bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a contingent approach to firm strategy on the lowest levels of the hierarchy of the defence industry
Authors: Vicente Oliva Silvia , Martínez-Sánchez Ángel , Escribano-Bernal Francisco
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a strategic analysis of firms at the lowest hierarchical levels of the defence industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the main results of an exploratory, multiple-case study that analyses the current strategy drivers and their views about the future ones, and their impact at the lowest hierarchical levels of the defence industry in Spain.

Findings

This investigation develops and analyses a contingency model regarding the strategy impact and effects of firms’ drivers and clients, both mediated by the strategy players because of their huge impact on the defence industry. The research model focuses on the internal relations between technical and commercial activities due to the cause and effect of their capabilities. Simultaneously, pull and push mechanisms boost firms’ capabilities and requirements to provide strategic foresight.

Practical implications

Ministries of Defence (MoDs) and prime contractors will remain mediating players in the near future even with further implications for the competition of Defence Technological and Industrial Base (DTIB) firms. It implies that firms and MoDs must maintain a close relation and implement more flexible practices, such as open innovation, property rights or new commercialization schemes.

Originality/value

This study offers insights related to the specific applications and the necessity of commercial and technological areas alignment of these firms for the future.
Methodological evaluation of Integrated Façade Systems
Authors: Ibraheem Yahya , Piroozfar Poorang A.E. , Farr Eric R.P. , Ravenscroft Neil
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology to test the robustness of energy performance of highly to fully glazed office buildings in hot and arid climates using the net energy figures.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a methodology to develop a base-case model for building energy simulation (BES) of highly to fully glazed office buildings followed by sensitivity analysis (linear regression model) to test the robustness of the results.

Findings

Net energy is best achieved on south, followed by southeast, and southwest façadesof the bulding; the increase in d/l ratio has a diverse effect, while there is a significant influence of glazing systems on the resultant net energy figures.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of experimental data for Integrated Façade System (IFS) with its various applications in the existing body of knowledge forms the main limitation of this research.

Practical implications

Findings can be of practical use to practitioners and academics to assist them as a decision tool when working on the energy performance of IFS.

Social implications

The research contributes to energy consumption reduction in office building stock at peak times, lowering the consequent energy shortage and blackouts for non-office buildings with clear positive social impacts.

Originality/value

Adopting a systemic approach in BES studies will help further the understanding on the impact of some phenomena and justify how the contributory parameters would behave when combined effects are under investigations.
Modeling of chloride penetration in concrete structures under freeze-thaw cycles
Authors: Hamidane H’mida , Ababneh Ayman , Messabhia Ali , Xi Yunping
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a method for predicting the chloride ingress into concrete structures, with an emphasis on the low temperature range where freeze-thaw cycles may cause damage.

Design/methodology/approach

The different phenomena that contribute to the rate and amount of transported chlorides into concrete, i.e., heat transfer, moisture transport and chloride diffusion are modeled using a two-dimensional nonlinear time dependent finite element method. In modeling the chloride transport, a modified version of Fick’s second law is used, in which processes of diffusion and convection due to water movement are taken into account. Besides, the effect of freeze-thaw cycles is directly incorporated in the governing equation and linked to temperature variation using a coupling term that is determined in this study. The proposed finite element model and its associated program are capable of handling pertinent material nonlinearities and variable boundary conditions that simulate real exposure situations.

Findings

The numerical performance of the model was examined through few examples to investigate its ability to simulate chloride penetration under freeze-thaw cycles and its sensitivity to factors controlling freeze-thaw damage. It was also proved that yearly temperature variation models to be used in service life assessment should take into account its cyclic nature to obtain realistic predictions.

Originality/value

The model proved promising and suitable for chloride penetration in cold climates.
A framework for reconstruction of road infrastructure after a disaster
Authors: Hayat Ezri , Haigh Richard , Amaratunga Dilanthi
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the main aspects requiring immediate attention in the post-disaster reconstruction of road infrastructure, thereby providing a major synthesis, which advances the understanding in this important area.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature and empirical evidence obtained from documents and semi-structured interviews with 28 respondents of three case study districts in Aceh, Indonesia was analysed using NVivo 10. The findings were validated through triangulation with the literature and consultation with the experts in the field of disaster management and road infrastructure.

Findings

The authors propose a framework for the reconstruction of road infrastructure, which respond to the peculiarities of road projects in a post-disaster setting. The framework comprises various components requiring detailed attention in the reconstruction process and describes their position in the road project and disaster management cycle.

Originality/value

The framework fills the gap in the body of knowledge with regard to road infrastructure reconstruction in a post-disaster context. For the first time, this paper recognises the importance of local government capacity in the Aceh Province with regard to the sustainability of the post-disaster reconstruction assets.
Evaluating the performance of auditors: a driver or a stabilizer of auditors’ behaviour
Authors: Nehme Rabih , AlKhoury Christelle , Al Mutawa Abdullah
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify differences in auditors’ dysfunctional behaviour when expecting performance appraisal. Its main aim is to examine variances across countries; UK vs Kuwait. Also, it identifies differences between experienced and inexperienced auditors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on dysfunctional audit behaviour (DAB) where premature sign-off and under-reporting of chargeable time are chosen as the two main signalling proxies. A survey made up of statements included in performance appraisal templates is distributed among auditors working for the Big Four firms in both, the UK and Kuwait.

