bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimated Fetal Weight Accuracy in Macrosomic Fetuses Versus Fetuses of Normal Weight [37K]
Authors: Holloman Conisha , Kostamo Kathryne , Bahamon Camila , Mcwhorter Jeannie , Jodicke Cristiano , Carlan Stephen
Published: April 2018

INTRODUCTION:

The purpose of this study is to compare the accuracy of estimated fetal weight (EFW) between those fetuses with EFW >90 percentile and those with EFW less than or equal to 90 percentile.

METHODS:

Retrospective study of all pregnant women from January 2010 to September 2013 who had an ultrasound (US) and delivered within a week. Group 1=EFW >90 percentile for gestational age. Group 2=EFW <or equal to 90 percentile. Primary outcome included birth weight (BW) at delivery. Secondary outcomes included cesarean section (CS) and induction rate. Statistical analysis included χ2 and student t-test for categorical and continuous variables, respectively.

RESULTS:

Group 1=133 cases and Group 2=930 cases. There were no significant differences in age, race/ethnicity and gravidity status between the two groups. Class II (23% versus 14%) and III (26% versus 16%) obesity, EGA at scan (39.0±1.5 versus 38.3±2.0 weeks) and delivery (39.3±1.5 versus 38.0±1.9 weeks), CS rate (65% versus 41%), EFW by US (4,042±330 versus 3,057±518 g), birth weight (3,848±404 versus 2,972±517 g) and weight difference (−194±302 versus −85±241 g) were noted to be higher in group 1 (P<.05). Induction of labor rate (23% versus 32%) was higher in group 2.

CONCLUSION:

The accuracy of US generated EFW is an important factor in determining route of delivery. Our data suggests that the larger the EFW by US the greater the chance of error when compared to the BW of smaller infants.
Evaluating Patient Satisfaction and Experience for Technology-Enabled Prenatal Care for Low Risk Women [1L]
Authors: DeNicola Nathaniel , Sheth Sheetal , Leggett Kelly , Woodland Mark B. , Ganju Nihar , Marko Kathryn
Published: April 2018

INTRODUCTION:

Telemedicine and connected health has the potential to remodel prenatal care by enabling more frequent contact and increased patient engagement. This study sought to measure patient satisfaction in low-risk pregnant women who used an integrated mobile platform to supplement prenatal care.

METHODS:

Five hundred ninety-five surveys were administered to low-risk pregnant women enrolled in the Babyscripts (BRx) program, an integrated technology platform including a mobile application and connected devices (weight scale and blood pressure cuff). A 15-question survey was administered to gauge participant satisfaction in the mobile app, pregnancy readiness, relationship to the healthcare team, patient perception of saved time in the clinic, ease of use and educational content. Metrics were analyzed as percent of the total possible score.

RESULTS:

Among 131 respondents (22% response rate) overall patient satisfaction measured high, ranging 85%–95% (agree/strongly agree) in remote monitoring, 82%–88% with the mobile app, 77%–85% for pregnancy readiness, and 83%–90% in their relationship with the healthcare team. Ninety-three percent of respondents agreed that BRx saved time in the clinic. The mobile app was rated as “easy to use” by 86%, with a 93% and 75% ease of use rating for the weight scale and blood pressure monitor, respectively. The educational value of the app was also highly rated at 84%.

CONCLUSION:

Patient satisfaction with the mobile connected health platform was high. These findings support the integration of connected health platforms in low-risk pregnancies. This study suggests potential for connected health to improve value-based clinical outcomes, which can be explored with future research.
Analysis of Joint Outpatient Experience Survey in Obstetric Populations in Military Health Care System [6L]
Authors: Warner Steven , Tobler Kyle , Parker Jason
Published: April 2018

INTRODUCTION:

In the military, patient satisfaction is measured using the Joint Outpatient Experience Survey (JOES). It unclear if the measures used in the JOES survey represent actual patient concerns. The aim of this study was to determine if the measures included in the JOES survey are valued by the patients.

METHODS:

Obstetric patients in a community hospital clinic with excess of 30,000 clinic visits a year were given an anonymous questionnaire to evaluate patient priorities related to care received within an obstetrics clinic. This survey queried patients on the value they placed on the primary characteristics directly measured by the JOES survey.

RESULTS:

The survey included 73% response rate over one week of routine visits. Respondents noted significant desire for obstetrical ultrasound at each visit, a strong desire to see the same provider, and a desire for 24 hours access to the provider. Patients strongly desired an obstetric facility to recommend to friends and family. When questions were grouped and ranked, these obstetric questions were viewed as more important to the respondents than standard survey questions as measured by the JOES survey.

