bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of two-component system response regulatorBceRin antimicrobial resistance, virulence, biofilm formation, and stress response of group B Streptococcus
Authors: Yang Ying , Luo Mingjing , Haokui  , Li Carmen , Luk Alison W. S. , Zhao GP , Fung Kitty , Ip Margaret
Published: June 2018

The hypervirulent Group B Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae, GBS) serogroup III clonal cluster 17 has been associated with neonatal GBS invasive disease and meningits. Serogroup III, ST283 has recently been implicated in invasive disease among non-pregnant adults in Asia. These strains cluster with strains from freshwater fishes from aquaculture and a foodborne outbreak of sepsis, especially with septic arthritis, had been linked to such consumption in Singapore in 2015. Through comparative genome analyses of invasive and non-invasive strains of ST283, we identified a truncated response regulator gene in the non-invasive strain. This two component response gene, previously named a DNA binding regulator, is conserved among GBS strains and is a homologue ofBacillus subtilis BceR, the response regulator of the BceRSAB system. Loss of function of theBceRresponse gene in the invasive GBS strain demonstrated bacitracin susceptibility inΔBceRmutant with MICs of 256-fold and four-fold reduction in bacitracin and human cathelicin LL-37 compared to wild type and complementation strains. Upregulation ofdltAof wild type strain vsΔBceRmutant was demonstrated (p<0.0001), and was previously shown inStaphylococcus aureusto resist and repel cationic peptides through excess positive charges with D-alanylation of teichoic acids on the cell wall. In addition,ΔBceRmutant was less susceptible under oxidative stress under H2O2stress when compared to wild type strain (p<0.001) and inhibited biofilm formation (p<0.05 andp< 0.0001 for crystal violet staining and cfu counts). TheΔBceRmutant also showed reduced mortality as compared to wild type strain (p<0.01) in a murine infection model. Taken together,BceRSis involved in bacitracin and antimicrobial peptide resistance, survival under oxidative stress, biofilm formation and play an important role in the virulence of GBS.

Author Summary

Two-component systems (TCSs) play an important role in virulence in bacteria, and are involved in detecting environmental changes. AlthoughS. agalactiaewas reported to contain more predicted TCSs thanStreptococcus pneumoniae,few have been studied in detail. In this work, comparative genomic analysis of GBS invasive (hyper-virulent) and non-invasive serotype III-4 strains were performed to determine any gene differences that may account for severity of disease in humans.BceR-likeTCS was selected and suspected to be involved in virulence, and thusBceRwas deleted in a hyper-virulent GBS serotype III-4 strain. We demonstrated that thisBceR-likeTCS is involved in GBS virulence and induced proinflammatory host immune responses. Our study of TCSBceRmay guide further research into the role of other TCSs in GBS pathogenicity, and further explore therapeutic targets for GBS disease.
Precise implications for real-space pair distribution function modeling of effects intrinsic to modern time-of-flight neutron diffractometers
Authors: Olds Daniel , Saunders Claire N. , Peters Megan , Proffen Thomas , Neuefeind Joerg , Page Katharine
Published: June 2018

Total scattering and pair distribution function (PDF) methods allow for detailed study of local atomic order and disorder, including materials for which Rietveld refinements are not traditionally possible (amorphous materials, liquids, glasses and nanoparticles). With the advent of modern neutron time-of-flight (TOF) instrumentation, total scattering studies are capable of producing PDFs with ranges upwards of 100–200 Å, covering the correlation length scales of interest for many materials under study. Despite this, the refinement and subsequent analysis of data are often limited by confounding factors that are not rigorously accounted for in conventional analysis programs. While many of these artifacts are known and recognized by experts in the field, their effects and any associated mitigation strategies largely exist as passed-down `tribal' knowledge in the community, and have not been concisely demonstrated and compared in a unified presentation. This article aims to explicitly demonstrate, through reviews of previous literature, simulated analysis and real-world case studies, the effects of resolution, binning, bounds, peak shape, peak asymmetry, inconsistent conversion of TOF to d spacing and merging of multiple banks in neutron TOF data as they directly relate to real-space PDF analysis. Suggestions for best practice in analysis of data from modern neutron TOF total scattering instruments when using conventional analysis programs are made, as well as recommendations for improved analysis methods and future instrument design.
Spatio-temporal symmetry – crystallographic point groups with time translations and time inversion
Authors: Liu Vincent S. , VanLeeuwen Brian K. , Munro Jason M. , Padmanabhan Haricharan , Dabo Ismaila , Gopalan Venkatraman , Litvin Daniel B.
Published: June 2018

The crystallographic symmetry of time-periodic phenomena has been extended to include time inversion. The properties of such spatio-temporal crystallographic point groups with time translations and time inversion are derived and one representative group from each of the 343 types has been tabulated. In addition, stereographic symmetry and general-position diagrams are given for each representative group. These groups are also given a notation consisting of a short Hermann–Mauguin magnetic point-group symbol with each spatial operation coupled with its associated time translation.
Implementing third-party assurance in integrated reporting
Authors: Briem Christian Rainer , Wald Andreas
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine companies’ reasons for voluntarily obtaining third-party integrated reporting (IR) assurance and the role of external auditors in the assurance process.