Findings

The paper shows how performance evaluation of external auditors affects their behaviour in the workplace. From a cultural standpoint, assessing the performance of auditors whilst working in a competitive market in a developed country is regarded as a potential driver for DAB variations. Evaluating auditors’ performance in a developing country is seen as a stabiliser of DAB. This research paper demonstrates that experienced auditors have a greater tendency to behave dysfunctionally as compared to inexperienced auditors.

Originality/value

Prior studies have been conducted to assess auditors’ performance through using internal and external attributes (Kaplan, 1985), offshoring basic steps of audit work (Downey, 2018), and the perception of audit clients about auditors’ performance (Reheul et al., 2013). Such studies were conducted mostly on developed countries on a standalone basis. In this study, the focus has been shifted from focusing on one country to comparing two different countries. The paper examines DAB between experienced and inexperienced auditors in the UK and in Kuwait when expecting performance evaluation.
Online social network security awareness: mass interpersonal persuasion using a Facebook app
Authors: Ikhalia Ehinome , Serrano Alan , Bell David , Louvieris Panos
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Online social network (OSN) users have a high propensity to malware threats due to the trust and persuasive factors that underpin OSN models. The escalation of social engineering malware encourages a growing demand for end-user security awareness measures. The purpose of this paper is to take the theoretical cybersecurity awareness model TTAT-MIP and test its feasibility via a Facebook app, namely social network criminal (SNC).

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the SNC app. A system usability scale measures the usability of SNC. Paired samples t-tests were administered to 40 participants to measure security awareness – before and after the intervention. Finally, 20 semi-structured interviews were deployed to obtain qualitative data about the usefulness of the App itself.

Findings

Results validate the effectiveness of OSN apps utilising a TTAT-MIP model – specifically the mass interpersonal persuasion (MIP) attributes. Using TTAT-MIP as a guidance, practitioners can develop security awareness systems that better leverage the intra-relationship model of OSNs.

Research limitations/implications

The primary limitation of this study is the experimental settings. Although the results testing the TTAT-MIP Facebook app are promising, these were set under experimental conditions.

Practical implications

SNC enable persuasive security behaviour amongst employees and avoid potential malware threats. SNC support consistent security awareness practices by the regular identification of new threats which may inspire the creation of new security awareness videos.

Social implications

The structure of OSNs is making it easier for malicious users to carry out their activities without the possibility of detection. By building a security awareness programme using the TTAT-MIP model, organisations can proactively manage security awareness.

Originality/value

Many security systems are cumbersome, inconsistent and non-specific. The outcome of this research provides organisations and security practitioners with a framework for designing and developing proactive and tailored security awareness systems.
Peer support on the “inside and outside”: building lives and reducing recidivism for people with mental illness returning from jail
Authors: Bellamy Chyrell , Kimmel James , Costa Mark N. , Tsai Jack , Nulton Larry , Nulton Elissa , Kimmel Alexandra , Aguilar Nathan J. , Clayton Ashley , O’Connell Maria
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain understanding about the effectiveness of a forensic peer support program’s impact on reducing criminal recidivism. People with histories of mental illness returning to the community following incarceration face tremendous challenges in jails and prisons and in successful reentry to community. Transitioning from jails and prisons is fraught with additional challenges such as reconnecting or connecting with mental health and substance abuse treatment, finding adequate housing, finding employment, reuniting with family and friends, etc. Unfortunately, recidivism remains high, principally because of these challenges. Many state and local authorities have supported the development of the forensic peer specialist.

Design/methodology/approach

Kaplan–Meier survival analyses were conducted to examine time to re-incarceration.

Findings

The population served was determined to be a particularly high risk of re-incarceration population, when released from prison. All had a mental illness diagnosis, with 80 percent diagnosed with at least one serious mental illness, and more than 50 percent had three or more anterior incarcerations. Utilizing Kaplan–Meyer survival analysis, the chance of re-incarceration for participants after one year was of 21.7 percent. Surprisingly, in the first year after release from prison, participants did much better than those in the general US prison population when in terms of re-incarceration rates (21.7 percent vs 43.4 percent).

Originality/value

While preliminary findings of this approach, this study reaffirms the idea that forensic peer support programs are beneficial in reducing recidivism rates for people diagnosed with a mental illness coming out of prison, offering individuals supports to maintain their lives in the community.
Eye and vision problems associated with learning disabilities
Authors: Woodhouse J. Margaret
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to educate professionals, families and supporters about the importance of ensuring regular eye examinations for the people with learning disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a general review of the type and prevalence of visual problems of which people with learning disabilities are most at risk.

Findings

Eye problems in people with learning disabilities are common but are often over-looked.

