bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between efficacy of sunitinib and KIT mutation of patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors after failure of imatinib
Authors: Xie Fuming , Xiao Weidong , Jiang Yahui , Xia Xiao , Wang Yaxu
Published: May 2019

Background:

A large number of studies have shown that KIT mutations are closely related to the prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). At the same time, sunitinib (SU) has become the second-line recommended drug for GISTs because of its efficacy. We initiated a systematic review to compare the efficacy of SU after failure of Imatinib (IM) in different KIT mutations.

Methods:

We searched for SU-treated patients with advanced GISTs after failed IM treatment by using databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, up to March 2018. We conducted statistical analyses to calculate the odds ratio (OR), hazard ratio (HR), and 95% confidence interval (CI) using fixed-effects and random-effects models by Review Manager 5.3 software.

Results:

We included a total of 474 patients from 3 retrospective studies and 2 cohort studies. Patients with exon 9 mutations had higher clinical benefit (OR = 2.61, 95% CIs = 1.32–5.18, P = .006) rates and longer progression-free survival (progressive disease, HR = 0.51, 95% CIs = 0.36–0.72, P = .0001) compared with exon 11, but there was no statistically significant difference in overall survival (OS, HR = 0.93, 95% CIs = 0.34–2.55, P = .89) and there was greater heterogeneity (Tau2 = 0.72, Chi2 = 21.45, df = 3, P < .001, I
2 = 86%). Subgroup analysis suggests that race may be one of the sources of heterogeneity.

Conclusion:

The results show that efficacy of SU is closely associated with KIT genotypes in GISTs. Moreover, racial factor also directly affects the prognosis of different KIT mutational status, so GISTs patients of different genotypes might also consider the use of targeted drugs in consideration of ethnic differences.
Isolated injury to the tibial division of sciatic nerve after self-massage of the gluteal muscle with massage ball
Authors: Cho Ju Young , Moon Hyunseok , Park Sungwon , Lee Byung Joo , Park Donghwi
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

An isolated injury to the tibial division is rare among compressive sciatic neuropathy. To date, isolated injury to the tibial division of the sciatic nerve after self-massage of the gluteal muscle has not been reported. Here, we report a case of compressive sciatic neuropathy diagnosed after self-massage of the gluteal muscle using magnetic resonance image (MRI) and ultrasound images and its associated therapeutic process.

Patient concerns:

A 50-year-old woman presented right lower extremity pain for the past 7 days.

Diagnosis:

Electrophysiological findings were consistent with right tibial neuropathy proximal to the branch to hamstring muscles. However, T2-weighted MRI showed high signal intensity and swelling in the right sciatic nerves from the superior gemellus level to the quadratus femoris level. After considering both radiologic and electrophysiological findings, the patient was diagnosed with an isolated injury to the tibial division of the right sciatic nerve.

Interventions:

The patient agreed to an ultrasound-guided perineural steroid injection upon receiving detailed explanation of the procedure.

Outcomes:

After the injection, there was significant improvement in pain.

Conclusion:

Therefore, in making a diagnosis of sciatic neuropathy, it may be important to find the lesion via MRI than relying solely on the patient's history or electrophysiologic study.
Ultrastructural findings in graft failure after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and new triple procedure
Authors: Schmidt Isabell , Schlötzer-Schrehardt Ursula , Langenbucher Achim , Eppig Timo , Hager Tobias , Zimpfer Annette , Seitz Berthold
Published: May 2019

To investigate factors that influence graft failure after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) based on transmission electron microscopy results.

Retrospective observational case series.

This single center study included 16 eyes of 16 patients with penetrating keratoplasty (n = 14) or repeat DMEK (n = 2) following graft failure after DMEK. The main outcome measures were ultrastructural changes in the explanted graft on transmission electron microscopy, best-corrected visual acuity, and central corneal thickness.

The mean preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 1.01 ± 0.54 logMAR and 0.56 ± 0.37 logMAR. The mean central corneal preoperative and postoperative thickness was 667 ± 187 μm and 511 ± 42 μm. Visual acuity and central corneal thickness improved significantly (P = .001/P = .003) after repeat surgery. Electron microscopy showed that 3 of 14 corneas showed upside down transplantation, and 3 corneas had pigmented cells or pigment granules at the Descemet–stroma interface. Further, 9 of 16 specimens showed a posterior collagenous layer deposited onto the Descemet membrane (average thickness 5.1 ± 6.2 μm; ranged 0.65–20 μm); this did not correlate significantly with the time between the original and repeat keratoplasty. Of 16 original grafts, 7 showed ultrastructural anomalies of the Descemet membrane, but one excised cornea showed no Descemet membrane pathologies.