Design/methodology/approach

By conducting 25 in-depth semi-structured interviews, a wide range of significant actors in the assurance process of integrated reports are addressed. In addition, archive materials are considered. The authors apply institutional theory, agency theory, and the diffusion of innovations theory to analyze IR assurance.

Findings

Companies follow coercive pressures by their stakeholders when obtaining external assurance. They intend to appreciate their non-financial indicators and increase their credibility and reliability. Auditors play an important role as change agents for the implementation of IR assurance by, e.g., supporting the correct interpretation of the International Integrated Reporting Council standards and by promoting IR.

Research limitations/implications

First, 25 in-depth interviews can only give a first insight about the stated questions. Second, this paper only considers auditors and company representatives from Germany. Third, investors were not questioned about their attitude toward IR assurance.

Practical implications

The results may serve as a basis for the implementation of IR assurance.

Originality/value

This study combines the relatively unexplored research field of IR with three established theories. Hereby, it exposes companies’ motivation for obtaining external assurance and auditors’ role on the assurance process.
Microstructures and immersion corrosion performances of arc sprayed amorphous Al-Ti-Ni coating on S355 structural steel
Authors: Haixiang Chen , Dejun Kong
Published: June 2018

Purpose

In this study, an amorphous Al-Ti-Ni coating was fabricated on S355 steel using an arc spraying, and its corrosion behavior immersed in 3.5 per cent NaCl solution for 720 h was discussed, which provided an experimental basis for the application of arc sprayed Al-Ti-Ni coating on S355 steel on marine platform.

Design/methodology/approach

An amorphous Al-Ti-Ni coating was sprayed on S355 structural steel using an arc spraying. The surface-interface morphologies, chemical element compositions and phases of the obtained Al-Ti-Ni coating were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer and X-ray diffractometer, respectively. The distributions of chemical elements on the coating surface and interface were analyzed using an energy spectrum scanning; the bonding mechanism between the coating and the substrate was also discussed.

Findings

Financial support for this research by the Key Research and Development Project of Jiangsu Province (BE2016052).

Originality/value

In this study, an amorphous Al-Ti-Ni coating was fabricated on S355 steel using an arc spraying, its corrosion behavior immersed in 3.5 per cent 25 NaCl solution for 720 h was discussed.
From informational towards transformational advertising strategies? A content analysis of Belgian food magazine advertisements
Authors: Roose Gudrun , Geuens Maggie , Vermeir Iris
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to perform a preliminary examination of informational and transformational advertising appeals in contemporary advertisements for healthy and unhealthy foods.

Design/methodology/approach

Western (European) food advertisements published in Belgian food magazines were content analyzed to identify informational and transformational advertising appeals. Belgian food advertising was selected as an adequate representation of Western (European) food advertising because marketing in Belgium is permeated by international influences (cf. Belgian Federal Government). Advertisements were sampled from three magazines over a period of five years, from January 2009 to December 2013. The sample comprised 325 unique advertisements, including 159 for healthy foods and 166 for unhealthy foods.

Findings

The results of the content analysis indicated that healthy food advertisements in Belgium are mainly informational, whereas unhealthy food advertisements are mainly transformational.

Originality/value

This preliminary examination of informational and transformational advertising appeals in contemporary healthy food and unhealthy food advertisements shows that healthy food advertisements in Belgium are mainly informational, whereas the segment of consumers which is precarious – people low-involved with healthy food – are mainly attracted by transformational advertising appeals. The contrasting transformational strategy of unhealthy-food advertisements can provide inspiration for healthy food advertisers to help increase healthy food consumption.
Examining networked NGO services: reconceptualising value co-creation
Authors: Best Bernadette , Moffett Sandra , Hannibal Claire , McAdam Rodney
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain how value is co-created in a many-to-many (MTM) context. The authors use a case study of a non-governmental service delivery consortium engaging multiple actors to examine how value is co-created beyond the buyer-supplier dyad.

Design/methodology/approach

An explanatory case study of a consortium of seven UK non-governmental organisations (NGOs) delivering public service contracts is presented. Multiple data collection methods are combined; semi-structured interviews (n=30) and focus groups with internal stakeholders (n=5), participant observations (n=4) and document analysis.