Practical implications

Uncorrected refractive errors mean that people are unnecessarily denied experiences and learning opportunities. Spectacles are a simple solution, and most people can be supported to wear them. Cataracts and keratoconus are conditions that can lead to visual impairment, but which are now treatable and learning disabilities should not be a contra-indication to treatment. Untreatable eye conditions mean lifelong visual impairment, but if this is not recognised, care may be inappropriate or the learning disability assumed to be greater than it is.

Originality/value

The review describes how families and supporters can organise successful eye examinations, to ensure that no-one with learning disabilities has an eye condition that is not managed appropriately.
Human case of subcutaneous nodule because of a novel genetic variation of Dirofilaria sp.
Authors: Nakao Masaharu , Okamura Ai , Mizuno Tetsushi , Takehara Kazuhiko , Tokoro Masaharu , Matsushita Takashi
Published: August 2019

A 75‐year‐old man presented with a 1‐cm large elastic soft subcutaneous nodule on the left side of the umbilicus, which when excised showed presence of a helminthic form within the granulomatous lesions. Morphologically, the helminth was considered to be of the genus Dirofilaria, and the patient showed increased serum antibody titer against canine filaria. The partial DNA sequence of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene locus of this clinical isolate showed the highest nucleotide identity (89.6%) with Dirofilaria repens; however, the phylogenetic analysis addressed the haplotype and Dirofilaria ursi as outgroups of the clusters of D. repens and Dirofilaria immitis, which are the causal agents of most human dirofilariasis. As like bear filaria D. ursi, a wide variety of other carnivore‐parasitizing filaria species have rarely been reported in humans. The newly detected genetic haplotype in this case may correspond to one of these species of Dirofilaria, though the genetic references are not available thus far.
Fixing Transient Iodine on Developed Latent Fingermarks
Authors: Kumari Sharma Kirti , Kannikanti Gavash Harsha , Baggi Tulsidas Ramachandra Rao , Vaidya Jayathirtha Rao
Published: August 2019

In the present study, a simple and novel fume–mist technique is described which can be used efficiently to fix the latent fingermarks developed using iodine. It is well known that the residues left over in the fingermarks interact with iodine to give transient brown impressions which disappear in a short time. Also, iodine forms colored complexes with various organic solvents. Based on iodine–fingermark interaction and iodine–solvent complex formation, latent fingermarks were developed on paper surface using iodine fumes which were subsequently fixed by spraying polar and nonpolar solvents. The fingermarks developed with this technique were not only clear but also permanent in nature. The interaction of fingermark residue, iodine, and solvent forming a ternary structure is believed to be a possible reason for the stability of iodine‐developed fingermarks. Ease of method, availability of chemicals, and minimum training make the method adaptable in routine development of forensic fingermarks present on paper surface.
Early life exposure to 1959‐1961 Chinese famine exacerbates association between diabetes and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Shi Zumin , Ji Linong , Ma Ronald C.W. , Zimmet Paul
Published: August 2019

Background

We aimed to assess whether early life exposure to the Chinese famine (1959‐1961) modifies the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adulthood.

Methods

Data from 4247 adults born between 1954 and 1964 from the 2011 and 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were analyzed. CVD in 2011 and 2015 was based on self‐reported doctor's diagnosis of cardiac events (heart attack, coronary heart disease, angina, congestive heart failure, or other heart problems) and stroke. Diabetes in 2011 was defined by fasting blood glucose, HbA1C, or known diabetes.

Results

Diabetes in 2011 was cross‐sectionally associated with an increase of CVD risk in 2011 (OR 1.91, 95%CI 1.53‐2.40, P < 0.001) after adjusting for age and gender. Famine exposure changed the association between diabetes and CVD in areas severely affected by famine. The odds ratios (OR) of diabetes in 2011 for CVD in 2015 were 1.24 (95%CI 0.73‐2.10), 1.27 (95%CI 0.72‐2.24), 2.25 (95%CI 1.29‐3.91), 4.31 (95%CI 2.07‐8.97) and 1.72 (95%CI 0.84‐3.51) among adults in late childhood‐, mid‐childhood‐, early childhood‐, fetal‐, and nonexposed cohorts in severe famine areas, respectively.

Conclusion

T2DM is associated with the risk of CVD among Chinese adults. Fetal and early childhood exposure to the Chinese famine exacerbated the associated risk.
Assessment of the Choice Behavior Under Cued Conditions (CBUCC) paradigm as a measure of motivation to smoke under laboratory conditions
Authors: Gass Julie C. , Tiffany Stephen T.
Published: August 2019

Background and Aims

The Choice Behavior under Cued Conditions (CBUCC) task uses three indices of tobacco use (consumption, money spent to access a cigarette and latency to reach for a cigarette) to assess motivation to smoke under laboratory conditions. Initial research with this procedure has shown that it can evince cue‐specific craving and differential responding for smoking versus a neutral cue. This study aimed to replicate these findings and assess the interaction of cue‐specific craving and behavior with abstinence prior to testing.