The majority of eyes with graft failure after DMEK showed ultrastructural changes in the Descemet membrane. It is crucial to assess donor tissue quality and to conduct graft marking before surgery to avoid immediate or delayed graft failure after DMEK. Nevertheless, repeat keratoplasty provided significant improvement in central corneal thickness and visual acuity.
Interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma of the spleen with hepatic failure after chemotherapy
Authors: Zhao Chengchen , Xie Xiaohui , Gai Dong Zheng , Wu Dengshu , Xin Hongya , Yang Tianlun
Published: May 2019

Rationale:

Interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma (IDCS) is an extremely rare disease originating from dendritic cells (DCs). There are few cases report interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma of spleen along with their pathological characteristics and treatment.

Patient concerns:

Here we report a case of IDCS in 53-year-old female who presented spleen enlargement and thrombocytopenia.

Diagnoses:

The patient underwent surgical resection of spleen, and the pathology confirmed IDCS.

Interventions:

She received surgical resection of spleen and one cycle of chemotherapy (ABVD with ifosfamide and oxaliplatin) after surgery.

Outcomes:

She died of severe hepatic failure caused by chemotherapy.

Discussion:

IDCS is a rare disease with insufficient treatment guidelines. We adopted chemotherapy of ABVD with ifosfamide and oxaliplatin which showed no improvement but led to life-threatening liver damage.
A case report on the acute and late complications associated with carbon monoxide poisoning
Authors: Kim Seong Gyu , Woo Jungmin , Kang Gun Woo
Published: May 2019

Rationale:

Acute kidney injury (AKI), rhabdomyolysis, and delayed leukoencephalopathy after carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning are very rare. We report a case presenting with AKI, rhabdomyolysis, and delayed leukoencephalopathy after CO poisoning.

Patient concerns:

The patient was admitted to our emergency department due to loss of consciousness after CO exposure during a suicide attempt.

Diagnoses:

Laboratory findings revealed elevated carboxyhemoglobin, serum creatinine, and serum muscle enzyme levels. Initially, this patient was diagnosed with AKI and rhabdomyolysis due to CO poisoning. A month after the CO poisoning, she showed neuropsychiatric symptoms. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed white-matter hyperintensity on the T2 flair image. Therefore, she was diagnosed with delayed leukoencephalopathy after CO poisoning.

Interventions:

At the same time as diagnosis of AKI and rhabdomyolysis, the normobaric oxygen and hydration therapies were performed. A month later, rehabilitation was started due to delayed leukoencephalopathy.

Outcomes:

Her renal function and muscle enzyme levels were completely restored with alert mental status. She could walk with the aid of a walker at last visit.

Lessons:

This case shows that we should consider about rare acute and late complications such as AKI, rhabdomyolysis, and delayed leukoencephalopathy after CO poisoning.
A comparison of the efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative therapies for the primary dysmenorrhea
Authors: Zhai Fengting , Wang Dongmei , Hua Zhen , Jiang Yuting , Wang Dandan
Published: May 2019

Background:

There are a number of complementary and alternative therapies for the primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and their efficacy has been assessed by several systematic reviews. But only pair-wised drugs have been evaluated in the traditional meta-analyses and conflicting interpretation of results also existed among different studies. Here, a protocol for a network meta-analysis will be presented aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of different complementary and alternative therapies for PD.

Methods:

All randomized controlled trials of complementary and alternative therapies for the PD will be included. The primary outcomes of our interest are pain intensity and pain duration and the secondary outcomes are quality of life, clinical effective rate, and adverse events. We will search relevant database, the ongoing trial, previous relevant reviews and reference lists, and so on. The identification and selection of studies and data extraction will be conducted by two independent reviewers. We will perform a battery of pairwise meta-analyses and Bayesian network meta-analyses to assess the relative outcomes of different complementary and alternative therapies. We will use the surface under the cumulative ranking curve values and the mean ranks to get the treatment hierarchy, and then use the node-splitting method to evaluate consistency. The softwares WinBUGS 1.4.3 and STATA will be selected and the quality of the evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation instrument.

Ethics and dissemination:

This review does not require ethical approval.

PROSPERO registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42018107763.
Plasma C-terminal agrin fragment and rapid kidney function decline in chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Lorenz Georg , Hettwer Stefan , McCallum Wendy , Angermann Susanne , Wen Ming , Schmaderer Christoph , Heemann Uwe , Roos Marcel , Renders Lutz , Steubl Dominik
Published: May 2019

C-terminal agrin fragment (tCAF) is a promising biomarker for glomerular filtration. Data regarding biomarkers that have the ability to predict rapid progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are sparse but necessary in order to identify patients at high risk for rapid progression. This study addresses the value of tCAF as a predictor of rapid kidney function decline in CKD patients.

We measured plasma tCAF in a retrospective observational cohort study of 277 prevalent CKD patients stage I-V. Using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, we evaluated the association of tCAF with end-stage-renal-disease (ESRD), ≥30%-decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the composite endpoint of both, adjusting for eGFR, age, systolic blood pressure, proteinuria and diabetes.

