bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A fuzzy association rule-based knowledge management system for occupational safety and health programs in cold storage facilities
Authors: Tsang Y.P. , Choy K.L. , Koo P.S. , Ho G.T.S. , Wu C.H. , Lam H.Y. , Tang Valerie
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to improve operational efficiency and minimize accident frequency in cold storage facilities through adopting an effective occupational safety and health program. The hidden knowledge can be extracted from the warehousing operations to create the comfortable and safe workplace environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A fuzzy association rule-based knowledge management system is developed by integrating fuzzy association rule mining (FARM) and rule-based expert system (RES). FARM is used to extract hidden knowledge from real operations to establish the relationship between safety measurement, personal constitution and key performance index measurement. The extracted knowledge is then stored and adopted in the RES to establish an effective occupational and safety program. Afterwards, a case study is conducted to validate the performance of the proposed system.

Findings

The results indicate that the aforementioned relationship can be built in the form of IF-THEN rules. An appropriate safety and health program can be developed and applied to all workers, so that they can follow instructions to prevent cold induced injuries and also improve the productivity.

Practical implications

Because of the increasing public consciousness of occupational safety and health, it is important for the workers in cold storage facilities where the ambient temperature is at/below 10°C. The proposed system can address the social problem and promote the importance of occupational safety and health in the society.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the knowledge management system for improving the occupational safety and operational efficiency in the cold storage facilities.
Specific antecedents of employees’ knowledge sharing behavior
Authors: Gillani Syeda Mehak Fatima , Iqbal Salman , Akram Shumaila , Rasheed Mamoona
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the antecedents of specific human resource management (HRM) practices and trust on knowledge sharing (KS) behavior of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first phase, a questionnaire survey was used to collect the data from 350 randomly selected individuals working in banks. In the second phase, ten managerial-level employees were interviewed to triangulate the findings of the survey.

Findings

The results revealed that employees viewed trust, recruitment and selection and performance appraisals have a positive relationship with KS behavior. However, training and development and incentives have no impact on KS.

Originality/value

The value of this paper lies in the understanding gained about the interactive effects of KS and HR practices using the structural equation modeling technique. This paper will help in understanding the factors that can promote KS. This study will be helpful for employees, managers and policymakers. This study may help in highlighting the significant role of HR practices.
The role of employees’ empowerment as an intermediary variable between knowledge management and information systems on employees’ performance
Authors: Abualoush Shadi Habis , Obeidat Abdallah Mishael , Tarhini Ali , Masa’deh Ra’ed , Al-Badi Ali
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the interrelationships among knowledge management (KM), information systems (IS) and employees’ empowerment (EE) on employees’ performance (EP).

Design/methodology/approach

Accordingly, a structural model is developed that delineates the interactions among these constructs and explores the mediating effect of EE on the relationship between KM, IS and EP. A questionnaire-based survey was designed to test the aforementioned model based on dataset of 287 employees’ pharmaceutical industries in Jordan. The model and posited hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling analysis.

Findings

The results indicated that KM and IS positively and significantly affect EE, in which the latter impact EP as well. However, neither KM nor IS proved to be positively related to EP. Additionally, EE positively and significantly mediated the relationship between KM and EP, besides the relationship between IS and EP.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies which investigate the interrelationships among KM, IS and EE on EP, and the first to test the model on companies in the pharmaceutical industries in Jordan.
Shooting may aggravate rather than alleviate conflicts between migratory geese and agriculture
Authors: Bauer Silke , Lisovski Simeon , Eikelenboom‐Kil Ramona J. F. M. , Shariati Mitra , Nolet Bart A.
Published: March 2018

Many migratory goose populations have thrived over the past decades and their reliance on agricultural resources has often led to conflicts. Control and management measures are sought after but since migratory geese use several sites in their annual cycle, local management actions should consider their potential effects further down the flyway.

We used a behaviour‐based migration model to illustrate the consequences of management actions involving hunting, derogation shooting and scaring at single or multiple locations along the flyway, considering various mechanisms of how geese might perceive shooting/hunting. Furthermore, as a proxy for the agricultural damage caused, we calculated the per capita biomass consumption between scenarios—both over time and cumulatively.

We found that hunting, shooting and scaring can result in a suite of direct and indirect consequences on migration and foraging behaviour. Most importantly, hunting/shooting on a particular site had implications not only for the behaviour at the actual site but also for behaviour at, and use of, other sites. Furthermore, the specific consequences of shooting/hunting could be counter‐intuitive, that is, aggravate rather than alleviate agricultural damage, depending on where along the migration route changes had taken place and the mechanisms through which hunting/shooting was assumed to affect geese.