Findings

The authors use three illustrative empirical examples to show how different sources, types, enablers and mechanisms of VCC are evident during service provision activities. The findings show how different service provision activities utilise different dimensions, leading the authors to suggest that dimensions of VCC may be context dependent.

Research limitations/implications

As consortia differ in their context and function, the findings may not be generalisable. Nevertheless, they provide specific examples of sources, types, enablers and mechanisms of value co-creation (VCC) that may be applicable to private, public and NGOs.

Practical implications

Understanding how value is co-created with multiple stakeholders can offer competitive advantages likely to lead to improved sustainability, impact and performance.

Originality/value

The empirical study offers a reconceptualisation of VCC in a MTM context. The paper combines disparate perspectives of VCC to offer a more holistic perspective.
Value conflicts in co-production: governing public values in multi-actor settings
Authors: Aschhoff Nils , Vogel Rick
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Co-production with citizens brings about the challenge to orchestrate public values which might be in conflict with each other. However, little is known about what types of value tensions occur in co-production and how actors cope with them. The purpose of this paper is to address this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on three case studies of co-production in Germany. In total, 24 semi-structured interviews with public managers, citizens, and third parties were conducted.

Findings

The analysis identified three major public value tensions occurring in co-production: the inclusiveness-accountability-tension, the flexibility-accountability-tension, and the productivity-diversity-tension. Furthermore, six strategies of coping with these tensions are examined.

Research limitations/implications

As the paper is based on case studies, further research is required to explore possible other public value tensions emerging from different manifestations of co-production.

Originality/value

This paper bridges the fields of public values and co-production. By including perceptions of all actor groups, a more comprehensive understanding of public values in co-production and how they are in conflict is provided. A novel coping strategy is revealed, which has previously not been mentioned in the literature.
Perceptions unfolded: managerial implementation in perception formation
Authors: Grøn Caroline Howard
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The literature so far has shown that perceptions of managerial interventions matter for motivation and performance. However, how these perceptions are formed and develop over time is less clear. The purpose of this paper is to fill part of this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a panel case study to investigate how perceptions of a managerial intervention are formed and developed over time among daycare workers in a Danish municipality.

Findings

The paper reveals the dynamic nature of preferences and the centrality of the local manager in perception formation, illustrating that it is not necessarily the implementation style (soft/hard) that is important as much as the managerial involvement in the initiative.

Practical implications

Whereas managers are still well advised to consider the pros and cons of a hard vs a soft implementation approach, this paper also underlines the importance of constant managerial involvement not only to ensure implementation but also to continuously impact the way managerial interventions are perceived.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the existing knowledge about perception formation by using a panel case study, hence illustrating the dynamic character of perception formation.
Assessing performance-use preferences through an institutional logics lens
Authors: Ngoye Benard , Sierra Vicenta , Ysa Tamyko
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of shared cognitive frames, in particular, that of institutional logics, on the deployment and use of performance measurement systems (PMSs) in the public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Using novel priming techniques derived from behavioral and social psychology, three institutional logics – the public, market-managerial and professional logics – are differentially surfaced in three independent experimental groups. The influence of these primed institutional logics on performance measurement use preferences are then empirically assessed using appropriate analysis of variance techniques.

Findings

Contrary to theoretical predictions, the paper reveals logic congruence regarding some uses of PMSs in the public sector, and divergence regarding others. Individuals applying a public logic were more likely to propose performance measurement use for strategic planning or strategic alignment; while those applying a professional logic were more likely to propose performance measurement use for learning, compared to otherwise primed individuals.

Research limitations/implications

Considering the sample size and the novelty of the priming tools, it is feasible that other potentially significant effects may have been missed.

Originality/value

The paper addresses a gap in literature regarding the influence of shared cognitive frames on performance measurement use in public sector organizations. The paper further presents priming techniques embedded within an experimental design as an appropriate method for the micro-level study of attitudes, preferences and judgments in the public sector.
Analyzing anime users’ online forum queries for recommendation using content analysis
Authors: Cho Hyerim , Schmalz Marc L. , Keating Stephen A. , Lee Jin Ha
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of relevant information features for users seeking anime recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses content analysis of 396 recommendation request threads from the online forum at Anime News Network.

Findings

In total, 19 important anime information features were identified, including Work, Theme, Genre, Audience, Mood, while Artwork/Visual Style, Audio Style, and Language were mentioned less frequently. However, when mentioned, these codes were discussed with specificity and depth.

