bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Pre- and Postharvest Phytophthora Fruit Rot on Watermelons Treated with Fungicides in the Field
Authors: Kousik Chandrasekar S. , Ikerd Jennifer L. , Harrison Howard F.
Published: February 2017

Fruit rot, caused by Phytophthora capsici, is a serious disease in most watermelon producing regions in the southeastern United States and has caused devastating losses over the past few years. Experiments were conducted from 2010 to 2013 in a P. capsici-infested field to identify fungicides effective for managing pre- and postharvest development of Phytophthora fruit rot. Weekly treatments of OXTP (Oxathiapiprolin), V-10208 (ethaboxam), Zampro (ametoctradin+dimethomorph), Forum (dimethomorph), Prophyt (potassium phosphite) + Kocide 2000 (copper hydroxide), Revus (mandipropamid) rotated with Prophyt + Kocide, and rotations of Revus with Presidio (fluopicolide) and Actigard with Revus significantly reduced preharvest fruit rot in the field compared to nontreated control. Symptomless fruit harvested four days after the last spray was inoculated with P. capsici and maintained in a humid chamber to evaluate postharvest fruit rot development. OXTP, Zampro, Forum, V-10208, Presidio rotated with Revus, and Actigard rotated with Revus applied in the field provided extended postharvest protection compared to nontreated control. Many of these fungicides belonging to different FRAC group should be used in rotations to manage Phytophthora fruit rot of watermelon and should be part of an overall management strategy that also includes use of well drained fields and proper irrigation practices.

Accepted 25 August 2014. 29 September 2014.
Possible Opioid Shopping and its Correlates
Authors: Walker Alexander M. , Weatherby Lisa B. , Cepeda M. Soledad , Bradford Daniel , Yuan Yingli
Published: February 2017

Background:

We created an operational definition of possible opioid shopping in US commercial health insurance data and examined its correlates.

Methods:

The population consisted of 264,204 treatment courses in persons with a fill for an opioid or diuretic prescription in 2012 and a second within 18 months. We examined counts of prescribers and pharmacies and the numbers of fills and overlaps for ability to discriminate courses of opioids from diuretics, which were a negative control. The most discriminatory measure, indicating possible shopping behavior, was cross-tabulated against other prescriptions filled and diagnoses as found in insurance claims. The associations between claims characteristics and shopping behavior were assessed in a logistic regression.

Results:

A definition that classified possible “moderate” or “extensive” shopping when a person obtained drug through at least 3 practices and at least 3 pharmacies over 18 months was highly discriminatory between opioid and diuretic treatment. Overlaps between fills and number of fills did not improve the discrimination. Data from insurance claims strongly predicted moderate-to-extensive levels of possible shopping (c=0.82). Prominent among 20 significant predictors were: state of residence; amount of opioid dispensed; self-payment; use of nonspecialist prescribers; high use of anxiolytics, hypnotics, psychostimulants, and antipsychotics; and use of both immediate release and extended-release or long-acting opioids.

Conclusions:

The use of ≥3 prescribing practices and ≥3 dispensing pharmacies over 18 months sharply discriminated courses of opioid treatment from courses of diuretics. This pattern of fills was additionally associated with the numbers of nonspecialist and self-paid fills, the total morphine milligram equivalents dispensed, and heavier use of drugs for anxiety, sleep, attention, and psychosis.
Expectancy Reduces Symptoms but not Functional Impairment Following Exercise-induced Musculoskeletal Injury
Authors: Hedderson William C. , Dover Geoffrey C. , George Steven Z. , Crow Joshua A. , Borsa Paul A.
Published: February 2017

Objectives:

To quantify the extent to which the participant-provider interaction influences the response to sham treatment following exercised-induced acute musculoskeletal pain.

Materials and Methods:

In total, 40 participants between the ages of 18 and 35 volunteered for the study. Participants came to the laboratory for 3 test sessions 48-hour apart (day 1, 3, and 5). During the initial session, baseline measures were assessed and participants underwent a fatigue protocol for the biceps brachii. Participants were then assigned to a positive expectation or a no-expectation condition before receiving a sham laser therapy treatment. The positive expectation group received symptom improvement priming before their sham treatment. Participants allocated to the no-expectation condition received no feedback before the sham treatment. Maximum voluntary isometric contraction; relaxed elbow angle; visual analog scale; and the QuickDash questionnaire were used as outcome measures.

Results:

The positive expectation group had a significant reduction in perceived pain compared with the no-expectation group at day 3 follow-up, with the mean scores being 34.65 mm (SE=4.44) compared with 49.4 mm (SE=5.79), respectively. There were no between-group differences with respect to maximum voluntary isometric contraction, QuickDash, or relaxed elbow angle outcomes. In addition, there were no significant between-group differences observed with expected pain on follow-up visits, the effect sizes were d=0.26 on day 1 for day 3 and d=0.51 on day for day 5.