Design

A mixed repeated‐measures between‐groups factorial design was used. Participants attended a morning laboratory session in which they were randomized to remain abstinent or smoke as usual (between‐groups factor) and returned in the afternoon to complete CBUCC. In this, participants were exposed to 40 experimental trials. In each trial they were exposed to a cigarette or water cue behind a movable glass door (repeated‐measures factor).

Setting

University at Buffalo, New York, USA.

Participants

Participants were 106 daily non‐treatment‐seeking cigarette smokers, data from 102 were used.

Measurements

On each of 40 trials, participants rated cigarette craving, and behavioral measures from the CBUCC (money spent, latency to access the cue, puff duration) were recorded.

Findings

Craving and CBUCC behavioral measures showed high internal reliability across trials (Cronbach alphas ranged from 0.88 to 0.98). Craving and money spent were higher in trials with the cigarette cue than the water cue (F(1100) = 45.49, P < 0.001 and F(1100) = 116.26, P < 0.001). Other CBUCC measures did not show a significant effect of cue type. The difference in spending between cigarette and water cues was larger for abstinent participants than non‐abstinent participants (F(1100) = 5.0, P = 0.03). Other CBUCC measures did not show a significant interaction between abstinence and cue type. Craving on smoking trials was significantly correlated with cigarette spending (r = 0.54, P < 0.001) in the non‐abstinence condition but not in the abstinence condition.

Conclusions

Craving and ‘money spent' in the Choice Behavior under Cued Conditions task (CBUCC) appears to be responsive to cigarette versus water cues, and money spent appears to show greater difference in responsiveness to cigarette than water cues after abstinence.
Work safety in plastination
Authors: Schill Volker K.
Published: August 2019

In this article, information is given on potential physical and health hazards in the steps of the silicone cold temperature method, often referred to as “S 10 Standard Method.” The main potential hazards related to plastination, as well as recommended measures to effectively avoid explosion and health hazards are discussed. Some specialty chemicals pose chronic health hazards. Exposure to these chemicals can be avoided by standard laboratory hygiene, that is wearing personal protective equipment like safety goggles and protective gloves. Inhalation hazard, for example when working at open dehydration containers or when opening a gas curing box, is preferentially avoided by the action of an appropriate ventilation system. Acetone is the standard solvent used for dehydration and defatting of the specimens to be plastinated. Like for other flammable liquids, explosion protection must be considered when handling acetone. The concentration of acetone vapour in the air must be kept below the lower explosion limit through appropriate room or workplace ventilation. Furthermore, all potential sources of ignition should be removed from the explosion hazard zone. If electrical devices need to be operated inside the explosion hazard zone, they need a special design and approval. The conditions covered by this approval can be found on the identification plate of the individual device.
Distribution of actin filaments in the seminiferous epithelium of the Habu, Trimeresurus flavoviridis
Authors: Kurohmaru Masamichi , Matsui Toshiyasu , Igarashi Hitomi , Hattori Shosaku , Hayashi Yoshihiro
Published: August 2019

The distribution of actin filaments was examined in the seminiferous epithelium of the Habu (Trimeresurus flavoviridis; snake), by transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence histochemistry. By transmission electron microscopy, actin filaments were clearly found only at the site between Sertoli cell and spermatid without a lattice‐like structure. Fluorescence histochemistry showed a weak labelling of actin filaments in the seminiferous epithelium, whereas these findings seem to be common among reptiles, they are different from those in mammals. Additionally, the bundles of actin filaments adjacent to the plasma membrane of Sertoli cells, appeared in other reptiles, were not observed in the Habu.
Novel use of the Nathanson liver retractor to prevent postoperative transient liver dysfunction during laparoscopic gastrectomy
Authors: Hiramatsu Kazuhiro , Aoba Taro , Kamiya Tadahiro , Mohri Koichi , Kato Takehito
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The Nathanson liver retractor (N) has been known to cause postoperative transient liver dysfunction (POTLD) in laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG). To reduce the incidence of POTLD, specifically we added to the retractor the use of a disk (N + D) to reduce the localized pressure, and furthermore repositioned the retractor every 30 minutes (N + D TM) to reduce the liver retraction time. Before and after introducing this retractor, we assessed four consecutive retraction procedures. These included the following disk suspension methods (D), N, N + D, and N + D TM.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 85 patients who underwent an LG. In the D, N, N + D, and N + D TM groups, we evaluated the postoperative serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values.

Results

For the D and N groups, the AST value significantly increased from the immediate post‐operation time point (IPOT) to the third postoperative day (POD3). Additionally, the ALT value increased from IPOT to POD7. In the N + D group, the only decrease was in the ALT value at IPOT compared to the N group. The N + D TM group decreased in both the AST value from IPOT to POD3 and in the ALT value from IPOT to POD7, compared to the N group.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the importance of reducing both the localized pressure and liver retraction time when using the Nathanson retractor to prevent POTLD during an LG. To make this possible, we successfully introduced the use of both a disk and the repositioning of the retractor at 30 minute intervals.
Risk assessment of using off‐label morphine sulfate in a population‐based retrospective cohort of opioid‐dependent patients
Authors: Bertin Célian , Delorme Jessica , Riquelme Marie , Peyrière Hélène , Brousse Georges , Eschalier Alain , Ardid Denis , Chenaf Chouki , Authier Nicolas
Published: August 2019

Aims

Several addictovigilance studies have described the off‐label use of morphine sulfate (MS) for nonchronic pain in opioid use disorder (OUD) patients as an alternative to conventional opioid substitution treatments (OSTs). This study primarily sought to compare the incidence of unintentional opioid‐related overdose in the year following the prescription initiation in off‐label MS users, compared to OST‐maintained patients.

