bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing for bubbles in housing markets: some evidence for Brazil
Authors: Besarria Cássio da Nóbrega , Paes Nelson Leitão , Silva Marcelo Eduardo Alves
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Housing prices in Brazil have displayed an impressive growth in recent years, raising some concerns about the existence of a bubble in housing markets. In this paper, the authors implement an empirical methodology to identify whether or not there is a bubble in housing markets in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a theoretical model that establish that, in the absence of a bubble, a long-run equilibrium relationship should be observed between the market price of an asset and its dividends. The authors implement two methodologies. First, the authors assess whether there is a cointegration relationship between housing prices and housing rental prices. Second, the authors test whether the price-to-rent ratio is stationary.

Findings

The authors’ results show that there is evidence of a bubble in housing prices in Brazil. However, given the short span of the data, the authors perform a Monte Carlo simulation and show that the cointegration tests may be biased in small samples. Therefore, the authors should be caution when assessing the results.

Research limitations/implications

The results obtained from the cointegration analysis can be biased for small samples.

Practical implications

The information on the excessive increase of the prices of the properties in relation to their fundamental value can help in the decision-making on investment of the economic agents.

Social implications

These results corroborate the hypothesis that Brazil has an excessive appreciation in housing prices, and, as Silva and Besarria (2018) have suggested, this behavior explains, in part, the fact that the central bank has taken this issue into account when deciding about the stance of monetary policy of Brazil.

Originality/value

The originality is linked to the use of the Gregory-Hansen method of cointegration in the identification of bubbles and discussion of the limitations of the research through Monte Carlo simulation.
Experimental investigation on the carbonation properties of dune sand ceramic waste mortar
Authors: Abadou Yacine , Kettab Ratiba , Ghreib Abderrahmane
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the behaviour of dune sand mortars with the addition of ceramic waste. The objective of improving the performance of these modified mortars was evaluated in terms of accelerated carbonation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of these recycled materials was studied in an experimental programme through several tests. The carbonation depth was determined using a classical phenolphthalein test. The mass fractions of Ca(OH)2 and CaCO3 were calculated using thermogravimetric analysis, water absorption occurring through capillary action and open porosity, and the mechanical characteristics were measured after subjecting the materials to wetting–drying cycles.

Findings

The results show that using ceramic waste provides better performance in terms of water absorption by capillary action, open porosity and carbonation penetration.

Originality/value

This research is a study of the incorporation of ceramic waste up to 10 per cent in dune sand mortar. The choice of using ceramic waste to produce dune sand mortars has benefits from economic, environmental and technical points of view and offers a possibility for improving the durability of mortars.
A model of stock prices leading earnings
Authors: Lee Jay Junghun
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Prior literature suggests that stock prices lead earnings in reflecting value-relevant information because accounting income incorporates information discretely to satisfy recognition principles while stock prices incorporate it continuously. The purpose of this paper is to derive an analytical model that relates the time lag of earnings to the incremental informativeness of future anticipated earnings in equity prices after controlling for current realized earnings.

Design/methodology/approach

This study models the extent to which forward-looking information about future earnings is capitalized into current stock returns. Specifically, this study derives an analytical future earnings response coefficient (FERC) model that regresses current stock returns on both current and future earnings surprises, and examines the properties of the regression coefficients on current earnings (i.e. current earnings response coefficient, CERC) and future earnings (i.e. FERC).

Findings

The analytical FERC model shows that the pricing coefficient on future earnings (FERC) is positive in the presence of stock prices leading earnings. More importantly, the pricing coefficient on future earnings (FERC) increases with the recognition lag, but the pricing coefficient on current earnings (CERC) decreases with the lag. The results suggest that recognition principles that intend to enhance the reliability of earnings inadvertently lower the timeliness of earnings and, thus, shift the investors’ demand for value-relevant information from current realized earnings to future anticipated earnings.

Originality/value

This study makes two major contributions. First, it fills the gap between the lack of an analytical model and the abundance of empirical findings in previous FERC studies. As the recognition lag of earnings increases, stock investors shift the pricing weight on value-relevant information from current realized earnings to future anticipated earnings. Second, it provides support for the validity of the FERC model as an empirical model that examines the lack of earnings timeliness. As the timeliness of earnings relative to stock prices declines, the FERC increases but the CERC decreases.
How and when servant leadership enhances life satisfaction
Authors: Li Yanping , Li Diwan , Tu Yidong , Liu Jie
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between servant leadership and life satisfaction through the mediating role of workplace positive affect (WPA), and the moderating roles of collectivistic orientation and general self-efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 304 employees in a two-wave survey, the hypotheses were demonstrated with hierarchical regression analyses.

Findings

The results revealed that servant leadership was positively related to employee life satisfaction, and WPA served as a mediator between them. Moreover, collectivistic orientation and general self-efficacy moderated the relationship between servant leadership and WPA, and the indirect effect of servant leadership on life satisfaction via WPA.

Research limitations/implications

The time-lagged research design of this study may limit the ability to draw causal conclusions. Moreover, as this research was conducted in a Chinese context, the question of the generalizability of our findings calls for more attention.

