate postoperative period, perioperative nerve blockade has been hypothesized to decrease the risk of persistent opioid use.

METHODS:

Using health care utilization data, we constructed a sample of 120,080 patients undergoing TKA between 2002 and 2012 and used billing data to identify the utilization of peripheral or neuraxial blockade. We then used a multivariable logistic regression to estimate the association between nerve blockade and the risk of chronic opioid use, defined as having filled ≥10 prescriptions or ≥120 days’ supply for an opioid in the first postsurgical year. Our analyses were adjusted for an extensive set of potential confounding variables, including medical comorbidities, previous opioid use, and previous use of other medications.

RESULTS:

We did not find an association between nerve blockade and the risk of postsurgical chronic opioid use across any of these 3 groups: adjusted relative risk (ARR) 0.984 for patients opioid-naïve in the year before surgery (98.3% confidence interval [CI], 0.870–1.12, P = .794), ARR 1.02 for intermittent opioid users (98.3% CI, 0.948–1.09, P = .617), and ARR 0.986 (98.3% CI, 0.963–1.01, P = .257) for chronic opioid users. Similar results held for alternative measures of postsurgical opioid use.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although the use of perioperative nerve blockade for TKA may improve short-term outcomes, the analyzed types of blocks do not appear to decrease the risk of persistent opioid use in the longer term.