bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognosis of Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury After Implementation of a Nurse Assessment Protocol
Authors: da P. Oliveira Débora Moura , Pereira Carlos Umberto , da P. Freitas Záira Moura
Published: August 2016

Background: The prognosis of a patient with traumatic brain injury (TBI) depends on the severity of the injury, the patient’s level of consciousness upon admission, and differences in treatment protocols. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the prognosis of TBI victims after implementation of a nurse assessment protocol. Method: This is a blind, nonrandomized clinical study carried out at a public emergency hospital in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. Results: The study involved 480 patients with an average (SD) age of 35.7 (±16.6) years. Most of the patients were male (p = .02). In the preprotocol and postprotocol groups, motorcycle accidents (p = .023) were more frequent, with a 10.2% death rate. The clinical conditions associated with TBI and the tomographic findings were not affected in either the preprotocol or postprotocol groups (p = .07). There was a significant reduction (p = .05) in death rate from 12.6% to 7.3% and a decrease in the percentage of discharge with aftereffects from 32.8% to 22.8%. Factors independently associated with mortality were as follows: approximately 2.5 times more likely to not apply the protocol associated with an increased chance of death, followed by a 23 times higher risk of TBI severity, and age, with an odds ratio of 1.04. Conclusions: Implementing the protocol, there was a reduction of death rate of patients with severe TBI and aftereffects in patients with moderate TBI. The severity of TBI was the main independent predictive determinant of mortality, followed by nonuse of protocol and age.
A Review and Conceptual Model of Dopaminergic Contributions to Poststroke Depression
Authors: Stanfill Ansley , Elijovich Lucas , Baughman Brandon , Conley Yvette
Published: August 2016

About one third of all patients recovering from stroke will experience some degree of poststroke depression (PSD). PSD lengthens recovery times and reduces overall quality of life for these individuals. Although demographic, environmental, and clinical factors may explain some of the variability seen, these factors cannot fully predict the development of PSD. Furthermore, the precise mechanism of action is largely unknown. Recent work has begun to shed light on the influence of the monoamine neurotransmitter dopamine. This article summarizes the current evidence for the involvement of the dopaminergic system for PSD, using both preclinical and clinical models. Finally, a conceptual model is proposed that addresses the contributions of dopamine to the development of PSD.
Oral Anticoagulation in the Elderly: New Oral Anticoagulants–Innovative Solution for an Old Problem?
Authors: Barbosa Mario , Menezes Falcão Luiz
Published: August 2016

Direct oral anticoagulants emerge as the most innovative and promising drug toward preventing and treating cardiovascular disease, raising great interest among the scientific community. Numerous studies and meta-analysis generated much data clarifying clinicians' doubts; however, uncertainties remain regarding their use in particular groups such as patients with prosthetic valves, in valvular atrial fibrillation (defined as atrial fibrillation related to mitral rheumatic heart disease or prosthetic heart valves), among the elderly, in paraneoplastic thromboembolism, in pulmonary embolism with hemodynamic compromise, and scarcity of specific antidotes. This review article intends to condense the vast scientific production addressing new oral anticoagulants by focusing on their advantages and disadvantages when used on the elderly.
Psychometric Development of the Research and Knowledge Scale
Authors: Powell Lauren R. , Ojukwu Elizabeth , Person Sharina D. , Allison Jeroan , Rosal Milagros C. , Lemon Stephenie C.
Published: August 2016

Background:

Many research participants are misinformed about research terms, procedures, and goals; however, no validated instruments exist to assess individual’s comprehension of health-related research information. We propose research literacy as a concept that incorporates understanding about the purpose and nature of research.

Objectives:

We developed the Research and Knowledge Scale (RaKS) to measure research literacy in a culturally, literacy-sensitive manner. We describe its development and psychometric properties.

Research Design:

Qualitative methods were used to assess perspectives of research participants and researchers. Literature and informed consent reviews were conducted to develop initial items. These data were used to develop initial domains and items of the RaKS, and expert panel reviews and cognitive pretesting were done to refine the scale. We conducted psychometric analyses to evaluate the scale.

Subjects:

The cross-sectional survey was administered to a purposive community-based sample (n=430) using a Web-based data collection system and paper.

Measures:

We did classic theory testing on individual items and assessed test-retest reliability and Kuder-Richardson-20 for internal consistency. We conducted exploratory factor analysis and analysis of variance to assess differences in mean research literacy scores in sociodemographic subgroups.

Results:

The RaKS is comprised of 16 items, with a Kuder-Richardson-20 estimate of 0.81 and test-retest reliability 0.84. There were differences in mean scale scores by race/ethnicity, age, education, income, and health literacy (all P<0.01).

