bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers of Endothelial, Renal, and Platelet Dysfunction in Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease Hemodialysis Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: McMillan Ryan , Skiadopoulos Leonidas , Hoppensteadt Debra , Guler Nil , Bansal Vinod , Parasuraman Ravipresenna , Fareed Jawed
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the role of endothelial, renal, and inflammatory biomarkers in the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF) in patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD5) undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Plasma levels of biomarkers—kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), glycated hemoglobin, neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin, interleukin-18,platelet-derived growth factor, platelet factor 4 (PF4), 25-OH vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), endothelin, and endocan—were measured in CKD5-HD patients at the Loyola University Ambulatory Dialysis facility. The HF (+) CKD5-HD patients, as compared to HF (−) CKD5-HD patients, exhibited significantly elevated NT-proBNP ( P = .0194) and KIM-1 ( P = .0485). The NT-proBNP in HF (+) CKD5-HD patients was found to correlate with the levels of serum potassium ( P = .023, R = −.39), calcium ( P = .029, R = −.38), and PF4 ( P = .045, R = −.35). The KIM-1 in HF (+) CKD5-HD patients was found to correlate with PTH ( P = .043, R = −.36) and 25-OH vitamin D ( P = .037, R = .36). Elevated plasma NT-proBNP and KIM-1 in CKD5-HD and HF (+) CKD5-HD patients suggest that natriuretic peptides and KIM-1 may contribute to the pathogenesis of HF in CKD5-HD patients.
On the Track of C/overt Research: Lessons From Taking Ethnographic Ethics to the Extreme
Authors: Virtová Tereza , Stöckelová Tereza , Krásná Helena
Published: October 2017

Despite the growing body of literature that critically assesses the ambiguous impacts of institutional review boards (IRBs) on anthropological research, the key standards on which the IRB evaluations are based often remain unquestioned. By exposing the genealogy of an undercover research in which the authors participated as ethnographer, supervisor, and research participant, this article problematizes some of these standards and addresses the issues of power dynamics in research, informed consent, and anonymization in published work. It argues that rather than addressing genuine ethical dilemmas, IRB standards and the ethical fiction of informed consent mainly protect researchers from having to openly face the uncertainties of fieldwork. As an alternative, the authors put forth the notion of c/overt research, which perceives any research as processual and, in effect, becoming overt only during the research process itself. As such, it forces researchers to cultivate sensitivity to research ethics.
The Role of Sexual Abuse in Trauma Symptoms, Delinquent and Suicidal Behaviors, and Criminal Justice Outcomes Among Females in a Juvenile Justice Diversion Program
Authors: Tossone Krystel , Wheeler Madison , Butcher Fredrick , Kretschmar Jeff
Published: October 2017

Female juvenile justice–involved (JJI) youth experience more sexual abuse (SA) than their non-JJI counterparts or their male JJI counterparts. This study examines SA’s role among JJI females ( N = 1,307) in a behavioral health diversion program. Results indicate that SA increases the risk of psychological trauma, particularly posttraumatic stress and depression. SA also increases the odds of suicidal behavior, running away, and substance use. SA females have the same odds of successfully completing behavioral health diversion and being charged with any offense or misdemeanor after termination as non-SA females. Implications of research and future directions are discussed.
Experimental travelling waves identification in mechanical structures
Authors: Bucher Izhak , Gabai Ran , Plat Harel , Dolev Amit , Setter Eyal
Published: October 2017

Vibrations are often represented as a sum of standing waves in space, i.e. normal modes of vibration. While this can be mathematically accurate, the representation as travelling waves can be compact and more appropriate from a physical point of view, in particular when the energy flux along the structure is meaningful. The quantification of travelling waves assists in computing the energy being transferred and propagated along a structure. It can provide local as well as global information about the structure through which the mechanical energy flows. Presented in this paper is a new method to quantify the fraction of mechanical power being transmitted in a vibration cycle at a specific direction in space using measured data. It is shown that the method can detect local defects causing slight non-uniformity of the energy flux. Equivalence is being made with the electrical power factor and electromagnetic standing waves ratio, commonly employed in such cases. Other methods to perform experiment based wave identification in one-dimension are compared with the power flow based identification. Including a signal processing approach that fits an ellipse to the complex amplitude curve and Hilbert transform for obtaining the local phase and amplitude. A new representation of the active and reactive power flow is developed and its relationship to standing waves ratio is demonstrated analytically and experimentally.
An Application of a Service-oriented System to Support ArrayAnnotation in Custom Chip Design for Epigenomic Analysis
Authors: Han Junghee , Potter Dustin , Kurc Tahsin , Singer Greg , Yan Pearlly S. , Hao Sun , Hastings Shannon , Langella Stephen , Oster Scott , Davuluri Ramana V. , Huang Tim H.-M. , Saltz Joel H.
Published: October 2017

