bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of the MapMe intervention body image scales of known weight status for 4–5 and 10–11 year old children
Authors: Jones A R , Tovée M J , Cutler L R , Parkinson K N , Ells L J , Araujo-Soares V , Pearce M S , Mann K D , Scott D , Harris J M , Adamson A J
Published: September 2017

Background

Parents tend to visually assess children to determine their weight status and typically underestimate child body size. A visual tool may aid parents to more accurately assess child weight status and so support strategies to reduce childhood overweight. Body image scales (BIS) are visual images of people ranging from underweight to overweight but none exist for children based on UK criteria. Our aim was to develop sex- and age-specific BIS for children, based on British growth reference (UK90) criteria.

Methods

BIS were developed using 3D surface body scans of children, their associated weight status using UK90 criteria from height and weight measurements, and qualitative work with parents and health professionals.

Results

Height, weight and 3D body scans were collected (211: 4–5 years; 177: 10–11 years). Overall, 12 qualitative sessions were held with 37 participants. Four BIS (4–5-year-old girls and boys, 10–11-year-old girls and boys) were developed.

Conclusions

This study has created the first sex- and age-specific BIS, based on UK90 criteria. The BIS have potential for use in child overweight prevention and management strategies, and in future research. This study also provides a protocol for the development of further BIS appropriate to other age groups and ethnicities.
Get to know Lewy body dementia
Authors: Perkins Amanda
Published: September 2017

The third most common cause of dementia, this disease isn't well understood by many healthcare professionals. We give you the information you need.
Evaluation of common breast complaints in primary care
Authors: Smania Mary Alison
Published: September 2017

Discovery of a breast mass, nipple discharge, or breast pain is a common, anxiety-producing occurrence for many women. Although most irregularities are benign, every woman presenting with a breast complaint should be evaluated to exclude or establish a diagnosis of cancer. The patient visit to the provider for a breast complaint can also present an opportunity for the NP to address and update any needed breast screenings.
Colorectal cancer screening
Authors: Mahon Suzanne M.
Published: September 2017

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women. There are multiple options for prevention and early detection. Evidence-based guidelines are available to select the best option based on personal and family history. NPs should utilize these guidelines in clinical practice to select the appropriate screening for their patients.
Essential tremor & Parkinson disease
Authors: Vernon Gwyn M. , Leiningen Cheryl , Thomas Cathi A. , Dunlop Susan Rebecca
Published: September 2017

Tremor is a common movement disorder in adults and older adults. There are many different types of tremor and many conditions that present with tremor as a symptom. This article discusses the causes of tremor, and through the use of a case study, helps NPs understand the assessment of tremor and differentiate two common neurologic disorders that can present with tremor: essential tremor and Parkinson disease.
Development of Bell’s Palsy After Treatment With Ipilimumab and Nivolumab for Metastatic Melanoma: A Case Report
Authors: Zecchini Julia M. , Kim Sara , Yum Kendra , Friedlander Philip
Published: September 2017

Ipilimumab is a human monoclonal antibody that targets cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), and it is FDA approved for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) of gastrointestinal, dermatologic, and endocrine origin are commonly seen, ranging between 18% and 44%, with immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1). Rare irAEs include neurological, renal, and hematologic toxicities. Bell’s palsy is a form of neurological toxicity that presents as an idiopathic paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. We report a case of Bell’s palsy in a 45-year-old male patient who received 1 dose of both ipilimumab and nivolumab for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. After the resolution of symptoms, ipilimumab was permanently discontinued and single-agent nivolumab administered. The patient has remained free of neurological symptoms. This case suggests that Bell’s palsy is an irAE induced by ipilimumab.
Orthosiphon stamineus (Misai Kucing) ameliorated postmenopausal osteoporosis in rat model
Authors: Bokhari Rubiatul Adawiyah , Lau Seng Fong , Mohamed Suhaila
Published: September 2017

Objective:

Orthosiphon stamineus (OS) or Misai Kucing (Java tea) is a popular herbal supplement from Southeast Asia for various metabolic, age-related diseases. This study investigated the potential use of OS leaf extracts to ameliorate osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats.

Methods:

Fifty-six female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into eight groups (n = 7): SHAM (healthy sham control); OVX (ovarietomized) nontreated rats (negative control); OVX + Remifemin (100 mg/kg body weight), and 2% green tea extract (positive controls); OVX + OS 50% ethanolic and aqueous extracts, both at either 150 or 300 mg/kg. After 16 weeks, the rats’ bones and blood were evaluated for osteoporosis indicators (protein and mRNA expressions), micro-computed tomography for bone histomorphometry, and three-point bending test for tibia mechanical strength.

Results:

The extracts dose-dependently and significantly (P < 0.05) improved bone strength and flexibility, bone mineral density, bone formation protein markers (P1NP), and bone histomorphometry. All extracts reduced the inflammation biomarker (interleukin-6). The extracts up-regulated osteoblastogenesis (bone morphogenetic protein-2) and collagen-1 synthesis (collagen type 1 alpha-1) mRNA expressions, and down-regulated bone resorption (TNFSF11 and nuclear factor-kappa B) mRNA expressions. Both the water and 50% ethanolic extract were effective. The effective dose is equivalent to 25 to 50 mg/kg extract for humans.