The median age was 58 [interquartile range 47, 71] years, 36% were female. Median tCAF level was 822 [594, 1232] pM, eGFR was 32 [19, 48] ml/min/1.73 m2. tCAF was correlated to eGFR and proteinuria (r = −0.76 and r = 0.49, P < .001 resp.). During a follow-up of 57.1 [42.9, 71.9] weeks, 36 (13%) patients developed ESRD and 13 (5%) had an eGFR decline of ≥30% (composite endpoint: 49 (18%)). In multivariable analysis, each 100 pM higher tCAF was independently associated with ESRD (hazard ratio (HR) 1.05 (95%-CI 1.02-1.08)), ≥30% eGFR decline (HR 1.10 (1.03–1.18)) and the composite endpoint (HR 1.07 (1.04–1.1)).

Plasma tCAF may identify CKD patients at risk for rapid kidney function decline independent of eGFR and other risk factors for eGFR loss such as proteinuria.
Combined intracoronary assessment and treatment of a patient with coronary plaque rapid progression prior to acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Si Daoyuan , Du Beibei , Zhao Yanan , Li Xiangdong , Wang Xingtong , Liu Kun , He Yuquan , Yang Ping
Published: May 2019

Rational:

Plaque rapid progression prior to acute myocardial infarction is not a common phenomenon, and its mechanism remains unknown. Intracoronary imaging may help to assess the plaque characteristics and progression.

Patient concern:

A 37-year-old male patient suffered an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) 1 month after the diagnosis of a mildly stenosed coronary artery. Intracoronary imaging was done to seek the underlying causes and guide further treatment.

Diagnosis:

Two coronary angiograms in 1 month showed plaque rapid progressing prior to the AMI. Intracoronary optical coherence tomography (OCT) post-AMI showed plaque erosion and heavy burden of thrombus.

Intervention:

The patient was advised to defer stent deployment. The patient was then given intensified antithrombotic therapy. Three weeks later, OCT imaging revealed sufficient lumen area and the intact endothelium without remaining thrombus. Fractional flow reverse (FFR) showed no functional ischemia. Dual-antiplatelet therapy without stenting was recommended for 12 months.

Outcomes:

The 6-month follow-up showed good recovery and normal cardiac function.

Lessons:

First, for patients with mild coronary stenosis and typical angina symptoms, further intracoronary assessment should be performed. Second, OCT can not only help to determine the plaque characteristics but can also help to develop patient-tailored strategies for AMI patients.
The effectiveness of air-free warming systems on perioperative hypothermia in total hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Liu Shuyan , Pan Yu , Zhao Qiancong , Feng Wendy , Han Hongyu , Pan Zhenxiang , Sun Qianchuang
Published: May 2019

Background:

Perioperative hypothermia is a common and serious complication during surgery. Different warming systems are used to prevent perioperative hypothermia. However, there have been no previous meta-analyses of the effectiveness of air-free warming systems on perioperative hypothermia in patients undergoing joint arthroplasty.

Methods:

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to August 2018. These RCTs compared the effects of air-free warming with forced-air (FA) warming system in patients undergoing joint arthroplasty. Postoperative temperature, core temperature during surgery, thermal comfort, blood loss and incidence of shivering and hypothermia were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 287 patients from 6 clinical studies were included in the analysis. In summary, there was no significant difference in the postoperative temperature (WMD −0.043, 95% CI −0.32 to 0.23, P = .758) between the air-free warming and FA warming groups. No statistical difference (WMD 0.058, 95% CI −0.10 to 0.22, P = .475) was found in core temperatures at 0 minutes during surgery between the air-free warming and FA warming groups. Furthermore, there was no statistical difference in thermal comfort, blood loss or incidence of shivering and hypothermia between the air-free warming and FA warming groups.

Conclusions:

Air-free warming system was as effective as FA warming system in patients undergoing joint arthroplasty.
Long-term prognosis of liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection receiving nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy: an analysis using a Markov chain model
Authors: Tada Toshifumi , Toyoda Hidenori , Yasuda Satoshi , Miyake Nozomi , Kumada Takashi , Kurisu Akemi , Ohisa Masayuki , Akita Tomoyuki , Tanaka Junko
Published: May 2019

Aim

Even during nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy, development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been observed in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We simulated the long-term prognosis of liver disease in patients with chronic HBV who received nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy.

Patients and methods

A total of 254 patients with chronic HBV receiving nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy were enrolled. Yearly transition probabilities between liver disease states [chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, HCC, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative status] were calculated using a Markov chain model.

Results

In the analysis of 1-year liver disease state transition probabilities, the development of HCC occurred in men with chronic hepatitis in their 50s (1.8%) and at least 70 years (2.8%) and in patients with cirrhosis in all age groups (40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and ≥ 70 years). HBsAg-negative status was present in patients with chronic hepatitis in their 50s (1.8%) and 60s (2.6%), and in patients with cirrhosis in their 60s (0.6%). In female patients, the development of HCC occurred in patients with cirrhosis during their 50s (0.8%), 60s (0.8%), and older (4.5%). HBsAg-negative status was simulated in patients with cirrhosis in their 50s (0.8%) and 60s (0.8%). Assuming a chronic hepatitis state at age 40 as the starting condition for simulation over the next 40 years, the probability of developing HCC increased gradually with age in male patients and in female patients after the age of 70 years.

