bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical Therapist Student Outcomes of Interprofessional Education in Professional (Entry-Level) Physical Therapist Education Programs: A Systematic Review
Authors: Arth Katherine S. , Shumaker Emily A. , Bergman Alissa C. , Nolan Amanda M. , Ritzline Pamela D. , Paz Jamie C.
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose.

Traditionally, the physical therapy profession has been involved with interprofessional education (IPE) and collaborative practice. However, IPE was not a requirement for professional (entry-level [EL]) physical therapist (PT) curriculum until recently when the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) incorporated IPE into the Standards and Elements for professional (EL) physical therapist education programs. Therefore, this systematic review is aimed at synthesizing the available evidence regarding physical therapist student outcomes associated with various IPE instructional methods embedded in professional (EL) physical therapist education programs globally. The evidence gathered may help guide educators when developing and implementing IPE curricula into professional (EL) physical therapist programs.

Methods.

This systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for searching and reporting processes. Individual searches were developed for PubMed, ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health, and CINAHL. The EBSCOhost databases, ERIC, Education Full Text, and Education Research Complete, were searched simultaneously using a similar comprehensive search strategy that included search terms related to 1) education, 2) interprofessional, and 3) physical therapy.

Results.

Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Outcomes were measured by 6 different outcome measures (OMs) and achieved by a variety of teaching and learning methods. Multiple studies demonstrated an improvement in attitudes toward perception of and perceived need for collaboration among health care professionals of PTs, as well as improved competency, and autonomy after participation in IPE. Physical therapists valued shared leadership and participation, as well as displaying a readiness to learn with other disciplines. Some studies reported negative outcomes related to the ability of shared learning to increase understanding of clinical problems and improve interprofessional communication and teamwork.

Conclusion.

Both positive and unintended negative outcomes may result from IPE. The OMs reported in this review measure components of teamwork, roles and responsibilities, communication, learning/reflection, patient focus, and ethics/attitudes. Using more than 1 OM seems to measure the outcomes of IPE more effectively. In summary, current evidence suggests an overall positive impact of IPE on PTs' competency and autonomy, teamwork, collaboration, communication, and readiness to learn achieved by a variety of instructional methods.
Safety and efficacy of a minimally invasive cell sampling device (‘Cytosponge’) in the diagnosis of esophageal pathology: a systematic review
Authors: Iqbal Umair , Siddique Osama , Ovalle Anais , Anwar Hafsa , Moss Steven F.
Published: July 2018

Esophageal adenocarcinoma is an increasingly common cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Most cases are considered the consequence of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease, with subsequent Barrett’s metaplasia and dysplasia. Because progression from Barrett’s metaplasia to cancer occurs over many years, endoscopic screening and surveillance programs have been established, albeit with little or no consideration for cost-effectiveness. As an alternative to the expensive and resource-demanding endoscopic surveillance, the Cytosponge has been developed to sample the esophageal mucosa efficiently. The device is a compressed mesh sponge encapsulated in an ingestible gelatin pill attached to a string. After swallowing, the capsule dissolves allowing the sponge to expand in the stomach. As it is pulled out, cells are collected from the esophagogastric junction and throughout the esophagus. The cellular samples can be analyzed by cytology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular markers. We conducted a systematic review of all recent relevant studies to help define the role of this novel technology, including studies of screening and surveillance of Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal squamous dysplasia detection, detection of eosinophilic esophagitis, and evaluation of benign esophageal diseases. With the major limitation that most studies were performed by a single investigative group that developed the technology, the device yielded overall impressive results against the endoscopy/biopsy gold standard. Patient acceptability was high. If these promising early results are validated by other investigators in other populations, the Cytosponge represents an important new advance in the detection of esophageal pathology that could potentially decrease the burden of endoscopic esophageal sampling.
Model for end-stage liver disease score and hemodynamic instability as a predictor of poor outcome in early transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt treatment for acute variceal hemorrhage
Authors: Hermie Laurens , Dhondt Elisabeth , Vanlangenhove Peter , Hoste Eric , Geerts Anja , Defreyne Luc
Published: July 2018

Objective

To evaluate the outcome of early transjugular portosystemic shunt (TIPS) treatment in patients with a trial-compatible high-risk variceal bleeding and secondly to disclose other predictors of early mortality.

Materials and methods

A cohort study was conducted on patients referred for a TIPS procedure with or without combined variceal embolization to control acute esophageal variceal bleeding. A total of 32 patients with Child–Pugh C score less than 14 or Child–Pugh B plus active bleeding at endoscopy, admitted for early-TIPS treatment (<72 h), were included.

Results

We noted one (3.7%) failure to control bleeding and no rebleeding during 1-year follow-up. Ten (31.3%) patients died within 6 weeks after TIPS placement. Early mortality was associated with model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (P=0.025), MELD score of at least 19 (P=0.008) and hemodynamic instability at time of admission (P=0.001). If hemodynamic instability is associated with a high MELD score, the 6-week mortality peaks at 77.8% (P=0.000).