Research limitations/implications

This study analyzed a relatively small number of 396 forum records, without demographic information. Using content analysis of online forum threads written by real users provided both informational breadth and depth. Future studies would benefit from using content analysis to investigate unfamiliar multimedia information and user groups.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can be implemented in anime-related databases and information systems to enhance organization, browsing/retrieval, and recommendation of anime, which can be further utilized for other audiovisual materials.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies that investigate what anime users need and want. This research examines an understudied cultural medium, underserved by current research, despite an expanding community of anime users.
Factors influencing the data sharing behavior of researchers in sociology and political science
Authors: Zenk-Möltgen Wolfgang , Akdeniz Esra , Katsanidou Alexia , Naßhoven Verena , Balaban Ebru
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Open data and data sharing should improve transparency of research. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how different institutional and individual factors affect the data sharing behavior of authors of research articles in sociology and political science.

Design/methodology/approach

Desktop research analyzed attributes of sociology and political science journals (n=262) from their websites. A second data set of articles (n=1,011; published 2012-2014) was derived from ten of the main journals (five from each discipline) and stated data sharing was examined. A survey of the authors used the Theory of Planned Behavior to examine motivations, behavioral control, and perceived norms for sharing data. Statistical tests (Spearman’s ρ, χ2) examined correlations and associations.

Findings

Although many journals have a data policy for their authors (78 percent in sociology, 44 percent in political science), only around half of the empirical articles stated that the data were available, and for only 37 percent of the articles could the data be accessed. Journals with higher impact factors, those with a stated data policy, and younger journals were more likely to offer data availability. Of the authors surveyed, 446 responded (44 percent). Statistical analysis indicated that authors’ attitudes, reported past behavior, social norms, and perceived behavioral control affected their intentions to share data.

Research limitations/implications

Less than 50 percent of the authors contacted provided responses to the survey. Results indicate that data sharing would improve if journals had explicit data sharing policies but authors also need support from other institutions (their universities, funding councils, and professional associations) to improve data management skills and infrastructures.

Originality/value

This paper builds on previous similar research in sociology and political science and explains some of the barriers to data sharing in social sciences by combining journal policies, published articles, and authors’ responses to a survey.
From informational reading to information literacy
Authors: Lundh Anna Hampson , Dolatkhah Mats , Limberg Louise
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to historicise research conducted in the fields of Information Seeking and Learning and Information Literacy and thereby begin to outline a description of the history of information in the context of Swedish compulsory education.

Design/methodology/approach

Document work and documentary practices are used as alternatives to concepts such as information seeking or information behaviour. Four empirical examples of document work – more specifically informational reading – recorded in Swedish primary classrooms in the 1960s are presented.

Findings

In the recordings, the reading style students use is similar to informational reading in contemporary educational settings: it is fragmentary, facts-oriented, and procedure-oriented. The practice of finding correct answers, rather than analysing and discussing the contents of a text seems to continue from lessons organised around print textbooks in the 1960s to the inquiry-based and digital teaching of today.

Originality/value

The paper seeks to analyse document work and documentary practices by regarding “information” as a discursive construction in a particular era with material consequences in particular contexts, rather than as a theoretical and analytical concept. It also problematises the notion that new digital technologies for producing, organising, finding, using, and disseminating documents have drastically changed people’s behaviours and practices in educational and other contexts.
Uncovering the research field of corporate social responsibility in family firms: a citation analysis
Authors: Preslmayer Caroline , Kuttner Michael , Feldbauer-Durstmüller Birgit
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Inspired by increasing public interest in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the intensified focus of research on family firms (FFs) over the past few decades, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the existing literature on CSR in FF through a citation analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper overviews the structure of research on CSR in FF, identifying influential publications, authors, and key lines of discussion. The authors identified the underlying sample through a systematic, keyword-based literature search of seven databases. Starting with this sample, the authors analyzed a database of 4,342 references of 3,025 different sources cited in the 63 articles.

Findings

The findings show that the cited literature on CSR in FF is widespread, confirming that the research field has great heterogeneity. The authors identified the most-cited researcher as Luis R. Gómez-Mejía (University of Notre Dame, USA), with 93 citations. The average author in the group of the 22 most-cited authors (with a three-way tie for 20th-most-cited author) counts 45.45 citations in the sample of 13.95 different sources. Because the citations mostly refer to journal articles, the authors further investigated the particular journals of publication. The 20 most-influential journals cover 45.28 percent of all citations, with theJournal of Business Ethicsbeing the most influential (6.38 percent of all citations). Within the 3,025 different sources cited in the whole sample, the publication by Dyer and Whetten (2006), which is titled “Family firms and social responsibility: preliminary evidence from the S&P 500,” is the most-cited (29 citations in 46.03 percent of the analyzed 63 peer-reviewed journal articles).