Practical implications

Leaders are encouraged to adopt the servant leadership style to facilitate employee life satisfaction and organizations should select and recruit managers with servant leadership qualities. Furthermore, because employees’ collectivistic orientation and general self-efficacy moderate the effects of servant leadership on followers’ outcomes, managers need to take individual differences into consideration when they implement managerial strategy.

Originality/value

This research contributed to a burgeoning stream of servant leadership literature by investigating the functions of servant leadership in promoting life satisfaction, and exploring the affective mechanism linking servant leadership and life satisfaction as well as the boundary conditions of collectivistic orientation and general self-efficacy.
Becoming a leader – first, take charge of your own learning process
Authors: Allio Robert J.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The article guides the process for each aspiring leader to develop his or her own unique approach to leading.

Design/methodology/approach

Executives and managers can deepen theirunderstanding of leadership by mining three sources: the burgeoning archives of contemporary leadership theory and practice, case histories of leaders and leadership and the classic writings of literature, history and philosophy.

Findings

More managers must learn to be leaders, and the best way to make it happen is to avoid the clichés, the leadership training marketing hype, the platitudes and the pseudo-scholarly research and take charge of your own leadership journey.

Practical implications

The core of the do-it-yourself approach is to learn to lead by doing. Mastering the role of a leader is a challenge that, like mastering any craft, requires continual practice.

Originality/value

The article is an antidote to leadership training marketing hype. Instead of buying dubious advice, potential leaders can seize the opportunity to be creative, to discover a personal approach to leading that fits the time and place and is compatible with their own persona, values and beliefs.
Land management in rural Burkina Faso: the role of socio‐cultural and institutional factors
Authors: Etongo Daniel , Epule Terence Epule , Djenontin Ida Nadia S , Kanninen Markku
Published: June 2018

Farmers in the Sahel have been acknowledged for reclaiming degraded lands and improving food security by ingeniously modifying traditional agroforestry, water, and soil management practices. Despite the advantages offered by this range of farming techniques, their adoption rate is influenced by several factors. Using multivariate probit models and a correlation coefficient, this article examines the factors influencing the adoption of five land management practices based on 220 household and 40 farm surveys in four adjacent rural communities in southern Burkina Faso. The model results indicate that household labor force, education of household head, land tenure security, livestock holding, and membership in farmers’ groups influence the adoption of zaï practice, composting, improved fallow, stone bunds, and live hedges. However, two of the surveyed factors ‐ number of farms and visit by agricultural extension staff during the 12 months prior to the survey ‐ were not significant. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between different land management practices, e.g., the decision to practice zaï is significantly linked to that of live hedges and composting. Zaï practice and stone bunds are considered labor intensive, which explains their significant correlations with household labor force at the 1% and 5% levels of significance, respectively.
Attributes and Structure of an Effective Board of Directors: A Theoretical Investigation
Authors: Masli Adi , Sherwood Matthew G. , Srivastava Rajendra P.
Published: June 2018

Despite the board of directors’ importance, there is a lack of well‐developed theory regarding the interrelationship of the attributes of an effective board. Based on prior board literature, we develop and analyze, via Bayesian logic, a theoretical framework of key board attributes (Independence, Competency, Diligence, and Behavioural Attitudes), plus general board safeguards. We base our framework on the non‐linear ‘and’ relationship, among board attributes, instead of the linear ‘or’ relationship, as currently considered in academic research and assumed by board independence standard setters like the Securities Exchange Commission. Using inferential statistics we demonstrate that a board requires the presence of each attribute, plus safeguards to be effective, and no level of one attribute can substitute for the non‐existence of another.
Rats choose high doses of nicotine in order to compensate for changes in its price and availability
Authors: Holmes Nathan M. , Pan Jiajing , Davis Andrew , Panayi Marios C. , Clemens Kelly J.
Published: June 2018

Restricting when and where smoking can occur is a major focus of public health policies in Western countries. In conjunction with increased taxation, these approaches have contributed to a reduction in smoking uptake among adolescents, yet the consequences for established smokers are less clear. In order to further explore this relationship, we developed a novel animal model of restricted nicotine self‐administration. Rats were trained to choose between three doses of nicotine (15, 30 and 60 μg/kg/infusion) under conditions where nicotine was (1) freely available at a low cost (20‐second post‐infusion time‐out, fixed‐ratio 1 [FR1]), (2) available under restricted access at a low cost (300‐second post‐infusion time‐out, FR1), or (3) freely available at a high cost (20‐second post‐infusion time‐out, FR5). We demonstrate that as access to nicotine is restricted or when cost increases, rats compensate for these changes by increasing their intake of the highest dose of nicotine available. This preference was impervious to treatment with the smoking cessation medication varenicline, but was reduced when the cost of the highest dose only was increased, or when nicotine was again made freely available at a low cost. These results provide the first evidence in rats that nicotine availability and cost influence nicotine choice independently of variations in nicotine and context exposure. They imply that established smokers may compensate for changes in the availability and cost of tobacco by increasing their rate of smoking when they are free to do so.
Adoption and welfare impacts of multiple agricultural technologies: evidence from eastern Zambia
Authors: Khonje Makaiko G. , Manda Julius , Mkandawire Petros , Tufa Adane Hirpa , Alene Arega D.
Published: June 2018