We present the implementation of an application using caGrid, which is the service-oriented Grid software infrastructure of the NCI cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid (caBIG™), to support design and analysis of custom microarray experiments in the study of epigenetic alterations in cancer. The design and execution of these experiments requires synthesis of information from multiple data types and datasets. In our implementation, each data source is implemented as a caGrid Data Service, and analytical resources are wrapped as caGrid Analytical Services. This service-based implementation has several advantages. A backend resource can be modified or upgraded, without needing to change other components in the application. A remote resource can be added easily, since resources are not required to be collected in a centralized infrastructure.
Palliation Versus Dialysis for End-Stage Renal Disease in the Oldest Old: What are the Considerations?
Authors: Walton Lyle S , Shumer Gregory D , Thorsteinsdottir Björg , Suh Theodore , Swetz Keith M
Published: October 2017

As the US population continues to age, new cases of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in individuals, aged 85 years or older (the oldest old), are increasing. Many patients who begin hemodialysis despite questionable benefit may struggle with high symptom burden and rapid functional decline. This article reviews the history regarding the funding and development of the Medicare ESRD program, reviews current approaches to the oldest old with ESRD, and considers strategies to improve the management approach of this vulnerable population.
Open Defaecation and Its Effects on the Bacteriological Quality of Drinking Water Sources in Isiolo County, Kenya
Authors: Okullo Joab Odhiambo , Moturi Wilkister Nyaora , Ogendi George Morara
Published: October 2017

Background information:

The post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals for sanitation call for universal access to adequate and equitable sanitation and an end to open defaecation by 2030. In Isiolo County, a semi-arid region lying in the northern part of Kenya, poor sanitation and water shortage remain a major problem facing the rural communities.

Objective:

The overall aim of the study was to assess the relationship between sanitation practices and the bacteriological quality of drinking water sources. The study also assessed the risk factors contributing to open defaecation in the rural environments of the study area.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study of 150 households was conducted to assess the faecal disposal practices in open defaecation free (ODF) and open defaecation not free (ODNF) areas. Sanitary surveys and bacteriological analyses were conducted for selected community water sources to identify faecal pollution sources, contamination pathways, and contributory factors. Analysis of data was performed using SPSS (descriptive and inferential statistics at α = .05 level of significance).

Results:

Open defaecation habit was reported in 51% of the study households in ODNF villages and in 17% households in ODF villages. Higher mean colony counts were recorded for water samples from ODNF areas 2.0, 7.8, 5.3, and 7.0 (×103) colony-forming units (CFUs)/100 mL compared with those of ODF 1.8, 6.4, 3.5, and 6.1 (×103) areas for Escherichia coli, faecal streptococci, Salmonella typhi, and total coliform, respectively. Correlation tests revealed a significant relationship between sanitary surveys and contamination of water sources ( P = .002).

Conclusions:

The water sources exhibited high levels of contamination with microbial pathogens attributed to poor sanitation. Practising safe faecal disposal in particular is recommended as this will considerably reverse the situation and thus lead to improved human health.
Investigation of the Tissue Distribution and Physiological Roles of Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase-2
Authors: Jusof Felicita F , Bakmiwewa Supun M , Weiser Silvia , Too Lay Khoon , Metz Richard , Prendergast George C , Fraser Stuart T , Hunt Nicholas H , Ball Helen J
Published: October 2017

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-2 (IDO2) is 1 of the 3 enzymes that can catalyze the first step in the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism. Of the 2 other enzymes, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase is highly expressed in the liver and has a role in tryptophan homeostasis, whereas indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1) expression is induced by inflammatory stimuli. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-2 is reportedly expressed comparatively narrow, including in liver, kidney, brain, and in certain immune cell types, and it does not appear to contribute significantly to systemic tryptophan catabolism under normal physiological conditions. Here, we report the identification of an alternative splicing pattern, including the use of an alternative first exon, that is conserved in the mouse Ido1 and Ido2 genes. These findings prompted us to assess IDO2 protein expression and enzymatic activity in tissues. Our analysis, undertaken in Ido2 +/+ and Ido2−/− mice using immunohistochemistry and measurement of tryptophan and kynurenine levels, suggested an even more restricted pattern of tissue expression than previously reported. We found IDO2 protein to be expressed in the liver with a perinuclear/nuclear, rather than cytoplasmic, distribution. Consistent with earlier reports, we found Ido2 −/− mice to be phenotypically similar to their Ido2+/+ counterparts regarding levels of tryptophan and kynurenine in the plasma and liver. Our findings suggest a specialized function or regulatory role for IDO2 associated with its particular subcellular localization.
The meaning of work and cultural psychology: Ideas for new directions
Authors: Bendassolli Pedro F , Tateo Luca
Published: October 2017

