bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aus der Geschichte der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Innere Medizin (DGIM)
Authors: Forsbach Ralf , Hofer Hans-Georg
Published: February 2018

Although times were difficult in 1947/48 – with war damage, travel restrictions and the East-West conflict – the German Society for Internal Medicine not only managed to re-organise itself but also hosted its first scientific congress in that year. The DGIM members Franz Volhard and Paul Martini, who rather disapproved of the Nazi regime, played a decisive role in this process. However, a critical discussion of the NS medical crimes, which occurred just a few years ago, remained the exception. It is interesting to note that members who were persecuted by the NS regime were nevertheless willing to attend a congress that obviously provided a forum for the protagonists of the Nazi era.

This work presents – for the first time – an overview of the specific conditions of the reconstitution of the German Society for Internal Medicine and enriches our knowledge about the actions of the medical societies in the years between the fall of the Nazi regime and the founding of the two German states.
The (Go)SMART Way to Agility: Managing a Scrum Subproject in a Waterfall Environment
Authors: Götz Oliver , Wai Yin , Klein Sandra , Gras Michael , Werner Michael , Roßmehl Max , Basten Dirk
Published: February 2018

At Gothaer Insurance Group, a long-term program to introduce a new policy system was terminated without the desired outcomes. A new program, GoSMART, was introduced to buy a policy system instead of developing it in-house. A team responsible for modelling insurance products decided that the waterfall approach was no longer suitable for this specific task. Intrigued by the possibilities that agile software development appeared to hold, the team adopted Scrum, hoping to improve efficiency. With no other project changing the development approach, the team was left as an agile island in a waterfall environment.
Community structure and distribution patterns of stream macroinvertebrates in the Huai River Basin in China
Authors: Wan Y. , Yang J. Q. , Li J. J. , Zou D. W. , Song S. Y. , Leng X. , An S. Q.
Published: February 2018

Damaged river ecosystems are increasing with rapid social and economic development. The community structure and spatial distribution pattern of stream macroinvertebrates reflect the health of river ecosystems because of their longevity, abundance in terms of taxa and quantities, sensitivity to environment stresses and amenability to surveying. In the present study, two field surveys for macroinvertebrate sampling were performed in August 2010 and May 2013. In all, 53 taxonomic groups from 24 families, belonging to 11 orders, 6 classes and 4 phyla, were recorded. The most widespread taxa were Tubificidae (Limnodrilus, Branchiura) and Chironomidae (Chironomus, Einfeldia), which were also the most abundant in the research area, occurring in more than 50% of sampling sites. Principal coordinate and clustering analyses partitioned the 59 sites into four groups, with similarities in their macroinvertebrate community structures. Moreover, indicator value (IndVal) analysis identified two indicator taxa each in Group 1 (Einfeldia spp. and Chironomus plumosus) and Group 4 (Tubificinae spp. and Limnodrilus claparedeianus), and one indicator taxon each in Group 2 (Branchiura sowerbyi) and Group 3 (Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri). Moreover, collector–gatherers and predators occurred primarily in Group 3, whereas collector–filterers, scrapers and shredders were primarily distributed in Group 2, indicating significant differences in the resources and habitats between Groups 2 and 3.
Allometric equations for aboveground biomass estimation ofOlea europaeaL. subsp.cuspidatain Mana Angetu Forest
Authors: Kebede Birhanu , Soromessa Teshome
Published: February 2018

Introduction:African wild olive,Olea europaeaL. subsp.cuspidata(Wall. ex G. Don) Cif., L ‘Olivicoltore is widely distributed in dry forest and forest margins, often withJuniperus procera, in east Africa and Ethiopia. It reaches southern Africa, also India and China, ranging from tall trees to stunted shrubs. Does best in good forest soil, but hardy and drought resistant once established, even in poor soils. It is used for firewood, charcoal, poles, posts, timber (furniture, carving, floors, and paneling), medicine (stem, bark, and leaves), bee forage, milk flavoring (smoking wood), toothbrushes (twigs), and walking sticks. Although the species has many economic and ecological functions, its environmental uses like carbon storage and climate change mitigation are less assessed. Therefore, the objective of the study was to develop species-specific allometric equations forO.europaeaL. subsp.cuspidatausing semi-destructive method and evaluate allometric models for estimating the aboveground biomass (AGB).

Results and Discussions:After all the necessary biomass calculations were done, seven AGB equations were developed. These regression equations relate AGB with diameter at breast height (DBH), height (H), and density (ρ) individually and in combination. Out of seven, four allometric equations were chosen based on goodness-of-fit statistics and three were rejected. The selected models were tested for accuracy based on observed data. The best models selected have higherR2-adj and lower residual standard error and Akaike information criterion than rejected equations. The relations for all selected models are significant (p < 0.000), which showed strong correlation of AGB with selected dendrometric variables. Accordingly, the AGB was strongly correlated with DBH and was not signiﬁcantly correlated with wood density and height individually inO.europaeaL. subsp.cuspidataallometric equation development. In combination, AGB was strongly correlated with DBH and height; DBH and wood density; and the combination of DBH, height, and wood density. Species-specific equations are used for better carbon assessment than general equations.
INfORM: Inference of NetwOrk Response Modules
Authors: Marwah Veer Singh , Kinaret Pia Anneli Sofia , Serra Angela , Scala Giovanni , Lauerma Antti , Fortino Vittorio , Greco Dario
Published: February 2018