Using plot level panel data and multinomial endogenous switching regression, this article analyzes the adoption and welfare impacts of multiple agricultural technologies in eastern Zambia. We adapt a multinomial endogenous switching/treatment effect regression framework to correct for selection bias and endogeneity originating from both observed and unobserved heterogeneity. Results indicate that joint adoption of multiple agricultural technologies had greater impacts on crop yields, household incomes, and poverty than the adoption of individual components of the technology package. Our findings suggest that efforts aimed at raising household incomes and reducing poverty should focus on promoting the adoption of multiple agricultural technologies through provision of improved support services such as extension and input supply.
Metastatic gastric cancer: Does the site of metastasis make a difference?
Authors: Tan Hwee Leong , Chia Claramae Shulyn , Tan Grace Hwei Ching , Choo Su Pin , Tai David Wai‐Meng , Chua Clarinda Wei Ling , Ng Matthew Chau Hsien , Soo Khee Chee , Teo Melissa Ching Ching
Published: June 2018

Background

Metastatic gastric cancer has a poor prognosis. We aim to study how clinical features and prognosis differs between different metastatic sites, and to identify prognostic factors for overall survival.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients with metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma managed at a tertiary referral cancer center over a 5‐year period. We divided our cohort into three groups based on the site(s) of metastasis at presentation—peritoneal metastasis only (P), distant metastasis only (D), and peritoneal and distant metastases (PD).

Results

We studied 470 patients with 175 (37.2%), 193 (41.1%) and 102 (21.7%) patients in the P, D and PD groups, respectively. Patients with peritoneal disease (both P and PD) had higher proportions of patients experiencing chemotherapy disruption due to unplanned hospitalizations, which were also of a longer average duration. The P group had the longest overall median survival of 8.9 months compared to the PD and D groups with 7.4 and 5.5 months, respectively (P < 0.001). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, the presence of ≥1 metastatic site (hazard ratio [HR] 1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23–2.28; P  =  0.001) was significantly associated with increased overall mortality, whereas palliative systemic chemotherapy (HR 0.29; 95% CI, 0.22–0.37; P < 0.001) and palliative gastrectomy (HR 0.24; 95% CI, 0.15–0.39; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with decreased overall mortality.

Conclusion

Metastatic gastric cancer represents a heterogeneous disease, with specific disease complications and treatment outcomes unique to different metastatic sites. We can consider novel multimodality therapies for patient subgroups with isolated metastatic disease and good prognostic factors in a bid to improve long‐term survival.
Associations of positive orientation with health and psychosocial adaptation: A review of findings and perspectives
Authors: Caprara Gian Vittorio , Alessandri Guido , Caprara Mariagiovanna
Published: June 2018

Earlier findings have shown that positive evaluations about oneself, life, and future are related to each other and can be traced to a common latent dimension originally named positive orientation and then positivity. Further findings have led to the development of an eight‐item scale that allows a direct measurement of positivity. A review is presented of the major findings that point to positivity as a basic self‐evaluative disposition and that attest to its relevant impact across domains of functioning. Finally, possible avenues for promoting positivity and to allow individuals to fully benefit from it are discussed.
Clinical features and outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma in Caucasian cirrhotic patients on long‐term analogue therapy for hepatitis B
Authors: Loglio A. , Iavarone M. , Grossi G. , Viganò M. , Rumi MG. , Facchetti F. , Lunghi G. , Sangiovanni A. , Colombo M. , Lampertico P.
Published: June 2018

Background

Long‐term oral nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) therapy in hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related compensated cirrhotics prevents clinical decompensation but not hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development.

Aims

To define the clinical features and outcomes of HCC in long‐term NUC‐treated HBV patients.

Methods

All HCCs developing between 2005 and 2016 in NUC‐treated HBV patients under surveillance were studied, excluding those that occurred within the first 6 months of therapy. Clinical features of HCC, alpha faetoprotein (AFP) patterns and patients' outcome were studied.

Results

Seventy‐six HCC patients were included. Median age was 67 (40‐83) years, 84% males, 96% Caucasian, 95% HBeAg‐negative, 96% with undetectable HBV DNA, 83% with normal ALT levels, and 92% with compensated cirrhosis. Median serum AFP levels were 4 (1‐3615) ng/mL (>7 ng/mL in 36%). HCC was monofocal in 78%, had a median diameter of 20 (6‐57) mm and was in its early stage in 92% which allowed potentially curative treatments in 78% (39% ablation, 28% surgical resection, 11% liver transplantation). Overall, a complete response was obtained in 61 (80%) patients: in 40 after a first‐line treatment, in 3 after the second–line treatment, in 2 after the third‐line treatment, while 16 underwent liver transplantation (8 as second line). During 45 (7‐144) months after HCC diagnosis, 19 patients died, 84% from HCC progression. The median time to recurrence was 20.2 (3‐53) months, and the cumulative 5‐year liver‐related survival was 74%.

