bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assortative mating on ancestry-variant traits in admixed Latin American populations
Authors: Norris Emily T. , Rishishwar Lavanya , Wang Lu , Conley Andrew B. , Chande Aroon T. , Dabrowski Adam M. , Valderrama-Aguirre Augusto , Jordan I. King
Published: August 2017

Background

Assortative mating is a universal feature of human societies, and individuals from ethnically diverse populations are known to mate assortatively based on similarities in genetic ancestry. However, little is currently known regarding the exact phenotypic cues, or their underlying genetic architecture, which inform ancestry-based assortative mating.

Results

We developed a novel approach, using genome-wide analysis of ancestry-specific haplotypes, to evaluate ancestry-based assortative mating on traits whose expression varies among the three continental population groups – African, European, and Native American – that admixed to form modern Latin American populations. Application of this method to genome sequences sampled from Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Puerto Rico revealed widespread ancestry-based assortative mating. We discovered a number of anthropometric traits (body mass, height, facial development and waist-hip ratio) and neurological attributes (educational attainment and schizophrenia) that serve as phenotypic cues for ancestry-based assortative mating. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) loci show population-specific patterns of both assortative and disassortative mating in Latin America. Ancestry-based assortative mating in the populations analyzed here appears to be driven primarily by African ancestry.

Conclusions

This study serves as an example of how population genomic analyses can yield novel insights into human behavior.
Barriers to innovation within large financial services firms
Authors: Das Patrick , Verburg Robert , Verbraeck Alexander , Bonebakker Lodewijk
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Since the 2008 financial crisis, the financial industry is in need of innovation to increase stability and improve quality of services. The purpose of this paper is to explore internal barriers that influence the effectiveness of projects within large financial services firms focussing on potentially disruptive and radical innovations. While literature has generally focused on barriers within traditional technology and manufacturing firms, few researchers have identified barriers for these type of firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework of internal barriers was developed and validated by means of an explorative case study. Data were collected at a European bank by exploring how innovation is organized and what barriers influence effectiveness of eight innovation projects.

Findings

Six items were identified as key barrier for potentially disruptive and radical innovations (e.g. traditional risk-avoidance focus, and inertia caused by systems architecture). As such, in the sample these were more important than traditionally defined barriers such as sources of finance, and lacking exploration competences.

Research limitations/implications

Based on a small number of projects within one firm, the results highlight the need for more in-depth research on the effects of barriers and how barriers can be overcome within this industry.

Originality/value

The results show that there is a discrepancy between the societal demand for radical change within the financial industry and the ability of large financial services firms to innovate. The study identifies which unique internal barriers hamper potentially disruptive and radical innovation in large financial services firms.
An asymmetric cross-cultural perspective on the mediating role of conflict management styles in expatriation
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wei Xialing , Zhou Wei
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the asymmetric effect of cultural distance on the relationship between cultural intelligence and expatriate adjustment through the mechanisms of conflict management styles.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conceptualizes a model depicting the interplay between culture intelligence, conflict management styles, cultural flows and expatriate adjustment.

Findings

The authors argue that the integrating style aggravates the positive effects of cultural intelligence on expatriate adjustment, while the avoiding style may undermine such effects. There is also a possible moderating effect of cultural distance asymmetry on the relationship between cultural intelligence and expatriate adjustment such that, the positive influence of cultural intelligence on adjustment is reinforced when the expatriate is sent from a loose cultural environment to adjust to a tight cultural environment, and that the positive influence of cultural intelligence on adjustment is diminished when the expatriate is sent from a tight cultural environment to adjust to a loose cultural environment.

Originality/value

This paper explicates the mediating effect of conflict management styles and the moderating roles of cultural distance asymmetry on the relationship between cultural intelligence and expatriate adjustment. The authors suggest that the level of adjustment is contingent on the direction of cultural flows that the assignment operates in.
Personality traits and conflict management styles in predicting job performance and conflict
Authors: Ayub Nailah , AlQurashi Suzan M. , Al-Yafi Wafa A. , Jehn Karen
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Personality differences may be a major reason of conflict, as well as the perception of conflict and preference for handling that conflict. This study aims to explore the role of personality traits in determining conflict and performance. The authors also studied the moderated mediated relationship between personality and performance through conflict and conflict management styles.

Design/methodology/approach

A field survey was conducted with a sample of 153 employees to test the hypotheses.

Findings

As hypothesized, agreeable persons perceive less conflict and extraverts are more likely to use integrating, obliging, compromising and avoiding styles. Emotionally stable people opt for integrating style whereas neurotics opt for dominating style. Conscientiousness, openness and emotional stability have a direct effect on performance, but the interactions between conflict and conflict management styles determine the relationship between personality traits and performance.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional nature of data and somewhat reliable coefficients for personality measures reduce confidence in the results. Future research should use different or multiple measures of personality. Personality traits may be explored in view of the degree of each personality trait or interactions between personality traits.

