bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How purchasing and supply management practices affect key success factors: the case of the offshore-wind supply chain
Authors: D’Amico Federico , Mogre Riccardo , Clarke Steve , Lindgreen Adam , Hingley Martin
Published: March 2017

Purpose

In reference to the offshore-wind industry, this study aims to show that innovative purchasing and supply management practices can increase both firm- and industry-level performance. This paper also includes a description of the offshore-wind supply chain, which remains understudied in academic literature, despite increasing global development of offshore-wind farms.

Design/methodology/approach

Offshore-wind farm projects use more and larger turbines, which greatly increase the complexity of the supply chain. Innovative purchasing and supply management practices, designed to tackle this growing complexity, could help companies achieve the key success factors that define this industry. The evidence comes from real-world, offshore-wind farm projects, with the London Array farm as a principal example.

Findings

Innovative purchasing and supply management practices include decisions to make or buy, contract forms and local-to-global sourcing. These practices affect the key success factors of the industry by increasing competition, capabilities and control.

Originality/value

Purchasing and supply management practices could affect industry-level performance. This paper is among the first ones to provide an analysis of the offshore-wind supply chain and its evolution.
Bridging complexity theory and resilience to develop surge capacity in health systems
Authors: Therrien Marie-Christine , Normandin Julie-Maude , Denis Jean-Louis
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Health systems are periodically confronted by crises – think of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, H1N1, and Ebola – during which they are called upon to manage exceptional situations without interrupting essential services to the population. The ability to accomplish this dual mandate is at the heart of resilience strategies, which in healthcare systems involve developing surge capacity to manage a sudden influx of patients. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper relates insights from resilience research to the four “S” of surge capacity (staff, stuff, structures and systems) and proposes a framework based on complexity theory to better understand and assess resilience factors that enable the development of surge capacity in complex health systems.

Findings

Detailed and dynamic complexities manifest in different challenges during a crisis. Resilience factors are classified according to these types of complexity and along their temporal dimensions: proactive factors that improve preparedness to confront both usual and exceptional requirements, and passive factors that enable response to unexpected demands as they arise during a crisis. The framework is completed by further categorizing resilience factors according to their stabilizing or destabilizing impact, drawing on feedback processes described in complexity theory. Favorable order resilience factors create consistency and act as stabilizing forces in systems, while favorable disorder factors such as diversity and complementarity act as destabilizing forces.

Originality/value

The framework suggests a balanced and innovative process to integrate these factors in a pragmatic approach built around the fours “S” of surge capacity to increase health system resilience.
Doctor-patient relationships (DPR) in China
Authors: Ma Shaozhuang , Xu Xuehu , Trigo Virginia , Ramalho Nelson J.C.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to develop and test theory on how commitment human resource (HR) practices affect hospital professionals’ job satisfaction that motivates them to generate desirable patient care and subsequently improve doctor-patient relationships (DPR) and second, to examine how commitment HR practices influence hospital managers and clinicians in different ways.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a cross-sectional survey, the authors collected data from 508 clinicians and hospital managers from 33 tertiary public hospitals in China. Structural equation model was employed to test the relationships of the variables in the study.

Findings

Commitment HR practices positively affect the job satisfaction of the healthcare professionals surveyed and a positive relationship is perceived between job satisfaction and DPR. Overall, the model shows a reversal on the strongest path linking job satisfaction and DPR whereby managers’ main association operates through extrinsic job satisfaction while for clinicians it occurs through intrinsic satisfaction only.

Practical implications

DPR might be improved by applying commitment HR practices to increase healthcare professional’s intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction. In addition, while recognizing the importance of compensation and benefits to address the underpayment issue of Chinese healthcare professionals, empowerment and autonomy in work, and the use of subjects’ expertise and skills may serve as stronger motivators for clinicians rather than hard economic incentives in achieving DPR improvements.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the small but growing body of research on human resource management (HRM) in the healthcare sector with new evidence supporting the link between commitment HR practice and work attitudes, as well as work attitudes and patient care from the perspective of clinicians and hospital managers. This study represents an initial attempt to examine the associations among commitment HR practices, job satisfaction and DPR in the Chinese healthcare sector. The findings provide evidence to support the value of commitment HR practices in Chinese hospital context, and demonstrate the importance of effective HRM in improving both hospital managers and clinicians’ work attitudes.
Dynamic workplace interactions for improving patient safety climate
Authors: Brandis Susan , Rice John , Schleimer Stephanie
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Employee engagement (EE), supervisor support (SS) and interprofessional collaboration (IPC) are important contributors to patient safety climate (PSC). The purpose of this paper is to propose and empirically test a model that suggests the presence of a three-way interaction effect between EE, IPC and SS in creating a stronger PSC.