Conclusions

HCCs developing in patients under long‐term NUC treatment were single, small tumours, amenable to curative therapies able to confer excellent 5‐year survival rates.
Roman Builders Facing the Risk of Disaster: Coupling Archaeological and Geochemical Analyses on a Section of the ‘Aqua Augusta’ (the Roman Serino Aqueduct, Southern Italy)
Authors: Filocamo F. , Carlut J. , Dessales H. , Burckel P. , Borensztajn S.
Published: June 2018

Four samples of carbonate sinters from two sites of the Roman Serino aqueduct were studied in order to better constrain the history of the aqueduct and to estimate to what extent natural hazards can be recorded in such deposits. Micromorphological observations, trace element, stable oxygen and carbon isotope analyses were performed on the samples. Together with new quantitative observations on the construction techniques of the aqueduct, our results highlight the imprint left by geological hazards on the Serino aqueduct. Damage, disruption, ground movement and a debris‐flow are evidenced.
A 5‐year rotational grazing changes the botanical composition of sub‐alpine and alpine grasslands
Authors: Perotti Elisa , Probo Massimiliano , Pittarello Marco , Lonati Michele , Lombardi Giampiero
Published: June 2018

Aim

The implementation of Grazing Management Plans (GMP), a specific policy and management tool, aimed at enhancing farm productivity while preserving plant diversity, soil and landscape. The GMP are based on rotational grazing systems (RGS) with animal stocking rate adjusted to balance grassland carrying capacity. The aim was to test the 5‐year effects produced by GMP implementation on botanical composition, plant diversity and soil nutrient content on sub‐alpine and alpine pastures.

Location

Val Troncea Natural Park, western Italian Alps.

Methods

A total of 199 vegetation transects was carried out in summer 2011 and repeated in summer 2016. The botanical composition was recorded and plant diversity indices, i.e. species richness and Shannon diversity (H′ index), were computed. Mean soil nutrient content was indirectly estimated through computation of Landolt N indicator value (N index) for each transect. Pair‐sample statistical tests and PERMANOVA were perfomed at different levels: on the whole vegetation dataset, on vegetation communities (i.e. vegetation types and ecological groups) and considering functional pools of species.

Results

Considering the whole vegetation dataset, species richness, H′ index and N index significantly increased from 2011 to 2016. Moreover, species richness significantly increased in almost all vegetation ecological groups, with the highest increase within the mesotrophic group. The H′ index significantly increased in eutrophic, pre‐forest and thermic groups, while the N index increased in all vegetation groups, except in the eutrophic and snow‐bed groups. A significant difference in botanical composition was detected within oligotrophic, mesotrophic and thermic groups. The number and cover of N‐poor high‐elevation species increased in all groups and this result might be related to effects produced by livestock, which promoted seed transport and increased connectivity amongst different communities. The meso‐eutrophic species number and cover significantly increased within thermic, mesotrophic and pre‐forest groups, suggesting greater use of such areas by livestock under RGS than under continuous grazing.

Conclusions

The implementation of RGS with stocking rate adjustments proved to be an effective and a sustainable management tool to enhance botanical composition and plant diversity of sub‐alpine and alpine grasslands over a 5‐year span.
Sample Size Determination for GEE Analyses of Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Trials
Authors: Li Fan , Turner Elizabeth L. , Preisser John S.
Published: June 2018

In stepped wedge cluster randomized trials, intact clusters of individuals switch from control to intervention from a randomly assigned period onwards. Such trials are becoming increasingly popular in health services research. When a closed cohort is recruited from each cluster for longitudinal follow-up, proper sample size calculation should account for three distinct types of intraclass correlations: the within-period, the inter-period, and the within-individual correlations. Setting the latter two correlation parameters to be equal accommodates cross-sectional designs. We propose sample size procedures for continuous and binary responses within the framework of generalized estimating equations that employ a block exchangeable within-cluster correlation structure defined from the distinct correlation types. For continuous responses, we show that the intraclass correlations affect power only through two eigenvalues of the correlation matrix. We demonstrate that analytical power agrees well with simulated power for as few as eight clusters, when data are analyzed using bias-corrected estimating equations for the correlation parameters concurrently with a bias-corrected sandwich variance estimator.
Fertility managment in testicular cancer: the need to establish a standardized and evidence‐based patient‐centric pathway
Authors: Moody Jemma A. , Ahmed Kamran , Yap Tet , Minhas Suks , Shabbir Majid
Published: June 2018

Objectives

The aim of the present paper was to determine the impact of testicular cancer (TC) and its treatments on fertility and to review the current management options for the infertile patient with TC, both before diagnosis and after treatment, with the aim of providing practical recommendations to update contemporary guidelines and standardize clinical practice.

Patients and Methods

Searches were conducted for relevant articles on Pubmed and Google Scholar between 2000 and 2017, with additional articles sourced from reference lists of included publications.