Conclusions:

The extract showed bone-protective and antiosteoporotic effects (improving bone strength, flexibility, bone density, and bone morphometry) by reducing inflammation and the bone resorption biomarkers, while enhancing bone formation biomarkers and collagen synthesis.
Postconcussive Symptoms Over the First 14 Days After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: An Experience Sampling Study
Authors: Pacella Maria , Prabhu Arjun , Morley Julia , Huang Stephanie , Suffoletto Brian
Published: September 2017

Objective:

This study examined changes in postconcussive symptoms (PCS) over the acute postinjury recovery period, focusing on how daily PCSs differ between mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and other injury types.

Setting:

An urban emergency department (ED) in Western Pennsylvania.

Subjects:

A total of 108 adult patients with trauma being discharged from the ED were recruited and grouped by injury type: mild TBI (mTBI; n = 39), head injury without mTBI (HI: n = 16), and non-head-injured trauma controls (TCs: n = 53).

Main Measures:

Subjects completed a baseline assessment and an experience sampling method (ESM) protocol for 14 consecutive days postinjury: outcomes were daily reports of headaches, anxiety, and concentration difficulties.

Results:

Controlling for confounders, multilevel modeling revealed greater odds of headache and concentration difficulties on day 1 postinjury among the HI and mTBI groups (vs TCs). These odds decreased over time, with greater reductions for the HI and mTBI groups compared with TCs. By day 14, there were no group differences in PCS. In addition, only the HI group reported higher initial levels of anxiety and a steeper slope relative to TCs.

Conclusion:

Patients with HI, regardless of whether they meet the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicines definition of mTBI, have higher odds of typical PCS immediately postinjury, but faster rates of recovery than TCs. ESM can improve understanding the dynamic nature of postinjury PCS.
Is There an Optimal Time to Initiate an Active Rehabilitation Protocol for Concussion Management in Children? A Case Series
Authors: Dobney Danielle M. , Grilli Lisa , Kocilowicz Helen , Beaulieu Christine , Straub Meghan , Friedman Debbie , Gagnon Isabelle J.
Published: September 2017

Objective:

To estimate the time frame during which initiating an active rehabilitation intervention (aerobic exercise, balance, and sport specific skills) after concussion contributed to improvement in symptoms at follow-up in children and adolescents who are slow to recover (symptoms persisting beyond 2 weeks) from concussion.

Setting:

Concussion clinic at a tertiary care pediatric teaching hospital.

Participants:

A total of 677 children and adolescents with concussion aged 7 to 18 years.

Design:

Case series of participants starting active rehabilitation less than 2, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 or more weeks postconcussion.

Main Measure:

Symptom severity measured by the 22-item Post-Concussion Scale (PCS)-revised.

Results:

All patients experienced significant improvement of symptoms while participating in active rehabilitation, irrespective of the start time postonset. Patients initiating active rehabilitation at 2 (P < .001) or 3 (P = .039) weeks postinjury demonstrated lower symptom severity at follow-up than those starting at 6 weeks or later. Patients starting at 2 weeks had lower symptom severity than patients starting less than 2 (P = .02), 4 (P = .20), or 5 weeks postinjury (P = .04). Lastly, patients starting less than 2 and 6 weeks or more postinjury yielded equivalent outcomes.

Conclusions:

The findings support the use of active rehabilitation in children and adolescents who are slow to recover from concussion. Participants starting active rehabilitation less than 2 weeks and up to 6 or more weeks postconcussion demonstrated significant symptom improvements, but improvement was observed in all groups, regardless of the time to start active rehabilitation.
General Concepts on Electroencephalography-Based Brain-Computer Interface Systems
Authors: Gupta Gauri Shanker , Ghosh Subhojit , Sinha Rakesh Kumar
Published: September 2017

Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology primarily helps the physically challenged people get in touch with the outside world using the brain signals. Because of the simplicity of the electroencephalogram-based BCI methods, a number of researchers have shown interest and have done a lot of work in this field. However, for a common man, to understand the concept of BCI, the article presents a fundamental model with a brief summary of the various steps involved in the process of the whole system. Finally, some research work done to date has also been discussed. The whole article will help a person to understand the basic concepts of the electroencephalogram-based BCI system going through the model to the discussions.
Control of Lower Extremity Joint Moments During Sit-to-Stand Among Blind Children
Authors: Faraji Aylar Mozhgan
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this study was to assess whether time of constrain of visual information influences the joint moments of sit-to-stand maneuver in children or not. Ten girls with congenital blindness and 20 healthy girls with no visual impairments were randomly selected. The girls with congenital blindness were placed in 1 group, and the 20 girls with no visual impairments were divided into 2 groups of 10, control and treatment. The participants in the treatment group were asked to close their eyes for 20 minutes before the test, whereas those in the control group kept their eyes open. The performance of the participants in all 3 groups was measured using a motion capture system and 2 force plates. On both sides in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes, the joint moments of lower extremities exhibited any significant difference. These findings suggest that long-term and short-term visual memory have not the major influence on the joint moments.
Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- and Active Comparator–Controlled Crossover Study Evaluating the Abuse Potential of the Antiepileptic Drug Lacosamide in Healthy Recreational Drug Users
Authors: Schoedel Kerri A. , Andreas Jens-Otto , Doty Pamela , Eckhardt Klaus , Sellers Edward M.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This phase 1, randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active comparator–controlled crossover study assessed the abuse potential of the antiepileptic drug, lacosamide.