Conclusions:

This study provides preliminary evidence for the reliability and validity of the RaKS. This scale can be used to measure research participants’ understanding about health-related research processes and identify areas to improve informed decision-making about research participation.
Reducing Mental Health Emergency Services for Children Served Through California’s Full Service Partnerships
Authors: Cordell Katharan D. , Snowden Lonnie R.
Published: August 2016

Background:

Children’s Full Service Partnerships (FSP), created through California’s Mental Health Services Act of 2004 are comprehensive treatment and support programs incorporating a wraparound model designed to serve undertreated families with children who have a serious emotional disturbance and are at risk for suicide, violence, residential instability, criminal justice involvement, or involuntary hospitalization.

Objective:

This study investigated whether FSP programs resulted in reduced crisis-related mental health emergency services (MHES) for the children they served.

Research Design:

Using a statewide data set for 464,880 children and youth ages 11to <18 served by California’s county mental health systems between 2004 and 2012, the study compared age-related trajectories of MHES use for FSP-served children before and after treatment alongside children in usual care. Estimates were made within stratified age groups (11 to <15 and 15 to <18), utilizing propensity score adjusted random effects for each child’s increasing age to control individual differences in MHES likelihood and trajectory, while controlling for age, cohort, county of service, and clinical and demographic covariates.

Results:

Before treatment in FSP, FSP-served children showed higher and increasing MHES rates initially, reflecting greater severity. After FSP treatment, FSP-served children’s MHES trajectory declined more rapidly than those of controls.

Conclusions:

There is strong evidence for the success of FSP’s aggressive approach in reducing dangerous, increasing trajectories in MHES use. More research is needed, but key efficacious components within the program may be candidates for broader application when providing community-based, crisis-averting care for the most socially and economically vulnerable, seriously mentally ill children and youth.
Patient Perceptions of Deprescribing
Authors: Linsky Amy , Simon Steven R. , Stolzmann Kelly , Meterko Mark
Published: August 2016

Background:

Although clinicians ultimately decide when to discontinue (deprescribe) medications, patients’ perspectives may guide the process.

Objectives:

To develop a survey instrument that assesses patients’ experience with and attitudes toward deprescribing.

Research Design:

We developed a questionnaire with established and newly created items. We used exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA) to assess the psychometric properties.

Subjects:

National sample of 1547 Veterans Affairs patients prescribed ≥5 medications.

Measures:

In the EFA, percent variance, a scree plot, and conceptual coherence determined the number of factors. In the CFA, proposed factor structures were evaluated using standardized root mean square residual, root mean square error of approximation, and comparative fit index.

Results:

Respondents (n=790; 51% response rate) were randomly assigned to equal derivation and validation groups. EFA yielded credible 4-factor and 5-factor models. The 4 factors were “Medication Concerns,” “Provider Knowledge,” “Interest in Stopping Medicines,” and “Unimportance of Medicines.” The 5-factor model added “Patient Involvement in Decision-Making.” In the CFA, a modified 5-factor model, with 2 items with marginal loadings moved based upon conceptual fit, had an standardized root mean square residual of 0.06, an RMSEA of 0.07, and a CFI of 0.91. The new scales demonstrated internal consistency reliability, with Cronbach α’s of: Concerns, 0.82; Provider Knowledge, 0.86; Interest, 0.77; Involvement, 0.61; and Unimportance, 0.70.

Conclusions:

The Patient Perceptions of Deprescribing questionnaire is a novel, multidimensional instrument to measure patients’ attitudes and experiences related to medication discontinuation that can be used to determine how to best involve patients in deprescribing decisions.
Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Eating Disorders
Authors: Bern Elana M. , Woods Elizabeth R. , Rodriguez Leonel
Published: August 2016

Individuals with eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, may present with a range of gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations. The oral cavity, salivary glands, GI tract, pancreas, and liver can be impacted by nutritional restrictive and binge/purging behaviors. Complications are often reversible with appropriate nutritional therapy. At times, however, the complications in these disorders may be severe, irreversible and even life threatening. Given the often covert nature of eating disorders, the practitioner must be attentive to subtle clues that may indicate their presence. Extensive diagnostic evaluations of the GI manifestations of eating disorders should be used only when nutritional rehabilitation does not remedy the problems.
Rumination Syndrome and Dental Erosions in Children
Authors: Monagas Javier , Ritwik Priyanshi , Kolomensky Andrew , Acosta Julio , Kay Danielle , Clendaniel Lindsey , Hyman Paul E.
Published: August 2016

Rumination syndrome is the effortless regurgitation of recently ingested food with subsequent reswallowing or spitting out. Dental erosion (DE) affects 2% to 5% of the population. DE is defined as loss of tooth structure by a chemical process that does not involve bacteria. Our objective was to compare the frequency of DE among children with rumination syndrome with healthy controls. We enrolled 30 patients 4 to 21 years of age diagnosed with rumination syndrome, and 30 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy control subjects. Patients were evaluated by pediatric dentists for presence of DE with Taji et al a validated grading system. Patients with rumination were more likely to have DE (P < 0.001). Of patients with rumination syndrome, 23 (77%) had DE, compared with 4 (13%) control subjects. DEs are more frequent in patients with rumination syndrome.
ESPGHAN‐NASPGHAN Guidelines for the Evaluation and Treatment of Gastrointestinal and Nutritional Complications in Children With Esophageal Atresia‐Tracheoesophageal Fistula
Authors: Krishnan Usha , Mousa Hayat , Dall'Oglio Luigi , Homaira Nusrat , Rosen Rachel , Faure Christophe , Gottrand Frédéric
Published: August 2016