Conclusion

This study confirms the excellent survival results of early-TIPS treatment for acute variceal bleeding in a selected patient group with a low MELD score. Poor survival in hemodynamically unstable patients with high MELD scores (≥19) contests the guidelines that patients with Child–Pugh class C cirrhosis or Child–Pugh class B with active bleeding on endoscopy should deliberately receive preemptive TIPS treatment after endoscopic haemostasis.
Risk of mortality and level of serum alanine aminotransferase among community-dwelling elderly in Israel
Authors: Schmilovitz-Weiss Hemda , Gingold-Belfer Rachel , Boltin Doron , Beloosesky Yichayaou , Meyerovitch Joseph , Tor Ruth , Issa Nidal , Grossman Alon , Koren-Morag Nira , Weiss Avraham
Published: July 2018

Background

Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels below and above the reference range have been found to serve as a marker of liver injury and to predict all-cause mortality. The need to adjust the reference range by age, sex, or other parameters remains unclear. The current reference range of serum ALT in Israel is 0–34 IU/l for women and 0–45 IU/l for men. We aimed to test the applicability of the current reference range values of ALT in specific people – the elderly population.

Methods

A retrospective design was used. The study population consisted of community-dwelling individuals aged at least 65 years who were tested for serum ALT in 2002 at a large health management organization and followed until the end of December 2012. Data were collected on demographics, laboratory tests, comorbidities, and mortality.

Results

A total of 49 634 participants (59% women, mean age 83.2±6.3 years) were included. ALT levels between 16 and 25 IU/l were associated with the lowest mortality (hazard ratio=1), and values of less than 16 IU/l and more than 25 IU/l (unadjusted) were associated with higher mortality risk, yielding a U-shaped pattern.

Highest mortality rates were also revealed at serum ALT levels more than 56 IU/l and less than 10 IU/l. A significant association of higher mortality risk was noted with lower mean values of hemoglobin, albumin, and total cholesterol, both for patients with lower serum ALT levels (<10 IU/l) and patients with higher serum levels (>56 IU/l).

Conclusion

Very low and very high levels of serum ALT within the current reference range are associated with an increased risk of death in community-dwelling individuals of at least 65 years old.
Feasibility of continuous noninvasive arterial pressure monitoring in a prehospital setting, measurements during emergency transfer
Authors: Hansen Louise H. , Ettrup-Christensen Asbjørn , Bülow Karsten
Published: July 2018

Objectives

In severely injured or acutely ill patients close monitoring of blood pressure (BP) can be crucial. At the prehospital scene and during transfer to hospital, the BP is usually monitored using intermittent oscillometric measurements with an upper arm cuff every 3–5 min. The BP can be monitored noninvasively and continuously using the continuous noninvasive arterial pressure (CNAP) device. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of a CNAP device in a prehospital setting.

Patients and methods

The study was an observational convenience study. The CNAP device was applied to the patient once in the ambulance and measurements were carried out during transfer to hospital. The primary object was the number of patients in whom the CNAP device could monitor the BP continuously in a prehospital area en route to hospital.

Results

Fifty-nine patients were enrolled in this study. Fifty-four (92%) patients had their BP monitored continuously by the CNAP device. The main reasons for missing data were a mean BP below the detectable range, reduced pulse wave caused by constricted arteries in the fingers, or patients’ excessive movements. The CNAP device provided continuous measurements after a median of 164.5 s. No complications and no adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

Continuous measurement of the BP obtained by the CNAP device is feasible and safe in a prehospital setting under potentially difficult conditions.
Development of a Hydroxyurea Decision Aid for Parents of Children With Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Crosby Lori E. , Walton Ashley , Shook Lisa M. , Ware Russell E. , Treadwell Marsha , Saving Kay L. , Britto Maria , Peugh James , McTate Emily , Oyeku Suzette , Nwankwo Cara , Brinkman William B.
Published: July 2018

National evidence-based guidelines recommend offering hydroxyurea to patients with sickle cell anemia 9 months of age and older using shared decision making, but offer no strategies to aid implementation. We developed a hydroxyurea multicomponent decision aid via a needs assessment, clinic observations, and iterative feedback to address parent decision needs and promote a discussion between clinicians and parents. A total of 75 parents and 28 clinicians participated across all phases. The decision aid was rated as useful. Hydroxyurea knowledge improved and decisional conflict decreased supporting the potential for use to facilitate shared decision making in pediatric sickle cell anemia.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia With INPP5D-ABL1 Fusion Responds to Imatinib Treatment
Authors: Poukka Markus , Lund-Aho Tiina , Raittinen Päivi , Nikkilä Atte , Kivinen Katri , Lundán Tuija , Porkka Kimmo , Lohi Olli
Published: July 2018