CONCLUSION:

This study demonstrates findings not previously reported regarding the unique characteristics most valued by obstetric patients in a military setting. JOES survey is adequate in measuring patient satisfaction, though obstetric specific metrics appear to more greatly influence patients' satisfaction when compared to the standard JOES survey questions. These results question the need for a broader measure of patient satisfaction in the military setting when evaluating obstetric encounters.
Obstetrician-Gynecologist Perceptions of Patient and Employer Gender Discrimination [7L]
Authors: Turrentine Mark , Ramirez Mildred , Stark L. M. , Snead Carrie , Schulkin Jay
Published: April 2018

INTRODUCTION:

To evaluate if obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyn) perceive discrimination from patients and organizational gender-preferences.

METHODS:

Two large private practice ob-gyn groups anonymously surveyed physicians to explore if patients' and employers' preferences of gender influenced selecting an ob-gyn, impacted their clinical practice, and resulted in feelings of discrimination. The Mann-Whitney U test was utilized for comparisons.

RESULTS:

In 2017, 35 physicians were surveyed (with a 97% response rate), 24 females and 10 males. Male physicians were older (52 versus 44 years, P<.01) and in practice longer (17 versus 11 years, P=.03), but no differences in race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, or board certification. Female and male physicians agreed that patient's preference for the gender of her physician is her first priority (42% versus 50%, respectively, P=.14). Male physicians agreed that their gender has negatively impacted their patient practice volume (60%); whereas female physicians disagreed with this statement (96%), P<.01. Male physicians agreed that they were discriminated against by patients due to their gender (40%); whereas female physicians disagreed (88%; P=.01). Similarly, 50% of male compared to 17% of female physicians felt discriminated against by their employer due to their gender, although this was not significant (P=.20). However, female physicians felt they were discriminated against due to gender in terms of salary (46%) compared to male physicians (20%), P=.049.

CONCLUSION:

Female and male ob-gyns perceive gender-discrimination; however, the former is due to compensation and the latter is due to patient preferences.
Predictive Cutoffs of 1-Hour GCT Prior to 16 Weeks in Diagnosing Carbohydrate Intolerance in Early Gestation [36L]
Authors: Khan Rana , Sholle Evan , Razavi Armin , Gelber Shari E.
Published: April 2018

INTRODUCTION:

Early pregnancy screening for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes (DM) is commonly performed using the same criteria used at mid-gestation. However, characteristics of early GCT have not been well described. We compared the predictive values of different cutoffs of early versus late GCT.

METHODS:

Single center retrospective cohort study of women with a positive 1-hour GCT (>130 mg/dL) prior to 16 weeks gestation (eGCT) or between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation (lGCT). eGCT was performed in high-risk patients. All women with a positive GCT received a 3-hour glucose tolerance test (GTT). Carpenter-Coustan criteria were used to diagnose DM. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for eGCT and lGCT cutoffs from 130 to 195 mg/dL.

RESULTS:

Three thousand two hundred seventy-one women met study criteria, of whom 228 received eGCT and 3,043 received lGCT. Overall prevalence of GDM was 18% (23% early diagnosis, 17% late diagnosis). The sensitivity and specificity were (cutoff: sensitivity/specificity; eGCT versus lGCT) 130: 100%/1%, versus 99%/1%; 135: 98%/8%, versus 96%/12%; 140: 92%/21% versus 87%/31%; 150: 73%/49% versus 66%/62%. Sensitivity and specificity of eGCT to predict mid-gestation GDM diagnosis were 130: 100%/0%; 135: 94%/11%; 140: 90%/24%; 150: 68%/52%; 160: 35%/83%; 170: 10%/91%; 180: 3%/97%; 185: 0%/100%.

CONCLUSION:

Similar to the lGCT, eGCT cutoffs of 130–140 mg/dL have high sensitivity with poor specificity. For patients without early diagnosis of DM, an eGCT cutoff >180 is highly predictive of mid-gestation GDM. Given the poor specificity, other screening tests such as 2-hour GTT or standard screening combined with HgBA1C could be studied as alternatives.
Emergency physician evaluation of PA and NP practice patterns
Authors: Phillips Andrew W. , Klauer Kevin M. , Kessler Chad S.
Published: April 2018

The unprecedented surge in physician assistants (PAs) and NPs in the ED developed quickly in recent years, but scope of practice and practice patterns are not well described.

Methods:

We conducted two cross-sectional electronic surveys of the American College of Emergency Physicians' council. Survey construction was informed by interviews and evaluated with validity and reliability studies. Univariate analyses to establish associations also were performed.

Results:

Most councilors' departments employ PAs and NPs (72.4% of 163 responses). Supervisory requirements varied greatly among respondents for the same emergency severity index (ESI) level. Regardless of experience level, NPs were reported to use significantly more resources than PAs; chi-square(4) = 105.292, P < .001 for less-experienced PAs or NPs; chi-square(4) = 120.415, P < .001 for more experienced PAs or NPs.