Results

At time of diagnosis, 6–24% of patients with TC were reported to be azoospermic and 50% oligozoospermic. Without conducting semen analysis at diagnosis, these patients cannot be identified and may be at further risk of subfertility. Gonadotoxic therapies cause an overall decrease in male fertility by 30% and there is currently no method to predict which patients will become azoospermic after treatment. Patients with larger, more invasive tumours, however, are at greater risk of infertility from local tumour effects, and are also more likely to undergo several different type of therapy, which has further detrimental effects on conception rates. Most treatment‐induced infertility recovers 2 years post‐treatment, but paternity can be delayed during a couple's peak reproductive years. Semen cryopreservation remains the procedure of choice in preserving fertility, but the service is underused, with only 24% of patients banking sperm. Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) at the time of orchidectomy (onco‐microTESE) is a successful infertility treatment option for those found to be azoospermic or severely oligozoospermic at diagnosis, while microTESE may still retrieve sperm in azoospermic patients after chemotherapy.

Conclusion

The underutilisation of semen analysis and sperm cryopreservation results in the failure to identify the azoospermic or severely oligozoospermic patient at diagnosis who may benefit from fertility‐preserving procedures, for example, onco‐microTESE at the time of orchidectomy. Fertility preservation and counselling needs to be broached earlier in the TC treatment pathway and made a greater priority. Given the advances in treatment, more patients with TC are surviving and looking to return to a normal life. Preserving their future fertility plays an important role in achieving this.
Penile blood pressure is useful to identify candidates for tadalafil treatment in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Koyama Juntaro , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Kawasaki Yoshihide , Sato Tomonori , Fukushi Taro , Kyan Atsushi , Arai Yoichi
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To determine whether penile blood pressure (PBP) can be used to identify patients who can benefit from tadalafil treatment, the correlation between PBP at baseline and changes in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) induced by tadalafil treatment was studied prospectively.

Patients and Methods

Patients with BPH who were poor responders to α1‐blockers and took tadalafil instead of an α1‐blocker were registered between 2014 and 2016. The patients were divided into two groups (low‐ and high‐PBP groups) using the median baseline PBP of 110 mmHg as the threshold. The changes in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) between before and at 4 and 12 weeks after tadalafil treatment were compared between the low‐ and high‐PBP groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify parameters associated with IPSS improvement with tadalafil treatment.

Results

In all, 51 patients were investigated. The IPSS in the low‐PBP group decreased immediately after the start of treatment, and there was significant improvement in the IPSS from baseline at 4 and 12 weeks after the start of treatment, whilst the IPSS in the high‐PBP group did not show significant changes. On multivariate analysis, PBP at baseline, anticholinergic drug use, and IPSS at baseline were significant predictors of a good IPSS response to tadalafil treatment.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that PBP could reliably identify patients with BPH who could benefit from tadalafil treatment. Patients with low PBP could be better responders to tadalafil.
The microbiome in autoimmune diseases
Authors: De Luca F , Shoenfeld Y
Published: June 2018

The microbiome is represented by microorganisms which live in a symbiotic way with the mammalian. Microorganisms have the ability to influence different physiological aspects such as the immune system, metabolism and behaviour. In recent years, several studies have highlighted the role of the microbiome in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Notably, in systemic lupus erythematosus an alteration of the intestinal flora (lower Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio) has been described. Conversely, changes to the gut commensal and periodontal disease have been proposed as important factors in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. At the same time, other autoimmune diseases (i.e. systemic sclerosis, Sjögren’s syndrome and anti-phospholipid syndrome) also share modifications of the microbiome in the intestinal tract and oral flora. Herein, we describe the role of the microbiome in the maintenance homeostasis of the immune system and then the alterations of the microorganisms that occur in systemic autoimmune diseases. Finally, we will consider the use of probiotics and faecal transplantation as novel therapeutic targets.
Using natural language processing for identification of herpes zoster ophthalmicus cases to support population‐based study
Authors: Zheng Chengyi , Luo Yi , Mercado Cheryl , Sy Lina , Jacobsen Steven J , Ackerson Brad , Lewin Bruno , Tseng Hung Fu
Published: June 2018

Importance

Diagnosis codes are inadequate for accurately identifying herpes zoster (HZ) ophthalmicus (HZO). There is significant lack of population‐based studies on HZO due to the high expense of manual review of medical records.

Background

To assess whether HZO can be identified from the clinical notes using natural language processing (NLP). To investigate the epidemiology of HZO among HZ population based on the developed approach.

Design

A retrospective cohort analysis.

Participants

A total of 49 914 southern California residents aged over 18 years, who had a new diagnosis of HZ.

Methods

An NLP‐based algorithm was developed and validated with the manually curated validation data set (n = 461). The algorithm was applied on over 1 million clinical notes associated with the study population. HZO versus non‐HZO cases were compared by age, sex, race and co‐morbidities.

Main Outcome Measures

We measured the accuracy of NLP algorithm.

Results

NLP algorithm achieved 95.6% sensitivity and 99.3% specificity. Compared to the diagnosis codes, NLP identified significant more HZO cases among HZ population (13.9% vs. 1.7%). Compared to the non‐HZO group, the HZO group was older, had more males, had more Whites and had more outpatient visits.

