bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unravelling the evolutionary origins of biogeographic assemblages
Authors: Daru Barnabas H. , van der Bank Michelle , Davies T. Jonathan
Published: November 2017

Aim

Floristic and faunal diversity fall within species assemblages that can be grouped into distinct biomes or ecoregions. Understanding the origins of such biogeographic assemblages helps illuminate the processes shaping present‐day diversity patterns and identifies regions with unique or distinct histories. While the fossil record is often sparse, dated phylogenies can provide a window into the evolutionary past of these regions. Here, we present a novel phylogenetic approach to investigate the evolutionary origins of present‐day biogeographic assemblages and highlight their conservation value.

Location

Southern Africa.

Methods

We evaluate the evolutionary turnover separating species clusters in space at different time slices to determine the phylogenetic depth at which the signal for their present‐day structure emerges. We suggest present‐day assemblages with distinct evolutionary histories might represent important units for conservation. We apply our method to the vegetation of southern Africa using a dated phylogeny of the woody flora of the region and explore how the evolutionary history of vegetation types compares to common conservation currencies, including species richness, endemism and threat.

Results

We show the differentiation of most present‐day vegetation types can be traced back to evolutionary splits in the Miocene. The woody flora of the Fynbos is the most evolutionarily distinct, and thus has deeper evolutionary roots, whereas the Savanna and Miombo Woodland show close phylogenetic affinities and likely represent a more recent separation. However, evolutionarily distinct phyloregions do not necessarily capture the most unique phylogenetic diversity, nor are they the most species‐rich or threatened.

Main conclusions

Our approach complements analyses of the fossil record and serves as a link to the history of diversification, migration and extinction of lineages within biogeographic assemblages that is separate from patterns of species richness and endemism. Our analysis reveals how phyloregions capture conservation value not represented by traditional biodiversity metrics.
Landscape correlates of forest plant invasions: A high‐resolution analysis across the eastern United States
Authors: Riitters Kurt , Potter Kevin , Iannone Basil V. , Oswalt Christopher , Fei Songlin , Guo Qinfeng
Published: November 2017

Aim

Invasive species occurrence is often related to the anthropogenic context of a given area. Quantifying the effects of roads is of particular interest as roads are a major vector for invasion. Our objective was to further quantify the effects of roads on forest plant invasion through a macroscale, high‐resolution investigation to assist effective invasion control and mitigation.

Location

Eastern United States.

Methods

Using invasive plant data from 23,039 forest inventory plots in 13 ecological provinces, we employed logistic regression to relate the odds of invasion to distance from a road, with adjustments for broadscale differences attributable to ecological provinces, and local scale differences in productivity, forest fragmentation and land use.

Results

The overall proportion (P) of invaded plots was 0.58 (0.65 for plots within 50 m of a road), and the highest odds (P/1 − P) of invasion were found in relatively more productive, fragmented forest in landscapes with more than 10% agriculture or developed land cover. Wald chi‐square statistics indicated the best predictor of the odds of invasion was ecological province, followed by land use, productivity, forest fragmentation and distance from a road. Depending on the province, the adjusted odds of invasion decreased by up to 23% (typically 4%–10%) per 100 m distance from a road. The adjusted probability of invasion approached zero in only three provinces, for the least productive, least fragmented forest that was at least 2,000 m from a road in landscapes with less than 10% agricultural or developed land cover.

Main conclusions

In the eastern United States, the existence of a nearby road is less important than the landscape context associated with the road. A purely road‐mediated effect has little practical meaning because anthropogenic activities and roads are pervasive and confounded.
The rich get richer: Invasion risk across North America from the aquarium pathway under climate change
Authors: Della Venezia Lidia , Samson Jason , Leung Brian
Published: November 2017

Aim

To evaluate how the establishment risk of freshwater fish species from the aquarium trade will change under a climate change scenario forecast for the year 2050.

Location

North America.

Methods

In order to estimate changes in the magnitude of risk across geography and across different species in the aquarium pathway, we considered an integrated approach to modelling the probability of establishment, which simultaneously included proxies of propagule pressure, environmental variables, species traits and interactions between environment and traits. We then used the parameters of our model to predict how the risk of establishment will change under a scenario of climate change forecast for the year 2050.

Results

Our joint model performed better than submodels, suggesting that combining all components is worthwhile. The most predictive factors were precipitation, maximum temperature tolerance, maximum fish length and minimum temperature. Our joint model forecasted a 40% increase in the average risk of establishment by 2050 in the United States. In contrast to our expectations, the absolute establishment risk associated with this pathway remained very low for the entire suite of species in the aquarium trade in northern regions, such as Quebec, Canada. Instead, Florida, which has one of the highest current risks of establishment, was also forecasted to have the greatest absolute risk increase.

