bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Diabetes Self-Management among Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Gunggu Azylina , Thon Chang Ching , Whye Lian Cheah
Published: August 2016

Diabetes mellitus is a public health concern in Malaysia. Treatment of diabetes is costly and can lead to complications if disease is poorly controlled. Diabetes self-management (DSM) is found to be essential for optimal glycemic control. This cross-sectional study was conducted among samples from four randomly selected diabetes clinics in Sarawak, Malaysia. The aim was to determine the predictors for DSM. Face-to-face interview using questionnaire was used to collect data. Four hundred respondents with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were recruited. Majority of the respondents were Sarawak Bumiputra (Iban and Bidayuh, 48.6%) and female (68.6%). The mean age was 58.77 years (SD = 11.46) and approximately half of the respondents (50.6%) had T2DM for six years (SD = 4.46). The mean fasting blood glucose (FBG) was 8.06 mmol/L (SD = 2.94), with majority (76.1%) having the level higher than 6.1 mmol/L. Multiple logistic regression tests showed significant linear relationship between DSM and belief in treatment effectiveness (p=0.001), family support (p=0.007), and self-efficacy (p=0.027). Health care personnel must convince patients with T2DM of the effectiveness of the treatment, empower and enhance their self-efficacy, and enlist the family support so as to ensure patients sustain their DSM efforts.
Steroid Refractory Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia Secondary to Sarcoidosis Successfully Treated with Rituximab and Mycophenolate Mofetil
Authors: Green Sarah , Partridge Erica , Idedevbo Edore , Borg Anton
Published: August 2016

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia is not a well-recognised complication of sarcoidosis. We describe the case of a 30-year-old female who presented with acute warm haemolytic anaemia and widespread lymphadenopathy. Sarcoidosis was diagnosed on lymph node biopsy and further investigation. The haemolytic anaemia responded only to a high dose of steroids. Evidence regarding treatment of steroid refractory autoimmune haemolysis secondary to sarcoidosis is lacking. Based on the emergent evidence that both disorders share common immunopathogenic mechanisms involving Th1 and Th17 lymphocytes, our patient was given rituximab and mycophenolate mofetil to successfully suppress the haemolysis and sarcoid activity.
Analyses of Pretherapy Peripheral Immunoscore and Response to Vaccine Therapy
Authors: Farsaci Benedetto , Donahue Renee N. , Grenga Italia , Lepone Lauren M. , Kim Peter S. , Dempsey Brendan , Siebert Janet C. , Ibrahim Nuhad K. , Madan Ravi A. , Heery Christopher R. , Gulley James L. , Schlom Jeffrey
Published: August 2016

Tumor immunoscore analyses, especially for primary colorectal cancer and melanoma lesions, provide valuable prognostic information. Metastatic lesions of many carcinoma types, however, are often not easily accessible. We hypothesized that immune cells in peripheral blood may differ among individual patients with metastatic disease, which, in turn, may influence their response to immunotherapy. We thus analyzed immune cell subsets within peripheral blood mononuclear cells to determine if a "peripheral immunoscore" could have any prognostic significance for patients before receiving immunotherapy. Patients with metastatic breast cancer were randomly assigned to receive docetaxel ± PANVAC vaccine. In another trial, prostate cancer patients with metastatic bone lesions were randomly assigned to receive a bone-seeking radionuclide ± PROSTVAC vaccine. Predefined analyses of "classic" immune cell types (CD4, CD8, natural killer cells, regulatory T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and ratios) revealed no differences in progression-free survival (PFS) for either arm in both trials. Predefined analyses of refined immune cell subsets for which a biologic function had been previously reported also showed no significant prognostic value in PFS for patients receiving either docetaxel or radionuclide alone; however, in patients receiving these agents in combination with vaccine, the peripheral immunoscore of refined subsets revealed statistically significant differences in PFS (P < 0.001) for breast cancer patients receiving docetaxel plus vaccine, and in prostate cancer patients receiving radionuclide plus vaccine (P = 0.004). Larger randomized studies will be required to validate these findings. These studies, however, provide the rationale for the evaluation of refined immune cell subsets to help determine which patients may benefit most from immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(9); 755–65. ©2016 AACR.
Significant Association between Toll-Like Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Posttransplantation Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Kim Jin Sug , Kim Seul Ki , Park Ji Yoon , Kim Yang Gyun , Moon Joo Young , Lee Sang Ho , Ihm Chun Gyoo , Lee Tae Won , Kim Su Kang , Chung Joo-Ho , Kang Sun Woo , Kim Tae Hee , Kim Yeong Hoon , Jeong Kyung Hwan
Published: August 2016