Design/methodology/approach

Using validated tools to measure EE, SS, IPC and PSC data were collected from a questionnaire of 250 clinical and support staff in an Australian health service. Using a statistical package (SPSS) an exploratory factor analysis was conducted. Bivariate correlations between the derived variables were calculated and a hierarchical ordinary least squares analysis was used to examine the interaction between the variables.

Findings

This research finds that PSC emerges from synergies between EE, IPC and SS. Modelling demonstrates that the effect of IPC with PSC is the strongest when staff are highly engaged. While the authors expected SS to be an important predictor of PSC; EE has a stronger relationship to PSC.

Practical implications

These findings have important implications for the development of patient safety programmes that focus on developing excellent supervisors and enabling IPC.

Originality/value

The authors provide quantitative evidence relating to three of the often mentioned constructs in the typology of patient safety and how they work together to improve PSC. The authors believe this to be the first empirically based study that confirms the importance of IPC as a lead marker for improved patient safety.
Growth of predatory open access journals: implication for quality assurance in library and information science research
Authors: Ayeni Philips Oluwaseun , Adetoro Niran
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine perceived and factual realities of open access predators and further delve into usage patterns of predatory open access journals (OAJs) by researchers and its implication on quality assurance in Library and Information Science Research. It also investigates factors promoting use of these outlets, as well as authors’ perspectives on quality control for OAJs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviewed available literature on OAJs and the proliferation of predatory journals. It also presents author’s viewpoint on the implication of using predatory journals for Library and Information Science Research in Nigeria.

Findings

The number of predatory publishers globally has grown rapidly from 18 in 2011 to 693 in 2015, whereas standalone journals increased from 126 to 507 in 2015. Library and information science (LIS) studies were published in some of the listed predatory journals by Jeffrey Beall, and this has reduced global recognition of LIS researchers in Nigeria. Upcoming authors were easily attracted to publishing their work in predatory journals because of fast review process, prompt publishing and quest for global visibility. Checking against plagiarism, ensuring quality control, increased awareness for non-use of predatory journals were some of the recommendations given.

Practical implications

It is clear that if LIS educators report their research in predatory OA outlets, individual and institutional reputation will be affected which may eventually lead to low ranking status of institutions. Nigerian universities low ranking status by several indices can be traced to the nonappearance or low scholarly literature published in reputable and respected journal outlets. Scholars with less quality studies will not be invited to feature as reviewers and international panelist in reputable thematic conferences and meetings neither can they be invited as external examiners in universities abroad.

Originality/value

This work is very valuable in evaluating the growth of predatory journals in Library and information Science Research in Nigeria. It provides distinctive ways to evaluating OAJs and how to identify and avoid predatory journals.
Hosting a Super Smash Bros. Tournament at the Hudson County Community College Library
Authors: Thomas Courtier Devlyn , DeLooper John
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how the Hudson County Community College Library hosted a Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Tournament as part of its Fall 2015 and Spring 2016 programming, and discuss what it learned from hosting the event.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper details how a community college library planned, hosted and learned from its experience running a Super Smash Bros. for the Wii U Tournament. It will also describe how the library continued to use this experience to plan additional video game-based programming.

Findings

The Super Smash Bros. for the Wii U Tournament was generally well received by student attendees. However, student feedback revealed a preference for less-competitive “friendly” events instead of tournaments. Students also requested the option of having several games available instead of one.

Originality/value

Thus far, there has been little research on academic or community college libraries organizing video game-based programming and activities event. There have also been few studies about whether gaming events work better in libraries as tournaments or “free play” activities.
Scientometric analysis of Nature Nanotechnology
Authors: Elango Bakthavachalam
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine the bibliometric characteristics of literature published in Nature Nanotechnology in the first 10 years (2006-2015). Yearly output, impact factor (IF) changes, document type, top authors, institutes and countries, most cited articles were examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The bibliographic records related to Nature Nanotechnology were retrieved from SCIE of Web of Science. Various software tools such as HistCite, Sci2 tool, intcoll.exe and CitNetExplorer were used.

Findings

The results reveals that 55 per cent of publications were citable articles; average number of authors per article was 4.57; 136 per cent increase in impact factor and reviews received highest citations per paper. Harvard University had most number of publications, whereas University of Cambridge had highest CPP among the most productive institutes. Almost 50 per cent of publications were contributed by authors from the USA; 1 per cent of total publications received more than 1,000 citations.