Main conclusions

Our methodology for risk assessment allows invasive species management strategies to consider entire suites of species at a time and to forecast establishment risk for each species and location. While the aquarium pathway is likely to become more important for the United States, the Quebec government should prioritize other pathways of introduction in its exotic invasive species strategy. Our approach can be extended to be applied to different sets of species pertaining to the same or different pathways.
Single‐Versus Two‐Opportunity Price Postponement and Ordering Strategies of a Seasonal Product
Authors: Herbon Avi
Published: November 2017

We compare two strategies of ordering and pricing postponement for a seasonal product. In the single‐opportunity strategy, the retailer orders all base‐stock prior to the beginning of the season and sets the price when the season begins and demand information becomes available. In the two‐opportunity strategy, the retailer orders only some of her stock before the season, and places an additional order after the season starts; the second‐order quantity and the prices for each quantity of base‐stock are determined according to currently available demand information. The latter strategy can accommodate unexpected demand changes that occur late in the selling season. We provide sufficient conditions in which the two‐opportunity strategy is preferable to the single‐opportunity strategy. Each problem is analyzed using a multistage programming approach, and optimal prices as well as optimality conditions for the different base‐stock levels are obtained. In contrast to previous studies, our model addresses the effect of the timing of the arrival of the second order and accounts for holding costs over time as well as a reputation penalty associated with lost sales. Moreover, it does not ignore fixed costs associated with order placement and processing of demand information. A numerical example and sensitivity analysis of the key parameters show that the ratio between the optimal expected profits obtained under the single‐opportunity strategy and under the two‐opportunity strategy is lower for higher values of the holding costs or reputation penalty. Moreover, the ratio is higher for later splitting points as well as for higher fixed costs.
An Examination of the Relationship between Intellectual Capital and Supply Chain Integration in Humanitarian Aid Organizations: A Survey‐Based Investigation of Food Banks
Authors: Ataseven Cigdem , Nair Anand , Ferguson Mark
Published: November 2017

Food banks are humanitarian aid organizations that collect, organize, and deliver food to nonprofit member agencies and also to individuals to help alleviate the society's hunger problem. The supply chain of food banks is characterized by private sector companies, individual donors and governmental agencies providing monetary support and food inventory on the supply side, and the member agencies such as food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and volunteers delivering support on the demand side. Within the purview of this supply chain, food banks strive to improve their performance, which is commonly measured in terms of the amount of food delivered to the communities in need. Food banks rely on managerial talent that is relatively more constrained than the private sector and also use a voluntary workforce for attaining their performance goals. Considering the unique yet pertinent role of human assets in food banks to manage their supply chain integration initiatives, we employ an intellectual capital framework to analyze the human, organizational, and social capital antecedents of supply chain integration in food banks. Specifically, we suggest that intellectual capital drives supply chain integration in humanitarian organizations. Moreover, we propose specific relationships between the dimensions of intellectual capital. A carefully crafted survey is used to inform our results. The results indicate that human capital significantly impacts social capital, which, in turn, drives all supply chain integration dimensions. We discuss the implications of our findings for managing intellectual capital in the not‐for‐profit sector and offer directions for future research.
Routine guidewire application facilitates cholangioscopy in the management of postoperative residual hepatolithiasis
Authors: Wen Xu‐dong , Xiao Le , Wang Tao , Navarro‐Alvarez Nalu , Liu Wei‐hui
Published: November 2017

Background and Aim

Although postoperative cholangioscopy (POC) is considered to be an effective treatment for residual hepatolithiasis after surgery, its security and validity still need to be improved. This study compared wire‐guided POC (WG‐POC) versus traditional POC (T‐POC) in the management of patients with residual hepatolithiasis.

Methods

This retrospective study included a total of 203 patients who suffered from hepatolithiasis and underwent hepatectomy as initial intervention from 1 January 2016 to 1 January 2017. After surgery, 110 patients were subjected to T‐POC and 93 to WG‐POC for eliminating residual hepatolithiasis. Perioperative course and follow‐up outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

No significant differences in clinical characteristics or distribution of residual hepatolithiasis between the WG‐POC and T‐POC groups were observed (P > 0.05). However, overall POC interventional sessions (2.9 ± 0.85 vs 4.0 ± 1.21 times), average operating time (264.8 ± 103.61 vs 389.4 ± 136.26 min), overall complications rate (18.28% vs 32.73%), and overall T‐tube retaining time (21.8 ± 6.20 vs 28.8 ± 8.09 days) were lower in the WG‐POC group than in the T‐POC group (P < 0.05). In addition, there were no significant differences between the two groups (WG‐POC vs T‐POC) in recurrence (4.30% vs 4.55%) and residual calculi (8.60% vs 6.36%) at half‐a‐year follow up (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Routine wire guidance may improve the outcome of cholangioscopy in managing complicated residual hepatolithiasis, being associated with clear advantages such as shorter operating time and number of POC interventions, reduced T‐tube retaining time, and fewer postoperative complications.
A new hybrid anchoring balloon for direct peroral cholangioscopy using an ultraslim upper endoscope
Authors: Li Jian , Guo Shao‐Ju , Zhang Jing‐Chao , Wang Hong‐Yan , Li Kai , Niu She‐Hui
Published: November 2017

Background and Aim

Large impacted or residual invisible common bile duct (CBD) stones after mechanical lithotripsy are challenging. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and success rate of a new hybrid anchoring balloon‐guided direct peroral cholangioscopy (POC) for these conditions using an ultraslim endoscope.