Detecting and interpreting responsive modules from gene expression data by using network-based approaches is a common but laborious task. It often requires the application of several computational methods implemented in different software packages, forcing biologists to compile complex analytical pipelines. Here we introduce INfORM (Inference of NetwOrk Response Modules), an R shiny application that enables non-expert users to detect, evaluate and select gene modules with high statistical and biological significance. INfORM is a comprehensive tool for the identification of biologically meaningful response modules from consensus gene networks inferred by using multiple algorithms. It is accessible through an intuitive graphical user interface allowing for a level of abstraction from the computational steps.

Availability and implementation

INfORM is freely available for academic use at https://github.com/Greco-Lab/INfORM.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
FWER and FDR control when testing multiple mediators
Authors: Sampson Joshua N , Boca Simina M , Moore Steven C , Heller Ruth
Published: February 2018

Motivation

The biological pathways linking exposures and disease risk are often poorly understood. To gain insight into these pathways, studies may try to identify biomarkers that mediate the exposure/disease relationship. Such studies often simultaneously test hundreds or thousands of biomarkers.

Results

We consider a set of m biomarkers and a corresponding set of null hypotheses, where the jth null hypothesis states that biomarker j does not mediate the exposure/disease relationship. We propose a Multiple Comparison Procedure (MCP) that rejects a set of null hypotheses or, equivalently, identifies a set of mediators, while asymptotically controlling the Family-Wise Error Rate (FWER) or False Discovery Rate (FDR). We use simulations to show that, compared to currently available methods, our proposed method has higher statistical power to detect true mediators. We then apply our method to a breast cancer study and identify nine metabolites that may mediate the known relationship between an increased BMI and an increased risk of breast cancer.

Availability and implementation

R package MultiMed on https://github.com/SiminaB/MultiMed.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Boxing and substance use rehabilitation: building skills and capacities in disadvantaged communities
Authors: Morton Sarah , O’Brien Karl , O’Reilly Laura
Published: February 2018

This paper considers the role of the boxing training and mentoring in the context of the change processes for participants engaging in a twenty-week community based integrated fitness and education substance use rehabilitation programme. The study took place in an urban community in Dublin, Ireland within the context of neo-liberal systems of regulation and control of community based organizations. Focus group interviews with participants were carried out at midway (n = 17) and on completion (n = 14) of the programme and with practitioners (n = 8) midway and on completion of the programme. Transcripts were coded and themes associated with the participants’ experience of the programme and its interface with the wider community context: building relationships; physical and emotional impact of boxing skills training; boxing skills training and gender; understanding the mentoring role. The positive attributes associated with the ‘boxer’ identity has the potential to provide an alternative to ‘the addict’ identity within socially disadvantaged communities. It is argued that the boxing gym, particularly when nested within a range of educational and emotional supports, can become an empowering setting within a community. The coaching approach has the potential to challenge gendered norms in relation to sport and fitness, while also supporting participants to utilize their physical bodies with intent and focus. The inclusion of programme mentors is an important consideration for substance use rehabilitation programmes, especially within communities characterized by exclusion and isolation.
A Review and Survey of Neurosurgeon–Hospital Relationships: Evolution and Options
Authors: Kim Dong H. , Duco Bernard , Wolterman Daniel , Stokes Charles , Brace Rod , Solomon Robert A. , Barbaro Nicholas , Westmark Richard , MacDougall David , Bean James , O’Leary Joanna , Moayeri Nicole , Dacey Ralph G. , Berger Mitchel S. , Harbaugh Robert
Published: February 2018

As healthcare delivery shifts from fee-for-service, episodic care to pay for performance and population health, both hospitals and physicians are looking for new forms of integration. A number of regulations and restrictions govern physician relationships with hospitals. In this paper, we review the legal basis for such relationships and the options available. We also survey neurosurgeons and hospital executives to gain their perspective on the current situation and likely future. Two series of structured interviews were conducted with 10 neurosurgeons who work in a range of situations in diverse markets, and with Memorial Hermann Healthcare System senior executive leadership. Their responses form the basis for the subsequent discussion. Neurosurgeons can be independent, join a confederation such as an Independent Physician Association or another type of “clinically integrated” network, or be employed by a hospital, medical school, or physician group. With varying levels of integration comes the strength of size, management expertise, negotiating leverage, economies of scale, and possibly financial advantages, but with impact on autonomy and independence. Constructive alignment can lead to a win-win situation for both the individual physician and the organization, but options vary widely due to heterogeneous local conditions. This paper reviews possible relationships, moving along a spectrum from no financial integration to full integration. Concepts such as physician leasing, professional service agreements, “clinical integration,” and employment are presented. This paper offers a practical reference that might be useful to a new graduate, independent neurosurgeon considering integration, or employed physicians considering alternatives.
Engineering DNA nanotubes for resilience in an E. coli TXTL system
Authors: Klocke Melissa A , Garamella Jonathan , Subramanian Hari K K , Noireaux Vincent , Franco Elisa
Published: February 2018