Background: Posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is an important metabolic complication after renal transplantation. Activation of the innate immune system via toll-like receptors (TLRs) is implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and deficiency. Although links between diabetes, dysregulated innate immune responses, and the TLR signaling pathway have been reported, no study so far has investigated their associations with PTDM. In this study, we ascertained whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TLRs are associated with PTDM in the Korea population. Methods: A total of 305 patients who received renal transplants without previously diagnosed diabetes were included. We analyzed the association between PTDM development and 6 SNPs within 2 genes of TLR2, 1 gene of TLR4, and 3 genes of TRL6. Results: Of 305 patients, PTDM developed in 51 patients (16.6%). Patients in the PTDM group were older than those in the non-PTDM group (45.56 ± 1.28 vs. 38.28 ± 0.71 years). Patients with PTDM had significantly higher allele frequency compared to those without PTDM for the TLR4 rs1927914*T, TLR6 rs3775073*A, TLR6 rs3821985*C, and TLR6 rs1039559*C alleles. Of the 6 SNPs, rs1927914 in the TLR4 gene and rs1039559 in the TLR6 gene were significantly associated with the development of PTDM after adjustment for age, gender, and tacrolimus usage. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates a significant association between SNPs rs1927914 in TLR4 and rs1039559 in TLR6 and PTDM in the renal transplantation recipient group. These data suggest that the activation of the innate immune system and inflammation via TLR activation might have an essential role in the pathogenesis of PTDM in renal transplantation.
Association between X-Ray Repair Cross-Complementing Group 1 Arg399Gln Polymorphism and Cervical Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis in the Chinese Population
Authors: Zhang Fang , Li Bing , Wu Hong-Yan , Shang Li-Xin
Published: August 2016

Background: Many studies have examined the association of X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) Arg399Gln polymorphism with cervical cancer susceptibility. However, the results of these studies are inconsistent. To further assess the effects of XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism on the risk of cervical cancer in the Chinese population, a meta-analysis was performed. Methods: Relevant studies were identified using PubMed, Springer Link, Ovid, Chinese Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese Biology Medicine through December 2015. Pooled ORs and 95% CIs were used to assess the strength of the associations. Results: This meta-analysis identified 7 studies, including 1,589 cases and 2,235 controls. In the total analyses, a significantly elevated risk of cervical cancer was associated with variants of XRCC1 Arg399Gln (GA vs. GG: OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.13-1.49; AA + GA vs. GG: OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.02-1.58). In the subgroup analyses stratified by geographic areas and histopathology type, it revealed the significant result in South China. Conclusions: This meta-analysis showed that the XRCC1 Arg399Gln GA variant might be risk alleles for cervical cancer susceptibility in the Chinese population, and further studies in other ethnic groups are required to arrive at definite conclusions.
“The Glorious Impossible”
Authors: O’Connell Michael
Published: August 2016

Alice McDermott’s work is often cited as being an exemplar of the best that contemporary Catholic literature has to offer, and yet sustained close readings of her fiction are lacking. In this essay, I discuss how her work fits in the larger conversation about contemporary literature of belief, focusing on her novels Charming Billy and Someone. In Charming Billy, McDermott connects the act of storytelling to the practice of belief, emphasizing how what we choose to believe affects how we act. In Someone, she uses the form of the novel to depict the patterns of grace that are present in our life, whether we are consciously aware of them or not. Both novels allow for the possibility of the divine presence at work in the world, but her characters’ struggles over what to believe and how to act on these beliefs reflect the tensions of faith in the modern age.
A new two-pored species of Amphisbaena (Squamata, Amphisbaenidae) from the Brazilian Cerrado, with a key to the two-pored species of Amphisbaena
Authors: RIBEIRO SÍRIA , GOMES JERRIANE O. , SILVA HELDER LÚCIO RODRIGUES DA , CINTRA CARLOS EDUARDO D. , SILVA NELSON JORGE DA JR.
Published: August 2016

A new species of Amphisbaena is described from municipalities of Babaçulândia, State of Tocantins, and Estreito, State of Maranhão, northern Brazilian Cerrado. The new species differs from other two-pored species of the genus, by presenting mainly slender body shape; snout rounded in profile and dorsal view; high number of body annuli (328–342); 12–14 dorsal segments and 14–16 ventral in midbody half-annulus; autotomic site between 9–10th caudal annuli; absence of chevron-shaped anterior dorsal half-annuli; 20–23 caudal annuli; postmalar row absent; and precloacals pores arranged in a continuous series of the precloacal half-annuli. Additionally, we present a key for two-pored species of Amphisbaena.
Review of Lecithoceridae (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea) in the Oceanian Region, with description of a new species and a checklist of the family
Authors: PARK KYU-TEK , CHO SOOWON , BAE YANG-SEOP
Published: August 2016