Conclusions and Relevance

We developed and validated an automatic method to identify HZO cases with high accuracy. As one of the largest studies on HZO, our finding emphasizes the importance of preventing HZ in the elderly population. This method can be a valuable tool to support population‐based studies and clinical care of HZO in the era of big data.
The GBA p.Trp378Gly mutation is a probable French‐Canadian founder mutation causing Gaucher disease and synucleinopathies
Authors: Ruskey J.A. , Zhou S. , Santiago R. , Franche L.‐A. , Alam A. , Roncière L. , Spiegelman D. , Fon E.A. , Trempe J.‐F. , Kalia L.V. , Postuma R.B. , Dupre N. , Rivard G.‐E. , Assouline S. , Amato D. , Gan‐Or Z.
Published: June 2018

Biallelic GBA mutations cause Gaucher disease (GD), and heterozygous carriers are at risk for synucleinopathies. No founder GBA mutations in French‐Canadians are known. GBA was fully sequenced using targeted next generation and Sanger sequencing in French‐Canadian Parkinson disease (PD) patients (n = 436), rapid eye movement (REM)‐sleep behavior disorder (RBD) patients (n = 189) and controls (n = 891). Haplotype, identity‐by‐descent (IBD) and principal component analyses (PCA) were performed using single nucleotide polymorphism‐chip data. Data on GD patients from Toronto and Montreal were collected from patients' files. A GBA p.Trp378Gly mutation was identified in two RBD and four PD patients (1% of all patients combined), and not in controls. The two RBD patients had converted to DLB within 3 years of their diagnosis. Haplotype, IBD and PCA analysis demonstrated that this mutation is from a single founder. Out of 167 GD patients screened, 15 (9.0%) carried the p.Trp378Gly mutation, all in trans with p.Asn370Ser. Three (20%) of the GD patients with the p.Trp378Gly mutation had developed Parkinsonism, and 11 patients had family history of PD. The p.Trp378Gly mutation is the first French‐Canadian founder GBA mutation to be described, which leads to synucleinopathies and to GD type 1 when in compound heterozygosity with p.Asn370Ser.
The effect of single tooth implant restorations on the survival, morbidity, pulpal, and periapical health of adjacent teeth: A chart review
Authors: Duqum Ibrahim , Barker Sarah , Marshall Elizabeth , Wang Rujin , Preisser John S. , Khan Asma
Published: June 2018

Purpose

To determine whether the placement and restoration of a single tooth posterior implant affects the survival, morbidity, pulpal, and periapical health of adjacent natural teeth.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective chart review identified patients who received single posterior tooth implants between August 2004 and July 2015 at the UNC SOD and met the study inclusion criteria. Preoperative and postoperative records were reviewed; survival and changes in coronal, pulpal, and periapical status of teeth adjacent to the implant and contralateral tooth were recorded. Dichotomous survival, restoration, and retreatment outcomes were analyzed using conditional logistic regression with patient as strata and implant versus control as the predictor. Exact odds ratio estimates and the 95% confidence intervals were obtained for the relationship of implant versus control side and outcomes.

Results

Five hundred and fifty‐five sites with follow‐up time averaging 5 years ± 30.8 months were reviewed. Teeth adjacent to implants had 1.75 (95% CI: 1.17, 2.64) times the odds of restorative retreatments as compared to controls (P = .005). On the implant side, 48 adjacent teeth (4.5%) were more heavily restored at follow up, while 84 (7.9%) experienced retreatment with comparable number of surfaces restored. On the contralateral side, 54 adjacent teeth (5.0%) were more heavily restored, and 56 (5.2%) experienced comparable levels of retreatment. In addition, 17 (1.7%) implant adjacent teeth required root canal treatment, compared to 12 (1.2%) on the contralateral side; 1 implant adjacent tooth required root canal retreatment. Forty‐two teeth (3.8%) adjacent to implants were lost, compared to 35 (3.2%) adjacent to natural teeth.

Conclusions

The incidence for restorative retreatment was significantly higher on teeth adjacent to implant restorations as compared to the contralateral controls. There were no significant differences in the survival, morbidity, pulpal, or periapical health of teeth adjacent to single tooth implants compared to those adjacent to the contralateral natural tooth.
A clinical and radiological long‐term follow‐up study of narrow diameter implants in the aesthetic area
Authors: Trbakovic Amela , Bongenhielm Ulf , Thor Andreas
Published: June 2018

Purpose

To study long‐term function of narrow diameter implants (NDI:s) and if reduced implant‐tooth distance negatively impacts adjacent teeth.

Materials and Methods

A clinical and radiological follow‐up of NDI:s replacing maxillary laterals and mandibular incisors was performed. Subjects that received 3.0‐3.3 mm‐diameter single implants from 3 units in Uppsala and Västerås, Sweden, between 2002 and 2011 were offered to participate in this retrospective study.

Results

Twenty‐seven patients (30 implants) underwent clinical and CBCT examination, mean follow‐up time was 63.3 months. On average, the implant‐tooth distance was 1.6 mm at the cervical region and 17 implants were placed 1 mm or less to the adjacent root. Additionally, 2 patients (3 implants) underwent clinical examination (I). Twenty‐seven patients (36 implants) declined the examination but agreed to an interview (II). At the time of the follow‐up, all implants had good function, and implant survival of group I and II together was 97.2%. In both groups, the 2 main patient concerns were discoloration and regression of the buccal gingiva.