Methods

Sixty‐five patients with large or residual invisible CBD stones for direct POC from July 2012 to July 2016 were identified, including six cases in whom an additional interventional procedure was required. There were altogether 55 cases undergoing a procedure with our new device, with a 0.021‐inch guidewire tied to a balloon catheter at its distal end in this single‐center retrospective study. Technical success, procedure time, diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of direct POC, and procedure‐related complications were studied.

Results

The hybrid anchoring balloon‐guided direct POC was successful in 51/55 (92.7%) procedures, including 18 cases in whom the conventional wire‐guided method failed within 25 min. Mean time for technical success by our method was 12.4 ± 3.4 min. In total, of the 43 cases with previous removal of CBD stones, seven (16.3%) were found to have residual stones ≥4 mm, excluding three cases in whom direct POC failed. In another 25 cases for difficult stones, 24 lithotripsies were carried out, resulting in 23 complete fragmentations. No significant procedure‐related complications were observed.

Conclusion

The new hybrid anchoring balloon device performs well in facilitating direct POC using an ultraslim endoscope for evaluation and extraction of residual or large impacted CBD stones.
Response to clobazam in continuous spike‐wave during sleep
Authors: Vega Clemente , Sánchez Fernández Ivan , Peters Jurriaan , Thome‐Souza Maria S , Jackson Michele , Takeoka Masanori , Wilkening Greta N , Pearl Phillip L , Chapman Kevin , Loddenkemper Tobias
Published: November 2017

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of clobazam treatment in reducing epileptiform discharges and modifying neuropsychological function in continuous spike‐wave during slow wave sleep.

Method

We performed a prospective clinical trial in patients with continuous spike‐wave during sleep aged 4 to 10 years. Patients underwent neuropsychological assessment and overnight electroencephalographic monitoring before treatment, and subsequent repeat assessment and overnight electroencephalographic monitoring 3 months after treatment. Treatment consisted of 1mg/kg clobazam up to a maximum dose of 30mg during the first night, followed by 0.5mg/kg nightly for 3 months.

Results

Nine patients completed the study and had pre‐ and post‐neuropsychological evaluation. There was a qualitative reduction in median (p25–p75) spike percentage after 3 months (72.2 [68.0–75.8] vs 32.7 [4.7–81.7]). There were no marked changes in median (p25–p75) IQ comparing pre‐ and post‐clobazam treatment (80.0 [74.0–88.0] vs 80.0 [67.0–89.0]). There was a qualitative increase in Verbal IQ (83.0 [69.0–92.0] vs 95.0 [83.0–99.0]) and a qualitative decrease in Non‐verbal IQ (84.0 [74.0–87.0] vs 71.0 [60.0–84.0]).

Interpretation

Qualitative improvements in epileptiform activity and cognition occurred in patients treated with clobazam for 3 months and the relationship between epileptiform activity and cognitive outcome should be studied in larger studies.

What this paper adds

Verbal IQ in patients with continuous spike‐wave during sleep improved following short‐term treatment with clobazam.

Other neuropsychological improvements were observed, but varied by patient.

Cognitive improvement was observed despite some worsening of epileptiform discharges.
Impact of comorbidities constituting the hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT)‐comorbidity index on the outcome of patients undergoing allogeneic HCT for acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Khalil Manar M. I. , Lipton Jeffrey H. , Atenafu Eshetu G. , Gupta Vikas , Kim Dennis D. , Kuruvilla John , Viswabandya Auro , Messner Hans A. , Michelis Fotios V.
Published: November 2017

Objective

To investigate the prognostic impact of the individual component comorbidities of the hematopoietic cell transplant comorbidity index (HCT‐CI) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that underwent allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT).

Method

This single‐center study retrospectively investigated the individual comorbidities of the HCT‐CI on the outcome of 418 patients that underwent HCT for AML, in CR1 (n = 303, 72%) or CR2 (n = 115, 28%) at our center between 1999 and 2014.

Results

Median age at HCT was 50 years (range 18‐71). Univariate analysis of the HCT‐CI, grouped as score 0 (n = 109), 1‐2 (n = 157) and ≥3 (n = 152), demonstrated significant influence on overall survival (OS) (P = .004) and non‐relapse mortality (NRM) (P = .02). For individual comorbidities constituting the HCT‐CI, variables with a P‐value ≤ .2 on univariate analysis were included in the multivariable analysis. For OS, none of the comorbidities of the HCT‐CI demonstrated independent prognostic relevance. However, for NRM, multivariable analysis demonstrated pretransplant diabetes (HR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.31‐3.60, P = .003) and cardiovascular comorbidity (HR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.15‐2.76, P = .01) to be independent predictors of NRM post‐transplant.