We describe a patient with Down syndrome whose precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells expressed INPP5D-ABL1 fusion gene that resulted in a reciprocal chromosome translocation t(2;9)(q27;q34). The fusion gene was present as a small subclone in the primary disease but was first identified at relapse when the subclone had expanded into a major clone. At relapse, the patient responded poorly to conventional induction chemotherapy but a transient morphologic remission was achieved after administration of imatinib monotherapy. This case demonstrates a pathway to relapse in a Down syndrome patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia through a rare fusion event. It highlights the significance of minor subclonal events in therapy resistance and the opportunity provided for targeted therapy.
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Evaluation Combined With 24-Chromosome Microarray of Miscarriage Tissue Provides a Probable or Definite Cause of Pregnancy Loss in Over 90% of Patients
Authors: Popescu F. , Jaslow C. R. , Kutteh W. H.
Published: July 2018

(Abstracted from Human Reprod 2018;33:579–587)

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) occurs in up to 4% of reproductive age couples. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) issued a guideline on the evaluation of RPL in 2012.
Emergency Provider Use of Plain Radiographs in the Evaluation of Pediatric Constipation
Authors: Kearney Ryan , Edwards Todd , Bradford Miranda , Klein Eileen
Published: July 2018

Background

More than half of children evaluated as outpatients for abdominal pain are diagnosed with constipation. X-ray use in this scenario is variable: less than 5% in clinic settings, greater than 70% in emergency departments. X-rays increase misdiagnosis rate, remain costly, and involve radiation exposure.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the use of plain radiographs by pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) providers in the diagnostic evaluation and management of pediatric constipation.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of PEM providers was performed. Survey participants were subscribers to the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Emergency Medicine Listserv. To assess diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, participants were presented a case of pediatric constipation meeting Rome III clinical criteria. Participants also categorized frequency of x-ray use, reasons for obtaining, estimated diagnostic utility, and elements of institutional standard approach. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed.

Results

Three hundred five of 1272 Listserv members (24%) responded. Ninety-nine percent elected to treat for constipation in a case meeting Rome III clinical criteria; one third (31%) would obtain plain radiographs for this same scenario. Plain radiographs were viewed as somewhat (59%) or minimally (29%) value-added in the evaluation of suspected pediatric constipation. Obtaining family buy-in (44%) was the most common reason for utilizing plain radiographs. Frequency of use varied across geographic regions and with participant and hospital characteristics.

Conclusions

This survey suggests that many PEM providers obtain radiographs to convince families of the diagnosis of constipation. This is not a viable management plan given the risks of radiation as well as costs. There remains room for improvement as we attempt to reduce use of radiation in the evaluation of common pediatric illnesses.
The Influence of Antireflux Surgery on Esophageal Cancer Risk in England
Authors: Markar Sheraz R. , Arhi Chanpreet , Leusink Astrid , Vidal-Diez Alberto , Karthikesalingam Alan , Darzi Ara , Lagergren Jesper , Hanna George B.
Published: July 2018

Objective:

To evaluate how antireflux surgery influences the risk of esophageal cancer in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett esophagus.

Background:

GERD is a major risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma, and the United Kingdom has the highest incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma globally.

Methods:

Hospital Episode Statistics database was used to identify all patients in England aged over 18 years diagnosed with GERD with or without Barrett Esophagus from 2000 to 2012, with antireflux surgery being the exposure investigated. The Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) was used to provide a sensitivity analysis comparing proton pump inhibitor therapy and antireflux surgery. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards model with inverse probability weights based on the probability of having surgery to adjust for selection bias and confounding factors.

Results:

(i) Hospital Episode Statistics analysis; among 838,755 included patients with GERD and 28,372 with Barrett esophagus, 22,231 and 737 underwent antireflux surgery, respectively. In GERD patients, antireflux surgery reduced the risk of esophageal cancer (HR = 0.64; 95% CI 0.52–0.78). In Barrett esophagus patients, the corresponding HR was (HR = 0.47; 95% CI 0.12–1.90).

(ii) CPRD analysis; antireflux surgery was associated with decreased point estimates of esophageal adenocarcinoma in patients with GERD (0% vs. 0.2%; P = 0.16) and Barrett esophagus (HR = 0.75; 95% CI 0.21–2.63), but these were not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Antireflux surgery may be associated with a reduced risk of esophageal cancer risk, however it remains primarily an operation for symptomatic relief.
CellFishing.jl: an ultrafast and scalable cell search method for single-cell RNA-sequencing
Authors: Sato Kenta , Tsuyuzaki Koki , Shimizu Kentaro , Nikaido Itoshi
Published: July 2018