Conclusion:

Councilors reported great variation in PA and NP scope of practice. The results also suggest that new graduate PAs may be more clinically prepared to practice in the ED than new graduate NPs.
The effects of probiotics on mood and emotion
Authors: Kane Lindsey , Kinzel Julie
Published: April 2018

Preliminary research in humans and rodents demonstrates that various probiotic formulations of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have a clinical and neurochemical anxiolytic effect on the central nervous system (CNS). Further research is warranted to more extensively examine the theorized connection between the gastrointestinal tract and the CNS; however, initial evidence suggests probiotics affect various mechanisms of the gut-brain connection that modulate anxiety-like behaviors. This article describes the wider-reaching effects of probiotics, specifically related to behavior and brain function.
New Treatment for BRCA-Mutated Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Aschenbrenner Diane S.
Published: April 2018

Lynparza (olaparib tablets) is now approved for the treatment of inherited BRCA-mutated, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative metastatic breast cancer.

Drugs and other substances that greatly increase or decrease the activity of the cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzyme CYP3A should be avoided when taking Lynparza.
Reports of Anaphylaxis with an Antiemetic
Authors: Aschenbrenner Diane S.
Published: April 2018

The labeling for rolapitant (Varubi), an antiemetic used with chemotherapy, will now include a safety warning stating that the drug can cause anaphylaxis and serious hypersensitivity reactions.

Nurses should assess patients for hypersensitivity to any of the drug's components prior to administration.
Assisted Suicide/Aid in Dying: What Is the Nurse's Role?
Authors: Hamric Ann B. , Schwarz Judith K. , Cohen Lewis , Mahon Margaret
Published: April 2018

This article presents the discussion that occurred during a policy dialogue on aid in dying (AID) presented at the American Academy of Nursing's annual conference in October 2016. Panelists explored the arguments for and against the growing state expansion of AID legislation, and the role for nurses in assisting patients who request AID. Recommendations are offered and four expert commentaries respond to the points raised.
Medicaid Expansion Leads to Improved Breast Cancer Care
Authors: Rosenberg Karen
Published: April 2018

According to this study:

The expansion of Medicaid in Kentucky was associated with earlier diagnosis of breast cancer and modest improvements in the quality of breast cancer care.
Stroke Risk Factors Unique to Women
Authors: Rosenberg Karen
Published: April 2018

According to this study:

Optimal stroke prevention strategies for women should take into account risk factors specific to women, including endogenous hormone levels, exogenous hormone therapy, and pregnancy-related complications.
Contraception/Family Planning Are Centering Pregnancy Patients More Likely Than Traditional Care Patients to Select LARC? [1F]
Authors: Roussos-Ross Dikea , Prieto Autumn , Watson Amelia K. , Goodin Amie
Published: April 2018

INTRODUCTION:

Postpartum contraception is an integral part of a woman's medical care. Adequate counseling may not always occur prenatally, leaving the woman without a contraceptive plan postpartum. CenteringPregnancy (CP) focuses an entire session on contraceptive options. We investigated whether CP patients were more likely than Traditional Care (TC) patients to desire contraception, and more specifically LARC.

METHODS:

A retrospective chart review was conducted comparing all CP patients to a matched cohort of TC patients seen at UF Health between March 2015 and March 2017. Chi square analysis was performed, with a priori significance set at 0.05. Logistic regression models estimated the relationship between the outcome and CP versus TC participation, controlling for patient characteristics.

RESULTS:

A total of 153 CP patients and 259 TC patients were included in the study. CP patients used significantly more postpartum contraception (85.16% vs. 75.73%; p=0.039) and specifically more LARC (36.80% vs. 20.39%; p=0.001) than traditional care patients. After controlling for patient characteristics, CP patients were 2.02 times more likely to utilize LARC than TC patients (95% CI: 1.17-3.50).

CONCLUSION:

Patients enrolled in CP are more likely to utilize postpartum contraception and specifically LARC. It is possible that the increased discussion within the group setting, and the knowledge that peers are selecting contraceptive methods, may motivate patients to desire postpartum contraception. Further investigation would be necessary to determine if these findings are reproducible.
Quantifying the genetic risk for the development of axial spondyloarthropathy: could this become a diagnostic tool?
Authors: Wordsworth Bryan P. , Cohen Carla J. , Vecellio Matteo
Published: April 2018

Purpose of review

To assess the utility of recent genetic findings in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and axial spondyloarthropathy (SpA) in relation to diagnostic testing, prognosis and responses to biologic treatment and the development of new therapies.

Recent findings

AS and other forms of SpA are polygenic with more than 100 genes contributing to disease susceptibility. The role of genes in determining the outcome of the disease and response to treatment is less clear. Here, we review some of the progress that has been made over the past decade in understanding the genetic contribution to these diseases and how this may be used to inform the development of new treatments. In those with a high pretest probability of SpA human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 testing can increase the posttest predictive value to almost 100% in some cases. There are currently no reliable genetic predictors of disease severity or response to treatment.