Synthesis and applications. Management plans are being discussed or implemented for several migratory goose populations and often include shooting, hunting or scaring at one or multiple locations. Using a behaviour‐based model, we assessed the consequences of such local management measures and found that they can indeed lead to a reduction of agricultural conflicts locally but may also aggravate the conflict or shift it to other sites along the flyway. Thus, we recommend the use of these models to scrutinize the efficiency of specific management measures and to assist in identifying an international management regime that minimizes conflicts on a flyway level while still maintaining migratory populations.
Rutaecarpine attenuates osteoclastogenesis by impairing macrophage colony stimulating factor and receptor activator of nuclear factor κ‐B ligand‐stimulated signalling pathways
Authors: Fukuma Yutaka , Sakai Eiko , Komaki Shunsuke , Nishishita Kazuhisa , Okamoto Kuniaki , Tsukuba Takayuki
Published: March 2018

Rutaecarpine is a major alkaloid isolated from Evodia rutaecarpa. Here, we investigated the effects of rutaecarpine on osteoclast differentiation induced by macrophage colony stimulating factor (M‐CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor κ‐B ligand (RANKL) in bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMMs). Treatment with rutaecarpine significantly inhibited osteoclastogenesis and prevented bone resorption of BMM‐derived osteoclasts. Mechanistically, rutaecarpine decreased the protein level of nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic‐1 (NFATc1) and the phosphorylation of other signalling pathways during the osteoclast differentiation. Thus, rutaecarpine may be useful as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of bone diseases.
Exploring the range of emotional response experienced when parenting a child with an intellectual disability: The role of dual process
Authors: Sheehan Philomena , Guerin Suzanne
Published: March 2018

Accessible summary

This study explored the different emotions that parents can feel when their child has a disability; asking whether the theory of loss and grief known as the Dual Process Model can help to understand the role of these emotions for parents.

We interviewed eleven parents (eight mothers; three fathers) who have a child with a disability. Six of the parents had a child with Down syndrome and five had children with more complex needs.

Parents reported many different emotions, describing them as very strong when the child was young. Some parents were not comfortable talking about these emotions with staff. When and how information about disability is given were both important to parents.

The Dual Process Model helped us to understand how parents experience different emotions over time, learning to adjust to difficult feelings. Disability services should understand the balance between understanding the strong emotions parents feel and knowing when support might be needed.

Background

This study aimed to explore the range of emotions experienced by parents in the early years of managing their child's disability, to assess the relevance of the Dual Process Model in understanding these emotions within an adjustment process and to identify the types of support and information perceived by parents as helpful during this time.

Materials and Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with parents of children (5–7 years) who had attended early intervention services. Eleven parents participated, six of children with Down syndrome and five of children with complex needs. Interviews were transcribed, and a thematic analysis undertaken.

Results

Parents report experiencing a wide range of emotions, which were described as particularly intense in the early months following diagnosis. There was some ambivalence in relation to discussing emotions with professionals. The timing of the provision of information on emotions and the nature of the delivery of this information were considered crucial by parents in determining it as helpful or unhelpful to them. Reflecting the Dual Process Model, while a loss orientation was evident in descriptions of the early years, there was evidence of a restoration orientation.

CONCLUSIONS

Those delivering services must consider the delicate balance of maintaining awareness that intense emotions can be experienced during this adjustment process and being available when required, while respecting the privacy that many wish to preserve during the early years. One issue for professionals to address is how best to provide the necessary emotional support, mindfully and with respect for boundaries.
Analysis of the distribution of spinal NOP receptors in a chronic pain model using NOP‐eGFP knock‐in mice
Authors: Ozawa Akihiko , Brunori Gloria , Cippitelli Andrea , Toll Nicholas , Schoch Jennifer , Kieffer Brigitte L , Toll Lawrence
Published: March 2018

Background and Purpose

The nociceptin/orphanin FQ opioid peptide (NOP) receptor system plays a significant role in the regulation of pain. This system functions differently in the spinal cord and brain. The mechanism by which the NOP receptor agonists regulate pain transmission in these regions is not clearly understood. Here, we investigate the peripheral and spinal NOP receptor distribution and antinociceptive effects of intrathecal nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) in chronic neuropathic pain.

Experimental Approach

We used immunohistochemistry to determine changes in NOP receptor distribution triggered by spinal nerve ligation (SNL) using NOP‐eGFP knock‐in mice. Antinociceptive effects of intrathecal N/OFQ on SNL‐mediated allodynia and heat/cold hyperalgesia were assessed in wild‐type mice.

Key Results

NOP‐eGFP immunoreactivity was decreased by SNL in the spinal laminae I and II outer, regions that mediate noxious heat stimuli. In contrast, immunoreactivity of NOP‐eGFP was unchanged in the ventral border of lamina II inner, which is an important region for the development of allodynia. NOP‐eGFP expression was also decreased in a large number of primary afferents in the L4 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of SNL mice. However, SNL mice showed increased sensitivity, compared to sham animals to the effects of i.t administered N/OFQ with respect to mechanical as well as thermal stimuli.