Discussion:

Positive expectations before a sham treatment enhanced reduction in pain intensity but did not improve functional impairments following exercise-induced acute musculoskeletal injury.
Quick chronic liver failure-sequential organ failure assessment: an easy-to-use scoring model for predicting mortality risk in critically ill cirrhosis patients
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Dong , Zhang Jia-Ying , Liu Wen-Yue , Wu Sheng-Jie , Shi Ke-Qing , Braddock Martin , Chen Yong-Ping , Huang Wei-Jian , Zheng Ming-Hua
Published: February 2017

Background and aim

Critically ill cirrhosis patients have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, even after admission to the ICU. Our objectives were to compare the predictive accuracy of model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), MELD-Na, UK model for end-stage liver disease, and chronic liver failure-sequential organ failure assessment (CLIF-SOFA) by the development and validation of an easy-to-use prognostic model [named quick CLIF-SOFA (qCLIF-SOFA)] for early risk prediction in critically ill patients with cirrhosis.

Patients and methods

Overall, 1460 patients were extracted from the MIMIC-III database and enrolled in this study at 30-day and 90-day follow-up. qCLIF-SOFA was developed in the established cohort (n=730) and a performance analysis was completed in the validation cohort (n=730) using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results were compared with CLIF-SOFA.

Results

The performance of CLIF-SOFA was significantly better than that of MELD, MELD-Na, and UK model for end-stage liver disease for predicting both 30-day and 90-day mortality (all P<0.05). qCLIF-SOFA consisted of five independent factors (bilirubin, creatinine, international normalized ratio, mean arterial pressure, and vasopressin) associated with mortality. In the established cohort, CLIF-SOFA and qCLIF-SOFA predicted mortality with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.768 versus 0.743 at 30-day, 0.747 versus 0.744 at 90-day, and 0.699 versus 0.706 at 1 year, respectively (all P>0.05). A similar result was observed in the validation cohort (0.735 vs. 0.734 at 30 days, 0.723 vs. 0.737 at 90 days, and 0.682 vs. 0.700 at 1 year, respectively, all P>0.05).

Conclusion

The utility of CLIF-SOFA was further shown to predict mortality for critically ill cirrhosis patients. The novel and simpler qCLIF-SOFA model showed comparable accuracy compared with existing CLIF-SOFA for prognostic prediction.
A Comparison of Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Primary Care Physicians’ Patterns of Practice and Quality of Care in Health Centers
Authors: Kurtzman Ellen T. , Barnow Burt S.
Published: February 2017

Background:

Under the Affordable Care Act, the number and capacity of community health centers (HCs) is growing. Although the majority of HC care is provided by primary care physicians (PCMDs), a growing proportion is delivered by nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs); yet, little is known about how these clinicians’ care compares in this setting.

Objectives:

To compare the quality of care and practice patterns of NPs, PAs, and PCMDs in HCs.

Research Design:

Using 5 years of data (2006–2010) from the HC subsample of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and multivariate regression analysis, we estimated the impact of receiving NP-delivered or PA-delivered care versus PCMD-delivered care. We used design-based and model-based inference and weighted all estimates.

Subjects:

Primary analyses included 23,704 patient visits to 1139 practitioners—a sample representing approximately 30 million patient visits to HCs in the United States.

Measures:

We examined 9 patient-level outcomes: 3 quality indicators, 4 service utilization measures, and 2 referral pattern measures.

Results:

On 7 of the 9 outcomes studied, no statistically significant differences were detected in NP or PA care compared with PCMD care. On the remaining outcomes, visits to NPs were more likely to receive recommended smoking cessation counseling and more health education/counseling services than visits to PCMDs (P≤0.05). Visits to PAs also received more health education/counseling services than visits to PCMDs (P≤0.01; design-based model only).

Conclusions:

Across the outcomes studied, results suggest that NP and PA care were largely comparable to PCMD care in HCs.
Increasing Risk of Disturbed Root Development in Permanent Teeth in Childhood Cancer Survivors Undergoing Cancer Treatment at Older Age
Authors: Tanaka Miyuki , Kamata Takahiro , Yanagisawa Ryu , Morita Daisuke , Saito Shoji , Sakashita Kazuo , Shiohara Masaaki , Kurita Hiroshi , Koike Kenichi , Nakazawa Yozo
Published: February 2017

Background:

Structural anomalies of teeth are observed at high rates in childhood cancer survivors (CCS). Several therapeutic exposures have been shown to be associated with dental developmental disturbances. This study was conducted to analyze the risk factors for dental developmental abnormality (DDA) and investigate the association between age at the time of cancer treatment and DDA in CCS.

Patients and Methods:

Fifty-six CCS were enrolled. Orthopantomography and dental examination were performed in all the patients. We evaluated the prevalence of DDA and analyzed the risk factors for each type of DDA.

Results:

DDAs were observed in 46.4% of CCS, including hypodontia in 9 (16.1%), abnormal roots in nine (16.1%), enamel defects/hypoplasia in 6 (10.7%), and microdontia in 12 (21.4%) patients. The number of patients with abnormal roots was significantly higher in the group treated with stem cell transplantation or at an age older than 4 years. We observed that the formation period of abnormal teeth coincided with the treatment period in the majority of CCS with DDA.