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) nanotechnology is a growing field with potential intracellular applications. In this work, we use an Escherichia coli cell-free transcription–translation (TXTL) system to assay the robustness of DNA nanotubes in a cytoplasmic environment. TXTL recapitulates physiological conditions as well as strong linear DNA degradation through the RecBCD complex, the major exonuclease in E. coli. We demonstrate that chemical modifications of the tiles making up DNA nanotubes extend their viability in TXTL for more than 24 h, with phosphorothioation of the sticky end backbone being the most effective. Furthermore, we show that a Chi-site double-stranded DNA, an inhibitor of the RecBCD complex, extends DNA nanotube lifetime significantly. These complementary approaches are a first step toward a systematic prototyping of DNA nanostructures in active cell-free cytoplasmic environments and expand the scope of TXTL utilization for bioengineering.
Effect of Metalloid and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles on Fusarium Wilt of Watermelon
Authors: Elmer Wade , De La Torre-Roche Roberto , Pagano Luca , Majumdar Sanghamitra , Zuverza-Mena Nubia , Dimkpa Christian , Gardea-Torresdey Jorge , White Jason C.
Published: February 2018

This study explored the use of foliar sprays with nanoparticles (NP) of B, CuO, MnO, SiO, TiO, and ZnO to protect watermelon against Fusarium wilt. Leaves of young watermelon plants were sprayed (1 to 2 ml per plant) with NP suspensions (500 to 1,000 µg/ml) and were planted in potting mix infested with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum. In five of eight greenhouse experiments, CuO NP suppressed disease and, in six of eight experiments, CuO NP increased biomass or yield more than in untreated controls or other tested NP. More root Cu was detected in CuO NP-treated plants than other treatments (P = 0.015). In Griswold, CT, plants treated with CuO NP yielded 39% more fruit than untreated controls. In Hamden, CT, treatment with CuO NP produced 53% more fruit when compared with controls (P = 0.02) and was superior to other Cu fungicides. Gene expression in watermelon roots revealed strong upregulation of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and PR1 genes when CuO NP and F. oxysporum f. sp. niveum were both present. Enzymatic assays for PPO supported the gene expression results. CuO NP may serve as a highly effective delivery agent for this micronutrient to suppress disease.
Is Heparin-Binding Protein Inhibition a Mechanism of Albumin’s Efficacy in Human Septic Shock?
Authors: Fisher Jane , Linder Adam , Bentzer Peter , Boyd John , Kong Hyejin Julia , Lee Terry , Walley Keith R. , Russell James A.
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

Our objectives were to determine first whether albumin prevents heparin-binding protein–induced increased endothelial cell permeability and renal cell inflammation and second, whether a plasma heparin-binding protein-to-albumin ratio predicts risk of acute kidney injury, fluid balance, and plasma cytokine levels in septic shock.

Design:

In vitro human endothelial and renal cell model and observation cohort of septic shock.

Settings:

Research laboratory and multicenter clinical trial (Vasopressin and Septic Shock Trial).

Patients:

Adult septic shock (norepinephrine dose > 5 μg/min for > 6 hr).

Interventions:

In vitro: heparin-binding protein (or thrombin) was added with or without albumin to 1) human endothelial cell monolayers to assess permeability and 2) to human renal tubular epithelial cells to assess inflammation.

Measurements and Main Results:

Transendothelial electrical resistance—a marker of permeability—of human endothelial cells was measured using a voltohmmeter. We measured plasma heparin-binding protein-to-albumin ratio and a panel of cytokines in septic shock patients (n = 330) to define an heparin-binding protein-to-albumin ratio that predicts risk of acute kidney injury. Albumin inhibited heparin-binding protein (and thrombin-induced) increased endothelial cell permeability at a threshold concentration of 20–30 g/L but increased renal tubular cell interleukin-6 release. Patients who developed or had worsened acute kidney injury had significantly higher heparin-binding protein-to-albumin ratio (1.6 vs 0.89; p < 0.001) and heparin-binding protein (38.2 vs 20.8 ng/mL; p < 0.001) than patients without acute kidney injury. The highest heparin-binding protein-to-albumin ratio (> 3.05), heparin-binding protein quartiles (> 69.8), and heparin-binding protein > 30 ng/mL were significantly associated with development or worsening of acute kidney injury (p < 0.001) in unadjusted and adjusted analyses and were robust to sensitivity analyses for death as a competing outcome. Heparin-binding protein and heparin-binding protein-to-albumin ratio were directly associated with positive fluid balance (p < 0.001) and with key inflammatory cytokines. Increasing quartiles of heparin-binding protein-to-albumin ratio and heparin-binding protein (but not albumin) were highly significantly associated with days alive and free of acute kidney injury and renal replacement therapy (p < 0.001), vasopressors (p < 0.001), ventilation (p < 0.001), and with 28-day mortality.