Conclusions and Implications

Our findings suggest that the spinal NOP receptor system attenuates injury‐induced hyperalgesia by direct inhibition of the projection neurons in the spinal cord that send nociceptive signals to the brain and not by inhibiting presynaptic terminals of DRG neurons in the superficial lamina.
Understanding factors that promote and limit the use of video guidance in child protection services: A SWOT analysis
Authors: Kiamanesh Parvin , Olafsen Kåre S. , Drozd Filip
Published: March 2018

Video interaction guidance, based on the Marte Meo method, is used in child protection services (CPSs) and offered to parents to improve interactions with their children. However, the factors that promote and limit the use of video guidance in CPS are unclear. The present study explored the perceptions of 8 Norwegian Marte Meo therapists who utilize this method in the CPS. The therapists were asked questions about the method's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, to clarify factors that may be important for the use of Marte Meo in the CPS context. Therapists reported a predominance of strengths associated with the method; for example, that Marte Meo provides a set of conditions that makes it possible for parents to see themselves as significant persons in interactions with their children and raise their parenting competency to a reflective level. The results also suggested that there is a need to develop the method to make it applicable to different age groups, problem areas, and contexts. A central agency could establish procedures for identifying such challenges, to ensure continuous quality improvement and to improve Marte Meo through research and innovation.
Prevalence of BRCA1/2 large genomic rearrangements in Chinese women with sporadic triple‐negative or familial breast cancer
Authors: Su L. , Zhang J. , Meng H. , Ouyang T. , Li J. , Wang T. , Fan Z. , Fan T. , Lin B. , Xie Y.
Published: March 2018

The prevalence of BRCA1/2 large genomic rearrangements (LGRs) and their underlying mechanisms have not been fully evaluated in Chinese women with breast cancer. In this study, we determined the prevalence of BRCA1/2 LGRs in 834 patients with familial breast cancer (FBC) and 660 patients with sporadic triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) who were negative for BRCA1/2 small‐range mutations using the multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification method. We found that 20 index patients (2.4%) in the FBC group carried a BRCA1 or BRCA2 LGR, and the frequencies of BRCA1 and BRCA2 LGRs were 1.6% and 0.8%, respectively. Seven index patients (1.1%) carried a BRCA1 LGR in 660 sporadic TNBC patients, whereas no BRCA2 LGRs were found in these patients. Among the BRCA1/2 LGRs, 48.1% (13/27) were novel, and the breakpoints of the majority of the LGRs were identified. ΨBRCA1‐mediated homologous recombination (HR) and Alu‐mediated HR/non‐homologous end‐joining (NHEJ) accounted for 40% and 30% of the BRCA1 LGRs, respectively. Alu‐mediated HR accounted for 71.4% of the BRCA2 LGRs, and the remaining one‐third was generated through Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINE)‐mediated NHEJ. Our findings suggest that both FBC patients and sporadic TNBC patients should be tested for BRCA1/2 LGRs.
MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP, COLLUSION AND UNUSUAL RESULT PATTERNS IN SOCCER
Authors: Globan Tomislav , Jägers Ed
Published: March 2018

Expanding on the literature on antitrust, multiple ownership, and collusion in sports, this paper finds a very unusual result pattern between two clubs competing in the Croatian soccer league—Lokomotiva and Dinamo Zagreb. Their close sporting and business relationship has raised many questions about the possible collusion between them, potentially affecting the integrity of the competition. We analyze all matchups in the competition's 25‐year history to single out those characterized by biggest under‐ and overperformances by competing clubs. Our findings provide some support to the allegations of a possible collusion between the clubs as Lokomotiva's underperformance against Dinamo is so far in the tail of normal distribution that it has a lower occurrence probability than a random person being hit by lightning. (JEL Z29, K21, L83).
Implementing the access and waiting time standard for early intervention in psychosis in the United Kingdom: An evaluation of referrals and post‐assessment outcomes over the first year of operation
Authors: Adamson Vidyah , Barrass Emma , McConville Stephen , Irikok Chantelle , Taylor Kim , Pitt Steve , Van Duyn Rob , Bennett Susan , Jackson Lisa , Carroll Jon , Andrews Mark , Parker Ann , Wright Caroline , Greathead Katie , Price David
Published: March 2018

Aim

Improving timely access to evidence‐based treatment for people aged 14‐65 years experiencing a first episode psychosis (FEP) or an at‐risk mental state (ARMS) for psychosis is a national priority within the United Kingdom. An early intervention in psychosis (EIP) access and waiting time standard has been set which has extended the age range and acceptance criteria for services.

Methods

This descriptive evaluation reports upon the referrals and access to treatment times within an EIP service over the first year of operating in line with the access and waiting time standard. Patient pathways and post‐assessment status are also described.

Results

The service received 406 referrals, of which 88% (n = 357) were assessed. The mean length of time to treatment was 1.5 weeks, with 88% being seen within 2 weeks. Of those who engaged in an assessment, 34% (n = 138) were identified as ARMS cases and 30% (n = 123) were identified as FEP. Over 35 year olds accounted for 22% (n = 80) of the total accepted cases.