Work is one arena in which human beings constitute their identities and participate in collective-cultural enterprises. But research on factors affecting the meaning of work and its outcomes focuses mostly on individual-level variables related to workers’ experience. However, scholars have recently proposed a shift towards a more collective dimension of meaningfulness, in particular, the cultural level. This article discusses and expands on this recent trend, demonstrating how growing attention to cultural factors of work’s meaning raises some problematic, crucial issues about the very definition of culture and its role in meaning-making. A particular issue is the assumption that culture is transmitted to people, that it is primarily a collective endeavour based on shared values and that culture can endow work with meaning. Based on a cultural psychology perspective, we revisit both the relationship between person and culture and the idea of work as a cultural phenomenon. We argue that work is inherently a meaningful activity, mediating between personal and collective culture. We end by proposing some potential new directions to explore.
Remote consulting with telemonitoring of continuous positive airway pressure usage data for the routine review of people with obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnoea syndrome: A systematic review
Authors: Murphie Phyllis , Little Stuart , McKinstry Brian , Pinnock Hilary
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Telehealth has the potential to offer more convenient care and reduce travel. We aimed to systematically review studies that assessed the effectiveness of teleconsultation plus telemonitoring in the review of people with obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnoea syndrome receiving continuous positive airway pressure therapy versus face-to-face care.

Methods

Following Cochrane methodology, we searched 10 electronic databases (November 2015), trial registries, and reference lists of included studies, for trials testing interventions that combined remote consultations with telemonitoring of usage/continuous positive airway pressure data. Outcomes measures were: proportion reviewed, continuous positive airway pressure adherence, symptom control, and satisfaction/acceptability and cost effectiveness.

Results

From 362 potentially relevant papers, we identified five randomised controlled trials ( n = 269 patients): four from North America and one from Spain. Risk of bias was moderate in one, and moderate/high in four trials. Two trials reported number/duration of reviews with inconsistent results. The teleconsultation/telemonitoring improved continuous positive airway pressure adherence in two trials ( n = 19; n = 75); two ( n = 114 and n = 75) reported no between-groups differences. Two studies, both at moderate/high risk of bias, showed no between-group difference in the Epworth Sleepiness Score. Satisfaction was generally reported positively in all five trials; one trial reported that the teleconsultation/telemonitoring patients were ‘more likely to continue’ with continuous positive airway pressure therapy treatment. One study reported teleconsultation/telemonitoring as cost effective.

Discussion

The evidence for teleconsultation/telemonitoring in continuous positive airway pressure users is limited; however, no safety concerns have been raised. Adequately powered, well-designed trials are needed to establish whether real-time telemonitoring and remote teleconsultation is a clinically and cost effective option for people using continuous positive airway pressure therapy.
A meta-analysis of weekend admission and surgery for aortic rupture and dissection
Authors: Takagi Hisato , Ando Tomo , Umemoto Takuya
Published: October 2017

We performed a meta-analysis to determine whether weekend admission and surgery for ruptured abdominal/thoracic aortic aneurysm (RAAA/RTAA) and acute aortic dissection (AAD) is associated with increased mortality. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from January 1946 to December 2016 using PubMed and OVID. Eligible studies were prospective or retrospective, comparative or cohort studies enrolling patients admitting or undergoing surgery for RAAA/RTAA/AAD and reporting mortality after weekend (including holiday) versus weekday admission/surgery. Our search identified 11 studies including a total of 166,195 patients. A pooled analysis of 13 adjusted odds ratios (ORs), one adjusted hazard ratio, and one unadjusted OR from all 11 studies demonstrated a statistically significant 32% increase in mortality with weekend admission/surgery (OR, 1.32; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.20 to 1.45; p < 0.00001). Despite possible publication bias disadvantageous to weekend admission/surgery based on funnel plot asymmetry, adjustment for the asymmetry using the trim-and-fill method did not alter the significant association of weekend admission/surgery with increased mortality (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.34; p = 0.0006). In conclusion, weekend admission/surgery for ruptured abdominal/thoracic aortic aneurysm and acute aortic dissection (AAD) may be associated with increased mortality.
Attending school after treatment for a brain tumor: Experiences of children and key figures
Authors: Vanclooster Stephanie , Bilsen Johan , Peremans Lieve , Van der Werff Ten Bosch Jutte , Laureys Geneviève , Willems Elsie , Genin Sophie , Van Bogaert Patrick , Paquier Philippe , Jansen Anna
Published: October 2017

Reintegration into school is a milestone for childhood brain tumor survivors, as well as for their parents, teachers, and healthcare providers. We explored their experiences following the school re-entry by conducting semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis resulted in four main themes: “school performance,” “psychosocial well-being,” “support and approach,” and “communication and collaboration.” Children were pleased to return to school despite confrontation with adverse outcomes. Parents, teachers, and healthcare providers identified current and future concerns and challenges, as well as opportunities for academic and personal development. Their experiences highlight the importance of coordinated and systematic follow-up in close collaboration with healthcare providers.
Identification of a novel site of interaction between ataxin-3 and the amyloid aggregation inhibitor polyglutamine binding peptide 1
Authors: Knight Patrick D , Karamanos Theodoros K , Radford Sheena E , Ashcroft Alison E
Published: October 2017

