bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Identity Management Value Model: A Design Science Approach to Assess Value Gaps on Social Media
Authors: Syed Romilla , Dhillon Gurpreet , Merrick Jason
Published: September 2018

Threats to the individual identity on social media are real and problematic. Yet, there is a paucity of research on online identity management. We posit that identity management on social media requires a value perspective to determine gaps between what social media users want from online identity management and what social media sites offer through their current security and privacy controls. Following the design science research paradigm, we present an Identity Management Value Model (IMVM). Based on multiple‐objectives decision analysis technique, the value model explicates a hierarchy of fundamental identity management objectives and quantifies the achievement of objectives on a social media site. The emergent value scores and value gaps provide an understanding of how well a social media site manages users online identity. We demonstrate the application of the value model for Facebook and assess a set of measures to reduce the value gaps on Facebook. We conducted sensitivity analysis followed by deterministic analysis to evaluate the value model. The evaluation results indicate that the modeling outcome is robust to a range of individual values and preferences. By focusing on individual values, this study extends the research on values in the context of identity management on social media. Social media companies might find the model useful for instituting identity management measures. Individual users could use the model for strategizing about personal identity management. Our study also demonstrates the usefulness of a retrospective design approach, accounting for user values in a principled and comprehensive manner.
Geography Still Matters: Examine the Role of Location in Online Markets for Foreign Branded Products
Authors: Zhao Xia , Zhao Kexin , Deng Jing
Published: September 2018

Internet technologies and e‐commerce have significantly reduced communication and search costs and facilitated trade between distant parties. It has been advocated that the world becomes flat and geographic divisions are gradually irrelevant. However, recent studies have identified a type of location advantage in online platforms, that is, home bias. To further explore the role of geography in online markets, this study investigates another type of location advantage, the country of origin (COO) effect for online sellers. Using a large listing and transaction data set collected from both an e‐commerce retail platform in China and the official Web sites of two foreign brands, we examine the impact of geographic location on online sellers’ pricing strategies and transaction quantities. Our research provides empirical evidence supporting the existence of the COO effect for online sellers in the context of foreign branded product exchanges. Furthermore, the results suggest that sellers’ location information can be a substitute to their reputation and observable effort in facilitating online transactions.
Alirocumab safety in people with and without diabetes mellitus: pooled data from 14 ODYSSEY trials
Authors: Leiter L. A. , Tinahones F. J. , Karalis D. G. , Bujas‐Bobanovic M. , Letierce A. , Mandel J. , Samuel R. , Jones P. H.
Published: September 2018

Aim

To evaluate the safety of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor alirocumab according to diabetes mellitus status.

Methods

Safety data from 14 trials (8–104‐week durations) were analysed by treatment (alirocumab or placebo/ezetimibe control) and diabetes status (yes/no, defined by medical history). Adverse event data were assessed using descriptive statistics and Cox models.

Results

Of the 5234 trial participants, 1554 (29.7%) had diabetes. Overall, treatment‐emergent adverse events were similar in the alirocumab and control groups, except for more frequent local injection site reactions with alirocumab. Fewer people with diabetes experienced local injection site reactions [alirocumab, 3.5%, control, 2.9%; hazard ratio 1.24 (95% CI 0.68–2.25)] than those without diabetes [alirocumab, 7.5%; control, 4.9%; hazard ratio 1.51 (95% CI 1.13–2.01)]. Those with diabetes reported a greater number of serious adverse events (alirocumab, 19.4%; control, 19.7%) than those without diabetes (alirocumab, 14.5%; control, 13.5%). In people with diabetes, major adverse cardiac events occurred in 2.7% of alirocumab‐treated people [control, 3.3%; hazard ratio 0.74 (95% CI 0.41–1.35)]; in those without diabetes, 1.8% of alirocumab‐treated people had major adverse cardiac events [control, 1.7%; hazard ratio 0.95 (95% CI 0.56–1.62)]. Overall, no increase in HbA1c or fasting plasma glucose vs control treatment groups was observed, regardless of diabetes status.

Conclusion

This pooled analysis across 14 trials demonstrated similar safety for alirocumab vs control treatment, irrespective of diabetes status, except for more frequent local injection site reactions with alirocumab. People with diabetes reported fewer local injection site reactions than those without diabetes.
Plasma and synovial fluid concentrations and cartilage toxicity of bupivacaine following intra‐articular administration of a liposomal formulation to horses
Authors: Knych H. K. , Mama K. R. , Moore C. E. , Hill A. E. , McKEMIE D. S.
Published: September 2018

Background

The use of intra‐articular (IA) local anaesthetics has proven to be an effective means to treat post‐operative pain. The effects of local anaesthetics on equine chondrocytes are mixed with some studies reporting chondrodestruction and others no adverse effects. A liposomal formulation of bupivacaine is used in people and dogs by intra‐ and peri‐articular administration to provide up to 72 h of analgesia. The potential uses, side effects including chondrotoxicity, and likelihood of abuse (long‐term analgesic effects) has not been evaluated in horses.