Recent technical improvements in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) have enabled massively parallel profiling of transcriptomes, thereby promoting large-scale studies encompassing a wide range of cell types of multicellular organisms. With this background, we propose CellFishing.jl, a new method for searching atlas-scale datasets for similar cells and detecting noteworthy genes of query cells with high accuracy and throughput. Using multiple scRNA-seq datasets, we validate that our method demonstrates comparable accuracy to and is markedly faster than the state-of-the-art software. Moreover, CellFishing.jl is scalable to more than one million cells, and the throughput of the search is approximately 1,600 cells per second.
The Relationship Between the Cervical Microbiome, HIV Status, and Pre-Cancerous Lesions
Authors: Klein Cameron , Gonzalez Daniela , Kahesa Crispin , Mwaiselage Julius , Aluthge Nirosh , Fernando Samodha , West John T. , Wood Charles , Angeletti Peter C.
Published: July 2018

Nearly all cervical cancers are causally associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The burden of HPV-associated dysplasias in Sub-Saharan Africa is influenced by HIV. To investigate the role of the bacterial microbiome in cervical dysplasia, cytobrush samples were collected directly from cervical lesions of 144 Tanzanian women. The V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified and deep-sequenced. Alpha diversity metrics; Chao1, PD whole tree, and operational taxonomic Unit (OTU) estimates, displayed significantly higher bacterial richness in HIV positive patients (P = 0.01) than in HIV negative patients. Within HIV positive patients, there was higher bacterial richness in patients with high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL; P = 0.13) than those without lesions. The most abundant OTUs associated with high-grade squamous intraepitheilal lesions (HSIL) were Mycoplasmatales, Pseudomonadales, and Staphylococcus. We suggest that a chronic mycoplasma infection of the cervix can contribute to HPV-dependent dysplasia by sustained inflammatory signals.
Expression profile analysis of circular RNAs in essential hypertension by microarray and bioinformatics
Authors: Xingjie-Bao  , Xin-He  , Shuying-Zheng  , Yizhe-Luo  , Tianlun-Gu  , Ronghui-Tan  , Jihan-Sun  , Jinshun-Zhao  , Lina-Zhang
Published: July 2018

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), widely found in human cells, are involved in disease and play an important role in progression. To determine whether circRNAs are related in essential hypertension (EH), we analyzed the expression profile of circRNAs and miRNAs in 5 EH and 5 healthy controls cases which were screened by microarray. Through microarray data and public data analysis, differently expressed transcripts were divided into modules, and circRNAs were functionally annotated by miRNAs. The expression of two circRNAs, has_circ_0037909 and has_circ_0105015, were validated in EH by qRT-PCR, which may be associated with EH. Further analysis showed that two circRNAs might through immune system by up-regulation circRNAs and down-regulation expression. These circRNAs biological functions need to be further validated.
Altered trajectories in the dynamical repertoire of functional network states under psilocybin
Authors: Lord Louis-David , Expert Paul , Atasoy Selen , Roseman Leor , Rapuano Kristina , Lambiotte Renaud , Nutt David J. , Deco Gustavo , Carhart-Harris Robin L. , Kringelbach Morten L. , Cabral Joana
Published: July 2018

Brain activity can be understood as the exploration of a dynamical landscape of activity configurations over both space and time. This dynamical landscape may be defined in terms of spontaneous transitions within a repertoire of discrete metastable states of functional connectivity (FC), which underlie different mental processes. However, it remains unclear how the brain’s dynamical landscape might be changed in altered states of consciousness, such as the psychedelic state. The present study investigated changes in the brain’s dynamical repertoire in an fMRI dataset of healthy participants intravenously injected with the psychedelic compound psilocybin, which is found in “magic mushrooms”. We employed a data-driven approach to study brain dynamics in the psychedelic state, which focuses on the dominant FC pattern captured by the leading eigenvector of dynamic FC matrices, and enables the identification of recurrent FC patterns (“FC-states”), and their transition profiles over time. We found that a FC state closely corresponding to the fronto-parietal control system was strongly destabilized in the psychedelic state, while transitions toward a globally synchronized FC state were enhanced. These differences between brain state trajectories in normal waking consciousness and the psychedelic state suggest that the latter biases a global mode of functional integration at the expense of locally segregated activity in specific networks. These results provide a mechanistic perspective on subjective quality of the psychedelic experience, and further raise the possibility that mapping the brain’s dynamical landscape may help guide pharmacological interventions in neuropsychiatric disorders.
DTK-Dengue: A new agent-based model of dengue virus transmission dynamics
Authors: Soda K.J. , Moore S.M. , España G. , Bloedow J. , Raybaud B. , Althouse B. , Johansson M.A. , Wenger E. , Welkhoff P. , Perkins T.A. , Perkins T.A. , ten Bosch Q.A.
Published: July 2018