Originality/value

Scientometric analysis of high impact journals has been carried out in very few. Hence, the results of the present study will be useful to compare with low impact journals.
Informal Housing in the United States
Authors: Durst Noah J. , Wegmann Jake
Published: March 2017

Research on informal housing tends to focus overwhelmingly on less developed countries, downplaying or ignoring entirely the presence of informality in United States housing markets. In actuality, a longstanding and widespread tradition of informal housing exists in the United States but is typically disregarded by scholars. In this article we draw on three definitions of informality—as non‐compliant, non‐enforced, or deregulated economic activity—to characterize examples of informality in US housing markets, focusing in particular on five institutions that govern housing market activity in this country: property rights law, property transfer law, land‐use and zoning, subdivision regulations, and building codes. The cases presented here challenge the notion that informality is absent from US housing markets and highlight the unique nature of informal housing, US style—namely, that informal housing in the US is geographically uneven, largely hidden and typically interwoven within formal markets. We conclude with a discussion of how research on informal housing in the US can inform research in the global South.
Fatal Folic Acid Toxicity in Humans
Authors: Devnath Gerard Pradeep , Kumaran Senthil , Rajiv R. , Shaha Kusa Kumar , Nagaraj Ashok
Published: March 2017

Folic acid is B‐9 vitamin. Folic acid is prescribed commonly for pregnant women to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus, patients under chemotherapy, pernicious anemia and to reduce the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. Acute or chronic ingestion of a large dose of folic acid generally manifests as neurological complications, which are reversible. In this present case, a 23‐year‐old pregnant woman committed suicide by consuming folic acid tablets and succumbed to death within 36 h. Postmortem toxicological analysis detected folic acid in viscera. Death following acute consumption of folic acid is rare and has been not reported in the literature, to the best of our knowledge.
Does long term colchicine prevent degradation of collagen fiber network in osteoarthritis?
Authors: Srivastava Ragini , Das Siddharth K. , Goel Gautam , Asthana Akash , Agarwal Girdhar G.
Published: March 2017

Aim

Several studies have shown that colchicine exhibits an improvement in the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (OA) but its effect on disease progression is unknown. To clarify the mechanism of action this study was done to see if colchicine prevents degradation of collagen fiber network in OA by studying serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) levels, a marker of cartilage turnover, over a period of 1 year.

Methods

Seventy‐five patients received colchicine plus paracetamol and 75 received placebo alone for the same time period. Serum COMP assays were done at baseline, 2 months and 1 year by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. These markers were compared between visits using repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results

Serum COMP levels in the paracetamol‐alone group did not show significant change between baseline and 2 months; however, there was a significant increase in serum COMP levels from 2 months to 1 year, suggesting increased uncoupling of proteoglycans from collagen and disease progression. No such change was seen in the colchicine group, signifying lack of progression of disease in this group.

Conclusion

Colchicine may act as a disease‐modifying agent in OA.
Predictors of severe radiographic progression in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: A Prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Joo Young Bin , Bang So‐Young , Ryu Jeong Ah , Lee Seunghun , Lee Hye‐Soon , Bae Sang‐Cheol
Published: March 2017

Aim

To identify predictors of severe radiographic progression in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA).

Methods

A total of 374 patients with ERA were selected from a Korean prospective cohort. Based on their annual Sharp/Van der Heijde modified score changes (ΔSHS/year), patients were classified into severe and no progression groups. Predictors of severe progression were evaluated using a multivariable logistic regression.

Results

After a mean follow‐up duration of 4.2 years, the median (interquartile range) ΔSHS/year were 6.3 (4.4–10.2) and 0 (0–0) in the severe and no progression groups, respectively. Multivariable regression model revealed that Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score (odds ratio [OR] = 2.17), anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (OR = 3.44), body mass index (BMI; OR = 0.88), 6‐month cumulative erythrocyte sedimentation rate (OR = 1.01) and baseline SHS (OR = 1.07) were independent predictors of severe progression. A model incorporating all five predictors satisfactorily predicted severe progression, with an area under the curve of 0.80. Baseline SHS was the predictor with the highest contribution to the predictive power of the final model (38%).

Conclusions

Our predictive model composed of five clinical predictors showed high discriminative ability between severe and no radiographic progression in patients with ERA. Among them, baseline SHS was the strongest predictor. Also, low BMI in Korean patients with ERA have a high risk of severe radiographic progression, as has previously been found for Caucasians.
Five factor score of more than 1 is associated with relapse during the first 2 year‐follow up in patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Kim Dae Sik , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong‐Beom , Lee Sang‐Won
Published: March 2017

Aim

We investigated what variables at diagnosis might be associated with the relapse of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) and whether five factor score (FFS) at diagnosis might predict it.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 30 patients with EGPA having results of myeloperoxidase (MPO)‐antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) and proteinase 3 (PR3)‐ANCA and having achieved remission during the first therapeutic regimen administration within follow‐up duration for at least more than 2 years. Clinical manifestations, the presence of relapse and items for FFS at diagnosis were collected and compared among groups.