Methods

After a qualification phase, 38 healthy, recreational central nervous system–depressant users were randomized to treatment sequences comprising single oral therapeutic (200 mg) and supratherapeutic (800 mg) doses of lacosamide, alprazolam (1.5 and 3 mg), and placebo. Subjective effects were assessed for 24 hours following each dose using a range of scales, with a 5- to 9-day washout between treatments.

Findings

Mean subjective effects for 200 mg lacosamide were statistically similar to placebo and significantly lower than with alprazolam for most end points. Lacosamide 800 mg elicited transient, statistically significant positive effects compared with placebo, but also persistent Bad Drug Effects including statistically greater maximum effect (E
max) scores for Nausea and Dysphoria compared with other treatments (P < 0.0002). Consistent with this, the 800 mg lacosamide dose showed a significantly lower “at this moment” Drug Liking visual analog scale (VAS) E
max compared with 3 mg alprazolam, but was not different from 1.5 mg alprazolam (73.1/100, 85.4/100, and 78.9/100, respectively, where 50 is neutral). Overall Drug Liking VAS and Take Drug Again VAS E
max for 800 mg lacosamide were not significantly different from placebo and were lower than those for both alprazolam doses (P < 0.0001).

Implications

These results suggest that in recreational central nervous system–depressant users, lacosamide has detectable abuse-related subjective effects, but a relatively low potential for abuse compared with alprazolam. These findings contributed toward placement of lacosamide into Schedule V of the US Controlled Substances Act.
Medical genetic services in a developing country: lesson from Thailand
Authors: Limwongse Chanin
Published: September 2017

Purpose of review

The aim of the review was to give an example of how advances in medical genetics impact a developing country and how Thailand struggles to improve medical genetic services.

Recent findings

Thailand is an example of a developing country with limited resources and low geneticist-to-population ratio. The country formally followed decentralized healthcare system (even though practically centralized) and is a nation with growing public interest in medical genetic technology. Nonetheless, efforts have been and are still being made in expanding clinical genetics services, improving access to laboratory diagnosis, increasing rare disease medication in national formulary, and the training of medical genetics personnel. For an endemic genetic disorder such as thalassemia, a universal prevention and control program is available and has had some success.

Lesson learned in country like Thailand may be a useful model for other developing nations. Several strategies can be attempted to integrate the advances in medical genetics into medical practices in developing countries with relatively low income per capita and geographic discrepancy in healthcare distribution.
Endoscopic and Histological Assessment of Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Over a 3‐Year Follow‐up Period
Authors: Ashton James J. , Bonduelle Quentin , Mossotto Enrico , Coelho Tracy , Batra Akshay , Afzal Nadeem A. , Vadgama Bhumita , Ennis Sarah , Beattie R. Mark
Published: September 2017

Objectives:

Discrepancies between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) endoscopic/histological extent are documented at diagnosis. It is unclear whether these differences persist through disease course, with potential impact on categorization and management. We aimed to analyze the progression of disease over a 3‐year period.

Methods:

Patients younger than 17 years, diagnosed between 2010 and 2013 at Southampton Children's Hospital and followed‐up for 3 years were eligible. Primary outcome was disease extent at diagnosis and follow‐up. Data are presented as percentage of patients undergoing endoscopy. Paris classification (PC) and PC using histological, rather than endoscopic disease, were determined.

Results:

One hundred and twenty‐five patients were included, 66 boys; Crohn's disease (CD) 74, ulcerative colitis (UC) 40, IBD unclassified (IBDU) 11. All had endoscopy at diagnosis. One hundred and two patients underwent ≥1 repeat endoscopies.

Disease extent reduced from diagnosis to first follow‐up endoscopy for both endoscopic and histological disease extent (CD/UC/IBDU, all P < 0.00006). Histological extent remained greater than endoscopic in CD with significant differences in stomach, ileum, and large bowel at all follow‐up points (P = < 0.045). Endoscopic matched histological extent in UC/IBDU. Applying a modified PC resulted in significant changes for CD (L3 27.4%−53.2%, P = 0.006, L3 + L4A 21%−50%, P = 0.001, and upper gastrointestinal disease 50%–80.6%, P = 0.0006) but not UC. CD height (−0.37 to −0.25) and weight (−1.09 to −0.19) standard deviation scores increased from diagnosis to follow‐up.