Practical implications

People are sensitive about engaging in conflict and handling conflict differently because of their personality characteristics. The personality traits should, therefore, be understood and considered for conflict experience, conflict management and performance.

Originality/value

The paper adds to management research by investigating the relationship between personality traits, conflicts, conflict management styles and performance.
Integrated impact of highway infrastructure, labour productivity and circular material consumption on Indian manufacturing growth
Authors: Ojha Ravindra , Vrat Prem
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Manufacturing sector growth continues to be topical in the growth journey of Indian economy. The purpose of this paper is to present the modelling and analysis of the combined impact of three key driving sub-systems on the Indian manufacturing growth. It has provided relevant insights and recommendations for its sustainable growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The impact of three key driving sub-systems: quality of highway-related infrastructure, manufacturing labour productivity and circular material-consumption in the growth of manufacturing has been studied. A System Dynamics (SD) based model to understand long-term implications of the policy variables on manufacturing growth has been developed. Five scenarios have been simulated for analysis.

Findings

Seven policy variables have been identified which have a significant impact on Indian manufacturing growth. Some relevant insights from the analysis of SD based system-behaviour have been provided which would facilitate the manufacturing growth.

Research limitations/implications

The paper has addressed the dynamics of only three sub-systems in the study of manufacturing growth. The other sub-systems which also have an impact on the manufacturing growth: Good governance, education quality and technology are recommended to be studied through SD based modelling.

Practical implications

Specific recommendations for accelerating the manufacturing growth have been made in the paper which has strong practical implications for growth of Indian economy.

Social implications

Manufacturing sector continues to have a significant impact on the prosperity of India. It facilitates in enhancement of employment and the micro-economic health aspects. Therefore, there is a need to understand the dynamics of the key policy variables affecting manufacturing growth which is very relevant for the society at large.

Originality/value

An application of the SD approach to analyse long-term implication of policy variables of three sub-systems that have a significant impact in manufacturing growth and five specific recommendations to the policy makers is the value-add.
Strategy-performance relationships
Authors: Anwar Jamil , Hasnu S.A.F.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The extant literature has challenged the original idea that pure strategy leads to superior performance. This shift has raised the question whether pure strategy is still superior to hybrid strategy? The purpose of this paper is to investigate the strategy-performance relationship in this context and the performance of pure, hybrid, and reactor strategies is compared.

Design/methodology/approach

Scoring method is used for identification of strategic types. ANOVA, univariate, and multivariate regression models are applied for empirical analysis using seven-year financial data of 307 Pakistani joint stock firms from 12 industries.

Findings

The results show that firms in Pakistan practice hybrid and reactor strategies rather than pure strategies. Overall, defending and analyzing strategies perform better than the prospecting strategies. However, the performance of the strategic types varies among industries and firm size. Strategy and firm size are the better predictors of firm performance.

Originality/value

The proposed methodology can be replicated to identify strategic groups and strategic orientations proposed by typological classifications when longitudinal studies are carried out. The process for identification of pure, hybrid, flexible, consistent, and reactor strategies is a key contribution to the literature.
Diverging incentives for reforming China’s restrictions on digital innovations
Authors: Ferracane Martina Francesca , Lee-Makiyama Hosuk
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate China’s policy on digital trade with the objective to highlight the rationales behind such policy.

Design/methodology/approach

China’s policy on digital trade is assessed by analysing the main regulations imposed in the country in the period from 1985 to 2016 that have an impact on digital trade.

Findings

It was found that there are more than 70 measures imposed today that have a negative impact on digital trade. The measures are diverse and can be justified with several policy objectives, namely, industrial policy, public order and national security, and these support China’s fiscal and state-owned enterprise structure.

Originality/value

This paper analyses China’s policy on digital trade from a new perspective and provides insights on the rationales behind this policy.
Determinants of intellectual capital disclosure: evidence from India
Authors: Kamath Bharathi
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This paper aims at exploring the extent and determinants of intellectual capital disclosure (ICD) in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Content of annual reports of 200 firms classified on their market capitalization is analysed using search terms to find out the extent and nature of disclosure. The period of study is 2010-11 and 2013-14. Paired t-test is used to see if there is any significant change in the level of disclosure between two time periods. The various determinants and their impacts are captured using a regression equation.

Findings

The analysis showed evidence that market capitalization, ownership and age of the firms are the major determinants of ICD in India. Performance, size and type of industry mattered only for large-cap firms. Disclosure levels are seen to increase with market capitalization. Human capital and external capital is highly reported by all categories of firms. The overall disclosure by all categories has significantly increased, whereas that of human capital and external capital has increased significantly only in small-cap and mid-cap firms.