Originality/value

The authors conclude with a call for more research on CSR in FF (especially qualitative case studies). Moreover, as scholars of North America and Western Europe dominate the current landscape of research, the authors would like to encourage scholars from other countries and cultures to provide insights from their countries.
EU Financial Services Policy since 2007: Crisis, Responses, and Prospects
Authors: Véron Nicolas
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a holistic description and assessment of the European Union's financial services policy since the start of financial crisis in mid‐2007. The decade‐long sequence is divided into four themes, in broadly chronological order: the initial reaction to the 2007–08 financial shock; subsequent initiatives framed by political developments at the EU and G20 level; the banking union from mid‐2012; and more recent events centered on the UK vote to exit the EU (Brexit). The analysis identifies banking union as the watershed moment, and correspondingly assesses the EU policy response as mostly inadequate in the first half and mostly effective in the second half of the period covered. Recommendations for future reforms are made in the conclusion.
Managing Deep Debt Crises in the Euro Area: Towards a Feasible Regime
Authors: Zettelmeyer Jeromin
Published: June 2018

In spite of the inclusion of collective action clauses (‘euro‐CACs’) in euro area sovereign bond contracts since 2013, the euro area still does not have a credible debt restructuring framework because: (1) stability risks of debt restructurings remain high; (2) euro‐CACs make it easy for creditors to hold out for full repayment; (3) IMF lending policies have not prevented the bail‐out of countries with unsustainable debts. In reaction, some proposals have called for hard criteria requiring debt restructuring as a condition for access to official crisis lending. This paper argues that this is the wrong approach, because hard criteria are error‐prone, may trigger crises in high‐debt countries, and lack credibility when the economic costs of debt restructurings are high. Instead, the key to a credible debt restructuring framework is to reduce these costs, by cutting the links between sovereigns and banks and putting safety nets in place that limit contagion.
Ten Years after the Global Financial Crisis: An Introduction
Authors: Anheier Helmut K. , Haley James A.
Published: June 2018

We believe the papers in this Special Issue provide important insights into critical policy issues and can help guide efforts to strengthen international economic and financial governance.
Carbonic anhydrase inhibition selectively prevents amyloid β neurovascular mitochondrial toxicity
Authors: Solesio María E. , Peixoto Pablo M. , Debure Ludovic , Madamba Stephen M. , de Leon Mony J. , Wisniewski Thomas , Pavlov Evgeny V. , Fossati Silvia
Published: June 2018

Mounting evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a causal role in the etiology and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We recently showed that the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (CAI) methazolamide (MTZ) prevents amyloid β (Aβ)‐mediated onset of apoptosis in the mouse brain. In this study, we used MTZ and, for the first time, the analog CAI acetazolamide (ATZ) in neuronal and cerebral vascular cells challenged with Aβ, to clarify their protective effects and mitochondrial molecular mechanism of action. The CAIs selectively inhibited mitochondrial dysfunction pathways induced by Aβ, without affecting metabolic function. ATZ was effective at concentrations 10 times lower than MTZ. Both MTZ and ATZ prevented mitochondrial membrane depolarization and H2O2 generation, with no effects on intracellular pH or ATP production. Importantly, the drugs did not primarily affect calcium homeostasis. This work suggests a new role for carbonic anhydrases (CAs) in the Aβ‐induced mitochondrial toxicity associated with AD and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), and paves the way to AD clinical trials for CAIs, FDA‐approved drugs with a well‐known profile of brain delivery.
The current status of multimodality treatment for unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hirano Hidekazu , Boku Narikazu
Published: June 2018

A multimodality approach plays a key role in the treatment of patients with unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Currently, definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) using 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) plus cisplatin with radiotherapy is the standard treatment in this population. dCRT regimens using 5‐FU plus leucovorin plus oxaliplatin (FOLFOX), and carboplatin plus paclitaxel have been investigated in prospective clinical trials. Anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody has been evaluated in combination with dCRT; however, this combination has not revealed any additive benefits. Induction chemotherapy using docetaxel plus 5‐FU plus cisplatin has also been under investigation. Although long‐term survival and cure have been observed in some patients by dCRT, most patients experience local failure or distant metastasis and eventually die from the disease. Salvage surgery is an important option if the residual or recurrent tumors after dCRT can be resectable, but is associated with high postoperative morbidity and mortality. Introduction of radiotherapy using a new technique with dose escalation is expected to improve efficacy without increasing radiation‐related toxicities. Immunotherapy in combination with radiotherapy has also gathered attention. For the establishment of new and effective treatments in the field of unresectable locally advanced ESCC, a collaboration between clinical researchers and basic researchers is warranted.
International Constraints and Electoral Decisions: Does the Room to Maneuver Attenuate Economic Voting?
Authors: Kosmidis Spyros
Published: June 2018