Background:

Esophageal atresia (EA) is one of the most common congenital digestive anomalies. With improvements in surgical techniques and intensive care treatments, the focus of care of these patients has shifted from mortality to morbidity and quality‐of‐life issues. These children face gastrointestinal (GI) problems not only in early childhood but also through adolescence and adulthood. There is, however, currently a lack of a systematic approach to the care of these patients. The GI working group of International Network on Esophageal Atresia comprises members from ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN and was charged with the task of developing uniform evidence‐based guidelines for the management of GI complications in children with EA.

Methods:

Thirty‐six clinical questions addressing the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the common GI complications in patients with EA were formulated. Questions on the diagnosis, and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux, management of “cyanotic spells,” etiology, investigation and management of dysphagia, feeding difficulties, anastomotic strictures, congenital esophageal stenosis in EA patients were addressed. The importance of excluding eosinophilic esophagitis and associated GI anomalies in symptomatic patients with EA is discussed as is the quality of life of these patients and the importance of a systematic transition of care to adulthood. A systematic literature search was performed from inception to March 2014 using Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials, and PsychInfo databases. The approach of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation was applied to evaluate outcomes. During 2 consensus meetings, all recommendations were discussed and finalized. The group members voted on each recommendation, using the nominal voting technique. Expert opinion was used where no randomized controlled trials were available to support the recommendation.
Cytokine Levels in Panic Disorder: Evidence for a Dose-Response Relationship
Authors: Belem da Silva Cristiano Tschiedel , Costa Marianna de Abreu , Bortoluzzi Andressa , Pfaffenseller Bianca , Vedana Flávia , Kapczinski Flávio , Manfro Gisele Gus
Published: August 2016

Objective

Several studies have investigated possible biological correlates of mental disorders. Although some studies have consistently reported elevated levels of serum inflammatory markers in depression, very few have evaluated cytokine levels in patients with lifetime panic disorder (PD).

Methods

Seventy-eight adults (75% women) from an anxiety disorders outpatient unit were categorized according to their PD status: current or in remission. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor α, and IL-10 were evaluated using flow cytometry with enhanced sensitivity flex sets. Data on clinical comorbidity, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, C-reactive protein, and PD severity were also obtained.

Results

Significantly higher mean levels of serum IL-6 (0.83 vs 0.60 pg/mL [95% confidence interval {CI}for the log-transformed mean difference, −0.41 to −0.57], p = .008) but not of tumor necrosis factor-α (0.18 vs 0.14 pg/mL [95% CI, −1.12 to 0.11]; p = 0.53) or IL-10 (0.21 vs 0.26 [95% CI, −0.20 to 0.44]; p = 0.16), were associated with current PD compared to remitted PD. Higher Panic Disorder Severity Scale (standardized β = 0.36; p = .013), body mass index (standardized β = 0.53, p < .001) and fasting blood glucose 5.6 mmol/L or greater (standardized β = 0.23, p = .038) were significantly associated with higher levels of IL-6 in the multivariate linear regression model.

Conclusions

Our findings support a proinflammatory state in patients with current PD that is independent of possible confounders. Although there are important implications of these findings, replication is required.
Liver Stiffness and Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein in Discriminating Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma from Cirrhotic Nodule
Authors: Li Jia-Wu , Ling Wen-Wu , Lu Qiang , Lu Chang-Li , He Du , Luo Yan
Published: August 2016

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of liver stiffness and serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in differentiating small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from cirrhotic nodule.

Methods

A total of 95 chronic hepatitis B patients who were diagnosed with small HCC (n = 53) or cirrhotic nodule (n = 42) underwent ultrasound elastography point quantification (ElastPQ) examinations on lesion and background liver. Three stiffness parameters, lesion stiffness value (SV), absolute stiffness difference (ASD) of lesion and background liver, stiffness ratio (lesion/background liver) (SR), and serum AFP were retrospectively analyzed. Then, the capabilities of lesion SV, ASD, SR, AFP, and the combination of each individual stiffness parameter with AFP were evaluated in differentiating small HCC from cirrhotic nodule.

Results

Significantly higher lesion SV, ASD, SR, and serum AFP were observed in small HCC compared with cirrhotic nodule patients (all P ≤ 0.0001). By comparing the stiffness parameters on the patients with AFP greater than 20 ng/mL and AFP of 20 ng/mL or smaller, a higher lesion SV and comparable ASD and SR were found in the small HCC patients. The diagnostic accuracy of lesion SV, ASD, SR, and AFP in the discrimination of small HCC and cirrhotic nodule was 0.731, 0.825, 0.820, and 0.789, respectively. Moreover, the improved sensitivity was observed in the combination of liver stiffness with AFP (83%, 100%, and 92% for lesion SV/AFP, ASD/AFP, and SR/AFP, respectively).