Objectives

Describe bupivacaine concentrations following IA administration and assess biomarkers as indicators of the effects of liposomal bupivacaine on chondrocytes in vivo.

Study design

Parallel design.

Methods

Sixteen exercised horses received a single IA administration of 0.12 mg/kg liposomal bupivacaine or 0.9% saline. Blood and urine samples were collected for 96 h post‐drug administration. Six horses treated with bupivacaine and those receiving saline, underwent daily arthrocentesis. Six additional bupivacaine treated horses underwent arthrocentesis at 96 h. Drug concentrations were measured using LC‐MS/MS and pharmacokinetic analyses performed. Immunoassays were used to measure markers of collagen degradation (C2C, C12C) and cartilage matrix synthesis (CPII, CS846) in synovial fluid.

Results

The bupivacaine plasma elimination half‐life was 17.8 ± 5.42 and 11.9 ± 5.17 h for horses from which synovial fluid was collected daily and at 96 h respectively. Bupivacaine concentrations in the joint were still detectable at 96 h. Significant increases in C12C and C2C were noted at 96 h in horses undergoing arthrocentesis at 96 h only. CPII was increased at 48 h and CS846 at 24 and 48 h in horses sampled daily.

Main limitations

Limited number of animals and absence of liposome control group.

Conclusions

Sustained concentrations of IA bupivacaine suggest viability of this medication as an intra‐articular analgesic. Effects on equine chondrocytes need further study.
Feeding in fear: Indirect effects of predatory fish on macrophyte communities mediated by altered crayfish foraging behaviour
Authors: Wood Tyler C. , Kelley Rosemary E. , Moore Paul A.
Published: September 2018

The threat of predation influences decisions made by prey animals and alters the way that prey interact with other species in their environment. Animals often alter their foraging behaviour in response to a predatory threat by increasing or decreasing food consumption or by changing their feeding preferences to focus on foods that limit their exposure to the threat. Changes in grazing pressure and diet selectivity can have significant impacts on the abundance and diversity of the prey's food resources. In this study, we examined the indirect effects of a predatory fish on macrophyte biomass, mediated by crayfish responses to predator odours.

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides, Centrarchidae) were housed in flow‐through stream mesocosms to produce odour cues that initiated a nonconsumptive effect on rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus, Cambaridae) held in an adjacent section of the stream. Crayfish were offered three species of macrophytes (Myriophyllum exalbescens, Haloragaceae; Elodea canadensis, Hydrocharitaceae; Chara spp., Characeae) and were allowed to graze for 48 hr. Consumption of each plant species was measured by weighing the plant samples before and after every trial. The plant samples were further analysed for total phenolic content using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Foraging and shelter use behaviours were quantified by analysis of video recordings for time spent foraging in the mesocosm and time spent in the shelter zone of the mesocosm.

Crayfish consumed greater quantities of macrophyte tissue when predator cues were present, and this result was unexpected and is contrary to most observations in the literature.

When threatened, the crayfish also showed a preference for two of the macrophyte species, which did not exist in trials without bass odour. This could be due to differences in total phenolic content among the three plant species tested.

The results provide evidence for a strong indirect effect of predatory fish on the macrophyte community mediated by changes in crayfish behaviour under threat. Crayfish act as keystone species in stream ecosystems; thus, changes in their foraging behaviour and dietary preferences caused by exposure to predator odour cues could have important effects on macrophyte communities in lotic systems.
Identification of liver fibrosis using the hepatic vein waveform in patients with Fontan circulation
Authors: Nakatsuka Takuma , Soroida Yoko , Nakagawa Hayato , Shindo Takahiro , Sato Masaya , Soma Katsura , Nakagomi Ryo , Kobayashi Tamaki , Endo Momoe , Hikita Hiromi , Sato Mamiko , Gotoh Hiroaki , Iwai Tomomi , Yasui Mariko , Shinozaki‐Ushiku Aya , Shiraga Kazuhiro , Asakai Hiroko , Hirata Yoichiro , Fukayama Masashi , Ikeda Hitoshi , Yatomi Yutaka , Tateishi Ryosuke , Inuzuka Ryo , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: September 2018

Aim

Liver fibrosis caused by congestive hepatopathy has emerged as an important complication after Fontan procedure. We evaluated the utility of the hepatic vein (HV) waveform using Doppler ultrasound for identification of liver fibrosis in Fontan patients.

Methods

We investigated the HV waveforms in 41 Fontan patients and assessed correlations with clinical parameters, liver fibrosis markers, and hemodynamic data.

Results

Based on our preliminary analysis of 64 adult patients with chronic liver disease who underwent liver biopsy, we classified HV waveforms into five types with reference to the degree of flattening (from type 1, normal triphasic waveform; to type 5, a monophasic waveform indicating cirrhosis), and confirmed a significant correlation between waveform pattern and fibrosis stage. Notably, we detected HV waveforms in all of the Fontan patients and classified them into five types. The HV waveform pattern positively correlated with γ‐glutamyl transferase and hyaluronic acid levels, and negatively correlated with albumin level and platelet count, but did not correlate with central venous pressure or brain natriuretic peptide level, suggesting that HV waveform could reflect pathophysiological changes in the liver without being affected by hepatic congestion. The highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the HV waveform for detecting advanced liver fibrosis, as defined by ultrasonic findings and clinical features, was 0.829 (81.8% sensitivity, 73.3% specificity), which was higher than that of other non‐invasive fibrosis markers.