Prominent studies of electoral accountability and economic voting suggest that government constraints and international financial structures decrease the economic vote. The proposed mechanism is often labeled as the “room to maneuver,” and it posits that because elected officials have limited space to propose and implement economic policy, politicians can shirk responsibility, and thus voters are less likely to place voting weights on the economy. However, results from elections that took place in Europe during the Great Recession and scholarly research on economic voting in these elections cast serious doubts on the causal mechanism. This article directly tests this mechanism with a survey experiment using data from Greece (the country most affected by the debt crisis). The results suggest that although the economic vote is strong and substantive, its size does not vary across the room to maneuver treatments. This finding informs the literature on economic voting and carries out important implications for party strategies with respect to exogenous policy impositions and their electoral effects.
Stakeholders' views and experiences of pharmacist prescribing: a systematic review
Authors: Jebara Tesnime , Cunningham Scott , MacLure Katie , Awaisu Ahmed , Pallivalapila Abdulrouf , Stewart Derek
Published: June 2018

Aims

The aims of this systematic review were to: (1) critically appraise, synthesize and present the available evidence on the views and experiences of stakeholders on pharmacist prescribing and; (2) present the perceived facilitators and barriers for its global implementation.

Methods

Medline, CINAHL, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, PsychArticles and Google Scholar databases were searched. Study selection, quality assessment and data extraction were conducted independently by two reviewers. A narrative approach to data synthesis was undertaken due to heterogeneity, the nature of study types and outcome measures.

Results

Sixty‐five studies were identified, mostly from the UK (n = 34), followed by Australia (n = 13), Canada (n = 6) and USA (n = 5). Twenty‐seven studies reported pharmacists' perspectives, with fewer studies focusing on patients' (n = 12), doctors' (n = 6), the general public's (n = 4), nurses' (n = 1), policymakers' (n = 1) and multiple stakeholders' (n = 14) perspectives. Most reported positive experiences and views, regardless of stage of implementation. The main benefits described were: ease of patient access to healthcare services, improved patient outcomes, better use of pharmacists' skills and knowledge, improved pharmacist job satisfaction, and reduced physician workload. Any lack of support for pharmacist prescribing was largely in relation to: accountability for prescribing, limited pharmacist diagnosis skills, lack of access to patient clinical records, and issues concerning organizational and financial support.

Conclusion

There is an accumulation of global evidence of the positive views and experiences of diverse stakeholder groups and their perceptions of facilitators and barriers to pharmacist prescribing. There are, however, organizational issues to be tackled which may otherwise impede the implementation and sustainability of pharmacist prescribing.
Japanese Society of Medical Oncology Clinical Guidelines: Molecular Testing for Colorectal Cancer Treatment, Third Edition
Authors: Yamazaki Kentaro , Taniguchi Hiroya , Yoshino Takayuki , Akagi Kiwamu , Ishida Hideyuki , Ebi Hiromichi , Nakatani Kaname , Muro Kei , Yatabe Yasushi , Yamaguchi Kensei , Tsuchihara Katsuya
Published: June 2018

The Japanese Society of Medical Oncology (JSMO) previously published 2 editions of the clinical guidelines: “Japanese guidelines for testing of KRAS gene mutation in colorectal cancer” in 2008 and “Japanese Society of Medical Oncology Clinical Guidelines: RAS (KRAS/NRAS) mutation testing in colorectal cancer patients” in 2014. These guidelines have contributed to the proper use of KRAS and RAS mutation testing, respectively. Recently, clinical utility, particularly for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with BRAF V600E mutation or DNA mismatch‐repair (MMR) deficiency, has been established. Therefore, the guideline members decided these genetic alterations should also be involved. The aim of this revision is to properly carry out testing for BRAF V600E mutation and MMR deficiency in addition to RAS mutation. The revised guidelines include the basic requirements for testing for these genetic alterations based on recent scientific evidence. Furthermore, because clinical utility of comprehensive genetic testing using next‐generation sequencing and somatic gene testing of analyzing circulating tumor DNA has increasingly evolved with recent advancements in testing technology, we noted the current situation and prospects for these testing technologies and their clinical implementation in the revised guidelines.
CD47‐signal regulatory protein α signaling system and its application to cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Murata Yoji , Saito Yasuyuki , Kotani Takenori , Matozaki Takashi
Published: June 2018

Tumor cells evade immune surveillance through direct or indirect interactions with various types of immune cell, with much recent attention being focused on modifying immune cell responses as the basis for the development of new cancer treatments. Signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα) and CD47 are both transmembrane proteins that interact with each other and constitute a cell‐cell communication system. SIRPα is particularly abundant in myeloid cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells, whereas CD47 is expressed ubiquitously and its expression level is elevated in cancer cells. Recent studies have shown that blockade of CD47‐SIRPα interaction enhances the phagocytic activity of phagocytes such as macrophages toward tumor cells in vitro as well as resulting in the efficient eradication of tumor cells in a variety of xenograft or syngeneic mouse models of cancer. Moreover, CD47 blockade has been shown to promote the stimulation of tumor‐specific cytotoxic T cells by macrophages or dendritic cells. Biological agents, such as Abs and recombinant proteins, that target human CD47 or SIRPα have been developed and are being tested in preclinical models of human cancer or in clinical trials with cancer patients. Preclinical studies have also suggested that CD47 or SIRPα blockade may have a synergistic antitumor effect in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors that target the adaptive immune system. Targeting of the CD47‐SIRPα signaling system is thus a promising strategy for cancer treatment based on modulation of both innate and acquired immune responses to tumor cells.
Helping, Sharing, and Comforting in Young Children: Links to Individual Differences in Attachment
Authors: Beier Jonathan S. , Gross Jacquelyn T. , Brett Bonnie E. , Stern Jessica A. , Martin David R. , Cassidy Jude
Published: June 2018