Conclusions:

Albumin inhibits heparin-binding protein–induced increased human endothelial cell permeability and heparin-binding protein greater than 30 ng/mL and heparin-binding protein-to-albumin ratio greater than 3.01—but not serum albumin—identified patients at increased risk for acute kidney injury in septic shock.
Vulvar and vaginal fractional CO2 laser treatments for genitourinary syndrome of menopause
Authors: Streicher Lauren F.
Published: February 2018

Many healthcare providers are offering women treatment with the fractionated CO2 laser for a myriad of gynecologic issues, including genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Because existing data are limited, providing guidance is challenging. This Practice Pearl addresses what we know and don’t know about the use of the fractionated CO2 laser for the treatment of GSM.
Randomized Multicenter Study Comparing Safety and Efficacy of Daptomycin Versus Standard-of-care in Pediatric Patients With Staphylococcal Bacteremia
Authors: Arrieta Antonio C. , Bradley John S. , Popejoy Myra W. , Bensaci Mekki , Grandhi Anjana , Bokesch Paula , Glasser Chad , Du Lihong , Patino Hernando , Kartsonis Nicholas A.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Staphylococcus aureus, including community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus, is an important cause of pediatric bacteremia. Daptomycin is a well-established treatment option for Gram-positive bacteremia in adults, but its safety and efficacy in children require confirmation.

Methods:

This was a randomized (2:1), evaluator-blinded, multicenter, phase 4 clinical trial comparing intravenous daptomycin with standard-of-care (SOC) for treatment of S. aureus bacteremia in 1- to 17-year-old patients (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01728376). Total treatment duration (intravenous followed by oral step-down therapy) was 5–42 days. Daptomycin was dosed once daily by patient age: 12–17 years, 7 mg/kg; 7–11 years, 9 mg/kg and 1–6 years, 12 mg/kg. The primary objective was to evaluate daptomycin safety in children who received ≥1 dose; secondary objectives included comparing daptomycin efficacy with SOC (the trial was not designed to confirm noninferiority) and pharmacokinetic analysis.

Results:

Fifty-five children were randomized to daptomycin and 27 to SOC (primarily vancomycin or cefazolin); 90% had S. aureus. In both groups, 15% of patients had drug-related adverse events, primarily diarrhea (4% daptomycin, 8% SOC) and increased creatine phosphokinase (4% daptomycin, 0% SOC). Clinical success (blinded evaluator-assessed complete/partial resolution of bacteremia signs and symptoms 7–14 days after end-of-treatment) rates were similar for daptomycin (88%) and SOC (77%; 95% confidence interval for difference: −9% to 31%). Daptomycin plasma levels across age groups were comparable with those in adults receiving daptomycin at 6 mg/kg.

Conclusions:

Once-daily, age-appropriate daptomycin was well tolerated in children with staphylococcal bacteremia; efficacy was comparable with SOC. Daptomycin in age-adjusted doses is a safe treatment alternative in this setting.
Reduced Immunohistochemical Expression of Hnf1β and FoxA2 in Liver Tissue Can Discriminate Between Biliary Atresia and Other Causes of Neonatal Cholestasis
Authors: Shaalan Usama F. , Ibrahim Noha L. , Ehsan Nermine A. , Sultan Mervat M. , Naser Ghada M. , Abd El-Fatah Mohamed O.
Published: February 2018

Biliary atresia (BA) is a necroinflammatory occlusive cholangiopathy that affects infants. Genetic and environmental factors has been proposed for its occurrence. The objectives of this study was to investigate the protein expression of 2 important genes regulating ductal plate remodeling, hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (Hnf1β) and the fork head box protein A2 (FoxA2) in liver tissue from patients with BA and to compare their expression with other causes of neonatal cholestasis (NC). This retrospective study included 60 pediatric patients, 30 with BA and 30 with NC. Immunohistochemistry of Hnf1β and FoxA2 was performed on liver tissues from studied patients as well as 20 healthy subjects. Statistical analysis between immunohistochemistry results and other parameters was performed. Liver tissue from patients with BA revealed reduced Hnf1β and FoxA2 immunoexpression. A strong significant statistical difference between BA and NC group (P<0.0001) with regard to Hnf1β and FoxA2 immunoexpression was evident. Moreover, Hnf1β was significantly correlated with FoxA2 immunoexpression, stage of fibrosis, bile ductular proliferation, and bile plugs in bile ductules. Hnf1β immunoreaction in BA cases showed 76.7% sensitivity, 90% specificity, 88.5% positive predictive value, 79.4% negative predictive value, and 83.4% accuracy. FoxA2 expression in BA cases revealed 70.0% sensitivity, 80.0% specificity, 77.8% positive predictive value, 72.7% negative predictive value, 75.0% accuracy. Hnf1β and FoxA2 immunoexpression could differentiate between BA from other cause of NC.
Creating a High-Frequency Electronic Database in the PICU: The Perpetual Patient*
Authors: Brossier David , El Taani Redha , Sauthier Michael , Roumeliotis Nadia , Emeriaud Guillaume , Jouvet Philippe
Published: February 2018

Objective:

Our objective was to construct a prospective high-quality and high-frequency database combining patient therapeutics and clinical variables in real time, automatically fed by the information system and network architecture available through fully electronic charting in our PICU. The purpose of this article is to describe the data acquisition process from bedside to the research electronic database.