Methods

Sequential cohorts of OUD patients who were regularly dispensed MS, buprenorphine, or methadone, between 1 April 2012 and 31 December 2014, were retrospectively identified using the French nationwide healthcare data system. The incidence of overdoses, deaths, doctor shopping, and complications of a viral, bacterial or thrombotic nature, was compared using the Cox regression method.

Results

Overall, 1075, 20 834 and 9778 OUD patients without chronic‐pain were included in the MS, buprenorphine, and methadone cohorts, respectively. Overdose incidence was 3.8 (P < .01 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.1–6.8]) and 2.0 (P = .02 [95%CI: 1.1–3.6]) higher in the MS cohort vs buprenorphine and methadone, respectively. Death incidence was 9.1 (P < .01 [95%CI: 3.2–25.9]) and 3.9 (P < .01 [95%CI: 1.4–10.7]) higher in the MS cohort vs buprenorphine and methadone, respectively. The incidences of other associated risks were significantly higher in the MS group vs OSTs, except for hepatitis C viral infection and thrombotic complications.

Conclusion

This first French comprehensive nationwide study reveals increasing overdose, death, bacterial infection, abuse and diversion risks when off‐label MS is initiated as alternative to OST. These results question the relevance of prescribing MS as a safe opioid maintenance treatment, considering its health risk profile.
Why a right to life rules out infanticide: A final reply to Räsänen
Authors: Blackshaw Bruce P. , Rodger Daniel
Published: August 2019

Joona Räsänen has argued that pro‐life arguments against the permissibility of infanticide are not persuasive, and fail to show it to be immoral. We responded to Räsänen’s arguments, concluding that his critique of pro‐life arguments was misplaced. Räsänen has recently replied in ‘Why pro‐life arguments still are not convincing: A reply to my critics’, providing some additional arguments as to why he does not find pro‐life arguments against infanticide convincing. Here, we respond briefly to Räsänen’s critique of the substance view, and also to his most important claim: that possession of a right to life by an infant does not rule out the permissibility of infanticide. We demonstrate that this claim is unfounded, and conclude that Räsänen has not refuted pro‐life arguments against infanticide.
Randomization inference with general interference and censoring
Authors: Loh Wen Wei , Hudgens Michael G. , Clemens John D. , Ali Mohammad , Emch Michael E.
Published: August 2019

Interference occurs between individuals when the treatment (or exposure) of one individual affects the outcome of another individual. Previous work on causal inference methods in the presence of interference has focused on the setting where it is a priori assumed that there is “partial interference,” in the sense that individuals can be partitioned into groups wherein there is no interference between individuals in different groups. Bowers et al. (2012, Political Anal, 21, 97–124) and Bowers et al. (2016, Political Anal, 24, 395–403) consider randomization‐based inferential methods that allow for more general interference structures in the context of randomized experiments. In this paper, extensions of Bowers et al. that allow for failure time outcomes subject to right censoring are proposed. Permitting right‐censored outcomes is challenging because standard randomization‐based tests of the null hypothesis of no treatment effect assume that whether an individual is censored does not depend on treatment. The proposed extension of Bowers et al. to allow for censoring entails adapting the method of Wang et al. (2010, Biostatistics, 11, 676–692) for two‐sample survival comparisons in the presence of unequal censoring. The methods are examined via simulation studies and utilized to assess the effects of cholera vaccination in an individually randomized trial of 73 000 children and women in Matlab, Bangladesh.
Carfilzomib is an effective upfront treatment in AL amyloidosis patients with peripheral and autonomic neuropathy
Authors: Manwani Richa , Mahmood Shameem , Sachchithanantham Sajitha , Lachmann Helen J. , Gillmore Julian D. , Yong Kwee , Rabin Neil , Popat Rakesh , Kyriakou Charalampia , Worthington Sarah , Sharpley Faye , Smith Mark , Shah Raakhee , Cheesman Simon , Hawkins Philip N. , Wechalekar Ashutosh D.
Published: August 2019

Bortezomib is standard treatment in AL amyloidosis (AL), but is contraindicated in patients with significant neuropathy. Carfilzomib, a second‐generation proteosomal inhibitor, results in a lower incidence of neuropathy than bortezomib, but data in AL is scant. We report a cohort of five AL patients treated with upfront carfilzomib. All had cardiac, peripheral and autonomic neuropathy at presentation. All achieved at least a very good partial haematological response. There was no worsening in cardiac function, peripheral or autonomic neuropathy. Carfilzomib is an effective upfront treatment option in AL patients with peripheral and/or autonomic neuropathy (without severe cardiac or renal involvement).
Population‐based assessment of re‐treatment and healthcare utilisation after photoselective vaporisation of the prostate or electrosurgical transurethral resection of the prostate
Authors: Welk Blayne , Reid Jennifer , Ordon Michael , Razvi Hassan , Campbell Jeffrey
Published: August 2019

Objective

To compare the healthcare utilisation and repeat surgical treatment rate amongst older men undergoing an electrosurgical‐transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) vs photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP), as the real‐world implementation and outcomes of laser‐based treatment have not been well studied.