Conclusions:

Particularly regarding the root abnormality, treatment at elder age may be a risk factor for root developmental disturbances. Risk evaluation, appropriate follow-up, and early detection of dental issues are required for all CCS.
Retrospective Evaluation of Palifermin Use in Nonhematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Pediatric Patients
Authors: Liu Dazhi , Seyboth Brian , Mathew Sherry , Gilheeney Stephen W. , Chou Alexander J. , Drill Esther , Kobos Rachel
Published: February 2017

Background:

Palifermin has been proven to decrease the frequency of severe oral mucositis in adult patients with sarcoma and metastatic colorectal cancer receiving chemotherapy. The impact of palifermin on the incidence of mucositis in nonhematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) pediatric population receiving chemotherapy has never been reported to date.

Patients and Methods:

This is a retrospective analysis of pediatric patients who received palifermin as secondary prophylaxis to prevent chemotherapy-induced mucositis at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center from January 1, 2008 to 2014. Data from electronic medical records on days to mucositis resolution, use of opioids, use of total parenteral nutrition, duration of hospitalization, and antibiotics are collected and presented here.

Results:

A total of 18 patients received palifermin for secondary prophylaxis after developing mucositis from the prior chemotherapy cycle. Mucositis did not reoccur in the subsequent cycle for 13 of the 18 patients. The majority of patients who received palifermin prophylaxis had decreased opioids and antibiotics use and decreased duration of hospitalization. Six of the 7 patients previously requiring total parenteral nutrition due to mucositis had decreased supplemental nutritional needs following the use of palifermin.

Conclusion:

Palifermin may provide benefit as secondary prophylaxis in pediatric patients to prevent chemotherapy-induced mucositis.
Simulation as Part of Discharge Teaching for Parents of Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Raines Deborah A.
Published: February 2017

Background:

Simulation has become accepted as a method to increase confidence among healthcare professionals. We felt simulation might have similar benefits for parents of babies about to be discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit.

Purpose:

We developed the Neonatal Home Environment Learning Program to promote parental confidence in anticipation of their infant's discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit.

Methods:

This evaluation study was conducted with 15 mother/father dyads. Each participant recorded a self-perceived confidence score before and after the simulation experience. Participants also completed a program evaluation and participated in a debriefing session. Confidence scores (pre- and postsimulation) and evaluation scores were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Responses from the debriefing sessions were analyzed using descriptive phenomenology.

Results:

Parents rated the simulation experience highly. During debriefings, parents shared that the simulation made them feel more prepared. Two themes emerged from the debriefing data: doing it alone was different than I expected and feeling more confident.

Clinical Implications:

A simulation experience for parents helps to ensure a positive transition to home and safe, effective care after discharge of the infant.
Reducing Surgery Scheduling Errors in Multihospital System
Authors: Watson Donna S. , Corbett Cynthia F. , Oneal Gail , Daratha Kenn B.
Published: February 2017

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess whether bundled team training interventions for surgeons and office staff could effectively improve the accuracy of surgery scheduling, minimizing scheduling factors that may contribute to occurrence of wrong site surgery.

Methods

This quasi-experimental observational study used an interrupted time series design to explore surgery scheduling errors (SSEs) and implemented bundled team training interventions intended to reduce SSEs at a Pacific Northwest Regional Surgery Scheduling Department. Each preintervention and postintervention segment consisted of 16 weekly data points. The bundled team training interventions included disclosure of preintervention scheduling errors, a scheduling verification checklist, an updated surgery scheduling policy and procedure, and toolkit to improve office scheduling of surgeries.

Results

Improvements in SSEs were observed preintervention to postintervention, with decreased surgery SSE rate from 0.51% to 0.13% (P < 0.001). Reductions were observed in all SSE types. The segmented linear trend demonstrated an observed reduction of 42.70 SSE (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This is the first study conducted at a large healthcare system with a regional surgery scheduling department to demonstrate that statistically significant and clinically important reductions in SSEs can be achieved. The findings demonstrate that SSEs can be minimized and confirm that verification processes must begin in the surgeon’s office once a decision has been reached to proceed with surgery. The study confirms the need for additional research targeted at understanding why SSEs occur at the time of scheduling.
The Second-Generation Maturation Inhibitor GSK3532795 Maintains Potent Activity Toward HIV Protease Inhibitor–Resistant Clinical Isolates
Authors: Ray Neelanjana , Li Tianbo , Lin Zeyu , Protack Tricia , van Ham Petronella Maria , Hwang Carey , Krystal Mark , Nijhuis Monique , Lataillade Max , Dicker Ira
Published: February 2017

Background:

Protease inhibitor (PI)-resistant HIV-1 isolates with primary substitutions in protease (PR) and secondary substitutions in Gag could potentially exhibit cross-resistance to maturation inhibitors. We evaluated the second-generation maturation inhibitor, GSK3532795, for activity toward clinical isolates with genotypic and phenotypic characteristics associated with PI resistance (longitudinal).