The Family Lecithoceridae of the Oceanian region, which includes New Guinea (Papua and Papua New Guinea) together with some islands east of Borneo and SW Pacific islands, is reviewed, with a description of Thubana brunalis Park, sp. nov. T. brunalis is the second species of the Torodorinae introduced to the region. Also included a historical review on the taxonomic works on the family in the region, a zoogeographical consideration of the taxa, and a tentative check list of the family, including 158 valid species names. Sphenocrates Meyrick, 1925, syn. nov. is synonymized with Crocanthes Meyrick. New combinations include Pectinimura palpella (Bradley, 1961), comb. nov. and Crocanthes neptis (Diakonoff, 1954), comb. nov.
The first elateroid beetles (Coleoptera: Polyphaga: Elateroidea) from the Upper Jurassic of Australia
Authors: OBERPRIELER ROLF G. , ASHMAN LAUREN G. , FRESE MICHAEL , ŚLIPIŃSKI ADAM
Published: August 2016

The first elateroid fossils from the Upper Jurassic Talbragar Fish Bed in Australia are described and illustrated. Wongaroo amplipectorale gen. et sp. n., based on two specimens, is placed in the family Cerophytidae due to its convex, posteriorly weakly angled and laterally carinate pronotum obscuring the head in dorsal view, its relatively long, pointed elytra and slender legs, its 9-striate elytra with deep basal pits and the absence of metacoxal plates. Beattieellus jurassicus gen. et sp. n., described from one specimen, possesses the acutely angled pronotum without a carina on the posterolateral angles and the ventral click apparatus typical of Eucnemidae and is classified in this family. Assignment of it to a eucnemid subfamily is impossible because of the insufficient preservation of relevant characters in the fossil. Four other elateroid fossils, possibly representing eucnemids and elaterids, are illustrated and briefly described but not named, due to their insufficient preservation. These fossils represent the first of their kind in Australia and in the Southern Hemisphere, and Beattieellus is also the oldest eucnemid fossil known and extends the fossil record of Eucnemidae into the Upper Jurassic. The discovery of elateroid fossils in the Talbragar Fish Bed adds to the coleopteran diversity of this ancient lake ecosystem, indicating that it was well wooded and provided suitable habitats of rotten wood for the development of the larvae of these taxa.
An integrated model for supplier selection in the public procurement sector of defence
Authors: Nikou Christodoulos , Moschuris Socrates J. , Filiopoulos Ioannis
Published: August 2016

Public procurement in defence includes the supplier selection issue. The purpose of this article is to suggest a model that combines Analytic Hierarchy Process with Voronoi Diagrams/Thiessen Polygons and Reilly’s law in order to propose a way to effectively use European Directive 2009/81/article 23. It also endeavours to expand the model by providing tools that increase its applicability, as well as providing a flexible and cost-effective tool for supplier selection to public procurement managers, allowing quick decision-making. It is also applicable in the correspondent private sector.

Points for practitioners

The model attempts to enrich supplier selection methods in the public procurement of defence. Its analysis may assist in: assessing potential suppliers more objectively, using a combination of well-established tools; presenting results to management that may reduce budgetary planning and avoid supply disruptions; enhancing the spirit of cooperation among departments of an organization/agency. It allows the joining of mathematics with experience and an important aspect of the legal frame in the public procurement of defence. Practitioners may also conclude that it is expandable to other sectors due to its flexibility.
Proactive employers and teachers’ working time regulation: Public sector industrial conflicts in Denmark and Norway
Authors: Mailand Mikkel
Published: August 2016

Public sector industrial relations in Denmark are normally perceived as relatively consensual, and as a ‘model employer’ country with a strong collective bargaining tradition it is one of the countries where unilateral regulation could be least expected. However, in 2013, a lockout without any prior strike or strike-warning in the bargaining area for primary and lower secondary education only, came to an end through legislative intervention. The article includes three main arguments. First, the government and the public employers took these drastic steps because various factors created a rare ‘window of opportunity’ for them. Second, the reason a Norwegian industrial conflict in 2014 with a very similar point of departure ended very differently was first and foremost that the Norwegian process was not embedded in politics and policy reform to the same extent as the Danish process. Third, the Danish case shows that Denmark might not have escaped the trend towards unilateralism seen across Europe.
Bimodal Stimulation in Prelingually Deaf Children
Authors: Scorpecci Alessandro , Giannantonio Sara , Pacifico Concettina , Marsella Pasquale
Published: August 2016

Objective

(1) To survey the use of bimodal stimulation by prelingually deaf children receiving unilateral cochlear implantation and (2) to investigate demographic and audiologic factors explaining the use of bimodal stimulation.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

Tertiary care institution.

Subjects and Methods

The study included 44 unilaterally implanted prelingually deaf children from a single institution, with a minimum follow‐up of 1 year. During routine follow‐up visits, an examiner interviewed parents on their children’s use of bimodal stimulation. At the same time, residual hearing and hearing aid gain in the contralateral ear were assessed.