Amyloid diseases represent a growing social and economic burden in the developed world. Understanding the assembly pathway and the inhibition of amyloid formation is key to developing therapies to treat these diseases. The neurodegenerative condition Machado–Joseph disease is characterised by the self-aggregation of the protein ataxin-3. Ataxin-3 consists of a globular N-terminal Josephin domain, which can aggregate into curvilinear protofibrils, and an unstructured, dynamically disordered C-terminal domain containing three ubiquitin interacting motifs separated by a polyglutamine stretch. Upon expansion of the polyglutamine region above 50 residues, ataxin-3 undergoes a second stage of aggregation in which long, straight amyloid fibrils form. A peptide inhibitor of polyglutamine aggregation, known as polyQ binding peptide 1, has been shown previously to prevent the maturation of ataxin-3 fibrils. However, the mechanism of this inhibition remains unclear. Using nanoelectrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry, we demonstrate that polyQ binding peptide 1 binds to monomeric ataxin-3. By investigating the ability of polyQ binding peptide 1 to bind to truncated ataxin-3 constructs lacking one or more domains, we localise the site of this interaction to a 39-residue sequence immediately C-terminal to the Josephin domain. The results suggest a new mechanism for the inhibition of polyglutamine aggregation by polyQ binding peptide 1 in which binding to a region outside of the polyglutamine tract can prevent fibril formation, highlighting the importance of polyglutamine flanking regions in controlling aggregation and disease.
Reflections on the Concept of Authentic Leadership: From an Indigenous Scholar/Leader Perspective
Authors: Faircloth Susan C.
Published: October 2017

The Problem

This article draws on the author’s experiences as an American Indian administrator and faculty member in a public university. The dilemma presented here revolves around her struggle to reconcile her identity as an Indigenous person with the values, beliefs, and priorities of an academic institution solidly rooted in Western structures and traditions.

The Solution

The author draws on this dilemma as she reflects on the concept of authentic leadership as a practicable goal for Indigenous leaders within the academy. In doing so, she cites the need for a nuanced conception of authentic leadership that takes into account the complex identities of Indigenous peoples.

The Stakeholders

The dilemma presented here can be used by human resource development scholars and practitioners as a tool for examining and understanding the ways in which the concept of authentic leadership both conflicts and resonates with the personal and professional values of Indigenous scholars/leaders within academic environments.
Viewing Authentic Leadership Through a Bourdieusian Lens: Understanding Gender and Leadership as Social Action
Authors: Fox-Kirk Wendy
Published: October 2017

The Problem

Many leadership development activities in modern organizations focus on the individual, either finding an individual with the secret sauce, named leadership potential, or training the individual in so-called effective leadership competencies. For women, this focus often leads to a ‘fix the women’ approach. Avolio and Gardner’s Authentic Leadership (AL) theory with its overemphasis on the individual and narrow definitions of what it means to be ‘authentic’ reinforces the concept of the ‘ideal leader’ as the hero who will rid organizations of unethical practice. The theory’s lack of attention to the role of context leads to errors in our understanding of gender and leadership, and perpetuates discrimination.

The Solution

Bourdieu’s Social Theory is used to explore AL theory with a view to illuminating the role of power and privilege inherent in this concept.

The Stakeholders

Stakeholders are leadership development practitioners and HR specialists who are interested in reducing inequalities in organizational practices.
Bodies in Dialogue: Arriving at Thresholds of Dialogic Connections
Authors: Rudnick Justin J.
Published: October 2017

As a place where identities are constructed and shared, dialogue is one such interpersonal context ripe with potential to transform our understandings of Self and Other. Much research pertaining to dialogue notes the importance of maintaining a state of anticipation for moments of dialogue to present themselves. However, largely missing in the ongoing conversation about dialogue is the way in which we place ourselves in states of dialogic anticipation through our bodies. Through the use of representative anecdotes, I illustrate the ways in which bodies facilitate our stepping up to the threshold of dialogue to foster states of anticipation for genuine dialogic meetings. In doing so, I illustrate how we come to embody radical moments of dialogic potential in everyday life.
A decision tree framework for understanding blast-induced mild Traumatic Brain Injury in a military medical database
Authors: Walker Peter B , Mehalick Melissa L , Glueck Amanda C , Tschiffely Anna E , Cunningham Craig A , Norris Jacob N , Davidson Ian N
Published: October 2017