Conclusion

Survival of implants is in accordance to standard diameter studies and although most implants were placed very close to the adjacent teeth, no pathologies could be linked to this except aesthetic concerns.
Predictors of complications and mortality following left colectomy with primary stapled anastomosis for cancer: results of a multicentric study with 1111 patients
Authors: Pellino G. , Frasson M. , García‐Granero A. , Granero‐Castro P. , Ramos Rodríguez J. L. , Flor‐Lorente B. , Bargallo Berzosa J. , Alonso Hernández N. , Labrador Vallverdú F. J. , Parra Baños P. A. , Ais Conde G. , Garcia‐Granero E. ,   The ANACO Study Group
Published: June 2018

Aim

Reports detailing the morbidity–mortality after left colectomy are sparse and do not allow definitive conclusions to be drawn. We aimed to identify risk factors for anastomotic leakage, perioperative mortality and complications following left colectomy for colonic malignancies.

Method

We undertook aSTROBE‐compliant analysis of left colectomies included in a national prospective online database. Forty‐two variables were analysed as potential independent risk factors for anastomotic leakage, postoperative morbidity and mortality. Variables were selected using the ‘least absolute shrinkage and selection operator’ (LASSO) method.

Results

We analysed 1111 patients. Eight per cent of patients had a leakage and in 80% of them reoperation or surgical drainage was needed. A quarter of patients (24.9%) experienced at least one minor complication. Perioperative mortality was 2%, leakage being responsible for 47.6% of deaths. Obesity (OR2.8, 95%CI1.00–7.05,P = 0.04) and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) (OR3.7, 95%CI1.58–8.51,P = 0.002) were associated with increased risk of leakage, whereas female patients had a lower risk (OR0.36, 95%CI0.18–0.67,P = 0.002). Corticosteroids (P = 0.03) and oral anticoagulants (P = 0.01) doubled the risk of complications, which was lower with hyperlipidaemia (OR0.3,P = 0.02). Patients onTPNhad more complications (OR4.02, 95%CI2.03–8.07,P = 0.04) and higher mortality (OR8.7, 95%CI1.8–40.9,P = 0.006). Liver disease and advanced age impaired survival, corticosteroids being the strongest predictor of mortality (OR21.5,P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Requirement forTPNwas associated with more leaks, complications and mortality. Leakage was presumably responsible for almost half of deaths. Hyperlipidaemia and female gender were associated with lower rates of complications. These findings warrant a better understanding of metabolic status on perioperative outcome after left colectomy.
Genotypes associated with tacrolimus pharmacokinetics impact clinical outcomes in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Calabrese Daniel R. , Florez Rebecca , Dewey Katherine , Hui Christine , Torgerson Dara , Chong Tiffany , Faust Hilary , Rajalingam Raja , Hays Steven R. , Golden Jeffrey A. , Kukreja Jasleen , Singer Jonathan P. , Greenland John R.
Published: June 2018

Most lung transplantation immunosuppression regimens include tacrolimus. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes important to tacrolimus bioavailability and clearance (ABCB1, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5) are associated with differences in tacrolimus pharmacokinetics. We hypothesized that polymorphisms in these genes would impact immunosuppression‐related outcomes. We categorized ABCB1, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 SNPs for 321 lung allograft recipients. Genotype effects on time to therapeutic tacrolimus level, interactions with antifungal medications, concentration to dose (C0/D), acute kidney injury, and rejection were assessed using linear models adjusted for subject characteristics and repeat measures. Compared with CYP3A poor metabolizers (PM), time to therapeutic tacrolimus trough was increased by 5.1 ± 1.6 days for CYP3A extensive metabolizers (EM, P < 0.001). In the post‐operative period, CYP3A intermediate metabolizers spent 1.2 ± 0.5 days less (P = 0.01) and EM spent 2.1 ± 0.5 days less (P < 0.001) in goal tacrolimus range than CYP3A PM. Azole antifungals interacted with CYP3A genotype in predicting C0/D (P < 0.001). Increased acute kidney injury rates were observed in subjects with high ABCB1 function (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.1‐8.6, P = 0.01). Lower rates of acute cellular rejection were observed in subjects with low ABCB1 function (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.07‐0.94, P = 0.02). Recipient genotyping may help inform tacrolimus dosing decisions and risk of adverse clinical outcomes.
Tattoo‐induced hemangioma: An exploration of the potential for vascular proliferations following tattoo‐related trauma
Authors: Lorei Nathan C. , Lucas Matthew J. , Logemann Nicholas F.
Published: June 2018

With the rising popularity of tattoos, many physicians have seen complications of their application, usually transient and inflammatory in nature, although both benign and malignant neoplasms have been reported as well. We present an unusual case of a hemangioma arising after tattoo application.
Genital basal cell carcinoma, a different pathogenesis from sun‐exposed basal cell carcinoma? A case‐control study of 30 cases
Authors: Wang Yen‐Jen , Tang Tzu‐Yin , Wang Jen‐Yu , Huang Yen‐Kai , Wu Yu‐Hung
Published: June 2018

Background

Genital basal cell carcinoma (BCC) accounts for <1% of all BCCs. We aimed to elucidate the pathogenesis of genital BCC.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated cases of pathologically diagnosed genital BCC between 1990 and 2016 in an Asian tertiary referral center. The control group was composed of consecutive cases, from 2016, of BCCs occurring in sun‐exposed areas. Presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Immunohistochemical p16 and p53 staining was performed and analyzed.