Conclusions

This study illustrated that the combination of liver stiffness and serum AFP has considerable clinical value in detecting suspicious small HCC from cirrhotic nodule.
Prognostic Factors of Oral Intake After Endoscopic Gastroduodenal Stent Placement for Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Endo Shunji , Yamada Terumasa , Ikenaga Masakazu , Konishi Ken , Ohta Katsuya , Matsumoto Kenichi , Takayama Hirotoshi , Kobayashi Ichizo , Akamatsu Haruki , Sasaki Kazuyuki , Murata Jun , Nishikawa Kazuhiro , Nishijima Junichi
Published: August 2016

Gastroduodenal stents are effective for gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) due to gastric cancer. However, some patients are unable to eat again soon. We retrospectively analyzed the cause of short-feeding periods. Between 2011 and 2015, we performed stent placement in 22 patients who could not eat solids. The effects of clinical characteristics on duration of oral intake were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models. Univariate analyses revealed that the degree of GOO [no oral intake/liquids only; hazard ratio (HR), 10.9; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.5-48.1; P=0.003], performance status score (2 or 3/0 or 1; HR, 5.7; 95% CI, 1.8-16.9; P=0.004), and poststenting chemotherapy (no/yes; HR, 5.7; 95% CI, 1.9-18.9; P=0.002) were significant factors for cessation of oral intake. Multivariate analysis showed that GOO and chemotherapy were significant factors. Gastroduodenal stents were less effective for patients with severe stenosis or without poststenting chemotherapy.
Astrocytes locally translate transcripts in their peripheral processes
Authors: Sakers Kristina , Lake Allison M. , Khazanchi Rohan , Ouwenga Rebecca , Vasek Michael J. , Dani Adish , Dougherty Joseph D.
Published: August 2016

Local translation in neuronal processes is key to the alteration of synaptic strength that contributes to long term potentiation and learning and memory. Here, we present evidence that astrocytes have ribosomes in their peripheral and perisynaptic processes, and thatde novoprotein synthesis occurs in the astrocyte periphery. We also developed a new biochemical approach to profile and define a set of candidate transcripts that are locally translated in astrocyte processes, several of which were validated invivousingin situhybridization of sparsely labeled cells. Computational analyses indicate that localized translation is both sequence dependent and enriched for particular biological functions. This includes novel pathways such as fatty acid synthesis as well as pathways consistent with known roles for astrocyte processes, such as GABA and glutamate metabolism. Finally, enriched transcripts also include key glial regulators of synaptic refinement, suggesting that local production of astrocyte proteins may support microscale alterations of adjacent synapses.

Significance Statement

Cellular compartments are specialized for particular functions. In astrocytes, the peripheral processes, particularly near synapses, contain proteins specialized for reuptake of neurotransmitters and ions, and have been shown to alter their morphology in response to activity. Regulated transport of a specific subset of nuclear-derived mRNAs to particular compartments is thought to support the specialization of these compartments and allow for local regulation of translation. In neurons, local translation near activated synapses is thought to generate the proteins needed for the synaptic alterations that constitute memory. We demonstrate that astrocytes also have sequence-dependent local translation in their peripheral processes, including transcripts with roles in regulating synapses. This suggests local translation in astrocyte processes may also play a role in modulating synapses.
Interactions between helicase and primase are crucial for DNA replication in the enteropathogenClostridium difficile
Authors: van Eijk Erika , Paschalis Vasileios , Green Matthew , Friggen Annemieke H. , Larson Marilynn A. , Spriggs Keith , Briggs Geoffrey S. , Soultanas Panos , Smits Wiep Klaas
Published: August 2016

DNA replication is an essential and conserved process in all domains of life and may serve as a target for the development of new antimicrobials. However, such developments are hindered by a limited understanding of DNA replication in pathogenic micro-organisms.Clostridium difficileis the main cause of health-care associated diarrhea and its DNA replication machinery is virtually uncharacterized. We identified the replicative helicase (CD3657), the helicase loader ATPase (CD3654) and primase (CD1454) ofC. difficileand reconstitute helicase and primase activityin vitro. We demonstrate a direct and ATP-dependent interaction between the helicase loader and the helicase. We find that helicase activity is dependent on the presence of primasein vitro. The trinucleotide specificity of primase, which we find to be determined by a single lysine residue, is similar to extreme thermophileAquifex aeolicusbut the presence of helicase allows more efficientde novosynthesis of RNA primers from non-preferred trinucleotides. Thus, helicase-primase interactions constitute a crucial aspect of DNA replication initiation inC. difficileand helicase loading and activation in this organism differs critically from that of the Gram-positive model organismBacillus subtilis.
Remating responses are consistent with male post-copulatory manipulation but not reinforcement inD. pseudoobscura
Authors: Davis Jeremy S. , Castillo Dean M. , Moyle Leonie C.
Published: August 2016