Results

Approximately half of patients (52%) used bimodal stimulation. On average, bimodal users showed better mean unaided and aided thresholds than nonbimodal users (P <. 001). A mean 250‐ to 500‐Hz unaided threshold ≤90 dB HL in the contralateral, nonimplanted ear was associated with a higher probability of bimodal use (P =. 008). Parental satisfaction with the contralateral hearing aid was inversely correlated with mean 125‐ to 500‐Hz and 1000‐ to 4000‐Hz unaided thresholds (P <. 001) and mean 250‐ to 500‐Hz and 1000‐ to 4000‐Hz aided thresholds (P <. 001).

Conclusions

A mean 250‐ to 500‐Hz unaided threshold ≤90 dB HL is associated with a higher probability of bimodal use by prelingually deaf children. Better residual hearing is associated with a higher degree of parental satisfaction with the contralateral hearing aid. This information could be useful to counsel parents of prelingually deaf children, when deciding between bimodal stimulation and simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation.
What Factors Influence Pioneering Advantage of Companies?
Authors: Mittal Sharad , Swami Sanjeev
Published: August 2016

Rapid rate of change in technologies, markets, and other environmental factors makes order of entry as one of the most crucial decisions for business survival and performance in today's world. Pioneering (first-mover) is an important strategy for a firm in today's dynamic and competitive environment. Researchers have shown that, in the developed markets of the world, the pioneers have better performance and profitability than the followers. In this paper, the authors develop a conceptual framework to explain the various factors that might influence a firm's pioneering efforts in the Indian market. They propose specific hypotheses regarding the effect of order of entry on performance (market share, sales, return on investment, and profit before tax) and strategic components (R&D, advertising, promotion, and distribution). They also propose additional hypotheses to examine the association between the strategies and performance, variations within the pioneers group, and the moderating effect of competitive environment on the other relationships.

The authors use secondary data from the CMIE PROWESS database to test the various hypotheses. The sample consists of 394 companies across 32 industry segments which include consumer goods industries such as fast-moving consumer goods, beverages, and consumer durables and industrial goods industries such as cables and mining. They have used the same sample of companies at three different points of time (1993, 1997, and 2001) to test the various hypotheses. The sampling frame is the list of Top 500 Indian companies (Business World, October 7, 2002).

The results confirm the following aspects: In general, the pioneers perform better than the followers and firms which enter early into the market have larger sales, market share, and profit than followers. Firms which enter first into the market are generally more aggressive in pursuing various strategies such as R&D, advertising, promotion, and distribution. Investments in strategies create entry barriers for competitors who may find it difficult to compete with existing firms as resource requirements are quite high in this scenario. Pioneering advantage seems to be a long-term competitive advantage for busi- nesses as pioneers' performance is consistently better than that of the followers over the years. Although the pioneering effect starts reducing over time in terms of market share, profit margins for pioneers are higher even after considerable length of time.

The authors find that there are large variations in the performance within the pioneers group itself which indicates that there are other factors also, apart from order of entry, with potential bearing on firm's performance. The results show that performance (market share) and strategic variables are closely related and dependent upon each other. Further, they find that the effect of order of entry on performance is stronger for those firms that operate in less intense competitive environment than those that operate in more intense competitive environment.
Dynamics of Reinvention
Authors: Ramnarayan S , Nilakant V
Published: August 2016

This paper examines the psychological aspects of reinvention by initially discussing the case of a failed reinvention in a large engineering organization (LEO). The change involved initiation of business planning in each of its three major plants to spur development of new products and value-added products. This required altering mindsets or routines. Routines had to be changed with regard to the behaviour of individuals at junior levels, actions at senior levels, basis for actions, norms for sharing information, assuming responsibility, communicating expectations, working across functions and so on. When there is little attention paid to altering routines, change programme does not stand much chance of success.

The change at LEO also required a clear and shared understanding of the final destination. The issue of sub-goals pulling in different directions had to be examined. In LEO, while there was clarity on what was needed to be changed and why, there was little exploration of how changes could be brought about. The organizational architecture at LEO did not allow the change to take roots. Yet, neither the organizational architecture was changed nor its incompatibility considered and factored in. Thus, the existing organizational arrangements were ignored in the mental maps of the key decision-makers. As a result, they were surprised by the unexpected resistance to change and were even paralysed by it.

As the challenges of mindsets, final destination, and existing organizational architecture were not addressed, there was absence of effective conversations and distortions in people's thinking and actions. Ineffective conversations made it difficult to integrate information, ideas, and insights distributed across different levels and functions into thinking and actions that are appropriate for the demands of the problem. Distortion in people's thinking was reflected in their behaviour of ignoring real problems and getting busy with pseudo-challenges that could protect their sense of competence. When individuals feel marginalized, experience little or no support or recognition, they tend not to engage with the problems that they believe are too large for them to make a difference.

After examining the major hurdles to the success of reinvention, this paper discusses the story of successful transformation of Nissan. The case examines how the goal setting was approached how cross-functional teams were created to address the organizational architecture demands for Nissan's strategic challenges what was done to provide key actors a sense of competence and control as they approached the fuzzy destination and uncharted terrain.