Personalized medicine is a ubiquitous term that has come to be used to describe a medical model that proposes the customization of healthcare, such that decisions and/or treatments are tailored to each individual patient. Under this type of clinical practice model, diagnostic and prognostic decisions are often based upon selecting the most appropriate therapy based on a patient’s genetic, demographic, and/or other pertinent information. The primary aim of this paper is to use a personalized medicine framework to better understand the relationship between neuropsychological testing and the progression of symptoms in a blast-induced mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) patient population. In this paper, we extended our earlier work on Constrained Spectral Partitioning (CSP), a graph-based approach that incorporates additional information from separate graphs to help improve the clustering quality on both graphs simultaneously. While our previous work demonstrated the effectiveness of this algorithm in its ability to accurately classify whether symptoms improved or declined over time, that work did not provide any insights into the progression of symptoms. Therefore, this paper sought to identify, from a clinical perspective, whether symptoms increased/decreased over time. To accomplish this, we developed a decision tree classifier to classify symptom progression based on the outputs from our CSP algorithm. We present results from four separate decision tree classifiers that illustrate the adaptability of these algorithms for utilization as decision rules for the treatment of patients following blast-induced mTBI. Decision tree classifier models are useful in the healthcare setting because patient health data (e.g., diagnosis of a condition or a type of treatment) can be imput into the model and, based on the health data variables, a resulting outcome can be suggested, and providers can use this outcome as information to direct their clinical treatment.
One simple model of small arms fire using the Monte Carlo method
Authors: Mihaylov Deyan G
Published: October 2017

This article provides a simple model of small arms fire. To take account of the different factors affecting the hitting point and various sizes and shapes of the targets, the Monte Carlo method is used. The parameters of the model enable research of the effectiveness of fire for different types of weapons at various targets. As an example, the effectiveness of fire of the AK-47 in one type of target has been investigated for various distances and different firing positions.
Review of simulation models in military workforce planning and management context
Authors: Jnitova Victoria , Elsawah Sondoss , Ryan Michael
Published: October 2017

Simulation models provide useful tools to support decision-making in military workforce planning and management context. This paper presents a literature review of the applications of three most common simulation-based modeling methods in the field of military workforce planning and management: system dynamics, agent-based modeling, and discrete-event simulation. The review consolidates the current state of using these methods in the subject area and also provides a reader with a structured approach to navigation through the subject domain. Findings from this literature review shed light on the research gaps, and potential directions for future research. We present common themes and insights from the review, along with our recommendations for future research. These recommendations are consistent with rigorous research principles and good modeling practices.
Disease-modifying and symptomatic treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Dorst Johannes , Ludolph Albert C. , Huebers Annemarie
Published: October 2017

In this review, we summarize the most important recent developments in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In terms of disease-modifying treatment options, several drugs such as dexpramipexole, pioglitazone, lithium, and many others have been tested in large multicenter trials, albeit with disappointing results. Therefore, riluzole remains the only directly disease-modifying drug. In addition, we discuss antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) as a new and potentially causal treatment option.

Progress in symptomatic treatments has been more important. Nutrition and ventilation are now an important focus of ALS therapy. Several studies have firmly established that noninvasive ventilation improves patients’ quality of life and prolongs survival. On the other hand, there is still no consensus regarding best nutritional management, but big multicenter trials addressing this issue are currently ongoing. Evidence regarding secondary symptoms like spasticity, muscle cramps or sialorrhea remains generally scarce, but some new insights will also be discussed. Growing evidence suggests that multidisciplinary care in specialized clinics improves survival.
Dove: A biomimetic flapping-wing micro air vehicle
Authors: Yang Wenqing , Wang Liguang , Song Bifeng
Published: October 2017

This paper describes the design and development of the Dove, a flapping-wing micro air vehicle (FWMAV), which was developed in Northwestern Polytechnical University. FWMAVs have attracted international attentions since the past two decades. Since some achievements have been obtained, such as the capability of supporting an air vehicle to fly, our research goal was to design an FWMAV that has the ability to accomplish a task. Main investigations were presented in this paper, including the flexible wing design, the flapping mechanism design, and the on-board avionics development. The current Dove has a mass of 220 g, a wingspan of 50 cm, and the ability of operating fully autonomously, flying lasts half an hour, and transmitting live stabilized color video to a ground station over 4 km away.
Gait speed has comparable prognostic capability to six-minute walk distance in older patients with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Kamiya Kentaro , Hamazaki Nobuaki , Matsue Yuya , Mezzani Alessandro , Corrà Ugo , Matsuzawa Ryota , Nozaki Kohei , Tanaka Shinya , Maekawa Emi , Noda Chiharu , Yamaoka-Tojo Minako , Matsunaga Atsuhiko , Masuda Takashi , Ako Junya
Published: October 2017

Background

Although gait speed and six-minute walk distance are used to assess functional capacity in older patients with cardiovascular disease, their prognostic capabilities have not been directly compared.

Methods

The study population was identified from the Kitasato University Cardiac Rehabilitation Database and consisted of 1474 patients ≥60 years old with a mean age of 72.2 ± 7.1 years that underwent evaluation of both usual gait speed and six-minute walk distance in routine geriatric assessment between 1 June 2008–30 September 2015. Both gait speed and six-minute walk distance were determined on the same day at hospital discharge.