Conclusions

The findings indicate clinical and operational issues, which will need careful consideration in the future planning of services. The high number of ARMS cases highlights the importance of clear treatment pathways and targeted interventions and may suggest a need to commission distinct ARMS services. The number of people who met the extended age and service acceptance criteria may suggest a need to adapt or redesign clinical services to meet the age‐specific needs of over 35 year olds and those with an ARMS. It is unclear how changes to the remit of EIP services will impact upon future clinical outcomes.
Binaural responses in the auditory midbrain of chicken (Gallus gallus)
Authors: Aralla Roberta , Ashida Go , Köppl Christine
Published: March 2018

The auditory midbrain is the location in which neurons represent binaural acoustic information necessary for sound localization. The external nucleus of the midbrain inferior colliculus (IC) of the barn owl is a classic example of an auditory space map, but it is unknown to what extent the principles underlying its formation generalize to other, less specialized animals. We characterized the spiking responses of 139 auditory neurons in the IC of the chicken (Gallus gallus) in vivo, focusing on their sensitivities to the binaural localization cues of interaural time (ITD) and level (ILD) differences. Most units were frequency‐selective, with best frequencies distributed unevenly into low‐frequency and high‐frequency (> 2 kHz) clusters. Many units showed sensitivity to either ITD (65%) or ILD (66%) and nearly half to both (47%). ITD selectivity was disproportionately more common among low‐frequency units, while ILD‐only selective units were predominantly tuned to high frequencies. ILD sensitivities were diverse, and we thus developed a decision tree defining five types. One rare type with a bell‐like ILD tuning was also selective for ITD but typically not frequency‐selective, and thus matched the characteristics of neurons in the auditory space map of the barn owl. Our results suggest that generalist birds such as the chicken show a prominent representation of ITD and ILD cues in the IC, providing complementary information for sound localization, according to the duplex theory. A broadband response type narrowly selective for both ITD and ILD may form the basis for a representation of auditory space.
No evidence for follicular keratinocyte hyperproliferation in acne lesions as compared to autologous healthy hair follicles
Authors: Persson Gabriella , Johansson‐Jänkänpää Emma , Ganceviciene Ruta , Karadag Ayse Serap , Bilgili Serap Gunes , Omer Hélène , Alexeyev Oleg A.
Published: March 2018

Abnormal hyperkeratinization in sebaceous hair follicles has long been believed to play an important role in acne pathogenesis. Several early reports purported to provide histological evidence for hyperproliferation of keratinocytes in acne lesions by showing a higher expression of the Ki67 as well as certain keratins. The evidence is, however, not robust, and a number of methodological and technical limitations can be identified in these studies. In this study, we looked at the expression of proliferation, mitosis and apoptosis markers directly at acne skin lesions in 66 patients with acne vulgaris. Ki67 was assessed using immunohistochemistry and α‐tubulin, phospho‐histone H3 and cleaved‐PARP with immunofluorescence microscopy. Allogenic unaffected hair follicles from the same acne patients were used as an internal control. In both acne and control hair follicles, the α‐tubulin staining was universal, approaching 100% cells and showed no signs of changed assembly. Expression of cleaved‐PARP—the apoptosis marker—was a rare event. Cell proliferation rate measured by the expression of Ki67 and phospho‐histone H3 was virtually identical between acne and the two control groups. Our findings show the absence of increased keratinocyte proliferation in acne vulgaris. Alternative mechanisms are likely responsible for infundibular hyperkeratinization in acne pathogenesis.
Tamper‐resistant prescription forms for narcotics in France: Should we generalize them?
Authors: Daveluy Amélie , Sauvaget Lucie , Bastien Angela , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse , Collin Cédric , Richard Nathalie , Haramburu Françoise
Published: March 2018

In France, prescription of narcotics must be written on a tamper‐resistant prescription form with specific technical particularities. Dosage and daily dose of medicines shall be written out entirely in letters. These prescription forms are also mandatory for buprenorphine, clorazepate, clonazepam, tianeptine, buccal midazolam and zolpidem owing to traffic, abuse or diversion. In 2012, to assess the use of standard and tamper‐resistant prescription forms and the acceptability of the generalization of the latter to all medicines, a national opinion survey was performed, with a postal questionnaire, within three randomized samples of 1500 prescribers (physicians, dentists and midwives). Of the 403 participating prescribers (participation rate of 26.8%), 373 were physicians, 14 dentists and 16 midwives. Tamper‐resistant prescription forms were used by 76.2% of prescribers, but only by 5.1% in a computerized version, whereas for standard prescription forms, 61% used computer assisted prescription software. The main reason was the inability of the prescription software to print these forms or to respect the mandatory prescription rules for narcotics. Theft and falsification of prescriptions had ever occurred (working life). Most prescribers (62.5%) were against the generalization of tamper‐resistant prescription forms. Those in favour were for a generalization to all medicines (65%) and not only to psychotropic agents. Generalization of tamper‐resistant prescription forms is not a consensual solution to prevent medicines’ diversion. Some prescribers alluded to the possibility of dematerialization and electronic transmission of prescription forms, which could avoid theft, forgery or falsification.
Impact of frailty on chronic pain, activities of daily living and physical activity in community‐dwelling older adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Hirase Tatsuya , Kataoka Hideki , Nakano Jiro , Inokuchi Shigeru , Sakamoto Junya , Okita Minoru
Published: March 2018

Aim

The present cross‐sectional study investigated the relationship between frailty and chronic pain, activities of daily living (ADL), and physical activity in community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

Participants were 379 older adults who attended community‐based exercise classes. Outcome measures were frailty as determined by the Kihon Checklist, full pain assessment (including the sensory, emotional and cognitive aspects of pain), ADL and physical activity. These outcomes were evaluated using validated tests and instruments. Assessments were carried out before beginning the exercise classes. Outcome measures were compared for participants with and without frailty. Frailty was defined as a total Kihon Checklist score ≥7, and chronic pain as the presence of related symptoms within the past month that had continued for at least 6 months and corresponded with a numerical rating scale score of at ≥5 at the site of maximum pain.