The paper then derives key lessons on how to manage reinvention. More specifically, implications are discussed in terms of how destination can be clarified and goals set, how structural barriers to engagement can be removed, and how routines can be attended to so that understanding of reality is influenced and effective conversations are promoted.
Taking Charge and Leading Reinvention: Some Insights
Authors: Dixit Mukund R
Published: August 2016

This paper presents the insights obtained from a study of reinvention efforts of five Preliberalization Indian Organizations (PLIOs) in India. It delineates the process of taking charge and the phases in reinvention. PLIOs—public sector undertakings, subsidiaries of multinational companies, corporations set up by large business houses, and cooperative enterprises — found themselves at crossroads as the economic reforms with their thrust on competitiveness, globalization, and privatization unfolded. The business challenges posed by the reforms were accentuated by the changes in the communication and information technologies that broke the distance and time barriers. In addition, the PLIOs had to grapple with new ideas, concepts, frameworks, and processes in managing organizations. They had to build capabilities to face new entrants with superior experience and reach and compete for a share in the domestic and international markets. They also had to build capabilities to explore new opportunities. The gap between what needed to be accomplished and what the organizations were immediately capable of accomplishing was significant.

The leaders of the organizations studied had initiated efforts to reinvent themselves and build the capabilities needed. While their business domains differed, they faced similar problems in initiating the reinvention, similar learning and unlearning challenges, and similar phases in effecting the reinvention. Each leader was empowered to design and implement the reinvention. While the overall expectations were spelt out, the approach and the actions were not. The organizations passed through similar phases. The phases identified by the paper are: House-keeping and catch-up, experimentation and innovation, and dynamic multiplication. The paper discusses in detail the facilitators and constraints in each phase and the issues in making the transition from one phase to the other.

The major findings of the paper are as follows: The duration of the organization in each phase and its transition to the next were dependent on the response of the stakeholders to the initiatives of the organization and the consequent pay-offs and spin-offs. The leaders who made it to the next phase did not wait till the current phase was fully completed. They disengaged themselves from active involvement in the phase while it was still on and committed resources to the next phase. Both the leader and the organization learnt and unlearnt together as the reinvention effort passed from one phase to the next.

The paper points out that it is important to recognize the contribution of the leader and the managers involved to the reinvention success, especially the middle managers, and reward them to retain their competencies. The paper also notes that reinvention efforts could lead to complacency and decline. The leaders should guard themselves and their organizations against them.
Development of a Conceptual Model of Disease Progression for Use in Economic Modeling of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Tabberer Maggie , Gonzalez-McQuire Sebastian , Muellerova Hana , Briggs Andrew H. , Rutten-van Mölken Maureen P. M. H. , Chambers Mike , Lomas David A.
Published: August 2016

Background. To develop and validate a new conceptual model (CM) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for use in disease progression and economic modeling. The CM identifies and describes qualitative associations between disease attributes, progression and outcomes. Methods. A literature review was performed to identify any published CMs or literature reporting the impact and association of COPD disease attributes with outcomes. After critical analysis of the literature, a Steering Group of experts from the disciplines of health economics, epidemiology and clinical medicine was convened to develop a draft CM, which was refined using a Delphi process. The refined CM was validated by testing for associations between attributes using data from the Evaluation of COPD Longitudinally to Identify Predictive Surrogate Endpoints (ECLIPSE). Results. Disease progression attributes included in the final CM were history and occurrence of exacerbations, lung function, exercise capacity, signs and symptoms (cough, sputum, dyspnea), cardiovascular disease comorbidities, ‘other’ comorbidities (including depression), body composition (body mass index), fibrinogen as a biomarker, smoking and demographic characteristics (age, gender). Mortality and health-related quality of life were determined to be the most relevant final outcome measures for this model, intended to be the foundation of an economic model of COPD. Conclusion. The CM is being used as the foundation for developing a new COPD model of disease progression and to provide a framework for the analysis of patient-level data. The CM is available as a reference for the implementation of further disease progression and economic models.
Preschoolers’ attribution of affect to music: A comparison between vocal and instrumental performance
Authors: Franco Fabia , Chew Marcia , Swaine Joel Simon
Published: August 2016

Research has shown inconsistent results concerning the ability of young children to identify musical emotion. This study explores the influence of the type of musical performance (vocal vs. instrumental) on children’s affect identification. Using an independent-group design, novel child-directed music was presented in three conditions: instrumental, vocal-only, and song (instrumental plus vocals) to 3- to 6-year-olds previously screened for language development ( N = 76). A forced-choice task was used in which children chose a face expressing the emotion matching each musical track. All performance conditions comprised “happy” (major mode/fast tempo) and “sad” (minor mode/slow tempo) tracks. Nonsense syllables rather than words were used in the vocals in order to avoid the influence of lyrics on children’s decisions. The results showed that even the younger children were able to correctly identify the intended emotion in music, although “happy” music was more readily recognised and recognition appeared facilitated in the instrumental condition. Performance condition interacted with gender.
Mechanical properties, biological behaviour and drug release capability of nano TiO2-HAp-Alginate composite scaffolds for potential application as bone implant material
Authors: Naik Kshipra , Chandran V Girish , Rajashekaran Raghavan , Waigaonkar Sachin , Kowshik Meenal
Published: August 2016