Results

Mean gait speed and six-minute walk distance in the whole population were 1.04 m/s and 381 m, respectively, and were strongly positively correlated ( r = 0.80, p < 0.001). A total of 180 deaths occurred during a follow-up of 2.3 ± 1.9 years. After adjusting for confounding factors, both gait speed (adjusted hazard ratio per 0.1 m/s increase: 0.87, 95% confidence interval: 0.81–0.93, p < 0.001) and six-minute walk distance (adjusted hazard ratio per 10-metre increase: 0.96, 95% confidence interval: 0.94–0.97, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of all-cause mortality. There was no significant difference in prognostic capability between gait speed and six-minute walk distance (c-index: 0.64 (95% confidence interval: 0.60–0.69) and 0.66 (95% confidence interval: 0.61–0.70), respectively, p = 0.357).

Conclusions

Gait speed and six-minute walk distance showed similar prognostic predictive ability for all-cause mortality in older cardiovascular disease patients, indicating the potential utility of gait speed as a simple risk stratification tool in older cardiovascular disease patients.
Chronic post-amputation pain: peri-operative management – Review
Authors: Srivastava Devjit
Published: October 2017

Study design:

Narrative review.

Method:

Eight bibliographic databases were searched for studies published in the (last five years up until Feb 2017). For the two database searches (Cochrane and DARE), the time frame was unlimited. The review involved keyword searches of the term ‘Amputation’ AND ‘chronic pain’. Studies selected were interrogated for any association between peri-operative factors and the occurrence of chronic post amputation pain (CPAP).

Results:

Heterogeneity of study populations and outcome measures prevented a systematic review and hence a narrative synthesis of results was undertaken. The presence of variation in two gene alleles (GCH1 and KCNS1) may be relevant for development of CPAP. There was little evidence to draw conclusions on the association between age, gender and CPAP. Pre-operative anxiety and depression influenced pain intensity post operatively and long-term post amputation pain (CPAP). The presence of pre-amputation pain is correlated to the development of acute and chronic post amputation pain while evidence for the association of post-operative pain with CPAP is modest. Regional anaesthesia and peri-neural catheters improve acute postoperative pain relief but evidence on their efficacy to prevent CPAP is limited. A suggested whole system pathway based on current evidence to optimize peri-operative amputation pain is described.

Conclusion:

The current evidence suggests that optimized peri-operative analgesia reduces the incidence of acute peri-operative pain but no firm conclusion can be drawn on reducing risk for CPAP.
Fecal immunochemical tests in combination with blood tests for colorectal cancer and advanced adenoma detection—systematic review
Authors: Niedermaier Tobias , Weigl Korbinian , Hoffmeister Michael , Brenner Hermann
Published: October 2017

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common but largely preventable cancer. Although fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) detect the majority of CRCs, they miss some of the cancers and most advanced adenomas (AAs). The potential of blood tests in complementing FITs for the detection of CRC or AA has not yet been systematically investigated.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of performance of FIT combined with an additional blood test for CRC and AA detection versus FIT alone. PubMed and Web of Science were searched until June 9, 2017.

Results

Some markers substantially increased sensitivity for CRC when combined with FIT, albeit typically at a major loss of specificity. For AA, no relevant increase in sensitivity could be achieved.

Conclusion

Combining FIT and blood tests might be a promising approach to enhance sensitivity of CRC screening, but comprehensive evaluation of promising marker combinations in screening populations is needed.
Acquisition of double mutation in gyrA caused high resistance to sitafloxacin in Helicobacter pylori after unsuccessful eradication with sitafloxacin-containing regimens
Authors: Mori Hideki , Suzuki Hidekazu , Matsuzaki Juntaro , Masaoka Tatsuhiro , Kanai Takanori
Published: October 2017

Background and aim

Although sitafloxacin (STFX)-containing regimens are effective rescue treatments for Helicobacter pylori infection, prevalence of fluoroquinolone resistance in H. pylori has increased rapidly worldwide. The change in resistance levels and gyrA mutations, a major cause of fluoroquinolone resistance, after unsuccessful STFX-containing treatment has not been investigated.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, non-randomized study to compare the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of STFX and the location of gyrA mutations in H. pylori before and after unsuccessful eradication with STFX-containing regimens at Keio University Hospital between December 2011 and March 2015.

Results

A total of 266 patients treated with STFX-containing regimens for third-line H. pylori eradication were evaluated. Double mutations in gyrA were acquired by 20.8% of strains that exhibited seven-fold increased STFX MICs, compared to pre-treatment MICs. The STFX MICs did not increase, however, when the location of the gyrA mutations did not change after treatment. Double mutations in gyrA developed in 60.0% of the strains in which eradication failed, which exhibited a baseline mutation at position D91, and in 11.1% of strains with baseline mutations at position N87.