Conclusions

Hepatic vein waveforms change in accordance with liver fibrosis progression in Fontan patients, and can be a useful indicator of liver fibrosis after the Fontan procedure.
The clinical, biochemical, and ultrasonographic characteristics of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa in Northern Peninsular Malaysia: a multicenter study
Authors: Loo Chai Har , Tan Wooi Chiang , Tang Jyh Jong , Khor Yek Huan , Manikam Manimala T. , Low Dyoi‐E , Chan Kam Hong , Chan Kok Hoe , Teoh Yuen Mey , Sohot Nurul Q. A. , Tang Min Moon , Chan Lee Chin
Published: September 2018

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory disorder of follicular occlusion, resulting in abscesses with tunnel formation and severe scarring. Our objectives were to identify the clinical patterns and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among our HS patients and to determine the role of ultrasonography in the clinical assessment of HS.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study carried out from September 2016 to August 2017 at three tertiary hospitals in Northern Peninsular Malaysia.

Results

A total of 62 patients were recruited, 83.9% of whom were male. The mean age was 29.2 with the median age of onset at 18 years old. The median duration of delay in diagnosis was 3 years. A quarter of them had positive family history. Nearly three‐quarters were overweight and obese. About 12/62 (19.4%) had MetS, and it was comparable to healthy controls (15/62, 24.2%). HS patients had a significant higher risk of low–high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) and obesity. Based on Hurley staging, 15/62 (24.2%) were in stage I, 38/62 (61.3%) and 9/62 (14.5%) in stages II and III, respectively. However, sonographic scoring showed 50% had severe stage of disease, and 56.9% of the patients had subclinical lesions. There was only a fair agreement between ultrasonography and Hurley staging of disease severity (k = 0.25; P = 0.004).

Conclusion

There was a male preponderance among HS patients in Northern Peninsular Malaysia with early age of onset and more severe disease. Only one‐fifth had MetS, but they had significantly higher risks of obesity and low HDL. Ultrasonography examination was useful to detect subclinical lesions and providing a better understanding on disease severity.
Data sharing agreements in vertically differentiated two‐sided markets
Authors: Sánchez‐Cartas Juan‐Manuel , León Gonzalo
Published: September 2018

We study the impact of data sharing agreements between two platforms with vertically differentiated consumers. We assume several utility functions to address the impact of those agreements under different market configurations. The results show that the follower always wants to share its network with the leader, while the leader has no incentive to share its network. We also prove that vertical two‐sided markets are quite prone to monopolies. Lastly, we show that regimes in which the leader shares its network are worse than not sharing at all.
Clinical utility of (99mTc)‐TRODAT‐1 scans to differentiate Parkinsonian syndromes: case studies and commentary
Authors: Wong Daniel , Veitch Peter , Schembri Geoff
Published: September 2018

The differential diagnosis of Parkinsonian syndromes is challenging, especially in the elderly as they often have complex presentations. Nuclear imaging modalities can increase diagnostic accuracy. Single‐photon emission tomography (SPECT) using the ligand (99mTc)‐TRODAT‐1 is used overseas but is yet to be approved in Australia. Three pilot cases of clinically unclear Parkinsonian syndromes from the Royal North Shore Hospital Aged Care Department who underwent (99mTc)‐TRODAT‐1 scans are described. From experience overseas, the (99mTc)‐TRODAT‐1 scan has clinical utility in the differential diagnosis of Parkinsonian syndromes. (99mTc)‐TRODAT‐1 has a lower cost and greater availability than other ligands. Our initial scan findings are largely consistent with the clinical picture, but low specific binding can affect scan interpretation. (99mTc)‐TRODAT‐1 is a potential tool in the differential diagnosis of Parkinsonian syndromes. Further experience regarding its effect on patient outcomes and cost effectiveness is required before routine clinical use can be recommended.
Maternal education influences Australian infants’ language experience from six months
Authors: Dwyer Anne , Jones Caroline , Davis Chris , Kitamura Christine , Ching Teresa Y. C.
Published: September 2018

Disparities in children's early language skills associated with socioeconomic factors have led to many studies examining children's early language environments, but few as yet in the first year of life. This longitudinal study assessed the home language environments of 50 Australian infants, who varied in maternal education (university education, or not). Full‐day audio recordings were collected and analyzed using the LENA system when infants were aged 6–9 months and 12–15 months. Using the device‐specific analysis software, we assessed 12‐h projected counts of (1) adult speech input, (2) conversational interactions, and (3) child vocalizations. At both ages, higher maternal education was associated with higher counts of adult words and conversational turns, but not child vocalizations. The study adds to the literature by demonstrating disparities in the infants’ language experience within the first year of life, related to mothers’ education, with implications for early intervention and parenting supports.
The role of scaffolding in improving information seeking in videos
Authors: Cojean Salomé , Jamet Eric
Published: September 2018