Results

The mean age of patients (18 women) was 50.3 years and the mean follow‐up duration was 2175 days. EGPA patients having MPO‐ANCA had shown higher frequency of skin involvement and proteinuria over 1 g/day than those having PR3‐ANCA and no ANCA. EGPA patients with relapse had more frequent baseline MPO‐ANCA and kidney involvement,including proteinuria over 1 g/day and renal insufficiency and higher FFS at diagnosis than those without. However, only FFS showed the predictive significance for relapse (Exp(B) 2.624, P = 0.014) on Cox Hazard model analysis. When the cutoff of FFS for the relapse was set as 1, relapse was identified more frequently in patients with FFS ≥ 1 than those with FFS <1 (68.8% vs. 7.1%, P = 0.001; relative risk 28.6).

Conclusion

In this study, FFS at diagnosis was associated with relapse and FFS ≥ 1 was the independent predictor of relapse during follow‐up for more than 2 years.
Muscle oxygen saturation increases during head‐up tilt‐induced (pre)syncope
Authors: Lund A. , Sørensen H. , Jensen T. W. , Niemann M. J. , Olesen N. D. , Nielsen H. B. , Olsen N. V. , Secher N. H.
Published: March 2017

Aim

To evaluate whether muscle vasodilatation plays a role for hypotension developed during central hypovolaemia, muscle oxygenation (SmO2) was examined during (pre)syncope induced by head‐up tilt (HUT). Skin blood flow (SkBF) and oxygenation (SskinO2) were determined because evaluation of SmO2 may be affected by superficial tissue oxygenation. Furthermore, we evaluated cerebral oxygenation (ScO2) and middle cerebral artery mean blood flow velocity (MCAvmean).

Methods

Twenty healthy male volunteers (median age 24 years; range 19–38) were subjected to passive 50° HUT for 1 h or until (pre)syncope. ScO2 and SmO2 (near‐infrared spectroscopy), MCAvmean (transcranial Doppler) along with mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO) and total peripheral resistance (TPR) (Modelflow®) were determined.

Results

(Pre)syncopal symptoms appeared in 17 subjects after 11 min (median; range 2–34) accompanied by a decrease in MAP, SV, CO and TPR, while HR remained elevated. During (pre)syncope, ScO2 decreased [73% (71–76; mean and 95% CI) to 68% (65–71), P < 0.0001] along with MCAvmean [40 (37–43) to 32 (29–35) cm s−1, P < 0.0001]. In contrast, SmO2 increased [63 (56–69)% to 71% (65–78), P < 0.0001], while SskinO2 [64% (58–69) to 53% (47–58), P < 0.0001] and SkBF [71 (44–98) compared to a baseline of 99 (72–125) units, P = 0.020] were reduced.

Conclusion

We confirm that the decrease in MAP during HUT is associated with a reduction in indices of cerebral perfusion. (Pre)syncope was associated with an increase in SmO2 despite reduced SskinO2 and SkBF, supporting that muscle vasodilation plays an important role in the circulatory events leading to hypotension during HUT.
The effects of a flipped classroom approach on class engagement and skill performance in a Blackboard course
Authors: Elmaadaway Mohamed Ali Nagy
Published: March 2017

This paper reports on a study that investigated whether a flipped classroom approach enhanced perceptions of levels of engagement and skill performance among students enrolled in a Blackboard course at a Saudi university. Fifty‐eight participants were divided into control and experimental groups, which were taught using a traditional and a flipped approach respectively. To determine the effect of the approach on participants' perceived levels of engagement and skill performance, questionnaires were administered and student performance was examined in terms of quantitative descriptive analysis. The results revealed that participants in the experimental group were more active and engaged compared with those in the control group. In terms of classroom engagement specifically, participants in the experimental group exhibited greater behavioral and emotional engagement. Through the flipped approach, participants were able to study course content at home first, thereby preparing themselves to participate in relevant class activities, pose questions and engage in problem solving with peers. In addition, unlike in a traditional lecture, the instructor was able to move freely through the classroom, providing direct assistance to participants on a case‐by‐case basis.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the single‐channel level
Authors: Bouzat Cecilia , Sine Steven M
Published: March 2017

Over the past four decades, the patch clamp technique and nicotinic ACh (nACh) receptors have established an enduring partnership. Like all good partnerships, each partner has proven significant in its own right, while their union has spurred innumerable advances in life science research. A member and prototype of the superfamily of pentameric ligand‐gated ion channels, the nACh receptor is a chemo‐electric transducer, binding ACh released from nerves and rapidly opening its channel to cation flow to elicit cellular excitation. A subject of a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the patch clamp technique provides unprecedented resolution of currents through single ion channels in their native cellular environments. Here, focusing on muscle and α7 nACh receptors, we describe the extraordinary contribution of the patch clamp technique towards understanding how they activate in response to neurotransmitter, how subtle structural and mechanistic differences among nACh receptor subtypes translate into significant physiological differences, and how nACh receptors are being exploited as therapeutic drug targets.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.11/issuetoc/
Signalling mechanisms underlying doxorubicin and Nox2 NADPH oxidase‐induced cardiomyopathy: involvement of mitofusin‐2
Authors: McLaughlin Declan , Zhao Youyou , O'Neill Karla M , Edgar Kevin S , Dunne Philip D , Kearney Anna M , Grieve David J , McDermott Barbara J
Published: March 2017

Background and Purpose

The anthracycline doxorubicin (DOX), although successful as a first‐line cancer treatment, induces cardiotoxicity linked with increased production of myocardial ROS, with Nox2 NADPH oxidase‐derived superoxide reported to play a key role. The aim of this study was to identify novel mechanisms underlying development of cardiac remodelling/dysfunction further to DOX‐stimulated Nox2 activation.