Patients and Methods

We used administrative data from the province of Ontario, Canada, to identify all men aged >66 years who underwent their first electrosurgical‐TURP/PVP between 2003 and 2016. Our primary exposure was type of procedure (PVP or electrosurgical‐TURP). Our primary outcome was need for repeat surgical treatment. The primary analysis was an adjusted marginal Cox model approach, which accounted for clustering of patients within surgeons; adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) or odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported.

Results

We identified 52 748 men: 6838 (13%) underwent PVP, and 45 910 (87%) underwent electrosurgical‐TURP. The median age was similar, and PVP became more common with time. Compared to the PVP group, more patients in the electrosurgical‐TURP group had prior gross haematuria or urinary retention, and fewer had used anticoagulants, α‐blockers, or 5α‐reductase inhibitors. The need for repeat surgical treatment was significantly higher amongst men who had PVP (aHR 1.57, 95% CI 1.38–1.78; absolute risk difference +2.3%). PVP was also associated with a slightly higher risk of return to the emergency room within 30 days (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01–1.22) and a significantly lower risk of blood transfusion (aOR 0.24, CI 0.16–0.37); the majority of PVP cases were done with a <24 h stay (73%) vs electrosurgical‐TURP (7%).

Conclusions

While some of the expected benefits of PVP (such as reduced transfusion risk and shorter length of stay) were observed, the significantly higher rate of repeat surgical treatment compared to electrosurgical‐TURP may represent an important difference in implementation of this technology outside of clinical trials.
MicroRNA‐132‐3p inhibits tumor malignant progression by regulating lysosomal‐associated protein transmembrane 4 beta in breast cancer
Authors: Li Sha , Xu Jian‐Jun , Zhang Qing‐Yun
Published: August 2019

Lysosomal‐associated protein transmembrane 4 beta (LAPTM4B), a proto‐oncogene, has been shown to be a positive modulator in cancer progression. However, the mechanism of LAPTM4B regulation is not fully elucidated. Aberrant microRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate gene expression by interfering with target transcripts and/or translation to exert tumor‐suppressive or oncogenic effects in breast cancer. In the present study, miR‐132‐3p, which was predicted by relevant software, was confirmed to directly bind to the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of LAPTM4B and negatively regulate its expression in luciferase reporter and western blot assays. Subsequently, we validated that miR‐132‐3p was downregulated in breast cancer tissues. Receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that miR‐132‐3p had accurate diagnostic value, and a Kaplan‐Meier and Cox regression model showed that miR‐132‐3p was a potential prognostic marker for recurrence, showing low levels in breast cancer patients. In addition, we showed that miR‐132‐3p was inversely correlated with LAPTM4B expression in the above samples. Functionally, miR‐132‐3p suppressed the migration and invasion of breast carcinoma cells through LAPTM4B by mediating epithelial‐mesenchymal transition signals, and partially reversed the carcinogenic effects of LAPTM4B by inhibiting the PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR signaling pathway. Taken together, these findings provide the first comprehensive analysis of miR‐132‐3p as a direct LAPTM4B‐targeted miRNA, and shed light on miR‐132‐3p/LAPTM4B as a significant functional axis involved in the oncogenesis and metastasis of breast cancer.
Neighborhood Diversity and Food Access in a Changing Urban Spatial Structure
Authors: Jeong Joowon , Liu Cathy Yang
Published: August 2019

This paper examines food access disparity in relation to neighborhood diversity, especially race/ethnicity and poverty in a changing intrametropolitan spatial structure, using the Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) as a case study. With detailed grocery store data, this study finds a substantive change in food access between 2003 and 2015 in terms of both the number of grocery stores and the gravity–based accessibility indicator, although such access varies by neighborhood characteristics and spatial location in terms of central city, inner–ring suburbs, and outer–ring suburbs. While access to grocery stores for minority–concentrated neighborhoods in outer–ring suburbs is comparable to other neighborhoods, neighborhoods with a high share of African American residents in inner–ring suburbs and those with a high share of Latino residents in the central city have significantly lower access to food outlets. Neighborhoods with higher poverty rate tend to have more food outlets across the region except for in inner–ring suburbs.
Impact on the hepatic flow velocity after pediatric combined liver‐kidney transplantation compared to isolated pediatric liver transplantation—A matched‐pair analysis
Authors: Hellenkemper Jessica V. , Grabhorn Enke , Brinkert Florian , Lenhartz Henning , Herrmann Jochen , Fischer Lutz , Helmke Knut , Herden Uta
Published: August 2019

Background

Combined liver‐kidney transplantation (CLKT) in children is still a rarely performed procedure. Our aim was to analyze the effect of the simultaneous transplantation of the kidney in pediatric CLKT on the liver graft flow velocity, and vascular complications compared to singular liver transplantation (LTX) in children.