Originality/value

This paper looks at size, market and performance-related variables and their impact on the extent of disclosure. It takes representative firms from three indices based on their market capitalization and evaluates them, thus making results and findings reliable. This is the first paper which takes a large cross section sample from across 12 sectors and also performs a longitudinal analysis. This paper is of interest to managers of firms who can affect the policies of their firms in making robust changes in disclosure practices.
Trading against anchoring
Authors: Ma Qingzhong , Wang Hui , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore trading strategies that exploit investors’ anchoring bias.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper forms portfolios based on nearness ratio and other anomaly variables under one- and two-way sorts. The portfolio return series are then regressed on Fama and French three factors to extract abnormal returns.

Findings

First is to use anchoring as a technical signal. A strategy that trades against anchoring buys stocks with prices near their 52-week high and sells stocks with prices far below their 52-week high. Based on deciles, the strategy generates a significant value-weighted monthly α of 1.13 percent, after accounting for the market, size, and value factors. Further, the strategy is profitable among both large and small stocks; the trading profit is higher among younger firms and more volatile stocks, but is similar between subsamples formed on number of analysts, level of institutional ownership, and number of institutional owners. The strategy is more profitable following periods of high investor sentiment. Second is to combine anchoring with known anomalies. For a broad set of 26 anomalies, a trading strategy that combines anchoring with the anomalies increases the value-weighted monthly α from an average of 0.61 percent to an average of 1.38 percent. While part of the profits can be attributed to momentum, momentum itself does not explain all the profits.

Originality/value

This paper presents empirical evidence that anchoring bias explains the profitability of a broad set of anomalies and describes practical trading strategies that exploit the anchoring bias.
Racism, Prevent and education: insisting on an open space
Authors: Haynes Joanna , Passy Rowena
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the links between the Brexit referendum and changes to the nature of racism in Britain, and following on from this, the implications of the counter-terrorist Prevent agenda with regard to universities.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors discuss the Brexit referendum and its links to changes in the nature of racism in England, drawing on Burnett’s (2013) work to demonstrate how “local conditions, national politics and global conditions” have prompted violent racism in new areas of the country. Within this atmosphere of heightened tension, anti-Muslim abuse and attacks have risen over the past two years, with a proportion of these incidents taking place in universities. The authors then examine the implications of the counter-terrorist Prevent agenda, then disturbing trends that characterise students as vulnerable and university life as potentially damaging to wellbeing, and how these link to anti-extremism dialogue that is expressed in an epidemiological and therapeutic language; the vulnerable are framed pathologically, as “at risk” of radicalisation.

Findings

The authors argue that educators’ statutory duty to “have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism” is in considerable tension with the university statutory duty to uphold the freedom of speech/academic freedom; this “duty of care” effectively requires university staff to act as agents of the state. The authors argue that this threatens to damage trust between staff and students, restrict critical enquiry and limit discussion, particularly in the current circumstances of sector insecurity that have arisen from a combination of neoliberal policies and falling student numbers.

Originality/value

Developing the argument on how these conditions present a threat to the freedom of speech/academic freedom, in the final section, the authors argue that universities must keep spaces open for uncertainty, controversy and disagreement.
What determines the gold inflation relation in the long-run?
Authors: Kumar Satish
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The author aims to examine the long-run dynamic relation between gold price and inflation in the Indian context from 1982 to 2015. The author measures inflation using consumer price index and wholesale price index (WPI). However, this study focuses on the long-run dynamic relation between gold price–WPI inflation.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses Johansen’s cointegration technique (Johansen, 1991); single equation error correction model based on Pesaran et al. (2001) and Kanioura and Turner (2005); and the Saikkonen and Lütkepohl (2000) approach. The author also uses a time-varying regression framework in level form based on Kalman filter to examine the dynamic nature of gold–WPI relation.

Findings

The author finds no evidence of cointegration between gold and WPI. However, The author reports a significant dynamic relation between gold and inflation using a Kalman filter framework, and the comovement between these variables has in fact increased in the past decade. The results further indicate that variation in gold’s sensitivity to inflation can be explained by real effective exchange rate which supports the notion of using gold as an alternative to paper currency. Moreover, the WPI beta of gold is found to be predicted by both short- and long-term interest rate changes highlighting the monetary value of gold as a valuable asset.

Practical implications

From an emerging economy point of view, the results have implications for policy makers, particularly the central banks. The results of this paper caution the Reserve Bank of India against increasing its gold holdings as a reserve asset presuming that gold would preserve its purchasing power parity, at the same time providing a hedge against inflation.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to examine the gold price–inflation relation in the Indian market for such a long period of time. More importantly, the study shows that the changes in gold’s long-term sensitivity to WPI can be forecast using fundamental variables like interest rates.
Do Portuguese mutual funds display forecasting skills?
Authors: Neto Nuno Manuel Veloso , Lobão Júlio Fernando Seara Sequeira da Mota , Vieira Elisabete Simões
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the performance of the Portuguese fund managers by examining the selectivity and market timing skills of 51 Portuguese mutual funds from June 2002 to March 2012.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors assess empirically the performance of a sample of funds by applying the unconditional and conditional models of Treynor and Mazuy (1966) and Henriksson and Merton (1981).