Results

We found 33 genital BCCs (33/1837, 1.8%) over 26 years. The mean follow‐up duration was 30.0 ± 33.2 months. Genital BCCs had a larger size (14.05 vs 8.92 mm, P = 0.014), more common presence of ulcers (61.3% vs 32.0%, P = 0.035), shorter epidermal p53 clone (0.33 vs 1.20 mm, P = 0.007), and high p53 expression levels. Most cases (29/30, 96.7%) showed negative or faint spotty p16 staining. Patient age, tumor depth, presence of pigment, or histology subtype did not differ significantly. Thirty genital BCCs were negative for HPV.

Conclusions

HPV infection is mostly likely not involved in genital BCC pathogenesis. A greater level of p53 expression in genital BCCs implicates pathways other than ultraviolet (UV)‐specific p53 mutations in their pathogenesis.
An unusual image: Pacman heart
Authors: Celik Aziz Inan , Ikikardes Firat , Karaaslan Muhammed Bugra
Published: June 2018

Partial ventricular septal defect (VSD) (Pacman heart) is extremely rare heart defect which may be a complication of myocardial infarction or congenital deformity. In this image, a 65‐year‐old male patient admitted with headache and blood pressure dysregulation. Incidentally, transthoracic two‐dimensional echocardiography revealed partial VSD which was ensuingly confirmed in thoracic computed tomography. This is the fourth case in light of current literature. Partial VSDs are clinically silent, which can be diagnosed with echocardiography, computed tomography, or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging modalities.
Mouthguard sheet temperature after heating
Authors: Mizuhashi Fumi , Koide Kaoru
Published: June 2018

Background/Aim

Mouthguard sheet materials such as ethylene vinyl acetate and polyolefin have been used commonly. However, the change of the sheet temperature during heating of the polyolefin has not been determined. The aim of this study was to examine the change of the sheet temperature during heating and to examine the vacuum‐formed mouthguard characteristics for the sheet materials.

Materials and methods

The mouthguard materials used were 4.0‐mm sheets of ethylene vinyl acetate and polyolefin. The sheet temperature of the two materials was measured when the center of the sheet was displaced by 10, 15, and 20 mm from the baseline after heating. Sheet temperature differences by sheet materials were analyzed by two‐way analysis of variance. The sheets were vacuum‐formed when the heating temperatures reached 100°C using ethylene vinyl acetate sheet and polyolefin sheet. Mouthguard thickness and fit was measured at the central incisor and the first molar. Differences in the thickness and fit between the sheet materials were analyzed by two‐way analysis of variance.

Results

The sheet temperature of ethylene vinyl acetate sheets became higher as the hanging distance became larger (P < 0.05), but that of polyolefin sheets was not different. The thicknesses of the vacuum‐formed mouthguard at the central incisor and the first molar were greater in the mouthguards formed by ethylene vinyl acetate sheets than that with polyolefin sheets (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). The fit of the mouthguard was not different between mouthguards formed by ethylene vinyl acetate sheets and that formed by polyolefin sheets.

Conclusions

The change of mouthguard sheet temperature during heating was different between ethylene vinyl acetate and polyolefin sheets. The ethylene vinyl acetate sheets maintained the vacuum‐formed mouthguard thickness in comparison with the polyolefin sheets with a better fit.
Eculizumab for transplant‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy in adult allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Rudoni Joslyn , Jan Anna , Hosing Chitra , Aung Fleur , Yeh Jason
Published: June 2018

Objective

To evaluate response rates and survival in adults with transplant‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA‐TMA) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) who were treated with eculizumab (ECU).

Methods

Patients were identified retrospectively and data collected through HSCT and pharmacy databases.

Results

Ten patients with TA‐TMA after allogeneic HSCT were treated with ECU between 2013 and 2016. TA‐TMA was diagnosed at a median of 93 days post‐HSCT. Organ‐specific injury was documented in all ten patients at time of TA‐TMA diagnosis, the most common being renal dysfunction (90%). Acute GVHD (70%) and active infection (80%) were common at time of diagnosis. The median time to ECU initiation from TA‐TMA diagnosis was 4 days. Seven patients received ECU as first‐line therapy in combination with other treatment modalities, while three patients were treated with ECU as second‐line therapy. ECU was well tolerated with the exception of one case of severe skin rash leading to discontinuation. ECU achieved an overall hematologic response rate of 70% and an overall survival rate of 60%. One patient achieved a complete response with corresponding organ recovery.

Conclusion

Early initiation of ECU may not alter the disease process enough to restore organ function, but it may prolong survival.