Information seeking (IS) has become a critical activity in video‐based environments. Up to now, the effects of support on information seeking (i.e., scaffolding) have seldom been assessed. The twofold aim of the current study was to (a) assess the effects of scaffolding on IS in videos and (b) determine the characteristics of the users' mental models after an IS activity with or without scaffolding. We divided 50 participants into two groups that either did or did not benefit from initial scaffolding during an IS task. Both groups then had to perform a localization task without any further access to scaffolding. Results showed that scaffolding the video by providing a table of contents and markers on a timeline helped students to engage in highly efficient IS, but they had less accurate mental representations of the video than those without scaffolding. The hypothesis that scaffolding provides a usable but external model was therefore supported.
Views of key stakeholders on the causes of patient falls and prevention interventions: A qualitative study using the international classification of functioning, disability and health
Authors: Baris Veysel Karani , Seren Intepeler Seyda
Published: September 2018

Aims and objectives

To examine the views and suggestions of healthcare professionals, patients and family members on the causes of inpatient falls and fall‐prevention practices.

Background

Patient falls are one of the most prevalent medical errors in the hospitals. In order to prevent patient falls, it is necessary to identify and classify the situations causing falls in detail and preventive interventions for these situations need to be developed.

Design

The study was designed using a descriptive qualitative research method.

Method

The semi‐structured interviews were conducted with four physicians, four charge nurses, 12 nurses, four support staff members, eight patients and eight family members of patients in the palliative, internal disease, surgery and orthopaedic clinics in a training and research hospital between March 2017–May 2017. Thematic analysis method was used to analyse data. The defined themes were classified based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Set for Falls in Acute Rehabilitation Settings.

Results

In this research, 71 themes related to situations causing falls and 30 themes related to prevention interventions were determined. Defined themes were linked with 44 categories under five International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domains and organised accordingly. Among the categories included in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Set for Falls in Acute Rehabilitation Settings, 65% were verified, while 22 new categories that were not included in the original core set were defined.

Conclusion

In accordance with this result, evaluating the opinions of all stakeholders on the research and development of fall‐prevention programmes will increase the effectiveness of fall prevention in hospitals. The ICF model can be used to classify the causes of falls and fall‐prevention interventions to create a common language about this topic.

Relevance to clinical practice

To prevent falls, more detailed and useful information can be obtained by key stakeholders (all healthcare professionals, patient and patient family). ICF Core Set For Falls can be used to systematically classify causes of falls and fall‐prevention interventions.
Comparative pharmacokinetics of danofloxacin in healthy andPasteurella multocidainfected ducks
Authors: Xiao Xia , Lan Weixuan , Wang Ying , Jiang Lijie , Jiang Yongjia , Wang Zhiqiang
Published: September 2018

Pasteurella multocida(P. multocida) infection causes substantial economic loss in the duck industry. Danofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone solely used in animals, shows good antibacterial activity againstP. multocida. In this study, the in vitro pharmacodynamics of danofloxacin againstP. multocidawas studied. The serum and lung tissue pharmacokinetics of danofloxacin were studied in healthy andP. multocidainfected ducks following oral administration of a single dose of 5 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). TheMIC,MBCandMPCof danofloxacin againstP. multocida(C48‐1) were 0.25, 1 and 3.2 μg/ml, respectively. TheCmax was 0.34 μg/ml, attained at 2.03 hr in healthy ducks, and was 0.35 μg/ml, attained at 2.87 hr in diseased ducks. Compared to the serum pharmacokinetics of danofloxacin in healthy ducks, the absorption rate and extent were similar in healthy and diseased animals. In contrast, the elimination rate was slower, with an elimination half‐life (T1/2β) of 13.17 and 16.18 hr for healthy and infected animals, respectively; theAUCs in the two groups were 5.70 and 7.68 μg hr/ml, respectively, which means the total amount of drug in the circulation was increased in the infected ducks. The maximum concentration in lung tissues between healthy and infected animals was not significantly different (8.96 vs. 8.93 μg/g). However, theTmaxin healthy ducks was longer than that in infected ducks (4 hr vs. 1.75 hr), which means that the distribution rate of danofloxacin was slower in healthy ducks. The concentration of danofloxacin in lung tissues was approximately 24‐fold higher than that in the serum. In the serum pharmacokinetic profiles, theƒAUC0‐24 hr/MICwas 18.19 in healthy ducks and was 25.04 inP. multocidainfected ducks at the clinical recommended dose, which is far from thePK/PDtarget (125 hr) of fluoroquinolones. Danofloxacin, at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w., seems to be insufficient for ducks infected withP. multocida, with anMICequal to 0.25 μg/ml.
Experiences of shame and guilt in anorexia and bulimia nervosa: A systematic review
Authors: Blythin Suzanne P. M. , Nicholson Hannah L. , Macintyre Vanessa G. , Dickson Joanne M. , Fox John R. E. , Taylor Peter J.
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Emotional states may play an important role in the development and maintenance of anorexia (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). This systematic review aimed to examine the evidence regarding the relationship that shame and guilt have with two eating disorders, AN and BN.