Findings

The results suggest that, overall, the Portuguese mutual funds do not possess selectivity or timing skills. However, regardless of the model used, the domestic equity funds exhibit a statistically significant market timing ability. Furthermore, the domestic and North American equity funds display positive selectivity during bull markets and timing skills during bear markets. Additionally, there is some evidence that older funds are better stock pickers than younger funds.

Research limitations/implications

To address some of the limitations of this study, the authors suggest for further research correcting the Treynor and Mazuy (1966) model for the convexity cost of replicating Merton’s (1981) option approach. Additionally, for further research, we suggest using a bigger sample, higher frequency data, as such data may lead to higher frequency of timing ability as proposed by Bollen and Busse (2001). To overcome some of the limitations of traditional models, future research may consider using Jiang’s (2003) nonparametric test, as it is not affected by manager’s risk aversion, or Ferson and Khang (2002) conditional performance evaluation using portfolios holdings.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the current literature by extending the period of study to 10 years in comparison to previous studies; extending the sample of funds to 51; addressing, for the first time in this context, the importance of public information on funds’ performance, through the comparison of unconditional and conditional models of Treynor and Mazuy’s (1966) and Henriksson and Merton’s (1981); and, for the first time in the Portuguese context, analysing the relationship between funds’ size, age and market cycles and selectivity and market timing skills.
Shoot growth of woody trees and shrubs is predicted by maximum plant height and associated traits
Authors: Gleason Sean M. , Stephens Andrea E. A. , Tozer Wade C. , Blackman Chris J. , Butler Don W. , Chang Yvonne , Cook Alicia M. , Cooke Julia , Laws Claire A. , Rosell Julieta A. , Stuart Stephanie A. , Westoby Mark
Published: August 2017

The rate of elongation and thickening of individual branches (shoots) varies across plant species. This variation is important for the outcome of competition and other plant–plant interactions. Here, we compared rates of shoot growth across 44 species from tropical, warm temperate and cool temperate forests of eastern Australia.

Shoot growth rate was found to correlate with a suite of traits including the potential height of the species, xylem‐specific conductivity, leaf size, leaf area per xylem cross‐section (LA/XA), twig diameter (at 40 cm length), wood density and modulus of elasticity.

Within this suite of traits, maximum plant height was the clearest correlate of growth rates, explaining 50%–67% of the variation in growth overall (p < .0001), and 23%–32% of the variation (p < .05) in growth when holding the influence of the other traits constant. Structural equation models suggest that traits associated with “hydraulics,” “biomechanics” and the “leaf economics spectrum” represent three clearly separated axes of variation, with the hydraulic axis exhibiting the strongest alignment with height and largest independent contribution to growth (in the case of branch thickening). However, most of the capacity of these axes to predict growth was also associated with maximum height, presumably reflecting coordinated selection on multiple traits that together influence life histories.

Growth rates were not strongly correlated with leaf nitrogen or leaf mass per unit leaf area.

Correlations between growth and maximum height arose both across latitude (47%, p < .0001) and from within‐site differences between species (30%, p < .0001). Covariation between growth and maximum height was driven in part by variation in irradiance across sites as well as among canopy positions within sites (23%, p < .0001). A significant fraction of this shared variation was independent of irradiance (45%, p < .0001), reflecting intrinsic differences across species and sites.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Biological Flora of the British Isles:Sorbus torminalis
Authors: Thomas Peter A.
Published: August 2017

This account presents information on all aspects of the biology ofSorbus torminalis(L.) Crantz (Wild Service‐tree) that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of theBiological Flora of the British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivores and disease, history and conservation.

Sorbus torminalisis an uncommon, mostly small tree (but can reach 33 m) native to lowland England and Wales, and temperate and Mediterranean regions of mainland Europe. It is the most shade‐tolerant member of the genus in the British Isles, and as a result, it is more closely associated with woodland than any other British species. Like other BritishSorbusspecies, however, it grows best where competition for space and sunlight is limited. Seedlings are shade tolerant but adults are only moderately so. This, combined with its low competitive ability, restricts the best growth to open areas. In shade, saplings and young adults form a sapling bank, showing reproduction and extensive growth only when released.Sorbus torminalistolerates a wide range of soil reaction (pH3·5–8·0) but grows best on calcareous clays and thin soils over limestone.

Sorbus torminalisis a sexual, diploid, non‐apomictic species that has hybridised with a number of otherSorbusspecies to form microspecies. The hermaphrodite flowers are primarily insect pollinated. Seed production is reliable only in warm years, especially at the edge of its range, although even then seed viability is low. The fruits are primarily dispersed by carnivorous mammals. Seeds display embryo dormancy but most will germinate the first spring after falling.