Conclusions:

Histological disease is greater than endoscopic extent at diagnosis and during follow‐up in CD, although not in UC/IBDU. Classification of disease extent in CD should be based on both endoscopic and histological criteria.
Increased Risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a Population‐based Cohort Study of Patients With Hirschsprung Disease
Authors: Löf Granström Anna , Amin Leila , Arnell Henrik , Wester Tomas
Published: September 2017

Objectives:

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) has previously been associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There are no data to show how common this association is. The aim of the present study was to assess the risk of IBD in individuals with HSCR in a population‐based cohort.

Methods:

This was a nationwide, population‐based cohort study. The study exposure was HSCR and the study outcome was IBD. The cohort included all individuals with HSCR registered in the Swedish National Patient Register between 1964 and 2013 and 10 age‐ and sex‐matched controls per patient, randomly selected from the Swedish Population Register. Individuals with IBD were identified in the Swedish National Patient Register. Data were validated by checking for relevant surgical procedures, and, or prescription of drugs for IBD registered in the Swedish Drug Registry.

Results:

The cohort comprised 739 individuals with HSCR (565 boys) and 7390 controls (5650 boys). The median age at diagnosis of IBD was not different between the groups; 19 years (5–34) versus 21 years (7–37), P = 0.21. Twenty of the 739 individuals with HSCR and 41 of the 7390 controls had IBD, odds ratio 4.99, and 95% confidence interval 2.85 to 8.45. In the exposed group, 15 individuals had Crohn disease and 5 ulcerative colitis at their latest admission compared to 18 individuals with Crohn disease and 23 with ulcerative colitis in the unexposed group, P = 0.030.

Conclusion:

There is an increased risk of IBD in patients with HSCR, which should be considered in clinical practice.
Racial/Ethnic Variation in Emergency Department Care for Children With Asthma
Authors: Zook Heather G. , Payne Nathaniel R. , Puumala Susan E. , Ziegler Katherine M. , Kharbanda Anupam B.
Published: September 2017

Objective

To assess the variation between racial/ethnic groups in emergency department (ED) treatment of asthma for pediatric patients.

Methods

This study was a cross-sectional analysis of pediatric (2–18 years) asthma visits among 6 EDs in the Upper Midwest between June 2011 and May 2012. We used mixed-effects logistic regression to assess the odds of receiving steroids, radiology tests, and returning to the ED within 30 days. We conducted a subanalysis of asthma visits where patients received at least 1 albuterol treatment in the ED.

Results

The sample included 2909 asthma visits by 1755 patients who were discharged home from the ED. After adjusting for demographics, insurance type, and triage score, African American (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40–2.26) and Hispanic (aOR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.22–2.22) patients had higher odds of receiving steroids compared with whites. African Americans (aOR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.46–0.74) also had lower odds of radiological testing compared with whites. Asians had the lowest odds of 30-day ED revisits (aOR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.08–0.84), with no other significant differences detected between racial/ethnic groups. Subgroup analyses of asthma patients who received albuterol revealed similar results, with American Indians showing lower odds of radiological testing as well (aOR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.22–1.01).

Conclusions

In this study, children from racial/ethnic minority groups had higher odds of steroid administration and lower odds of radiological testing compared with white children. The underlying reasons for these differences are likely multifactorial, including varying levels of disease severity, health literacy, and access to care.
The Roles of DNA Methylation in the Stages of Cancer
Authors: McMahon K. Wyatt , Karunasena Enusha , Ahuja Nita
Published: September 2017

Next year will mark 60 years since Dr. Leslie Foulds outlined his hypothesis that cancer is “a dynamic process advancing through stages that are qualitatively different,” leading the way to our view of cancer progression as we know it today. Our understanding of the mechanisms of these stages has been continuously evolving this past half-century, and there has always been an active discussion of the roles of both genetic and epigenetic changes in directing this progression. In this review, we focus on the roles one particular epigenetic mark—DNA methylation—plays in these various “discontinuous” stages of cancer. Understanding these steps not only gives us a better picture of how this fascinating biological process operates, but also opens the doors to new prognostic biomarkers and therapies against these malignancies.
Epigenetic Regulation of Dendritic Cell Development and Function
Authors: Tian Yuanyuan , Meng Lijun , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2017