Conclusion

Acquisition of double mutations in gyrA evoked high-level resistance to STFX in H. pylori after unsuccessful eradication with STFX-containing regimens.
Locating the government: Capital cities and civil conflict
Authors: Potter Alan
Published: October 2017

The location of the national capital is frequently contentious in domestic politics. Almost 30% of countries house their capitals outside of their largest city and 11 countries have relocated their capitals since 1960. This paper argues that locating the capital outside of the largest urban center may reduce civil conflict by limiting the ability of any single faction to dominate the government. When the government is less afraid of large urban populations in the capital, it is better able to appease multiple factions. Cross-national evidence supports this argument in that locating the capital outside of a major city is associated with a significant reduction in both violent and non-violent civil conflict.
The project system and its impact on the relationship between different levels of government
Authors: Chen Jiajian , Zhang Qiongwen , Hu Yu
Published: October 2017

In recent years, project initiatives have become an important administrative vehicle of Chinese state governance. The existing literature reveals that the system has increased the control of higher level authorities over their subordinates, affecting the lower level governments’ capability for overall coordination. To verify this, this study examines a micro-lending program for women in Sichuan province, sponsored by central government. The findings indicate that although the project system provides opportunities for control from top to bottom, it also provides lower-level governments with more bargaining power as counterweights. It is argued that the project system has helped local governments to protect local interests by clarifying the rights and responsibilities in the hierarchy system. This has begun to have far-reaching effects on local governance, as well as the relationship between different levels of government and between the state and society.
Flag on the Play
Authors: Harker Jennifer L.
Published: October 2017

This study examines the presence of journalistic antapologia (JA) in newspaper-reported sports apologies over a 5-year period (2010–2015). Results from this analysis offer a comprehensive assessment of the current landscape of JA in sports journalism, specifically, by rhetorically analyzing the kategoria and apologia that combine to trigger an antapologic response. A new presence categorization for JA is offered by examining the role enactment of adversarial journalism. This study furthers our knowledge of the rhetorical cycle and the ways in which apologetic rhetoric commingle in adversarial news reporting in sport-related social dramas.
A Comparative Analysis of Multi-criteria Decision Models for ERP Package Selection for Improving Supply Chain Performance
Authors: Ghosh Indranil , Biswas Sanjib
Published: October 2017

Advancement in information and communication technology (ICT) has turned information as one of the key organisational resources for managing business operations. In this information age, one of the key strategic considerations for achieving competitive advantage involves an information intensive supply chain management (SCM), integrating all the activities and partners beyond the enterprise boundaries. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) forms the backbone of such extended enterprises. There has been a growing interest of the organisations to invest in the ERP solutions. However, selection of an appropriate ERP package plays a critical role in achieving the business objectives. In this article, we have identified the criteria for selecting an appropriate ERP package. Further, we have used different multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods for ranking of the alternative ERP packages to select a suitable one. A comparative analysis has been carried out. Some future scopes of work have also been highlighted.
The Effect of Employer Brand Dimensions on Organisational Commitment: Evidence from Indian IT Industry
Authors: Tanwar Karnica
Published: October 2017

The purpose of the present research is to explore the relationships between employer branding dimensions and organisational commitment. The reliability and validity of the model has been addressed through confirmatory factor analysis. Structural equation modelling has been used to determine the contribution of employer branding through organisational commitment. The results demonstrate that two dimensions of employer branding, namely development value and social value act as critical predictors of organisational commitment. The study understands the role of employer branding from existing employees’ perspective in a developing nation like India.
Effect of Metformin on Vascular Function in Children With Type 1 Diabetes: A 12-Month Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Anderson Jemma J A , Couper Jennifer J , Giles Lynne C , Leggett Catherine E , Gent Roger , Coppin Brian , Peña Alexia S
Published: October 2017

Context

Children with type 1 diabetes have vascular dysfunction preceding atherosclerosis. Early interventions are needed to reduce cardiovascular disease.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of metformin on vascular function in children with type 1 diabetes.

Design

Twelve-month double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Setting

Tertiary pediatric diabetes clinic.

Participants

Ninety children (8 to 18 years of age), >50th percentile body mass index (BMI), with type 1 diabetes.

Intervention

Metformin (up to 1 g twice a day) or placebo.

Main Outcome Measure

Vascular function measured by brachial artery ultrasound [flow-mediated dilatation/glyceryl trinitrate–mediated dilatation (GTN)].