Methods

Four major databases (Pubmed, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Medline) were searched (up until April 2018) for studies measuring guilt or shame in clinically diagnosed AN and BN groups. Included papers were evaluated for risk of bias.

Results

Twenty‐four papers met the inclusion criteria. Several methodological issues were noted within the reviewed studies, including a lack of longitudinal data and unaccounted confounding variables. Nonetheless, shame was typically more common in those with AN and BN than controls, was positively related to the severity of symptoms, and associated with the onset of eating disorder‐related difficulties (e.g., binging or purging). Effect sizes were typically moderate to large. The role of guilt was less clear, with few studies and mixed results.

Discussion

There is preliminary evidence that shame is implicated in the aetiology of AN and BN presentations, whilst there is currently insufficient evidence of such a role for guilt. It remains unclear whether shame is a risk factor for the development of AN and BN or a consequence of these difficulties.

Practitioner Points

Elevated shame appears to be a feature of anorexia (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN).

Shame appears to fluctuate with the occurrence of eating disordered behaviours like binging, purging or restricted eating.

Guilt is less consistently linked to AN and BN presentations.

Interventions directed at shame may be helpful for these populations.

A lack of longitudinal data means the temporal features of these relationships are still unclear.
The Impact of Custom Contracting and the Infomediary Role of Healthcare GPOs
Authors: Saha Rajib Lochan , Seidmann Abraham , Tilson Vera
Published: September 2018

Manufacturers and distributors of expensive implants and other medical supplies often require buyers to sign non‐disclosure agreements treating all information concerning negotiated prices as trade secrets. Such agreements make it difficult for hospitals to obtain accurate pricing benchmarks. To save on procurement costs and to obtain pricing information, most hospitals in the United States join group purchasing organizations (GPOs). GPOs are believed to lower procurement costs by aggregating hospitals’ demand. Whether GPOs indeed add value to the healthcare supply chain and produce actual savings for hospitals are debated policy issues, as evidenced by the ongoing discussions on the topic in the US Congress. Some hospitals procure using GPO contracts, and some try to improve on prices available via GPO contracts, negotiating custom contracts directly with the GPO vendors. Using a game‐theoretic model, we prove that GPOs that operate independently and allow for custom contracting limit the benefit of demand aggregation to smaller hospitals only. The larger hospitals gain primarily from using the GPO as an infomediary to obtain critical pricing information benchmarks. Our results further explain why the introduction of custom contracting lowers the value of access to this pricing information for the hospitals, and how the savings through custom contracting can be misleading. We reveal how GPO vendors can exploit information asymmetry about their prices and earn even higher profits, and why, contrary to the industry's belief, the resulting savings are never higher for any hospital, not even for the larger ones when the GPOs allow custom contracting.
Evaluation of intravenous and subcutaneous administration of a novel, excipient‐free, nanoparticulate formulation of paclitaxel in dogs with spontaneously occurring neoplasia
Authors: Selting Kim A. , Bechtel Sandra M. , Espinosa Jahna , Henry Carolyn J. , Tate Deborah , Bryan Jeffrey N. , Rajewski Lian , Flesner Brian K. , Decedue Charles , Baltezor Michael
Published: September 2018

Carriers used to solubilize taxane chemotherapy drugs cause severe hypersensitivity. Nanoparticle formulations can provide improved dissolution and bioavailability of taxanes. Thus, a nanoparticulate, excipient‐free formulation of paclitaxel (CTI52010) was evaluated in tumour‐bearing dogs with intravenous and subcutaneous delivery. Tumour‐bearing dogs were treated with intravenous CTI52010 using a modified rapid dose escalation scheme. Subcutaneous administration was then planned for a small cohort of dogs for comparison. For both groups, serial blood samples were collected after first dosing for pharmacokinetic analysis by LCMSMS. Tumour response was measured using RECIST criteria. Toxicity was recorded using VCOG‐CTCAEv1.1. Fifteen dogs were treated with intravenous delivery at increasing dosages (80‐136 mg/m2), with one objective response in the urethral component of a prostatic carcinoma (probable transitional cell carcinoma) and four dogs with durable stable disease (two carcinomas, two sarcomas). Pharmacokinetic data indicate a rapid initial clearing of the drug from serum followed by an extended elimination half‐life, similar to normal dogs and suggesting reticuloendothelial clearance. Parameters and toxicity were highly variable and a maximally tolerated dosage could not be reliably confirmed. Three dogs were treated with subcutaneous delivery and no drug was detected in circulation, resulting in termination of the study. This novel formulation of paclitaxel is well tolerated in dogs and no unique toxicity or hypersensitivity was noted. The preliminary responses suggest biologic activity. The lack of systemic absorption after subcutaneous administration suggests a possible role for intratumoural anticancer therapy.
Moving from a permanent to a 5 year deferral for donors with cured cancer results in a substantial reduction in deferral rates
Authors: Goldman Mindy , Yi Qi‐Long , O'Brien Sheila F.
Published: September 2018

Background and Objectives

Donor eligibility policies can be precautionary and restrictive, resulting in substantial donation loss. Canadian Blood Services changed from a permanent to a five‐year deferral for most non‐cutaneous cancers following a recently published large‐scale Scandinavian data linkage study. We evaluated the impact of this change on deferral rates.