The immune system is characterized by the generation of structurally and functionally heterogeneous immune cells that constitute complex innate and adaptive immunity. This heterogeneity of immune cells results from changes in the expression of genes without altering DNA sequence. To achieve this heterogeneity, immune cells orchestrate the expression and functional status of transcription factor (TF) networks, which can be broadly categorized into 3 classes: pioneer TFs that facilitate initial commitment and differentiation of hematopoietic cells, subset-specific TFs that promote the generation of selected cell lineages, and immune-signaling TFs that regulate specialized function in differentiated cells. Epigenetic mechanisms are known to be critical for organizing the TF networks, thereby controlling immune cell lineage-fate decisions, plasticity, and function. The effects of epigenetic regulators can be heritable during cell mitosis, primarily through the modification of DNA and histone methylation patterns at gene loci. By doing so, the immune system is enabled to mount a selective but robust response to stimuli, such as pathogens, tumor cells, autoantigens, or allogeneic antigens in the setting of transplantation, while preserving the immune cell reservoir necessary for protecting the host against numerous other unexpected stimuli and limit detrimental effect of systemic inflammatory reactions.
Photon-Counting Computed Tomography for Vascular Imaging of the Head and Neck
Authors: Symons Rolf , Reich Daniel S. , Bagheri Mohammadhadi , Cork Tyler E. , Krauss Bernhard , Ulzheimer Stefan , Kappler Steffen , Bluemke David A. , Pourmorteza Amir
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate image quality of a spectral photon-counting detector (PCD) computed tomography (CT) system for evaluation of major arteries of the head and neck compared with conventional single-energy CT scans using energy-integrating detectors (EIDs).

Methods

In this institutional review board–approved study, 16 asymptomatic subjects (7 men) provided informed consent and received both PCD and EID contrast-enhanced CT scans of the head and neck (mean age, 58 years; range, 46–75 years). Tube settings were (EID: 120 kVp/160 mA vs PCD: 140 kVp/108 mA) for all volunteers. Quantitative analysis included measurements of mean attenuation, image noise, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Spectral PCD data were used to reconstruct virtual monoenergetic images and iodine maps. A head phantom was used to validate iodine concentration measurements in PCD images only. Two radiologists blinded to detector type independently scored the image quality of different segments of the arteries, as well as diagnostic acceptability, image noise, and severity of artifacts of the PCD and EID images. Reproducibility was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficient. Linear mixed models that account for within-subject correlation of analyzed arterial segments were used. Linear regression and Bland-Altman analysis with 95% limits of agreement were used to calculate the accuracy of material decomposition.

Results

Photon-counting detector image quality scores were significantly higher compared with EID image quality scores with lower image noise (P < 0.01) and less image artifacts (P < 0.001). Photon-counting detector image noise was 9.1% lower than EID image noise (8.0 ± 1.3 HU vs 8.8 ± 1.5 HU, respectively, P < 0.001). Arterial segments showed artifacts on EID images due to beam hardening that were not present on PCD images. On PCD images of the head phantom, there was excellent correlation (R
2 = 0.998) between actual and calculated iodine concentrations without significant bias (bias: −0.4 mg/mL [95% limits of agreements: −1.1 to 0.4 mg/mL]). Iodine maps had 20.7% higher CNR compared with nonspectral PCD (65.2 ± 9.0 vs 54.0 ± 4.5, P = 0.01), and virtual monoenergetic image at 70 keV showed similar CNR to nonspectral images (52.6 ± 4.2 vs 54.0 ± 4.5, P = 0.39).

Conclusions

Photon-counting CT has the potential to improve the image quality of carotid and intracranial CT angiography compared with single-energy EID CT.
Avoiding ICU Admission by Using a Fast-Track Protocol Is Safe in Selected Adult-to-Adult Live Donor Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Echeverri Juan , Goldaracena Nicolas , Singh Akhil Kant , Sapisochin Gonzalo , Selzner Nazia , Cattral Mark S. , Greig Paul D. , Lilly Les , McGilvray Ian D. , Levy Gary A. , Ghanekar Anand , Renner Eberhard L. , Grant David R. , McCluskey Stuart A. , Selzner Markus
Published: September 2017

Background

We evaluated patient characteristics of live donor liver transplant (LDLT) recipients undergoing a fast-track protocol without intensive care unit (ICU) admission versus LDLT patients receiving posttransplant ICU care.

Methods

Of the 153 LDLT recipients, 46 patients were included in our fast-track protocol without ICU admission. Both, fast-tracked patients and ICU-admitted patients were compared regarding donor and patient characteristics, perioperative characteristics, and postoperative outcomes and complications. In a subgroup analysis, we compared fast-tracked patients with patients who were admitted in the ICU for less than 24 hours.

Results

Fast-tracked versus ICU patients had a lower model for end-stage liver disease score (13 ± 4 vs 18 ± 7; P < 0.0001), lower preoperative bilirubin levels (51 ± 50 μmol/L vs 119.4 ± 137.3 μmol/L; P < 0.001), required fewer units of packed red blood cells (1.7 ± 1.78 vs 4.4 ± 4; P < 0.0001), and less fresh-frozen plasma (2.7 ± 2 vs 5.8 ± 5; P < 0.0001) during transplantation. Regarding postoperative outcomes, fast-tracked patients presented fewer bacterial infections within 30 days (6.5% [3] vs 29% [28]; P = 0.002), no episodes of pneumonia (0% vs 11.3% [11]; P = 0.02), and less biliary complications within the first year (6% [3] vs 26% [25]; P = 0.001). Also, fast-tracked patients had a shorter posttransplant hospital stay (10.8 ± 5 vs 21.3 ± 29; P = 0.002). In the subgroup analysis, fast-tracked vs ICU patients admitted for less than 24 hours had lower requirements of packed red blood cells (1.7 ± 1.78 vs 3.9 ± 4; P = 0.001) and fresh-frozen plasma (2.7 ± 2 vs 5.8 ± 4.5; P = 0.0001).