Nanocomposite scaffolds of TiO2 and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles with alginate as the binding agent were fabricated using the freeze drying technique. TiO2, hydroxyapatite and alginate were used in the ratio of 1:1:4. The scaffolds were characterized using X-ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The biocompatibility of the scaffolds was evaluated using cell adhesion and MTT assay on osteosarcoma (MG-63) cells. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that cells adhered to the surface of the scaffolds with good spreading. The mechanical properties of the scaffolds were investigated using dynamic mechanical analysis. The swelling ability, porosity, in vitro degradation, and biomineralization of the scaffolds were also evaluated. The results indicated controlled swelling, limited degradation, and enhanced biomineralization. Further, drug delivery studies of the scaffolds using the chemotherapeutic drug methotrexate exhibited an ideal drug release profile. These scaffolds are proposed as potential candidates for bone tissue engineering and drug delivery applications.
In situ thiolated alginate hydrogel: Instant formation and its application in hemostasis
Authors: Xu Guanzhe , Cheng Liang , Zhang Qintong , Sun Yunlong , Chen Changlin , Xu Heng , Chai Yimin , Lang Meidong
Published: August 2016

An in situ formed hydrogel was synthesized by sodium alginate and cysteine methyl ester, which turned the sodium alginate into thiolated alginate (SA-SH). SA-SH can in situ formed into hydrogel (SA-SS-SA) with a large amount of water through covalent bond in less than 20 s. The structure characterization showed that the mechanism of SA-SH gelation was thiol-disulfide transformation. The rheology and cytotoxicity experiments of SA-SS-SA hydrogel were also investigated, which indicated that SA-SS-SA hydrogel had an appropriate mechanical strength as well as an excellent biocompatibility. The SA-SS-SA hydrogel would degrade under certain conditions after a few days and its mechanism was disulfide alkaline reduction. Finally, the hemostatic property of SA-SH was tested by rat tail amputation experiment. The time to hemostasis of rat reduced from 8.26 min to 3.24 min, which proved that SA-SH had an excellent hemostatic property.
An Empirical Investigation of E-commerce in Egypt: The Impact of Culture on Online Purchasing
Authors: Ramzy Omar , Eldahan Omar H.
Published: August 2016

The amount of e-commerce conducted on a global scale has grown exponentially as Internet access has become more widespread. However, there is a gap between the diffusion of online purchasing in Egypt and the overall usage of Internet in the country. This article aims to find out why there is a gap between Internet accessibility and the diffusion of e-commerce. The authors used an exploratory research as represented by the literature review which revealed two independent variables, one dependent variable and three mediating variables. The authors then developed a theoretical framework highlighting the usage of a single cross-sectional analysis. The authors then established and used a questionnaire as part of a conclusive, descriptive research design. The sample size was 113, with a 32.3 per cent response rate using a judgemental sampling technique. It was found that two specific aspects of the Egyptian culture, distrust and collectivism, impact Egyptians’ online purchasing behaviour. Demographics were not found to have a very significant impact with the exception of age. The article is significant as even though there are a considerable number of papers regarding e-commerce, very few papers look at e-commerce in developing nations, and rarely any papers have researched the issue in Egypt. This study aims to address the shortage while simultaneously providing recommendations to the Egyptian business community for increasing e-commerce usage in the country.
Physical Activity Level and Colorectal Cancer Mortality
Authors: Mok Yejin , Jeon Christina , Lee Gyu Jang , Jee Sun Ha
Published: August 2016

Physical activity has been shown to reduce colorectal cancer risk. However, the association of physical activity levels separately with colon and rectum cancer mortality is less clear. We included 226 089 Korean in a large prospective cohort study. We assessed the associations of physical activity levels (length, frequency, and intensity) with colon and rectum cancer mortality using Cox proportional hazards model. Men, but not women, who had regular physical activity showed a lower risk of death from colon cancer. The association for high intensity of physical activity was borderline significant in men (hazard ratio 0.67; 95% CI = 0.45-1.00 for >17.5 MET-hour/week). The associations were largely consistent among those aged <55 years, body mass index <25 kg/m2, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, current smoker, and without hypertension or history of cardiovascular disease. In conclusion, higher length or intensity of physical activity decreased colon, but not rectum cancer mortality in men. Regular physical activity may have beneficial effects on colon cancer survival.
Well-Being of College Students in China
Authors: Sheu Hung-Bin , Liu Yanfei , Li Yue
Published: August 2016