Reinforcement occurs when hybridization between closely related lineages produces low fitness offspring, prompting selection for elevated reproductive isolation specifically in areas of sympatry. Both pre-mating and post-mating prezygotic behaviors have been shown to be the target of reinforcing selection, but it remains unclear whether remating behaviors experience reinforcement, although they can also influence offspring identity and limit formation of hybrids. Here we evaluated evidence for reinforcing selection on remating behaviors inD. pseudoobscura, by comparing remating traits in females from populations historically allopatric and sympatric withD. persimilis. We found that the propensity to remate was not higher in sympatric females, compared to allopatric females, regardless of whether the first mated male was heterospecific or conspecific. Moreover, remating behavior did not contribute to interspecific reproductive isolation among any population; that is, females showed no higher propensity to remate following a heterospecific first mating than they were following a conspecific first mating. Instead, we found that females are less likely to remate after initial matings with unfamiliar males, regardless of species identity. This is consistent with one scenario of postmating sexual conflict in which females are poorly defended against post-copulatory manipulation by males with whom they have not co-evolved. Our results are generally inconsistent with reinforcement on remating traits, and suggest that this behavior might be more strongly shaped by the consequences of local antagonistic male-female interactions than interactions with heterospecifics.
X-ray third-order nonlinear plane-wave Bragg-case dynamical diffraction effects in a perfect crystal. Erratum
Authors: Balyan Minas K.
Published: August 2016

Formulae in the paper by Balyan (2015) [J. Synchrotron Rad.22, 1410–1418] are corrected.
Glaser’s function and stochastic orders for mixture distributions
Authors: Jarrahiferiz Jalil , Mohtashami Borzadaran G.R. , Rezaei Roknabadi A.H.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study likelihood ratio order for mixture and its components via their Glaser’s functions for weighted distributions. So, some theoretical examples using exponential family and their mixtures are presented.

Design/methodology/approach

First, Glaser’s functions of mixture and its components for weighted distributions in different scenarios are computed. Then by them the likelihood ratio order is investigated between mixture and its components.

Findings

The authors find conditions for weight functions under which the mixture random variable is between of its components in likelihood ratio order.

Originality/value

Results are obtained for weight function in general. It is well known that the some special weights are order statistics, up and down records, hazard rate, reversed hazard rate, moment generating function, etc. So, the results are valid for all of them.
A multiple case study analysis of Six Sigma practices in Indian manufacturing companies
Authors: Antony Jiju , Gijo E.V. , Kumar Vikas , Ghadge Abhijeet
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the fundamental barriers/challenges, benefits, commonly used tools and techniques, organisational infrastructure and impact on organisational performance in three Indian manufacturing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-case study analysis using the exploratory case study research was adopted by the authors to obtain a deeper insight into the Six Sigma implementation within three distinctive manufacturing organisations in India. Interviews were conducted with relevant staff (Six Sigma Deployment Champions, Six Sigma Master Black Belts and Six Sigma Black Belts) in all three companies.

Findings

Some of the barriers in implementing and sustaining Six Sigma identified from the case studies include: lack of accuracy of data generated from the processes, lack of understanding of the benefits of Six Sigma in the early stages of its adoption, high-attrition rate of Six Sigma Black Belts and so on. The benefits of Six Sigma included improvement of process yield, reduction of rework and rejection, reduction of raw material inventory, improved on-time delivery, on-time availability of material for production and so on. Supplier-input-process-output-customer, cause and effect diagram, process mapping, hypothesis tests (two sample test, F-test, etc.), control charts (X-bar-R chart, individual chart, etc.), simple graphical tools such as histograms, box plots and dot plots were the most commonly used tools of Six Sigma across the companies that participated for this research. All three companies have reported that Six Sigma had a positive impact on organisational performance and moreover the study also revealed that Six Sigma had positive impact on customer satisfaction, return-on-investment, productivity and product quality.

Research limitations/implications

The study was carried out in three Indian companies and therefore the findings cannot be generalised. The authors are extending the study to three more companies and the findings will be reported in the forthcoming months.

Practical implications

The findings of the study provide a good foundation to understand the fundamental barriers, benefits, commonly used tools and whether Six Sigma is having any impact on business performance in the Indian context. Very few empirical studies have been carried out on Six Sigma implementation in the Indian manufacturing companies and this research sets an agenda for a number of studies to follow on in the forthcoming years.

Originality/value

In authors’ opinion, this is possibly one of the first multi-case empirical studies on Six Sigma implementation in the Indian manufacturing companies. The results of the study can be used to benchmark with similar studies in other countries to understand the good and bad management practices of Six Sigma implementation.
Safety climate, worker health and organizational health performance
Authors: Bronkhorst Babette , Vermeeren Brenda
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between organizational safety climate and organizational health performance outcomes (i.e. absenteeism, presenteeism, health care utilization) mediated by individual worker health. The authors used three pathways to examine this relationship: a physical pathway starting with physical safety climate and mediated by musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), a psychosocial pathway starting with psychosocial safety climate and mediated by emotional exhaustion, and a combined pathway starting with psychosocial safety climate and mediated by both MSDs and emotional exhaustion.