Methods:

Longitudinal clinical isolates from 15 PI-treated patients and 7 highly PI-resistant (nonlongitudinal) viruses containing major and minor PI resistance-associated mutations were evaluated for GSK3532795 sensitivity. Phenotypic sensitivity was determined using the PhenoSense Gag/PR assay (Monogram Biosciences) or in-house single- and multiple-cycle assays. Changes from baseline [CFB; ratio of post- to pre-treatment FC-IC50 (fold-change in IC50 versus wild-type virus)] <3 were considered to be within the no-effect level.

Results:

All nonlongitudinal viruses tested were sensitive to GSK3532795 (FC-IC50 range 0.16–0.68). Among longitudinal isolates, all post-PI treatment samples had major PI resistance-associated mutations in PR and 17/21 had PI resistance-associated changes in Gag. Nineteen of the 21 post-PI treatment samples had GSK3532795 CFB <3. Median (range) CFB was 0.83 (0.05–27.4) [Monogram (11 patients)] and 1.5 (1.0–2.2) [single-cycle (4 patients)]. The 2 post-PI treatment samples showing GSK3532795 CFB >3 (Monogram) were retested using single- and multiple-cycle assays. Neither sample had meaningful sensitivity changes in the multiple-cycle assay. Gag changes were not associated with an increased GSK3532795 CFB.

Conclusions:

GSK3532795 maintained antiviral activity against PI-resistant isolates with emergent PR and/or Gag mutations. This finding supports continued development of GSK3532795 in treatment-experienced patients with or without previous PI therapy.
PMTCT Service Uptake Among Adolescents and Adult Women Attending Antenatal Care in Selected Health Facilities in Zimbabwe
Authors: Musarandega Reuben , Machekano Rhoderick , Chideme Memory , Muchuchuti Cephas , Mushavi Angela , Mahomva Agnes , Guay Laura
Published: February 2017

Background:

Age-disaggregated analyses of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) program data to assess the uptake of HIV services by pregnant adolescent women are limited but are critical to understanding the unique needs of this vulnerable high-risk population.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patient-level PMTCT data collected from 2011 to 2013 in 36 health facilities in 5 districts of Zimbabwe using an electronic database. We compared uptake proportions for PMTCT services between adolescent (≤19 years) and adult (>19 years) women. Multivariable binomial regression analysis was used to estimate the association of the women's age group with each PMTCT service indicator.

Results:

The study analyzed data from 22,215 women aged 12–50 years (22.5% adolescents). Adolescents were more likely to present to antenatal care (ANC) before 14 weeks of gestational age compared with older women [adjusted relative risk (aRR) = 1.34; 95% confidence interval: 1.22 to 1.47] with equally low rates of completion of 4 ANC visits. Adolescents were less likely to present with known HIV status (aRR = 0.34; 95% confidence interval: 0.29 to 0.41) but equally likely to be HIV tested in ANC. HIV prevalence was 5.5% in adolescents vs 20.1% in adults. While >84% of both HIV-positive groups received antiretroviral drugs for PMTCT, 44% of eligible adolescents were initiated on antiretroviral therapy vs 51.3% of eligible adults, though not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Pregnant adolescents must be a priority for primary HIV prevention services and expanded HIV treatment services among pregnant women to achieve an AIDS-free generation in Zimbabwe and similar high HIV burden countries.
Liver Inflammation Relates to Decreased Canalicular Bile Transporter Expression in Pediatric Onset Intestinal Failure
Authors: Mutanen Annika , Lohi Jouko , Heikkilä Päivi , Jalanko Hannu , Pakarinen Mikko P.
Published: February 2017

Objective:

Although liver disease is a major complication of parenteral nutrition (PN) for intestinal failure (IF), its pathogenesis remains unclear. We investigated potential molecular mechanisms of liver injury in pediatric onset IF.

Methods:

Liver expression of canalicular phospholipid (ABCB4), bile acid (ABCB11), and sterol (ABCG5/8) transporters, their upstream regulators LXR and FXR as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were investigated among patients with IF [age median 3.8 (IQR 1.2 to 11)] in relation to biochemical and histologic liver injury, PN, serum plant sterols, fibroblast growth factor 19, and α-tocopherol.

Results:

Patients receiving PN currently (n = 18) showed more advanced liver injury than patients after weaning off PN (n = 30). Histologic portal inflammation strongly segregated PN-dependent (44%) from weaned off patients (3%, P = 0.001) and coupled with progression of cholestasis and liver fibrosis. Patients with portal inflammation demonstrated markedly induced liver RNA expression of IL6 and TNF, repression of FXR and its canalicular bile transporter target gene RNA expression, including ABCB4 and ABCB11 as well as decreased protein expression of ABCB11 and ABCB4. Furthermore, upregulation of LXR and ABCG5/8 RNA expression was suppressed in patients with portal inflammation. Current PN, increased serum levels of plant sterols stigmasterol, avenasterol, and sitosterol along with serum citrulline, a marker of enterocyte mass, predicted portal inflammation.