Conclusion

Among the comorbidities that compose the HCT‐CI, diabetes and cardiovascular comorbidity independently predict NRM in patients undergoing allogeneic HCT for AML. This information should be taken into consideration regarding post‐transplant monitoring and care.
A review of urban impacts on avian life‐history evolution: Does city living lead to slower pace of life?
Authors: Sepp Tuul , McGraw Kevin J. , Kaasik Ants , Giraudeau Mathieu
Published: November 2017

The concept of a pace‐of‐life syndrome describes inter‐ and intraspecific variation in several life‐history traits along a slow‐to‐fast pace‐of‐life continuum, with long lifespans, low reproductive and metabolic rates, and elevated somatic defences at the slow end of the continuum and the opposite traits at the fast end. Pace‐of‐life can vary in relation to local environmental conditions (e.g. latitude, altitude), and here we propose that this variation may also occur along an anthropogenically modified environmental gradient. Based on a body of literature supporting the idea that city birds have longer lifespans, we predict that urban birds have a slower pace‐of‐life compared to rural birds and thus invest more in self maintenance and less in annual reproduction. Our statistical meta‐analysis of two key traits related to pace‐of‐life, survival and breeding investment (clutch size), indicated that urban birds generally have higher survival, but smaller clutch sizes. The latter finding (smaller clutches in urban habitats) seemed to be mainly a characteristic of smaller passerines. We also reviewed urbanization studies on other traits that can be associated with pace‐of‐life and are related to either reproductive investment or self‐maintenance. Though sample sizes were generally too small to conduct formal meta‐analyses, published literature suggests that urban birds tend to produce lower‐quality sexual signals and invest more in offspring care. The latter finding is in agreement with the adult survival hypothesis, proposing that higher adult survival prospects favour investment in fewer offspring per year. According to our hypothesis, differences in age structure should arise between urban and rural populations, providing a novel alternative explanation for physiological differences and earlier breeding. We encourage more research investigating how telomere dynamics, immune defences, antioxidants and oxidative damage in different tissues vary along the urbanization gradient, and suggest that applying pace‐of‐life framework to studies of variation in physiological traits along the urbanization gradient might be the next direction to improve our understanding of urbanization as an evolutionary process.
Land use and life history limit migration capacity of eastern tree species
Authors: Miller Kathryn M. , McGill Brian J.
Published: November 2017

Aim

Temperate tree species overwhelmingly responded to past climate change by migrating rather than adapting. However, past climate change did not have the modern human‐driven patterns of land use and fragmentation, raising questions of whether tree migration will still be able to keep pace with climate. Previous studies using coarse‐grained or randomized landscapes suggest that dispersal may be delayed but have not identified outright barriers to migration. Here, we use real‐world fragmented landscapes at the scale of forest stands to assess the migration capacity of eastern tree species.

Location

Eastern U.S.A.

Time period

Present day to 2100.

Major taxa studied

Eastern U.S. trees.

Methods

We simulated dispersal over 100 years for 15 species common to the mid‐Atlantic region and that are predicted to gain suitable habitat in the northeast. In contrast to previous studies, we incorporated greater realism with species‐specific life histories and real‐world spatial configurations of anthropogenic land use. We used simulation results to calculate dispersal rates for each species and related these to predicted rates of species habitat shift.

Results

Our simulations suggest that land use in the human‐dominated east‐coast corridor slows species dispersal rates by 12–40% and may prevent keeping pace with climate. Species most impacted by anthropogenic land use were often those with the highest predicted species habitat shifts. We identified two major dispersal barriers, the Washington DC metropolitan area and central NY, that severely impeded tree migration.

Main conclusions

Patterns of anthropogenic land use not only slowed migration but also resulted in effective barriers to dispersal. These impacts were exacerbated by tree life histories, such as long ages to maturity and narrow dispersal kernels. Without intervention, the migration lags predicted here may lead to loss in biodiversity and ecosystem functions as current forest species decline, and may contribute to formation of novel communities.
Extreme homogenization: The past, present and future of mammal assemblages on islands
Authors: Longman Emily K. , Rosenblad Kyle , Sax Dov F.
Published: November 2017

Aim

We documented how the similarity of mammal assemblages on continental and oceanic islands has changed since initial human colonization, since European arrival and overall. We investigated how levels of similarity might change in the future.

Location

Continental and oceanic islands worldwide.

Time period

Human settlement of islands to the present, as well as projections for the future.

Major taxa studied

Mammals.