Experimental Approach

Nox2−/− and wild‐type (WT) littermate mice were administered DOX (12 mg·kg−1 over 3 weeks) prior to study at 4 weeks. Detailed mechanisms were investigated in murine HL‐1 cardiomyocytes, employing a robust model of oxidative stress, gene silencing and pharmacological tools.

Key Results

DOX‐induced cardiac dysfunction, cardiomyocyte remodelling, superoxide production and apoptosis in WT mice were attenuated in Nox2−/− mice. Transcriptional analysis of left ventricular tissue identified 152 differentially regulated genes (using adjusted P < 0.1) in DOX‐treated Nox2−/− versus WT mice, and network analysis highlighted ‘Cell death and survival’ as the biological function most significant to the dataset. The mitochondrial membrane protein, mitofusin‐2 (Mfn2), appeared as a strong candidate, with increased expression (1.5‐fold), confirmed by qPCR (1.3‐fold), matching clear published evidence of promotion of cardiomyocyte cell death. In HL‐1 cardiomyocytes, targeted siRNA knockdown of Nox2 decreased Mfn2 protein expression, but not vice versa. While inhibition of Nox2 activity along with DOX treatment attenuated its apoptotic and cytotoxic effects, reduced apoptosis after Mfn2 silencing reflected a sustained cytotoxic response and reduced cell viability.

Conclusions and Implications

DOX‐induced and Nox2‐mediated up‐regulation of Mfn2, rather than contributing to cardiomyocyte dysfunction through apoptotic pathways, appears to promote a protective mechanism.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on New Insights into Cardiotoxicity Caused by Chemotherapeutic Agents. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.21/issuetoc
Tools assessment and diagnosis to infant colic: a systematic review
Authors: García Marqués S. , Chillón Martínez R. , González Zapata S. , Rebollo Salas M. , Jiménez Rejano J. J.
Published: March 2017

Background

Infant colic occurs between 10% and 40% of healthy born children in their first year of life. Its assessment is complex, and there are only a few instruments of appraisement and diagnosis.

Methods

Scientific articles located through a systematic review using the Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane, PEDro, Dialnet, IME and Dialnet databases. Two researchers obtained data independently from relevant studies previously identified. Risk of bias was assessed according to the methods recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration, with reporting following the preferred reported items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses guidelines and evaluating their methodological quality based on the EMPRO scale.

Results

Four tools were obtained for valuation of infant colic. Parental diary of infant cry and fuss behaviour, Crying Pattern Questionnaire, Infant Colic Scale and, lastly, a validity of the Turkish version of the Infant Colic Scale.

Conclusions

Analysis of the existing tools involves the need to design and validate new assessment scales for this clinical frame.
Considerations for dosing immunoglobulin in obese patients
Authors: Hodkinson J P
Published: March 2017

Obesity is a very common condition; however, the effect of excess body weight on the appropriate dose of immunoglobulin has not been defined empirically. The proposed pharmacokinetic differences between lean and obese patients and the opportunity to reduce costs has led to the proposition that obese patients should receive proportionally lower doses of immunoglobulin once a certain threshold is reached. Here the theoretical factors which could affect dosing in obese patients are considered alongside the available empirical evidence. The available evidence indicates that obesity may affect the pharmacokinetics of immunoglobulin; however, the effect is likely to be too small to have a clinically important effect on dosing. Wide interpatient individuality and highly variable clinical need mean that obesity should not play a major factor in dosing considerations. However, patients who are obese are more likely to have multiple cardiovascular risk factors and their weight indicates a large dose. This puts these patients at a higher risk of adverse reactions, and therefore caution is advised.
Obesity promotes prolonged ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation modulating T helper type 1 (Th1), Th2 and Th17 immune responses in BALB/c mice
Authors: Silva F M C , Oliveira E E , Gouveia A C C , Brugiolo A S S , Alves C C , Correa J O A , Gameiro J , Mattes J , Teixeira H C , Ferreira A P
Published: March 2017