Design/methodology/approach

Three mediational multilevel analyses were conducted using a sample of 8,761 employees working in 177 health care organizations.

Findings

Although the findings did not support the hypothesized physical pathway, they showed that the psychosocial pathway worked satisfactorily for two of the three health performance outcomes (absenteeism and presenteeism). The combined physical and psychosocial pathway explained differences in the third outcome: health care utilization.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies to include both physical and psychosocial pathways that lead to employee health and organizational performance. The results underscore the importance of paying attention to psychological health and safety in the health care workplace. Not only for the psychological health of employees, but also to improve their physical health and subsequent organizational health performance.
A framework for reforming India's forest biodiversity management regime
Authors: Faizi S. , Ravichandran M.
Published: August 2016

India's forest biodiversity management regime is analysed at the policy, legal and institutional levels, from the perspective of the triple objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the principles of the Indian constitution. The forest biodiversity management regime has both structural and functional flaws that render it largely incapable of facing the challenge of increasing biodiversity degradation and deepening poverty among the Adivasis and other forest‐dependent communities. The paper argues for the reform of the forest biodiversity management regime and offers recommendations in regard to most aspects of the regime, with a view of putting the country's conservation enterprise on a course that is effective, sustainable and inclusive, rejecting the report of the High Power Committee (HPC) (also known as the Subramanian Committee), which is premised on easing corporate access to forests.
Conserving species‐rich predator assemblages strengthens natural pest control in a climate warming context
Authors: Drieu Robin , Rusch Adrien
Published: August 2016

Recent evidence has shown that a consideration of multiple drivers is important if we want to understand how ecosystem functioning will respond to global change.

In the present study, we used a substitutive approach to examine how two major components of global change, warming and predator diversity, affect the top‐down control of two phytophagous insect pests. Predator assemblages were created using a substitutive design to give three single‐species treatments (low diversity) and one three‐species treatment (high diversity) under two temperature treatments (current seasonal temperature and an increase of +3°C over current temperatures).

The results obtained indicate a shift from substitutive to complementarity effects among predatory species with experimental warming. Experimental warming revealed complementarity between the predatory species in diverse assemblages because higher predation rates on both prey species were found in the high diversity treatment compared with what was expected based on low diversity treatments at the same temperature.

Our analyses of prey selectivity provided evidence that resource‐niche partitioning is involved in the emergence of functional complementarity under warming. The present study highlights the importance of maintaining diverse predator assemblages if we want to increase natural pest control services in agroecosystems and reduce dependence on agrochemicals in a climate change context.
Levels of CD40L and other inflammatory biomarkers in obese and non‐obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Sarray Sameh , Almawi Wassim Y.
Published: August 2016

Problem

We investigated whether changes in sCD40L, hs‐CRP, IL‐6, and TNF‐α levels are associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Method of study

Case–control study involving 143 women with and 165 women without PCOS.

Result(s):

Reduced sCD40L, and increased hs‐CRP and IL‐6, but not TNF‐α, levels were seen between cases and controls. ROC analysis demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for sCD40L and hs‐CRP as PCOS predictors. Altered sCD40L levels were associated with PCOS, irrespective of body weight. Significant differences in IL‐6 levels were seen between non‐obese subjects and for TNF‐α in obese subjects. sCD40L correlated negatively with age, insulin, HOMA‐IR, LH, free testosterone, FAI, and hirsutism, but positively with SHBG. CRP correlated positively with BMI, insulin, HOMA‐IR, free testosterone, and hirsutism. IL‐6 correlated positively with hirsutism. TNF‐α correlated positively with age, but negatively with insulin and HOMA‐IR.

Conclusion

CD40L, more than IL‐6, or TNF‐α, constitutes a predictor to explain PCOS and associated features.
Role of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α3 subtype in vascular inflammation
Authors: Yang Cui , Li Zhengtao , Yan Saimei , He Yonghui , Dai Rong , Leung George Pek‐heng , Pan Shitian , Yang Jinyan , Yan Rong , Du Guanhua
Published: August 2016

Background and Purpose

Vascular inflammation is a major factor contributing to the development of vascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α3 subtype (α3‐nAChR) in vascular inflammation.

Experimental Approach

Vascular inflammation was studied in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE−/−) mice fed a high‐fat diet. Inflammatory markers were measured in mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs) and macrophages after α3‐nAChRs were antagonized pharmacologically, or after the gene of α3‐nAChRs was silenced.