The utility of HLA-B27 as a diagnostic tool when coupled with careful clinical assessment is well established but other genetic markers probably have relatively little to add. In contrast, novel drug targets are likely to be identified from genetic association studies.
Frequency and Acceptability of Adverse Events After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Wilson Jefferson R. , Radcliff Kris , Schroeder Gregory , Booth Madison , Lucasti Christopher , Fehlings Michael , Ahmad Nassr , Vaccaro Alexander , Arnold Paul , Sciubba Daniel , Ching Alex , Smith Justin , Shaffrey Christopher , Singh Kern , Darden Bruce , Daffner Scott , Cheng Ivan , Ghogawala Zoher , Ludwig Steven , Buchowski Jacob , Brodke Darrel , Wang Jeffrey , Lehman Ronald A. , Hilibrand Alan , Yoon Tim , Grauer Jonathan , Dailey Andrew , Steinmetz Michael , Harrop James S.
Published: April 2018

Purpose:

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion has a low but well-established profile of adverse events. The goal of this study was to gauge surgeon opinion regarding the frequency and acceptability of these events.

Methods:

A 2-page survey was distributed to attendees at the 2015 Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS) meeting. Respondents were asked to categorize 18 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion–related adverse events as either: “common and acceptable,” “uncommon and acceptable,” “uncommon and sometimes acceptable,” or “uncommon and unacceptable.” Results were compiled to generate the relative frequency of these responses for each complication. Responses for each complication event were also compared between respondents based on practice location (US vs. non-US), primary specialty (orthopedics vs. neurosurgery) and years in practice.

Results:

Of 150 surveys distributed, 115 responses were received (76.7% response rate), with the majority of respondents found to be US-based (71.3%) orthopedic surgeons (82.6%). Wrong level surgery, esophageal injury, retained drain, and spinal cord injury were considered by most to be unacceptable and uncommon complications. Dysphagia and adjacent segment disease occurred most often, but were deemed acceptable complications. Although surgeon experience and primary specialty had little impact on responses, practice location was found to significantly influence responses for 12 of 18 complications, with non-US surgeons found to categorize events more toward the uncommon and unacceptable end of the spectrum as compared with US surgeons.

Conclusions:

These results serve to aid communication and transparency within the field of spine surgery, and will help to inform future quality improvement and best practice initiatives.
Genetic convergence of rare lymphomas
Authors: Shingleton Jennifer R. , Dave Sandeep S.
Published: April 2018

Purpose of review

We review the genetic foundations of different rare lymphomas to examine their shared origins. These data indicate the potential application of genomics to improve the diagnosis and treatment of these rare diseases.

Recent findings

Next generation sequencing technologies have provided an important window into the genetic underpinnings of lymphomas. A growing body of evidence indicates that although some genetic alterations are specific to certain diseases, others are shared across different lymphomas. Many such genetic events have already demonstrated clinical utility, such as BRAF V600E that confers sensitivity to vemurafenib in patients with hairy cell leukemia.

The rareness of many lymphoma subtypes makes the conduct of clinical trials and recruitment of significant numbers of patients impractical. However, a knowledge of the shared genetic origins of these rare lymphomas has the potential to inform ‘basket’ clinical trials in which multiple lymphoma subtypes are included. These trials would include patients based on the presence of alterations in targetable driver genes. Such approaches would be greatly strengthened by a systematic assessment of significant patient numbers from each subtype using next generation sequencing.
Predicting cardiovascular disease in familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Paquette Martine , Baass Alexis
Published: April 2018

Purpose of review

Familial hypercholesterolemia is a frequent genetic disease associated with a high lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Statins are the cornerstone of treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia; however, with the advent of novel LDL-cholesterol lowering therapies, it has become necessary to identify familial hypercholesterolemia subjects presenting a significant residual CVD risk. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the recent literature concerning cardiovascular risk stratification in familial hypercholesterolemia.

Recent findings

Recently, several clinical and genetic factors have been shown to be independent predictors of CVD in familial hypercholesterolemia. These include clinical scores such as the Montreal-FH-SCORE, novel protein biomarkers, carotid plaque score and genetic predictors such as genetic risk scores as well as single-nucleotide polymorphisms.