This tree is very tolerant of short droughts but only moderately tolerant of frost, hence its southerly and lowland distribution. It faces no particular individual threats although the small size of most populations makes it susceptible to habitat loss and fragmentation, particularly through the loss of open coppiced areas. As a consequence, it appears to be declining throughout Britain and Europe despite its wide range of historical uses and the high value of its timber. The extent to which these losses will be offset by increases due to climate change is unknown.
Beyond Gentrification: Hegemonic Redevelopment in Hong Kong
Authors: Tang Wing‐Shing
Published: August 2017

Like other concepts, gentrification must be situated in the socio‐historical context in which it was produced. Since its coinage the concept has travelled widely, yet it has been applied unevenly, and in some cases uncritically, in various locations now including Asian cities. This essay challenges the application of the concept of gentrification to Hong Kong, as attempted by an article previously published in this journal. It responds through two main lines of inquiry. First, it demonstrates how the absence of historical, geographical and socio‐political context weakens the basis for a critical urban geography. Second, in constructing a historical baseline, this essay proposes to conceive urban redevelopment through hegemony‐cum‐alienation, which is a more complicated process than displacement of the working class. Alienated hegemonic redevelopment perpetuates systemic reproduction and associated power politics, yet with the primary source of contradiction residing in landed and property relations. Conclusions suggest the urgency of developing new approaches instead of relying on more empirical studies as evidence for an already over‐developed concept. Analysis of the Hong Kong case suggests how the spent concept of gentrification could be superseded by alternatives.
Comparative study of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy on perioperative, oncological and functional outcomes
Authors: Cheng Kwun‐Chung , Chan Yun‐Sang , Chau Hin , Lam Kin‐Man , So Hing‐Shing
Published: August 2017

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the perioperative, oncological and functional outcomes of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) performed at our centres.

Patients and Methods

All LRP and RARP performed from January 2011 to June 2016 were reviewed through electronic patient records. The preoperative cancer characteristics, perioperative parameters, pathology, oncological and functional outcomes were studied.

Results

A total of 136 men were included in the analysis. RARP had a significantly less estimated blood loss (933 mL vs 361 mL, P < 0.01) than LRP. Positive surgical margins were noted in 42.6 and 35.2 per cent for LRP and RARP. Four‐year biochemical recurrence‐free survival was 79.4 per cent. There were no difference across the two groups. The 3‐, 12‐, 24‐ and 36‐month continence rates were 51.6, 86.8, 86.6 and 84.6 per cent, respectively. Early continence was better in RARP. The Urogenital Distress Inventory‐6 was significantly lower for RARP at 6 weeks and 3 and 12 months, while the Incontinence Impact Questionnaires‐7 was lower for RARP at 6 weeks and at 3 months. The 3‐, 12‐, 24‐ and 36‐month erection sufficient for intercourse (ESI) rates were 11.6; 25.5; 28.4 and 21.4 per cent, respectively. More men achieved ESI after 12 months in RARP. The International Index of Erectile Function 5‐item version score was higher in RARP from 12 months onwards.

Conclusion

RARP appears to be a promising approach for greater minimally‐invasive benefit and functional outcome, without jeopardizing oncological control.
Is High‐Volume Online Hemodiafiltration Associated With Malnutrition?
Authors: Macías Nicolás , Vega Almudena , Abad Soraya , Santos Alba , Cedeño Santiago , Linares Tania , García‐Prieto Ana María , Aragoncillo Inés , Yuste Claudia , López‐Gómez Juan Manuel
Published: August 2017

Chronic malnutrition is a common problem in patients with end‐stage renal disease on hemodialysis. Some studies have reported albumin loss into dialysis fluid during postdilution online hemodiafiltration (OL‐HDF). The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status of patients on high‐volume OL‐HDF and to demonstrate that higher convective clearances are not associated with malnutrition due to possible loss of nutrients with ultrafiltration. Demographic and clinical data, corporal composition with bioimpedance spectroscopy, dialysis features, albumin loss into dialysis fluid and laboratory parameters were collected in twenty‐eight patients with ESRD undergoing postdilution OL‐HDF with stable convective volumes over 28 L/session. Convective volume (CV) in the last six months was 32.51 ± 3.52 L per session. Cross‐sectional analysis of dialysis features showed 32.7 ± 3.34 L of CV and high reduction rates of beta‐2‐microglobulin (84.2 ± 3.8%) and cystatin‐C (81.6 ± 3.47%). Beta‐2‐microglobulin reduction showed a positive correlation with prealbumin levels (P = 0.048). CV was only correlated with cystatin‐C reduction (P = 0.025). Estimated albumin loss into dialysis fluid (1.82 ± 1.05 g/session) was not related to laboratory or bioimpedance nutritional parameters, or to CV. Among patients with higher CV, serum albumin levels maintained more stability during the observational period. High volume OL‐HDF results in better convective clearances and is not associated with malnutrition. Albumin and nutrients loss into dialysis fluid should not be a limiting factor of the substitution volume.
Estimates of effectiveness and reach for ‘return on investment’ modelling of smoking cessation interventions using data from England
Authors: West Robert , Coyle Kathryn , Owen Lesley , Coyle Doug , Pokhrel Subhash ,   On behalf of the EQUIPT Study Group
Published: August 2017