Conclusions:

In pediatric onset IF, current PN delivery synergistically with intestinal compromise promote liver inflammation, which associates with progression of biochemical and histologic liver injury, while reducing expression of canalicular bile transporters.
Human PGBD5 DNA transposase promotes site-specific oncogenic mutations in rhabdoid tumors
Authors: Henssen Anton G. , Koche Richard , Zhuang Jiali , Jiang Eileen , Reed Casie , Eisenberg Amy , Still Eric , MacArthur Ian C. , Rodríguez-Fos Elias , Gonzalez Santiago , Puiggròs Montserrat , Blackford Andrew N. , Mason Christopher E. , de Stanchina Elisa , Gönen Mithat , Emde Anne-Katrin , Shah Minita , Arora Kanika , Reeves Catherine , Socci Nicholas D. , Perlman Elizabeth , Antonescu Cristina R. , Roberts Charles W. M. , Steen Hanno , Mullen Elizabeth , Jackson Stephen P. , Torrents David , Weng Zhiping , Armstrong Scott A. , Kentsis Alex
Published: February 2017

Genomic rearrangements are a hallmark of childhood solid tumors, but their mutational causes remain poorly understood. Here, we identify the piggyBac transposable element derived 5 (PGBD5) gene as an enzymatically active human DNA transposase expressed in the majority of rhabdoid tumors, a lethal childhood cancer. Using assembly-based whole-genome DNA sequencing, we observed previously unknown somatic genomic rearrangements in primary human rhabdoid tumors. These rearrangements were characterized by deletions and inversions involving PGBD5-specific signal (PSS) sequences at their breakpoints, with some recurrently targeting tumor suppressor genes, leading to their inactivation. PGBD5 was found to be physically associated with human genomic PSS sequences that were also sufficient to mediate PGBD5-induced DNA rearrangements in rhabdoid tumor cells. We found that ectopic expression of PGBD5 in primary immortalized human cells was sufficient to promote penetrant cell transformation in vitro and in immunodeficient mice in vivo. This activity required specific catalytic residues in the PGBD5 transposase domain, as well as end-joining DNA repair, and induced distinct structural rearrangements, involving PSS-associated breakpoints, similar to those found in primary human rhabdoid tumors. This defines PGBD5 as an oncogenic mutator and provides a plausible mechanism for site-specific DNA rearrangements in childhood and adult solid tumors.
N-[(3aR*,3bS*)-1,3b,7,7-Tetramethyl-3a,3b,4,5,6,7,7a,7b-octahydro-3H-cyclopenta[3,4]cyclobuta[1,2]benzen-3a-yl]acetamide
Authors: Ait Elhad Mustapha , Benharref Ahmed , El Ammari Lahcen , Saadi Mohamed , Oukhrib Abdelouahd , Berraho Moha
Published: February 2017

The title compound, C17H27NO, is built up from a four-membered ring to which a six- and a five-membered ring are fused. The cyclohexane ring has a chair conformation, while the cyclopentene ring has an envelope conformation, with the C atom substituted by the acetamide group as the flap. The dihedral angles between the mean plane of the central cyclobutane ring and the mean planes of the cyclopentene and cyclohexane rings are 62.52 (2) and 61.06 (11)°, respectively. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along theb-axis direction.
N-[5-(Diphenylamino)penta-2,4-diyn-1-yl]benzamide
Authors: Kawashima Takuya , Okuno Tsunehisa
Published: February 2017

In the title compound, C24H18N2O1, the ynamine moiety has a near-planar structure (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0200 Å), and makes dihedral angles of 52.99 (7) and 27.91 (7)° with the phenyl rings. In the crystal, the molecules exhibit a dimeric form owing to bifurcated C—H...π interactions within a centrosymmetric dimer. Intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds are also formed along theb-axis direction.
Does e-readiness of citizens ensure better adoption of government’s digital initiatives? A case based study
Authors: Ghosh Roy Saikat , Upadhyay Parijat
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically examine and evaluate the “E-Readiness” of the citizens of India which is imperative to make such large scale e-government initiatives a success. The researchers tried to compare India with some developed and developing countries where the e-government model have been implemented successfully, looking at the prime factors for the successful implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology adopted for this study is exploratory in nature. A comprehensive questionnaire was adapted and the survey was conducted mostly in online format. The data were found reliable for further analysis. Exploratory factor analysis provides us five factors covering approximately 50 per cent of the variance explained. So, the authors can infer five dimensions to be the major constituents of e-readiness as per this study.

Findings

The findings are quite significant as end users and citizens were found to be quite involved in the usage of technology. Thus, user’s proactive participation in technological assimilation also augurs well for the e-readiness of the society. But people are worried about the safety and security of the automated and online services.