Although there has been recent progress in cardiovascular risk stratification in familial hypercholesterolemia, there is still a need to further refine our knowledge concerning phenotype modifiers in this disease. Indeed, current known predictors do not explain the entirety of cardiovascular risk. More precise individual risk stratification in familial hypercholesterolemia could help to better tailor the proper therapy for each patient.
Managing the late effects of chemoradiation on swallowing: bolstering the beginning, minding the middle, and cocreating the end
Authors: Goldsmith Tessa , Jacobson Marlene C.
Published: April 2018

Purpose of review

Late dysphagia has a profound impact on quality of life in patients treated with chemoradiation therapy for advanced head and neck cancer and the number of survivors is growing. Traditional treatment methods are not uniformly successful in reducing the swallow impairment in these patients.

Recent findings

Manifestations of late dysphagia are complex and do not follow a uniform trajectory. Patient's experience of eating and engagement in treatment is critical given the complex, variable nature of late dysphagia. Novel swallow treatment methods target respiratory function including coordination and strength as well as patient adherence.

Head and neck cancer survivors deserve routine and fastidious surveillance beyond the 5-year survival point with respect to swallow function if the enormous biopsychosocial burden of late dysphagia is to be addressed.
Comparison of Patient-Reported Outcome Measurements and Objective Measurements after Cubital Tunnel Decompression
Authors: Koziej Mateusz , Trybus Marek , Banach Marta , Bednarek Marcin , Chrapusta Anna , Szuścik Marek , Piątek-Koziej Katarzyna , Tomaszewski Krzysztof
Published: April 2018

Background:

The aims of this study were (1) to compare the responsiveness of disease and hand-related issues, including health status–related questions, in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome; and (2) to assess whether these tools and objective hand tests are associated with the results of nerve conduction studies after a simple cubital tunnel syndrome decompression.

Methods:

Forty-seven patients with diagnosed condition were enrolled in the study. The following tools were used preoperatively and again at 3 and 6 months: the Patient-Rated Ulnar Nerve Evaluation; the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire; the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey; the pain visual analogue scale with activity; the grip and key pinch test, two-point discrimination, and the ulnar nerve conduction studies test.

Results:

All questionnaires and pain visual analogue scale, two-point discrimination, and nerve conduction studies improved significantly at the 6-month follow-up (p < 0.05) compared with preoperative outcomes. Correlations were observed between preoperative motor conduction velocity, preoperative work of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (R = −0.38; p = 0.049), and pain visual analogue scale during activity (R = 0.47; p = 0.025). A correlation was found between motor conduction velocity change after 6 months and the hand function of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire after 6 months (R = 0.57; p = 0.017).

Conclusion:

The Patient-Rated Ulnar Nerve Evaluation and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire were more responsive for short-term recovery compared with other measures; however, only the latter correlated with motor conduction velocity.
Reliability and Validity of the Child Nutrition and Physical Activity Screening Tool
Authors: Nemec Kelly B. , Keim Kathryn S. , Mullen Mary , Sowa Diane , Lui Karen J.
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this study was to determine the content validity, internal consistency, and construct validity of the Child Nutrition and Physical Activity (CNPA) screening tool for obesity risk. The sample consisted of 2230 children aged 2 to 18 years old, with about 39% of the children being overweight or obese. An expert panel supported the content validity of the CNPA screener. Principal component factor analysis of perception/confidence/importance items yielded 2 factors with acceptable internal consistency. Construct validity of the CNPA screener was supported by associations with weight status. The CNPA screener demonstrates moderate reliability and validity; thus, further development will be needed.
Assessment of Nutritional Status of Critically Ill Patients Using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool and Phase Angle
Authors: Al-Kalaldeh Mahmoud , Alghabeesh Suhair , Suleiman Khaled , Abu-Sharour Loai
Published: April 2018

No consensus exists on using a specific screening tool to assess malnutrition in critically ill patients. Thus, we assessed malnutrition in intensive care unit (ICU) patients by comparing similarity of results between the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) and Phase Angle (PhA) measured by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis. A cross-sectional observational study of 321 patients examined their nutritional status at least 1 week after the ICU admission using MUST, PhA, and anthropometric measurements. Diagnoses and Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores were retrieved retrospectively. The mean of Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 17.73, indicating moderate morbidity. The majority of patients (71.0%) were fed enterally while the remaining (29.0%) did not have any nutritional intervention. Although the average body mass index was normal, only 55.3% of patients received the prescribed calories up to the day of assessment (median day of assessment was 11 [interquartile range: 9-18]). The MUST and PhA results showed that patients fell consistently into 3 malnutrition levels. Hierarchical Multiple Regression revealed that MUST (risk of malnutrition) explained an additional 44.9% of the variance in PhA (β: −.449, P < .001, confidence interval: −1.25 to −0.740). Although MUST measures malnutrition subjectively, it demonstrated higher congruency with Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in the screening of malnutrition in this sample of critically ill patients.
A mechanistic hydro-epidemiological model of liver fluke risk
Authors: Beltrame Ludovica , Dunne Toby , Vineer Hannah Rose , Walker Josephine G. , Morgan Eric R. , Vickerman Peter , McCann Catherine M. , Williams Diana J.L. , Wagener Thorsten
Published: April 2018