Key Results

Treatment with α‐conotoxin MII (MII; an α3‐nAChR antagonist) increased the number of inflammatory cells infiltrating the aortic walls and further impaired the endothelium‐dependent vasodilatations in the aorta of ApoE−/− mice. MII also increased the plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the infiltration of classical activated macrophages into the arterial wall of ApoE−/− mice was markedly elevated by MII but that of alternative activated macrophages was reduced. In MAECs, the lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated secretion of adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokines was enhanced by MII, or by silencing the gene of α3‐nAChRs. This effect was reversed by inhibitors of the PI3K‐Akt‐IκKα/β‐IκBα‐NFκB pathways. In macrophages, the classical activation was enhanced, but the alternative activation was reduced when the gene of α3‐nACh receptors was silenced. These effects were prevented by inhibitors of the IκKα/β‐IκBα‐NFκB and JAK2‐STAT6‐PPARγ pathways respectively.

Conclusions and Implications

α3‐nAChRs play a pivotal role in regulating the inflammatory responses in endothelial cells and macrophages. The mechanisms involve the modulations of multiple cell signalling pathways.
Tumor volume determines the feasibility of cell‐free DNA sequencing for mutation detection in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ohira Tatsuo , Sakai Kazuko , Matsubayashi Jun , Kajiwara Naohiro , Kakihana Masatoshi , Hagiwara Masaru , Hibi Masaaki , Yoshida Koichi , Maeda Junichi , Ohtani Keishi , Nagao Toshitaka , Nishio Kazuto , Ikeda Norihiko
Published: August 2016

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and digital PCR technologies allow analysis of the mutational profile of circulating cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) in individuals with advanced lung cancer. We have now evaluated the feasibility of cfDNA sequencing for mutation detection in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer at earlier stages. A total of 150 matched tumor and serum samples were collected from non‐small cell lung cancer patients at stages IA–IIIA. Amplicon sequencing with DNA extracted from tumor tissue detected frequent mutations in EGFR (37% of patients), TP53 (39%), and KRAS (10%), consistent with previous findings. In contrast, NGS of cfDNA identified only EGFR, TP53, and PIK3CA mutations in three, five, and one patient, respectively, even though adequate amounts of cfDNA were extracted (median of 4936 copies/mL serum). Next‐generation sequencing showed a high accuracy (98.8%) compared with droplet digital PCR for cfDNA mutation detection, suggesting that the low frequency of mutations in cfDNA was not due to a low assay sensitivity. Whereas the yield of cfDNA did not differ among tumor stages, the cfDNA mutations were detected in seven patients at stages IIA–IIIA and at T2b or T3. Tumor volume was significantly higher in the cfDNA mutation‐positive patients than in the negative patients at stages T2b–T4 (159.1 ± 58.0 vs. 52.5 ± 9.9 cm3, P = 0.014). Our results thus suggest that tumor volume is a determinant of the feasibility of mutation detection with cfDNA as the analyte.
Genetic and Environmental Links Between Natural Language Use and Cognitive Ability in Toddlers
Authors: Canfield Caitlin F. , Edelson Lisa R. , Saudino Kimberly J.
Published: August 2016

Although the phenotypic correlation between language and nonverbal cognitive ability is well‐documented, studies examining the etiology of the covariance between these abilities are scant, particularly in very young children. The goal of this study was to address this gap in the literature by examining the genetic and environmental links between language use, assessed through conversational language samples, and nonverbal cognition in a sample of 3‐year‐old twins (N = 281 pairs). Significant genetic and nonshared environmental influences were found for nonverbal cognitive ability and language measures, including mean length of utterance and number of different words, as well as significant genetic covariance between cognitive ability and both language measures.
Determinants of Cash Holdings in Multinational Corporation's Foreign Subsidiaries: US Subsidiaries in China
Authors: Beuselinck Christof , Du Yan
Published: August 2016

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

We examine determinants of cash holdings in Chinese subsidiaries of US multinational corporations (MNCs), a setting where growth opportunities make cash holdings desirable for investment opportunities but also vulnerable to potential expropriation because of poor investor protection.

Research Findings/Insights

We show that headquarters accumulate larger cash holdings in foreign subsidiaries with locally registered patents and in foreign subsidiaries operating in the same industry as corporate headquarters. Further, foreign cash holdings are higher when these are safeguarded by a subsidiary board. Moreover, the effect of shared industry on subsidiary cash holdings is larger when a board is installed in the subsidiary. Finally, the positive relation between a subsidiary's capability to innovate and to transfer knowledge and its level of cash holdings is stronger when the subsidiary is led by US expatriate CEOs.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our results indicate that MNCs accumulate cash in foreign subsidiaries with innovation and knowledge transfer capabilities. Furthermore, and in line with agency theory, we find that MNCs safeguard foreign cash via the installing of subsidiary boards and expatriate CEOs. These findings suggest that the installing of monitoring devices are crucial in reducing the potential expropriation risk of foreign cash holdings.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our study highlights the importance of considering foreign subsidiaries' positions in innovation and in knowledge transfer when MNCs make decisions on the levels of overseas cash holdings. It offers insights regarding the importance of subsidiary boards and expatriate CEOs in monitoring and controlling foreign subsidiaries.
Subcutaneous melanocytoma mimicking a lipoma: a rare presentation of a rare neoplasm with histological, immunohistochemical, cytogenetic and molecular characterization
Authors: Marwaha Nitin , Batanian Jacqueline R. , Coppens Jeroen R. , Pierson Matthew J. , Richards‐Yutz Jennifer , Ebrahimzadeh Jessica , Ganguly Arupa , Guzman Miguel A.
Published: August 2016