In this study, we tested a modified academic satisfaction model based on social cognitive career theory in a sample of 757 college students in China. The hypothesized model included personality traits (extraversion and emotional stability), self-construals (independence and interdependence), environmental and person-cognitive variables (supports, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and perceived goal progress) in the academic domain, and academic and global well-being outcomes. Pathways that consisted of academic supports, self-efficacy, and goal progress partially mediated the effects of personality traits and self-construals on academic satisfaction and/or stress, which were, in turn, predictive of life satisfaction. Although Chinese students perceived outcomes of completing a college degree as favorable, such outcome expectations did not predict progress made in the academic domain. Multigroup analyses showed that the modified academic satisfaction model was applicable to both male and female college students in two major metropolitan areas—Chongqing in Southwest China and Shanghai in East China. With evidence for measurement equivalence, full structural equivalence was present by gender, whereas two of the hypothesized paths differed by location. Results of the study suggest that outreach or intervention programs, which involve gathering supports, boosting self-efficacy, and facilitating goal progress in the academic domain, are particularly beneficial for promoting the well-being of Chinese college students.
Does robot-assisted gait training improve ambulation in highly disabled multiple sclerosis people? A pilot randomized control trial
Authors: Pompa Alessandra , Morone Giovanni , Iosa Marco , Pace Luca , Catani Sheila , Casillo Paolo , Clemenzi Alessandro , Troisi Elio , Tonini Angelo , Paolucci Stefano , Grasso Maria Grazia
Published: August 2016

Background:

Robotic training is commonly used to assist walking training in patients affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) with non-conclusive results.

Objective:

To compare the effect of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) with that of conventional walking training (CWT) on gait competencies, global ability, fatigue and spasticity in a group of severely affected patients with MS.

Methods:

A pilot, single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in 43 severe (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 6–7.5) and non-autonomous ambulant in-patients with MS. Experimental group performed 12 sessions of RAGT, whereas control group performed the same amount of CWT. Primary outcome measures were gait ability assessed by 2 minutes walking test and Functional Ambulatory Category; secondary outcomes were global ability (modified Barthel Index), global mobility (Rivermead Mobility Index), severity of disease (EDSS) and subjectively perceived fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale).

Results:

The number of subjects who achieved a clinical significant improvement was significantly higher in RAGT than in CWT ( p < 0.05 for both primary outcome measures). RAGT also led to an improvement in all the other clinical parameters (global ability: p < 0.001, global mobility: p < 0.001, EDSS: p = 0.014 and fatigue: p = 0.001).

Conclusions:

RAGT improved the walking competencies in non-autonomous ambulant patients with MS, with benefits in terms of perceived fatigue.
Open Versus Endoscopic Cubital Tunnel In Situ Decompression: A Systematic Review of Outcomes and Complications
Authors: Toirac Alexander , Giugale Juan M. , Fowler John R.
Published: August 2016

Background: Endoscopic cubital tunnel release has been proposed as an alternative to open in situ release. However, it is difficult to analyze outcomes after endoscopic release, as only a few small case series exist. Methods: The electronic databases of PubMed (1960-June 2014) were systematically screened for studies related to endoscopic cubital tunnel release or open in situ cubital tunnel release. Baseline characteristics, clinical scores, and complication rates were abstracted. The binary outcome was defined as rate of excellent/good response versus fair/poor. Complications were recorded into 3 categories: wound problems, persistent ulnar nerve symptoms, and other. Results: We included 8 articles that reported the clinical outcomes after surgical intervention including a total of 494 patients (344 endoscopic, 150 open in situ). The pooled rate of excellent/good was 92.0% (88.8%-95.2%) for endoscopic and 82.7% (76.15%-89.2%) for open. We identified 18 articles that detailed complications including a total of 1108 patients (691 endoscopic, 417 open). The 4 articles that listed complication rates for both endoscopic and open techniques were analyzed and showed a pooled odds ratio of 0.280 (95% confidence interval, 0.125-0.625), indicating that endoscopic patients have reduced odds of complications. Conclusions: The results of this systematic review suggest that there is a difference in clinical outcomes between the open in situ and endoscopic cubital tunnel release, with the endoscopic technique being superior in regard to both complication rates along with patient satisfaction.
Utilizing health records to characterize obesity, comorbidities, and health-care services in one human service agency in the United States
Authors: Fisher Kathleen , Hardie Thomas L , Ranjan Sobhana , Peterson Justin
Published: August 2016

US surveys report higher prevalence of obesity in adults with intellectual disability. Health records of 40 adults with intellectual disability were retrospectively reviewed for data on health status, problem lists with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes, medication lists, and health encounters over 18 months. Mean age was 49.5 years, 53% were males. Prevalence of overweight, obese, and morbidly obese was 28%, 58%, and 23%, respectively. Primary diagnosis was intellectual disability (50% mild, 33% moderate, 10% severe, and 8% profound), 85% had mental health disorders (67.5% with affective or mood and 42.5% had anxiety disorders). On average, residents consumed 2.63 psychotropic medications daily with additional 5.75 medications for axis 3 diagnoses and made 39.2 health visits over past 18 months. Our analysis supports increased prevalence of overweight/obesity, higher comorbidities, dual psychiatric diagnosis, substantial medication consumption, and higher utilization of health-care services in adults with intellectual disabilities. Targeted health interventions are therefore essential to improve their health and quality of life.
The effect of a seven-week exercise program on golf swing performance and musculoskeletal measures
Authors: Olivier Mico H , Horan Sean A , Evans Kerrie A , Keogh Justin WL
Published: August 2016