Materials and Methods

We assessed the number and rate of deferrals for cancer in the two years before and after the criteria change, and examined computer records of 100 consecutive donors with a history of cancer.

Results

Overall deferrals declined from 3.1 to 1.1 per 1000 donations. The reduction was similar for males and females, but greater for first time donors (9.4 to 3.2/1000) than repeat donors (2.4 to 0.8/1000).

Conclusions

Deferrals were substantively reduced, with the greatest impact on new donors. Studies performed in one jurisdiction may benefit donors and ultimately patients in other countries.
Transfusion emergency preparedness for mass casualty events
Authors: Doughty Heidi , Rackham Richard
Published: September 2018

Transfusion emergency preparedness is increasingly being recognized as an important element in the healthcare response to mass casualty events (MCE). Planning should be designed to support an integrated response between the blood services and hospitals. The lessons identified from the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 and recent incidents in London have led to new guidance. Demand planning has been informed by the global experience of civilian MCEs and the changing trends in trauma care. Past evidence suggests that only a modest number of hospitalized patients following MCEs require transfusion. The mean blood use per patient admitted is consistently calculated at 2–3 red cell units. Most blood is used within the first 6 h. However, a small number of critically injured with multi‐trauma may require massive transfusion and ongoing support. Many blood services have reported meeting the initial overall demand for blood from stock. However, universal components may be in short supply. The demand can be managed by pre‐agreed substitutions. Early transfusion triage enables the best use of hospital laboratory and blood service support. Careful communication with donor communities is essential to manage a controlled replenishment of stocks. Future challenges for the transfusion community include the trend towards lower red cell stock holdings and the changing trends in weapon use and tactics. A standardized approach to transfusion data collection is required to support future planning. The transfusion community is encouraged to plan for MCEs, contribute to ‘after action reviews’ and work together for safe and sustainable transfusion support.
Direct large-volume injection analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water
Authors: Rubio-Clemente Ainhoa , Chica Edwin L , Peñuela Gustavo A
Published: September 2018

Due to the health risks for both humans and living beings caused by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the monitoring of these compounds in environmental matrices is mandatory. This work proposes an analytical method for analyzing anthracene (AN) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), two of the most representative PAHs, at ultra-trace concentrations in water, employing direct injection of large volumes of samples coupled with reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. For this purpose, principal component analysis was used to examine the behavior of AN and BaP within the chromatographic system. Results showed that AN and BaP chromatographic behavior can be described by three models representing their identification, the quantification of AN and that of BaP, respectively. The factors affecting the obtained models, such as the injection volume, column temperature, flow rate, strength of the mobile phase, and the excitation and emission wavelengths, were examined and optimized by means of design of experiments. Finally, the analytical method was validated, obtaining promising limits of detection and quantification. The developed analytical method was demonstrated to be useful for a sensitive analysis of the target analytes in relatively clean natural water matrices.
Characterization and electrochemical behavior of spherical boron-doped diamond film electrode
Authors: Li Fan , Gou Li
Published: September 2018

The boron-doped diamond film electrode was prepared on the tungsten carbide (WC) sphere using the microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition method. Two electrodes of different sizes were obtained by the encapsulation of the diamond coated spheres. A flexible lead wire was utilized instead of the rigid connection as usual. Scanning electronic microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemical measurements were employed to characterize the morphology, the composition of the films, and electrochemical behavior, respectively. These electrodes have a wide potential window of 3 V in phosphate buffer saline solution. The electrode with a diameter of 800 μm exhibits a low dopamine detection concentration of 10 μmol l−1, while the electrode with a diameter of 200 μm indicates the faster electrode response and the higher sensitivity with a microelectrode diffusion mode. A WC sphere with the boron-doped diamond film is expected to be used for the electrode to ensure full contact with the organism.
Dependence of inertial cavitation induced by high intensity focused ultrasound on transducer F-number and nonlinear waveform distortion
Authors: Khokhlova Tatiana , Rosnitskiy Pavel , Hunter Christopher , Maxwell Adam , Kreider Wayne , ter Haar Gail , Costa Marcia , Sapozhnikov Oleg , Khokhlova Vera
Published: September 2018