Design:

Descriptive report and analysis of a prospective database.

Setting:

A 24-bed PICU, medical ICU, surgical ICU, and cardiac ICU in a tertiary care free-standing maternal child health center in Canada.

Patients:

All patients less than 18 years old were included at admission to the PICU.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Between May 21, 2015, and December 31, 2016, 1,386 consecutive PICU stays from 1,194 patients were recorded in the database. Data were prospectively collected from admission to discharge, every 5 seconds from monitors and every 30 seconds from mechanical ventilators and infusion pumps. These data were linked to the patient’s electronic medical record. The database total volume was 241 GB. The patients’ median age was 2.0 years (interquartile range, 0.0–9.0). Data were available for all mechanically ventilated patients (n = 511; recorded duration, 77,678 hr), and respiratory failure was the most frequent reason for admission (n = 360). The complete pharmacologic profile was synched to database for all PICU stays. Following this implementation, a validation phase is in process and several research projects are ongoing using this high-fidelity database.

Conclusions:

Using the existing bedside information system and network architecture of our PICU, we implemented an ongoing high-fidelity prospectively collected electronic database, preventing the continuous loss of scientific information. This offers the opportunity to develop research on clinical decision support systems and computational models of cardiorespiratory physiology for example.
Progressive Diaphragm Atrophy in Pediatric Acute Respiratory Failure*
Authors: Glau Christie L. , Conlon Thomas W. , Himebauch Adam S. , Yehya Nadir , Weiss Scott L. , Berg Robert A. , Nishisaki Akira
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

Diaphragm atrophy is associated with delayed weaning from mechanical ventilation and increased mortality in critically ill adults. We sought to test for the presence of diaphragm atrophy in children with acute respiratory failure.

Design:

Prospective, observational study.

Setting:

Single-center tertiary noncardiac PICU in a children’s hospital.

Patients:

Invasively ventilated children with acute respiratory failure.

Measurements and Main Results:

Diaphragm thickness at end-expiration and end-inspiration were serially measured by ultrasound in 56 patients (median age, 17 mo; interquartile range, 5.5–52), first within 36 hours of intubation and last preceding extubation. The median duration of mechanical ventilation was 140 hours (interquartile range, 83–201). At initial measurement, thickness at end-expiration was 2.0 mm (interquartile range, 1.8–2.5) and thickness at end-inspiration was 2.5 mm (interquartile range, 2–2.8). The change in thickness at end-expiration during mechanical ventilation between first and last measurement was –13.8% (interquartile range, –27.4% to 0%), with a –3.4% daily atrophy rate (interquartile range, –5.6 to 0%). Thickening fraction = ([thickness at end-inspiration – thickness at end-expiration]/thickness at end-inspiration) throughout the course of mechanical ventilation was linearly correlated with spontaneous breathing fraction (beta coefficient, 9.4; 95% CI, 4.2–14.7; p = 0.001). For children with a period of spontaneous breathing fraction less than 0.5 during mechanical ventilation, those with exposure to a continuous neuromuscular blockade infusion (n = 15) had a significantly larger decrease in thickness at end-expiration compared with children with low spontaneous breathing fraction who were not exposed to a neuromuscular blockade infusion (n = 18) (–16.4%, [interquartile range, –28.4% to –7.0%] vs –7.3%; [interquartile range, –10.9% to –0%]; p = 0.036).

Conclusions:

Diaphragm atrophy is present in children on mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure. Diaphragm contractility, measured as thickening fraction, is strongly correlated with spontaneous breathing fraction. The combination of exposure to neuromuscular blockade infusion with low overall spontaneous breathing fraction is associated with a greater degree of atrophy.
Bartholin Gland Carcinoma: Clinicopathologic Features, Including p16 Expression and Clinical Outcome
Authors: Nazeran Tayyebeh , Cheng Angela S. , Karnezis Anthony N. , Tinker Anna V. , Gilks C. Blake
Published: February 2018

Bartholin gland carcinomas are rare forms of vulvar malignancy and it is unclear what proportion is associated with high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. Our hospital archives were searched for all cases of Bartholin gland carcinoma from 1984 to 2017 (n=16). We excluded 3 adenoid cystic carcinomas, which were the subject of a previous study, leaving 13 cases. We reviewed all slides and performed immunostains for p16 as a surrogate biomarker for high-risk HPV. There were 12 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), including 1 SCC with transitional-like morphology and 1 papillary SCC, and 1 adenocarcinoma. All SCCs showed diffuse and intense p16 expression consistent with the presence of HPV. The single case of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma showed patchy staining. Patient age ranged from 38 to 72 yr (mean, 58.3 yr). Most tumors were low stage. All patients were treated with radical vulvectomy and inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy. Mean clinical follow-up was 53.7 mo (range, 3–181 mo), 9 patients were free of disease (75%), recurrence occurred in 3 cases, with death due to disease in 2 of the patients with recurrence, including the single patient with adenocarcinoma. All SCC of Bartholin gland expressed p16 diffusely and intensely regardless of histologic features and grade. Our results support the etiologic role of HPV in the pathogenesis of SCC of Bartholin gland. In this small study we observed SCC as the predominant histotype, and most tumors presented at early stage and were associated with relatively favorable outcomes.
Quantifying Effect of Onabotulinum Toxin A on Passive Muscle Stiffness in Children with Cerebral Palsy Using Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Brandenburg Joline E. , Eby Sarah F. , Song Pengfei , Bamlet William R. , Sieck Gary C. , An Kai-Nan
Published: February 2018

Objective

A pilot study was conducted to longitudinally quantify effect of onabotulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) on passive muscle properties in children with cerebral palsy using ultrasound shear wave elastography.