Conclusion

There is a risk of development of HCC in middle-aged men with chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis and older women with cirrhosis even while receiving nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy.
Improving, But Could Do Better: Trends in Gestation-Specific Stillbirth in Australia, 1994–2015
Authors: Hilder Lisa , Flenady Vicki , Ellwood David , Donnolley Natasha , Chambers Georgina M.
Published: May 2019

(Abstracted from Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2018;32(6):487–494)

Stillbirth remains a large global problem in low- and middle-income settings but is also a public health concern in high-income countries. Over the past 20 years, stillbirth rates globally have shown little improvement and large disparities.
Imaging of Brain Infarctions: Beyond the Usual Territories
Authors: Abdelrasoul Ahmed Abdelzaher , Elsebaie Nermeen A. , Gamaleldin Omneya A. , Khalifa Mohamed Hossameldin , Razek Ahmed Abdel Khalek Abdel
Published: May 2019

In this review, our intension is to present imaging features of several categories of uncommon cases of brain infarctions including infarctions associated with neurovascular variants, infarctions along small arterial territories, and brainstem stroke syndromes. Infarctions associated with neurovascular variants include azygos anterior cerebral artery territory infarction and artery of Percheron infarction. In the second group, we discuss anterior choroidal artery infarction and artery of Heubner infarction. The third group highlights brainstem stroke syndromes, including Claude and Benedikt syndromes due to midbrain infarction; Foville, Marie Foix, and locked-in syndromes due to pontine infarction; and Dejerine (medial medullary), bilateral medial medullary, and Wallenberg (lateral medullary) syndromes.
From solar sneezing to killer electrons: outer radiation belt response to solar eruptions
Authors: Daglis Ioannis A. , Katsavrias Christos , Georgiou Marina
Published: May 2019

Electrons in the outer Van Allen (radiation) belt occasionally reach relativistic energies, turning them into a potential hazard for spacecraft operating in geospace. Such electrons have secured the reputation of satellite killers and play a prominent role in space weather. The flux of these electrons can vary over time scales of years (related to the solar cycle) to minutes (related to sudden storm commencements). Electric fields and plasma waves are the main factors regulating the electron transport, acceleration and loss. Both the fields and the plasma waves are driven directly or indirectly by disturbances originating in the Sun, propagating through interplanetary space and impacting the Earth. This paper reviews our current understanding of the response of outer Van Allen belt electrons to solar eruptions and their interplanetary extensions, i.e. interplanetary coronal mass ejections and high-speed solar wind streams and the associated stream interaction regions.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Solar eruptions and their space weather impact’.
Mutations in PB2 and HA enhanced pathogenicity of H4N6 avian influenza virus in mice
Authors: Xu Guanlong , Wang Fang , Li Qiuchen , Bing Guoxia , Xie Shijie , Sun Shijing , Bian Zengjie , Sun HaoJie , Feng Yu , Peng Xiaowei , Jiang Hui , Zhu Liangquan , Fan Xuezheng , Qin Yuming , Ding Jiabo
Published: May 2019

The H4 subtype avian influenza virus (AIV) continues to circulate in both wild birds and poultry, and occasionally infects mammals (e.g. pigs). H4-specific antibodies have also been detected in poultry farm workers, which suggests that H4 AIV poses a potential threat to public health. However, the molecular mechanism by which H4 AIVs could gain adaptation to mammals and whether this has occurred remain largely unknown. To better understand this mechanism, an avirulent H4N6 strain (A/mallard/Beijing/21/2011, BJ21) was serially passaged in mice and mutations were characterized after passaging. A virulent mouse-adapted strain was generated after 12 passages, which was tentatively designated BJ21-MA. The BJ21-MA strain replicated more efficiently than the parental BJ21, both in vivo and in vitro. Molecular analysis of BJ21-MA identified four mutations, located in proteins PB2 (E158K and E627K) and HA (L331I and G453R, H3 numbering). Further studies showed that the introduction of E158K and/or E627K substitutions into PB2 significantly increased polymerase activity, which led to the enhanced replication and virulence of BJ21-MA. Although individual L331I or G453R substitutions in HA did not change the pathogenicity of BJ21 in mice, both mutations significantly enhanced virulence. In conclusion, our data presented in this study demonstrate that avian H4 virus can adapt to mammals by point mutations in PB2 or HA, which consequently poses a potential threat to public health.
Impact of founder CEO and CEO ownership on entrepreneurial orientation, moderating role of CEO narcissism
Authors: Shabbir Aiza , Kousar Shazia
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study aims to explore the moderating impact of narcissism overload on the relation between founder CEO and entrepreneurial orientation (EO) in registered private schools of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a stratified random sampling method with the help of previously validated questionnaires. A sample of 121 replies was gathered for analysis. SPSS has been used to find the results.