Dengue virus (DENV) is a pathogen spread by Aedes mosquitoes that has a considerable impact on global health. Agent-based models can be used to explicitly represent factors that are difficult to measure empirically, by focusing on specific aspects of DENV transmission dynamics that influence spread in a particular location. We present a new agent-based model for DENV dynamics, DTK-Dengue, that can be readily applied to new locations and to a diverse set of goals. It extends the vector-borne disease module in the Institute for Disease Modelling’s Epidemiological Modeling Disease Transmission Kernel (EMOD-DTK) to model DENV dynamics. There are three key modifications present in DTK-Dengue: 1) modifications to how climatic variables influence vector development for Aedes mosquitoes, 2) updates to adult vector behavior to make them more similar to Aedes, and 3) the inclusion of four DENV serotypes, including their effects on human immunity and symptoms. We demonstrate DTK-Dengue’s capabilities by fitting the model to four interrelated datasets: total and serotype-specific dengue incidences between January 2007 and December 2008 from San Juan, Puerto Rico; the age distribution of reported dengue cases in Puerto Rico during 2007; and the number of adult female Ae. aegypti trapped in two neighborhoods of San Juan between November 2007 and December 2008. The model replicated broad patterns in the reference data, including a correlation between vector population dynamics and rainfall, appropriate seasonality in the reported incidence, greater circulation of DENV-3 than any other serotype, and an inverse relationship between age and the proportion of cases associated with each age group over 20 years old. This exercise demonstrates the potential for DTK-Dengue to assimilate multiple types of epidemiologic data into a realistic portrayal of DENV transmission dynamics. Due to the open availability of the DTK-Dengue software and the availability of numerous other modules for modeling disease transmission and control from EMOD-DTK, this new model has potential for a diverse range of future applications in a wide variety of settings.
Overdosage of balanced protein complexes reduces proliferation rate in aneuploid cells
Authors: Chen Ying , Chen Siyu , Li Ke , Zhang Yuliang , Huang Xiahe , Li Ting , Wu Shaohuan , Wang Yingchun , Carey Lucas B. , Qian Wenfeng
Published: July 2018

Cells with complex aneuploidies, such as tumor cells, display a wide range of phenotypic abnormalities. However, molecular basis for this has been mainly studied in trisomic (2n+1) and disomic (n+1) cells. To determine how karyotype affects proliferation rate in cells with complex aneuploidies we generated forty 2n+xyeast strains in which each diploid cell has an extra 5 to 12 chromosomes and found that these strains exhibited abnormal cell-cycle progression. Proliferation rate was negatively correlated with the number of protein complexes in which all subunits were at the 3-copy level, but not with the number of imbalanced complexes made up of a mixture of 2-copy and 3-copy genes. Proteomics revealed that most 3-copy members of imbalanced complexes were expressed at only 2nprotein levels whereas members of complexes in which all subunits are stoichiometrically balanced at 3 copies per cell had 3n protein levels. We identified individual protein complexes for which overdosage reduces proliferation rate, and found that deleting one copy of each member partially restored proliferation rate in cells with complex aneuploidies. Lastly, we validated this finding using orthogonal datasets from both yeast and from human cancers. Taken together, our study provides a novel explanation how aneuploidy affects phenotype.
Determinants of job satisfaction in Ethiopia: evidence from the leather industry
Authors: Addis Sisay , Dvivedi Akshay , Beshah Birhanu
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the contextual work factors in Ethiopia and to evaluate the relative influence of each of these factors on job satisfaction (JS) of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on a sample of shop floor workers from the leather products manufacturing industry in Ethiopia. Data were collected using a structured survey questionnaire and focus group discussions. After testing scale reliability and validity, multiple linear regression was used for the analysis.

Findings

The study results suggest that the JS is mainly explained by extrinsic factors. Pay is found to influence overall job satisfaction (OJS) at least four times of other work factors. Training opportunity and ethnic diversity showed unexpected negative relationship with OJS.

Originality/value

Given the importance of understanding JS in labor-intensive industries, and paucity of research on the topic in Ethiopia, the study provides practical insights and groundwork that can guide practitioners to understand the drivers of JS in the region. Moreover, the study adds to the empirical literature that may yield important insights on organizational behavior for under-researched emerging economies, particularly for the eastern part of Africa, where nations share similar cross-cultural norms, economic and ethnic settings.
Numerical model for individual time calculation for evacuation among secondary students
Authors: Baharudin Mohd Rafee , Nasruddin Hairul Nazmin , Rahman Anita Abdul , Mahadi Mohd Razif , Noor Samsul Bahari Mohd
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a numerical model to calculate the individual evacuation time among secondary students based on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP), human characteristics and travel distances.

Design/methodology/approach

Validated KAP questionnaires were distributed among 290 respondents. The KAP level was obtained based on the assigned scores. During a fire drill, the individual evacuation time was calculated by using personal digital watch while the travel distances were recorded and measured. A linear numerical model was derived by using multiple linear regression to identify the significant variables and the coefficients.

Findings

The CVI, CVR and Cronbach’s α value (0.75, 0.59 and 0.7, respectively) which are greater than minimum accepted level proved the reliability and consistency of the instrument. The evacuation time prediction by the developed numerical model showed strong correlation with the actual time (R=0.95). The regression analysis found that 89 per cent proportion of variance in the evacuation time are determined by the predictors. Based on the linear equation, it found that the decrease in weight, knowledge level and walking speed while increase in BMI, flat and stair travel distances could increase evacuation time. From the six significant variables, weight, walking speed, flat and stair distances showed significant correlation in the model with p<0.001, while BMI and knowledge showed p<0.05. The integration with mobility factors expand the formula which applicable within dynamic fire scenario.