Clinical and epidemiological studies indicate that obesity affects the development and phenotype of asthma by inducing inflammatory mechanisms in addition to eosinophilic inflammation. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of obesity on allergic airway inflammation and T helper type 2 (Th2) immune responses using an experimental model of asthma in BALB/c mice. Mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), and analyses were performed at 24 and 48 h after the last OVA challenge. Obesity induced an increase of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-expressing macrophages and neutrophils which peaked at 48 h after the last OVA challenge, and was associated with higher levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-9, IL-17A, leptin and interferon (IFN)-γ in the lungs. Higher goblet cell hyperplasia was associated with elevated mast cell influx into the lungs and trachea in the obese allergic mice. In contrast, early eosinophil influx and lower levels of IL-25, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), CCL11 and OVA-specific immunoglobulin (IgE) were observed in the obese allergic mice in comparison to non-obese allergic mice. Moreover, obese mice showed higher numbers of mast cells regardless of OVA challenge. These results indicate that obesity affects allergic airway inflammation through mechanisms involving mast cell influx and the release of TSLP and IL-25, which favoured a delayed immune response with an exacerbated Th1, Th2 and Th17 profile. In this scenario, an intense mixed inflammatory granulocyte influx, classically activated macrophage accumulation and intense mucus production may contribute to a refractory therapeutic response and exacerbate asthma severity.
Diagnostic utility of testosterone priming prior to dynamic tests to differentiate constitutional delay in puberty from isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
Authors: Sukumar Suja P. , Bhansali Anil , Sachdeva Naresh , Ahuja Chirag Kamal , Gorsi Ujjwal , Jarial Kush Dev Singh , Walia Rama
Published: March 2017

Context

Differentiation between constitutional delay in puberty (CDP) and isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) during adolescence is a great clinical challenge, and the available diagnostic tests are of limited value.

Objective

To study the effect of withdrawal of short‐term, low‐dose testosterone therapy (testosterone priming) on the discriminatory power of dynamic tests for hypothalamo–pituitary–testicular axis to differentiate CDP from IHH.

Design

A prospective study (n = 30) consisting of 20 boys with delayed puberty (group A) and 10 patients with IHH (group B).

Intervention

Patients in groups A and B underwent Triptorelin and hCG stimulation tests, prior to and 2 months after withdrawal of ‘testosterone priming’ (100 mg intramuscularly 4 weekly for 3 months) and were followed up until the onset of puberty or 18 years of age, whichever was earlier.

Results

At baseline, Triptorelin‐stimulated 4 h LH, with a cut‐off of 2·8 IU/l, and hCG‐stimulated day 7 testosterone with a cut‐off of 3·8 nmol/l had sensitivities of 80% each, and specificities of 93% and 87%, respectively, to diagnose CDP. After withdrawal of testosterone, a 4 h LH cut‐off of 14·7 IU/l and day 7 testosterone cut‐off of 10·3 nmol/l had sensitivities of 93% and 88% respectively, and specificity and positive predictive value of 100% each. A basal inhibin B > 94·7 ng/l was discriminatory for diagnosing CDP after withdrawal of testosterone priming.

Conclusions

Inhibin B levels or 4 h LH after Triptorelin stimulation are the best discriminatory tests to differentiate CDP from IHH, when performed after withdrawal of ‘testosterone priming’.
Analysis of the learning curve for pre‐cut corneal specimens in preparation for lamellar transplantation: a prospective, single‐centre, consecutive case series prepared at the Lions New South Wales Eye Bank
Authors: Martin Aifric Isabel , Devasahayam Rajnesh , Hodge Christopher , Cooper Simon , Sutton Gerard L
Published: March 2017

Importance

This study is the first paper to establish a learning curve by a single technician.

Background

Preparation of pre‐cut corneal endothelial grafts commenced at Lions New South Wales Eye Bank in December 2014. The primary objective of this study was to review the safety and reliability of the preparation method during the first year of production.

Design

This is a hospital‐based, prospective case series.

Participants

There were 234 consecutive donor corneal lenticules.

Methods

Donor lenticules were prepared by a single operator using a linear cutting microkeratome. Immediately prior to cutting, central corneal thickness values were recorded. Measurements of the corneal bed were taken immediately following lenticule preparation. Outcomes were separated by blade sizes, and intended thickness was compared to actual thickness for each setting. Early specimens were compared to later ones to assess for a learning curve within the technique.

Main Outcome Measure

The main parameter measured is the mean difference from intended lamellar cut thickness.

Results

The mean final cut thickness was 122.36 ± 20.35 μm, and the mean difference from intended cut was 30.17 ± 37.45 μm. No significant difference was found between results achieved with early specimens versus those achieved with later specimens (P = 0.425).