Findings

Results depict that CEO narcissism moderates the relation between founder CEO and EO and does not moderate the relationship between and CEO ownership and EO.

Originality/value

Many studies focused on the founder personality characteristics (such as generalized self-efficacy or locus of control) are not directly observed, but rather inferred their effect indirectly. The study contributes to examine how the founder CEO variable interacts with CEO personality to influence EO. This study will propose a practical approach to investigate whether and how the narcissism constructs moderate the founder CEO–EO relationship. Direct association between stock ownership and EO will also be examined.
From informal to formal: an exploration of firm-level sectoral change in El Salvador
Authors: Pisani Michael J.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Enterprises in developed and developing world environments often begin life in the informal sector operating outside the purview of government oversight. Sectoral firm change, however, from the informal to the formal sector is not well studied. The purpose of this paper is to answer the following research question: “What firm-level markers help explain the movement of firms from the informal to the formal sector?”

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 719 urban formal enterprises included in the 2016 El Salvador Enterprise Survey undertaken by the World Bank forms the basis of the empirical analyses. The survey questionnaire comprehensively encompasses business practices and performance and the overall business environment.

Findings

Multivariate results reveal location, firm maturity, problems with land acquisition, a line of credit or active business loan, extortion by street gangs and practices of informal competitors increase the odds of informal firms becoming formal enterprises. Lessening the odds of once informal firms moving to the formal sector include the lack of access to public utilities, visitation by tax officials, formation as a corporation, bank accounts, number of employees and time spent focused upon government regulations.

Originality/value

Contextualized within the national setting of El Salvador, the integration of informal enterprises into the formal economy and related public policy implications of informal firm regularization are discussed.
Impact of cooperative learning on teamwork competence
Authors: Hebles Melany , Yaniz-Álvarez-de-Eulate Concepción , Jara Mauricio
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of a classroom application of the cooperative learning (CL) methodology on nine dimensions of business students’ teamwork competence (TC).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a quasi-experimental pre-post design with a previous cohort as control group (first-year students from the year prior to treatment application), applying treatment to a sample of 228 first-year students in a School of Economics and Business at a Chilean University (114 as treatment and 114 as control).

Findings

The authors’ results show that CL had a positive, significant influence on five dimensions of TC: collective efficacy, planning, goal setting, problem solving and conflict management.

Research limitations/implications

This paper upholds the importance and effectiveness of CL in developing TC. However, the evidence suggests that the effectiveness of the CL methodology was limited to development and improvement of less complex dimensions of TC. More complex dimensions require a longer period of time to be developed.

Practical implications

This research is an important contribution to the design and implementation of appropriate methodologies for developing a widely needed area of competence in the workplace, considering its multidimensional nature, whether in academia or business.

Originality/value

This is the first study to seek empirical evidence that would link the CL methodology with TC. In addition, it fills a gap in the literature on the development of TC in its multiple dimensions. It particularly addresses the training of business professionals.
Investigating the adoption of apparel m-commerce in the US market
Authors: Sun Jing , Chi Ting
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically determine the key factors influencing the US consumers’ intentions to use apparel m-commerce.

Design/methodology/approach

An enhanced consumer’s apparel m-commerce adoption model was developed through integrating the existing e-commerce/m-commerce theories (i.e. theory of reasoned action, Technology acceptance model and diffusion of innovation theory). The investigated factors included nine independent variables – perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease-of-use, subjective norm (SN), personal innovativeness traits, security and privacy concerns, compatibility, observability, trust and past non-store shopping experience (PE), and five control variables – age, gender, education level, income level and ethnicity. The dependent factor is consumer’s intention to use (IU) apparel m-commerce. The primary data were gathered by an online survey of US consumers via Amazon Mechanical Turk. In total, 317 eligible responses were received. The applied statistical techniques were factor analysis and multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The results show that the US consumer’s IU apparel m-commerce is significantly affected by PU, SN, compatibility and PE and education level. Overall, 67.3 percent of variation in the US consumer’s IU apparel m-commerce is explained by the developed model, which suggests a high explanatory power.

Practical implications

Companies should provide those functions and features on their mobile websites that enable consumers to easily find the products wanted and complete transactions efficiently. Companies should particularly target the consumers with innovativeness traits and/or those having prior non-store shopping experience. Enhancing the trust in m-commerce among the US consumers with higher education level could help companies attract more potential users. Elderly, female or lower income consumers could be the next business opportunities for apparel e-tailers.