Research limitations/implications

The involvement of examination students in the study is restricted by the Ministry of Education Malaysia to avoid interruption of learning session which limited the data representation.

Originality/value

Instead of using the traditional direct measurement of the evacuation time, the developed numerical model is an alternative convenient approach which could be used as one of the pre-assessment tool to identify the level of safety among students. The low cost and shorter time application of this model become one of the greatest advantages compared to other available approaches. The calculated individual evacuation time could be used directly to develop a better fire safety policy.
An improved morphological weighted dynamic similarity measurement algorithm for time series data
Authors: Zhou Ke Yi , Hu Shaolin
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The similarity measurement of time series is an important research in time series detection, which is a basic work of time series clustering, anomaly discovery, prediction and many other data mining problems. The purpose of this paper is to design a new similarity measurement algorithm to improve the performance of the original similarity measurement algorithm. The subsequence morphological information is taken into account by the proposed algorithm, and time series is represented by a pattern, so the similarity measurement algorithm is more accurate.

Design/methodology/approach

Following some previous researches on similarity measurement, an improved method is presented. This new method combines morphological representation and dynamic time warping (DTW) technique to measure the similarities of time series. After the segmentation of time series data into segments, three parameter values of median, point number and slope are introduced into the improved distance measurement formula. The effectiveness of the morphological weighted DTW algorithm (MW-DTW) is demonstrated by the example of momentum wheel data of an aircraft attitude control system.

Findings

The improved method is insensitive to the distortion and expansion of time axis and can be used to detect the morphological changes of time series data. Simulation results confirm that this method proposed in this paper has a high accuracy of similarity measurement.

Practical implications

This improved method has been used to solve the problem of similarity measurement in time series, which is widely emerged in different fields of science and engineering, such as the field of control, measurement, monitoring, process signal processing and economic analysis.

Originality/value

In the similarity measurement of time series, the distance between sequences is often used as the only detection index. The results of similarity measurement should not be affected by the longitudinal or transverse stretching and translation changes of the sequence, so it is necessary to incorporate the morphological changes of the sequence into similarity measurement. The MW-DTW is more suitable for the actual situation. At the same time, the MW-DTW algorithm reduces the computational complexity by transforming the computational object to subsequences.
Hail suppression activities using TETRA-based sensor network
Authors: Borovic Vladan , Spalevic Petar , Jovic Srdjan , Jerkovic Damir , Drasute Vida , Rancic Dejan
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to show the implementation in the terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA)-based sensor network. The publicly available data show that, in Serbia, the annual damage caused by hailstorms in the past seven years has been estimated almost at an average level of 40m of euros. As the amount of hail was not changed, the hail suppression system of the Republic of Serbia has to be improved, both technically and organizationally, to get better efficiency and protection and to reduce the damage.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors show the implementation and improvements in the modern terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA)-based sensor network, and they propose the scientific use of sensors for remote control of automatic hail suppression rocket stations.

Findings

The authors’ idea is that TETRA should be used as an operational and official telecommunicating system for hail suppression activities units. A number of sensors, connected in a network, are used to maintain a high-quality functioning of this digital radio system, managed remotely and controlled either by operators or automatically.

Originality/value

The presented study with a real example attempts to explain as to how the system functions and how it can improve hail suppression activities.
Organic management in apple orchards: Higher impacts on biological control than on pollination
Authors: Porcel Mario , Andersson Georg K. S. , Pålsson Joakim , Tasin Marco
Published: July 2018

Intensive agricultural management negatively affects both natural enemies of pests and pollinators. Such management also has the potential to adversely affect the ecosystem services that these communities confer. Organic management has been proposed as an alternative method to mitigate such problems by restoring the services provided by arthropod communities.

We evaluated the effect of organic management on two ecosystem services provided by arthropods in apple orchards: pollination and biological control. We used relative decrease in colonies to assess biological control of the major apple aphid pest, and measured pollination through fruit set, number of seeds per apple and pollinator visitation. Additionally, we monitored the organisms responsible for pollination and biological control services and established the impact of pollination on apple quality.

Our results show a strong effect of organic management on biological control and on the temporal dynamic of natural enemy–pest interactions. Parameters such as aphid colony suppression, first and repeated occurrence of natural enemies, natural enemy species evenness and natural enemy abundance were significantly higher in organic compared to conventional orchards. Predatory bugs were the natural enemies best‐affected by organic management and played a key role in early predation of aphids preventing colony growth.

In this instance, pollination was not influenced by organic management. It is likely due to the temporal scale at which this service is delivered, a scale that differs greatly from biological control, combined with differences in the dispersal capacity of the organisms involved. Fruit weight, calcium, potassium and magnesium content were positively affected by pollination success.