Background and aims

Estimating ‘return on investment’ (ROI) from smoking cessation interventions requires reach and effectiveness parameters for interventions for use in economic models such as the EQUIPT ROI tool (http://roi.equipt.eu). This paper describes the derivation of these parameter estimates for England that can be adapted to create ROI models for use by other countries.

Methods

Estimates were derived for interventions in terms of their reach and effectiveness in: (1) promoting quit attempts and (2) improving the success of quit attempts (abstinence for at least 12 months). The sources were systematic reviews of efficacy supplemented by individual effectiveness evaluations and national surveys.

Findings

Quit attempt rates were estimated to be increased by the following percentages (with reach in parentheses): 20% by tax increases raising the cost of smoking 5% above the cost of living index (100%); 10% by enforced comprehensive indoor public smoking bans (100%); 3% by mass media campaigns achieving 400 gross rating points (100%); 40% by brief opportunistic physician advice (21%); and 110% by use of a licensed nicotine product to reduce cigarette consumption (12%). Quit success rates were estimated to be increased by the following ratios: 60% by single‐form nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) (5%); 114% by NRT patch plus a faster‐acting NRT (2%);124% by prescribed varenicline (5%); 60% by bupropion (1%); 100% by nortriptyline (0%), 10) 298% by cytisine (0%); 40% by individual face‐to‐face behavioural support (2%); 37% by telephone support (0.5%); 88% by group behavioural support (1%); 63% by text messaging (0.5%); and 19% by printed self‐help materials (1%). There was insufficient evidence to obtain reliable, country‐specific estimates for interventions such as websites, smartphone applications and e‐cigarettes.

Conclusions

Tax increases, indoor smoking bans, brief opportunistic physician advice and use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for smoking reduction can all increase population quit attempt rates. Quit success rates can be increased by provision of NRT, varenicline, bupropion, nortriptyline, cytisine and behavioural support delivered through a variety of modalities. Parameter estimates for the effectiveness and reach of these interventions can contribute to return on investment estimates in support of national or regional policy decisions.
Status and progress of treatment methods for root caries in the last decade: a literature review
Authors: Cai J , Palamara JEA , Manton DJ , Burrow MF
Published: August 2017

The aim of this literature review is to explore the treatment methods for root caries in laboratory and clinical research in the last decade. A systematic search of publications in PubMed and Web of Science databases was performed. The timespan was limited to the last 10 years and English language. Further retrieval was conducted using the search terms of specific therapies or treatments. Eighty‐two articles were included in this systematic review and full texts were retrieved. Types of studies included laboratory studies and clinical trials. Therapeutic approaches for root caries without risk of pulp exposure can be categorized into non‐invasive and restorative treatment. Non‐invasive treatments which targeted different causative factors of root caries have been developed in the last decade. Accordingly, several artificial caries model systems have been proposed for the study of root caries in the laboratory. Carious tissue excavation techniques and restorative materials and procedures have been modified to improve the prognosis of invasive treatment. It is of importance to determine the most appropriate therapy for root caries and further clinical trials are needed to draw firm conclusions concerning the efficacy and consistency of the various treatment methods proposed.
Thrombocalc: implementation and uptake of personalized postpartum venous thromboembolism risk assessment in a high‐throughput obstetric environment
Authors: O'Shaughnessy Fergal , Donnelly Jennifer C. , Cooley Sharon M. , Deering Mary , Raman Ajita , Gannon Geraldine , Hickey Jane , Holland Alan , Hayes Niamh , Bennett Kathleen , Ní Áinle Fionnuala , Cleary Brian J.
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Venous thromboembolism risk assessment (VTERA) is recommended in all pregnant and postpartum women. Our objective was to develop, pilot and implement a user‐friendly electronic VTERA tool.

Material and methods

We developed “Thrombocalc”, an electronic VTERA tool using Microsoft EXCEL™. Thrombocalc was designed as a score‐based tool to facilitate rapid assessment of all women after childbirth. Calculation of a total score estimated risk of venous thromboembolism in line with consensus guidelines. Recommendations for thromboprophylaxis were included in the VTERA output. Implementation was phased. Uptake of the VTERA tool was assessed prospectively by monitoring the proportion of women who gave birth in our institution and had a completed risk assessment. Factors affecting completion and accuracy of risk assessments were also assessed.