Originality/value

As one of the first efforts made to understand the emerging apparel m-commerce phenomenon, this study empirically determined the key factors influencing the US consumer’s IU apparel m-commerce.
Comparing Japanese and British impressions of dress forms
Authors: Kim KyoungOk , Fujii Chinami , Takatera Masayuki
Published: May 2019

Purpose

A suitable dress form is necessary for patternmaking when manufacturing a garment for the global market. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the similarities and differences in visual impressions and preferences of dress forms between Japanese and British female university students.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors carried out sensory evaluations of the visual impressions of dress forms using images of four forms made in Japan, France, the UK and the USA. The participants (18 Japanese and 11 British female university students in their 20s) assessed them using the semantic differential method. In total, 22 adjective pairs concerning style, image and preference factors were used. The authors performed a principal component analysis on the results for style and image. For preference factors, one-way analysis of variance was used to analyze whether there was a difference in preference between the dress forms.

Findings

The Japanese students evaluated dress forms by considering balance and cool (fashionable) as the first principal component, and frailty and delicacy as the second. A large bust-to-waist ratio strengthens the impression of the latter component. The Japanese preferred dress forms of the kind worn by fashion models. Their preference was heavily influenced by the first principal component, but this preference decreased when the dress form evinced a weak impression. The British students assessed dress forms using healthy and cool (fashionable) as the first principal component, and frail and thin body as the second. A ratio of the width of the shoulder to that of the waist (at the front) of 1.6:1 and a rounded back shape from the side view were considered healthy.

Originality/value

These results can help understand the Japanese and British customers’ impressions and preferences on the dress form. Moreover, apparel manufacturers choose a suitable dress form to manufacture garments for the global market, by considering similarities and differences in people’s preferences.
Supervisor and mentoring effects on work-family conflict in logistics
Authors: Maloni Michael J. , Gligor David M. , Cheramie Robin A. , Boyd Elizabeth M.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

A talent shortage and underrepresentation of women in logistics emphasize the need to assess the logistics work culture. As logistics practitioners face round-the-clock job pressures, work–family conflict presents one such opportunity for study. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of supervisors and mentoring on work interference with family (WIF) and subsequent job satisfaction and intent to leave logistics.

Design/methodology/approach

Under role conflict theory, the authors apply structural equation modeling to survey data of logistics practitioners, focusing on time, strain and behavior WIF sources.

Findings

The results highlight the complexity of WIF in logistics. Strain and behavior-based WIF relate to job satisfaction, which then relates to intent to leave logistics. Family-supportive supervisors reduce time and strain-based WIF, and mentoring provides complementary support for behavior-based WIF. However, mentoring also yields unintended contradictory effects for women as detrimental to time-based WIF.

Research limitations/implications

The relatively small sample size, particularly for women, limits generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

To foster supportive work environments, logistics organizations must train supervisors and mentors to resolve employee WIF, including its different sources and gender-specific impacts.

Originality/value

The interplay of supervisors and mentors has not been well studied to date. Also, the contradictory impacts of mentoring for women based on WIF sources challenges WIF literature and issues warnings for mentoring in professional practice. Finally, the results provide insight into the talent shortage and gender imbalance in logistics that lack empirical study.
Converting hotels website visitors into buyers
Authors: Agag Gomaa M. , Khashan Mohamed A. , Colmekcioglu Nazan , Almamy Ahmed , Alharbi Nawaf S. , Eid Riyad , Shabbir Haseeb , Abdelmoety Ziad Hassan Saeed
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Despite the increasing utilization of webpages for the purposes of information seeking, customers’ concerns have become a crucial impediment for online shopping. The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of the effectiveness of web assurance seals services (WASS) and customers’ concerns on customer’s willingness to book hotels through perceived website trust and perceived value.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was administrated to measure the study variables. Using partial least squares–structural equation modeling approach to analyze the data collected from 860 users of online hotel websites.

Findings

The results indicate that WASS influence positively on perceived website trust and negatively on consumers’ concerns. As well as, perceived value and trust play a mediating role in the link between WASS and consumers’ concerns and their intentions. Finally, perceived website trust and perceived value have greater effect on intention to book hotel for low-habit consumers.

Research limitations/implications

This study ignored the cross-culture issue as it concentrates on the customers from developing countries, so further research may need to compare between two or more than two samples from different societies that could give a significant insights. Second, this study stresses on the WASS to predict customers booking intentions that indicates significant results, so further research may need to examine the role of online reviews as a predictor of customers purchase decision as well.

Originality/value

To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first empirical research that investigates and examines the influence of the effectiveness of WASS and consumers’ concerns on consumers’ intentions through perceived value and trust. This research also investigates the moderating role of habit in the link between perceived website, perceived value and consumers’ intentions.
Privatization of community corrections
Authors: Latessa Edward J. , Lovins Lori Brusman
Published: May 2019

Research Summary

In this article, we examine the issue of privatization in the field of community corrections. Privatization can be found in all elements of community corrections, including treatment, education, housing, and supervision services. The private sector is also involved in the development of technology, like electronic monitoring devices, and material like assessments and curricula. Services are provided by both private for‐profit and nonprofit agencies. Although there are potential harms and benefits to privatization in community corrections, untangling the private industry from the provision of supervision and programming in the community would be a true challenge.