Synthesis and applications. We found that organic management in apple orchards preserves the local natural enemy community, and specifically predatory bug populations, essential for early aphid colony suppression. Our results suggest that, in conventional orchards, local management options that decrease or even eliminate pesticide use early in the season would increase the biological control of aphids. This would lead to reduction in apple damage at harvest. Our results on pollination success indicate that the implementation of organic management at orchard scale does not enhance pollination services for apple growers.
Efficacy and safety of SQ house dust mite sublingual immunotherapy‐tablet in Japanese children
Authors: Masuyama Keisuke , Okamoto Yoshitaka , Okamiya Kazuhiro , Azuma Ryuji , Fujinami Toshiaki , Riis Bente , Ohashi‐Doi Katsuyo , Natsui Kensuke , Imai Toru , Okubo Kimihiro
Published: July 2018

Background

The SQ house dust mite (HDM) sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)‐tablet (TO‐203, Torii, Japan/ALK, Denmark) treatment has been effective against respiratory allergic diseases in patients aged ≥12 years during European, Japanese, and North American trials. This trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of this treatment in Japanese children (5‐17 years) with moderate‐to‐severe HDM allergic rhinitis (AR).

Methods

In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, 458 Japanese children were randomly assigned to a daily SQ HDM SLIT‐tablet [10 000 Japanese Allergy Unit (JAU), equivalent to 6 SQ‐HDM in Europe and the US] or placebo (1:1) treatment for 1 year. Inclusion required an AR symptom score of ≥7 on at least 7 days during a 14‐day run‐in period while symptomatic treatment was withdrawn. The primary endpoint was the total combined rhinitis score (TCRS) comprising AR symptom and medication scores during the last 8 weeks of the treatment period.

Results

The analysis of primary endpoint demonstrated statistically significant absolute reduction in TCRS of 1.22 with a relative difference of 23% (95% confidence interval, 14% to 31%) in the 10 000 JAU compared with placebo. Predefined stratified analyses revealed the same degree of efficacy of 1.11 (P = 0.002), 21% (8% to 32%) and 1.36 (P = 0.001), 26% (11% to 38%), respectively, in pediatric (5‐11 years) and adolescent subjects (12‐17 years). The treatment was well tolerated by both pediatric and adolescent subjects.

Conclusion

This trial, for the first time, demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the HDM SLIT‐tablet in pediatric patients with moderate‐to‐severe HDM AR (JapicCTI‐152953).
Hyper‐IgE in the allergy clinic––when is it primary immunodeficiency?
Authors: Ponsford Mark J. , Klocperk Adam , Pulvirenti Federica , Dalm Virgil A. S. H. , Milota Tomas , Cinetto Francesco , Chovancova Zita , Rial Manuel J. , Sediva Anna , Litzman Jiri , Agostini Carlo , van Hagen Martin , Quinti Isabella , Jolles Stephen
Published: July 2018

The 2017 International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) classification recognizes 3 hyper‐IgE syndromes (HIES), including the prototypic Job's syndrome (autosomal dominant STAT3‐loss of function) and autosomal recessive PGM3 and SPINK5 syndromes. Early diagnosis of PID can direct life‐saving or transformational interventions; however, it remains challenging owing to the rarity of these conditions. This can result in diagnostic delay and worsen prognosis. Within increasing access to “clinical‐exome” testing, clinicians need to be aware of the implication and rationale for genetic testing, including the benefits and limitations of current therapies. Extreme elevation of serum IgE has been associated with a growing number of PID syndromes including the novel CARD11 and ZNF341 deficiencies. Variable elevations in IgE are associated with defects in innate, humoral, cellular and combined immunodeficiency syndromes. Barrier compromise can closely phenocopy these conditions. The aim of this article was to update readers on recent developments at this important interface between allergy and immunodeficiency, highlighting key clinical scenarios which should draw attention to possible immunodeficiency associated with extreme elevation of IgE, and outline initial laboratory assessment and management.
Strategic response: A key to understand how cheap talk works
Authors: Bergeron Stephane , Doyon Maurice , Muller Laurent
Published: July 2018

Experimental protocols testing the effectiveness of cheap talk are numerous but have generated conflicting results. The theoretical interpretation of hypothetical bias as a strategic response according to the perceived consequence could be the missing key to understand these opposite results from the literature. Increasing evidence suggests that this bias rises from subjects’ perception of how stated preferences surveys will be used; some subjects believing that stated valuations can impact the price of the good, while others that it will influence its provision. Subjects strategically respond by adjusting their declared values accordingly. This paper reports experimental findings supporting the presence of strategic response, showing that cheap talk operates by mitigating these behaviors and potentially explaining cheap talk's heterogeneous results.
Initial rewarding effects of cocaine and amphetamine assessed in a day using the single‐exposure place preference protocol
Authors: Runegaard Annika H. , Jensen Kathrine Louise , Wörtwein Gitta , Gether Ulrik
Published: July 2018