The majority of existing models for predicting disease risk in response to climate change are empirical. These models exploit correlations between historical data, rather than explicitly describing relationships between cause and response variables. Therefore, they are unsuitable for capturing impacts beyond historically observed variability and cannot be employed to assess interventions. In this study, we integrate environmental and epidemiological processes into a new mechanistic model, taking the widespread parasitic disease of fasciolosis as an example. The model simulates environmental suitability for disease transmission, explicitly linking the parasite life-cycle to key weather-water-environment conditions. First, using epidemiological data, we show that the model can reproduce observed infection levels in time and space over two case studies in the UK. Second, to overcome data limitations, we propose a calibration approach based on Monte Carlo sampling and expert opinion, which allows constraint of the model in a process-based way, including a quantification of uncertainty. Finally, comparison with information from the literature and a widely-used empirical risk index shows that the simulated disease dynamics agree with what has been traditionally observed, and that the new model gives better insight into the time-space patterns of infection, which will be valuable for decision support.
Countries’ geographic latitude and their human populations’ cholesterol and blood pressure
Authors: Liu Yuhao , Brook Robert D. , Liu Xuefeng , Byrd James Brian
Published: April 2018

Background Sunlight has been hypothesized to play a role in variation in cardiovascular disease according to geographic latitude. Objectives To evaluate the plausibility of sunlight as a factor in populations’ average cholesterol and blood pressure Methods We analyzed World Health Organization data including 180 or more countries’ age-standardized average cholesterol, age-standardized mean systolic blood pressure (BP), and age-standardized prevalence of raised BP, by geographic latitude, over decades. We also performed analysis by ultraviolet B light (UVB) exposure. Results Mean cholesterol increases with the distance of a country from the Equator. This relationship has changed very little since 1980. Similarly, in 1975, mean systolic BP and prevalence of raised BP were higher in countries farther from the Equator. However, the relationship between latitude and BP has changed dramatically; by 2015, the opposite pattern was observed in women. Countries’ average UVB exposure has a stable relationship with cholesterol over recent decades, but a changing relationship with BP. Conclusions Since sunlight exposure in a country is relatively fixed and its relationship with BP has changed dramatically in recent decades, countries’ average sunlight exposure is an unlikely explanation for contemporary country-level variation in BP. However, our findings are consistent with a putative effect of sunlight on countries’ average cholesterol, as well as a no longer detectable effect on BP decades ago. A parsimonious potential explanation for the relationship between light and cholesterol is that 7-dehydrocholesterol can be converted to cholesterol, or in the presence of ultraviolet light, can instead be converted to vitamin D.
A core transcriptional signature of human microglia: derivation and utility in describing region-dependent alterations associated with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Patir Anirudh , Shih Barbarah , McColl Barry , Freeman Tom
Published: April 2018

Growing recognition of the pivotal role microglia play in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders has accentuated the need to better characterize their function in health and disease. Studies in mouse, have applied transcriptome-wide profiling of microglia to reveal key features of microglial ontogeny, functional profile and phenotypic diversity. Whilst similar in many ways, human microglia exhibit clear differences to their mouse counterparts, underlining the need to develop a better understanding of the human microglial profile. On examining published microglia gene signatures, little consistency was observed between studies. Hence, we set out to define a conserved microglia signature of the human central nervous system (CNS), through a comprehensive meta-analysis of existing transcriptomic resources. Nine datasets derived from cells and tissue, isolated from different regions of the CNS across numerous donors, were subjected independently to an unbiased correlation network analysis. From each dataset, a list of coexpressing genes corresponding to microglia was identified. Comparison of individual microglia clusters showed 249 genes highly conserved between them. This core gene signature included all known markers and improves upon published microglial signatures. The utility of this signature was demonstrated by its use in detecting qualitative and quantitative region-specific alterations in aging and Alzheimer's disease. These analyses highlighted the reactive response of microglia in vulnerable brain regions such as the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus, additionally implicating pathways associated with disease progression. We believe this resource and the analyses described here, will support further investigations in the contribution of human microglia towards the CNS in health and disease.
Radially-patterned cell behaviours during tube budding from an epithelium
Authors: Sanchez-Corrales Yara E. , Blanchard Guy B. , Röper Katja
Published: April 2018