Results

In total, 134 (35.4%) participants met the frailty criteria; 60.4% of this group had chronic pain. The frail group had significantly worse scores for the sensory, emotional and cognitive aspects of pain, ADL and physical activity than the non‐frail group (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and sex showed the sensory and emotional aspects of pain were associated with frailty.

Conclusions

For community‐dwelling older adults with frailty, chronic pain can negatively influence sensory, emotional and cognitive aspects of pain, leading to a decline in ADL and lower physical activity. Full pain assessment focused on sensory and emotional aspects of pain is important to identify frailty among older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1079–1084.
‘I might be a bit of a front runner’: An analysis of men's uptake of flexible work arrangements and masculine identity
Authors: Borgkvist Ashlee , Moore Vivienne , Eliott Jaklin , Crabb Shona
Published: March 2018

In most western countries, men's use of flexible work arrangements (FWA) is low. Intersections of gender and organizational culture are likely to contribute to this circumstance but have received little attention. This research aims to investigate men's experiences of FWA use and non‐use to understand contextual factors influencing men's decisions and how men construct their identities in relation to work, parenting and FWA. Based on semi‐structured interviews with 15 men, discourse analysis identified that workplace culture and the ideal worker norm strongly influence men's decision making regarding FWA use, and feature in identity construction. Most men adhered to traditional constructions of masculinity in their talk, even when utilizing FWA which was constructed as an individual choice and a privilege. Some men constructed themselves as ‘ground‐breakers’ but still used traditionally masculine attributes to achieve this. Overall, the results highlighted a need to encourage societal and organizational support for men's FWA use.
Application of the Nexø method in a general dental practice in the Netherlands: 6‐year results of a RCT
Authors: Vermaire JH
Published: March 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was to establish the effect of a non‐operative caries treatment programme (the Nexø method) in a general dental practice on dental caries, oral hygiene and self‐reported motivational factors for a 6‐year period.

Methods

A randomized clinical controlled trial study on caries‐preventive measures in 6‐ to 12‐year‐old children was performed among 3 groups of children: (i) care as usual (dental check‐ups twice a year, accompanied by a professional fluoride application and the placement of occlusal sealants on a routine basis) (CONTROL); (ii) care as usual plus 2 extra professional fluoride applications (IPFA); or (iii) a non‐operative caries treatment programme based on the Nexø method in which recall interval and caries‐preventive measures were individualized based on caries activity, eruption stage and motivation of the parent (NOCTP).

Results

A total of 106 12‐year‐old children of the initial 230 6‐year‐olds completed the full‐length study. Children in the NOCTP group developed 0.67 decayed, missing or filled surfaces (DMFS). This value was 0.86 in the IPFA group and 1.02 in control group. The level of oral hygiene was most favourable in the NOCTP group (OHI‐s score 0.61 vs 0.87 [IPFA] and 0.70 [control]). Differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Children who followed the NOCTP programme in this general dental practice did not develop significantly fewer new caries lesions compared with children in the IPFA group or the control group after 6 years. However, the differences identified after the first 3 years of the trial remained apparent.
Observational cohort study of outcomes in patients admitted to the intensive care unit for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Sivakumar Sivanth , McNally Angus , Tobin Jonathan , Williamson Jonathan , Aneman Anders
Published: March 2018

Background

Patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are often referred to the intensive care unit (ICU) for non‐invasive respiratory support.

Aims

To describe the characteristics of patients with AECOPD admitted to ICU focusing on the performance of ICU prognostic systems, decisions to limit medical therapy and mortality outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients admitted between 2009 and 2016, separately in patients with active treatment and limitation or withdrawal of medical therapy. ICU acuity scores, blood gas analyses and ICU, in‐hospital and 1‐year mortality were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

Results

A total of 403 patients was studied with an overall ICU mortality of 6.4%. The predicted risk of death in hospital using ICU scoring systems was 19% compared to the observed mortality of 15%. One‐year mortality was 34%. Patients with limitation of medical therapy represented 32% of the total cohort and had higher mortality in ICU (13%), in hospital (30%) and at 1‐year follow up (53%). Withdrawal of life‐sustaining therapy occurred in 4% of patients who all died in ICU. Decreased arterial oxygenation and bicarbonate concentration as well as increased arterial carbon dioxide levels were overall associated with an increased likelihood of in‐hospital mortality but no independent predictors of 1‐year mortality were identified.