Design

This was a prospective longitudinal cohort study.

Results

Between 1 and 3 mos post-BoNT-A, a significant improvement in the shear modulus of the lateral gastrocnemius was found at 10-degrees plantar flexion (PF) (−7.57 [−10.98, −5.07],P= 0.02) and 0-degrees PF (−14.74 [−18.21, −9.38],P= 0.03). There was a notable, but nonsignificant, difference in shear modulus at 20-degrees PF, 10-degrees PF, and 0-degrees PF between pre-BoNT-A and 1 mo post-BoNT-A. Pre-BoNT-A shear modulus was not significantly different from 3 mos post-BoNT-A at all foot positions. No significant differences in ankle passive range of motion or spasticity were found.

Conclusion

Despite no significant change in ankle range of motion or spasticity, shear wave elastography was able to detect a difference in lateral gastrocnemius passive muscle properties in children with cerebral palsy after BoNT-A injections. The difference in passive muscle properties resolved by 3 mos post-BoNT-A.
The Role of Emotional Competence in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Compare Angelo , Brugnera Agostino , Spada Marcantonio M. , Zarbo Cristina , Tasca Giorgio A. , Sassaroli Sandra , Caselli Gabriele , Ruggiero Giovanni Maria , Wittstein Ilan
Published: February 2018

Objective

The current study examined the role of emotional competences and depression in takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC).

Methods

We compared 37 TTC patients who experienced emotion triggers (TTC-t: M (SD) age = 66.4 (12.8) years, 33 women) with 37 TTC patients who did not experience emotion triggers (TTC-nt: M (SD) age = 65.8 (11.1) years, 33 women) and 37 patients with acute myocardial infarction who experienced an emotion trigger (AMI-t: M (SD) age = 66.1 (10.1) years, 33 women). Three aspects of emotional competence (emotional intelligence, metacognitive beliefs, and emotional processing deficits) were assessed using the Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS), the Meta-Cognitions Questionnaire 30, and the Emotional Processing Scale. Differences between-group means were evaluated using multivariate analysis of covariance, adjusting for depressive symptom (Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression).

Results

Compared with the TTC-nt and AMI-t comparison groups, TTC-t patients had low scores on emotional intelligence (TMMS Attention: F(2, 184) = 23.10, p < .001; TMMS Repair: F(2, 184) = 11.98, p < .001) and high scores in metacognitive beliefs and emotional processing deficits (e.g., Meta-Cognitions Questionnaire 30 Negative Beliefs about Thoughts: F(2, 184) = 56.93, p < .001), independent of the levels of depressive symptom. TTC-nt patients also had significantly lower scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression scale compared with AMI-t (p = .021) and TTC-t (p = .004) patients.

Conclusions

TTC-t patients showed a specific dysfunctional profile of emotional competence, even after adjusting for depressive symptom. These results provided a better understanding of the psychological factors that contribute to TTC.
Mobile Health Intervention to Reduce HIV Transmission: A Randomized Trial of Behaviorally Enhanced HIV Treatment as Prevention (B-TasP)
Authors: Kalichman Seth C. , Cherry Chauncey , Kalichman Moira O. , Eaton Lisa A. , Kohler James J. , Montero Catherine , Schinazi Raymond F.
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

We conducted a randomized clinical trial to test a mobile health behavioral intervention designed to enhance HIV treatment as prevention (B-TasP) by simultaneously increasing combination antiretroviral therapies (cART) adherence and improving the sexual health of people living with HIV.

Methods:

A cohort of sexually active men (n = 383) and women (n = 117) living with HIV were enrolled. Participants were baseline assessed and randomized to either (1) B-TasP adherence and sexual health intervention or (2) general health control intervention. Outcome measures included HIV RNA viral load, cART adherence monitored by unannounced pill counts, indicators of genital tract inflammation, and sexual behaviors assessed over 12 months.

Results:

Eighty-six percent of the cohort was retained for 12-month follow-up. The B-TasP intervention demonstrated significantly lower HIV RNA, OR = 0.56, P = 0.01, greater cART adherence, Wald χ2 = 33.9, P = 0.01, and fewer indicators of genital tract inflammation, Wald χ2 = 9.36, P = 0.05, over the follow-up period. Changes in sexual behavior varied, with the B-TasP intervention showing lower rates of substance use in sexual contexts, but higher rates of condomless sex with non-HIV positive partners occurred in the context of significantly greater beliefs that cART reduces HIV transmission.