The budding of tubular organs from flat epithelial sheets is a vital morphogenetic process. Cell behaviours that drive such processes are only starting to be unraveled. Using live imaging and novel morphometric methods we show that in addition to apical constriction, radially oriented directional intercalation of placodal cells plays a major contribution to the early stages of invagination of the salivary gland tube in theDrosophilaembryo. Extending analyses in 3D, we find that near the pit of invagination, isotropic apical constriction leads to strong cell wedging, and further from the pit cells interleave circumferentially, suggesting apically driven behaviours. Supporting this, junctional myosin is enriched in, and neighbour exchanges biased towards the circumferential orientation. In a mutant failing pit specification, neither are biased due to an inactive pit. Thus, tube budding depends on a radially polarised pattern of apical myosin leading to radially oriented 3D cell behaviours, with a close mechanical interplay between invagination and intercalation.
Extreme Amyloid Polymorphism in Staphylococcus aureus Virulent PSMα Peptides
Authors: Salinas Nir , Colletier Jacques-Philippe , Moshe Asher , Landau Meytal
Published: April 2018

Members of the Staphylococcus aureus phenol-soluble modulin (PSM) peptide family are secreted as functional amyloids that serve diverse roles in pathogenicity and may be present as full-length peptides or as naturally occurring truncations. We recently showed that the activity of PSMα3, the most toxic member, stems from the formation of cross-α fibrils, which are at variance with the cross-β fibrils linked with eukaryotic amyloid pathologies. Here, we show that PSMα1 and PSMα4, involved in biofilm structuring, form canonical cross-β amyloid fibrils wherein β-sheets tightly mate through steric zipper interfaces, conferring high stability. Contrastingly, a truncated PSMα3 has antibacterial activity, forms reversible fibrils, and reveals two polymorphic and atypical β-rich fibril architectures. These architectures are radically different from both the cross-α fibrils formed by full-length PSMα3, and from the canonical cross-β fibrils. Our results point to structural plasticity being at the basis of the functional diversity exhibited by S. aureus PSMαs.
Interactive technology embedded in fashion emotional design
Authors: Wang Weizhen , Nagai Yukari , Fang Yuan , Maekawa Masami
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to bridge the gap between human emotions and wearable technologies for interactive fashion innovation. To consider the reasons why smart clothing should satisfy the internet of things (IoT) technical functions and human emotional expression simultaneously, to investigate the manner in which artistic design perspectives and engineering methods combined effectively, to explore the R&D elements of future smart clothing based on the IoT technology.

Design/methodology/approach

This study combines artistic design perspectives with information-sensing engineering methods as well askanseievaluation method. Micro-sensors and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) embedded in couples clothing prototype. The first experiment step in the design and production of prototype clothing, and do the initial emotional evaluation. The second experiment is the comparative evaluation of the prototype and other typical smart clothing.

Findings

The interactive clothing prototype was proven to correlate well with human emotional expressive patterns. The evaluation I indicated the prototype can stimulate the emotional response of the participants to achieve a higher score in the activate sensor state. Evaluation II revealed that in the process of interactive clothing design, the technical functionality should synchronize with the requirements of human emotional expression.

Originality/value

This study builds the research and development theoretical model of interactive clothing that can be integrated into daily smart clothing life design, and analyze the methods and means of blending IoT smart information-sensing technology with emotional design. By means of this experimental demonstration of human-centered interactive clothing design, the authors provide smart clothing 3.0 evolutionary roadmap and propose a new concept of internet of clothes (IoC) for further research reference.
BRICS-United Nations regional groups’ trade patterns: a panel-gravity approach
Authors: Jabalameli Farkhondeh , Rasoulinezhad Ehsan
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare the similarities in the foreign trade patterns of China and the other BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) members.

Design/methodology/approach

Three panel data estimations, namely, fixed effect, random effect and fully modified ordinary least squares, have been conducted in this paper based on the gravitational model of international trade for bilateral trade of each BRICS member with five United Nations (UN) regional groups from 2001 to 2015.

Findings

The results revealed that Russia has a dissimilar trade pattern, based on the Heckscher–Ohlin (H-O) framework, with these five regional groups, while the other BRICS members follow the Linder hypothesis. Furthermore, it was found that China has a faster pace of globalization, while the rest of the BRICS members have experienced regionalization rather than globalization. In addition, geographical distance, as a proxy for transportation cost, has a weaker negative effect on the trade patterns of China and India, which makes the trade patterns of BRICS members dissimilar.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first attempt to examine and compare the BRICS member countries’ foreign trade pattern through a gravity trade approach.
The relationship between students’ subject preferences and their information behaviour
Authors: Madden Andrew D. , Webber Sheila , Ford Nigel , Crowder Mary
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between preferred choice of school subject and student information behaviour (IB).

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed methods were employed. In all, 152 students, teachers and librarians participated in interviews or focus groups. In total, 1,375 students, key stage 3 (11-14 years) to postgraduate, responded to a questionnaire. The research population was drawn from eight schools, two further education colleges and three universities. Insights from the literature review and the qualitative research phase led to a hypothesis which was investigated using the questionnaire: that students studying hard subjects are less likely to engage in deep IB than students studying soft subjects.