Results

Thrombocalc was used prospectively to risk‐assess 8380 women between September 2014 and December 2015. Compliance with this tool increased dramatically throughout the study period; over 92% of women were risk‐assessed in the last quarter of data collection. Compliance was not adversely affected if delivery took place out of working hours [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93–1.14]. Risk assessment was less likely in the case of cesarean deliveries (aOR 0.66, 95% CI 0.60–0.73) and stillborn infants (aOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.29–0.79). Misclassification of risk factors led to approximately 207 (2.5%) inaccurate thromboprophylaxis recommendations.

Conclusions

Our electronic, score‐based VTERA tool provides a highly effective mechanism for rapid assessment of individual postpartum venous thromboembolism risk in a high‐throughput environment.
Declining prevalence of cytological squamous intraepithelial lesions of the cervix among women living with well‐controlled HIV – Most women living with HIV do not need annual PAP smear screening
Authors: Aho Inka , Kivelä Pia , Haukka Jari , Sutinen Jussi , Heikinheimo Oskari
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Cervical screening by means of annual Papanicolaou (PAP) smears has been recommended for all women living with HIV. We analysed the results of our annual PAP smear screening program to identify low‐risk subgroups for less rigorous screening.

Material and methods

The study comprised 369 women followed at the Helsinki University Hospital 2002–2013, with a total of 2033 PAP smear results. We analyzed the temporal changes in PAP smear findings. Logistic regression analysis for binominal dependent variables was used for assessing risk factors for ever having cytological squamous intraepithelial lesions (hereafter referred as SIL) using generalized estimating equations taking into account multiple observations of each patient.

Results

Most women had well‐controlled HIV, especially towards the end of the study. PAP smear results improved substantially. At the time of each individual's last PAP smear, 90.0% of the findings displayed normal results. Conversely, the rate of SIL decreased from 16.8% to 4.6% from 2002 to 2013. In multivariate analysis the risk of SIL was significantly lower in women with consecutive normal PAP smear findings during the first two years of follow up [odds ratio (OR) 0.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10–0.45, p < 0.001] and with CD4 counts >500 cells/μL (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.05–0.26, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Widespread use of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and systematic cervical screening has reduced the rate of abnormal PAP smears. It seems feasible to identify low‐risk women by combining HIV‐related information and PAP smear results. Screening low‐risk women living with HIV at three‐year intervals similar to HIV‐negative women appears justified.
Complications in operative hysteroscopy – is prevention possible?
Authors: Aas‐Eng Mee Kristine , Langebrekke Anton , Hudelist Gernot
Published: August 2017

Operative hysteroscopy in a hospital setting has revolutionized surgical treatment of benign uterine disorders. It is minimally invasive, cost‐ and time‐effective, and may spare patients major surgical interventions. Operative hysteroscopy in a day‐case hospital setting is regarded as a safe and well‐tolerated procedure with low complication rates. However, prevention of adverse events is crucial in daily practice to optimize patient care. Complications in operative hysteroscopy can be divided into early complications, including bleeding, uterine perforation, infection and fluid overload, or late complications and suboptimal outcomes, such as incomplete resection and intrauterine adhesions. Awareness and knowledge of management of adverse events as well as the use of possible preventative measures will increase the quality and safety of hysteroscopic surgery. The present commentary focuses on these issues as an up‐to‐date basis for everyday clinical practice.
The first description of the complete natural history of uveal melanoma by two Scottish surgeons, Allan Burns and James Wardrop
Authors: Kivelä Tero T.
Published: August 2017

James Wardrop (1782–1869), a young Scottish surgeon and an early ophthalmologist in Edinburgh, is credited for describing in 1809 retinoblastoma as an entity in his treatise ‘Observations on Fungus Hæmatodes or Soft Cancer’. His treatise also reveals that Allan Burns (1781–1813), another young Scottish surgeon and anatomist, had invited Wardrop to assist in enucleating an eye from a 41‐year‐old Glasgow woman who, in retrospect, had a uveal melanoma. Her eye had become blind 4 months after symptoms of exudative retinal detachment had appeared, and it had become painful after a further 2–4 months. The tumour eventually perforated the sclera, and she died within a year thereafter of hepatic metastases. Burns and Wardrop went on to publish detailed parallel accounts of the symptoms, signs, ophthalmic pathology and post‐mortem findings regarding the primary, recurrent and metastatic tumour. Burns may have performed the post‐mortem after exhuming the body, a common occurrence in early 19th Century Scotland, a thriving hub for teaching morbid anatomy to young surgeons at the time.
Treatment for neovascular age‐related macular degeneration in Sweden: outcomes at seven years in the Swedish Macula Register
Authors: Westborg Inger , Granstam Elisabet , Rosso Aldana , Albrecht Susanne , Karlsson Niklas , Lövestam‐Adrian Monica
Published: August 2017

Purpose

To present Swedish Macula Register (SMR) data regarding treatment of neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) in clinical practice since 2008.