Pulsed high intensity focused ultrasound was shown to enhance chemotherapeutic drug uptake in tumor tissue through inertial cavitation, which is commonly assumed to require peak rarefactional pressures to exceed a certain threshold. However, recent studies have indicated that inertial cavitation activity also correlates with the presence of shocks at the focus. The shock front amplitude and corresponding peak negative pressure (p−) in the focal waveform are primarily determined by the transducer F-number: less focused transducers produce shocks at lower p−. Here, the dependence of inertial cavitation activity on the transducer F-number was investigated in agarose gel by monitoring broadband noise emissions with a coaxial passive cavitation detector (PCD) during pulsed exposures (pulse duration 1 ms, pulse repetition frequency 1 Hz) with p− varying within 1–15 MPa. Three 1.5 MHz transducers with the same aperture, but different focal distances (F-numbers 0.77, 1.02, 1.52) were used. PCD signals were processed to extract cavitation probability, persistence, and mean noise level. At the same p−, all metrics indicated enhanced cavitation activity at higher F-numbers; specifically, cavitation probability reached 100% when shocks formed at the focus. These results provide further evidence supporting the excitation of inertial cavitation at reduced p− by waveforms with nonlinear distortion and shocks.
Three-dimensional modeling and numerical predictions of multimodal nonlinear behavior in damaged concrete blocks
Authors: Lott M. , Payan C. , Garnier V. , Le Bas P. Y. , Ulrich T. J. , Remillieux M. C.
Published: September 2018

In this paper, the multimodal nonlinear elastic behavior of concrete, which is representative of a consolidated granular material, is modeled numerically. Starting from a local three-dimensional softening law, the initial stiffness properties are re-estimated according to the local strain field. The experiments deal with samples of thermally damaged concrete blocks successively excited around their first three modes of vibration. The geometry of these samples cannot be described by a one-dimensional approximation in these experiments where compressional and shear motions are strongly coupled. Despite this added complexity, the nonlinear behavior for the three modes of vibration of the samples is well captured by the simulations using a single scalar nonlinear parameter appropriately integrated into the elasticity equations. It is shown that without sufficient attention paid to the latter, the conclusions would have brought erroneous statements such as nonlinearity dispersion or strain type dependence.
Complex eigenvalues of slotted arbitrary cylindrical cavities: Sound-soft elliptic cavity with variably placed longitudinal slit
Authors: Vinogradova Elena D.
Published: September 2018

A generalization of the rigorous method of regularization is implemented to calculate the complex eigenvalues for a two dimensional arbitrarily shaped acoustically soft cavity with a longitudinal slit. The problem is reduced to the finding of non-trivial solutions of the coupled homogeneous well-conditioned Fredholm second kind infinite systems of linear algebraic equations that are solved numerically by the truncation method. The guaranteed fast convergence of the solution of the truncated system to the exact solution allows one to achieve any pre-determined accuracy by proper choice of truncation number. Formally, the complex eigenvalues coincide with the complex roots of the characteristic equation of the truncated infinite system. All calculations are performed with an accuracy of six significant decimal digits. The algorithm is free from limitations on the slit width, frequency band, and slit location along the bounding contour of a cavity. As an example, the spectrum of the complex eigenvalues for open elliptic cavity with moveable longitudinal slit is accurately investigated for various ellipse eccentricities, including the case of degenerated elliptic cavity—circular cavity. The slit width varies from zero value (closed cavity) to open semi-elliptic cavity.
Epilepsy surgery: Think globally, act locally
Authors: Tully Hannah M.
Published: September 2018

A computational approach predicts the success of epilepsy surgery based upon presurgical structural connectivity.
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Specifically Targets Human CD1d Antigen Presentation To Enhance Its Pathogenicity
Authors: Rao Ping , Wen Xiangshu , Lo Jae Ho , Kim Seil , Li Xin , Chen Siyang , Feng Xiaotian , Akbari Omid , Yuan Weiming
Published: September 2018

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is among the most common human pathogens. Little is known regarding the exact mechanism by which this virus evades the human immune system, particularly the innate immune system. We reported previously that HSV-1 employs its protein kinase US3 to modulate the expression of the key antigen-presenting molecule, CD1d, so as to evade the antiviral function of NKT cells. Here we demonstrated that the virus has coevolved with the human CD1d and NKT cell system and that NKT cells indeed play potent roles in anti-HSV immune responses. These studies point to the great potential of exploring NKT cell ligands as adjuvants for HSV vaccines.
Disentangling Host-Microbiota Regulation of Lipid Secretion by Enterocytes: Insights from Commensals
Lactobacillus paracasei
and
Escherichia coli
Authors: Tazi Asmaa , Araujo João Ricardo , Mulet Céline , Arena Ellen T. , Nigro Giulia , Pédron Thierry , Sansonetti Philippe J.
Published: September 2018