Although attachment theory has long posited a link between early experiences of care and children's prosocial behavior, investigations of this association have not embraced the multifaceted nature of prosociality. This study is the first to assess associations between child attachment and independent observations of helping, sharing, and comforting. Attachment quality in 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children (N = 137) was linked to all three prosocial behaviors. Additionally, bifactor analyses revealed distinct associations between attachment and children's general prosocial dispositions and their specific abilities to meet the unique challenges of helping and, marginally, comforting. These findings underscore the importance of considering multiple explanations for links between attachment and prosocial behavior and provide novel insights into sources of variation in children's prosociality.
Pulsus paradoxus
Authors: Sarkar Malay , Bhardwaj Rajeev , Madabhavi Irappa , Gowda Srinivas , Dogra Kushal
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Reviewed the etiologies, pathophysiologic mechanisms, detection and clinical significance of pulsus paradoxus in various conditions.

Data source

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the CINAHL from inception to June 2017. We used the following search terms: Pulsus paradoxus, pericardial effusion, acute asthma, ventricular interdependence and so forth. All types of study were chosen.

Results and conclusion

Legendary physician Sir William Osler truly said that “Medicine is learned by the bedside and not in the classroom.” Bedside history taking and physical examination should be an integral component of clinical teaching curriculum imparted to medical students. Pulsus paradoxus is a valuable physical sign seen in many clinical conditions. Pulsus paradoxus is defined by an inspiratory fall in systolic blood pressure of greater than 10 mm Hg. Two prototype examples of pulsus paradoxus are cardiac tamponade and acute asthma. Exaggerated swings of intrapleural pressure, bi‐ventricular interactions and increase afterload of the left ventricle are few of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the causation of pulsus paradoxus. The sensitivity of pulsus paradoxus in the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade is very high. In acute asthma, it also correlates with the severity of airflow obstruction.
Prevalence and features of asthma‐COPD overlap in the United States 2007–2012
Authors: Mendy Angelico , Forno Erick , Niyonsenga Theophile , Carnahan Ryan , Gasana Janvier
Published: June 2018

Background

Perceived to be distinct, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can co‐exist and potentially have a worse prognosis than the separate diseases. Yet, little is known about the exact prevalence and the characteristics of the Asthma‐COPD overlap (ACO) in the US population.

Aims

To determine ACO prevalence in the United States, identify ACO predictors, examine ACO association with asthma and COPD severity, and describe distinctive spirometry and laboratory features of ACO.

Methods

Data on adult participants to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted from 2007 to 2012 was analyzed. ACO was defined as current asthma and post‐bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) <0.7.

Results

Overall, 7,570 participants representing 98.58 million Americans were included in our study. From 2007 to 2012, the crude and age‐standardized ACO prevalence were, respectively, 0.96% (95% CI: 0.65%–1.26%) and 1.05% (0.74%–1.37%). In asthma, ACO predictors included older age, male gender, and smoking. In COPD, ACO predictors were non‐Hispanic Black race/ethnicity and obesity. ACO was associated with increased ER visits for asthma (OR = 3.46, 95% CI: 1.48–8.06]) and oxygen therapy in COPD (OR = 11.17, 95% CI: 5.17–24.12]). In spirometry, FEV1 and peak expiratory flow were lower in ACO than in asthma or COPD alone.

Conclusion

Age‐adjusted prevalence of ACO in the United States was 1.05% in 2007–2012, representing 0.94 (95% CI: 0.62–1.26) million Americans. It is much lower than previously reported. The overlap was associated with higher asthma and COPD severity as well as decreased lung function compared with COPD or asthma alone.
Prognostic evaluation of serum ferritin in acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Enomoto Noriyuki , Oyama Yoshiyuki , Enomoto Yasunori , Mikamo Masashi , Karayama Masato , Hozumi Hironao , Suzuki Yuzo , Kono Masato , Furuhashi Kazuki , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Inui Naoki , Nakamura Yutaro , Suda Takafumi
Published: June 2018

Background

Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE‐IPF) has an extremely poor prognosis. The role of ferritin in the pathogenesis of AE‐IPF is not well known while serum ferritin is a key prognostic indicator for patients with clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis with rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia.