Methods

A retrospective register‐based study was conducted. Evaluation of baseline demographics, visual outcome and number of injections during this period is presented.

Results

Mean age at diagnosis was 79 ± (SD) 8 years; 65% were female. The proportion of patients with <2 months' duration of symptoms increased from 26% in 2008 to 41% in 2014 (p = 0.001). Mean visual acuity (VA) at baseline increased from 54.3 ± 15.0 early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) letters in 2008 to 57.8 ± 15.6 letters in 2014 (CI95 2.6; 4.3; p < 0.001). Mean VA after 1 year of treatment increased from 57.8 ± 17.7 ETDRS letters for patients who started the treatment in 2008 to 62.8 ± 16.4 ETDRS letters in patients starting treatment in 2014 (CI95 2.67; 4.64; p < 0.001). During all study years, the proportion of patients with an improvement in VA of between 5 and 15 letters was around 30%, while 14% had VA improvement of more than 15 letters. The mean number of injections during the first treatment year increased from 4.3 ± 1.9 in 2008 to 5.9 ± 2.9 in 2014 (CI95 1.40; 1.67; p < 0.001). Seven‐year follow‐up of 322 eyes showed a mean change of −1 letters from baseline, with a mean of 21 injections for the entire period.

Conclusion

The duration of symptoms before treatment decreased, while VA at baseline and after 1 year of treatment increased over the years and so did the number of injections. Long‐term follow‐up demonstrated stable VA.
Visual impairment and blindness in Hungary
Authors: Szabó Dorottya , Sándor Gábor László , Tóth Gábor , Pék Anita , Lukács Regina , Szalai Irén , Tóth Georgina Zsófia , Papp András , Nagy Zoltán Zsolt , Limburg Hans , Németh János
Published: August 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and causes of blindness, severe visual impairment (SVI), moderate visual impairment (MVI), and early visual impairment (EVI) and its causes in an established market economy of Europe.

Design

A cross‐sectional population‐based survey.

Methods

A sample size of 3675 was calculated using the standard Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) software in Hungary. A total of 105 clusters of 35 people aged 50 years or older were randomly selected with probability proportionate to size by the Hungarian Central Statistical Office. Households within the clusters were selected using compact segment sampling. Visual acuity (VA) was assessed with a Snellen tumbling E‐chart with or without a pinhole in the households.

Results

The adjusted prevalences of bilateral blindness, SVI, MVI and EVI were 0.9% (95% CI: 0.6–1.2), 0.5% (95% CI: 0.2–0.7), 5.1% (95% CI: 4.3–5.9) and 6.9% (95% CI: 5.9–7.9), respectively. The major causes of blindness in Hungary were age‐related macular degeneration (AMD; 27.3%) and other posterior segment diseases (27.3%), cataract (21.2%) and glaucoma (12.1%). Cataract was the main cause of SVI, MVI and EVI. Cataract surgical coverage (CSC) was 90.7%. Of all bilateral blindness in Hungary, 45.5% was considered avoidable.

Conclusion

This study proved that RAAB methodology can be successfully conducted in industrialized countries, which often lack reliable epidemiologic data. The prevalence of blindness was relatively low, with AMD and other posterior segment diseases being the leading causes, and cataract is still a significant cause of visual impairment.
Movements of dams milked for fermented horse milk production in Mongolia
Authors: Bat‐Oyun Tserenpurev , Ito Takehiko Y , Purevdorj Yadamjav , Shinoda Masato , Ishii Satomi , Buho Hoshino , Morinaga Yuki
Published: August 2017

Airag, (Fermented horse milk) is a traditional milk product in Mongolia. Herders separate foals from their dams and tie them at a milking site during the daytime to produce airag. To evaluate the effects of horse management on the movement of dams, we tracked three dams in a herd in camp 1 during summer and camp 2 during autumn of 2013 and analyzed their movements during the milking (daytime) and non‐milking (nighttime) periods in an area famous for its high‐quality airag. Dams were gathered every 1.7 ± 0.0 h between 07.46 and 15.47 hours at the milking sites and milked 4.6 ± 0.2 times/day during the study period (86 days). Daily cumulative and maximum linear distances from the milking sites were longer (P < 0.01) during the non‐milking period than during the milking period. Daily home ranges were 91 and 26 times greater during the non‐milking period (P < 0.001) in camps 1 and 2, respectively. The greater range during the non‐milking period would reflect the spatial distributions of water, salt and forage. The dams initially used similar areas and gradually shifted their daily home ranges after several days. This shift suggests that the dams grazed farther afield as forage availability declined around the milking site. For better airag production and sustainable pasture use, our results provide insights useful for evaluating the effects of milking management on vegetation and soil in those pastures, for selecting the appropriate milking times and frequency, and for choosing the right timing to shift milking sites.