Conclusion

In patients admitted to ICU for AECOPD, limitations of medical therapy are frequent and associated with significant mortality. Involving palliative care in addition to respiratory physicians and intensivists in the management of AECOPD patients admitted to ICU needs to be explored further.
Microstructural evolution of amorphous Si2BC3N nanopowders upon heating at high temperatures: High pressures reverse the nucleation order of SiC andBN(C)
Authors: Liang Bin , Jia Dechang , Liao Xingqi , Zhu Qishuai , Chen Qingqing , Yang Zhihua , Tian Feng , Li Xiaoyun , Zhou Yu
Published: March 2018

Amorphous Si2BC3N nanopowders (NPs) were heated at 1000‐1700°C temperatures for 30 minutes in 1 atm N2. The changes in phases, chemical bonds, and microstructures were investigated byXRD,XPS,NMR,TEM, and first‐principles calculation. Increases in heating temperatures lead to the nucleation and growth of SiC andBN(C) grains, along with partial transformation of SiC4units from amorphous to β/α‐SiC, and collapse of B–C–N bonds. SiC nucleates prior toBN(C) at 1 atm, while it goes in the opposite order at high pressures (≥1GPa). High pressures also shift the initial temperatures of crystallization of amorphous Si2BC3NNPs from 1400°C (1 atm) to 1150°C (5 GPa).
Cetylpyridinium chloride direct spray treatments reduce Salmonella on cantaloupe rough surfaces
Authors: Saucedo‐Alderete Raúl O. , Eifert Joseph D. , Boyer Renee R. , Williams Robert C. , Welbaum Gregory E.
Published: March 2018

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) solutions (0, 0.5, or 1.0%) were applied to cantaloupe (“Athena” and “Hale's Best Jumbo” cultivars) rind plugs, either before or after inoculation with a broth culture of Salmonella Michigan (109 CFU/mL) and held at 37°C for 1 or 24 hr. Rind plugs were diluted, shaken, and sonicated, and solutions were enumerated. Texture quality and color were evaluated over 14 days storage at 4°C after 0 and 1% CPC spray applications. A 0.5 or 1.0% (vol/vol) application of CPC after Salmonella reduced the pathogen levels between 2.34 log CFU/mL and 5.16 log CFU/mL in comparison to the control (p < .01). No differences were observed in the firmness and color of 1% CPC treated cantaloupes. Salmonella concentrations on cantaloupes, treated with 1.0% CPC, were lower after 1 hr storage as compared to 24 hr. And, Salmonella on “Athena” surfaces were more susceptible to CPC spray treatments than on “Hale's Best Jumbo.”

Practical applications

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) is the active ingredient of some antiseptic oral mouth rinses, and has a broad antimicrobial spectrum with a rapid bactericidal effect on gram‐positive pathogens. The spray application of CPC solutions to cantaloupe may reduce the level of Salmonella surface contamination during production from irrigation water and manure fertilizers and, during food processing by contaminated equipment and food handlers. Since the surfaces of cantaloupes are highly rough or irregular, bacteria can easily attach to these surfaces and become difficult to remove. Appropriate postharvest washing and sanitizing procedures are needed that can help control Salmonella and other pathogens on melons, especially on cantaloupes with nested surfaces. A direct surface spray application of CPC may be an alternative antimicrobial postharvest treatment to reduce pathogen contamination of cantaloupe melons, while providing an alternative to chlorine‐based solutions.
Comparison of changes in the oxygenated hemoglobin level during a ‘modified rock‐paper‐scissors task’ between healthy subjects and patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Sato Mamoru , Shoji Yoshihisa , Morita Kiichiro , Kato Yusuke , Ishii Youhei , Nakano Shinya , Uchimura Naohisa
Published: March 2018

Aim

The purpose of this study, using single‐event‐related near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), was to examine the psychophysiological and social function assessment of 30 schizophrenic patients during a modified rock‐paper‐scissors task.

Methods

We set up a screen in front of the subjects, on which pictures of hand‐gestures for rock, paper, and scissors were randomly presented. Subjects were asked to give verbal answers under the conditions of win, lose, and draw, respectively. Using the 44‐channel NIRS system, we evaluated the maximum amplitude of oxygenated hemoglobin, latency, and the area based on the arithmetic mean of resulting values after the task between 30 outpatients with schizophrenia and 30 healthy subjects, and analyzed the frontal pole area, dorsolateral prefrontal region, and parietal association area as regions of interest (ROI).

Results

In schizophrenic patients, oxygenated hemoglobin changes (Δoxy‐Hb) when losing the task showed a significantly lower level of Δoxy‐Hb in ROI than controls. In addition, a significant positive correlation was observed between the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale and Δoxy‐Hb in ROI, and a significant negative correlation was observed between the Negative Syndrome scale of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and Δoxy‐Hb in ROI.