Conclusions

Fast-track of selected patients after LDLT is safe and feasible. An objective score to perioperatively select LDLT recipients amenable to fast track is yet to be determined.
Molecular evidence of Listeria monocytogenes infection relapse in a severe case of endocarditis
Authors: Ciceri Giulia , Gori Maria , Bianchi Silvia , Corrado Giovanni , Panisi Paolo , Papa Angela , Tanzi Elisabetta , Pontello Mirella
Published: September 2017

Introduction. Endocarditis is a rare complication of bacteraemia due to Listeria monocytogenes and is characterized by a high fatality rate (37–50 %). Recurrent infection by Listeria monocytogenes occurs even more rarely.

Case presentation. We report a case of recurrent Listeria monocytogenes infection that resulted in severe endocarditis in a 66-year-old patient with an aortic valve prosthesis. Relapse was confirmed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST).

Conclusion. Our case highlights that the molecular subtyping approach is an important tool for the detection of microbial reinfections and for the support of clinical diagnosis.
Correlative live and super-resolution imaging reveals the dynamic structure of replication domains
Authors: Xiang Wanqing , Roberti M. Julia , Hériché Jean-Karim , Huet Sebastian , Alexander Stephanie , Ellenberg Jan
Published: September 2017

Chromosome organization in higher eukaryotes controls gene expression, DNA replication, and DNA repair. Genome mapping has revealed the functional units of chromatin at the sub-megabase scale as self-interacting regions called topologically associating domains (TADs) and showed they correspond to replication domains (RDs). A quantitative structural and dynamic description of RD behavior in the nucleus is however missing, as visualization of dynamic subdiffraction-sized RDs remains challenging. Using fluorescence labeling of RDs combined with correlative live and super-resolution microscopyin situ, we determined biophysical parameters to characterize the internal organization, spacing and mechanical coupling of RDs. We found that RDs are typically 150 nm in size and contain four co-replicating regions spaced 60 nm apart. Spatially neighboring RDs are spaced 300 nm apart and connected by highly flexible linker regions that couple their motion only below 550 nm. Our pipeline allows a robust quantitative characterization of chromosome structurein situ, and provides important biophysical parameters to understand general principles of chromatin organization.
Functional Difference of Mitochondrial Genome and Its Association with Traits of Common Complex Diseases in Humans
Authors: Cho Young Min , Park Kyong Soo , Pak Youngmi Kim , Tanaka Masashi , Lee Hong Kyu
Published: September 2017

Recent evidence suggests that mitochondrial genomes harboring common mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms might have functional difference and could be associated with common complex human diseases such as metabolic syndrome and cancer that are related to mitochondrial dysfunction. However, there has been no report examining the functional difference of mitochondrial genome in the pathogenesis of such diseases at the cellular or molecular level. In order to examine the effect of mitochondrial genome on metabolic syndrome or cancer without interference from nuclear genes, we analyzedtrans-mitochondrial cytoplasmic hybrid cells (cybrids) with common Asian mtDNA haplogroups A, B, D, and F from healthy volunteers. The mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates of cybrids were associated with multiple components of metabolic syndrome such as body mass index, waist circumference, serum triglyceride levels and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. In addition, the cybrids showed varying degree of tumorigenicity bothin vitroandin vivo. Especially, the cybrids harboring mtDNA haplogroup D had a significantly slower growth rate. These findings suggest that the phenotypes of common complex diseases in humans can be determined by their mitochondrial genomes. Therefore, not only nuclear genome but also mitochondrial genome should be considered in explaining the genetic pathogenesis of common complex human diseases.
Financial inclusion and agricultural commercialization in Ghana: an empirical investigation
Authors: Abu Benjamin Musah , Haruna Issahaku
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the connections between financial inclusion and agricultural commercialization among farmers in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to address endogeneity and sample selectivity bias, the study employs endogenous switching regressions (ESRs) to examine whether financially included and financially excluded maize farm households differ in their commercialization behavior and whether financial inclusion affects commercialization. The Heckman Treatment Effect (HTE) model is used to test for robustness of the results. The data used contain a random sample of 2,230 maize farmers across the ten regions of Ghana.

Findings

The results from the ESRs show that financial inclusion significantly fosters agricultural commercialization. Specifically, financially included households sell 13.25 percent more output than their financially excluded counterparts. In terms of the counterfactual, financially excluded households would have sold 5.04 percent more output if they were to have access to financial services. Results from the HTE model confirm that financial inclusion promotes agricultural commercialization.

Practical implications

Financial inclusion is low among maize farmers; this implies that there are more benefits to be gained by ensuring that farmers have access to a broad range of financial services.