Methods

We used mammal occurrence data on islands to calculate the change in similarity using a pairwise approach based on Jaccard's index and a multisite approach based on Jaccard's and Sørensen's measures. We divided the mammal assemblages into two time periods, before and after island colonization or trade began with Europeans. We unpacked the mechanisms driving changes in similarity, exploring how initial similarity interacts with seven types of species turnover events to determine overall change. Finally, we calculated how future similarity levels will change if past trends in introductions and extinctions continue.

Results

Mammals, on both continental and oceanic islands, show one of the most pronounced cases of homogenization ever observed, and on oceanic islands mammals show the largest increase in homogenization ever observed for a terrestrial group. Most of the homogenization observed to date has been driven by recent historical changes, not by changes that occurred before European arrival. If current patterns of species introductions and extinctions continue, then oceanic islands will experience little additional homogenization, whereas continental islands will homogenize greatly beyond current levels.

Main conclusions

Mammal assemblages on oceanic islands show nearly an order of magnitude greater change in similarity than plant and bird assemblages. Projections of future similarity indicate that continental and oceanic islands are on different trajectories of change. These trajectories could be altered by management actions, but in some cases those actions that would be impactful run counter to current conservation norms.
Personal finance blogs: Helpful tool for consumers with low financial literacy or preaching to the choir?
Authors: Hoffmann Arvid , Otteby Katarina
Published: November 2017

Recent transitions from defined benefit to defined contribution plans assign greater individual responsibility to consumers to prepare for retirement and make consequential financial choices. However, many consumers are ill‐equipped to do so, considering overall low levels of financial literacy. At the same time, there is increasing controversy about the effectiveness of traditional financial education, such as high school financial education, counselling and seminars or workshops. Alternative sources of (just‐in‐time) financial training or advice may be needed to financially empower consumers and help them make important financial decisions. In the light of these developments, this study investigates if consumers perceive personal finance blogs as a helpful alternative in acquiring financial knowledge, and which factors influence perceived helpfulness of and intention to use personal finance blogs. Using Structural Equation Modelling to analyse data from a sample of U.S. consumers, the results of this study uncover that financial literacy and susceptibility to informational influence have a significant positive association with perceived helpfulness. Perceived financial uncertainty, which refers to uncertainty in terms of consumers’ perceived ability to accurately predict their future financial needs, has a significant negative association with perceived helpfulness of and intention to use personal finance blogs. Finally, perceived helpfulness of a personal finance blog is a significant positive predictor of consumers’ intention to use it. Overall, the findings suggest that personal finance blogs are preaching to the choir, since the consumers who are most likely to use personal finance blogs seem to need them the least given their higher levels of financial literacy and lower levels of perceived financial uncertainty. Taken together, the findings shed light on the potential users of personal finance blogs and underline the challenges of a ‘one‐size‐fits‐all’ financial education. This study aids in assessing personal finance blogs as an online resource which is scarcely researched, but which has the potential to provide just‐in‐time financial education to consumers across the world.
Associative role of HLA‐DRB1 SNP genotypes as risk factors for susceptibility and severity of rheumatoid arthritis: A North‐east Indian population‐based study
Authors: Das S. , Baruah C. , Saikia A. K. , Bose S.
Published: November 2017

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex, multifactorial, systemic autoimmune disease. Reports are suggestive of the role of HLA especially HLA‐DRB1 alterations in RA pathogenesis. Existing data involving different geographical populations on the role of alterations in specific locus of HLA‐DRB1 in RA susceptibility and severity are equivocal, with no data available from ethnically distinct North‐east Indian population, where RA cases are alarmingly increasing. This study aimed to evaluate the association of HLA‐DRB1 gene SNPs (rs13192471, rs660895 and rs6457617) with susceptibility and severity of RA in an ethnically distinct North‐east Indian population. Whole blood was collected from clinically characterized RA cases (satisfying the American College of Rheumatology 1987 criteria) (n = 123) and community‐based age and sex‐matched healthy controls (n = 156) with informed consent. The HLA‐DRB1 SNP analysis was performed for all the RA and control cases using ARMS‐PCR using case and control genomic DNA as template. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSSv13.0 software. The HLA‐DRB1 rs660895 showed both wild (AA) and heterozygote (AG) genotype but the heterozygote allele was found to be associated with reduced risk of RA compared to controls [OR = 0.531, p = .024]. The difference in distribution of rs6457617 polymorphism between RA and control cases was comparable [OR = 0.525, p = .079]. Significantly higher distribution of variant rs13192471 genotype was observed in RA cases (69.92%) compared to controls (46.75%) (p < .001) and was associated with increased risk of susceptibility to RA [OR = 2.576, p < .001] compared to controls, as well as progression to severity in RA cases [OR = 2.404, p = .048]. Combinatorially also, the presence of rs13192471 variant genotype was associated with increased risk of RA susceptibility [OR = 8.267, p = .026] and RA severity [OR = 3.647, p = .280]. Alterations in HLA‐DRB1 are associated with RA susceptibility. HLA‐DRB1 rs13192471 SNP plays a critical role in RA susceptibility and severity in North‐east Indian cases and has prognostic significance in RA.
Constipation management in people with intellectual disability: A systematic review
Authors: Robertson Janet , Baines Susannah , Emerson Eric , Hatton Chris
Published: November 2017

Background

Constipation can lead to serious health issues and death. This systematic review summarizes international research pertaining to the management of constipation in people with intellectual disability.