Conclusions and Relevance

Thin, reproducible endothelial grafts can routinely be produced by trained technicians at their respective eye banks without significant concerns for an extended learning curve. This service can reduce perioperative surgical complexity, required surgical paraphernalia and theatre times. The consistent preparation of single‐pass, ultrathin pre‐cut corneas may have additional advantages for surgeons seeking to introduce lamellar techniques.
Assessing the value of family safety networks in child protective services: Early findings from Minnesota
Authors: Nelson‐Dusek Stephanie , Idzelis Rothe Monica , Roberts Yvonne Humenay , Pecora Peter J.
Published: March 2017

The considerable number of families served continues to place systemic challenges on the child welfare system. Jurisdictions are turning to new strategies to increase family engagement in services and to leverage taxed or limited resources. Signs of Safety® is a strengths‐based and safety‐focused approach to child protection work that is grounded in partnership and collaboration. This exploratory pilot study with a referred participant sample used interviews with 26 parents and 32 safety network members to explore respondents' perceptions and use of a safety plan and safety network, core components of the Signs of Safety framework. Findings from this pilot investigation include insights about how safety plans and safety networks are established, how they function, and opportunities for enhancing their use with families with the goal of providing supports that increase the likelihood of continued safety for children after case closure. Preliminary results also suggest these tools may contribute to reduced re‐reports to child protection.
Dendrobium nobile Lindl alkaloid, a novel autophagy inducer, protects against axonal degeneration induced by Aβ25‐35 in hippocampus neurons in vitro
Authors: Li Li‐Sheng , Lu Yan‐Liu , Nie Jing , Xu Yun‐Yan , Zhang Wei , Yang Wen‐Jin , Gong Qi‐Hai , Lu Yuan‐Fu , Lu Yang , Shi Jing‐Shan
Published: March 2017

Aims

Axonal degeneration is a pathological symbol in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which can be triggered by amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptide deposition. Growing evidence indicates that deficit of autophagy eventually leads to the axonal degeneration. Our previous studies have shown that Dendrobium nobile Lindl alkaloid (DNLA) had protective effect on neuron impairment in vivo and in vitro; however, the underlying mechanisms is still unclear.

Methods

We exposed cultured hippocampus neurons to Aβ25‐35 to investigate the effect of DNLA in vitro. Axonal degeneration was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and MTT assay. Neurons overexpressing GFP‐LC3B were used to measure the formation of autophagosome. Autophagosome‐lysosome fusion, the lysosomal pH, and cathepsin activity were assessed to reflect autophagy process. Proteins of interest were analyzed by Western blot.

Results

DNLA pretreatment significantly inhibited axonal degeneration induced by Aβ25‐35 peptide in vitro. Further studies revealed DNLA treatment increased autophagic flux through promoting formation and degradation of autophagosome in hippocampus neurons. Moreover, enhancement of autophagic flux was responsible for the protective effects of DNLA on axonal degeneration.

Conclusions

DNLA prevents Aβ25‐35‐induced axonal degeneration via activation of autophagy process and could be a novel therapeutic target.
Outcomes after scoliosis surgery for children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review
Authors: Toovey Rachel , Harvey Adrienne , Johnson Michael , Baker Louise , Williams Katrina
Published: March 2017

Aim

This study aims (1) to evaluate and synthesize the evidence for the postoperative outcomes after scoliosis surgery for children with cerebral palsy (CP), and (2) to identify preoperative risk factors for adverse outcomes after surgery.

Method

Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PubMed were searched for relevant literature. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care tool. Quality of evidence for overall function, quality of life (QoL), gross motor function, caregiver outcomes, deformity correction, and postoperative complications were assessed using GRADE (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation).

Results

Fifty‐one studies met inclusion criteria, including 35 case series designs. Risk of bias was high across all studies. On average good deformity correction was achieved, the trend appears positive for caregiver and QoL outcomes, but there was minimal to no change for gross motor or overall function. Inconsistent measurement limited synthesis. A mean overall complication rate of 38.1% (95% confidence interval 27.3–53.3) was found. The quality of evidence was very low across all functional outcomes.

Interpretation

Limited high‐quality evidence exists for outcomes after scoliosis surgery in children with CP, a procedure associated with a moderately high complication rate. The intervention appears indicated for deformity correction, but currently there is insufficient evidence to make recommendations for this surgery as a way to also improve functional outcomes, caregiver outcomes, and quality of life.
Very low concentrations of ethanol suppress excitatory synaptic transmission in rat visual cortex
Authors: Luong Lucas , Bannon Nicholas M. , Redenti Andrew , Chistiakova Marina , Volgushev Maxim
Published: March 2017