Originality/value

The questionnaire was developed by the authors and the data analysis was also done on the basis of responses received. The paper adds value to the existing literature by capturing the issues behind the acceptance of the several technologies backed government initiatives. The authors believe that the findings will help the government to implement digital initiatives with more success.
Sustainable development of microfinance customers
Authors: Jose Saju , Chacko Jacob
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether microfinance activities aimed at the bottom of the pyramid consumers are sustainable.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a mixed methodology, manager’s views on sustainability of the programs were gauged by analyzing their responses in the areas of diversion of funds, operating cost, interest rates, and return rate of loans through semi-structured interviews. A survey was administered to 316 poor microfinance borrowers at the bottom of the pyramid in India in a cross-sectional field study format. The study used one sample t-test to test the sustainability of the microfinance activities.

Findings

All else being the same, microfinance activities aimed at the borrower’s communities are not sustainable. The major contributor to the lack of sustainability is the diversion of funds, results of both managers’ interviews and consumer survey provides strong evidence to support this. Though there are issues related to high interest rate, operating cost and low return on investment, it seems that the core issue behind all this is lack of full investment in the microfinance venture.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to only two states in India. The mixed nature of the study meant that semi-structured interviews with a relatively small sample were the most appropriate method to address the research question. Future studies with larger, more representative sample sizes are encouraged to investigate how the findings can be generalized to larger populations. Also the information which determines the experiences and satisfaction of the consumers is collected only once. This study does not account for any changes over time in the populations or their interest.

Originality/value

The impact of micro finance in alleviating poverty is questioned by researchers and there is demand for further empirical evidence. Therefore, the findings of this study complement with existing work to present a comprehensive understanding of this topic by investigating the sustainability aspect of these programs from the dimension of both customers and lenders.
Voice behavior and creative performance moderated by stressors
Authors: Song Jun , Wu Jianlin , Gu Jibao
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the moderating role of work-related stressors on the relationship between voice behavior and the voicer’s creative performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprised 781 full-time employees from 16 companies covering six industries in the central region of China. Hierarchical moderated regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Results showed that voice behavior had significant positive effect on creative performance. The positive relationship between voice behavior and creative performance was stronger for employees with low challenge stressors as well as for employees with high hindrance stressors.

Research limitations/implications

This study employs a cross-sectional design with data collected from the same source.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that employees should be encouraged to voice out their opinions and ideas. Work-related stressors should be treated differently to expand the effects of voice behavior on creative performance.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few to establish boundary conditions from the contextual perspective on the effect of voice behavior on employee performance. Considering whether work-related stressor is a challenge or a hindrance could possibly result in a better understanding of the role of work-related stressors in the voice behavior-creative performance relationship. An empirical evidence is provided for the positive relationship between voice behavior and employee performance outcomes.
High-performance HR practices, positive affect and employee outcomes
Authors: Mostafa Ahmed Mohammed Sayed
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the affective or emotional mechanisms that underlie the relationship between high-performance HR practices (HPHRP) and employee attitudes and behaviours. Drawing on affective events theory, this paper examines a mediation model in which HPHRP influence positive affect which in turn affects job satisfaction and organizational citizenship behaviours (OCBs).

Design/methodology/approach

Two-wave data were collected from a sample of local government workers in Wales (n=362). HPHRP were measured together with job satisfaction and OCBs at Time 1 and six months later, job satisfaction and OCBs were measured again together with positive affect. Structural equation modeling was used to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

The results revealed that HPHRP induced positive affect which, in turn, led to increased job satisfaction and OCBs. Furthermore, positive affect fully mediated the relationships between HPHRP and both job satisfaction and OCBs.

Research limitations/implications

All data were collected from public sector employees in the Government of Wales, which makes the generalizability of the findings unknown. More work is needed using different samples to determine whether the study results are replicable.

Practical implications

Managers should endeavour to ensure that enough resources are assigned to the implementation of HPHRP and other work features that help evoke affective reactions, as these reactions are an important determinant of employees’ attitudes and behaviours.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to empirically examine the mediating role of positive affect on the relationship between HPHRP and employee attitudes and behaviours.
Smart lighting in a historic context: a case study
Authors: Beccali Marco , Bonomolo Marina , Galatioto Alessandra , Pulvirenti Emanuela
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address a project for lighting an old town in Italy. Its originality lies in the holistic approach that aims to fulfil several objectives. One is to reduce energy consumption by using efficient lamps and advanced control systems; the second one is to make the network viable and useful for many purposes by integrating ICT devices; the third one is to provide a new identity to the older part of the city by using new technologies and design concepts; while the last one is to ensure street and pedestrian safety according to codes and standards.

Design/methodology/approach

The plan of the city of Bagheria and the stock of luminaires of the city are analysed. A multidisciplinary approach has been adopted in order to: analyse the existing lighting infrastructure highlighting critical areas; design a new displacement and select typologies of luminaries able to provide proper light quality and distribution; propose an aesthetic solution and technical design for relevant historical building; and to include in the design process the concept of a new multifunctional pole. Together with an analysis of social benefits, an assessment of economic costs and benefits are discussed.

Findings

The project allows good energy savings, meets the standard requirements and gives a relevant and strategic improvement in social and environmental management of the city.