Social implications

The findings imply that the quest for the integration of smallholder farmers into markets cannot overlook measures to ensure financial inclusion.

Originality/value

It represents the first attempt at linking financial inclusion to agricultural commercialization using econometric methodology. The study serves as a foundation paper and for that matter will serve as a guide to future research on the financial inclusion-agricultural commercialization nexus.
High liabilities or heavy subsidies
Authors: Ye Tao , Wang Ming , Hu Wuyang , Liu Yangbin , Shi Peijun
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Understanding farmers’ preferences for crop insurance attributes is crucial in designing better insurance products and guiding government policies but such research is lacking, particularly in developing countries. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a survey featuring a discrete choice experiment and policy simulation.

Findings

Overall, crop insurance has positive values to farmers, although preference is heterogeneous based on socioeconomic characteristics and risk position. Policy simulation confirms the roles of liability in strengthening insurance participants’ welfare and premium subsidy in encouraging participation. Introducing one more product into the market can accommodate farmers’ diverse needs and lead to increases in both aggregated social welfare and participation while maintaining the current level of government expense in subsidy – a potential Pareto improvement.

Research limitations/implications

Methodology employed is not the most novel in the choice experiment literature as many of the advances in choice experiment design could not be applied due to the actual condition in rural China and Chinese farmers’ capability in understanding the experiment.

Practical implications

The results indicate that the current single-product market structure using “low liability with high premium subsidies” cannot accommodate the diverse needs among farmers. Providing more varieties of liability-subsidy combinations, e.g. a high liability with low premium subsidy insurance product, can substantially improve participants’ welfare with little impact to the probability of participation.

Originality/value

The authors believe that this is one of the very few studies that that analyze farmers’ preferences and willingness to pay for the attributes of crop insurance products. It also shows how crop insurance product design can build upon farmers’ choices to achieve a potential Pareto improvement in aggregated social welfare in the context of a fast-developing crop insurance market.
Determinants of agricultural household demand for insurance in China from 2004 to 2007
Authors: Li Chu-Shiu , Liu Chwen-Chi , Zhang Yuehua
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the purchase of insurance and economic growth among agricultural households.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data of the agricultural sector obtained from China over two years, the authors highlight the effect of job switching between farm and non-farm activities on the demand for insurance by applying the difference-in-differences and triple differences methodologies.

Findings

The results show that compared with farm income, non-farm income is associated with an increased (decreased) demand for insurance among households in Eastern (Western) China. The inequality in degree of economic development between the regions plays an important role in this finding. Both education and income exhibit a positive relationship with insurance demand for most regions. In addition, in 2007, regardless of farm or non-farm sector, switches are (except in the northeast region) associated with a significant increase in insurance expenditures. Households who switched from the farm to non-farm sector in 2007 are significantly negatively associated with insurance expenditures in the western region.

Social implications

Inequalities in the degree of economic development play an important role in insurance consumption.

Originality/value

The authors assess the determinants of insurance market development in the agricultural sector in China, characterized by inter-regional disparities in economic development.
Adapting to climate change: scenario analysis of grain production in China
Authors: Zhou Shudong , Zhou Wenkui , Lin Guanghua , Chen Jing , Jiang Tong , Li Man
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of future climate change and the corresponding adaptation activities on grain production and its regional distribution in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applied the Chinese Agricultural Policy Analysis model, in combination with the findings from agronomic literature with highly detailed agricultural census data, to conduct equilibrium analysis under alternative impact (seasonal drought and climate warming) scenarios and adaptation scenarios (promoting water-saving irrigation, introducing new varieties, and the integrated) associated with climate change.

Findings

Simulation results indicate that climate change-induced seasonal drought and the resulting yield reduction will incur substantial losses to China’s grain production (by ~8 percent at a national scale). The application of water saving techniques can be an effective solution to seasonal drought. Introducing new varieties will increase the combination of promoting water-saving irrigation and new variety adoption will increase combination of promoting water-saving irrigation and new variety adoption constitute an effective approach to offsetting the negative effects of climate change on grain production.

Research limitations/implications

Simulation results indicate that climate change-induced seasonal drought and the resulting sown area reduction will incur substantial losses to China’s grain production by approximately 8 percent, despite farmers’ adaptation activities of switching from water use-intensive crops to drought-tolerant crops to mitigate this negative effect. The application of water saving techniques is an effective solution to seasonal drought; it can lead to a nationwide increase in the sown area by 3.48 percent and in the grain production by 4.15 percent. Introducing new varieties will increase grain outputs and change the spatial distribution of crop production across the country. The combination of promoting water-saving irrigation and new variety adoption will increase the national grain production by 19.6 percent, and thus constitute an effective approach to offsetting the negative effects of climate change on grain production.