Results

Ninety participants were enrolled [41 boys, 13.6 (2.5) years of age, 45 per group], 10 discontinued intervention, and 1 was lost to follow-up. On metformin, GTN improved, independent of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), by 3.3 percentage units [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.3, 6.3, P = 0.03] and insulin dose reduced by 0.2 U/kg/d (95% CI 0.1, 0.3, P = 0.001) during 12 months, with effects from 3 months. Metformin had a beneficial effect on HbA1c at 3 months (P = 0.001) and difference in adjusted HbA1c between groups during 12 months was 1.0%; 95% CI 0.4, 1.5 (10.9 mmol/mol; 95% CI 4.4, 16.4), P = 0.001. There were no effects on carotid/aortic intima media thickness, BMI, lipids, blood pressure, or other cardiovascular risk factors. Median (95% CI) adherence, evaluated by electronic monitoring, was 75.5% (65.7, 81.5), without group differences. More gastrointestinal side effects were reported on metformin (incidence rate ratio 1.65, 95% CI 1.08, 2.52, P = 0.02), with no difference in hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Conclusions

Metformin improved vascular smooth muscle function and HbA1c, and lowered insulin dose in type 1 diabetes children. These benefits and good safety profile warrant further consideration of its use.
Improving agricultural knowledge management: The AgTrials experience
Authors: Hyman Glenn , Espinosa Herlin , Camargo Paola , Abreu David , Devare Medha , Arnaud Elizabeth , Porter Cheryl , Mwanzia Leroy , Sonder Kai , Traore Sibiry
Published: October 2017

Background: Opportunities to use data and information to address challenges in international agricultural research and development are expanding rapidly. The use of agricultural trial and evaluation data has enormous potential to improve crops and management practices. However, for a number of reasons, this potential has yet to be realized. This paper reports on the experience of the AgTrials initiative, an effort to build an online database of agricultural trials applying principles of interoperability and open access. Methods: Our analysis evaluates what worked and what did not work in the development of the AgTrials information resource. We analyzed data on our users and their interaction with the platform. We also surveyed our users to gauge their perceptions of the utility of the online database. Results: The study revealed barriers to participation and impediments to interaction, opportunities for improving agricultural knowledge management and a large potential for the use of trial and evaluation data. Conclusions: Technical and logistical mechanisms for developing interoperable online databases are well advanced.  More effort will be needed to advance organizational and institutional work for these types of databases to realize their potential.
Recent Advances in Understanding Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Kennedy Lindsey , Hargrove Laura , Demieville Jennifer , Francis Nicole , Seils Rowan , Villamaria Sara , Francis Heather
Published: October 2017

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive malignancy that arises from damaged epithelial cells, cholangiocytes, and possibly de-differentiated hepatocytes. CCA has a poor overall survival rate and limited therapeutic options. Based on this data, it is imperative that new diagnostic and therapeutic interventions be developed. Recent work has attempted to understand the pathological mechanisms driving CCA progression. Specifically, recent publications have delved into the role of cancer stem cells (CSCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and microRNAs (miRNAs) during CCA pathology. CSCs are a specific subset of cells within the tumor environment that are derived from a cell with stem-like properties and have been shown to influence recurrence and chemoresistance during CCA. MSCs are known for their anti-inflammatory activity and have been postulated to influence malignancy during CCA, but little is known about their exact functions. miRNAs exert various functions via gene regulation at both the transcriptional and the translational levels, giving miRNAs diverse roles in CCA progression. Additionally, current miRNA-based therapeutic approaches are in clinical trials for various liver diseases, giving hope for similar approaches for CCA. However, the interactions among these three factors in the context of CCA are unknown. In this review, we focus on recently published data (within the last 3 years) that discuss the role of CSCs, MSCs, and miRNAs and their possible interactions during CCA pathogenesis.
Impact of effective contact rate and post treatment immune status on population tuberculosis infection and disease using a mathematical model
Authors: Issarow Chacha M. , Mulder Nicola , Wood Robin
Published: October 2017

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) disease burden is determined by both infection and progression rate to disease. Progression rate varies by immune status, with prior infection in high burdened settings significantly reducing the progression to disease from subsequent reinfections and completion of successful treatment associated with increased risk of subsequent TB disease. Novel studies of TB vaccines are now underway targeting high risk individuals who have completed successful combination TB chemotherapy for active TB.

Methods: In our study, we explored the impact of effective contact rate (β) and post-treatment immune status on population TB burden using a mathematical model incorporating five immunological states; susceptible, newly infected, reinfected, active TB and treated TB.

Results: We found that the number of newly infected individuals increased with increasing values of β< 10yr-1, but declined when β> 10yr-1. Corresponding numbers of reinfected individuals increased with increasing values of β irrespective of post-treatment immune status. Furthermore, we noted that the number of active TB cases decreased by 7 - 17% when treated individuals moved to either newly infected or reinfected immune states, respectively, rather than to the fully susceptible state at values of β< 10yr-1. The corresponding declines in TB burden were only 2 - 7% at values of β> 10yr-1. Results show that TB prevalence in high burden settings is primarily driven by effective contact rates, which are significantly modified by pre- and post-treatment immune factors.

Conclusions: The observation that impact of post-treatment immune status modification on population burden may be diminished in very high burdened settings will be important for vaccine design.