As most golf exercise studies have shown improved golf performance as a result of two or three sessions per week, the present study investigated the effects of a supervised exercise session performed once a week for seven weeks on golf swing variables and musculoskeletal screening measures. Professional Golfers Association of Australia International Golf Institute student golfers ( n = 43) with a mean ± standard deviation handicap of 8.6 ± 8.3 participated in the study. Each golfer performed 10 musculoskeletal tests and a standardised 60-shot golf performance test (TrackMan, Vedbaek, Denmark) on separate days before and after the seven-week program. Significant improvements in a number of musculoskeletal tests (i.e. left leg bridging (6.6%), thoracic extension (62.5%), right thoracic rotation (23.3%), and right (20.8%) and left single leg squat (29.1%)) were observed (all p ≤ 0.024); however, no significant differences were observed for any golf swing variables. Future research investigating different training protocols may help to determine whether the type or frequency of training has the greatest influence on golf swing performance.
The design and application of an e-health readiness assessment tool
Authors: Gholamhosseini Leila , Ayatollahi Haleh
Published: August 2016

Background:

To date, several models have been developed to evaluate e-health readiness in healthcare organisations; however, no specific tool has been designed to assess or measure e-health readiness.

Objective:

The aim of this research was to design an e-health readiness assessment tool and to apply this tool to two Iranian hospitals to assess their readiness for the implementation of e-health.

Method:

The study, which was undertaken in 2012, consisted of three phases: (i) review of existing models of e-health; (ii) design of an e-health readiness assessment tool; and (iii) trial of the assessment tool in two Iranian hospitals. Phase 1 consisted of a literature review that informed the development of the tool. In phase 2, we developed an e-health readiness assessment tool with feedback using two questionnaires from 40 employees from two teaching hospitals in Iran. In phase 3, we applied the tool to the same two Iranian teaching hospitals. Participants who completed the questionnaires were from management, health information technology, medical and nursing backgrounds and were familiar with e-health. A purposive sampling method was used to invite them to take part in the study. Data from the questionnaires were analysed using factor analysis and descriptive statistics.

Results:

Five dimensions and twenty-one indices were selected to be included in the e-health readiness tool. The 5 dimensions and their relative importance were e-health readiness (16%), information and communication technology (ICT) functions (15%), environmental readiness (20%), human resources readiness (29%) and ICT readiness (20%). The total e-health readiness scores for hospital A and hospital B were 0.22 and 0.4, respectively (a score of 1 is the ideal).

Conclusion:

It is important to assess the e-health readiness of hospitals to save time and money and be able to better prepare for ICT implementations. The e-health readiness assessment tool provides a relatively simple method for assessing hospitals and provides essential information to assist healthcare facilities focus preparations and planning for e-health implementations.
Asthma and Vocal Cord Dysfunction
Authors: Corjulo Michael , Schoessler Sally
Published: August 2016

School nurses care for students with asthma on a daily basis, but what happens when the asthma medication is administered and symptoms persist? As a part of care coordination, the school nurse provides ongoing assessment and care for students with asthma. When symptoms persist despite treatment, school nurses need to consider other issues such as Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD). The purpose of this article is to highlight the similarities and differences in the pathophysiology and treatment of both asthma and VCD.
Accelerated Stability Studies on Dried Extracts of Centella asiatica Through Chemical, HPLC, HPTLC, and Biological Activity Analyses
Authors: Kaur Ishtdeep , Suthar Nancy , Kaur Jasmeen , Bansal Yogita , Bansal Gulshan
Published: August 2016

Regulatory guidelines recommend systematic stability studies on a herbal product to establish its shelf life. In the present study, commercial extracts (Types I and II) and freshly prepared extract (Type III) of Centella asiatica were subjected to accelerated stability testing for 6 months. Control and stability samples were evaluated for organoleptics, pH, moisture, total phenolic content (TPC), asiatic acid, kaempherol, and high-performance thin layer chromatography fingerprints, and for antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. Markers and TPC and both the activities of each extract decreased in stability samples with respect to control. These losses were maximum in Type I extract and minimum in Type III extract. Higher stability of Type III extract than others might be attributed to the additional phytoconstituents and/or preservatives in it. Pearson correlation analysis of the results suggested that TPC, asiatic acid, and kaempferol can be taken as chemical markers to assess chemical and therapeutic shelf lives of herbal products containing Centella asiatica.