Conclusions:

Theory-based mobile health behavioral interventions can simultaneously improve cART adherence and sexual health in people living with HIV. Programs aimed to eliminate HIV transmission by reducing HIV infectiousness should be bundled with behavioral interventions to maximize their impact and increase their chances of success.
Topological identification of the first uninodal 8-connected lsz MOF built from 2,2′-difluorobiphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylate pillars and cadmium(II)–triazolate layers
Authors: Zhang Yuchi , Wu Yuanhua , He Xin , Ma Junhan , Shen Xuan , Zhu Dunru
Published: February 2018

Using polynuclear metal clusters as nodes, many high-symmetry high-connectivity nets, like 8-connnectedbcuand 12-connectedfcu, have been attained in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). However, construction of low-symmetry high-connected MOFs with a novel topology still remains a big challenge. For example, a uninodal 8-connectedlsznetwork, observed in inorganic ZrSiO4, has not been topologically identified in MOFs. Using 2,2′-difluorobiphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid (H2L) as a new linker and 1,2,4-triazole (Htrz) as a coligand, a novel three-dimensional CdII–MOF, namely poly[tetrakis(μ4-2,2′-difluorobiphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylato-κ5O1,O1′:O1′:O4:O4′)tetrakis(N,N-dimethylformamide-κO)tetrakis(μ3-1,2,4-triazolato-κ3N1:N2:N4)hexacadmium(II)], [Cd6(C14H6F2O4)4(C2H2N3)4(C3H7NO)4]n, (I), has been prepared. Single-crystal structure analysis indicates that six different CdIIions co-exist in (I) and each CdIIion displays a distorted [CdO4N2] octahedral geometry with four equatorial O atoms and two axial N atoms. Three CdIIions are connected by four carboxylate groups and four trz−ligands to form a linear trinuclear [Cd3(COO)4(trz)4] cluster, as do the other three CdIIions. Two Cd3clusters are linked by trz−ligands in a μ1,2,4-bridging mode to produce a two-dimensional CdII–triazolate layer with (6,3) topology in theabplane. These two-dimensional layers are further pillared by theL2−ligands along thecaxis to generate a complicated three-dimensional framework. Topologically, regarding the Cd3cluster as an 8-connected node, the whole architecture of (I) is a uninodal 8-connectedlszframework with the Schläfli symbol (422·66). Complex (I) was further characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and a photoluminescence study. MOF (I) has a high thermal and water stability.
Assembling a practice of social belonging
Authors: Bryer Alice Rose
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop understanding of the ways in which actors may resolve the contradictions between the social and private aspects of accounting. It pursues this aim by developing theory and knowledge of the roles of belonging in the politics of budgeting.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the paper develops a Latourian anthropological theory of belonging as a social practice. It shows how this makes a significant departure from actor-network Latourian studies, shifting the focus onto the emotional and cognitive capacities that may enable actors to work through and gradually overcome the socio-political conflicts that budgeting can provoke. Second, to identify such a practice, it studies a Spanish cooperative involved in collective responses to socio-economic and political instability.

Findings

The study finds that the emotional and cognitive work by which the actors assembled their collective practice of belonging was influenced by their interactions with budgets, and, in turn, mediated the way they dealt with budgets, giving rise to more enabling roles and effects. It traces, for example, how planning and cost reduction supported abilities to relate the actors’ problems and anxieties to broader social problems, fostering more positive emotions including empathy, enthusiasm, and respect.

Research limitations/implications

The findings offer a complementary, but alternative view of the socio-political character of budgeting techniques to prior studies, which advances understanding of how actors could shape more enabling roles and effects.

Practical implications

Involving budgets in discussions and meetings can increase the scope for work that leads to greater freedom, social cohesion, and wellbeing.

Originality/value

This is the first study to demonstrate how belonging can be actively assembled through budgeting. It has particular value for understanding how alternative organizations can use accounting to avoid fragmenting and degeneration.
The promotion of BPM and lean in the health sector: main results
Authors: Ferreira Gabriela Souza Assis , Silva Ulisses Rezende , Costa André Lucirton , Pádua Silvia Inês Dallavalle de Dallavalle
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Given the complexity and difficulties of the health sector, the question that this study attempts to answer is as follows: what are the main results of studies on business process management (BPM) and lean in the health sector? The purpose of this paper is to analyze the results of studies that address the promotion of BPM and lean in the health sector.

Design/methodology/approach

To conduct a survey of published studies using the BPM and lean approach in healthcare, a search was performed in the Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases in two steps. The first step consisted of the collection and analysis of data related to the BPM approach in the health sector, based on a survey of published articles on this topic. The second step consisted of the collection and analysis of data related to the use of lean in the same sector, based on the survey of systematic reviews published in major databases.

Findings

The main results of the studies that address the promotion of BPM and lean in the health sector are as follows: a reduced length of hospitalization, increased patient satisfaction, increased patient efficiency and safety, a reduction in the time of notification of infection, help with organizational change, understanding the end-to-end process, increased motivation, understanding the importance of some handoffs for patient safety, improvements in quality indicators in the emergency department, and improvements in the organization’s focus on high-level processes. By contrast, a single study showed difficulties in promoting management focused on processes in which decisions are unique and difficult to model.