Originality/value

The work provides an example of integrated design of street lighting infrastructures for urban renovation in old cities in degraded environments.
Sex, Parity, and Scars: A Meta‐analytic Review
Authors: McFadden Clare , Oxenham Marc F.
Published: February 2017

The ability to identify whether a female has been pregnant or has given birth has significant implications for forensic investigations and bioarcheological research. The meaning of “scars of parturition,” their causes, and their significance are a matter of contention, with a substantial literature of re‐evaluations and tests of the relationship between pelvic scarring and parity. The aim of this study was to use meta‐analytic techniques (the methodological approach) to test whether pelvic scarring, namely dorsal pubic pitting and the preauricular groove, is a predictor of parity and sex. Meta‐analyses indicated that neither dorsal pubic pitting nor the preauricular groove are predictors of parity status, while dorsal pubic pitting is a moderate predictor of sex. A weak relationship between dorsal pubic pitting and parity was identified, but this is believed to be a product of the moderate relationship with sex. This calls into question whether any causal relationship between parity and pelvic scarring exists.
Vitamin D supplementation improves simvastatin‐mediated decline in exercise performance: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Singla Mandeep , Rastogi Ashu , Aggarwal Ashutosh N. , Bhat Owais M. , Badal Darshan , Bhansali Anil
Published: February 2017

Background

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on simvastatin‐mediated changes in cardiorespiratory fitness and skeletal muscle mitochondrial content after exercise in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

Vitamin D‐deficient T2DM patients aged 25–50 years performed moderate intensity aerobic exercise for 12 weeks and were randomized to receive simvastatin 40 mg daily, simvastatin 40 mg daily plus vitamin D 60 000 units once weekly, or vitamin D 60 000 units once weekly. The primary outcomes were cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen consumption) and skeletal muscle mitochondrial content (citrate synthase activity in the vastus lateralis) following simvastatin and/or vitamin D replacement therapy.

Results

Twenty‐eight patients completed the study. Cardiorespiratory fitness decreased by 8.4% (P < 0.05) following 12 weeks of simvastatin therapy. Vitamin D supplementation blunted the decline in cardiorespiratory fitness to 0.6% (P < 0.05 for between‐group difference in change from baseline). Similarly, skeletal muscle mitochondrial content decreased by 3.6% with simvastatin, but improved by 12.1% on supplementation with vitamin D, although the between‐group difference was not significant. Vitamin D alone increased cardiorespiratory fitness and mitochondrial content by 7.1% (P < 0.05) and 16.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

Simvastatin tends to cause deterioration in exercise‐associated cardiorespiratory fitness and skeletal muscle mitochondrial content in adults with T2DM, which is blunted by vitamin D supplementation.
Inflammasome assembly in the chorioamniotic membranes during spontaneous labor at term
Authors: Gomez‐Lopez Nardhy , Romero Roberto , Xu Yi , Garcia‐Flores Valeria , Leng Yaozhu , Panaitescu Bogdan , Miller Derek , Abrahams Vikki M. , Hassan Sonia S.
Published: February 2017

Problem

Inflammasome activation requires two steps: priming and assembly of the multimeric complex. The second step includes assembly of the sensor molecule and adaptor protein ASC (an apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a CARD), which results in ASC speck formation and the recruitment of caspase (CASP)‐1. Herein, we investigated whether there is inflammasome assembly in the chorioamniotic membranes and choriodecidual leukocytes from women who underwent spontaneous labor at term.

Method of Study

Using in situ proximity ligation assays, ASC/CASP‐1 complexes were determined in the chorioamniotic membranes from women who delivered at term without labor or underwent spontaneous labor at term with or without acute histologic chorioamnionitis (n=10‐11 each). Also, ASC speck formation was determined by flow cytometry in the choriodecidual leukocytes isolated from women who delivered at term with or without spontaneous labor (n=9‐12 each).

Results

(i) ASC/CASP‐1 complexes were detected in the chorioamniotic membranes; (ii) ASC/CASP‐1 complexes were greater in the chorioamniotic membranes from women who underwent spontaneous labor at term than in those without labor; (iii) ASC/CASP‐1 complexes were even more abundant in the chorioamniotic membranes from women who underwent spontaneous labor at term with acute histologic chorioamnionitis than in those without this placental lesion; (iv) ASC speck formation was detected in the choriodecidual leukocytes; and (v) ASC speck formation was greater in the choriodecidual leukocytes isolated from women who underwent spontaneous labor at term than in those without labor.