The specific contribution of each bacterial species within a complex microbiota to the regulation of host lipid metabolism remains largely unknown. Using two model commensal microorganisms,
L. paracasei
and
E. coli
, we demonstrated that both bacterial species impacted host lipid metabolism in a diet-dependent manner and, notably, that
L. paracasei
-colonized mice but not
E. coli
-colonized mice resisted high-fat-diet-induced body weight gain. In addition, we set up cellular models of fatty acid absorption and secretion by enterocytes cocultured with bacteria and showed that,
in vitro
, both
L. paracasei
and
E. coli
inhibited lipid secretion, through increased intracellular fat storage and enhanced lipid catabolism, respectively.
Metagenomic Assembly and Prokaryotic Metagenome-Assembled Genome Sequences from the Northern Gulf of Mexico “Dead Zone”
Authors: Thrash J. Cameron , Baker Brett J. , Seitz Kiley W. , Temperton Ben , Campbell Lauren Gillies , Rabalais Nancy N. , Henrissat Bernard , Mason Olivia U.
Published: September 2018

Coastal regions experiencing declining dissolved oxygen are increasing in number and severity around the world. However, despite the importance of microbial metabolism in coastal hypoxia, few metagenomic surveys exist.
High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of the Type Strain of Allorhizobium vitis, the Primary Causal Agent of Grapevine Crown Gall
Authors: Gan Han Ming , Lee Melvin Vun Jye , Savka Michael A.
Published: September 2018

Using Illumina and Nanopore reads, we assembled a high-quality draft genome sequence of
Allorhizobium vitis
K309
T
(= ATCC 49767
T
, = NCPPB 3554
T
), a phytopathogenic strain isolated from a grapevine in Australia. The hybrid approach generated 50% fewer contigs and a 3-fold increase in the
N
50
value compared with the previous Illumina-only assembly.
Pain
Authors: Swift Amelia
Published: September 2018

EBN Perspectives brings together key issues from the commentaries in one of our nursing topic themes.
Understanding better how emergency doctors work. Analysis of distribution of time and activities of emergency doctors: a systematic review and critical appraisal of time and motion studies
Authors: Abdulwahid Maysam Ali , Booth Andrew , Turner Janette , Mason Suzanne M
Published: September 2018

Background

Optimising the efficiency and productivity of senior doctors is critical to ED function and delivery of safe patient care. Time and motion studies (TMS) can allow quantification of how these doctors spend their working time, identify inefficiencies in the current work processes and provide insights into improving working conditions, and enhancing productivity. Three questions were addressed: (1) How do senior emergency doctors spend their time in the ED? (2) How much of their time is spent on multitasking? (3) What is the number of tasks completed per hour?

Methods

The literature was systematically searched for TMS of senior emergency doctors. We searched for articles published in peer-reviewed journals in English language from 1998 to 2018 in the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane. Studies were assessed for methodological quality using evidence-based quality criteria relevant for TMS including duration of observation, observer bias, Hawthorne effect and whether the task classification acknowledged any previous existing schemes. A narrative synthesis approach was followed.

Results

Fourteen TMS were included. The studies were liable to several biases including observer and Hawthorne bias. Overall, the time spent on direct face-to-face contact with the patient accounted for at least around 25%–40% of the senior doctors’ time. The remaining time was mostly spent on indirect clinical care such as communication (8%–44%), documentation (10%–28%) and administrative tasks (2%–20%). The proportion of time spent on multitasking ranged from 10% to 23%. When reported, the number of tasks performed per hour was generally high.

Conclusion

The review revealed that senior doctors spent a large percentage of their time on direct face-to-face contact with patients. The review findings provided a grounded understanding of how senior doctors spent their time in the ED and could be useful in implementing improvements to the emergency care system.
Economic evaluations of strategies to prevent sports and recreational injury among children and adolescents: a systematic review
Authors: Michaels-Igbokwe Christine , Lee Raymond , Marshall Deborah A , Currie Gillian
Published: September 2018

Objective

To identify, summarise and critically assess studies reporting costs and consequences of sport and recreation injury prevention strategies among children and adolescents.

Design

Systematic review.

Methods and data sources

We searched MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE, CINAHL, Pubmed, Econlit and SPORTDiscus and PEDE. Included studies were peer reviewed full economic evaluations or cost analyses of sport/recreation injury prevention among children and adolescents≤18 years of age. The Pediatric Quality Appraisal Questionnaire was used for quality assessment.

Results

The initial search yielded 1896 unique records; eight studies met inclusion criteria. Six studies were related to injury prevention in the context of recreation, two were related to sports. For recreation studies in cycling and swimming: costs per head injury averted was US$3109 to $228 197; costs per hospitalisation avoided was US$3526 to 872 794; cost per life saved/death avoided was US$3531 to $103 518 154. Sport interventions in hockey and soccer were cost saving (fewer injuries and lower costs). Global quality assessments ranged from poor to good. Important limitations included short time horizons and intermediate outcome measures.

Conclusions

Few rigorous economic evaluations related to sport and recreation injury prevention have been conducted. The range of estimates and variation in outcomes used preclude specific conclusions; however, where strategies both improve health and are cost saving, implementation should be prioritised. Future economic evaluations should incorporate time horizons sufficient to capture changes in long-term health and use utility-based outcome measures in order to capture individual preferences for changes in health states and facilitate comparison across intervention types.