Originality/value

The results may help in the identification of research gaps in the promotion of BPM and lean healthcare and in the development of relevant research. In addition, by understanding how health organizations are promoting management focused on processes and the results obtained with this approach, managers from other organizations, especially in this sector, can reflect and develop similar actions that seek to improve the quality of services offered, increase productivity and customer satisfaction, and reduce costs, errors, and waiting times.
Information economy
Authors: Fox Robert
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to describe several methods to expose website information to Web crawlers for providing value-added services to patrons.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper exploring the areas of search engine optimization (SEO) and usability in the context of search engines.

Findings

Not applicable

Originality/value

This paper explains several methods that can be used to appropriately expose website content and library services to the Web crawlers in such a way that services and content can be syndicated via those search engines.
Effect of air inlet flow rate on flow uniformity under oil-air lubrication
Authors: Li Yang , Yang Zhaojun , Chen Fei , Zhao Jin
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effects of air inlet flow rate on the bearing cavity and operating conditions during the oil-air lubrication.

Design/methodology/approach

A model of oil-air lubrication of rolling bearings is established using computational fluid dynamics numerical simulation. Moreover, temperature and vibration experiments are carried out for comparisons and validation.

Findings

Results suggest that the velocity and pressure distributions of the oil-air flow inside the chamber are not uniform. Moreover, the uniform decreases with increasing air inlet flow rate. The non-uniform oil distribution inside the bearing significantly influences the bearing temperature rise and lubrication effect. Furthermore, the decrease in pressure uniformity enhances the vibration intensity and increases the amplitude of the vibration acceleration by more than 40 per cent. Increasing the air inlet flow rate improves lubrication and cooling efficiency but produces intense vibrations.

Originality/value

A method of establishing rolling bearings model under oil-air lubrication is presented in the paper. The effect of air inlet flow rate on flow uniform under oil-air lubrication has been researched insightfully. The results provide a useful reference to improve the oil-air lubrication system and enhance the operational stability of the motorized spindle.
Paradox of external finance in the Indian manufacturing sector
Authors: Sethi Pradeepta
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how financial development affects the growth of industries that are more dependent on external finance, demystifying the roles played by the banks, stock and bond markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply panel fixed-effects and dynamic panel generalized methods of moments on disaggregated industry-level data of the Indian manufacturing sector for the period of 2001-2015 to examine the relationship between financial development, banking market structure and economic growth.

Findings

The study finds that financial development has a significant impact on the growth process by reducing cost of external finance. Among the three sources of finance, the study finds that while the banking sector has been the most preferred source of external finance, increasing concentration and selective disbursement of credit have continued to dent the prospects of the industry. This paradoxical result explains the dismal performance of the Indian manufacturing sector.

Originality/value

The effect of financial development (encompassing banking market structure) on economic growth has received sparing attention. Related literature is unclear regarding the impact of banking market structure on the growth process in the context of emerging economies. The authors attempt to fill this important gap in the literature. Moreover, they add novelty to the literature by calculating the external dependence at the firm level, diverging from using US industry as a proxy for calculation of external dependence.
Frying of the Dispersion Droplets with Varying Contents of Chickpea Flour and Gum Arabic: Product Characterization and Modeling
Authors: Shanthilal J. , Babylatha R. , Navya M.C. , Chakkaravarthi A. , Bhattacharya Suvendu
Published: February 2018

Dispersions having chickpea (37%, 40%, and 43%, w/w) and gum arabic (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%, w/w) solids were prepared. These dispersion droplets were fried, and the physical, sensory, and microstructural characteristics of the fried products were determined. The oil content in the fried snack decreased up to 20.3% when the level of chickpea and/or gum in the dispersions was increased. The compression curve for fried snack showed 5 major zones and exhibited the failure phenomenon. Failure force (6.5 to 11.4 N) increased with chickpea flour in the dispersions. Fracture strain (12.0% to 19.5%) indicated that all the fried samples were soft‐crisp products. An increase in chickpea flour concentration offered an ovoid/oblong shape of dispersion droplets while falling to oil, and changed the spherical shape of the fried snack. The near‐spherical product could be obtained by using 37% chickpea flour containing 0 to 2% of gum arabic, or with the 40% and 0 to 1% combinations. The hue or dominant wavelength increased from 578.5 nm (flour) to 581.0 to 582.7 nm (product) indicating a shift toward red coloration. A porous microstructure with scattered small cavities and large vacuoles of the fried snack were observed; big vacuoles were located in the inner portion of the fried product. The cells were divided into closed and open cells and were characterized by image analysis. The air cells usually had an elliptical shape with varying sizes; the cell wall thickness was between 12 and 80 μm. An artificial neural network (ANN) structure of 2‐9‐2 was developed for the prediction of sensory overall acceptability and oil content of the fried snack.

Practical Application

Chickpea flour is used in several food preparations. The addition of gum arabic affects the textural and structural characteristics, and the sensory acceptance; the fried dispersion droplets have a lower fat content when gum arabic is used compared to samples fried without the addition of gum arabic. The fried dispersion droplets change their shape with the level of the ingredients used in the dispersion.