Method

Studies published from 1990 to 2017 were identified using Medline, Cinahl, PsycINFO, Web of Science, email requests and cross‐citations. Studies were reviewed narratively in relation to identified themes.

Results

Eighteen studies were reviewed in relation to three themes: laxative receipt; interventions (dietary fibre, abdominal massage and macrogol); and staff issues (knowledge and training). Laxative polypharmacy was common. Studies report positive results for dietary fibre and abdominal massage although study quality was limited.

Conclusion

The main management response to constipation in people with intellectual disability is laxative use despite limited effectiveness. An improved evidence base is required to support the suggestion that an individualized, integrated bowel management programme may reduce constipation and associated health conditions in people with intellectual disability.
Capacity, Willingness, and Sovereign Default Risk: Reassuring the Market in Times of Crisis
Authors: Bølstad Jørgen , Elhardt Christoph
Published: November 2017

Preserving the trust of bond markets is crucial for the world's many indebted countries, but it is still unclear when and how national or international actors can contribute to this goal. We present a set of arguments addressing this question and test them on the case of the eurozone debt crisis. Distinguishing between actors' capacity and willingness to avoid defaults, we argue that the crisis was marked by a lack of capacity at the national level, and limited or uncertain willingness at the European level. Accordingly, we find that European‐level efforts to reassure markets had considerably stronger effects than similar efforts at the national level. Furthermore, national efforts appear to have mattered the least in countries with the least capacity. These findings are based on a comprehensive new dataset of political events and relevant news, and they hold across a number of robustness checks and placebo tests.
Gating the holes in the Swiss cheese (part I): Expanding professor Reason's model for patient safety
Authors: Seshia Shashi S. , Bryan Young G. , Makhinson Michael , Smith Preston A. , Stobart Kent , Croskerry Pat
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Although patient safety has improved steadily, harm remains a substantial global challenge. Additionally, safety needs to be ensured not only in hospitals but also across the continuum of care. Better understanding of the complex cognitive factors influencing health care–related decisions and organizational cultures could lead to more rational approaches, and thereby to further improvement.

Hypothesis

A model integrating the concepts underlying Reason's Swiss cheese theory and the cognitive‐affective biases plus cascade could advance the understanding of cognitive‐affective processes that underlie decisions and organizational cultures across the continuum of care.

Methods

Thematic analysis, qualitative information from several sources being used to support argumentation.

Discussion

Complex covert cognitive phenomena underlie decisions influencing health care. In the integrated model, the Swiss cheese slices represent dynamic cognitive‐affective (mental) gates: Reason's successive layers of defence. Like firewalls and antivirus programs, cognitive‐affective gates normally allow the passage of rational decisions but block or counter unsounds ones. Gates can be breached (ie, holes created) at one or more levels of organizations, teams, and individuals, by (1) any element of cognitive‐affective biases plus (conflicts of interest and cognitive biases being the best studied) and (2) other potential error‐provoking factors. Conversely, flawed decisions can be blocked and consequences minimized; for example, by addressing cognitive biases plus and error‐provoking factors, and being constantly mindful. Informed shared decision making is a neglected but critical layer of defence (cognitive‐affective gate). The integrated model can be custom tailored to specific situations, and the underlying principles applied to all methods for improving safety. The model may also provide a framework for developing and evaluating strategies to optimize organizational cultures and decisions.

Limitations

The concept is abstract, the model is virtual, and the best supportive evidence is qualitative and indirect.

Conclusions

The proposed model may help enhance rational decision making across the continuum of care, thereby improving patient safety globally.
Transformation of a Geriatric Department in China
Authors: Dong Birong , Yue Jirong , Cao Li , Yang Ming , Ge Ning , Qiukui Hao , He Lujia , Wang Ying , Flaherty Joseph H.
Published: November 2017