Methods

All pediatric CLKT performed at our institution from 1998 to 2016 were matched with singular LTX and retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Overall 30 CLKT were performed in 28 children (median age 8 years, range 1‐16) and matched with 30 children undergoing singular LTX (median age 7.9 years, range 1‐16). No significant differences were found concerning the systolic peak flow velocity of the hepatic artery (HA) or the resistance index (RI). Vascular complications of the hepatic vessels occurred in 16.7% (CLKT) and 6.7% (LTX). The 1‐/5‐ and 10‐year patient survival was 93.3%/93.3% and 93.3% (CLKT) and 100%/100% and 92.9% (LTX). 1‐/5‐and 10‐year liver graft survival was 76.7%/73.2% and 73.2% (CLKT) and 84.4%/75.9% and 69.6% (LTX).

Conclusion

The simultaneous transplantation of the kidney in CLKT had no negative impact on hepatic flow velocity or vascular complications. Frequent Doppler ultrasound examinations, accurate volume management, and avoidance of abdominal pressure might be an explanation for the results and an excellent graft‐ and patient survival.
Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis and granulomatous arteritis in the setting of PD‐1 inhibitor therapy for metastatic melanoma
Authors: Singh Parmvir , Wolfe Scott P. , Alloo Allireza , Gottesman Silvija P.
Published: August 2019

Checkpoint inhibition has become an important target in the management of malignant melanoma. As anti‐CTLA4 inhibitors and anti‐PD1 antibodies are increasingly utilized, reports of immune‐related adverse events (IRAEs) are becoming more frequent. Common noted cutaneous IRAEs are morbilliform, lichenoid, bullous, granulomatous, psoriasiform, and eczematous eruptions. We report a case of interstitial granulomatous dermatitis and granulomatous arteritis in the setting of nivolumab (anti‐PD1) monotherapy for metastatic melanoma. There are many different causes for granulomatous vasculitis, such as herpes virus infection, lymphoproliferative disorders, systemic vasculitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. This report adds to the growing literature on granulomatous IRAEs due to checkpoint inhibition.
Echocardiographic and pathomorphological features in fetuses with ductal‐dependent congenital heart diseases
Authors: Jiang Huan , Tang Qi , Jiang Yan , Li Ningshan , Tang Xuefeng , Xia Hongmei
Published: August 2019

Objective

To individually analyze echocardiographic features in fetuses with ductal‐dependent congenital heart diseases (DDCHD) and to verify the anatomical characteristics corresponding to the echocardiogram scan views.

Background

Ductal‐dependent congenital heart diseases depends on the ductus arteriosus (DA) remaining open to maintain suitable pulmonary or systemic circulation after birth. An accurate diagnosis using prenatal echocardiography has important clinical significance in evaluating disease prognosis and ensuring timely treatment.

Methods

Fetuses were followed in the prenatal and postpartum periods via echocardiography. The results of postpartum echocardiography or autopsy specimens were compared with the prenatal echocardiography findings.

Results

One hundred and eight fetuses displayed various types of DDCHD including 66 fetuses with ductal‐dependent pulmonary circulation, and 42 fetuses with ductal‐dependent systemic circulation. Prenatal echocardiography revealed the typical characteristics of no forward flow signal from right ventricular outflow tract to the pulmonary trunk proximally and a reverse flow in the DA in most fetuses for ductal‐dependent pulmonary circulation, a reverse flow in the transverse aortic arch for aorta atresia, and a loss of continuity between aortic arch and descending aorta for interruption of the aortic arch (IAA). All 108 fetuses displayed various types of complex CHD, including right ventricular dysplasia with pulmonary atresia (PA), severe Ebstein anomaly, double outlet right ventricle with PA, tetralogy of fallot with PA, single ventricle with PA or aorta atresia, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and IAA.

Conclusions

The identification of reverse flow in the aortic arch or DA aids in the subsequent accurate diagnosis of DDCHD associated with complex malformation of the heart.
Smartphones: The new risk factor for traumatic dental and facial injuries in children
Authors: Tewari Nitesh , Mathur Vijay P.
Published: August 2019

Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) have emerged as a significant global public health concern. One major problem which is developing and yet unreported is the incidence of traumatic dental injuries and soft tissue facial trauma due to the inadvertent falling of smartphones on to the face during their use in rest time. This is related to the weight of the smartphones and their excessive use in all parts of the world. This paper aims to highlight this phenomenon as an emerging aetiological factor for dental and facial injuries in children.
Dispersal of a carabid beetle in farmland is driven by habitat‐specific motility and preference at habitat interfaces
Authors: Allema Bas , Hemerik Lia , Rossing Walter A.H. , Groot Jeroen C.J. , van Lenteren Joop C. , van der Werf Wopke
Published: August 2019