Findings

Results support the hypothesis that preferences for subjects at school affect choice of university degree. The hypothesis that a preference for hard or soft subjects affects IB is supported by results of an analysis in which like or dislike of maths/ICT is correlated with responses to the survey. Interviewees’ comments led to the proposal that academic subjects can be classified according to whether a subject helps students to acquire a “tool of the Mind” or to apply such a tool. A model suggesting how IB may differ depending on whether intellectual tools are being acquired or applied is proposed.

Practical implications

The “inner logic” of certain subjects and their pedagogies appears closely linked to IB. This should be considered when developing teaching programmes.

Originality/value

The findings offer a new perspective on subject classification and its association with IB, and a new model of the association between IB and tool acquisition or application is proposed, incorporating the perspectives of both teacher and student.
A learning-based framework adopting post occupancy evaluation for improving the performance of architectural design firms
Authors: Othman Ayman Ahmed Ezzat , Elsaay Heba
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Despite the active role of continuous learning on improving organizational performance, the construction industry generally and architectural design firms (ADFs) in particular are criticized for their inability to properly use learning to improve their performance. This paper aims to develop a business improvement framework based on post occupancy evaluation (POE) as a learning tool for improving the performance of ADFs.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the above-mentioned aim, a twofold research strategy, namely, theoretical and practical, is used to achieve four objectives. The theoretical approach is used to conduct thorough literature review to investigate three main topics: building performance, organizational performance and learning organization. The practical approach is used to present and synthesize two relevant field studies to examine the role of POE toward improving the performance of ADFs and evaluate the perception and application of ADFs in Egypt toward improving their performance through POE. Based on the results gleaned from the objectives, the research developed a framework to facilitate the adoption and application of POE as a learning tool for improving the performance of ADFs. Finally, research conclusions and recommendations useful to ADFs and future research are outlined.

Findings

The construction industry is a fragmented business that is characterized by low performance compared to other industries. This is because the separation between design, construction and end-users results in missing the opportunity to provide designers with learned lessons, feedback and suggestions for design improvement that ultimately obstructs the performance of ADFs. POE is an effective tool adopted to measure building performance and provide learning environment to improve the performance of new projects and ADFs. The research realized that there is a need to fill the gap in construction literature concerning improving ADFs’ performance through POE and to develop a framework to facilitate the adoption and application of POE as a learning tool for improving the performance of ADFs.

Research limitations/implications

The research focused on improving the performance of ADFs only.

Practical implications

The framework developed by this research establishes organized procedures to enable AFDs to implement POE and use its benefits toward improving their performance.

Originality/value

This paper presents a business improvement framework integrating POE as learning tool for improving the performance of ADFs. This ideology has received scant attention in construction literature. The developed framework represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred.
Fast or slow? Decision-making styles in small family and nonfamily firms
Authors: Pimentel Duarte , Scholten Marc , Couto Joao Pedro
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore differences in the decision-making styles between family and nonfamily firms, while assessing how family participation relates to the use of decision-making styles within family firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical evidence is provided by a sample of 155 firms, located in the Azores, Portugal, 82 family controlled and 73 nonfamily controlled firms. All firms included in the sample are small-sized privately owned enterprises. Business owners and managers responded to a decision-making styles questionnaire, followed, in the case of family firms, by the report of the number of family members actively involved in the business.

Findings

Results show that there are no differences in the use of rational decision making between family and nonfamily firms. However, nonfamily firms show higher levels of experiential decision making than family firms. Results also show that family participation plays a key role in guiding the decisional process, by promoting the use experiential decisions and inhibiting the adoption of a rational decision-making styles in family firms.

Research limitations/implications

From a theoretical perspective, this study opens the door to new research on an under investigated topic in the family business literature. It contributes with initial notions that may help profile the decisional style within small family firms, while revealing how family participation affects it. Thus, creating a fertile ground of discussion that can be an impulse for more research in this area.

Practical implications

From an applied perspective, assessing the influence of family participation in the adoption of a decisional style is potentially valuable for practitioners as well as for owners and managers. Providing them with clues that may help them better understand the basis of their decisions which can benefit their relations with other family members, as with customers, partners and suppliers that play a key role in the firm’s growth, profitability and adaptability.

Social implications

From a social point of view, showing that family firms tend to be rational in their decisions may help create a more reputable and credible image surrounding these firms that are sometimes perceived as less professional than nonfamily firms. Thus, a more solid reputability can help improve their relationship with important partner institutions (e.g. financial, governmental), becoming more attractive to private and public investment, which can translate into win-win situations.

Originality/value

This study responds to a gap in the literature, by exploring the use of experiential vs rational decision-making styles in small family and nonfamily firms. This study also contributes to the understanding of the decision making within family firms, by assessing the role of family participation in the adoption of a decisional style.