Conclusion

From these results, we conclude that Δoxy‐Hb levels when performing the modified rock‐paper‐scissors task assessed using NIRS may be a useful psychophysiological marker to evaluate the cognitive and social functions of schizophrenic patients.
Short anagen syndrome: Case series and literature review
Authors: Oberlin Kate E. , Maddy Austin J. , Martínez‐Velasco María Abril , Vázquez‐Herrera Norma Elizabeth , Schachner Lawrence A. , Tosti Antonella
Published: March 2018

Background/Objectives

Short anagen syndrome is a hair cycle disorder usually diagnosed in early childhood and characterized by short hair length due to short duration of the anagen phase. The objective was to review the presentation and demographic characteristics of short anagen syndrome and compare them with the most common differential diagnosis, loose anagen syndrome.

Methods

A retrospective review of eight children with short anagen syndrome was performed at the University of Miami Outpatient Dermatology Clinic.

Results

The diagnosis of short anagen syndrome was confirmed according to clinical findings and characteristic short telogen hairs with pointed tips on the hair pull test.

Conclusion

This is the largest reported clinical series of short anagen syndrome thus far in the literature.
Pediatric Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis treated with oral fluconazole: A case series
Authors: Michelerio Andrea , Barruscotti Stefania , Bossi Grazia , Brazzelli Valeria
Published: March 2018

Background

Cutaneous leishmaniasis has an incidence of 0.7–1.2 million cases per year and represents a growing concern in the outpatient dermatologic practice in Europe because of imported cases due to increased travel to risk areas and to immigration phenomena. When dealing with children, the treatment can be challenging because of side effects and pain of classic antimonial therapy leading to poor rates of course completion and requirement of sedation for several children.

Methods

We retrospectively studied three cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in pediatric patients, between the ages of 3 and 6 years of age, treated with oral fluconazole. We examined the efficacy, the tolerability, the safety profile and the cosmetic result of fluconazole at a dose of 6 mg/kg/daily for 6 weeks.

Results

The patients had a complete resolution of their lesions with minimal scarring. No adverse effect was reported. The leishmaniasis species identified were L. major or L. tropica.

Conclusion

Considering sides effects and the parents’ and the clinician's concern for systemic treatment in the pediatric population, fluconazole represents a valid, safe and easily manageable option for Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis in pediatric outpatients caused by L. major or L. tropica.
Resveratrol–cyclodextrin complex affects the expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism in bovine in vitro produced embryos
Authors: Torres V , Hamdi M , Millán de la Blanca MG , Urrego R , Echeverri J , López‐Herrera A , Rizos D , Gutiérrez‐Adán A , Sánchez‐Calabuig MJ
Published: March 2018

Contents

Antioxidants have been widely used during in vitro production to decrease the negative effect of reactive oxygen species. It was reported that the complex resveratrol–methyl β‐cyclodextrin (RV‐CD) improves resveratrol's stability and bioavailability and increases its antioxidant activity. This study evaluates the effect of RV‐CD during in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) or in vitro embryo culture (IVC) on developmental competence and quantitative changes in gene expression of developmental important genes. In experiment 1, RV‐CD was added to IVM media and maturation level, embryo development and oocytes, cumulus cells, and blastocysts gene expression by RT‐qPCR were examined. In experiment 2, presumptive zygotes were cultured in SOF supplemented with RV‐CD and embryo development and blastocysts gene expression by RT‐qPCR were studied. A group without RV‐CD (control−) and a group with cyclodextrin (control+) were included. No differences were found in cleavage rate or blastocyst yield between groups. However, the expression of LIPE was higher in blastocysts derived from oocytes treated with resveratrol compared with control groups (p < .05). Blastocysts produced by IVC with resveratrol showed that RV‐CD could modify the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism (CYP51A1, PNPLA2 and MTORC1) compared with control groups (p < .05). RV‐CD in the IVM and IVC media could reduce accumulated fat by increasing lipolysis and suppressing lipogenesis of blastocysts.
Latent class analysis of indicators of intolerance of uncertainty
Authors: Boelen Paul A. , Lenferink Lonneke I.M.
Published: March 2018

Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) is a transdiagnostic vulnerability factor involved in depression and anxiety symptoms and disorders. IU encompasses Prospective IU (“Unforeseen events upset me greatly”) and Inhibitory IU (“The smallest doubt can stop me from acting”). Research has yet to explore whether subgroups or classes of people exist characterized by different profiles of IU. This study used latent class analysis to identify such subgroups and examined if different classes of IU were distinct in terms of several cognitive vulnerabilities and psychological symptoms. Data were obtained from 519 students completing a 12‐item measure of IU. Four subgroups were identified, characterized by low IU, predominantly Prospective IU, predominantly Inhibitory IU, and high IU, respectively. People in the high IU class reported cognitive vulnerabilities and depression and anxiety more than people in the low IU class. Inhibitory IU was more strongly associated with poor outcomes than was Prospective IU.
Rab11 mediates selective recycling and endocytic trafficking in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Umaer Khan , Bush Peter J. , Bangs James D.
Published: March 2018