Conclusion

There is inflammasome assembly in the chorioamniotic membranes and choriodecidual leukocytes during spontaneous labor at term.
Chromosomal anomalies and sperm retrieval outcomes of patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia: a case series
Authors: Takeda T. , Iwatsuki S. , Hamakawa T. , Mizuno K. , Kamiya H. , Umemoto Y. , Kubota H. , Kubota Y. , Sasaki S. , Yasui T.
Published: February 2017

Some preoperative factors affecting the outcome of microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro‐TESE) have been previously evaluated. However, other than Klinefelter syndrome (KS), no other chromosomal anomalies have been discussed in the context of sperm retrieval outcomes. The objective of this study was to describe chromosomal anomalies and their relationship with sperm retrieval outcomes in patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Of the 197 NOA patients whose clinical records were retrospectively reviewed, 144 (73.1%) had normal 46,XY karyotype, 40 (20.3%) had KS (47,XXY), and 13 (6.6%) had other chromosomal anomalies (autosomal in seven cases and sex‐chromosomal anomalies in six). Of the seven patients with autosomal anomalies, two had the reportedly normal variant 46,XY,inv(9)(p12;q13). Testicular volume and serum hormone levels (luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone, and total testosterone) of the patients with chromosomal anomalies other than KS were comparable to those of the patients with normal karyotype. The sperm retrieval rate of the patients with 46,XY karyotype, KS, or other chromosomal anomalies were 27.1%, 22.5%, and 15.4%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference. However, among the samples collected from the 13 patients with chromosomal anomalies other than KS, only those from the two patients with the normal variant 46,XY,inv(9)(p12;q13) contained spermatozoa. Among our series of NOA patients, the incidence of autosomal anomalies was higher than that generally noted among neonates, which suggests that not only sex‐chromosomal anomalies but also autosomal anomalies may affect the development of NOA. Furthermore, our findings suggest that sperm retrieval outcome is more unfavorable in NOA patients with chromosomal anomalies than in NOA patients with 46,XY karyotype or KS, despite the use of micro‐TESE.
An In Vitro Feasibility Study of the Influence of Configurations and Leaflet Thickness on the Hydrodynamics of Deformed Transcatheter Aortic Valve
Authors: Feng Wentao , Yang Xianda , Liu Yang , Fan Yubo
Published: February 2017

Clinically, the percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve (TAV) has been reported to be deformed in a noncircular configuration after its implant. The deformation is universal and various, and it leads to serious leakage and durability problems. Even in the same deformation, the leaflets made in different tissue thicknesses may cause different hydrodynamic performances. Simulating the left heart cardiac conditions by a pulse duplicator system, the present study investigated the effects of the aortic annulus deformation and the leaflet tissue thickness on the hydrodynamics of the TAV. Three 22 mm self‐expanding TAV samples were fabricated with three different leaflet thicknesses (0.25, 0.4, 0.55 mm). Every sample was successively deformed to be elliptical, triangular, and undersized circular shapes. The hydrodynamics of the TAV were assessed through a quasi‐physiological artery pulsatile flow duplicator system. The transvalvular pressure difference, effective orifice area, and regurgitation flow were determined. High‐speed video recordings were taken to investigate the leaflet kinematics. The results showed that the triangular deformation produced the poorest valve function while the elliptical deformation led to the slightest difference from the nominal. With increasing leaflet thickness, the effect of configuration deformation on the regurgitation increased. The thinner leaflets were better than the thicker ones in adapting to the deformation but had a higher risk of deterioration.
Expression of erythropoietin and neuroendocrine markers in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Mjønes Patricia G. , Nordrum Ivar S. , Qvigstad Gunnar , Sørdal Øystein , Rian Liselotte Linnea Mårtensson , Waldum Helge L.
Published: February 2017

The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of erythropoietin and neuroendocrine markers in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and re‐evaluated histopathological specimens of 33 patients with CCRCC and compared with those of 11 cases of non‐CCRCC. All patients were treated with a partial or radical nephrectomy at St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, between 2010 and 2016. Thirty‐three patients who were diagnosed with CCRCC had a total of 35 tumours, where 34 of the tumours were CCRCC and one was papillary adenoma. Thirty‐three (97%) of 34 CCRCCs were positive for erythropoietin, and the same 33 (97%) tumours demonstrated strong expression for neuron‐specific enolase (NSE). Two (6%) of 34 CCRCCs had a positive reaction for synaptophysin, and three (9%) of 34 were positive for CD56. Erythropoietin and NSE were negative in non‐CCRCCs, and chromogranin A was negative in all tumours. The above findings suggest that there is a strong association between CCRCC and the expression of erythropoietin and NSE.
Associations Among Infant Iron Deficiency, Childhood Emotion and Attention Regulation, and Adolescent Problem Behaviors
Authors: East Patricia , Delker Erin , Lozoff Betsy , Delva Jorge , Castillo Marcela , Gahagan Sheila
Published: February 2017

This study examined whether iron deficiency (ID) in infancy contributes to problem behaviors in adolescence through its influence on poor regulatory abilities in childhood. Chilean infants (N = 1,116) were studied when there was no national program for iron fortification (1991–1996), resulting in high rates of ID (28%) and iron‐deficiency anemia (IDA, 17%). Infants (54% male) were studied at childhood (Mage = 10 years) and adolescence (Mage = 14 years). IDA in infancy was related to excessive alcohol use and risky sexual behavior in adolescence through its effect on poor emotion regulation in childhood. Attentional control deficits at age 10 were also related to both infant IDA and heightened risk taking in adolescence. Findings elucidate how poor childhood regulatory abilities associated with infant IDA compromise adjustment in adolescence.