Objective

To elucidate the clinical importance of serum ferritin in patients with AE‐IPF.

Methods

Thirty‐seven patients (48 episodes), who were diagnosed with AE‐IPF and treated at our hospital between 1997 and 2015, were retrospectively studied.

Results

Patients with AE‐IPF had significantly higher levels of serum ferritin than baseline levels at the first diagnosis of IPF (P = 0.0017). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed the cut‐off value 174 ng/mL for the separation of AE (area under the curve, 0.700). No patients with AE‐IPF were positive for anti‐ melanoma differentiation‐associated gene 5 antibody. Patients with AE‐IPF and higher ferritin (≥174 ng/mL) had lower %FVC and %DLCO before AE, and those with much higher ferritin (≥500 ng/mL) had significantly worse prognosis than those with lower ferritin (log‐rank, P = 0.024). Immunohistochemical staining in autopsy specimens showed alveolar macrophages that were producing ferritin. Finally, in multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses, serum ferritin level of ≥500 ng/mL was a significant worse prognostic factor (hazard ratio 5.280, P = 0.046).

Conclusion

Higher serum ferritin may be related to a worse prognosis in patients with AE‐IPF.
Synovial sarcoma masquerading as medullary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Yadav D. , Agarwal S. , Sharma A. , Malik E. , Kandasamy D. , Thakar A. , Yadav R. , Barward A. , Kini L.
Published: June 2018

Primary synovial sarcoma of thyroid gland is rare and rarer still is its occurrence in a patient with germline RET mutation. The cytological, histological and molecular details of one such case are presented which was thought pre‐operatively to be medullary thyroid carcinoma.
What is psoriasis? – Perception and assessment of psoriasis among the German population
Authors: Sommer Rachel , Mrowietz Ulrich , Radtke Marc Alexander , Schäfer Ines , von Kiedrowski Ralph , Strömer Klaus , Enk Alexander , Maul Julia‐Tatjana , Reich Kristian , Zander Nicole , Augustin Matthias
Published: June 2018

Background

Delivery of health care to psoriasis patients plays an important role in the field of dermatology. Following the 2014 WHO resolution and the 2016 WHO global report, there has been an increase in the awareness of psoriasis among the general public. However, the perception of psoriasis by the general population remains unclear. The goal of the present study was to investigate the perception and assessment of psoriasis among the German population.

Patients and Methods

Representative telephone survey among 2,001 adults using a standardized questionnaire. Analyses with respect to place of residence, age, gender and level of education were conducted in a descriptive manner.

Results

Twenty‐nine percent of participants were familiar with the term “Psoriasis”; 86 %, with the German designation “Schuppenflechte”. Ninety‐three percent considered the disease to be a significant burden for affected individuals; 59 % stated that there were effective drugs available for psoriasis; 9 % considered the disease to be communicable. Ten percent reported that they would not want to live in the same household as an affected individual; 23 % did not want to share the same swimming pool; and 27 % did not want to be in a personal relationship with someone affected. Twelve percent stated to be familiar with the WHO resolution on psoriasis; 6 % with the World Psoriasis Day; and 3 % with the “Bitte berühren” (“Please touch”) campaign.

Conclusions

Although a majority of the German population is familiar with the term “Schuppenflechte”, there is a significant lack of knowledge about the disease as well as prejudice toward affected individuals. Further measures are required to improve the level of information and decrease stigmatization.
Impact of red versus blue light on tolerability and efficacy of PDT: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gholam Patrick , Bosselmann Ina , Enk Alexander , Fink Christine
Published: June 2018

Various light sources may be used for photodynamic therapy of actinic keratosis since photosensitizing agents are activated by different wavelengths. However, the relative impact of red and blue light irradiation on the efficacy and tolerability of therapy is controversial.

Objective

The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and tolerability of therapy with red versus blue light sources, as well as the patients’ evaluation of cosmetic results, clinical response, painfulness and preferred light source for future photodynamic treatments.

Methods

This is a prospective, single‐center, randomized, controlled, open‐label study with 28 patients undergoing elective photodynamic therapy.

Results

Red and blue light sources both showed very good results with a complete response rate of 84 % and 85 % respectively. Pain during photodynamic therapy was 6.1 vs. 5.4 (and 2.1 vs. 1.5 eight hours after therapy) on the visual analogue scale. Although these differences were statistically significant, the clinical relevance is low, since the number of therapy interruptions were equally distributed in both groups, and patients’ subjective evaluation of the treatment showed no personal preference towards the light sources.

Conclusion

Both light sources showed very good clinical results and satisfactory tolerability in this study.