Carabid beetles are common predators of pest insects and weed seeds in agricultural systems. Understanding their dispersal across farmland is important for designing farms and landscapes that support pest and weed biological control. Little is known, however, about the effect of farmland habitat discontinuities on dispersal behaviour and the resulting redistribution of these beetles. We released 1,985 well‐fed and 1,680 food‐deprived individuals of the predatory carabid beetle Pterostichus melanarius (Illiger) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) on a farm in Wageningen, The Netherlands. We recaptured 23.6% of those beetles over a period of 23 days in 2010. The farmland comprised agricultural fields with various crop species and tillage, separated by strips of perennial vegetation. We developed discrete Fokker‐Planck diffusion models to describe dispersal based on motility (m2 day−1) and preferential behaviour at habitat interfaces. We used model selection and Akaike’s information criterion to determine whether movement patterns were driven by variation in motility between habitats, preferential behaviour at habitat interfaces, or both. Model selection revealed differences in motility among habitats and gave strong support for preferential behaviour at habitat interfaces. Behaviour at interfaces between crop and perennial vegetation was asymmetric, with beetles preferentially moving towards the crop. Furthermore, beetles had lower motility in perennial strips than in arable fields. Also between arable habitats movement was asymmetric, with beetles preferentially moving towards the habitat in which motility was lowest. Neither crop type nor tillage explained differences in motility between crop habitats. Recapture data representing dispersal patterns of beetles were best described by a model that accounted for differences in motility between farmland habitats and preferential behaviour at habitat interfaces. Motility in farmland and behaviour at interfaces can also be estimated for other organisms and farmland habitats to support design of farmland conducive to natural pest suppression. Landscape design for early recruitment of carabids into arable fields should take into account the quantity and quality of resource habitats in the landscape, their proximity to crop fields, movement rates, and the possibility of movement responses at interfaces between landscape elements.
Urbanicity: The need for new avenues to explore the link between urban living and psychosis
Authors: Abrahamyan Empson Lilith , Baumann Philipp S. , Söderström Ola , Codeluppi Zoé , Söderström Dag , Conus Philippe
Published: August 2019

Aim

A growing body of evidence suggests that urban living contributes to the development of psychosis. However, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unclear. This paper aims to explore the best available knowledge on the matter, identify research gaps and outline future prospects for research strategies.

Method

A comprehensive literature survey on the main computerized medical research databases, with a time limit up to August 2017 on the issue of urbanicity and psychosis has been conducted.

Results

The impact of urbanicity may result from a wide range of factors (from urban material features to stressful impact of social life) leading to “urban stress.” The latter may link urban upbringing to the development of psychosis through overlapping neuro‐ and socio‐developmental pathways, possibly unified by dopaminergic hyperactivity in mesocorticolimbic system. However, “urban stress” is poorly defined and research based on patients' experience of the urban environment is scarce.

Conclusions

Despite accumulated data, the majority of studies conducted so far failed to explain how specific factors of urban environment combine in patients' daily life to create protective or disruptive milieus. This undermines the translation of a vast epidemiological knowledge into effective therapeutic and urbanistic developments. New studies on urbanicity should therefore be more interdisciplinary, bridging knowledge from different disciplines (psychiatry, epidemiology, human geography, urbanism, etc.) in order to enrich research methods, ensure the development of effective treatment and preventive strategies as well as create urban environments that will contribute to mental well‐being.
Biological markers of hemostasis and endothelial activation in patients with a hematological malignancy with or without stem cell transplants
Authors: Buser Tobias Andreas , Martinez Maria , Drexler Beatrice , Tschan‐Plessl Astrid , Heim Dominik , Passweg Jakob , Tsakiris Dimitrios A.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

In this study, we analyzed the changes of thrombin generation as marker of coagulation activation and von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels as a marker of endothelial activation in patients undergoing chemotherapy, autologous, or allogeneic HSCT. We studied possible associations to triggering factors, including acute GVHD, thrombosis, time to engraftment, and bleeding complications.

Methods

Seventy‐six patients treated for hematologic malignancies at the University Hospital Basel between 2005 and 2008 took part in this study. Blood samples were collected before the start of chemotherapy or conditioning regime (median day −2), in an early phase (median day + 12), and at a later point in time (median day + 24).

Results

Thrombin generation decreased in all three groups to about 50% of the initial value. Patients undergoing autologous or allogeneic HSCT showed significantly (P = .026 and P = .01) higher vWF levels than patients undergoing chemotherapy. Eighteen patients (42%) receiving allogeneic HSCT developed GVHD, vWF levels in patients with GVHD were significantly (P = .008) higher than in patients without GVHD.

Discussion

Patients receiving autologous or allogeneic HSCT had significantly higher vWF levels in the acute phase after the transplant than patients receiving chemotherapy alone, implicating a persistent stimulation of the endothelium, possibly within the context of GVHD.