Policy Implications

Implications for use of the private industry in community corrections include the need for oversight and accountability, with the expectation that private agencies provide evidence‐based services and demonstrate a reduction of recidivism through those services. Recognition that the private industry is meeting a need that might not easily be met by public agencies is also important. Privatization in community corrections has mainly dodged the public scrutiny seen against privatization of prisons; this could change depending on how far‐reaching privatization in community corrections becomes.
Male urethral stricture disease in a regional centre: 10 years of experience
Authors: Hong Matthew K. H. , Murugappan Sita , Norton Sarah M. , Moore Eileen M. , Grills Richard
Published: May 2019

Background

Male urethral stricture disease is a challenging condition with a propensity for recurrence following endoscopic management. In recent years, earlier definitive urethral reconstruction has been advocated through international guidelines, prompted by series suggesting the underutilization of urethroplasty at rates of 0.6–0.8%. However, little local data exists to characterize our urethral stricture patients and we aimed to characterize the management of patients with urethral stricture disease presenting over a 10‐year period to a single regional centre.

Methods

Patients with urethral stricture disease and admitted to a regional health service were identified. Retrospective chart review was undertaken for patients detailing basic demographics, stricture characteristics, clinical management and follow up.

Results

We identified 360 patients with median age 69 years (interquartile range 56–77). A total of 191 (53%) presented with lower urinary tract symptoms, 122 (34%) urethral strictures were incidental, and 13% presented in urinary retention. Bulbar urethral strictures were the commonest strictures at 40% with most being spontaneous or idiopathic (67%). A total of 339 patients had treatment during their first admission, 48% of patients had subsequent treatment on a second episode, and over 20% had a third or subsequent treatment. Only 21 (5.8%) underwent urethroplasty. Urethral dilatation and optical urethrotomy were most commonly performed (54%). With follow up 19 months (interquartile range 2–56), 205 (57%) were voiding, 38 (11%) were performing intermittent catheterization, and 59 were catheterized permanently.

Conclusion

Definitive urethral reconstruction appears underutilized in our cohort of patients. A high proportion of incidentally presenting urethral strictures emphasizes the importance of wider education to optimize patient outcomes.
Is it worth reducing twins to singletons after IVF‐ET? A retrospective cohort study using propensity score matching
Authors: Luo Lu , Fan Xiong‐zhi , Jie Hui‐ying , Gao Yong , Chen Minghui , Zhou Canquan , Wang Qiong
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Many studies have shown that multifetal reduction of high‐order multiple pregnancies results in improved pregnancy outcomes. However, whether conducting elective fetal reduction from dichorionic twins after in vitro fertilization (IVF) is worthwhile remains controversial. This study aimed to determine whether elective fetal reduction of dichorionic twins after IVF and embryo transfer (IVF‐ET) is associated with increased take‐home baby rate.

Material and methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of 3600 dichorionic twin pregnancies after IVF‐ET. The reduced group included 71 women with transvaginal elective fetal reduction between 7 and 8 weeks of gestation. The control group (n = 3529) comprised women who were managed expectantly. Propensity score matching was conducted before pregnancy outcomes were compared.

Results

The take‐home baby rate was significantly lower in the reduced group (83.1% vs 92.8%, P = 0.004). The total miscarriage rate was significantly higher in the reduced group (12.7% vs 6.2%, P = 0.04). Although preterm delivery rate was lower in the reduced group (P < 0.001), over 90% were over 32 weeks, whereas the proportions were equal in the reduced group.

Conclusions

In dichorionic twin pregnancies after IVF‐ET, elective fetal reduction to singleton significantly decreased the chance of taking home live babies.
Pancreatic panniculitis in active systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Goyal Amrita , Jain Meera , Rehberg Kim , Goodman Warren , Gertner Elie
Published: May 2019

This report documents the case of a 64‐year‐old African‐American female with new end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on renal biopsy and serologies including a positive ANA (>1:2560), positive anti‐Sm antibodies, low titer anti‐RNP antibodies, high titer anti‐Ro antibodies, anti‐dsDNA antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, and hypocomplementemia. She was also noted to have tender nodules on the bilateral shins. Excisional biopsy of one of the nodules showed marked fat necrosis with “ghost cells” and patchy basophilic granular debris consistent with pancreatic panniculitis. Further examination for pancreatic pathology showed an elevated lipase of 585 U/L (reference range 8‐78 U/L) and amylase of 214 U/L (reference range 25‐125 U/L). However, computed tomography imaging showed no evidence of pancreatitis or pancreatic tumors. This is very similar to another case recently reported in the literature. Similarities of these two cases (African‐American females with lupus nephritis on dialysis) may represent a particular subset of SLE patients at increased risk for pancreatic panniculitis.
A safety update on sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors
Authors: Fitchett David
Published: May 2019

Sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are the first class of glucose lowering agent to be shown to reduce cardiovascular events. They are generally well tolerated with infrequent serious adverse events. The most frequent side effect is genital mycotic infections with candida species that are usually mild to moderate in severity, easily treated and infrequently recur. Urinary tract infections, although common in patients with diabetes, have not been shown to be increased in controlled studies with SGLT2i. Hypoglycaemia can occur when an SGLT2i is added to agents that cause hypoglycaemia, such as insulin or sulphonylureas. Volume depletion and hypotension is infrequent and can be minimized by adjusting diuretic and antihypertensive treatment in patients at risk. Acute renal failure or kidney injury was observed in early observational studies. However, in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and in more recent observational studies a decreased incidence of acute kidney injury was observed in SGLT2‐treated patients compared to those receiving either placebo or another class of glucose lowering agents. An increased incidence of amputation (largely feet and toes) was observed in the RCT with canagliflozin but not with the other SGLT2i. Observational studies have shown either an increased risk of amputation with other agents whereas another study showed no increase. Although the increased risk of amputation is very low, avoidance of SGLT2i in patients at high risk seems prudent. Increased incidence of fractures was observed with canagliflozin but not with SGLT2i nor in a meta‐analysis that included canagliflozin, empagliflozin and dapagliflozin. No increased incidence of cancer has been observed in either RCTs or observational studies.
Community‐based program promotes interprofessional collaboration among home healthcare professionals: A non‐randomized controlled study
Authors: Noguchi‐Watanabe Maiko , Maruyama‐Sakurai Keiko , Yamamoto‐Mitani Noriko , Matsumoto Yoshiko , Yoshie Satoru , Iijima Katsuya , Yamanaka Takashi , Akishita Masahiro
Published: May 2019

Aim

To evaluate the effect of an interprofessional collaboration (IPC) promotion program among community healthcare professionals.

Methods

A non‐randomized controlled study was carried out. Study participants were home healthcare‐related professionals in a suburban city near Tokyo; program participants were compared with non‐participants. The program consisted of two workshops each 2 h long and 4 months apart. The first workshop focused on developing a community resource map, and discussing community strengths and features. The second focused on examining a case of transitional care from hospital to home. Mail surveys were carried out before the first workshop and 6 months after. The IPC level was examined using an established seven‐domain scale. Analysis of covariance was used to examine the program effect by comparing baseline and 6‐month data in the two groups.

Results

Altogether, 213 professionals participated (intervention: n = 141 vs control: n = 72); approximately 60% were women, with a mean age of 45.9 ± 10.2 years. There were significant between‐group differences in baseline IPC score, age, type of profession and number of other educational opportunities. After adjusting for these variables, the IPC domains of “familiarity” and “meeting and talking” improved significantly in the intervention group as compared with the control group (P = 0.011 and 0.036, respectively). When the intervention group was split in two (two‐time vs one‐time participants), the improvement at 6 months was not significantly different between two‐ and one‐time participants.

Conclusions

It is suggested that our program is effective to improve the IPC level; one‐time participation might be enough to have expected improvement. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 660–666.
Liver transplantation in Japan: Registry by the Japanese Liver Transplantation Society
Authors: Umeshita Koji , Eguchi Susumu , Egawa Hiroto , Haga Hironori , Kasahara Mureo , Kokudo Norihiro , Sakisaka Shotaro , Takada Yasutsugu , Tanaka Eiji , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Uemoto Shinji , Ohdan Hideki
Published: May 2019

As of 31 December 2017, a total of 9242 liver transplants have been carried out in 67 institutions in Japan. There were 447 deceased donor transplants (444 from heart‐beating donors and 3 from non‐heart‐beating donors) and 8795 living‐donor transplants. The annual total of liver transplants in 2017 was 416 (69 deceased donor transplants and 347 living‐donor transplants). The most frequent indication was cholestatic disease, followed by neoplastic disease and hepatocellular disease. In terms of hepatocellular disease in 2017, cirrhosis due to hepatitis C and B decreased (13 and 8, respectively), whereas alcoholic cirrhosis markedly increased (32). Patient survival following transplantation from heart‐beating donor (444 transplants: 1 year, 89.1%; 3 years, 85.2%; 5 years, 82.9%; 10 years, 75.4%; 15 years, 70.7%) was similar to that from living‐donor (8794 transplants: 1 year, 85.0%; 3 years, 80.9%; 5 years, 78.5%; 10 years, 73.2%; 15 years, 68.5%; 20 years, 65.7%; 25 years, 64.6%). Graft survival was very much the same as patient survival (heart‐beating donor: 1 year, 88.4%; 3 years, 84.5%; 5 years, 82.2%; 10 years, 74.7%; 15 years, 70.1%; living donor: 1 year, 84.3%; 3 years, 79.9%; 5 years, 77.3%; 10 years, 71.4%; 15 years, 66.3%; 20 years, 63.3%; 25 years, 61.9%). Survival data are reported according to age and sex of recipient, indication, age and sex of donor, ABO compatibility, and other factors.