China has the world's largest elderly population, and the oldest‐old population, with a current disability rate greater than 50%, will triple in the next 35 years. The field of geriatrics is young, because almost all geriatric departments were established after 2000, and so faces many challenges. Management of diseases and hospital care is the focus. Senior physicians were trained in other subspecialties, such as pulmonary or cardiology, and junior physicians entered geriatrics departments as masters or doctorate students after medical school. The inadequacy of post‐acute and long‐term care facilities has caused long hospital stays. There are no national systematic geriatric training programs, national board examinations, or qualifications in geriatrics. These challenges were used as a framework for guiding changes in the Department of Geriatrics at West China Hospital, Sichuan University. These changes have included international experiences and collaboration for physicians and nurses, revision of departmental conferences, and special training for a unique group of caregivers called hugong (untrained caregivers hired by families to be at the bedside of hospitalized individuals). The most significant yet challenging part of the transformation has been to develop and modify Western‐based geriatric models of care (e.g., Acute Care of the Elderly unit, delirium prevention and management models, palliative care). Lastly, the department established Tianxia (in the sky) Doctors, an internet‐based platform to connect the department's interdisciplinary team to other hospitals, nursing institutions, home‐based care service stations, community health service centers, and pharmacies throughout the region.
Fibroblast growth factor 2 regulates activity and gene expression of human post‐mitotic excitatory neurons
Authors: Gupta Shweta , M‐Redmond Tanya , Meng Fan , Tidball Andrew , Akil Huda , Watson Stanley , Parent Jack M. , Uhler Michael
Published: November 2017

Many neuropsychiatric disorders are thought to result from subtle changes in neural circuit formation. We used human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to model mature, post‐mitotic excitatory neurons and examine effects of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2). FGF2 gene expression is known to be altered in brain regions of major depressive disorder (MDD) patients and FGF2 has anti‐depressive effects in animal models of depression. We generated stable inducible neurons (siNeurons) conditionally expressing human neurogenin‐2 (NEUROG2) to generate a homogenous population of post‐mitotic excitatory neurons and study the functional as well as the transcriptional effects of FGF2. Upon induction of NEUROG2 with doxycycline, the vast majority of cells are post‐mitotic, and the gene expression profile recapitulates that of excitatory neurons within 6 days. Using hES cell lines that inducibly express NEUROG2 as well as GCaMP6f, we were able to characterize spontaneous calcium activity in these neurons and show that calcium transients increase in the presence of FGF2. The FGF2‐responsive genes were determined by RNA‐Seq. FGF2‐regulated genes previously identified in non‐neuronal cell types were up‐regulated (EGR1, ETV4, SPRY4, and DUSP6) as a result of chronic FGF2 treatment of siNeurons. Novel neuron‐specific genes were also identified that may mediate FGF2‐dependent increases in synaptic efficacy including NRXN3, SYT2, and GALR1. Since several of these genes have been implicated in MDD previously, these results will provide the basis for more mechanistic studies of the role of FGF2 in MDD.

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Comparison of clinical outcomes of coronary artery stent implantation in patients with end‐stage chronic kidney disease including hemodialysis for three everolimus eluting (EES) stent designs: Bioresorbable polymer‐EES, platinum chromium‐EES, and cobalt chrome‐EES
Authors: Sato Takao , Hatada Katsuharu , Kishi Syohei , Fuse Koichi , Fujita Satoshi , Ikeda Yoshio , Takahashi Minoru , Matsubara Taku , Okabe Masaaki , Aizawa Yoshifusa
Published: November 2017

Backgrounds

New‐generation bioresorbable polymer‐everolimus eluting stents (BP‐EES) are available. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes for BP‐EES compared to more established stent designs, namely the platinum chromium‐EES (PtCr‐EES) and cobalt chrome‐EES(CoCr‐EES) in patients with the end‐stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) including hemodialysis (HD).

Methods

One‐hundred‐forty‐one consecutive stents (BP‐EES [n = 44], PtCr‐EES [n = 45], and CoCr‐EES [n = 52]) were implanted in 104 patients with CKD. All patients underwent a follow‐up coronary angiography at 12 months after implantation. End‐stage CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73 m2, or the need for HD. The following outcome variables were compared among the three stent groups after implantation and the 12‐month follow‐up: target lesion revascularization (TLR), stent thrombosis (ST), and major adverse cardiac event (MACE). Minimal stent diameter (MSD) and %diameter‐stenosis (%DS) were measured using quantitative coronary angiography.

Results

The overall rate of TLR and MACE was 14.6% and 30.8%, respectively, with no incidence of ST. Immediately after implantation, the MSD (P = 0.22) and %DS (P = 0.42) were equivalent among the three groups. However, at the 12‐month follow‐up, a tendency towards higher TLR was observed for the BP‐EES group (22.7%) compared with the PtCr‐EES (8.8%) and CoCr‐EES (9.6%) groups (P = 0.07). Late loss in lumen diameter was also significantly greater for the BP‐EES (0.51 ± 0.64 mm) group than either the PtCr‐EES (0.20 ± 0.61 mm) and CoCr‐EES (0.25 ± 0.70 mm) groups (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

BP‐EES might increase the risk of in‐stent restenosis in patients with end‐stage of CKD or the need for HD.
Differences in consumer perception of Korean traditional soybean paste (Doenjang) between younger and older consumers by blind and informed tests
Authors: Kwak Han Sub , Jung Hee Yeon , Kim Mi Jeong , Kim Sang Sook
Published: November 2017