In rodents, only a single dose of cocaine or amphetamine is required to cause a marked increase in extracellular dopamine, induce hyperlocomotion and cause persistent plasticity changes within dopaminergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA). The initial drug experience is suggested to predict vulnerability of developing addiction, but only few studies have assessed the perception of reward accompanying this initial exposure. We recently presented an approach to assess the initial rewarding effects of cocaine in mice with a single‐exposure place preference (sePP) protocol, avoiding repeated drug injections. Here, we demonstrate a condensed version of the sePP, allowing assessment of initial subjective reward‐perception within a day. By using this protocol, we demonstrate that a single exposure to both cocaine and amphetamine is sufficient to induce place preference. Furthermore, we use chemogenetics ( Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs [DREADD]) to show that both inhibitory and stimulatory modulation of VTA DA signalling disrupts cocaine‐induced place preference in the condensed sePP. Our findings support the presence of initial reward‐perception of both cocaine and amphetamine, and the formation of drug‐context association. In addition, our data support that VTA DA signalling prior to drug exposure affects either reward‐perception or the time during which associations are formed, thereby preventing induction of cocaine‐induced place preference in the sePP. The easy and timesaving sePP protocol should form a critical basis for further deciphering the complex mechanisms underlying the progression from the initial drug experience to escalating drug intake and addiction.
Manipulating badges of status only fools strangers
Authors: Chaine Alexis S. , Shizuka Daizaburo , Block Theadora A. , Zhang Lynn , Lyon Bruce E.
Published: July 2018

Conflict is risky, but mechanisms that allow animals to assess dominance status without aggression can reduce such costs. Two different mechanisms of competitor assessment are expected to evolve in different contexts: badges of status are expected in larger, anonymous groups, whereas individual recognition is feasible in small, stable groups. However, both mechanisms may be important when social interactions occur both within and across stable social groups. We manipulated plumage in golden‐crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia atricapilla) and found that two known badges of status – gold and black head plumage patch sizes – independently affect dominance among strangers but manipulations had no effect on dominance among familiar flockmates. Moreover, familiar flockmates showed less aggression and increased foraging relative to strangers. Our study provides clear experimental evidence that social recognition affects badge function, and suggests that variation in social contexts maintains coexistence and context‐dependent use of these two dominance resolution mechanisms.
Perampanel in patients with refractory and super‐refractory status epilepticus in a neurological intensive care unit: A single‐center audit of 30 patients
Authors: Rohracher Alexandra , Kalss Gudrun , Neuray Caroline , Höfler Julia , Dobesberger Judith , Kuchukhidze Giorgi , Kreidenhuber Rudolf , Florea Cristina , Thomschewski Aljoscha , Novak Helmut F. , Pilz Georg , Leitinger Markus , Trinka Eugen
Published: July 2018

In refractory status epilepticus (SE), γ‐aminobutyric acidergic drugs become less effective and glutamate plays a major role in seizure perpetuation. Data on the efficacy of perampanel (PER) in treatment of refractory SE in humans are limited. Here, we present a single‐center case series of patients with refractory SE who received PER orally in an intensive care unit. We retrospectively analyzed treatment response, outcome, and adverse effects of all patients with refractory SE in our Neurological Intensive Care Unit who received add‐on PER between September 2012 and February 2018. Thirty patients with refractory SE (median = 72 years, range = 18‐91, 77% women) were included. In 14 patients (47%), a high‐dose approach was used, with a median initial dose of 24 mg (range = 16‐32). In five patients (17%), SE could be terminated after PER administration (median dose = 6 mg, range = 6‐20 mg, 2/5 patients in high‐dose group). Clinical response was observed after a median of 24 hours (range = 8‐48 hours), whereas electroencephalogram resolved after a median of 60 hours (range = 12‐72 hours). Time to treatment response tended to be shorter in patients receiving high‐dose PER (median clinical response = 16 hours vs 18 hours; electroencephalographic response = 24 hours vs 72 hours), but groups were too small for statistical analysis. Continuous cardiorespiratory monitoring showed no changes in cardiorespiratory function after “standard” and “high‐dose” treatment. Elevated liver enzymes without clinical symptoms were observed after a median of 6 days in seven of 30 patients (23%; 57% high dose vs 43% standard dose), of whom six also received treatment with phenytoin (PHT). Outcome was unfavorable (death, persistent vegetative state) in 13 patients (43%; 39% high dose vs 61% standard dose), and good recovery (no significant disability, moderate disability) was achieved in nine patients (56% high dose vs 44% standard dose). Oral PER in loading doses up to 32 mg were well tolerated but could terminate SE only in a few patients (5/30; 17%). Long duration of SE, route of administration, and severe underlying brain dysfunction might be responsible for the modest result. An intravenous formulation is highly desired to explore the full clinical utility in the treatment of refractory SE.