Melanocytoma are the melanocytic tumors originating from leptomeningeal melanocytes. Melanocytomas are commonly seen in the central nervous system (CNS) and are often associated with neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM). However, simultaneous presentation of intra‐axial and extracranial melanocytoma is a very rare event. Here, we report a unique case of 21‐year‐old male with intermediate‐grade subcutaneous (SC) melanocytoma, mimicking lipoma, occurred synchronously with an intracranial melanocytoma, not associated with NCM. A 21‐year‐old Caucasian male presented to the emergency department (ED) with severe vertigo and vomiting. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was performed at the ED, which revealed an SC mass in the right occipital scalp and a right cerebellopontine angle (CPA) mass. Excision of the SC mass revealed a well‐circumscribed highly pigmented melanocytic tumor. The SC mass tumor cells were positive for melanocytic lineage markers. The histopathological features were between benign melanocytomas and malignant melanomas. The Ki67 and PHH3 IHCs confirm the intermediate grade of the tumors. An array‐CGH (comparative genome hybridization) and next‐generation sequencing analysis of the tumor DNA extracted from the formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue reveals chromosome 6p gain and p.Q209P mutation in the GNAQ gene, respectively, consistent with the diagnosis of intermediate‐grade melanocytoma.
Large‐scale climatic drivers of regional winter bird population trends
Authors: Lehikoinen Aleksi , Foppen Ruud P. B. , Heldbjerg Henning , Lindström Åke , van Manen Willem , Piirainen Sirke , van Turnhout Chris A. M. , Butchart Stuart H. M.
Published: August 2016

Aim

Changes in climate and land use practices have been found to affect animal populations in different parts of the world. These studies have typically been conducted during the breeding season, whereas the non‐breeding season (hereafter ‘winter’) has received much less attention. Changes in regional winter abundances could be caused by changes in overall population sizes and/or redistribution of populations. We tested these mechanisms for terrestrial winter bird population changes in Northern Europe and explored the role of climate change and species habitat preference.

Location

The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Finland.

Methods

We used winter bird counts from four countries conducted annually between 15 December and 20 January in 1980/1981–2013/2014. We report national population trends for 50 species for which a trend could be calculated in at least three of the countries. We analysed country‐specific population growth rates in relation to species’ climatic summer and winter niches, habitat preference and migratory behaviour.

Results

Species breeding in colder (typically northern) areas showed more negative winter population trends than species breeding in warmer areas. Regional winter population trends were negatively correlated with characteristics of their winter climatic niche: populations in the colder part of their winter distribution increased in abundance, whereas populations in the warmer part of their winter distribution decreased. Woodland species tended to do better than farmland species. Migratory behaviour did not explain variation in population trends.

Main conclusions

The generally decreasing winter population trends of cold‐dwelling breeding species probably reflect the general decline in population sizes of these species. In contrast, increasing winter population trends for populations in the colder parts of the winter distribution indicate a redistribution of wintering individuals towards the north‐east. Both these patterns are likely caused by climate change.
Competition with Asymmetric Experience Uncertainty
Authors: Galbreth Michael R. , Ghosh Bikram
Published: August 2016

The value of an experience good is idiosyncratic to consumers and is not fully realized until after a purchase is made. This uncertainty related to experience, or “experience uncertainty,” has been shown in prior research to have important implications in a competitive context. In this article, we consider two firms that are asymmetric along two dimensions—base quality and the distribution of experience uncertainty. The interaction of these asymmetries shapes consumer demand and thus is an important driver of the equilibrium strategies of competing firms. We show that an increase in the experience uncertainty of one competitor might in fact lead to higher profits for both firms, including the firm whose product has become less certain to consumers. These unexpected results can be understood by examining how experience uncertainty drives endogenous market segmentation and price elasticity. We provide simple conditions under which more experience uncertainty can increase the profits of both competing firms.
Adult Mortality, AIDS, and Fertility in Rural Malawi
Authors: Durevall Dick , Lindskog Annika
Published: August 2016

The future course of fertility is a major determinant of economic development in many sub‐Saharan countries, so understanding how HIV/AIDS affects childbearing is of great interest. We show that fertility responds negatively to female mortality and positively to male mortality and that the overall fertility response is small. The negative effect of female mortality is in line with earlier studies that only focus on women and their infection and mortality risks, while the finding of a positive effect of adult‐male mortality is novel. One interpretation of this finding is that women who perceive a high risk of their husbands' or grown‐up sons' deaths are likely to want to have more children to ensure future support.