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of age groups on consumer acceptance of traditional doenjang, a Korean fermented soybean paste, by blinded and informed tests. Young (20–30 years old, n = 116) and old (40–50 years old, n = 121) adults participated in consumer acceptance tests of three commercial and 11 traditional doenjang samples. Overall, acceptance slightly increased, while willingness to pay increased significantly (p < .05) in the informed test compared with the blinded test. Throughout the cluster analysis, consumers were divided into two clusters by preference for each age group and test type. Old adults were influenced by information, and they assigned additional value to “traditional” processing, distinguishing traditional samples from commercial ones in the informed test. In contrast, the young adults did not show any significant differences in sample loading between the blinded and informed tests, implying that young consumers place no additional value on “traditional” processing of doenjang.

Practical applications

Age groups in the consumer acceptance test showed different consumer attitude toward a traditional food, a fermented soybean paste in this study. Consideration of age groups is critical when drastic changes in dietary habit, culture, and so on are existed in the society for the sensory evaluation of traditional foods. The finding of this study might suggest the separate consumer acceptance tests for young and old adults to obtain more insight from the products. Therefore, the industry that produce traditional foods need to consider age groups in their consumer acceptance test.
Pre‐operative parameters do not reliably identify post‐operative respiratory risk in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Thavagnanam Surendran , Cheong Saou Y , Chinna Karuthan , Nathan Anna M , de Bruyne Jessie A
Published: November 2017

Aim

Adenotonsillectomy is performed in children with recurrent tonsillitis or obstructive sleep apnoea. Children at risk of post‐operative respiratory complications are recommended to be monitored in paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The aim of the study is to review the risk factors for post‐operative complications and admissions to PICU.

Methods

A review of medical records of children who underwent adenotonsillectomy between January 2011 and December 2014 was performed. Association between demographic variables and post‐operative complications were examined using chi‐square and Mann–Whitney tests.

Results

A total of 214 children were identified, and of these, 19 (8.8%) experienced post‐operative complications. Six children (2.8%) had respiratory complications: hypoxaemia in four and laryngospasm requiring reintubation in a further two. Both of the latter patients were extubated upon arrival to PICU and required no escalation of therapy. A total of 13 (6.1%) children had non‐respiratory complications: 8 (3.7%) had infection and 5 (2.3%) had haemorrhage. A total of 26 (12.1%) children were electively admitted to PICU and mean stay was 19.5 (SD ± 13) h. No association between demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions or polysomnographic parameters and post‐operative complications were noted. A total of 194 (90.7%) children stayed only one night in hospital (median 1 day, range 1–5 days).

Conclusion

The previously identified risk factors and criteria for PICU admission need revision, and new recommendations are necessary.
The role of melatonin on chemotherapy-induced reproductive toxicity
Authors: Haghi-Aminjan Hamed , Asghari Mohammad Hossein , Farhood Bagher , Rahimifard Mahban , Hashemi Goradel Nasser , Abdollahi Mohammad
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Reproductive malfunctions after chemotherapy still are a reason of reducing fertility and need specialized intensive care. The aim of this review was to investigate the effect of melatonin on the reproductive system under threatening with chemotherapeutic drugs.

Methods

To find the role of melatonin in the reproductive system during chemotherapy, a full systematic literature search was carried out based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines in the electronic databases up to 17 April 2017 using search terms in the titles and abstracts. A total of 380 articles are screened according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, 18 articles were included in this study.

Key findings

It has been cleared that melatonin has bilateral effects on reproductive cells. Melatonin protects normal cells via mechanisms, including decrease in oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation and modulating mitochondrial function, and sexual hormones. Furthermore, melatonin with antiproliferative properties and direct effects on its receptors improves reproductive injury and function during chemotherapy. On the other hand, melatonin sensitizes the effects of chemotherapeutic drugs and enhances chemotherapy-induced toxicity in cancerous cells through increasing apoptosis, oxidative stress and mitochondrial malfunction.

Conclusions

The study provides evidence of the bilateral role of melatonin in the reproductive system during chemotherapy.
Integer‐Valued Autoregressive Models With Survival Probability Driven By A Stochastic Recurrence Equation
Authors: Gorgi Paolo
Published: November 2017

This paper proposes a new class of integer‐valued autoregressive models with a dynamic survival probability. The peculiarity of this class of models lies in the specification of the survival probability through a stochastic recurrence equation. The proposed models can effectively capture changing dependence over time and enhance both the in‐sample and out‐of‐sample performance of integer‐valued autoregressive models. This point is illustrated through an empirical application to a real‐time series of crime reports. Additionally, this paper discusses the reliability of likelihood‐based inference for the class of models. In particular, this study proves the consistency of the maximum likelihood estimator and a plug‐in estimator for the conditional probability mass function in a misspecified model setting.