Ethanol is one of the most commonly used substances in the world. Behavioral effects of alcohol are well described, however, cellular mechanisms of its action are poorly understood. There is an apparent contradiction between measurable behavioral changes produced by low concentrations of ethanol, and lack of evidence of synaptic changes at these concentrations. Furthermore, effects of ethanol on synaptic transmission in the neocortex are poorly understood. Here, we set to determine effects of ethanol on excitatory synaptic transmission in the neocortex. We show that 1–50 mm ethanol suppresses excitatory synaptic transmission to layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in rat visual cortex in a concentration‐dependent manner. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the effects of very low concentrations of ethanol (from 1 mm) on synaptic transmission in the neocortex. We further show that a selective antagonist of A1 adenosine receptors, 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), blocks effects of 1–10 mm ethanol on synaptic transmission. However, the reduction in excitatory postsynaptic potential amplitude by 50 mm ethanol was not affected by DPCPX. We propose that ethanol depresses excitatory synaptic transmission in the neocortex by at least two mechanisms, engaged at different concentrations: low concentrations of ethanol reduce synaptic transmission via A1R‐dependent mechanism and involve presynaptic changes, while higher concentrations activate additional, adenosine‐independent mechanisms with predominantly postsynaptic action. Involvement of adenosine signaling in mediating effects of low concentrations of ethanol may have important implications for understanding alcohol's effects on brain function, and provide a mechanistic explanation to the interaction between alcohol and caffeine.
Accuracy of intracranial electrode placement for stereoelectroencephalography: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vakharia Vejay N. , Sparks Rachel , O'Keeffe Aidan G. , Rodionov Roman , Miserocchi Anna , McEvoy Andrew , Ourselin Sebastien , Duncan John
Published: March 2017

Objective

Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is a procedure in which electrodes are inserted into the brain to help define the epileptogenic zone. This is performed prior to definitive epilepsy surgery in patients with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy when noninvasive data are inconclusive. The main risk of the procedure is hemorrhage, which occurs in 1–2% of patients. This may result from inaccurate electrode placement or a planned electrode damaging a blood vessel that was not detected on the preoperative vascular imaging. Proposed techniques include the use of a stereotactic frame, frameless image guidance systems, robotic guidance systems, and customized patient‐specific fixtures.

Methods

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, a structured search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases identified studies that involve the following: (1) SEEG placement as part of the presurgical workup in patients with (2) drug‐resistant focal epilepsy for which (3) accuracy data have been provided.

Results

Three hundred twenty‐six publications were retrieved, of which 293 were screened following removal of duplicate and non–English‐language studies. Following application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 studies were included in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis of the meta‐analysis. Accuracies for SEEG electrode implantations have been combined using a random‐effects analysis and stratified by technique.

Significance

The published literature regarding accuracy of SEEG implantation techniques is limited. There are no prospective controlled clinical trials comparing different SEEG implantation techniques. Significant systematic heterogeneity exists between the identified studies, preventing any meaningful comparison between techniques. The recent introduction of robotic trajectory guidance systems has been suggested to provide a more accurate method of implantation, but supporting evidence is limited to class 3 only. It is important that new techniques are compared to the previous “gold‐standard” through well‐designed and methodologically sound studies before they are introduced into widespread clinical practice.
Enculturation Incarnate: Ritual Sensoria in U.S. Patriotic Holidays
Authors: Clark Cindy Dell
Published: March 2017

Because ritual is based on symbolism that takes intense sensory, enacted form, its features are well suited to children's cultural learning via sensorimotor engagement. An ethnographic study of US patriotic rituals at Memorial Day and Independence Day (July 4th), conducted during 2005–12, reveals how children participated and learned through sensoria and embodied experiences within these festival days. Public and private rituals evoked sense‐linked metaphoric meanings that primed children for American values, including themes of militarism and freedom. Consistent with other researchers’ findings regarding U.S. Passover seder, American Catholic First Communion, and the ritual enculturation of Sri Lankan child monks, young cultural members encounter ritual through embodied learning and sensoria and not necessarily via adult intentional instruction.
Localization of breathing cracks in stepped rotors using super‐harmonic characteristic deflection shapes based on singular value decomposition in frequency domain
Authors: Lu Z. , Dong D. , Ouyang H. , Cao S. , Hua C.
Published: March 2017

An output‐only multiple‐crack localization method is proposed in this paper to detect and localize breathing cracks in a stepped rotor, which utilizes the crack‐induced local shape distortions in super‐harmonic characteristic deflection shapes (SCDSs). To minimize the noise effects on SCDSs and improve the accuracy of SCDS‐based crack localization, singular value decomposition is adopted to estimate the SCDS as the dominant singular vector of output power spectral density matrix at a super‐harmonic frequency. Then, in order to better reveal shape distortions in the SCDSs, an after‐treatment technique called gapped smoothing method is applied to derive a damage index. Numerical experiments are carried out to investigate the performance of the proposed method based on a two‐disc stepped rotor‐bearing system with breathing cracks established by the finite element method. Results show that the method is effective for single and multiple crack localization in stepped rotors and interference of steps can be excluded. Furthermore, the method is robust to noise. Influences of crack depths and rotating speeds are also investigated, and how to choose the rotating speed for better crack localization is discussed.