Trypanosoma brucei possesses a streamlined secretory system that guarantees efficient delivery to the cell surface of the critical glycosyl‐phosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored virulence factors, variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) and transferrin receptor (TfR). Both are thought to be constitutively endocytosed and returned to the flagellar pocket via TbRab11+ recycling endosomes. We use conditional knockdown with established reporters to investigate the role of TbRab11 in specific endomembrane trafficking pathways in bloodstream trypanosomes. TbRab11 is essential. Ablation has a modest negative effect on general endocytosis, but does not affect turnover, steady state levels or surface localization of TfR. Nor are biosynthetic delivery to the cell surface and recycling of VSG affected. TbRab11 depletion also causes increased shedding of VSG into the media by formation of nanotubes and extracellular vesicles. In contrast to GPI‐anchored cargo, TbRab11 depletion reduces recycling of the transmembrane invariant surface protein, ISG65, leading to increased lysosomal turnover. Thus, TbRab11 plays a critical role in recycling of transmembrane, but not GPI‐anchored surface proteins. We proposed a two‐step model for VSG turnover involving release of VSG‐containing vesicles followed by GPI hydrolysis. Collectively, our results indicate a critical role of TbRab11 in the homeostatic maintenance of the secretory/endocytic system of bloodstream T. brucei.
Red blood cell transfusion after a global strategy for early detection and treatment of iron deficiency anemia: three‐year results of a prospective observational study
Authors: de las Nieves Lopez Miguel Angel , Matas Cobos Ana Maria , Sarria Gonzalez Francisco , Dominguez Lomeña Maria Jose , Palomo Hernandez Ana Maria , Gil Gines Encarnación , Serna Juan Salvador , Ampuero Ampuero Javier , Marin Fernandez Antonio , Vazquez de la Villa Antonia
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Anemia is the main indication for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and iron deficiency is the most prevalent, preventable, and treatable cause of anemia worldwide. We aimed to assess the impact of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) on RBC transfusion by means of a program for prevention, early detection, and treatment.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted starting in 2014 after an intervention in clinical practice in Melilla, a peripheral city isolated by 207 km sea distance to nearest continental Spain. Recommendations were proposed for first‐step diagnosis of iron deficiency in the laboratory, oral iron prevention and treatment in primary care, and intravenous iron complexes and RBC transfusion for hospital management. Reduction in RBC use for years 2014 to 2016 was the primary outcome, with the period 2010 to 2013 considered as baseline performance for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Compared to baseline, there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in mean (±SD) yearly reference population (79,748 ± 3265 vs. 85,376 ± 781), ferritin assays (6980 ± 997 vs. 11,794 ± 1567), admissions (6768 ± 239 vs. 7629 ± 191), and subjects exposed to iron therapy (3975 ± 0.0 vs. 4667 ± 21 for oral, 54 ± 7 vs. 257 ± 109 for sucrose, and 128 ± 9 vs.176 ± 15 for carboxymaltose iron). Mean yearly number of RBC units transfused decreased (1622 ± 112 vs. 1434 ± 44; p = 0.043), with a mean reduction of 11.6% from baseline, or 21.4% when estimated by units transfused per 1000 admissions.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of IDA is a target to avoid RBC transfusion, and awareness of this health problem should be among the first pillars for any patient blood management program.
Modifiers of mesenchymal stem cell quantity and quality
Authors: Russell Athena L. , Lefavor Rebecca , Durand Nisha , Glover Loren , Zubair Abba C.
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Clinical trials involving mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy have variable outcomes. We hypothesize this is largely attributed to donor‐to‐donor variability and tissue of origin.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We examined proliferation rates, cytokine secretion profiles, and differentiation capability of seven bone marrow–derived MSCs (BM‐MSCs) and 16 adipose tissue–derived MSCs (AD‐MSCs) from 23 donors.

RESULTS

AD‐MSCs had the capacity to undergo more than 40 population doublings, while the BM‐MSC proliferation rate was found to be considerably slower. We observed more donor‐to‐donor variability in proliferation rates of BM‐MSCs than with AD‐MSCs. Cytokine analysis revealed that secretion of eight cytokines was significantly increased by AD‐MSCs at Passage (P)3 compared with P1, while for BM‐MSCs at P3 relative to P1, only interleukin‐8 and RANTES secretion was significantly increased. By P5, secretion of all cytokines by AD‐MSCs was either decreased or unchanged relative to P1. In contrast, cytokine secretion by BM‐MSCs at P5 was mostly unchanged, although secretion of six cytokines was significantly increased relative to P1. When we compared cytokine secretion between AD‐MSCs and BM‐MSCs at P3, AD‐MSCs significantly secreted higher concentrations of cytokines than BM‐MSCs while the opposite was observed at P5. This suggests that BM‐MSCs are relatively more potent at P5 while AD‐MSCs are relatively more potent at P3. AD‐MSCs and BM‐MSCs exhibited the capacity for chondrogenic differentiation. AD‐MSCs and BM‐MSCs appeared to display a more enhanced inclination toward adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation, respectively.

CONCLUSION

MSC physiology is significantly influenced by donor variability and tissue of origin and this should be considered when designing clinical trials.