Originality/value

Results from this study provide practical implications formulate strategies in response to climate change. Central government should reinforce the policies such as new varieties promotion and improve the subsidy method to guide the introduction of new varieties.
The reduction of cotton cultivation in Shandong Province of China
Authors: Min Shi
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential causes of the reduction of cotton cultivation in Shandong Province of China from the perspective of smallholders and notably examine the role of off-farm employment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper extends an integrated behavioral model to analyze the relationship between off-farm employment and cotton cultivation by taking into account farmers’ risk attitudes. A household survey data of 144 Bt cotton farmers in six villages in Linqing County, Shandong Province conducted in 2012 and 2013 is used. A simultaneous equations model is established and further estimated by using three-stage least squares method.

Findings

Although the introduction of Bt cotton has promoted the increase in cotton acreage in China from 1999 to 2007, the planting area of cotton has been decreasing since 2007. The results show the significant correlations among risk attitude, off-farm employment, and cotton cultivation. The planting area of cotton is positively correlated with farmers’ willingness to take risk but negatively associated with off-farm employment of family members. The findings imply that the rapid emergence of off-farm labor markets is a major reason for the reduction of cotton acreage in Shandong Province. In the context of the more opportunities of off-farm employment in China, cotton acreage is expected to decrease further.

Originality/value

The findings provide a reasonable explanation for the reduction of cotton cultivation in Shandong. This analysis contributes to a better understanding of the relationships among individual risk attitude, off-farm employment, and agricultural behavior, thereby adding to the literature about the application of the integrated behavioral model.
The effect of market orientation on new product development: a literature review
Authors: Li Yu , Xie En , Cheng Lulu
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The effect of market orientation (MO) on new product development (NPD) has been widely discussed in recent research. This paper aims to summarize the theoretical and empirical literature in this field from 1990 to 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 89 papers were published in 15 top management journals over this period of nearly 30 years. Forty-one papers are identified as major research and recognized as five main streams by an approach of inductive.

Findings

Conclusions regarding trends in the literature on MO–NPD relationship and surfacing future research directions were drawn.

Practical implications

Managers can take a better understanding of the concept of MO. Moreover, they can find some approach to promote their firms’ NPD. Furthermore, they should keep in mind that MO’s effect on NPD may depend on different factors, and different types of MO may lead to different types of NPD. In addition, this paper provides researchers with systematic understanding of the literature in this area, and future research directions.

Originality/value

This is the novel paper to systematically review the literature on the effect of MO on NPD, and the first to classify the studies into five streams which provides clear directions for future research.
Ambidexterity strategic model-behavior logic and path choice
Authors: Li Zijie , Gao Qiuling
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer an alternative framework and solution for balancing exploitation–exploration tensions and their management.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study method was adopted to uncover what underlies tensions and contradictions between exploitation–exploration that emerge for Chinese manufacturing companies due to the competitive global environment and their latecomer disadvantages when they source new technologies by cross-border mergers and acquisitions. The acquiring firm that acquires two companies is thus not a single but a cross-case study.

Findings

The authors present three contradictory points needing to be balanced and according to which three paradoxes emerge: exploitation from a similar knowledge base and innovation from a complementary knowledge base, efficiency and flexibility, as well as profit and breakthroughs. The authors theorize how paradoxical integration helps manage these interwoven tensions. Further, the assimilate-integration-apply (AIA) path suggests a new behavior logic and path choice for Chinese companies when they follow an ambidextrous strategy.

Research limitations/implications

This paper has implications for future research and for companies’ everyday practice on ambidexterity in Chinese society.

Originality/value

The authors combine ambidexterity perspective and AIA path with linkage-leverage-learning (LLL) to offer an alternative framework and solution for balancing exploitation–exploration paradoxes in EE firms’ internationalization to increase LLL’s explanatory power.
Critical factors impacting the adoption of foresight by companies
Authors: Kováříková Ludmila , Grosová Stanislava , Baran Dušan
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The presented study aims to provide an understanding of the mechanism whereby foresight is accepted by Czech companies. The results of the study can offer insights into how to design an optimized corporate foresight tool.

Design/methodology/approach

The well-established framework of unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) served as a baseline for research into key determinants of the behavioral intention to use the foresight. The proposed research model included independent variables of UTAUT2 relevant in the context of foresight. The additional variable of personal innovativeness was introduced as a potential predictor. Structural equation modeling (SmartPLS 2.0 software) was used to evaluate the data.

Findings

Performance expectancy regarding foresight was identified as the most substantial predictor of behavioral intention in line with the scientific literature. Surprisingly, the second strongest predictor was the construct of personal innovativeness, and social influence was also proven to affect behavioral intention. The results show that traditional determinants of effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation and habit did not play a significant role in relation to behavioral intention to adopt the foresight.

Research limitations/implications

The attributes of cost and intention to use could not be included in the research model, as the corporate foresight is not commonly implemented. Second, the tested sample included 103 interviewed organizations but only from Czech Republic.

Originality/value

The study primarily aims to enhance the corporate foresight theory. Secondarily, it extends the UTAUT2 theoretical framework by testing personal innovativeness as a variable explaining behavioral intention. The authors provide statistical evidence of factors impacting the adoption of corporate foresight by companies.